So many of us fail to chase our dreams because we don’t believe we have the background, the resources or the connections to be successful. So we settle on a sure bet or what feels like a piece of security. Yet when we look at others who have built empires out of nothing, we might ask ourself, “Why can’t I use this person as an example of what is possible for me?”

Louise Hay sits at the top of my personal list of examples. In 1976, Louise Hay wrote a small pamphlet which grew into a book she self-published in 1984. With more than 35 million copies in print in over 30 languages, this book, You Can Heal Your Life, now a movie, launched Hay House, the publisher for over 130 authors, including Deepak Chopra and Wayne Dyer.

Louise was born to a poor family, dropped out of high school at age 15, got pregnant at 16 and gave her baby up for adoption. Louise learned much of the principles about the power of your thoughts that she is famous for while recovering from the devastation of her husband of 14 years leaving her for another woman.

Clearly Louise Hay is an example of a self-made success that has contributed greatly to our world. Whether or not you think of yourself as self-help enthusiast, a woman who has overcome hardship to build an empire has insights we can all learn from. I heartily recommend you invest the five minutes to watch this video and receive the wisdom of a legacy.

“Wachovia plans to cut 600 more jobs than previously expected; total now 11,350.” -Yahoo.com August 11, 2008

“Looming job cuts march on-report: The number of job cuts announced in July jumps 26%. Airlines and financial firms top the list, according to monthly study.” -CNNMoney.com August 4, 2008

“Deepening Cycle of Job Loss seen lasting into ‘09.” -New York Times July 2, 2008

Economic change and political transition are everywhere in America right now. Looming layoffs, election hopes, and uncertainty of our country’s direction have produced a paranoia amongst Americans for the health and welfare of their futures.

Make Yourself Invaluable

1. Your work ethic is the best way to keep your job, if you really enjoy your work, by making yourself an asset that your company can not live without. Be invaluable.

2. Be versatile to the point where you can do your job with a high level of expertise as well as other valuable jobs within your organization. If layoffs come, the person with the largest skill set is often in the best position to remain unscathed.

3. Ask for more responsibility, more work, and do it now. Make sure your positive attitude is seen as a benefit to the organization. Don’t remain undercover; instead be your own PR person.

Increase Your Expertise

4. Read cover-to-cover your industry trade publications, online resources, and niche blogs within your industry.

5. Read as many books as possible about related subjects.

6. Take classes and workshops for hands-on training and comprehension.

7. Utilize the Internet search engines for extensive research.

8. Attend trade shows and industry conferences.

9. Join organizations, professional associations, and niche specific networking groups.

A reduction in your income may impact many things, including how you perceive yourself, whether you are conscious of it or not. If you have prided yourself on financial success, your ability to feel good about yourself may be impacted as you battle a tough economy.

How to manage this challenge:

1. Remember that a successful life is not all about the money. Look for other non-monetary ways to define success.

• Are you helping people?

• Are you growing as an individual?

• What are you contributing to your community or to the world that does not involve money?

2. Look back on your life to periods when you weren’t making as much money as you are now. Believe that you have the capability to increase your income level once again.

• Is this an opportunity to start something new that could lead you to a better place?

www.innerarchitect.com

The answer to the question: If you could have dinner with anyone in history who would you choose just changed for me. My choice would be Randy Pausch; but unfortunately that will not be possible.The Carnegie Mellon Professor, and Author of the remarkable and inspiring book “Last Lecture”, fought to the end but lost his battle with cancer passing away at the age of 47.

Life Pioneer

Randy Paush was a life pioneer, an inner architect of the truest sense, who valued and coveted his time here like nobody I have ever witnessed. You can not help but be touched or greatly effected by Randy Pausch. If you watch his greatest triumph (video below) the last lecture the youtube video of his final lecture “Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” performed September 18, 2007 before a packed house at Carnegie Mellon University, you begin to understand the message: live life, embrace your obstacles, and triumph through your will

Please watch and embrace this video-it will be the best hour you have ever invested!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo]