Hi,
I hope Monday finds you well.
With Christmas lurking around the corner, I thought I might get some treats for myself, and as I was deciding what to get, it occured to me that I hadn't had chocolate brazil nuts for a while.
Whole brazil nuts covered in a thick layer of chocolate - oh yes!
Well in this case, oh no actually.
I couldn't find them in the shops anywhere.
I braved the Christmas aisles of all the shops to no avail.
I even asked the odd assistant or two, but they knew nothing.
Maybe there has been some sort of brazil nut crisis that I had missed, so I went online to search.
It turns out that there is indeed a brazil nut problem.
A lot of countries are now banned from having the nuts in their shells, as the shells contain a toxin which may be linked to liver cancer.
The cost of removing the toxin is prohibitively expensive, so a lot of shops don't sell them now.
The chocolate ones don't have the shells though, so that doesn't fully explain it.
Someone suggested I try the pix 'n' mix sweet section.
They do indeed have chocolate brazils, but there are 3 problems that spring to mind.
Firstly, god only knows how old anything is in those pick'n' mix sections, but 'fresh' is probably not a word that applies.
Secondly, those sweets are open to the grotty little hands of all sorts of tykes, and let's be honest, it's probably best not to think about where some of those hands might have been.
Thirdly, the pick 'n' mix sweets usually cost 79p a quarter, and those chocolate brazils are heavy.
Plop a couple of those beauties into a bag and the price soon shoots up.
For that kind of price, I expect my brazil to be rolled in chocolate up and down the thigh of a real brazilian, and I'm not talking Pele...
If you're reading that thinking that it has nothing to do with goal achievement, self improvement or wealth creation, you'd be right, but it was on my mind so I thought I'd share (something I'm unable to do with chocolate brazils at the moment!)
This is the last newsletter of the year.
The Christmas break is nearly upon us, so my next issue will probably not be until New Year.
It's a good a time as any to look back at 2007.
What did you do this year?Did you do the same as 2006 and get the same results?
Or did you start down a specified road, and make progress?
Your answers will, and should, dictate the way you approach 2008.
The same actions will get the same results, to get different results you need to take different actions.
It's a simple concept, but staggeringly effective if you fully embrace it and use it to your advantage.
So, I'll sign off after another year of waffle.
I hope you enjoy reading, and for those of you that celebrate Christmas, I wish you the same as those that don't, and it's the same thing I wish everyone every week - Health & Happiness!
'Til Next Time,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
The Great Gordino's Curling For Gold:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How To Make Money From Sport:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/sport
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
Monday, December 17, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Issue 447 - Were The Bee Gees Right?
Hi,
I hope everything is ok where you are.
One of Britain's most successful bands, The Bee Gees, wrote a song called 'Words'.
In it they said 'it's only words, and words are all I have, to take your heart away.'
Mind you I don't want to rave about it too much, as the next 2 lines consisted of nothing more than 'na na na' several times.
Anyhoo, it's a good song, and eases me (somewhat painfully I accept) into one of my favourite self improvement concepts.
It's to do with the words we use to ourselves to describe ourselves.
Most people don't say these words outloud, they think them quietly.
This can be very harmful, as it can lead to you using the most damaging of words to form the most damaging of thoughts.
I remember the motivational author Earl Nightingale was a big believer in learning new words, because the more words we know, the more ways we can formulate thoughts, and the better we are able to challenge self limiting beliefs created by no-one other than ourselves!
I believe firmly in creating a positive framework of words to describe your current circumstances in life.
This should be based around an acceptance that they are the result of choices you made in the past and continue to make in the present.
If you add in the crucial follow-on that your future is also shaped by your choices, and use the most positive words you can, you are setting yourself to go in one direction only, and that's forwards and upwards.
(hmm, hang on is that 2 directions?)
I'm also a believer in talking to yourself outloud.
I wouldn't recommend doing this in public, but when you do it in private, it forces your thoughts to be less vague, forces them into structured sentences.
Once you say them outloud, you can then challenge them for yourself, to see if they actually are sensible when out in the real world as opposed to the potential fantasies of the mind.
Some people poo-poo this kind of idea as absolute nonsense.
Fair enough, but I'll wager most of those people have never actually tried it themselves.
It works for me, which is why I write about it so many times, so if you haven't ever tried it, give it a whirl and see how it goes!
Ok, that's it for this week.
It's a short and sweet newsletter, and I have unashamedly repeated something I've mentioned before, because I think it's such a simple yet effective technique which can only help people - so what words to do use to describe yourself?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
The Great Gordino's Curling For Gold:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How To Make Money From Movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
I hope everything is ok where you are.
One of Britain's most successful bands, The Bee Gees, wrote a song called 'Words'.
In it they said 'it's only words, and words are all I have, to take your heart away.'
Mind you I don't want to rave about it too much, as the next 2 lines consisted of nothing more than 'na na na' several times.
Anyhoo, it's a good song, and eases me (somewhat painfully I accept) into one of my favourite self improvement concepts.
It's to do with the words we use to ourselves to describe ourselves.
Most people don't say these words outloud, they think them quietly.
This can be very harmful, as it can lead to you using the most damaging of words to form the most damaging of thoughts.
I remember the motivational author Earl Nightingale was a big believer in learning new words, because the more words we know, the more ways we can formulate thoughts, and the better we are able to challenge self limiting beliefs created by no-one other than ourselves!
I believe firmly in creating a positive framework of words to describe your current circumstances in life.
This should be based around an acceptance that they are the result of choices you made in the past and continue to make in the present.
If you add in the crucial follow-on that your future is also shaped by your choices, and use the most positive words you can, you are setting yourself to go in one direction only, and that's forwards and upwards.
(hmm, hang on is that 2 directions?)
I'm also a believer in talking to yourself outloud.
I wouldn't recommend doing this in public, but when you do it in private, it forces your thoughts to be less vague, forces them into structured sentences.
Once you say them outloud, you can then challenge them for yourself, to see if they actually are sensible when out in the real world as opposed to the potential fantasies of the mind.
Some people poo-poo this kind of idea as absolute nonsense.
Fair enough, but I'll wager most of those people have never actually tried it themselves.
It works for me, which is why I write about it so many times, so if you haven't ever tried it, give it a whirl and see how it goes!
Ok, that's it for this week.
It's a short and sweet newsletter, and I have unashamedly repeated something I've mentioned before, because I think it's such a simple yet effective technique which can only help people - so what words to do use to describe yourself?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
The Great Gordino's Curling For Gold:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How To Make Money From Movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
Monday, December 03, 2007
Issue 446 - Evel Knievel Jumps The Pearly Gates
Hi,
I hope Monday finds you well.
3 subjects today - branding, marketing and mindset.
I see that Evel Knievel has died.
I'm of the age to have owned a toy Evel bike when I was about 8, and he cut an iconic figure in his stars and strips jumpsuits.
He realised early on that he could get 'money and women' at the same time by being a stunt rider, and went for ever more elaborate stunts.
In the late 60s he rose to real fame when he jumped the fountains at Ceasar's Palace, and broke his skull and a lot else on landing.
He was unconscious for 2 months, but the legend was born.
Into the 70s he had the idea of jumping a canyon in a rocket cycle, and the event was watched live worldwide.
Unfortunately his bike was rigged in such a way that he had to hold a lever out to *prevent* the parachute opening.
When he launched, he passed out, and the parachute deployed almost instantly...
Then he jumped 13 double decker buses in front of 70,000 people(!) in London, with the inevitable mutli bone break.
A master of self branding and promoting.
Here's some bad marketing - sometimes I write good stuff about Tesco's, and sometimes bad, today it's bad...
An elderly couple were doing their Christmas shopping, and spent a lot of money, £300 in total, including a meal in the restaurant.
They got a letter in the post saying they had stayed in the carpark for more than their alloted time, and 'not to do it again.'
As you can imagine, it won't be a problem next time, because they won't be shopping at Tesco anymore!
As for the mindset topic, the publicly funded TV channel here the BBC, holds an annual Sports Personality of the Year Award.
The shortlist of 10 includes -
Jonny Wilkinson and Jason Robinson, who lost the final of the rugby world cup.
Lewis Hamilton, who lost the Formula 1 World Title on the final race.
Andy Murray, who didn't even take part in Wimbledon.
How about Victoria Pendleton, who won 3 World Campionship Golds in cycling?
Not a chance...
Joe Calzaghe, a British boxer with over 20 world title defences, has long said he doesn't stand a chance because he won something.
I wonder if they celebrate defeat and ignore victory that much in Australia or the US?
Ok, that's it for today, I'm off to seek out my Evel Knievel bike, and ask the BBC if I can be nominated, as I can think of several sports I'm no good at...
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
The Great Gordino's Curling For Gold:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How To Make Money From Movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
I hope Monday finds you well.
3 subjects today - branding, marketing and mindset.
I see that Evel Knievel has died.
I'm of the age to have owned a toy Evel bike when I was about 8, and he cut an iconic figure in his stars and strips jumpsuits.
He realised early on that he could get 'money and women' at the same time by being a stunt rider, and went for ever more elaborate stunts.
In the late 60s he rose to real fame when he jumped the fountains at Ceasar's Palace, and broke his skull and a lot else on landing.
He was unconscious for 2 months, but the legend was born.
Into the 70s he had the idea of jumping a canyon in a rocket cycle, and the event was watched live worldwide.
Unfortunately his bike was rigged in such a way that he had to hold a lever out to *prevent* the parachute opening.
When he launched, he passed out, and the parachute deployed almost instantly...
Then he jumped 13 double decker buses in front of 70,000 people(!) in London, with the inevitable mutli bone break.
A master of self branding and promoting.
Here's some bad marketing - sometimes I write good stuff about Tesco's, and sometimes bad, today it's bad...
An elderly couple were doing their Christmas shopping, and spent a lot of money, £300 in total, including a meal in the restaurant.
They got a letter in the post saying they had stayed in the carpark for more than their alloted time, and 'not to do it again.'
As you can imagine, it won't be a problem next time, because they won't be shopping at Tesco anymore!
As for the mindset topic, the publicly funded TV channel here the BBC, holds an annual Sports Personality of the Year Award.
The shortlist of 10 includes -
Jonny Wilkinson and Jason Robinson, who lost the final of the rugby world cup.
Lewis Hamilton, who lost the Formula 1 World Title on the final race.
Andy Murray, who didn't even take part in Wimbledon.
How about Victoria Pendleton, who won 3 World Campionship Golds in cycling?
Not a chance...
Joe Calzaghe, a British boxer with over 20 world title defences, has long said he doesn't stand a chance because he won something.
I wonder if they celebrate defeat and ignore victory that much in Australia or the US?
Ok, that's it for today, I'm off to seek out my Evel Knievel bike, and ask the BBC if I can be nominated, as I can think of several sports I'm no good at...
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
The Great Gordino's Curling For Gold:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How To Make Money From Movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
Monday, November 26, 2007
Issue 445 - A Marathon Responsibility
Hi,
I everything is ok where you are.
Today's issue is called 'Marathon Responsibility' - it focuses on 2 classics of goal achievement.
I write about them over and over, and make no apology for it.
2 news items from last week gave me the first subject, and then something that happened to me this morning provided the second, so I am writing as fresh as if squeezed from the udder...
Last week there was a huge uproar when it was revealed that the UK Government department for tax had managed to allow the confidential details of 25 million citizens to be copied onto cd and sent in the internal post, where they promptly got lost.
Changing tack swiftly, on Wednesday the England football team played a shocker, lost, and failed to qualify for a big tournament for the first time in 13 years.
The England manager said 'I take full reponsibility.'
Asked if he'd resign from his £2.5 million a year job, he answered 'No.'
The man in charge of the government department, Chancellor Alistair Darling, said 'I take full responsibility.'
Asked if he'd resign, and you might know what's coming with this one, he answered 'No.'
Hmm...
Now in the case of the football manager, his argument is that he wants to get the job right next time, and enjoys the job, so it's not up to him to resign.
Some sort of logic there I guess, but he was sacked anyway the next morning, so case closed.
The Chancellor has only been in the job 6 months, and has to manage the finances of an economy hovering around the 5th largest in the world.
It could be argued that there is no way he could possibly have known about the protocol that allowed the blunder, that it's someone's job way further down the line.
I can see that point of view, but it gives the perception that no-one in charge is held responsible.
When the man in ultimate charge is then saying he takes full responsibility, it smacks of hypocrisy.
In my books I write about taking responsibility, and meaning it.
Your current situation is a result of decisions you made, actions you took in the past.
If you accept responsibility for this, it means you accept that the decisions and actions you take right now will affect your future circumstances.
This is staggeringly effective in triggering extreme changes and benefits if you embrace it fully.
Ok, on to my news from this morning....
A large plop through the letterbox saw a package from the London Marathon organisers, saying I have been accepted for the 2008 race!
After being rejected in 2007 and running the race on my own, I was quite happy to never run another one because let's face it, it's a sodding long way!
However, and this is brilliant marketing, the organisers not only promise you a place after 5 rejections in a row, they automatically send you the entry form for the next year!
This is temptation that's hard to resist, and I duly sent mine back and returned it, not expecting to get in.
So I'm sure you can imagine me laughing out loud when I got the mail today, and the thought if all that training ahead!
The old adage of 'be careful what you wish for' springs to mind.
It does illustrate another point I make though, about the power of action.
Because I took action, I sewed seeds which may or may not have borne fruit - in this case they have, and I can now run in the race which marks the centenary of the first race over the 26 miles 385 yard distance.
Last year since I was running on my own around my neighbourhood streets, I didn't wear any sequins due to fear of local thugs with sawn off baseball bats, but maybe this is the time to go for the sequins - watch this space...
I write about my last marathon in my books.
I also write about taking action, and accepting responsibility.
I also write about how to make $100 a day and at the moment the whole package is just $67:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
Ok, that's it for this week - I'm off to lie down in a dark room to conside those 26 miles, and leave you with this thought - do you *really* accept responsibility for your life?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
The Great Gordino's Curling For Gold:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How To Make Money From Movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
I everything is ok where you are.
Today's issue is called 'Marathon Responsibility' - it focuses on 2 classics of goal achievement.
I write about them over and over, and make no apology for it.
2 news items from last week gave me the first subject, and then something that happened to me this morning provided the second, so I am writing as fresh as if squeezed from the udder...
Last week there was a huge uproar when it was revealed that the UK Government department for tax had managed to allow the confidential details of 25 million citizens to be copied onto cd and sent in the internal post, where they promptly got lost.
Changing tack swiftly, on Wednesday the England football team played a shocker, lost, and failed to qualify for a big tournament for the first time in 13 years.
The England manager said 'I take full reponsibility.'
Asked if he'd resign from his £2.5 million a year job, he answered 'No.'
The man in charge of the government department, Chancellor Alistair Darling, said 'I take full responsibility.'
Asked if he'd resign, and you might know what's coming with this one, he answered 'No.'
Hmm...
Now in the case of the football manager, his argument is that he wants to get the job right next time, and enjoys the job, so it's not up to him to resign.
Some sort of logic there I guess, but he was sacked anyway the next morning, so case closed.
The Chancellor has only been in the job 6 months, and has to manage the finances of an economy hovering around the 5th largest in the world.
It could be argued that there is no way he could possibly have known about the protocol that allowed the blunder, that it's someone's job way further down the line.
I can see that point of view, but it gives the perception that no-one in charge is held responsible.
When the man in ultimate charge is then saying he takes full responsibility, it smacks of hypocrisy.
In my books I write about taking responsibility, and meaning it.
Your current situation is a result of decisions you made, actions you took in the past.
If you accept responsibility for this, it means you accept that the decisions and actions you take right now will affect your future circumstances.
This is staggeringly effective in triggering extreme changes and benefits if you embrace it fully.
Ok, on to my news from this morning....
A large plop through the letterbox saw a package from the London Marathon organisers, saying I have been accepted for the 2008 race!
After being rejected in 2007 and running the race on my own, I was quite happy to never run another one because let's face it, it's a sodding long way!
However, and this is brilliant marketing, the organisers not only promise you a place after 5 rejections in a row, they automatically send you the entry form for the next year!
This is temptation that's hard to resist, and I duly sent mine back and returned it, not expecting to get in.
So I'm sure you can imagine me laughing out loud when I got the mail today, and the thought if all that training ahead!
The old adage of 'be careful what you wish for' springs to mind.
It does illustrate another point I make though, about the power of action.
Because I took action, I sewed seeds which may or may not have borne fruit - in this case they have, and I can now run in the race which marks the centenary of the first race over the 26 miles 385 yard distance.
Last year since I was running on my own around my neighbourhood streets, I didn't wear any sequins due to fear of local thugs with sawn off baseball bats, but maybe this is the time to go for the sequins - watch this space...
I write about my last marathon in my books.
I also write about taking action, and accepting responsibility.
I also write about how to make $100 a day and at the moment the whole package is just $67:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
Ok, that's it for this week - I'm off to lie down in a dark room to conside those 26 miles, and leave you with this thought - do you *really* accept responsibility for your life?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
The Great Gordino's Curling For Gold:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How To Make Money From Movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
Monday, November 19, 2007
Issue 444 - A Good Clip Round The Ear
Hi,
I hope Monday finds you well.
Today I want to talk about Bob Mackenzie.
A PE teacher for nearly 20 years, he had dedicated his life to his job, organising soccer trips to the US and skiing trips to the Alps.
He also oragnised the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme for pupils.
For those of you that don't know, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards are for pupils in this country that want to push themselves, that want to prove themselves as worthy team players, decent members of society.
In a world where that kind of attitude is viewed as weak and old fashioned, schemes like this should be cherished, as should the people that organise them, sacrificing loads of their own time to do it.
They do it because they want to encourage people to be the best they can be, while having respect for themselves and those around them.
Mackenzie had a reputation for being hard but fair as a teacher.
I had plenty of those when I was at school, and in my view they were the best.
I talk about Mackenzie's teaching in the past tense, because he has resigned.
Why did he resign?
Because he was forced to, after giving a pupil a clip round the ear.
The pupil was a 15 year old yob, who had pushed him in the chest and called him a Scottish C***.
If I had pushed a teacher and called them that, I would have expected to be punished.
You won't be surprised to hear that the boy and his parents complained to the police.
In my view, the headteacher should have told the boy and his parents to shut up and learn some discipline and respect.
The school's governors should have done the same, and so should the local authority.
Instead, the boy was 'excluded' from school for 5 days!
I bet that taught him a lesson!
Yes, it taught him that showing physical and verbal abuse will bring no consequence whatsoever, and even if it does he can then complain, to protect 'his rights.'
Let's imagine what a shining beacon this yob will be to society...
Will he work?
Hardly, he'll be claiming benefits from the rest of us taxpayers.
Will he be polite and grateful for this free money?
Hardly, he'll be rude and threatening to anyone that questions him.
Basically he'll be a burden to society, while the kind of teacher we sorely need has his career ended.
This kind of thing infuriates me!
Why do we not teach the young that there are consequences to their actions, and when did we get so afraid to make those consequences unpleasant?
That's the whole point of the consequence, that if these morons can't grasp enough self esteem to behave, they need to be forced.
I can safely assume that if you're reading this now, then you're not the kind of yob I'm talking about, because let's be honest, the yobs don't have the brains to understand my way of thinking.
I remember reading in a few goal achievement books, that as adults, it's a waste of energy to try and preach to others, the best thing is to follow your own path, lay a trail by doing the right thing, and if others want to follow, then great.
Ok, that's it for this week, I have steam coming out of my ears!
As I write about in my books below, are you doing the right thing for society and for yourself?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
The Great Gordino's Curling For Gold:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How To Make Money From Movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
I hope Monday finds you well.
Today I want to talk about Bob Mackenzie.
A PE teacher for nearly 20 years, he had dedicated his life to his job, organising soccer trips to the US and skiing trips to the Alps.
He also oragnised the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme for pupils.
For those of you that don't know, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards are for pupils in this country that want to push themselves, that want to prove themselves as worthy team players, decent members of society.
In a world where that kind of attitude is viewed as weak and old fashioned, schemes like this should be cherished, as should the people that organise them, sacrificing loads of their own time to do it.
They do it because they want to encourage people to be the best they can be, while having respect for themselves and those around them.
Mackenzie had a reputation for being hard but fair as a teacher.
I had plenty of those when I was at school, and in my view they were the best.
I talk about Mackenzie's teaching in the past tense, because he has resigned.
Why did he resign?
Because he was forced to, after giving a pupil a clip round the ear.
The pupil was a 15 year old yob, who had pushed him in the chest and called him a Scottish C***.
If I had pushed a teacher and called them that, I would have expected to be punished.
You won't be surprised to hear that the boy and his parents complained to the police.
In my view, the headteacher should have told the boy and his parents to shut up and learn some discipline and respect.
The school's governors should have done the same, and so should the local authority.
Instead, the boy was 'excluded' from school for 5 days!
I bet that taught him a lesson!
Yes, it taught him that showing physical and verbal abuse will bring no consequence whatsoever, and even if it does he can then complain, to protect 'his rights.'
Let's imagine what a shining beacon this yob will be to society...
Will he work?
Hardly, he'll be claiming benefits from the rest of us taxpayers.
Will he be polite and grateful for this free money?
Hardly, he'll be rude and threatening to anyone that questions him.
Basically he'll be a burden to society, while the kind of teacher we sorely need has his career ended.
This kind of thing infuriates me!
Why do we not teach the young that there are consequences to their actions, and when did we get so afraid to make those consequences unpleasant?
That's the whole point of the consequence, that if these morons can't grasp enough self esteem to behave, they need to be forced.
I can safely assume that if you're reading this now, then you're not the kind of yob I'm talking about, because let's be honest, the yobs don't have the brains to understand my way of thinking.
I remember reading in a few goal achievement books, that as adults, it's a waste of energy to try and preach to others, the best thing is to follow your own path, lay a trail by doing the right thing, and if others want to follow, then great.
Ok, that's it for this week, I have steam coming out of my ears!
As I write about in my books below, are you doing the right thing for society and for yourself?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
The Great Gordino's Curling For Gold:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How To Make Money From Movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Issue 443 - Remember To Remember
Hi,
I hope everything is ok where you are.
This issue is about abundance.
This weekend just gone saw Remembrance Day.
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the first World War ended in 1918, and there's a 2 minute silence at that time every year to remember the men and women that died in the 2 World Wars and other conflicts.
I've seen a huge number of documentaries about what it was like in the wars, but I can still only imagine the horror of being a man of any age, in a position where I knew I was in grave danger of dying but having to press forward.
It's something I've never had to even come close to experiencing and touch wood I never will.
Millions of people have though, and lives of all ages have been ended on battlefields around the world.
I take it for granted that I live in a country without war, and while it should be the case that everyone can take it for granted, it *isn't* the case, which is all the more reason that I am grateful for what I have.
There was another story today about lives being ruined - a man was finally convicted of murdering a schoolgirl in 1975, thanks to DNA evidence.
Another man was jailed for the crime, despite forensic evidence that he could not have done it.
That evidence was not presented at his trial, and he spent 16 years of his life in jail, often subject of attacks from other inmates.
He was freed after an appeal hearing, but only lived for a few more months after his release.
His life was ruined by the real murderer, and obviously so was the family of the girl who was killed.
She was 11 at the time, close to my age, and it's things like this which make me appreciate all the oppportunities I've had.
What could she have done had she not been killed?
I still have a world of opportunity ahead of me, I'm lucky to have this when so many people around the world don't.
It's easy to moan about the little things, but it's important to make sure the big picture of abundance that we enjoy is not lost in our fussing over the details.
It leads to a more contented life if we are fully aware of what we have, and it's something I write about in 3 of the books in my Curling For Gold package.
The first Great Gordino Classic curling tournament was held over the weekend, which was great fun, so if you fancy reading more about my curling ambitions, and my thoughts about appreciating abundance, pop over and have a peek at:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
(There's also a 50% paying affiliate programme)
Ok, that's it for this week - remember to remember lives that have gone, and to appreciate the one you have.
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
The Great Gordino's Curling For Gold:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How To Make Money From Movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
I hope everything is ok where you are.
This issue is about abundance.
This weekend just gone saw Remembrance Day.
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the first World War ended in 1918, and there's a 2 minute silence at that time every year to remember the men and women that died in the 2 World Wars and other conflicts.
I've seen a huge number of documentaries about what it was like in the wars, but I can still only imagine the horror of being a man of any age, in a position where I knew I was in grave danger of dying but having to press forward.
It's something I've never had to even come close to experiencing and touch wood I never will.
Millions of people have though, and lives of all ages have been ended on battlefields around the world.
I take it for granted that I live in a country without war, and while it should be the case that everyone can take it for granted, it *isn't* the case, which is all the more reason that I am grateful for what I have.
There was another story today about lives being ruined - a man was finally convicted of murdering a schoolgirl in 1975, thanks to DNA evidence.
Another man was jailed for the crime, despite forensic evidence that he could not have done it.
That evidence was not presented at his trial, and he spent 16 years of his life in jail, often subject of attacks from other inmates.
He was freed after an appeal hearing, but only lived for a few more months after his release.
His life was ruined by the real murderer, and obviously so was the family of the girl who was killed.
She was 11 at the time, close to my age, and it's things like this which make me appreciate all the oppportunities I've had.
What could she have done had she not been killed?
I still have a world of opportunity ahead of me, I'm lucky to have this when so many people around the world don't.
It's easy to moan about the little things, but it's important to make sure the big picture of abundance that we enjoy is not lost in our fussing over the details.
It leads to a more contented life if we are fully aware of what we have, and it's something I write about in 3 of the books in my Curling For Gold package.
The first Great Gordino Classic curling tournament was held over the weekend, which was great fun, so if you fancy reading more about my curling ambitions, and my thoughts about appreciating abundance, pop over and have a peek at:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
(There's also a 50% paying affiliate programme)
Ok, that's it for this week - remember to remember lives that have gone, and to appreciate the one you have.
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
The Great Gordino's Curling For Gold:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How To Make Money From Movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
Monday, November 05, 2007
Issue 442 - An Age Limit To Your Goals?
Hi,
I hope Monday finds you well.
Choice of 2 things to cover today, the latest space shuttle mission, or the latest film I saw...
Ok, decision made, it's the film!
Made in 2002, but not seen by me until the weekend, it's a sporting film, but stay with me!
The movies is one of my favourite niches to profit from, as is sport, as is tv which is where I watched it, so it's not surprising I loved it.
It's called The Rookie, and is about a baseball player, Jim Morris.
He tried to make it in the game, but had to give in the 80s due to injuries to his arm, and settled into life as a physical science teacher, bringing up his family.
One of his jobs was coach to the school baseball team.
They'd never achieved anything, and when he spotted them giving up on games, he wanted to hammer home the point about belief, about having something to aim for.
They made a jokey bet that if the team won the district, then Morris would try out again for a baseball career.
The team rallied, and with something to hold onto they won the competition, and Morris was forced to keep his side of the bargain.
He went along to the try outs just to keep his bargain, but ended up throwing pitches at 98 mph, which at the time only around 10 professionals could do.
He got signed by a minor league team, and eventually was spotted by a major team, and in Sep 1999, at 35 he made his debut in the major league.
His career only lasted 2 years, but it was a great story.
The film was made by Disney and it shows, but even if you're not a baseball fan (which I'm not) it's a superb story, made even better by the fact that it's true!
It makes me think also of Linford Christie, the British sprinter who won Olympic Gold at 100m in 1992 aged 38!
These kind of stories just show what can be achieved by having a target and an unerring belief in your ability to get there.
The idea of achievements like this later in life naturally appeal to me. and while my attempts at the pole vault and American Football kicking could be described as 'pitiful' at best, my journey in curling could be a different story.
At the weekend I was playing with top players in the English game, and was holding my own in my favoured position of lead player.
Is it likely that I will make the 2014 Olympics?
Maybe not.
Is it even possible?
Oh yes, absolutely.
A few more years of dedicated development at that position, and anything might be possible.
It's the kind of thing I love to take on, love to write about.
I aim to fund the journey myself, partly but not entirely through my 'Curling For Gold' Package.
Yes, I sell it for profit - I make no apologies about that, but it's not the only method I use.
In the package I cover the other methods I use, and my self motivation tecniques, so it's a mixture of 'do what I say', and 'do what I do.'
The introductory price is still just $67, with a money back guarantee, so if you fancy following along and seeing exactly how I do it, go to:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
Ok, I reckon that's about it for this week - what goals are you aiming for?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
The Great Gordino's Curling For Gold:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How To Make Money From Movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
I hope Monday finds you well.
Choice of 2 things to cover today, the latest space shuttle mission, or the latest film I saw...
Ok, decision made, it's the film!
Made in 2002, but not seen by me until the weekend, it's a sporting film, but stay with me!
The movies is one of my favourite niches to profit from, as is sport, as is tv which is where I watched it, so it's not surprising I loved it.
It's called The Rookie, and is about a baseball player, Jim Morris.
He tried to make it in the game, but had to give in the 80s due to injuries to his arm, and settled into life as a physical science teacher, bringing up his family.
One of his jobs was coach to the school baseball team.
They'd never achieved anything, and when he spotted them giving up on games, he wanted to hammer home the point about belief, about having something to aim for.
They made a jokey bet that if the team won the district, then Morris would try out again for a baseball career.
The team rallied, and with something to hold onto they won the competition, and Morris was forced to keep his side of the bargain.
He went along to the try outs just to keep his bargain, but ended up throwing pitches at 98 mph, which at the time only around 10 professionals could do.
He got signed by a minor league team, and eventually was spotted by a major team, and in Sep 1999, at 35 he made his debut in the major league.
His career only lasted 2 years, but it was a great story.
The film was made by Disney and it shows, but even if you're not a baseball fan (which I'm not) it's a superb story, made even better by the fact that it's true!
It makes me think also of Linford Christie, the British sprinter who won Olympic Gold at 100m in 1992 aged 38!
These kind of stories just show what can be achieved by having a target and an unerring belief in your ability to get there.
The idea of achievements like this later in life naturally appeal to me. and while my attempts at the pole vault and American Football kicking could be described as 'pitiful' at best, my journey in curling could be a different story.
At the weekend I was playing with top players in the English game, and was holding my own in my favoured position of lead player.
Is it likely that I will make the 2014 Olympics?
Maybe not.
Is it even possible?
Oh yes, absolutely.
A few more years of dedicated development at that position, and anything might be possible.
It's the kind of thing I love to take on, love to write about.
I aim to fund the journey myself, partly but not entirely through my 'Curling For Gold' Package.
Yes, I sell it for profit - I make no apologies about that, but it's not the only method I use.
In the package I cover the other methods I use, and my self motivation tecniques, so it's a mixture of 'do what I say', and 'do what I do.'
The introductory price is still just $67, with a money back guarantee, so if you fancy following along and seeing exactly how I do it, go to:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
Ok, I reckon that's about it for this week - what goals are you aiming for?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
The Great Gordino's Curling For Gold:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How To Make Money From Movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
Monday, October 29, 2007
Issue 441 - How Far Could You Go In A New Direction?
Hi,
I hope everything is ok where you are.
I
was watching one of my favourite TV shows over the weekend, Strictly Come Dancing.
I watch loads of TV, I use it as a great niche to make money from, plus I enjoy it!
Strictly Come Dancing is something I've written about before.
It's a great format, and a huge success which the BBC had sold around the world.
Various celebrities are paired up with professional dancers, and have to learn a new dance every week.
The competition is then held on live TV, in front of 9 million viewers here in the UK.
This week there has been a big hoo-ha about the judging, but I like to watch the show to see the goal achievement/self improvement angle.
To see people who are or were at the top of their chosen profession taken totally out of their comfort zone is amazing.
It's not unusual for some of them to be physically sick with nerves before the live show, and yet they push through.
It's pure gold on the goal achievement front, because in front of your eyes you can see how commitment, action and lots of hard work can bring astonishing results in such a short amount of time.
What's also important to note is the number of celebrities who were hesitant at the beginning, but have now fallen in love with dancing.
This reflects the lesson that we adapt to change much better and faster than we think we can!
The show is a showbiz gem with lashings of sequins, and I love it!
Speaking of developing skills and seeing how far you can take them, the curling season is in full swing.
I had my first practice session at the weekend, as opposed to normal game play.
It went ok, although I was outplayed by a 13yr old girl, which seems to be a common occurence in my sporting attempts.
It happened with the pole vault and long jump, and now with curling!
Did I let it deflate me?
Of course not!
I took it as motivation.
This brings me to the challenge I mentioned last week, Curling For Gold.
I'd love to see how far I could get in the world of competitive curling, and in order to do that I need to practice much more, ideally everyday, particularly with there only being a 6 month season plus my age.
I could try and get sponsorship to fund that, but it would be hard work for such a small sport.
Plus I guess telling potential sponsors I got hammered by a 13 yr old girl wouldn't help...
Then it occured to me that I could sponsor myself, and that's what led to my new product.
It's a bundle of books, some written by me, others that I bought rights to.
As a collection they cover the favourite methods I use, plus my motivational books.
You'll get broad brush stroke principles, plus detailed specific instruction.
I'm launching the package at $67 for the first 100 copies, and it is already selling.
Once the first 100 have gone, the price goes up to $97.
Those 2 prices will get you maybe an hour or two from a plumber, lawyer or mechanic, but I'm giving you tools and ideas which will benefit you on a permanent basis.
There's also a 100% money back guarantee.
If you know me at all from this newsletter, you'll know how important integrity is to me, so I want to take all the risk away.
If you get the package and feel it isnt for you, I'll simply give you all your money back, no questions asked!
I can't say fairer than that, and stand by it.
Is it possible that some people will grab the package and then think it's not for them?
Yes, of course it is, and if that happens, I want you to be reassured that you'll get your money back.
I'm pleased with what the package offers.
Personally I'm not currently a big fan of Google Adwords, or Adsense.
I'm not a huge fan of SEO with your own sites.
As such, you won't really see these techniques detailed, but the important thing is that you don't *need* to!
I'm telling you the techniques that work for me, not for someone else.
Go and take a look at:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
There is also a 50% paying affiliate programme.
Ok, that's it for this week - how far could you go with commitment, action and effort?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
The Great Gordino's Curling For Gold:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How To Make Money From Movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
I hope everything is ok where you are.
I
was watching one of my favourite TV shows over the weekend, Strictly Come Dancing.
I watch loads of TV, I use it as a great niche to make money from, plus I enjoy it!
Strictly Come Dancing is something I've written about before.
It's a great format, and a huge success which the BBC had sold around the world.
Various celebrities are paired up with professional dancers, and have to learn a new dance every week.
The competition is then held on live TV, in front of 9 million viewers here in the UK.
This week there has been a big hoo-ha about the judging, but I like to watch the show to see the goal achievement/self improvement angle.
To see people who are or were at the top of their chosen profession taken totally out of their comfort zone is amazing.
It's not unusual for some of them to be physically sick with nerves before the live show, and yet they push through.
It's pure gold on the goal achievement front, because in front of your eyes you can see how commitment, action and lots of hard work can bring astonishing results in such a short amount of time.
What's also important to note is the number of celebrities who were hesitant at the beginning, but have now fallen in love with dancing.
This reflects the lesson that we adapt to change much better and faster than we think we can!
The show is a showbiz gem with lashings of sequins, and I love it!
Speaking of developing skills and seeing how far you can take them, the curling season is in full swing.
I had my first practice session at the weekend, as opposed to normal game play.
It went ok, although I was outplayed by a 13yr old girl, which seems to be a common occurence in my sporting attempts.
It happened with the pole vault and long jump, and now with curling!
Did I let it deflate me?
Of course not!
I took it as motivation.
This brings me to the challenge I mentioned last week, Curling For Gold.
I'd love to see how far I could get in the world of competitive curling, and in order to do that I need to practice much more, ideally everyday, particularly with there only being a 6 month season plus my age.
I could try and get sponsorship to fund that, but it would be hard work for such a small sport.
Plus I guess telling potential sponsors I got hammered by a 13 yr old girl wouldn't help...
Then it occured to me that I could sponsor myself, and that's what led to my new product.
It's a bundle of books, some written by me, others that I bought rights to.
As a collection they cover the favourite methods I use, plus my motivational books.
You'll get broad brush stroke principles, plus detailed specific instruction.
I'm launching the package at $67 for the first 100 copies, and it is already selling.
Once the first 100 have gone, the price goes up to $97.
Those 2 prices will get you maybe an hour or two from a plumber, lawyer or mechanic, but I'm giving you tools and ideas which will benefit you on a permanent basis.
There's also a 100% money back guarantee.
If you know me at all from this newsletter, you'll know how important integrity is to me, so I want to take all the risk away.
If you get the package and feel it isnt for you, I'll simply give you all your money back, no questions asked!
I can't say fairer than that, and stand by it.
Is it possible that some people will grab the package and then think it's not for them?
Yes, of course it is, and if that happens, I want you to be reassured that you'll get your money back.
I'm pleased with what the package offers.
Personally I'm not currently a big fan of Google Adwords, or Adsense.
I'm not a huge fan of SEO with your own sites.
As such, you won't really see these techniques detailed, but the important thing is that you don't *need* to!
I'm telling you the techniques that work for me, not for someone else.
Go and take a look at:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
There is also a 50% paying affiliate programme.
Ok, that's it for this week - how far could you go with commitment, action and effort?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
The Great Gordino's Curling For Gold:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How To Make Money From Movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
Monday, October 22, 2007
Issue 440 - Pluto's Planetary Problems
Hi,
I hope Monday finds you well.
I'm calling this wek's issue 'Pluto's Planetary Problems', and it relates to a documentary I came across the other day.
It was discussing Pluto's position as the 9th planet in the solar system.
It gave a really interesting history of how Pluto was discovered in 1930, and the excitement it caused.
However, towards the end of the century, other objects were discovered near Pluto.
This started an argument amongst the scientists, about whether Pluto should still be classified as a planet, or just an object in the asteroid field where it lay.
The funny thing was, that despite science being based on specifics - facts and definitions, there was no clear definition as to what a planet actually was!
Some definitions that would include Pluto would also have to include around 20 others; some definitions couldn't include Pluto, but either way the idea of just 9 planets could not be sustained.
In 2006, the International Astronomical Union, which makes the decisions in such matters, eventually came up with a definition.
Without getting too technical, the upshot was that Pluto was demoted to a new classification of 'dwarf planet', and there are now officially 8 planets in our solar system.
The reason I'm telling this story is a goal achievement.self improvement one.
The main reason a lot of people wanted Pluto to remain a planet, was simply because it had been like that for 60 years, and people were used to it!
I always enjoy it when scientists challenge previously accepted theories, and most scientists do too, because otherwise all you do is verify what's already known.
This idea of 'leave it because it's always been like that' is easy to relate to self improvement and goal achievement - not only is it easy to assume you won't do something simply because you haven't done it in the past, it's what most people *will* think unless they take positive mental steps to correct that way of thinking.
Sometimes it only takes the smallest step outside your comfort zone to unleash change and progress beyond your imagination.
Before I go, if you fancy taking a look at my developing new site, then the link is here:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
It's not live yet, but it will have an affiliate programme, and I thought I'd throw it out there for opinions.
Ok, that's it for this week, and I'll leave you with this thought - are you leaving Plutos where they are in your life just because they've always been there?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How To Make Money From Movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
I hope Monday finds you well.
I'm calling this wek's issue 'Pluto's Planetary Problems', and it relates to a documentary I came across the other day.
It was discussing Pluto's position as the 9th planet in the solar system.
It gave a really interesting history of how Pluto was discovered in 1930, and the excitement it caused.
However, towards the end of the century, other objects were discovered near Pluto.
This started an argument amongst the scientists, about whether Pluto should still be classified as a planet, or just an object in the asteroid field where it lay.
The funny thing was, that despite science being based on specifics - facts and definitions, there was no clear definition as to what a planet actually was!
Some definitions that would include Pluto would also have to include around 20 others; some definitions couldn't include Pluto, but either way the idea of just 9 planets could not be sustained.
In 2006, the International Astronomical Union, which makes the decisions in such matters, eventually came up with a definition.
Without getting too technical, the upshot was that Pluto was demoted to a new classification of 'dwarf planet', and there are now officially 8 planets in our solar system.
The reason I'm telling this story is a goal achievement.self improvement one.
The main reason a lot of people wanted Pluto to remain a planet, was simply because it had been like that for 60 years, and people were used to it!
I always enjoy it when scientists challenge previously accepted theories, and most scientists do too, because otherwise all you do is verify what's already known.
This idea of 'leave it because it's always been like that' is easy to relate to self improvement and goal achievement - not only is it easy to assume you won't do something simply because you haven't done it in the past, it's what most people *will* think unless they take positive mental steps to correct that way of thinking.
Sometimes it only takes the smallest step outside your comfort zone to unleash change and progress beyond your imagination.
Before I go, if you fancy taking a look at my developing new site, then the link is here:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/curlingforgold.html
It's not live yet, but it will have an affiliate programme, and I thought I'd throw it out there for opinions.
Ok, that's it for this week, and I'll leave you with this thought - are you leaving Plutos where they are in your life just because they've always been there?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How To Make Money From Movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
Monday, October 15, 2007
Issue 439 - 25 Years Of The CD
Hi,
I hope everything is ok where you are.
I had to smile this morning when I read Martin Avis's newsletter - he has the sniffles at the moment, and is subject to some derision in his female dominated household - the dreaded word 'manflu' is being bandied about!
He says he doesn't like that word, but I actually do like it - it's an efficient way of summing up the idea that some men (not Martin of course!) claim they have the flu when in fact they just have the odd sniffle.
To take the idea further, it's something that only men do, that women are much more capable of having the sniffles and just getting on with it.
Personally I think it's to do with childbirth - if a woman is capable of going through a process which I liken to passing a medicine ball, then the odd sniff is not something to get worked up about.
I mentioned that to a friend of mine who is a mother, and she said my concept of passing a medicine ball was way off the mark, that it was more like trying to pass a television!
Widescreen.
Plasma.
With legs.
Turned on.
On the subject of women, I must just note that next week a space shuttle is due to go up with only the 2nd woman commander.
It will dock with the space station which has itself just seen a newly arrived woman commander.
It's the first time both vehicles will be commanded by women, and although the women in the space programme say it's nothing really worth noting, the fact that it's the first time makes it worthy of note by definition.
Ok, today's subject is a self improvement one, to do with change, the forcing of it, the acceptance of it, and the lasting effects of it.
Oct 1982, the first CD is sold.
Technology is normally credited as born when the first sale is made, but some quarters argue that it's the first production.
If I stick with October, the general consensus is the 25th anniversary of the CD in 2007.
Sony had lost a technology war when the Betamax video lost out to VHS in popularity, so really needed its' new CD to take hold.
The idea behind it was that it produced a much clearer sound on a much sturdier product, and was aimed at the classical music market.
The take up was slow though, as people were firmly entrenched in the concept of vinyl and tape.
The idea that people would replace their vast collections with a new version was not widely accepted.
In fact I still have well over 600 hundred vinyl LPs, and still believe that the artwork of a 12 inch cover was far better than on a tiny CD cover.
I was not alone, and the CD had a hard time trying to be accepted, and when I started working at EMI Records in London, at the end of 1987, this was still the case.
(Incidentally, that story of how I got the job is also in my 'Transform Your Life' book!)
As the decade ticked by into the 90s, I noticed something strange.
The music industry was not prepared to wait any longer for a natural change, so decided to force the issue.
They would release new albums by major artists with a limited supply of vinyl.
Then they could point to the sales figures, and show a rise in the sales of CD, and a drop in the sales of vinyl - of course without mentioning that those sales had been manipulated by limiting the supply of vinyl versions available!
Was it effective?
Absolutely!
The consumer didn't like it, but if they wanted the music they had to go with the CD.
It had taken many years, but the concept stuck, and of course the CD is now as taken for granted as the telephone, so much so that it would hard to imagine life *without* the technology of the CD.
The self improvement angle is an easy one to spot.
Sometimes we don't want change, sometimes it is forced on us, but just as often the result of the change isn't as bad as we'd predicted, and we adapt to it surprisingly well.
If we can get used to forcing change onto ourselves, we can speed up change in our lives that we might have thought impossible.
Ok, that's it for this week - are you scared of change, or do you just have the self improvement version of manflu?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How To Make Money From Sport:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/sport
I hope everything is ok where you are.
I had to smile this morning when I read Martin Avis's newsletter - he has the sniffles at the moment, and is subject to some derision in his female dominated household - the dreaded word 'manflu' is being bandied about!
He says he doesn't like that word, but I actually do like it - it's an efficient way of summing up the idea that some men (not Martin of course!) claim they have the flu when in fact they just have the odd sniffle.
To take the idea further, it's something that only men do, that women are much more capable of having the sniffles and just getting on with it.
Personally I think it's to do with childbirth - if a woman is capable of going through a process which I liken to passing a medicine ball, then the odd sniff is not something to get worked up about.
I mentioned that to a friend of mine who is a mother, and she said my concept of passing a medicine ball was way off the mark, that it was more like trying to pass a television!
Widescreen.
Plasma.
With legs.
Turned on.
On the subject of women, I must just note that next week a space shuttle is due to go up with only the 2nd woman commander.
It will dock with the space station which has itself just seen a newly arrived woman commander.
It's the first time both vehicles will be commanded by women, and although the women in the space programme say it's nothing really worth noting, the fact that it's the first time makes it worthy of note by definition.
Ok, today's subject is a self improvement one, to do with change, the forcing of it, the acceptance of it, and the lasting effects of it.
Oct 1982, the first CD is sold.
Technology is normally credited as born when the first sale is made, but some quarters argue that it's the first production.
If I stick with October, the general consensus is the 25th anniversary of the CD in 2007.
Sony had lost a technology war when the Betamax video lost out to VHS in popularity, so really needed its' new CD to take hold.
The idea behind it was that it produced a much clearer sound on a much sturdier product, and was aimed at the classical music market.
The take up was slow though, as people were firmly entrenched in the concept of vinyl and tape.
The idea that people would replace their vast collections with a new version was not widely accepted.
In fact I still have well over 600 hundred vinyl LPs, and still believe that the artwork of a 12 inch cover was far better than on a tiny CD cover.
I was not alone, and the CD had a hard time trying to be accepted, and when I started working at EMI Records in London, at the end of 1987, this was still the case.
(Incidentally, that story of how I got the job is also in my 'Transform Your Life' book!)
As the decade ticked by into the 90s, I noticed something strange.
The music industry was not prepared to wait any longer for a natural change, so decided to force the issue.
They would release new albums by major artists with a limited supply of vinyl.
Then they could point to the sales figures, and show a rise in the sales of CD, and a drop in the sales of vinyl - of course without mentioning that those sales had been manipulated by limiting the supply of vinyl versions available!
Was it effective?
Absolutely!
The consumer didn't like it, but if they wanted the music they had to go with the CD.
It had taken many years, but the concept stuck, and of course the CD is now as taken for granted as the telephone, so much so that it would hard to imagine life *without* the technology of the CD.
The self improvement angle is an easy one to spot.
Sometimes we don't want change, sometimes it is forced on us, but just as often the result of the change isn't as bad as we'd predicted, and we adapt to it surprisingly well.
If we can get used to forcing change onto ourselves, we can speed up change in our lives that we might have thought impossible.
Ok, that's it for this week - are you scared of change, or do you just have the self improvement version of manflu?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How To Make Money From Sport:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/sport
Monday, October 08, 2007
Issue 438 - You Probably Won't Understand Me
Hi,
I hope Monday finds you well.
Spoilt for choice with newsletter topics again this week, and I've called this issue 'You Probably Won't Understand Me.'
I got married 18 years ago this week, and I know for a fact my wife didn't understand me.
She also used to tell me I was nosey. Well she didn't actually tell me, I read it in her diary.
Not really.
I remember the day clearly, it was like a fairytale - Grimm.
Not really.
The vicar said 'Do you take this woman?'
I answered 'Would you? No! So why try and palm her off onto me then?'
Not really.
We had arranged for the organist to play Vivaldi's Four Season's, but when we got there he was playing 'Happy Talk'.
Really.
The reason I based this issue on understanding is not in fact about my ex, but about my writing style.
I tried a new site during the week that allows you to submit work for customers to buy.
My first article was rejected, then my 2nd, and eventually all the first 15 articles were rejected!
Having never had my writing rejected before, I knew something was up, so I enquired further.
It turned out that my writing was seemingly full of incorrect grammar, particularly with my use of the comma, and I consistently failed to express my ideas clearly enough.
Now I admit my writing style is loose and conversational, but that's deliberate, and I happen to think it *helps* rather than hinders clarity.
However this site was having none of it, and even after I submitted rewrites, it was still rejected because I 'needed to be clearer.'
Hmm....
Ok, at this point I had 3 options -
1. Throw my toys out of the pram, demand they accept my work, and do my best to make trouble for them.
2. Rewrite my work over and over until it fitted their requirements.
3. Accept that it's their site, I can't force them to accept it, and move on.
Guess which one I chose?
I chose the 3rd option, because after having done 3 rewrites on the same piece, it was clear that my style was not going to work at that site.
I had tried, but could now move on without getting involved in any negative, and pointless, debates.
I've always assumed my newsletter is understandable, but if it isn't feel free to let me know.
Although if I haven't expressed that clearly enough, you won't have understood!
Sometimes you have to find a new way to express yourself, to make the same point in a different way, without blaming someone else if they don't grasp what you mean first time around.
Ok, haven't talked about wealth creation for a while, and I want to promote a book that's been released today.
I have a new project in the works myself, but this one does a good job.
It's called '20 Ways To Make $100 In A Day'.
It's a 247 pager, not a flimsy report, and written by 20 internet marketers who are the type that happily talk to their clients, not the aloof ones that wouldn't answer your email.
It costs $27, which can't be bad to show you 20 ways to make $100 in a day.
The idea is that the huge figures that some gurus throw about just put people off, but the figure of $100 is nice and workable, and can make huge changes in someone's life, achieveable quickly and easily, and can also be done around busy life schedules.
I have another new product looming, about the 3 most devious tricks Internet Marketers use on a customer in any niche to ethically grab their money.
It's so new I haven't even decided the price yet, but if you grab '20 Ways...' from me, then I'll give it to you for free.
Sound fair?
Here's the link for '20 Ways To Make $100 In A Day':
http://pathway100.com/?e=thegreatgordino
Ok, I reckon that's about it for this week - if someone doesn't understand you, are you trying hard enough, and how does $100 a day sound?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
20 Ways To make $100 A Day:
http://pathway100.com/?e=thegreatgordino
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
I hope Monday finds you well.
Spoilt for choice with newsletter topics again this week, and I've called this issue 'You Probably Won't Understand Me.'
I got married 18 years ago this week, and I know for a fact my wife didn't understand me.
She also used to tell me I was nosey. Well she didn't actually tell me, I read it in her diary.
Not really.
I remember the day clearly, it was like a fairytale - Grimm.
Not really.
The vicar said 'Do you take this woman?'
I answered 'Would you? No! So why try and palm her off onto me then?'
Not really.
We had arranged for the organist to play Vivaldi's Four Season's, but when we got there he was playing 'Happy Talk'.
Really.
The reason I based this issue on understanding is not in fact about my ex, but about my writing style.
I tried a new site during the week that allows you to submit work for customers to buy.
My first article was rejected, then my 2nd, and eventually all the first 15 articles were rejected!
Having never had my writing rejected before, I knew something was up, so I enquired further.
It turned out that my writing was seemingly full of incorrect grammar, particularly with my use of the comma, and I consistently failed to express my ideas clearly enough.
Now I admit my writing style is loose and conversational, but that's deliberate, and I happen to think it *helps* rather than hinders clarity.
However this site was having none of it, and even after I submitted rewrites, it was still rejected because I 'needed to be clearer.'
Hmm....
Ok, at this point I had 3 options -
1. Throw my toys out of the pram, demand they accept my work, and do my best to make trouble for them.
2. Rewrite my work over and over until it fitted their requirements.
3. Accept that it's their site, I can't force them to accept it, and move on.
Guess which one I chose?
I chose the 3rd option, because after having done 3 rewrites on the same piece, it was clear that my style was not going to work at that site.
I had tried, but could now move on without getting involved in any negative, and pointless, debates.
I've always assumed my newsletter is understandable, but if it isn't feel free to let me know.
Although if I haven't expressed that clearly enough, you won't have understood!
Sometimes you have to find a new way to express yourself, to make the same point in a different way, without blaming someone else if they don't grasp what you mean first time around.
Ok, haven't talked about wealth creation for a while, and I want to promote a book that's been released today.
I have a new project in the works myself, but this one does a good job.
It's called '20 Ways To Make $100 In A Day'.
It's a 247 pager, not a flimsy report, and written by 20 internet marketers who are the type that happily talk to their clients, not the aloof ones that wouldn't answer your email.
It costs $27, which can't be bad to show you 20 ways to make $100 in a day.
The idea is that the huge figures that some gurus throw about just put people off, but the figure of $100 is nice and workable, and can make huge changes in someone's life, achieveable quickly and easily, and can also be done around busy life schedules.
I have another new product looming, about the 3 most devious tricks Internet Marketers use on a customer in any niche to ethically grab their money.
It's so new I haven't even decided the price yet, but if you grab '20 Ways...' from me, then I'll give it to you for free.
Sound fair?
Here's the link for '20 Ways To Make $100 In A Day':
http://pathway100.com/?e=thegreatgordino
Ok, I reckon that's about it for this week - if someone doesn't understand you, are you trying hard enough, and how does $100 a day sound?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
20 Ways To make $100 A Day:
http://pathway100.com/?e=thegreatgordino
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
Monday, October 01, 2007
Issue 437 - Do You Have Enough Fun?
Hi,
I hope everything is ok where you are.
Another week of having difficulty picking my subject - I know I have the theme, which is about smiling and having fun, but I have lots of angles I could go for.
Plus it's the 25th anniversary of the CD, plus the Christmas stuff is in the shops....plus the curling season starts this week...plus a new marathon record in Berlin of 2 hours 4 minutes...where to start...
Ok, I'm just going to go with one, to do with the adventure of life.
With all the talk of a possible snap election here in Britain, I can't help thinking of when I stood in 2005.
I came a solid 5th, and in the run up to the election I got a phone call from a man called George.
He said 'My name's George', which was helpful, 'and I'm calling from Japan,' which was interesting.
My name had been passed to him by a mutual friend, and he was interested in the idea of standing.
George lives and works in Japan, but is thinking of coming back to Britain, and was over for a visit, so I went to see him last week.
He showed me his potential election flyer, and on it it says that he is in the Guiness Book of World Records 8 times!
One of them is for the longest unbroken march, when he walked across the Western Hemisphere!
As you can imagine that made my eyes light up!
Not only sharing my ideas about independant MPs, but taking my ideas about life adventure way beyond what I would do.
His name's George Meegan if you fancy searching his story.
A friend passed away this week gone, who I knew from the local music scene.
Chrissie had battled illness for a long time, but in the time I knew her, she was one of the most genuinely friendly people who genuinely liked watching and making music.
She encouraged me as much as anyone when I took up the bass, and laughed loudest at the fact that I still only use 2 strings, over 2 years later!
She booked up and went on several music based courses, simply because she wanted to, and it gave the end part of her life a huge amount of pleasure and fun.
You can see my direction here - go with your ideas in life, none of us know when life will end, and following our fun ideas, however far out they may seem, can make our time here rich and full.
Talking of fun and smiling, my brother sent me a youtube video which made me smile when I saw it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOyEw9bT8yQ
This takes some serious practice, and I wouldn't be surprised if the chap concerned is single like I am!
Ok, that's it for this week, maybe I'll cover the CD's 25th plus the Christmas shopping next week, and remember this week's thought - are you denying yourself fun and adventure?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How to make money from sport:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/sport
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
I hope everything is ok where you are.
Another week of having difficulty picking my subject - I know I have the theme, which is about smiling and having fun, but I have lots of angles I could go for.
Plus it's the 25th anniversary of the CD, plus the Christmas stuff is in the shops....plus the curling season starts this week...plus a new marathon record in Berlin of 2 hours 4 minutes...where to start...
Ok, I'm just going to go with one, to do with the adventure of life.
With all the talk of a possible snap election here in Britain, I can't help thinking of when I stood in 2005.
I came a solid 5th, and in the run up to the election I got a phone call from a man called George.
He said 'My name's George', which was helpful, 'and I'm calling from Japan,' which was interesting.
My name had been passed to him by a mutual friend, and he was interested in the idea of standing.
George lives and works in Japan, but is thinking of coming back to Britain, and was over for a visit, so I went to see him last week.
He showed me his potential election flyer, and on it it says that he is in the Guiness Book of World Records 8 times!
One of them is for the longest unbroken march, when he walked across the Western Hemisphere!
As you can imagine that made my eyes light up!
Not only sharing my ideas about independant MPs, but taking my ideas about life adventure way beyond what I would do.
His name's George Meegan if you fancy searching his story.
A friend passed away this week gone, who I knew from the local music scene.
Chrissie had battled illness for a long time, but in the time I knew her, she was one of the most genuinely friendly people who genuinely liked watching and making music.
She encouraged me as much as anyone when I took up the bass, and laughed loudest at the fact that I still only use 2 strings, over 2 years later!
She booked up and went on several music based courses, simply because she wanted to, and it gave the end part of her life a huge amount of pleasure and fun.
You can see my direction here - go with your ideas in life, none of us know when life will end, and following our fun ideas, however far out they may seem, can make our time here rich and full.
Talking of fun and smiling, my brother sent me a youtube video which made me smile when I saw it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOyEw9bT8yQ
This takes some serious practice, and I wouldn't be surprised if the chap concerned is single like I am!
Ok, that's it for this week, maybe I'll cover the CD's 25th plus the Christmas shopping next week, and remember this week's thought - are you denying yourself fun and adventure?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How to make money from sport:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/sport
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
Monday, September 24, 2007
Issue 436 - Just Another Manic Monday
Hi,
I hope Monday finds you well.
The title of this week's missive is a nice little leader into one of my favourite topics - luck.
Luck plays a big part in goal achievement, and it's often stated that 'you create your own luck.'
Throw in another oft-quoted, er, quote that 'luck is when opportunity meets preparation,' give me a 15 minute interval and I can talk for 2 hours on it!
You don't have to listen to me for 2 hours though, Im going to write a little about it, using one of my favourite subjects - music.
I saw a documentary about how various girl groups had got together, and I want to focus on 2 of them, The Supremes and The Bangles.
The Supremes had put themselves together, and were constantly hassling the record companies to get signed.
In particular they spent a lot of time hanging around Motown Records, which was already big enough, but not yet massive.
Not only did they not get signed, they were told that they were nothing more than a nuisance and should go away.
They didn't go away.
Was that determination, or just unrealistic of them?
Well, one day there was a recording session booked, but the backing singers hadn't turned up.
The Motown people were desperate to find someone, and who did they think of?
That group literally standing outside!
The Supremes did the session, and got signed.
They weren't an immediate success though, in fact they rather became the laughing stock of the label for not having a hit.
The boss decided they needed an image change, so he changed their image, changed their sound, and they went on to be one to the best selling girl groups ever!
How lucky were they?
Very, but that 'luck' would not have happened to them had they not made themselves known at Motown and been in the right place when opportunity came.
On to The Bangles...
I saw them do a gig in my home town before they were massive.
It was a pokey little club, very intimate. The crowd weren't really interested in this American girl group, but they were rocking, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
They were another band that had put themselves together and gone on the road, putting in the hard work to get noticed.
They came to the attention of Prince, who would regularly turn up at their gigs and get on stage with them!
The band's record label wanted the band to go a bit more mainstream, slightly less rocky, and Prince was only too happy for them to record a song he wrote - Manic Monday.
Of course it was a huge hit all over the world, and The Bangles were in the big time.
As it happened, musical differences took over, and by the time they recorded that wedding favourite 'Eternal Flame' they weren't even talking to each other, with all the parts recorded separately!
So, were they lucky to record one of Prince's songs?
Yes, but they got to that luck by putting in the work, taking action to get themselves noticed.
Just the same as The Supremes had done 20 years previously.
It works, believe me I know.
I worked at EMI records for 6 years, and got that job by following the same principles.
Not by singing I hasten to add, you can read more about it my motivational book, link below.
People might say 'that luck doesn't happen to me,' and they may be right.
I wrote a song called 'Manic Tuesday', but it never took off.
Obviously these opportunities cannot happen to everyone, but they most certainly will *not* come along if you take no action at all.
Action has the power to change your life, it's that simple.
Ok, that's it for this week - what kind of luck are you setting yourself up for?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the
Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com/
How Goal Achievement Changed My Life Up To 40:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/40+/
How to make money from music:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/music
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank
email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
I hope Monday finds you well.
The title of this week's missive is a nice little leader into one of my favourite topics - luck.
Luck plays a big part in goal achievement, and it's often stated that 'you create your own luck.'
Throw in another oft-quoted, er, quote that 'luck is when opportunity meets preparation,' give me a 15 minute interval and I can talk for 2 hours on it!
You don't have to listen to me for 2 hours though, Im going to write a little about it, using one of my favourite subjects - music.
I saw a documentary about how various girl groups had got together, and I want to focus on 2 of them, The Supremes and The Bangles.
The Supremes had put themselves together, and were constantly hassling the record companies to get signed.
In particular they spent a lot of time hanging around Motown Records, which was already big enough, but not yet massive.
Not only did they not get signed, they were told that they were nothing more than a nuisance and should go away.
They didn't go away.
Was that determination, or just unrealistic of them?
Well, one day there was a recording session booked, but the backing singers hadn't turned up.
The Motown people were desperate to find someone, and who did they think of?
That group literally standing outside!
The Supremes did the session, and got signed.
They weren't an immediate success though, in fact they rather became the laughing stock of the label for not having a hit.
The boss decided they needed an image change, so he changed their image, changed their sound, and they went on to be one to the best selling girl groups ever!
How lucky were they?
Very, but that 'luck' would not have happened to them had they not made themselves known at Motown and been in the right place when opportunity came.
On to The Bangles...
I saw them do a gig in my home town before they were massive.
It was a pokey little club, very intimate. The crowd weren't really interested in this American girl group, but they were rocking, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
They were another band that had put themselves together and gone on the road, putting in the hard work to get noticed.
They came to the attention of Prince, who would regularly turn up at their gigs and get on stage with them!
The band's record label wanted the band to go a bit more mainstream, slightly less rocky, and Prince was only too happy for them to record a song he wrote - Manic Monday.
Of course it was a huge hit all over the world, and The Bangles were in the big time.
As it happened, musical differences took over, and by the time they recorded that wedding favourite 'Eternal Flame' they weren't even talking to each other, with all the parts recorded separately!
So, were they lucky to record one of Prince's songs?
Yes, but they got to that luck by putting in the work, taking action to get themselves noticed.
Just the same as The Supremes had done 20 years previously.
It works, believe me I know.
I worked at EMI records for 6 years, and got that job by following the same principles.
Not by singing I hasten to add, you can read more about it my motivational book, link below.
People might say 'that luck doesn't happen to me,' and they may be right.
I wrote a song called 'Manic Tuesday', but it never took off.
Obviously these opportunities cannot happen to everyone, but they most certainly will *not* come along if you take no action at all.
Action has the power to change your life, it's that simple.
Ok, that's it for this week - what kind of luck are you setting yourself up for?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the
Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com/
How Goal Achievement Changed My Life Up To 40:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/40+/
How to make money from music:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/music
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank
email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
Monday, September 17, 2007
Issue 435 - Ron Dennis Would Have Lost Us The Olympics
Hi,
I hope everything is ok where you are.
I couldn't quite decide which topic to go with this week (no change there then), so I've rather sneakily decided to merge 2 together, and I've called it
'Ron Dennis Would Have Lost Us The Olympics'
'Who is Ron Dennis?' might be the first question that springs to mind, and fair enough, so here we go...
Ron Dennis is the boss of the McLaren Formula 1 team.
They were fined $100 million this week over a spying scandal in the sport.
(By the way, note the good marketing here by the governing body, there is only 1 race in the USA, and yet the fine is in dollars.
Why? Because $100 million is a better headline than £49 million that's why)
Ok, where was I..?
Oh yes, the reason the whole affair came to the attention of the governing body, was because Ron Dennis rung them up and told them!
He was effectively being blackmailed by his own driver Fernando Alonso, who had said that if he didn't get what he wanted, then damaging info on the computer would be revealed.
Dennis was having none of that, and promptly got on the phone.
This was the first he had known of the events, and he has always stated that he bases everything he does on integrity.
He says it's the most important thing to him, more so than the sport he's in, or anything else he hapens to be involved in.
That intergrity has cost his team $100 million (£49 million.)
So how does that affect the London 2012 Olympics?
Er, it doesn't, but it does tie in with a documentary I watched about the costing for the games.
There was a big hoo ha over here when the government revealed that the budget had gone from around 3 billion up to 9 billion.
This program showed documents and interviews which suggested the government knew all along that this would be the case.
Some simple facts bear this out.
When France bid for the 2008 games, they priced it at 2.5 billion.
This was with all the stadia built, plus the transport structures, plus the athletes village.
London has none of these, and yet priced their bid at not much higher for the 2012 games.
Logic red flag there...
Of course now the games have been awarded, the money has to be found, and despite a major foundation of our bid being the boost it would give to grass roots sport, the very government body with the responsibility of that grass roots development has had its' budget decimated, to find the extra money to stage the games.
Hmm...
It must be said that the TV program comes from a stable that has a reputation for being negative, and of course statistics can be manipulated, but doesn't it seem that winning the games for London was more of a kudos thing for the individuals concerned rather than a benefit for the country?
Did the people involved show the integrity that Ron Dennis did?
I suspect that had he been involved, he would have said 'this is no good', and we would have lost the games, which looks like it might not have been such a bad thing.
You know I'm a big fan of personal integrity, I talk about it in my book (link below!)
I try to live my life based on it, I think if more people did then we'd all be better for it, so it's a plus for Ron Dennis in my book.
Ok, that's it for this week - how is your own integrity level?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the
Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How to make money from niche marekting:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/nicheriches.html
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank
email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
I hope everything is ok where you are.
I couldn't quite decide which topic to go with this week (no change there then), so I've rather sneakily decided to merge 2 together, and I've called it
'Ron Dennis Would Have Lost Us The Olympics'
'Who is Ron Dennis?' might be the first question that springs to mind, and fair enough, so here we go...
Ron Dennis is the boss of the McLaren Formula 1 team.
They were fined $100 million this week over a spying scandal in the sport.
(By the way, note the good marketing here by the governing body, there is only 1 race in the USA, and yet the fine is in dollars.
Why? Because $100 million is a better headline than £49 million that's why)
Ok, where was I..?
Oh yes, the reason the whole affair came to the attention of the governing body, was because Ron Dennis rung them up and told them!
He was effectively being blackmailed by his own driver Fernando Alonso, who had said that if he didn't get what he wanted, then damaging info on the computer would be revealed.
Dennis was having none of that, and promptly got on the phone.
This was the first he had known of the events, and he has always stated that he bases everything he does on integrity.
He says it's the most important thing to him, more so than the sport he's in, or anything else he hapens to be involved in.
That intergrity has cost his team $100 million (£49 million.)
So how does that affect the London 2012 Olympics?
Er, it doesn't, but it does tie in with a documentary I watched about the costing for the games.
There was a big hoo ha over here when the government revealed that the budget had gone from around 3 billion up to 9 billion.
This program showed documents and interviews which suggested the government knew all along that this would be the case.
Some simple facts bear this out.
When France bid for the 2008 games, they priced it at 2.5 billion.
This was with all the stadia built, plus the transport structures, plus the athletes village.
London has none of these, and yet priced their bid at not much higher for the 2012 games.
Logic red flag there...
Of course now the games have been awarded, the money has to be found, and despite a major foundation of our bid being the boost it would give to grass roots sport, the very government body with the responsibility of that grass roots development has had its' budget decimated, to find the extra money to stage the games.
Hmm...
It must be said that the TV program comes from a stable that has a reputation for being negative, and of course statistics can be manipulated, but doesn't it seem that winning the games for London was more of a kudos thing for the individuals concerned rather than a benefit for the country?
Did the people involved show the integrity that Ron Dennis did?
I suspect that had he been involved, he would have said 'this is no good', and we would have lost the games, which looks like it might not have been such a bad thing.
You know I'm a big fan of personal integrity, I talk about it in my book (link below!)
I try to live my life based on it, I think if more people did then we'd all be better for it, so it's a plus for Ron Dennis in my book.
Ok, that's it for this week - how is your own integrity level?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the
Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com
How to make money from niche marekting:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/nicheriches.html
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank
email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
Monday, September 10, 2007
Issue 433 - Remembering Rick Rescorla
Hi,
I hope Monday finds you well.
A couple of points from last week's issue, and a point revisited from two years and 100 issues ago.
Read to the end for that one, it'll make your day feel better I assure you.
Last week I pointed out that getting into September meant we *still* had a third of the year to go to achieve things.
If 2007 was going to be your year to do whatever, and it hasn't been so far, take those first steps, you still have plenty of time left.
I have a new idea brewing myself, and as you know, my ideas tend to get acted on...
I got some emails after my article about a woman's favourite colour being pink.
Don't get me wrong, I've nothing against pink, paricularly if it's strawberry blancmange or angel delight...
No, my point was about independent thought, and one emailer told me that she found as a rule that women covered in all things pink and fluffy were generally the thick ones, who had no idea about bucking stereotype and thinking for themselves.
Probably true - yes of course it's possible that independent thinking women *decide* that pink and fluffy is the way for them, but they'd be the rarity.
Anyway you get the point, and I want link it to a documentary I saw, about a mother who had pushed her way of thinking onto her daughters, but they were showing signs of independent thought.
This particular family has been the subject of documentaries before - the twin daughters were in a band with a deliberately provocative name connected to the holocaust, and the mother is a white supremicist.
She says she isn't she just wants her country to be kept for just the 'people who belong there', and maintains that she is entitled to her right to free speech.
(lucky she doesn't live under a regime where free speech gets you lined up and shot then, eh! She might not find it so attractive then)
In this new documentary, the daughters are older, and show the power of independent thought.
They clearly only feel free to speak their own mind when their mother is not around, and always look around to see where she is before they speak candidly.
It's clear from what they say that they don't really have the same beliefs as their mother, and would much rather not be involved.
Good for them.
They may end up having the same beliefs eventually, but they are showing that even if the most dominated environments, freedom of thought cannot be stifled, its' power cannot be taken away.
Using this kind of idea in your own life, and backing it up with action can, I promise you, take you places you'd never have imagined.
Ok, back in 2005, I called Issue 332 of this newsletter 'Remembering Rick Rescorla.
If you don't know who Rick Rescorla was, or what he did that is so worthy of repeating 2 years later, then read the archive issue:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/120905.html
It's a life affirmer -it makes me feel better about things, life, people etc, and focuses on the positive, I think it'll do the same for you today as much as it did then.
Ok, that's it for this week -
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the
Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com/
How to make money from sport:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/sport
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank
email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
I hope Monday finds you well.
A couple of points from last week's issue, and a point revisited from two years and 100 issues ago.
Read to the end for that one, it'll make your day feel better I assure you.
Last week I pointed out that getting into September meant we *still* had a third of the year to go to achieve things.
If 2007 was going to be your year to do whatever, and it hasn't been so far, take those first steps, you still have plenty of time left.
I have a new idea brewing myself, and as you know, my ideas tend to get acted on...
I got some emails after my article about a woman's favourite colour being pink.
Don't get me wrong, I've nothing against pink, paricularly if it's strawberry blancmange or angel delight...
No, my point was about independent thought, and one emailer told me that she found as a rule that women covered in all things pink and fluffy were generally the thick ones, who had no idea about bucking stereotype and thinking for themselves.
Probably true - yes of course it's possible that independent thinking women *decide* that pink and fluffy is the way for them, but they'd be the rarity.
Anyway you get the point, and I want link it to a documentary I saw, about a mother who had pushed her way of thinking onto her daughters, but they were showing signs of independent thought.
This particular family has been the subject of documentaries before - the twin daughters were in a band with a deliberately provocative name connected to the holocaust, and the mother is a white supremicist.
She says she isn't she just wants her country to be kept for just the 'people who belong there', and maintains that she is entitled to her right to free speech.
(lucky she doesn't live under a regime where free speech gets you lined up and shot then, eh! She might not find it so attractive then)
In this new documentary, the daughters are older, and show the power of independent thought.
They clearly only feel free to speak their own mind when their mother is not around, and always look around to see where she is before they speak candidly.
It's clear from what they say that they don't really have the same beliefs as their mother, and would much rather not be involved.
Good for them.
They may end up having the same beliefs eventually, but they are showing that even if the most dominated environments, freedom of thought cannot be stifled, its' power cannot be taken away.
Using this kind of idea in your own life, and backing it up with action can, I promise you, take you places you'd never have imagined.
Ok, back in 2005, I called Issue 332 of this newsletter 'Remembering Rick Rescorla.
If you don't know who Rick Rescorla was, or what he did that is so worthy of repeating 2 years later, then read the archive issue:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/120905.html
It's a life affirmer -it makes me feel better about things, life, people etc, and focuses on the positive, I think it'll do the same for you today as much as it did then.
Ok, that's it for this week -
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the
Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com/
How to make money from sport:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/sport
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank
email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
Monday, September 03, 2007
Issue 431 - A Woman's Favourite Colour - Yellow?
Hi,
I hope everything is ok where you are, as we crack into the 3rd, er, 3rd of the year.
It might feel as though the year is coming to a close, but that's nonsense, with a *full third* of 2007 to still pursue your dreams.
Ok, today I want to talk about something that crossed my mind a couple of weeks ago.
I've kept it in reserve as other topics came to the fore, but I'm sneaking it in this week, and it's about a woman's favourite colour, which we all know is yellow...
'What's that?' I hear you cry, 'a woman's colour is surely pink!'
Yes, you'd be right, I just thought I'd say it was yellow to start the topic off!
I'm not even sure how the idea came to me, but I've long since given up trying to wonder how many of my thoughts come to me!
I think this one was as I saw a right bruiser of a woman walking down the road.
She was built to last I can assure you - I'm not mentioning sport this week, but I would say that she'd probably give some of those women shot putters a run for their money...
What made me smile was that she was a vision in pink - hardly a surprise since pink is a woman's favourite colour.
So why is that?
Well pink is the favourite of most women because it's the favourite of most girls, and the reason for that?
Because they are told so!
Let's face it, when the little buggers are still sloshing about the womb, they can hear everyone getting the nursery ready with pink this, pink that - god forbid you decorate the nursery in blue if you know it's a girl on the way!
When the baby's born, she gets covered from head to baby booties in pink, and apart from looking very sweet, it further tells the female subconscious mind that pink is where it's at!
Then all the shops are full of pink, pink clothes, pink toys, pink bikes, pink ipods, and so on.
The end result of this is the kind of shot-putting-wouldn't-want-to-meet-down-a-dark-avenue-but-drenched-in-pink vision that I saw the other day.
I nearly pulled over and told her, but I was too scared.
Of course this kind of observation is further proof if ever it was needed, that the subconscious is a powerful force, and that it's a force that can be changed, by simply recognising the original way it was trained, and then giving it a new training!
It's a powerful tip, can make great sweeping changes in your life if you grasp it - I cover more tips like this in my book, link below!
Ok, that's it for today, next time you see a woman in pink, you can smile and think about the training you give your own subconscious!
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com/
How to make money from sport:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/sport
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
I hope everything is ok where you are, as we crack into the 3rd, er, 3rd of the year.
It might feel as though the year is coming to a close, but that's nonsense, with a *full third* of 2007 to still pursue your dreams.
Ok, today I want to talk about something that crossed my mind a couple of weeks ago.
I've kept it in reserve as other topics came to the fore, but I'm sneaking it in this week, and it's about a woman's favourite colour, which we all know is yellow...
'What's that?' I hear you cry, 'a woman's colour is surely pink!'
Yes, you'd be right, I just thought I'd say it was yellow to start the topic off!
I'm not even sure how the idea came to me, but I've long since given up trying to wonder how many of my thoughts come to me!
I think this one was as I saw a right bruiser of a woman walking down the road.
She was built to last I can assure you - I'm not mentioning sport this week, but I would say that she'd probably give some of those women shot putters a run for their money...
What made me smile was that she was a vision in pink - hardly a surprise since pink is a woman's favourite colour.
So why is that?
Well pink is the favourite of most women because it's the favourite of most girls, and the reason for that?
Because they are told so!
Let's face it, when the little buggers are still sloshing about the womb, they can hear everyone getting the nursery ready with pink this, pink that - god forbid you decorate the nursery in blue if you know it's a girl on the way!
When the baby's born, she gets covered from head to baby booties in pink, and apart from looking very sweet, it further tells the female subconscious mind that pink is where it's at!
Then all the shops are full of pink, pink clothes, pink toys, pink bikes, pink ipods, and so on.
The end result of this is the kind of shot-putting-wouldn't-want-to-meet-down-a-dark-avenue-but-drenched-in-pink vision that I saw the other day.
I nearly pulled over and told her, but I was too scared.
Of course this kind of observation is further proof if ever it was needed, that the subconscious is a powerful force, and that it's a force that can be changed, by simply recognising the original way it was trained, and then giving it a new training!
It's a powerful tip, can make great sweeping changes in your life if you grasp it - I cover more tips like this in my book, link below!
Ok, that's it for today, next time you see a woman in pink, you can smile and think about the training you give your own subconscious!
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com/
How to make money from sport:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/sport
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
Monday, August 27, 2007
Issue 430 - One Missing Element?
Hi,
I hope Monday finds you well.
I haven't talked about sport in the newsletter for a couple of weeks at least, but since it's a niche I enjoy and profit from, and also provides great self improvement lessons, I'm going to indulge myself today..!
The world athletics championships are taking place in Japan.
Britain is not a world force in athletics, we have the occasional individual who succeeds but no real system in place to indentify and nuture talent.
As a result, our target for the championships is 3 medals.
Not 3 golds, but 3 medals full stop.
We already have one on the board, as Kelly Sotherton won bronze in the heptathlon.
She won bronze in the Olympics 2004, despite a shocking javelin technique, and in the years since, despite several coaches, her javelin is still pretty hopeless.
It's weird, because the 7 events of the heptathlon require lots of technical prowess to go along with strength and natural talent.
The high jump, long jump, shot putt, none of those can be done properly without starting with the basic technique, and while Sotherton has it sorted for those events, she cannot seem to grasp the javelin.
Now obviously I'm not one to talk, if I had a javelin in my hand there would probably be a stabbing incident, more than likely my own ear or foot, but nevertheless it's very strange to me that she has so much problem.
Obviously it's a mental thing, and it just goes to show that even for someone who has obviously got what it takes to master very technical sporting events, a mental block can be a huge thing to overcome (if you let it!).
That's 2 bronze medals she's won at major championships by basically only scoring 6 events while everyone else scores 7, so imagine what she could do if she broke through with the javelin!
Back to the lives of us non athletes, and the lesson is obvious - to succeed in something, we need all the parts to be in place.
You may be great at some of them, but it often only needs one element to be missing, and the whole thing falls apart.
The good news is, that unlike a heptathlon, getting all the pieces in place can often be as simple as finding out what they are and making some easy changes, basic formula following.
It's the kind of thing I talk about in my 4 year old book 'Transform Your Life in 21 Days!'
It's currently priced at $7, but I am considering raising that back up the previous price of $27.
I haven't made a final decision on that yet, but if you haven't though about getting it before, the current $7 is not going to break anyone's bank for a book described as 'motivational magic' and a 'true gem'.
Pop along and see at: http://www.transformyourlifenow.com/
Ok, that's it for today, and I'll leave you with this thought - is there one element you are leaving out that stops you achieving your goals?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the
Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com/
How to make money from sport:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/sport
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank
email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
I hope Monday finds you well.
I haven't talked about sport in the newsletter for a couple of weeks at least, but since it's a niche I enjoy and profit from, and also provides great self improvement lessons, I'm going to indulge myself today..!
The world athletics championships are taking place in Japan.
Britain is not a world force in athletics, we have the occasional individual who succeeds but no real system in place to indentify and nuture talent.
As a result, our target for the championships is 3 medals.
Not 3 golds, but 3 medals full stop.
We already have one on the board, as Kelly Sotherton won bronze in the heptathlon.
She won bronze in the Olympics 2004, despite a shocking javelin technique, and in the years since, despite several coaches, her javelin is still pretty hopeless.
It's weird, because the 7 events of the heptathlon require lots of technical prowess to go along with strength and natural talent.
The high jump, long jump, shot putt, none of those can be done properly without starting with the basic technique, and while Sotherton has it sorted for those events, she cannot seem to grasp the javelin.
Now obviously I'm not one to talk, if I had a javelin in my hand there would probably be a stabbing incident, more than likely my own ear or foot, but nevertheless it's very strange to me that she has so much problem.
Obviously it's a mental thing, and it just goes to show that even for someone who has obviously got what it takes to master very technical sporting events, a mental block can be a huge thing to overcome (if you let it!).
That's 2 bronze medals she's won at major championships by basically only scoring 6 events while everyone else scores 7, so imagine what she could do if she broke through with the javelin!
Back to the lives of us non athletes, and the lesson is obvious - to succeed in something, we need all the parts to be in place.
You may be great at some of them, but it often only needs one element to be missing, and the whole thing falls apart.
The good news is, that unlike a heptathlon, getting all the pieces in place can often be as simple as finding out what they are and making some easy changes, basic formula following.
It's the kind of thing I talk about in my 4 year old book 'Transform Your Life in 21 Days!'
It's currently priced at $7, but I am considering raising that back up the previous price of $27.
I haven't made a final decision on that yet, but if you haven't though about getting it before, the current $7 is not going to break anyone's bank for a book described as 'motivational magic' and a 'true gem'.
Pop along and see at: http://www.transformyourlifenow.com/
Ok, that's it for today, and I'll leave you with this thought - is there one element you are leaving out that stops you achieving your goals?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the
Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com/
How to make money from sport:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/sport
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank
email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
Monday, August 20, 2007
Issue 429 - Get Ready To Run, Kill Or Be Killed
Hi,
I hope everything is ok where you are.
Last week I briefly mentioned the 60 year anniversaty of the partition of India and Pakistan.
I say briefy, because I gave it 3 sentences.
Having watched a documentary about it during the week, I now know a bit more about it than I ever did, and the point I made last week seems worth making again in light of the details.
The British press is often quick to rubbish other countries' foreign policy, most noticeably the US, but the way the British acted in the 1940s is quite staggering when studied.
India was the crown in the British Empire - 350 million people, a mixture of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims all living together under the peaceful British rule.
Hmm...
Let's not forget that the British Empire was gained by force, and it was maintained by force.
It's true that the communities did live together, but that was mainly due to the fact that if they didn't the British would come and sort it out, with force again.
After the 2nd World War, the movement for Independence in India gathered pace, with some people wanting a united India, and some wanting a seperate nation for the musim population.
It's quite possible that the British would have just kept control, but the war had left us all but bankrupt, and it was clear that we just didn't have the money to maintain control - Britain was war ravaged, and in no position to start hiking up taxes to pay for it either.
That's probably why independence was accepted.
Once it became clear that Britain would be leaving, the question rose of how it would be handled, and the religious tensions started to surface, as people living in communities with a majority from an opposing religion started to consider life without the protection of the British army.
As the violence started, it became clear that it wasn't going to stop, and the decision was made to split India up to create Pakistan, a new state for the muslim population.
Instead of quelling the violence it had the opposite effect, as majority communities started to slaughter the minorities before the split.
The British couldn't keep control, and didn't seem to have the desire to, bringing troops home so as not to get involved.
This partition of a country of 350 million woud be a lengthy process you'd think, but in fact it was done in a few months!
A barrister was brought over from England who had never been to India before, and given a few weeks to draw the new border line.
A date was announced for the partition, which again fuelled more violence, and as Pakistan celebrated its' creation, the border hadn't been revealed!
There was no plan to deal with the refugee crisis, with millions being forced to flee for their ives, and simply start walking to other country.
Again because of the lack of British firepower left, these refugee trails themselves became targets for the sectarian violence.
Many hundreds of thousands of innocent people died.
So, wherever you are today, imagine that the community you live in is being divided in 2 months.
There will be a line drawn somewhere down the middle, but you're not told where.
If you're on the wrong side of this unknown line, you'd better be prepared to run, kill or be killed, because those who protect the peace now won't be around.
Your house may well burn, you may find yourself with nothing except the clothes you stand in - nothing left, and no-one to tell you where to go or what to do.
That seemingly unrealistic scenario was all too real for millions of people 60 years ago today - it's seemingly realistic for many of innocents in many parts of the world today too, so if this isn't the case for you, thank your lucky stars.
If you can do what you want, say what you want, go where you want, if you have food and water, make sure you appreciate the abundance, and when you feel like having a moan about things, ask yourself exactly how much more abundance do you need?
It's a point I feel quite strongly about, and I cover it in my book 'Transform Your Life in 21 Days!'
It's one of the simple but powerful changes of mindset which bring huge contentment and empowerment, and I'm proud of it.
Why not get a copy for yourself? It's only $7!
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com/
Ok, that's it for this week, and I'll leave you to consider the huge devastations some people go through.
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com/
How to make money from movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
I hope everything is ok where you are.
Last week I briefly mentioned the 60 year anniversaty of the partition of India and Pakistan.
I say briefy, because I gave it 3 sentences.
Having watched a documentary about it during the week, I now know a bit more about it than I ever did, and the point I made last week seems worth making again in light of the details.
The British press is often quick to rubbish other countries' foreign policy, most noticeably the US, but the way the British acted in the 1940s is quite staggering when studied.
India was the crown in the British Empire - 350 million people, a mixture of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims all living together under the peaceful British rule.
Hmm...
Let's not forget that the British Empire was gained by force, and it was maintained by force.
It's true that the communities did live together, but that was mainly due to the fact that if they didn't the British would come and sort it out, with force again.
After the 2nd World War, the movement for Independence in India gathered pace, with some people wanting a united India, and some wanting a seperate nation for the musim population.
It's quite possible that the British would have just kept control, but the war had left us all but bankrupt, and it was clear that we just didn't have the money to maintain control - Britain was war ravaged, and in no position to start hiking up taxes to pay for it either.
That's probably why independence was accepted.
Once it became clear that Britain would be leaving, the question rose of how it would be handled, and the religious tensions started to surface, as people living in communities with a majority from an opposing religion started to consider life without the protection of the British army.
As the violence started, it became clear that it wasn't going to stop, and the decision was made to split India up to create Pakistan, a new state for the muslim population.
Instead of quelling the violence it had the opposite effect, as majority communities started to slaughter the minorities before the split.
The British couldn't keep control, and didn't seem to have the desire to, bringing troops home so as not to get involved.
This partition of a country of 350 million woud be a lengthy process you'd think, but in fact it was done in a few months!
A barrister was brought over from England who had never been to India before, and given a few weeks to draw the new border line.
A date was announced for the partition, which again fuelled more violence, and as Pakistan celebrated its' creation, the border hadn't been revealed!
There was no plan to deal with the refugee crisis, with millions being forced to flee for their ives, and simply start walking to other country.
Again because of the lack of British firepower left, these refugee trails themselves became targets for the sectarian violence.
Many hundreds of thousands of innocent people died.
So, wherever you are today, imagine that the community you live in is being divided in 2 months.
There will be a line drawn somewhere down the middle, but you're not told where.
If you're on the wrong side of this unknown line, you'd better be prepared to run, kill or be killed, because those who protect the peace now won't be around.
Your house may well burn, you may find yourself with nothing except the clothes you stand in - nothing left, and no-one to tell you where to go or what to do.
That seemingly unrealistic scenario was all too real for millions of people 60 years ago today - it's seemingly realistic for many of innocents in many parts of the world today too, so if this isn't the case for you, thank your lucky stars.
If you can do what you want, say what you want, go where you want, if you have food and water, make sure you appreciate the abundance, and when you feel like having a moan about things, ask yourself exactly how much more abundance do you need?
It's a point I feel quite strongly about, and I cover it in my book 'Transform Your Life in 21 Days!'
It's one of the simple but powerful changes of mindset which bring huge contentment and empowerment, and I'm proud of it.
Why not get a copy for yourself? It's only $7!
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com/
Ok, that's it for this week, and I'll leave you to consider the huge devastations some people go through.
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com/
How to make money from movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
Monday, August 13, 2007
Issue 428 - Elvis Spotted On Space Station?
Hi,
I hope Monday finds you well.
Last week I mentioned that Barbara Morgan would be going into space on the shuttle, more than 20 years after she commited to that goal.
As I type she's up there now, working away on the Space Station, and just to add to the story, one of her crewmates is Tracey Caldwell, and she cites Morgan and Christa McAuliffe as her inspiration to be an astronaut!
A great lesson that if you feel inspired by someone, you *can* choose to do the same, and get the same results!
A couple of anniversaries this month the partition of India and Pakistan, and the death of Elvis.
Well I say the death of Elvis, because it's said he died 30 years ago, Aug 16th 1977.
I was 11 at the time and can remember the hoopla about it.
One of my favourite song titles is 'There's A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis.'
I say one of, because how can that compare to another favourite, 'She Got The Goldmine, I Got The Shaft'?
Elvis changed the music industry and made a huge cultural impact.
He didn't do it deliberately either, he just followed his feelings.
He used to get into a lot of trouble before he ever made a record, with his long hair, and eyeliner!
He just went with what felt right for him - it just happened to lead to worldwide superstardom and an eternal place in history.
It also led to a drug-addled premature death at 42, so following your passions always needs to be done like anything else, with the ability to keep a rational view about things!
Go back a further 30 years to August 1947, and 200 years of British rule came to an end in India, with the partition of the country to form the new state of Pakistan.
The partition was made along, you guessed it, religious lines, and led to huge rioting and chaos, over 500,000 people died.
60 years later, and the relationship between India and Pakistan is tense at best, with nuclear ingredients making it a cause to concern all of us.
I live in a peaceful country, I have done all my life.
I've never known war or oppression.
I hope you haven't either, and as you read this, give thanks for that - appreciate the abundance you enjoy by accident of birth.
Next time you think you can't do things, or that you are 'trapped', that you don't have opportunity, think of people who *are* oppressed or live their life in war conditions.
Remember Elvis, and be brave to follow your passions like he did.
Be inspired by astronaut Tracey Caldwell, who was herself inspired by her crew mate Barbara Morgan.
Ok, thats it for today - where does your personal inspiration come from?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com/
How to make money from movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
I hope Monday finds you well.
Last week I mentioned that Barbara Morgan would be going into space on the shuttle, more than 20 years after she commited to that goal.
As I type she's up there now, working away on the Space Station, and just to add to the story, one of her crewmates is Tracey Caldwell, and she cites Morgan and Christa McAuliffe as her inspiration to be an astronaut!
A great lesson that if you feel inspired by someone, you *can* choose to do the same, and get the same results!
A couple of anniversaries this month the partition of India and Pakistan, and the death of Elvis.
Well I say the death of Elvis, because it's said he died 30 years ago, Aug 16th 1977.
I was 11 at the time and can remember the hoopla about it.
One of my favourite song titles is 'There's A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis.'
I say one of, because how can that compare to another favourite, 'She Got The Goldmine, I Got The Shaft'?
Elvis changed the music industry and made a huge cultural impact.
He didn't do it deliberately either, he just followed his feelings.
He used to get into a lot of trouble before he ever made a record, with his long hair, and eyeliner!
He just went with what felt right for him - it just happened to lead to worldwide superstardom and an eternal place in history.
It also led to a drug-addled premature death at 42, so following your passions always needs to be done like anything else, with the ability to keep a rational view about things!
Go back a further 30 years to August 1947, and 200 years of British rule came to an end in India, with the partition of the country to form the new state of Pakistan.
The partition was made along, you guessed it, religious lines, and led to huge rioting and chaos, over 500,000 people died.
60 years later, and the relationship between India and Pakistan is tense at best, with nuclear ingredients making it a cause to concern all of us.
I live in a peaceful country, I have done all my life.
I've never known war or oppression.
I hope you haven't either, and as you read this, give thanks for that - appreciate the abundance you enjoy by accident of birth.
Next time you think you can't do things, or that you are 'trapped', that you don't have opportunity, think of people who *are* oppressed or live their life in war conditions.
Remember Elvis, and be brave to follow your passions like he did.
Be inspired by astronaut Tracey Caldwell, who was herself inspired by her crew mate Barbara Morgan.
Ok, thats it for today - where does your personal inspiration come from?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com/
How to make money from movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
Monday, August 06, 2007
Issue 427 - How Many Years Would You Give To A Goal?
Hi,
I hope everything is ok where you are.
I had already decided what this issue would be about, when something popped through my letterbox which tied in nicely, so here goes...
You'll remember, (and my legs certainly do!) that to mark hitting 40 I set the goal of training and running my first marathon, aiming at the London race.
The places are decided by ballot, and I missed out, so decided to just do a marathon on the same time and date by myself around my local streets.
I finished with a time of 5 hour 45, which is no firework worthy time, but a good achievement I am proud of.
This weekend I got the entry form in the post for the 2008 race!
I've decided to send it off - who knows, I might get in this year.
To be honest I'm not fussed if I never run another marathon, it's a sodding long way, but the opportunity to apply is there, and maybe my original goal will transpire a year later than I thought.
By the way I also found out that 2008 is the centenary of the modern marathon.
I knew that at the London Olympics in 1908 the distance of 26 miles was extended so the finish was in front of the Royal Box, but I also found out the start was extended so the Royal children could watch it it Windsor Castle!
Of course in those days the British Empire covered probably 25% of the planet.
Not any more...
This week also sees the delayed achievement of a goal, but this time the dealy is over 20 years!
The Space Shuttle Endeavour is set for launch on Wednesday, and one of the crew is Barbara Morgan.
I've mentoned Eileen Collins in space, I've mentioned Suni Williams in space, and this time it's Barbara.
She was the standby for the teacher-in-space program, which saw Christa McAuliffe and the rest of the Challenger crew perish a few seconds after launch.
Obviously that set the shuttle program back years, as did the Columbia accident, and Morgan has been waiting for her space flight for 20 years.
Certainly if you're going to give 20 years to a goal, it has to be a way of life, and Morgan's been a NASA employee for that time, with the associated life changes that brought.
Sometimes goals do take longer than planned, in fact they *often* do.
It's how you react when the timescale changes which dictates whether your goal will happen or not, patience and acceptance are essential parts of the formula.
Ok, that's it for today, watch out for Endeavour's launch, see Barbara Morgan achieve a goal after 20 years, and consider if you're really giving your goals enough time before you give up?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com/
How to make money from movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
I hope everything is ok where you are.
I had already decided what this issue would be about, when something popped through my letterbox which tied in nicely, so here goes...
You'll remember, (and my legs certainly do!) that to mark hitting 40 I set the goal of training and running my first marathon, aiming at the London race.
The places are decided by ballot, and I missed out, so decided to just do a marathon on the same time and date by myself around my local streets.
I finished with a time of 5 hour 45, which is no firework worthy time, but a good achievement I am proud of.
This weekend I got the entry form in the post for the 2008 race!
I've decided to send it off - who knows, I might get in this year.
To be honest I'm not fussed if I never run another marathon, it's a sodding long way, but the opportunity to apply is there, and maybe my original goal will transpire a year later than I thought.
By the way I also found out that 2008 is the centenary of the modern marathon.
I knew that at the London Olympics in 1908 the distance of 26 miles was extended so the finish was in front of the Royal Box, but I also found out the start was extended so the Royal children could watch it it Windsor Castle!
Of course in those days the British Empire covered probably 25% of the planet.
Not any more...
This week also sees the delayed achievement of a goal, but this time the dealy is over 20 years!
The Space Shuttle Endeavour is set for launch on Wednesday, and one of the crew is Barbara Morgan.
I've mentoned Eileen Collins in space, I've mentioned Suni Williams in space, and this time it's Barbara.
She was the standby for the teacher-in-space program, which saw Christa McAuliffe and the rest of the Challenger crew perish a few seconds after launch.
Obviously that set the shuttle program back years, as did the Columbia accident, and Morgan has been waiting for her space flight for 20 years.
Certainly if you're going to give 20 years to a goal, it has to be a way of life, and Morgan's been a NASA employee for that time, with the associated life changes that brought.
Sometimes goals do take longer than planned, in fact they *often* do.
It's how you react when the timescale changes which dictates whether your goal will happen or not, patience and acceptance are essential parts of the formula.
Ok, that's it for today, watch out for Endeavour's launch, see Barbara Morgan achieve a goal after 20 years, and consider if you're really giving your goals enough time before you give up?
'Til Next Time,
Health and Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. If you know anyone else who you think would enjoy the Great Gordino Newsletter, please pass it on to them!
Transform Your Life In 21 Days:
http://www.transformyourlifenow.com/
How to make money from movies:
http://www.gordonbryan.com/movies
Grab my free 8 Step Goal Achievement Plan by sending a blank email to:
mailto:transform@getresponse.com
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