Photo: "Growth is Everywhere"
>> Friday, July 10, 2009
Photo of the Day - July 10, 2009: "Growth is Everywhere" - Photo by Don West, Jr. All Rights Reserved.
Presentation: Understanding Generativity
>> Thursday, July 9, 2009
We are all connected. From one generation to another, life is a continuios chain of learning and living. Generativity is a concept developed by famous psycho-analyst Erik K. Erikson and deals directly with the activities of 'guiding the next generation(s).'
Read more...
Photo - "Metamorphosis"
Photo of the Day - July 8, 2009: "Metamorphisis" - Photo by Don West, Jr. All Rights Reserved.
Faith & Entrepreneurship
When you venture off into the unknown to start your own business enterprise, what is the force that makes you think you will succeed?
You must have strong faith to believe you can fly.Simply put , you have faith! It is an essential pre-cursor element to entrepreneurship. Before I go pontificating about the subject I must give proper credit to my cousin Anita Connors, (http://www.atconnercpa.com/index.html), a CPA in Philadelphia who hipped me to this novel concept. She has built a vastly successful business and produced a documentary of her life story which is a strong example of the principles to be discussed here.
So many people get twisted into knots when you discuss faith, but at its core faith is simply a belief that is not based on proof. A brand new business has no sales stats, no past performance, simply an idea and someone's faith that it will succeed.
With faith being such an essential element, all those who venture out on that proverbial limb and start a new business should logically become students of faith. Any tool that will assist and strengthen your faith logically seems to have a direct ability to impact your entrepreneurial pursuits.Some great quotes on faith:
Being an entrepreneur gives rise to the occasion when you learn firsthand, “it’s lonely at the top!” Being the boss creates occasions when burdens run high and friends run away. The bills flow constantly, while customers seem sporadic. It is only by faith that you can continue to move forward, continue to believe. Having a strong spiritual faith allows the entrepreneur to give up his worries and place them in something greater than themselves. It is this ability to know that no matter what happens I am not alone that allows me to maintain my daily sanity without the regular use and constant abuse of intoxicants.
I personally continue to seek new ways to exercise my faith spiritually, professionally and personally. The greater one's faith, the greater one's potential. So as we all grow , let's spread some tools for a more faithful life....
Think about it and let me know what you think.
Read more...
So many people get twisted into knots when you discuss faith, but at its core faith is simply a belief that is not based on proof. A brand new business has no sales stats, no past performance, simply an idea and someone's faith that it will succeed.
With faith being such an essential element, all those who venture out on that proverbial limb and start a new business should logically become students of faith. Any tool that will assist and strengthen your faith logically seems to have a direct ability to impact your entrepreneurial pursuits.Some great quotes on faith:
- “Keep your dreams alive. Understand [that in order] to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.”
– Gail Devers - “Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to”
– George Seaton - “I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.”
– Douglas Adams - “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.”
– St. Thomas Aquinas - “Faith... Must be enforced by reason...When faith becomes blind it dies.”
– Mahatma Gandhi - “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
– Reinhold Niebuhr - “You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.”
– Mary Manin Morrissey - “Faith isn't faith until it's all you're holding on to”
- unattributed
Being an entrepreneur gives rise to the occasion when you learn firsthand, “it’s lonely at the top!” Being the boss creates occasions when burdens run high and friends run away. The bills flow constantly, while customers seem sporadic. It is only by faith that you can continue to move forward, continue to believe. Having a strong spiritual faith allows the entrepreneur to give up his worries and place them in something greater than themselves. It is this ability to know that no matter what happens I am not alone that allows me to maintain my daily sanity without the regular use and constant abuse of intoxicants.
I personally continue to seek new ways to exercise my faith spiritually, professionally and personally. The greater one's faith, the greater one's potential. So as we all grow , let's spread some tools for a more faithful life....
Think about it and let me know what you think.
VLOG: Reflect & Rejoice Tuesday '09
>> Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Find more videos like this on DonWestJr-theCommunity
VLOG Tribute and Reflection on Michael Joseph Jackson by Don West, Jr.
Essentials: Planning Directives
>> Monday, July 6, 2009
A will by its legal nature contains a limited ability to handle the disposition of your assets and affairs. Planning Directives are documents that supplement and support a will by addressing financial and legal questions that wills do not, and that give instructions about what should occur with your estate and/or minor children if an unforeseen accident or illness leaves you incapable of expressing what you want.
At the very least, everyone is encouraged to have a will and Planning Directives in place to safeguard their assets and loved ones in the event of death or unforeseen incapacity. For some others, though, especially those with large families, or sizable estates, estate planning may necessitate a number of additional considerations.
Read more...
At the very least, everyone is encouraged to have a will and Planning Directives in place to safeguard their assets and loved ones in the event of death or unforeseen incapacity. For some others, though, especially those with large families, or sizable estates, estate planning may necessitate a number of additional considerations.
Photo - "Garden Ascent"
Photo of the Day - July 6, 2009: "Garden Ascent" - Photo by Don West, Jr.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
>> Sunday, July 5, 2009
Shared with me on facebook by my friend, Arianna Shahparvari. Independence & Freedom are Our Goals! Read more...
Photo - "Happy"
>> Saturday, July 4, 2009
HAPPY 4th of July!
Photo of the Day - July 4, 2009: "Happy" - Photo by Don West, Jr.Remembering the peoples of the world who embrace their own pursuits of Independence and Freedom, especially those in Iran, Dafur, Somalia & Afghanistan. May our troops, and their loved ones, who sacrifice so dearly be included in all of our thoughts and prayers as we spark the grills and enjoy the fireworks displays!
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY to all my friends stateside and to all those pursuing their own freedoms!
Read more...
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY to all my friends stateside and to all those pursuing their own freedoms!
Benjamin Frankiln's "Art of Virtue"
In his partially completed autobiography, Benjamin Franklin shared 13 virtues and the monitoring system he used, as he sought to invoke the 13 virtues into his daily life. As one of most generative of our Founding Father's, I share them with you as a tribute on Independence Day.
1 . Temperance. Eat not to Dullness Drink not to Elevation.
The Art of Virtue
by: Benjamin Franklin
1 . Temperance. Eat not to Dullness Drink not to Elevation.
2. Silence.
Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself.
Avoid trifling Conversation.
3. Order.
Let all your Things have their Places.
Let each Part of your Business have its Time.
4. Resolution.
Resolve to perform what you ought.
Perform without fail what you resolve.
5. Frugality.
Make no Expense but to do good to others or yourself:
i.e. Waste nothing.
6. Industry.
Lose no Time. Be always employ'd in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary Actions.
7. Sincerity.
Use no hurtful Deceit.
Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. Justice.
Wrong none, by doing Injuries or omitting the Benefits that are your Duty.
9. Moderation.
Avoid Extremes. Forbear resenting Injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness.
Tolerate no Uncleanness in Body, Clothes or Habitation.
11 . Tranquility.
Be not disturbed at Trifles, or at Accidents common or unavoidable.
12. Chastity.
Rarely use Venery, [indulgence in or pursuit of sexual activity], but for Health or Offspring; Never to Dullness, Weakness, or the Injury of your own or another's Peace or Reputation.
13. Humility.
Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
*******
In a great country that provides unequaled freedoms, we are all free to be virtuous as well. Happy Independence Day!
Photo - "Standing Tall"
>> Friday, July 3, 2009
Photo of the Day - July 3, 2009: "Standing Tall" - Photo by Don West, Jr.
Benjamin Franklin and the Junto
Ben Franklin's Junto was called the Leather Apron ClubBenjamin Franklin is my personal favorite among the Founding Fathers. In part, because he was so enthusiastically multifaceted and loved books, and, in part, because he too was an author and printer/publisher. On the eve of the United State's Independence Day, I felt inspired to share a little about this mega-creator and noted international statesman. Among his numerous credits are: playing a major role in the founding of the University of Pennsylvania, establishing the country's first public library, and, most of us are familiar with his exploits involving a key, a kite and a lightening storm.
What many of us are less familiar with, may be his almost life-long practice of self-improvement in a group environment, in a group Franklin called, the Junto. In 1727, (282 years ago), Benjamin Franklin, then 21 years old, created the Junto, a group of like minded aspiring artisans and tradesmen who hoped to improve themselves while they improved their community. Franklin credited many of his life's successes to his participation in the collective thought and activity of the Junto.
Numerous luminaries have explored and endorsed the concept of the Junto, including:
* Author Napolean Hill, who often referred to this type of a group as the "Master Mind";
* Psychiatrist Carl Jung who describes its virtues as the "Collective Unconscious"; and,
* Physicist Albert Einstein had a group, and called his small group "The Olympia Academy."
Are you involved in the regular practice of self-improvement? If so, do you have a cooperative group that is aligned toward the same goal(s)? If not , today is the day to start. If you're on facebook there is new page that utilizes the principle called, The Success & Prosperity Mastermind. So, no excuses, join forces with someone today and watch you efforts multiply exponentially.
With all that Franklin accomplished, (only the tip of the ice berg is highlighted above), one of Franklin's most enduring Legacy elements can be found in the words of his autobiography, specifically, his 'Art of Virtue.' Franklin never finished his autobiography and in some ways robbed us all of his wisdom and intellect by not doing so. Franklin would have deemed this one among of his life's 'great errata', I will suppose. However, each of us can learn from what he did share, and use his examples to begin to forge and record our own rich and lasting legacies.
Tomorrow, in Benjamin Franklin's honor for Independence Day, we will post Ben Franklin's Art of Virtue. Stay tuned....
Read more...
Numerous luminaries have explored and endorsed the concept of the Junto, including:
* Author Napolean Hill, who often referred to this type of a group as the "Master Mind";
* Psychiatrist Carl Jung who describes its virtues as the "Collective Unconscious"; and,
* Physicist Albert Einstein had a group, and called his small group "The Olympia Academy."
Are you involved in the regular practice of self-improvement? If so, do you have a cooperative group that is aligned toward the same goal(s)? If not , today is the day to start. If you're on facebook there is new page that utilizes the principle called, The Success & Prosperity Mastermind. So, no excuses, join forces with someone today and watch you efforts multiply exponentially.
With all that Franklin accomplished, (only the tip of the ice berg is highlighted above), one of Franklin's most enduring Legacy elements can be found in the words of his autobiography, specifically, his 'Art of Virtue.' Franklin never finished his autobiography and in some ways robbed us all of his wisdom and intellect by not doing so. Franklin would have deemed this one among of his life's 'great errata', I will suppose. However, each of us can learn from what he did share, and use his examples to begin to forge and record our own rich and lasting legacies.
Tomorrow, in Benjamin Franklin's honor for Independence Day, we will post Ben Franklin's Art of Virtue. Stay tuned....
Essentials: Your Last Will & Testament
>> Thursday, July 2, 2009
A Will or Last Will & Testament is a legal document usually requiring the signatures of witnesses and outlines the final distribution of your property and possessions, designating your wishes for who takes responsibility for your minor children and/or disabled dependents on the event of your passing, as well as other issues you desire to address.
Who needs a will? Almost everyone can benefit from having a will. If you own things or have minor children something must happen when you transition, there is no way to avoid this absolute of life. Take control and responsibility today, it is very important.
Have a question, just ask. Read more...
Photo - "A Connected Continuation"
>> Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Photo of the Day - July 2, 2009: "A Connected Continuation" - Photo by Don West, Jr.
The Beginning - July 2009
July marks the beginning of the second half of 2009 people, can you believe it? So in my efforts to make the most out of the rest of this year, I decided to give myself a few objectives and benchmarks to achieve this month. In seeking to not be out on the trials all by my lonesome, I figured I'd write this short note to memorialize my plans and tag some very inspiring people as well.
So, after you read this note you may want to do the same for yourself, even if it is on a scrap piece of paper or in a journal or notebook.
So, after you read this note you may want to do the same for yourself, even if it is on a scrap piece of paper or in a journal or notebook.
Powerful Energies Being Unleashed!1.) My Clear Definitive Goal, ("CDG"), for July '09 is to be of greater service to everyone around me: my family, friends, clients and strangers alike.
2.) I seek to take on a greater spirit of humility this month, send me your prayers and positive energies to help me accomplish this heavy task.
3.) I must GMWGT! And further spread the GYWGT concept and the ideas that make it work. I desire to empower everyone who has a message, idea, movement, product or service to harness the dynamic forces of the internet in order to increase exposure and add dollars to their pockets. We all need to further monetize our efforts and bodies of work! Christopher Knight and his company, http://www.EzineArticlescom goes a long way toward embodying this idea and empowering thousands of people.
2.) I seek to take on a greater spirit of humility this month, send me your prayers and positive energies to help me accomplish this heavy task.
3.) I must GMWGT! And further spread the GYWGT concept and the ideas that make it work. I desire to empower everyone who has a message, idea, movement, product or service to harness the dynamic forces of the internet in order to increase exposure and add dollars to their pockets. We all need to further monetize our efforts and bodies of work! Christopher Knight and his company, http://www.EzineArticlesco
[GYWGT is a service mark that stands for,
"Get Your Web Game Tight!"]
"Get Your Web Game Tight!"]
Inspired by David A. Arnold
4.) Become connected with more uplifting people, positive thinkers, and manifestors of their own destinies & future's path.
Pretty simple, straight forward and to the point.
So, if you would look over the list one more time; I am sure you can think of two (2) people you can introduce me to that will empower me to achieve any of the above four benchmarks. I would greatly appreciate it and will do my best to return the favor if you tell me what you are seeking to accomplish this month on your path....
My Break Out Person for the Month of July is: Debi Hepler
Debi has a fantastic spirit lots of warm energy, but she says she is shy and slow to come out of her shell. I think Debi is going to put her shy side behind her and share her brilliant wonderfulness with many more people in the near future. She's already engaged my mentor, David Cornwell, on a thread and constantly shares pleasant comments with me....
Thanks to everyone and please consider dropping in on Debi and getting to know this awesome Indianapolis native!
Keep Acting and Thinking Positive! Read more...
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