BEING DISCIPLINED!

Discipline is nothing more than the process of focusing on any chosen activity without interruption until that activity is done. Discipline is something you do and not something you have.

To become what others refer to as a disciplined person required only that you “do discipline” over and over again as a conscious act until it becomes a habit.

Discipline is all of the following:

1. The process of total time control.

2. The ability to stay focused on your chosen action path without detour, distraction, or interruption.

3. The ability to keep all agreements with yourself and others without blame, excuses, or caving in to obstacles.

4. The ability to show up on time, every time.

5. The ability to complete important personal or business projects on schedule, even on budget.

6. Ability to keep your mind, body, and emotions in balance, no matter what’s going on around you-even if it produces fear, anxiety, embarrassment or guilt.

7. The power to keep going forward when everything around you seems to be pulling back.

Discipline generates trust and confidence in yourself and attracts trust and confidence from others. The constant act of discipline magnifies your power to accomplish things.

Are you disciplined?

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

EFFICIENCY VERSUS EFFECTIVENESS !

Efficiency is the process of staying busy at all times, with no idle moments. Effectiveness is the process of producing the maximum results in the minimum time, with the minimum effort.

Efficiency, therefore, is not the key to getting more done. Have you ever had a day when your\ were so busy you didn’t get anything done? The feeling is a trademark of efficiency-lots of action, but lack of results.

The objective is to produce results with minimum time and effort, not maximum busyness and hard work. We all need to learn to work smart!

By transforming efficiency into effectiveness you will discover the following:

1. Every action has a purpose.
2. Interruptions are consciously eliminated.
3. Rushed motion gives way to rational movement.
4. Unbalancing surprises become a thing of the past.
5. You are seldom caught off guard.
6. Your life is planned, stress free, and seldom behind schedule.
7. Excuses for being late are left behind.
8. Deadlines are met.
9. Your life and your time line are under control.

Not all of your daily activities are of equal importance. Your mission is to organize and prioritize all activities into a working plan. You then work your plan from the highest priority activities to the low priority activities, until all are complete or you run out of time at the end of the day.

However, it is the number of priority activities that you complete that is important and ultimately determines your level of success. Use the 20/80 rule to prioritize your list of what is most important.

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

THE 20/80 RULE!

T
To increase our effectiveness this is a good rule to follow. Ever hear of it? 20% of the activities that you could choose to spend your time on will produce 80% of the results you are after.

Conversely, 80% of your possible activities will produce only 20% of the results you are after. This should get your attention. Just 20% of your activities will take you on the path to reaching your goals, whatever they may be.

The key is to identify the 20% of activities that are necessary and that are a priority. Once this is done, you need to spend the majority of your time and energy on those tasks.

It would be a waste of your time, talent, and energy to spend time on anything not in the top 20% of the activities on your list, at least until that 20% has been totally completed and that’s the point.

Applying the 20/80 rule also reduces the stress that often occurs when you feel like you are getting behind or just aren’t producing enough results for the time and effort you are expending.

With the application of the 20/80 rule, you will have learned to compress time-to accomplish in one day what previously would have required you two, four, or even ten days to accomplish.

Think about it and prioritize!

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

ARE YOU LISTENING?

A good listener is more appreciated than a good talker. That is because a good listener always allows people to hear their favorite speaker: themselves!

Being a good listener is not an accident. Some things to consider:

1. Always look at the person who is talking. Anybody worth listening to is worth looking at.

2. Lean forward as you are listening. This forces you to concentrate on what is being said.

3. Ask questions! This lets the talker know that you are eager to hear what he has to say.

4. Stick to the speaker’s subject and don’t interrupt. Don’t change the subject to something you are interested in.

5. Use the speaker’s words: you and your not me, my, and mine.

These are nothing more than common courtesy. This will pay off for you as you are listening. Hey, you might just probably learn something!

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

ARE YOU AGREEABLE?

If you want to be skillful in human relations this is a must! Nothing will help you more in your lifetime than learning to be agreeable.

Any fool can argue and disagree with people but is takes a wise main to agree-particularly when the other person is wrong.

Get yourself in a frame of mind and attitude of being agreeable. This doesn’t mean than you disregard your morals or put up with something you know is blatantly wrong, it’ s how you approach the matter and that person.

Let people know which points that you agree with them on. Do not tell people that you disagree with them unless this is absolutely necessary. If you don’t agree with them it doesn’t mean that you have to argue with them.

Admit it when you’re wrong. The average person will lie, deny, or alibi! Don’t argue! Nobody wins an argument.

You will run into people that are fighters-they are looking for a fight. Refuse to fight with them. Keep your mouth shut, as much as this may be difficult.

Remember: People like those who agree with them, people dislike those that disagree with them, and people don’t like being disagreed with.

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

MAKING PEOPLE FEEL IMPORTANT !

1. Listen to them: Refusal to listen to people is the surest way of making them feel unimportant and of rating them a nobody. Listening to them is the best way to make them feel important.

2. Applaud and compliment them: When they deserve it.

3. Use their names as often as possible: Call people by their names as often as possible and they will appreciate you for it.

4. Use their words: You and Your, not I, me, mine.

5. Acknowledge people who are waiting to see you: If they are in line or you are talking to someone else, make sure you let them know that you have seen them. You are putting them first.

6. Pay attention to everybody in a group: Not just the leader or spokesperson.
Good points to ponder!

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

BEST WAY TO TALK TO PEOPLE!

What is the most important thing people want to talk about? I, me, my, mine= me, myself, and I.

Talk about the other person. You can’t go wrong. Most people when they are in a conversation are focused only on themselves. You need to be actively focused on other people and make them # 1.

If you give up the satisfaction you get from talking about yourself and focus on the other person, you will find that you will have more influence.

People love to talk about themselves and you should let them. That’s how you become a better conversationalist.

Most of us are not effective when talking with others because we keep busy thinking and talking about ourselves. The thing to remember is that it is not how you like your remarks and subject, it is how your listeners like them.

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE: PART I

Success in life involves getting along with people. It’s amazing how many smart, hardworking people lose out in life in jobs and businesses due to the fact that they have little or no people skills.

Understanding people and human nature simply involves recognizing people for what they are-not what you think they are nor what you want them to be.

People are primarily interested in themselves and not in you! The other person is 10 thousand times more interested in himself that he is in you. And vice versa! You are more interested in yourself than any other person in the world.

Men’s actions are motivated by self thought and self interest. Do you find this too harsh? You don’t have to be embarrassed by this, it’s just human nature.

Knowing this should help you in your dealings with other people. The focus is on the other person, not on you. I have found that all I need to do to start a conversation is ask the other person how he is doing. Normally, 30 minutes later they are still talking!

This is a key of life. Be more interested in other people than yourself if you want to succeed!

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

HUMAN INSIGHTS FOR SUCCESS: HOW WE RETAIN INFORMATION !

We retain information the following way:

1. 10% of what we read.

2. 20% of what we hear.

3. 30% of what we see.

4. 50% of what we see and hear.

5. 70% of what we say as we talk.

6. 90% of what we say as we do a thing.

How would the above apply to you? I do a lot of reading. I should be reading out loud. How about you?

Looking at the 90%, we should all be talking as we are doing a task that we want to retain information on. This applies to all aspects of our lives!

I am attempting to upgrade my computer skills. What I plan on doing is to talk to myself as I am learning a new program. If you are teaching someone, have them verbally repeat what they are doing.

I hope you are enjoying these short tidbits of information that we all need to internalize.

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

HUMAN INSIGHTS FOR SUCCESS: HOW WE LEARN!

The following are insights all of us need to be aware of. We learn the following way:

1. 83% through sight.

2. 11% through hearing.

3. 3 ½ % through smell.

4. 1 ½ % through touch.

5. 1% through taste.

Does the above surprise you? As a parent, this is sobering. It’s not what we necessary say that is important; it is what our children see us doing. If you smoke and tell your children “don’t smoke” guess what?

We learn predominantly by seeing. If you are a businessperson this means that your employees will learn more by observation; especially observing you!

We normally think that hearing is the most important. That is why some of us talk more than we should. A visual presentation therefore, will be much more productive.

Keep this in mind the next time you want to learn something or you are teaching something.

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

SAVING AS A WAY OF LIFE

Whether you are a W-2 employee or a business person it makes sense to develop the savings habit. Consider the following:

1. Auto and Home Insurance: You will be surprised at the difference in rates if you do your homework. I have saved thousands over the years by comparing every 1-2 years.

2. ATM fees: There is no reason to pay these. Find a bank that reimburses these fees. I have.

3. Don’t pay for a checking account. This is foolish.

4. Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate! There is no final price until you say so!

5. Watch for sales. I was going through a Walmart the other day and saw summer shirts for $3. I bought three!

6. Pay less at the grocery store. Use coupons. Coupons you may say! Yes! Plan ahead. Don’t buy name brands, you pay more for nothing.

7. Utilities. Adjust your thermostats summer and winter. This can decrease costs by 3-5%.

8. Only use basic phone service and use a calling card for long distance.

9. Limit eating out. You’ll save money not only on food but on clothing. (You won’t be gaining unnecessary weight!)

10. If you have a mortgage, pay an extra 10% every month. This is equivalent to paying an extra months payment.

Money saved is money earned.

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

MULTIPLE STREAMS OF INCOME PART IV

Let’s review the different ways of producing income:

1. Employment: Earning money in a job, working for someone else.
2. Self-Employment: Making money working for yourself.
3. Business owner: Producing income with a business system.
4. Investor: Producing income with money.

Ideally you need to have at least two of the above in operation to be on a sound financial footing. No category is better than the other, just different.

I have chosen to build businesses, as this works best for me with my interests, aptitude, character, and temperament. The world of business is focused on taking a calculated risk and requires financial literacy, and leadership. It utilizes the principle of leverage and brings economic freedom.

The best way to learn business skills is to start with a solid multilevel business model. A company that has been around for at least 20 years and is doing over a Billion dollars worth of business per year. There should be no need to inventory any products and you should be able to recoup your initial investment in a few months.

What you will learn in this type of industry is priceless regardless if you commit to this on a long term basis. Look at it as an education that does not require you to go back to school. You will be working with mentors who will guide you along the way.

There are also Internet businesses that have good potential. However, this is like walking into a mine field. There is a lot of hype and scams. You must do your due diligence.

Just remember, there is no free lunch and ever y successful business venture will require lots of hard work and persistence and the efforts are well worth it.

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

MULTIPLE STREAMS OF INCOME: PART III

Real wealth building begins once you are out of debt. Believe me living debt free is the best thing you can do. A lot of financial gurus will tell you to borrow money to build assets, using other’s people’s money. I don’t agree. Most people do not have the financial expertise to fully understand the down side to borrowing money to build assets. Just ask all the people who borrowed to buy real estate as an investment and now are losing their properties.

An investor defines an asset differently from a lender. To investors, an asset produces income or its earnings are reinvested and increase in value. A lender defines an asset as anything you own, such as equity in your home. Liabilities to an investor are things that produce negative cash flow.

That is why your home is actually a liability. Your goal is to minimize the cost as much as possible. Once your home is paid off, you still have taxes, insurance, utility costs, and maintenance costs.

The lender considers your home an asset because it is generating income for him!

Paying off a debt early is like getting a return on that money.

So what type of assets should you be looking for? It has a lot to do with your tolerance for risk. There is an abundance of books, videos, and websites available that discuss mutual funds, real estate, and all types of businesses.

If you look at the stock market it is not hard to see that the so called experts have no clue either. To me the stock market is like going to Las Vegas. The house has all the upside. My opinion.

Real estate? A lot of people have become millionaires in real estate and some still do and will do. For me, I don’t have the patience for this.

My choice is building businesses and leveraging the power of people. More to come!

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

MULTIPLE STREAMS OF INCOME: PART II

If you want income that is not totally based on your performance you need to move to Level Two, which involves income that works for you!

Let’s review the priorities for income:

1. Tithe/offerings.
2. Saving
3. Living expenses
4. Asset building.
5. Seed for investing
6. Foundation wealth

Level Two concerns asset income. Income from an asset that produces income for you. First of all let me stress that your home is not an asset. Why? Because it is draining finances from you. I did an entire blog on this earlier this year. I will not get into more detail on this.

You cannot develop assets if you have not saved. Before developing assets, you need to have 3-6 months of living expenses put aside to weather any type of economic challenge you might face, such as the loss of your primary income.

Asset development can include investments, managed income, and income not worked for. Developing Level Two income requires focused attention to the following:

1. Eliminating all consumer debt.
2. Acquiring assets-things you own that create income:
a) Businesses
b) Real Estate
c) Stocks, bonds, mutual funds
3. First priority is income coming in after all expenses.
4. Appreciation is secondary.
5. Replace employment income.
6. Insure acceleration of capital

We need to leverage something. Some people leverage real estate, some money, some people, some businesses. You need to choose something to leverage. Consumer debt is negative leverage. You are the one being leveraged against.

These will be discussed in more detail. Remember:

1. Pay God.
2. Pay yourself.
3. Pay everyone else.
Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

MUTIPLE STREAMS OF INCOME: PART I

I have talked about this before but I feel it is important enough to revisit. In today’s economy we can safely say that business as usual no longer exists. The entire world’s economy has been adjusted and I believe on a permanent basis. The old rules no longer apply.

No longer can anyone expect to work 30-40 years for an employer and expect a nice pension and appreciation. Can we really rely on the U.S. government for Social Security?

It behooves all of us to take control of our lives and not leave anything to chance.

My personal belief is that retirement does not have a lot of merit. Granted we may want to slow down our activities involved in working as we grow older but I do not see retirement referred to in the Bible.

Our lives evolve and we may be doing something different in our latter years but we still need to be productive and active. Repeated studies have shown that people who retire with no goals, activities and some type of work usually die early.

So what am I getting at? To live a long and productive life we need multiple streams of income.

The first level of income is income you work for. That’s a start. Most people start at this point at some time in their work career. What does this type of income provide:

1. Ability to tithe and give.
2. Ability to build a savings plan.
3. Pay living expenses.
4. Provide for asset building.

Notice that there is a priority in using the income that comes in. Tithing and giving come first. This might be a new concept for you and I will cover this on another post.

Income you work for can also include being self employed income as well and can be further defined as non-leverage income. When you don’t work, you don’t get paid.

If you work at a labor intensive job, it becomes very important to develop multiple streams of income before you get older.

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

WHAT IS STEWARDSHIP: PART II

6. Good stewardsare passionate about faithfulness, persevering through the bad as well as the good times.

a) I Corinthians 4:2: Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

7. Good stewards perform their work for the earthly owners “as unto the Lord.”

a) Ephesians 6:7L With goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.

8. The only motivation good stewards need to perform their task is to please the owner.

a) Hebrews 13:16-17: But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

A steward is one who protects and adds value to the assets placed under their care by the owner. Stewards manage people, property, and resources which belong to another. A steward serves the owner and is accountable to them for the trust which the owner has placed in them.

1. God created everything and is the owner of it all.
2. Man is given responsibility to steward what God has created.
3. Because we were created in God’s image, we are expected to manage His resources in exactly the same way the Lord would manage them Himself.

Are you getting the picture?

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

WHAT IS STEWARDSHIP: PART I

1. Stewardship is knowing the difference between being the owner and being an overseer.

a) Genesis 1:26: Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image according to Our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.

2. Good stewards protect and grow the owner’s assets with passion, commitment, and faithfulness.

a) Luke 19: 16-17: Then came the first saying, “Master, your mina has earned ten minas.” And he said to him, “Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.”

3. Promotion is determined by how we manage the small things we are entrusted with.

a) Luke 16: 12: And if you have been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?

4. Good stewardship is built on the foundation of trust and integrity.

a) Proverbs 11:1: Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is His delight.

5. Stewards welcome evaluation and accountability, and understand these will make them better stewards.
a) Luke 19:15: And so it was when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded those servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained in trading.

How are you doing so far?

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

THOUGHTS ON OWNERSHIP AND STEWARDSHIP!

The following is adapted from ‘Making Cents”.

1. We are stewards. God is the owner
a) The earth is the LORD’S, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. Psalm 24:1

2. We are called to stay busy, occupying until HE comes.
a) And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. Luke 19:13

3. We are to be found faithful.
a) Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. I Corinthians 4:2

4. We will be held accountable.
a) And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Luke 19:15

Are you an owner or a steward?

Jacques
Creating WealthThatLasts

BE-ATTITUDES FOR SUCCESS: PART II

More thoughts for success:

6. Faithfulness: Faithfulness confirms to others that you believe in God’s purpose for your life.

a) 1 Corinthians 4:2: Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

7. Believing: Be absolutely certain of the possibilities.

a) Mark: 9:23: Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

8. Attitude: Any circumstance, problem, or situation you face will never determine success or failure, but your attitude toward it will.

a) Philippians 4:6: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

9. Focus: The smallest amount of extra efforts can separate the high achievers from the crowd. The difference is focus.

a) Proverbs 4:25-27: Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or left, keep your foot from evil.

10. Goals: Establishing goals will give your focus a target.

a) Isaiah: 32:8: But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands.

Take these to heart for true success!

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

BE-ATTITUDES FOR SUCCESS: PART I

I can’t take credit for the following but they are awesome:

1. Challenge: Challenges are necessary for growth:
a) Psalm: 105:19: Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him.

2. Commitment: Commitment never asks how. It’s what you default to no matter what happens:
a) Ephesians 6:13-14:..and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then.

3. Choice: It is through choice, not chance, that our destiny is determined:
a) Deuteronomy 30:19: I call heaven as a witness today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing, therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.

4. Purpose: Those who know why they are doing something always outperform those who know how:
a) Psalm 138:8: The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me, your love, O LORD, endures forever.

5. Desire: We need to be passionate about it.
a) Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

GREAT STUFF AND MORE TO COME!

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

EVERYBODY NEEDS A FRIEND!

I have spent a few days talking about the power of networks. How do I meet people you might ask? People are everywhere if you haven’t noticed. At the checkout line, at your workplace, in church, at the mall.

We tend to be so busy that we are only involved in our little world of work and life. Saying hi, offering a helping hand, offering a listening ear are ways to engage other people. We don’t need to have any hidden agenda other than to be friendly.

I have developed lasting acquaintances with using the above. Going about our daily lives and being aware of people around us. God has a way of placing people in our lives. We need to be aware and available.

Have you graduated from college or university? They all have alumni clubs that allow people to keep in touch. How about industry associations? What work or profession are you involved in. For years I was a member of the local Lion’s club. I met a wide variety of business people through this organization.

Hobby clubs. This list is almost endless. You name a hobby and there is a high probability that there exists a club where people meet and share ideas.

Get involved, reach out, you will be glad you did.

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

WHAT A NETWORK OF RELATIONSHIPS CAN DO FOR YOU! PART II

1. Networking can help you help others. You have unique gifts, experiences, contacts, etc. that can benefit someone else. Be open to share. Young people need mentors. A lot of organizations are looking for volunteers.

2. Networks can provide job security. As you expand your network, you have people in the know who can advise you of potential job openings or business opportunities. You can have a formal or informal network to advise you of possible jobs. When is the best time to be looking for a new job? When you already have one. You should always be in the looking mode and interviewing. You will meet new people and will be expanding your network.

3. A network can make you look good. Harvey Mackey once said “Your car just drives you to work, your network can make sure you have a job to drive to”. Keep in touch with the members of your network. Send cards, make calls, send emails. Find out what they are doing, maybe you can be of benefit to them. Keep your information current.

4. Networks expand your financial reach. You can barter services for items that you might need. You can obtain expert advice. You are made aware of trends and changes in the market place.

What have you learned over the last two days? You should be expanding your network all the time! For your benefit and the benefit of others.

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts

WHAT A NETWORK OF RELATIONSHIPS CAN DO FOR YOU! PART I

1. Replaces your weakness with strength. With Facebook, Linkden, Twitter, etc we can connect with people of like interests and get input into any type of information we seek. We can develop long term relationships as well. Join the group that has the experts you need.

2. Provides immediate feedback so you don’t have to make needless mistakes. Your network can identify what’s unclear or confusing or simply wrong. Your network can be your sounding board to learn what works and what doesn’t.

3. People in your network can lead you to people in their network. Other people might have leads or know people that can help tackle your particular need. People are usually quick to help if they realize that you value their opinion.

4. A network can help you any place in the world. How many people in your network live out of the country? We are in tune into our little world and people living on another continent might have a different perspective on things. Colleges and universities have students from all over the world. A good place to network and meet new people.

5. A network can provide you with new experiences and knowledge. You will find that people have diverse interests and you become exposed to new ideas, businesses, hobbies, etc. You are expanding your life experiences.

Jacques
CreatingWealthThatLasts