Friday, May 31, 2013

How To Create A Powerful Vision For Your Success


Hey Everyone! I found this article about creating a powerful vision for success and thought it would be a great topic to discuss here!

How To Create A Powerful Vision For Your Success

Envision something you have always wanted to do. Go on, take your time. Let yourself go. Is it Snowboarding in the Swiss Alps? Finishing your education? Making a million dollars? Starting your own business? Whatever it is, you can accomplish it, and this can be achieved by first envisioning your dream to be real.  


By creating a vision, you can reach far beyond your material existence, get out of your comfort zone, and imaginatively extend yourself beyond what previously seemed impossible. By going deeper, and understanding yourself better, you create a better balance. The heart and soul are enhanced and you then become more focused on the positive. Most people are focused on what they believe they “can’t” do, and not on what they “can” do. Fear is the paralysis and usually the culprit, and creating a vision can help you overcome this.
Great visionaries like Walt Disney emphasized “If you can dream it, you can do it.” Goethe stated, “whatever you are able to do or dream you can initiate it. Boldness has magic, genius, and strength. Start now!” Michelangelo said, “The biggest threat for many of us is not that our goals are too high and we might miss them, but they are too low and we may reach them.” The list of words of wisdom can go on infinitely. There has been great minds throughout the centuries that have learned the secret of seeing the invisible and creating a vision. In fact, it would be impossible for them to achieve their dreams without envisioning them first.

What is a vision for success?

- A vision is something like a mirage in the mind. A state you want manifested into your outer world.
- The idea becomes a conviction after your “will” joins in to support the idea.
- Fine tuning and expounding the concept with the will and intentions to achieve the perceived idea are what creates the vision.
The vision is the expression of a much wished for future, that is better than what exists now or of what is projected to subsist in the future.

Why Develop a Vision?

- Every decision and choice we make has consequences. Without a clear vision, we fall short of having the quality of life we desire.
- Our visions must be strong and steady in order to manifest what we truly desire. Weak visions lead to an imbalanced life.
- Visions not based on our “inner self” are not satisfying and empowering.
- Clear vision leads to fulfillment, purpose, and brings meaning into our lives.
- An unclear vision leads to vulnerability to “whatever” happens, staying true to your vision will make things happen better than you ever thought possible.

Expanding Your Vision

The initial step of a vision becoming a reality is well, by envisioning. In other words, the focus of your vision has no apparent reality on the material plane. Some people call this faith. Not creating a vision is like walking around with your eyes closed, except in the invisible realm your “inner eye” is shut. You cannot go anywhere if you have no place to go to. You must see yourself going somewhere in order to get there! In effect, seeing something in the invisible as “real” manifests the energy in your outer world to eradicate the obstacles that would prevent you from realizing your vision. However, be forewarned. Negative visions can manifest negative results as well. People who are always “envisioning or saving for a rainy day,” eventually have one. “When it rains it pours” is usually the battle cry when misfortune manifests.
If you expand your vision and connect deeply within your inner needs, with the Soul, you will eventually discover an ability to fuse and display visionary creativity. You will become more powerful and charismatic as well. Your relationships will become more sincere, authentic, and energized. Think about it, what do you believe you could accomplish if you perceive it in the invisible, thereby, manifesting the so-called impossible?
A number of highly successful people have claimed to have made a vision board and have recognized it is an important tool for their success. A vision board is usually designed with a big sheet of cardboard that has a collage of different pictures and notes of wants, needs and dreams you wish to fulfill and is usually hung up on your bedroom wall as a reminder of the possibilities that are out there and is also a great visual aid for envisioning your hopes and dreams. This is a great way to reinforce the vision and direction in your mind so that you can be more sure of reaching your dreams.
Cut out a picture of your favorite car, your dream holiday destination, your company logo, a picture of some money etc… and add that to your vision board. Make it appealing as possible so that you will be inspired when looking at it every morning and evening.
I have one myself and find that a vision board has been my savior when I lose sight of my dreams and has been a great inspiration for me when I forget how good things can be in life if I just hang in there.
I have my moments of low motivation also, believe it or not, and nothing is wrong with that, sometimes our body is trying to tell us to slow down and balance out a little, but when it is time to perform you have to really have a strong reason behind WHY you must succeed in what you are doing, that will be the key to finding your motivation.
Write it down and create an eye pleasing visual of the reason why you must succeed, and make it a MUST, not a should or a maybe.

Create a Vision: Start by Dreaming

Creating A Vision For Success- Think about who will participate in the vision.
- Suggest, dream, and envisage.
- Concentrate on positive things. Things that create a sense-of-purpose and meaning to life.
- Do not limit your vision to appearances. Visions go beyond what is in front of you and reaches beyond the three-dimensional world.
- Visions are not limited by needs, but the needs are determined by the vision.

The Power of the Mind and The Placebo Effect

Without a doubt, many of you have heard of the placebo effect. A substance or some other treatment is given to a person that looks like standard medicine, but it is not. It is really a fake identical looking substance that is not a medicine. The person receiving the placebo is not aware whether the treatment is genuine or not.
Although placebos are not actually reacting to the ailment, one out of three individuals claims to have a reaction to the fake medicine. When a person’s symptoms change due to this “fake remedy,” it is called the “Placebo Effect.” However, sometimes the effect can go in the opposite direction and patients believe that the “fake medicine” is causing disagreeable or worse symptoms. This is known as the “Nacebo Effect“.
What it all boils down to is the power of the mind to heal or destroy through the power of imagination. The NCCAM, National-Center-for-Complementary-and-Alternative-Medicine, a branch of the National Institute of Health states yes, “there is significant proof,” that the mind can have a positive influence on mental functioning and quality of life.”
Carl T. Javert, a holistic doctor now deceased, believed that illnesses were frequently psychosomatically brought about by emotional stress. He assisted women during pregnancy to supervise their problems and difficulties in order to prevent miscarriages and other impediments. With the placebo effect, an individual experiences what they “expect to happen.” If the expectation is to feel better or worse, either could occur. The placebo in itself had nothing to do with the effects directly. However, the person’s “belief” helped to change the outcome.
Imagine harnessing that tremendous power of the mind and envisioning an outcome so strongly that it transcends your material surroundings. A very famous actor did just that. He did not have much, but plenty of talent and faith, before experiencing a very successful acting career. He wrote himself a check for $10,000,000 and post-dated it for 10 years later, hoping he would be able to eventually cash it. That actor is Jim Carrey, one of the most famous comedic actors in the world!

The Power of a Vision

The power of a vision permits us to see beyond our present condition. The power to visualize was given to us for a reason. We are able to manifest our miniature worlds within the colossal world we call earth. Through vision we can dream, create, and manifest what does not yet exist. However, the vision must hold steady to the true and the good. If we want positive results, we must hold true to a positive outcome. The vision must be powerful enough to create a conviction so strong within, that it cannot be shattered regardless of appearances.
Some would say vision is nothing but good ole’ faith under a pseudo name, and this might be true. If one wants to call it faith by all means, do so. Whatever works is fine. Think of your vision in the same way as a diet. In order for your diet to work, you must stick with it. You must think about how much better you will feel and look by staying with that diet, this is the exact same way the “power of vision works.” It works through determination, commitment, and faith.
By Joel on April 29, 2013

Saturday, May 25, 2013

5 Great Historical Figures That Every Entrepreneur Should Study


5 Great Historical Figures That Every Entrepreneur Should Study

By Chad Howse on May 14, 2013
Napoleon Bonaparte
We can learn much about what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur by studying great figures from history.
Below are 5 that possessed attributes that made them great during their time. Attributes that will also help us find success today.




Napoleon Bonaparte

Acquiring Knowledge
Napolean BonaparteKnowledge is power. No one demonstrated, or knew this better than Napoleon Bonaparte. At the time of his birth, a person’s future was practically laid out for them depending on what class they were born in to.
Napoleon wasn’t born into a family of wealth or prestige, actually the opposite. He was born on the conquered island of Corsica, to a family with no influence or power, yet he grew to become the most powerful man on the planet.

How did Napoleon do this?
While his classmates at college partied, Napoleon read. Books became his love, the object of his affection. His lust for knowledge eventually served him on the battlefield. Napoleon’s ability to size up a battle and determine the best way to defeat the enemy was uncanny because it was as if he’d seen every battle formation that ever existed in the books he’d read. Nothing could trick him, and no one could out maneuver him.

How does this help the entrepreneur?
We can’t simply do the work, we also need to learn and educate ourselves. We need to understand our message, our goal, and the best possible way to accomplish it.
A large portion of our hustle should be given to the acquiring of knowledge. The more we know, the better equipped we are to find success.

Thomas Edison

Perseverance 
Thomas EdisonThomas Edison failed more than 10,000 times in his attempt to create the light bulb. He, however, didn’t see those failures as failures, but rather as positive steps towards his goal.
Every entrepreneur will face failure and tribulation, those who succeed will be those who persist.



Winston Churchill

Sticking To Your Guns
Winston ChurchillWe need to know our core values; those things that we hold most important in life. We also have to follow our gut. When Churchill thought something to be true  – whether it was or not – he stuck to his guns.
The leader of a company needs to do the same, as does the leader of a country, and an entrepreneur. We have a vision, we need to stick to that vision.
Does that mean we don’t listen to others? Of course not. Counsel is always welcome, and neededto get out of a rut, or to see things in a different light. But it’s our vision and dream we’re trying to create, and we need to be in line with our values. As a company grows, it’s easy to move away from our values, but it’s those values that led to growth. And it’s those values that will keep us true to our original vision and purpose.

Theodore Roosevelt

Embracing the Struggle
Theodore RooseveltTeddy Roosevelt accomplished more in his 60 years than many would accomplish in 160. He embraced the strenuous life, as he called it.
Hard work isn’t something Teddy feared, but actively pursued.
As an entrepreneur, hard work needs to be your best friend, and laziness your worst enemy. A life of ease isn’t what an entrepreneur will get, probably ever. They’re always creating, innovating and working. But what you will get is freedom.


William Wallace

Do What Others Think is Impossible
William WallaceBefore the light bulb existed, no one could even comprehend that we could flip a switch that would light up a room. It’s the people that at leasttry the impossible, while others prefer to remain in comfort, that history treats kindly.
William Wallace, in his defiance of tyranny, fought an impossible battle against an enemy too great to defeat. Well, guess what? Wallace’s bravery and courage in the face of an impossible enemy, eventually led to the freedom of his nation.
No matter how great the obstacle, whether it even seems possible, or not, an entrepreneur will do his best to conquer it, and defeat it.
Impossible isn’t in an entrepreneur’s vocabulary. Keep that in mind. Whatever you’re doing right now, no matter how rough the road may seem, nothing is impossible. An entrepreneur is simply here to show the rest of us this universal truth.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

3 Tips for Surviving as a First Time Manager



Hello Everyone!
I saw a great article on Forbes that talks about being a first time manager- I hope you guys get some good tips from here that will help you transition into the management role.


3 Tips for Surviving as a First Time Manager by Bill Gentry
Your first management job is a big win – a sign that you’ve done something right in your career. It’s also the first time that your success is completely tied to the performance of other people.
Those other people are your former peers, maybe even your current friends, and everyone feels a little weird now that you’re the boss.
Some of those other people have more experience and longer tenure at the company. At least one of them probably wanted the promotion, too – and isn’t too happy to be working for you.
Most likely, a few of your direct reports are much older than you. And I guarantee your team won’t be made up of people who think exactly like you, work just like you and act completely like you.
So what’s a first-time manager to do? If you’re lucky, you have an awesome boss, a company with a big training budget, and some wise mentors to help you figure out what you need to learn and how to learn it. Meanwhile, I offer three strategies to help you survive the first-time manager blues and boost your ability to be an effective leader.
It’s Not Me, It’s You.
Ever been dumped before? I bet the excuse you heard was “It’s not you, it’s me.” One of the simplest strategies to becoming an effective leader is to switch a couple of those words and adopt the following: “It’s not me, it’s you.”
When you’re promoted to a management job, the pressure is on. It’s tempting to be self-absorbed in your efforts to prove your value. That’s what got you promoted in the first place. But that’s the opposite of what you should do as a first-time manager. Instead, consider the other person’s perspective, needs, interests, skills and preferences. This simple mindset shift will go a long way toward working through the challenges of your new role.
As soon as you are promoted, get on the calendar of each of your direct reports to have an individual meeting that is all about them. Find out during that meeting what motivates them, what they like about their work, how they like to be led and what questions they have. Then talk about your vision for the group and how they can be a part of it.
When you start to figure out how to influence and communicate and motivate people in a way they care about – not just the way that is easy for you – you’ll start to be more effective as a leader.
Mentor others for a double win.
Mentoring has its benefits, usually for the one being mentored. But Center for Creative Leadership research has shown that mentoring can also benefit the manager who does the mentoring.
Managers who provide career-related mentoring to their direct reports by providing sponsorship, coaching and challenge are actually rated as better performers in their job by their boss.
Refer back to the “It’s not me, it’s you” approach and have regular check-in meetings with all of your direct reports every month or two. Give regular feedback – both positive and constructive. Mentoring others helps you become more effective and efficient in your own job. You gain information and support, expand your power base and reputation, strengthen your credibility and earn respect.
You are 100% the boss, only 50% of the relationship.
When you are the boss, you are always 100 percent the boss. People’s eyes are always on you, whether you know it or not. They are looking at what you are doing and what you are not doing. They are interpreting what they see and hear.
Are you inadvertently giving your friends on the team more time and energy than others? Are you unclear about your expectations around the work – or inconsistent about them? Do you struggle to set boundaries? Any of these actions send the message that either you don’t know what you’re doing – or that you are intentionally supporting some people more than others.
But even though you are the boss 100 percent of the time, a relationship between two people takes, yes, two people. You bring 50 percent to it, and the other person brings 50 percent. Too many first-time leaders think they are responsible for the entire 100 percent – in every work relationship. And it can’t be done.
You can do everything you can to be the best boss, but some people will still not be satisfied. You cannot “make” people act a certain way or insist that they agree with or like your decisions. You have no control over what others feel about you. All you really have control over are your own thoughts, ideas, behaviors and actions. Your job is to make sure your 50 percent is right – and let the rest go.

Friday, May 10, 2013

3S Enterprises Awarded for Being "Best Place to Work"

We are proud to be named one of the best places to work in the DC area by the Washington Business Journal! Sers Sterlin, CEO/Founder, was invited to accecpt the award and speak on behalf of the company yesterday.

3S Best Place to Work

Monday, May 6, 2013

3S will participate in the Savage Race!

Hey Everyone,
We are going to have a team in this year's "Savage Race". It's a 5-6 mile obstacle course that will have fire, mud, and other crazy challenges! The event will be on July 20th- let the training begin!

Savage Race

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Three People to Surround Yourself With

I found this list and thought it was a great way to plan for success in our business. We all have someone we look up to and think of as a mentor. I like that being a good coach to someone new will also help you to advance professionally as well.


Three Essential People

A mentor once told me that no matter how many close people you have in your network, if you want to be truly great, you must have three essential people in your life at all times: 

  1. A person who is older and more successful than you to learn from
  2. A person who is equal to you to exchange ideas with
  3. A person below you to coach and keep you energized

A great figure of history who embodied this principle was Aristotle. Aristotle was one of the greatest minds to ever grace this beautiful Earth, but this was only so because he was constantly challenging himself and working to refine his talents. He exchanged ideas with other Greek philosophers in the “Academy,” learned from his mentor Plato, and taught a young boy named Alexander…who would later become “Alexander the Great.”

Every great person was, is, or will be successful because of the company he or she keeps. They will make an impact because of a successful network of driven peers who provide both inspiration and healthy competition.

If you want to be remarkable, you must constantly challenge yourself and surround yourself with remarkable people. So think about what your goals are, and take a look around you. Do you need to write a “make or break” list? Do you have the kind of people who are going to lead you to live the life of your dreams?

Don’t join an easy crowd. Go where the expectations and the demands to perform and achieve are high.” – Jim Rohn