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Melissa

May 14, 2013

NOT BED-TIME READING!

"If your daily life seems poor, do not blame it; blame yourself, tell yourself that you are not poet enough to call forth its riches."
~ Rainer Maria Rilke
 
"Somebody's boring me; I think it's me." 
~ Dylan Thomas 
 
NOT BED-TIME READING! 
 
There’s been a lot of heated discussion regarding the embellishment of facts in order to make an otherwise “true story” more interesting. You may recall that a "memoir" published within the last few years was scrutinized like a journalistic piece, and its author publicly shamed for previously claiming as fact many of the now acknowledged fabricated details in the book. 
 
So why would someone feel compelled to make up details about their life? If you began writing your autobiography today, would it consist of bestseller material, or do you think your life might not be exciting enough to inspire others? Jot down a possible Table of Contents. Look boring? What’s the solution? Live a more exciting life! 
 
Begin to imagine and act every day as though you knew you would be recounting the details and events later on. If you keep a journal or a diary, you’re already familiar with the idea, although you might not expect others to read it. A journal helps you to identify and solidify ideas for success, while a memoir puts your actions in front of the world to see. 
 
Boring job? Find the beauty in it, revel in the good you really do for others, or begin planning today your climb up the ladder or up an entirely different ladder. Boring relationships? Find new things to do, visit new places to do them, or start nurturing new associations with those whom you most admire. Boring personality? Expand your horizons with travel, exercise your mind with reading, and make a commitment to caring for and helping others. 
 
Start living the life you would be confident to share, and before you know it, your autobiography will go from “bargain bin” to “best seller”!
Posted in Monday Morning Coffee
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May 2, 2013

Do You Hustle or Hide?

 

"Eighty percent of success is showing up."
~ Woody Allen

DO YOU HUSTLE OR HIDE?

Most of the time, I'll hallucinate, you're probably really busy. Going, going all day. But how close are you getting to
the big dreams?

You have fantasies about being able to wear some of those "skinny clothes" in your closet, don't you? Remember that
friend of yours you had planned on calling? How about that group of leads that you wanted to work? What about that pile in the back yard that needs to be picked up and hauled away?

Man, life doesn't revolve around watching 'Friends' and staying for one more round of drinks. Is that really
fulfilling? Do you look back on that with pride or a feeling of accomplishment? Will those happy-hour buddies really snub
you if you left now? Are these people even supportive of your far off dreams?

The stars of 'Friends' make over a million per episode. How much do you make watching them? Get TIVO and you can watch them when you're too exhausted to do anything fun and rewarding.

I know what it's like to have no control over your desires...

And what it's like to transcend them.

And it's even tougher to take sometimes, when you do everything you need to do and you still don't get your
outcome. Darn frustrating, huh?

But here's a rule of thumb. If you're not done, keep going. Does it seem odd to even think about working past 5:00? What about throwing in the exercise video at 10:00 at night?

What would happen if you missed your favorite show this week? What would really happen? Shake up your routine. Get
out a piece of paper and write down just one goal. A medium-sized goal. Something you've been putting off. Put down the things you need to do to make it happen. Put a date that it absolutely will be done.

Again, make it a medium-sized task... something that would only take about 10-20 hours to complete. Make a schedule.
Commit to it... and finish it.

When I did community hearing clinics, I made all of my own phone calls to set them up, took care of all the
promotion... it was a lot of work. But I was driven by one thing... not being second in the door.

If a competitor got there a week or a month ahead of me, it could mean thousands of dollars. I couldn't bear the thought
of losing that much money because I couldn't get myself to pick up a 16-ounce telephone receiver to make two or three
calls.

Look at your fears. Figure out what they're costing you. If you don't ask that person out, you both may miss out
forever. If you don't practice, then you're not going to perform well. Plug in your own situation. Do you want those
results?

Listen to your inner voice. What's it saying when you're worried or having a panic attack... over a very routine
thing for most people? When you're stopped cold, notice what you're focusing on and what you're telling yourself.

I'll guarantee it's not, "Go for it!" You're most definitely not telling yourself that you can do the job... that it's no
big deal.

Look at the empowering beliefs below and commit them to memory. Say them over and over until you dream about them. Read them constantly. Your circumstances won't change until your thoughts change. Pound that into your head.

You know, I must have watched the movies "Rocky" and "Rudy" 50 times each. Why? Because nothing changes until you change what you think about. And emotional stories about people who overcome huge odds can inspire you to do the same.

Whenever I'm feeling stuck I pull out my empowering questions or my affirmation cards or read/watch an
empowering story. It never ever fails to get me back on track and hopeful.

Do like the legendary basketball coach John Wooden says and "drink from good books." He reads something powerful and encouraging every single day. And there was no better life coach than him. Do you believe "what goes in must come out?"

Then act by what you believe and keep the positive flowing in every minute you can. Set that goal... And get hustling.
Do that and something good will always happen.

Posted in Monmouth County, NJ Community Information
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May 2, 2013

Your Mantra For Success

 

"Cause change and lead; accept change and survive; resist change and die."
 
~ Ray Norda 

 

MANTRA FOR SUCCESS! 
 
Today's inspiring quote puts a spin on the Serenity Prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. The question is, how do you handle change? Which of the above categories do you fit into? 
 
Some people choose to handle change by creating it. These are the proactive visionaries who aren't afraid of change, who aren't afraid of the challenges that leaders face. Not everyone can participate in this category, and that's alright. Where would the leaders be without followers? 
 
Followers are the survivors in the category of "accept change and survive." There may not be as much glory in just surviving, but those who can work with change exhibit a strength of their own. These are the positive reactionaries, people who make changes within to help them cope with the outside turmoil that they understand they cannot alter. 
 
Finally, there are those who choose to participate in the final category - the negative reactionaries who suffer from ulcers, chronic fatigue, and headaches that result from banging their heads against the wall. While there is value in questioning the changes around you, there is little value in resisting the inevitable. There is little value in having short-sighted vision. There is little value in stagnation. 
 
Some of us have the courage to cause change. Most of us find a way to accept change. A few of us always fight it, ultimately finding ourselves on the short end of the stick. Ally yourself with those successful people in the first two groups. Change is hard, change is challenging, change is the only thing that you always count on to build your strengths and improve your understanding. 
Take control of change and convince yourself that nothing grows without it. Repeat Ray Norda's words like a mantra every morning to remind yourself just how much power you have. 
Posted in Monmouth County, NJ Community Information
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April 28, 2013

Mantra For Success

 
 
"Cause change and lead; accept change and survive; resist change and die."
 
~ Ray Norda 

 

MANTRA FOR SUCCESS! 
 
Today's inspiring quote puts a spin on the Serenity Prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. The question is, how do you handle change? Which of the above categories do you fit into? 
 
Some people choose to handle change by creating it. These are the proactive visionaries who aren't afraid of change, who aren't afraid of the challenges that leaders face. Not everyone can participate in this category, and that's alright. Where would the leaders be without followers? 
 
Followers are the survivors in the category of "accept change and survive." There may not be as much glory in just surviving, but those who can work with change exhibit a strength of their own. These are the positive reactionaries, people who make changes within to help them cope with the outside turmoil that they understand they cannot alter. 
 
Finally, there are those who choose to participate in the final category - the negative reactionaries who suffer from ulcers, chronic fatigue, and headaches that result from banging their heads against the wall. While there is value in questioning the changes around you, there is little value in resisting the inevitable. There is little value in having short-sighted vision. There is little value in stagnation. 
 
Some of us have the courage to cause change. Most of us find a way to accept change. A few of us always fight it, ultimately finding ourselves on the short end of the stick. Ally yourself with those successful people in the first two groups. Change is hard, change is challenging, change is the only thing that you always count on to build your strengths and improve your understanding. 
Take control of change and convince yourself that nothing grows without it. Repeat Ray Norda's words like a mantra every morning to remind yourself just how much power you have. 
Posted in Monday Morning Coffee
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April 21, 2013

Like Rats in A Maze

 

"Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance?"  
 
~ Charlie McCarthy (Edgar Bergen, 1903-1978) 

 

LIKE RATS IN A MAZE! 
 
Today's quote is funny, but also sobering in light of recent studies of hard-working Americans. You see, as it turns out, hard work could actually kill you. Well, it's not actually the work that does it, but the amount of work and the time spent at it. 
 
Today's quote is funny, but also sobering in light of recent studies of hard-working Americans. You see, as it turns out, hard work could actually kill you. Well, it's not actually the work that does it, but the amount of work and the time spent at it. 
 
Most of us consider a full time job to involve forty hours per week. Obviously, for those in the real estate industry, emergency services, and any other number of professions, that number can range much higher. Now a University of California (Irvine) study of nearly 25,000 people reveals that workers who clocked more than 51 hours at the office each week were 29% more likely to have high blood pressure than those who worked 39 hours or less. The likelihood of elevated blood pressure increases tandem to the number of hours worked. 
 
Maybe that figure doesn't surprise you, and maybe high blood pressure doesn't worry you as much as it should. This whole work-stress study was inspired by an interesting phenomenon in Japan. They have a word for it - "Karoshi" - and it means "sudden death from overwork." (!) 
 
As highly charged as the work ethic is in Japan, Americans today actually clock more hours than the Japanese. Then consider that most of the developed world legislates laws to limit work hours - except the United States. What we have so endearingly termed the "rat race" seems to hold no great prize on the other side of the finish line. Like Lily Tomlin once observed, "The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win you're still a rat." 
 
There is a positive note here, and that is that the highest hypertension was more common among clerical and unskilled workers than among professionals. That figure, too, might not surprise you, but it's comforting to know that more mentally challenging work seems to protect us from other potentially negative effects. Just remember that your body and your mind work their best when you rest your best! 
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April 11, 2013

Keeping On Track!

 

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"For fast-acting relief, try slowing down."  
 
~ Lily Tomlin
 
KEEPING (ON) TRACK! 
 
You've heard it a million times, "Less is more!" If less really is better, then maybe it's time to start giving yourself, and even your family, an "allowance." This isn't about money, per se, but more about the other things that either drain our resources or over-complicate our lives. 
 
This “allowance” idea got rolling in light of rising fuel prices. Instead of a monetary gas allowance for the family vehicle(s), consider enforcing a weekly "mileage" allowance. By combining trips and walking or biking whenever possible, there could be enough miles "left over" for the extra trip to the mall or concert hall. 
 
This works with a host of activities, and improves life by simplifying it. How about a television budget? Are there really three hours of television worth viewing every night? One hour a night during the week would leave oodles of time to watch a favorite movie or sports event on the weekend. Or just hit the "Record" button, and watch when there's a better time. 
 
The same could go for time spent surfing the net or sending funny emails. It's easy to convince ourselves that we're "working" when we're on the computer, but often we're just passing time that could be spent more industriously. Leave as much "real" computer work as possible at the office, and try to limit the time spent in front of the screen at home. There is such a thing as becoming too wired! 
 
Likewise, if you're trying to lose weight, you've probably encountered the concept of the "food allowance," or calorie budget. Like everything else, you have to keep track of how much you're consuming, how much is left, and when to stop. Many of us are moving so fast these days that we neglect to tally our activities against our need for "down time." We don't realize that we've maxed out our time and need to stop. 
 
Whether it's driving, watching tv, or net surfing, we could likely benefit from a reduction in any or all. We forget to put "Relax!" on our list of things to do. Work it into your "budget" by using less of your time "allowance" on other things. You don't have to stop completely; you just need to come into balance. 
 
Enlighten yourself this week by keeping a journal of how much time you spend on all your various activities, and look for somewhere to make a cut. By next Monday, you'll be glad you did!
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April 9, 2013

Local Nurseries Offer Deals to Replace Trees Destroyed by Hurricane Sandy

trees photo: Trees again IMG_1479.jpg

 

Manalapan residents hit hard by Sandy are in luck!  By showing proof of residency at Gasko's Family Farm in Monroe Township & Brock Farms in Freehold you will be entitled to buy trees at a discounted price.  Some restrictions apply - for more information contact the Shade Tree Committee at (732) 446-8416.

Posted in Manalapan, NJ Community Information
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April 4, 2013

Keep The Ball Rolling!

 

"The only people to get even with are those who have helped you." 
 
~ Anonymous
 
KEEP THE BALL ROLLING! 
 
Most of us can probably look back over our lives and careers and recall people who have either helped or hindered us along the way. Which group do you think is more worthy of your consideration? 
 
Unfortunately, many people spend too much time worrying about how they’ve been wronged. The bad stuff tends to stick in our minds, and we’re less inclined to recall the positive deeds and actions. While we may LEARN from our negative experiences, we can actually TEACH by demonstrating our positive attitude. 
 
Instead of focusing on those around you who make decisions that set you back, or whose incompetence is driving you nuts, try to take some inspiration and guidance from those who have mentored you or shown an exceptional level of performance. Fight back against those negative influences by raising yourself to the next level. 
 
The most successful and inspirational people around us generally achieve their accomplishments for a greater good. They’re unselfish in their success. They work hard to promote the strength of their company, not just themselves. They volunteer by helping to feed the hungry, visit the lonely, and support those in need. One is not selfish for pursuing one’s own good – selfishness comes from neglecting the good of others. 
 
John Andrew Holmes said, "The entire population of the universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others." No matter how much you focus on your own goals and achievements, you’re not a fully developed individual until concern for others starts to become more important than concern for yourself. 
 
So don’t worry about “getting even” when you’ve been wronged – it’s a waste of your time, and can’t produce any positive results. Think more about getting even when you’ve been done right! Then you’ll find more and more good things coming your way! 

 

Posted in Monday Morning Coffee
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March 22, 2013

The Power of Time

 

March is already here…how crazy is that? Time truly flies and sometimes I swear I don’t know where it went.  

My guess is that you feel the same way. And if you do, then you may also feel like you’re missing something along the way. Time, truly is our most precious commodity.

Jim Rohn, motivational speaker and master sales person, said that “Time is more valuable than money. You can always make more money. You can’t make more time.”

Some say that time is money, but ideally, time is truly more valuable than money. It’s virtually impossible to put a dollar value on the time you spend with a loved one, doing your favorite activity without interruption or enjoying a vacation.

Ready the following short, but powerful poem on time then take a minute today to reflect on how you use your time and with whom you spend it. Make sure you’re getting the most out of the time you spend each day so that you can enjoy a stellar life.

 

TO REALIZE...

  • To realize the value of one year:

    Ask a student who has failed a final exam.

  • To realize the value of one month:

    Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.

  • To realize the value of one week:

    Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

  • To realize the value of one hour:

    Ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.

  • To realize the value of one minute:

    Ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane.

  • To realize the value of one second:

    Ask a person who has survived an accident.

  • To realize the value of one millisecond:

    Ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics.

Author Unknown

 

Time waits for no one.

Treasure every moment you have. 

You will treasure it even more when you can share it with someone special.

 

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March 19, 2013

Contact me today to find out more about my Smart Seller System!

The SMART SELLER SYSTEM revitalizes the old way of selling homes and guarantees results.   I set myself apart from other agents by being accountable to you.  I don’t just promise to sell your home – I guarantee it!

I am not your Traditional Real Estate Agent – My SMART SELLER SYSTEM – The Guaranteed Home Sale is taking the Real Estate Industry and turning it on its head.  My Proven Predictable System Will Work For You.

Inventory in our area is at an all time LOW – many homes are receiving multiple offers – Get ahead of the competition and don’t wait for the Spring market – NOW IS THE TIME – buyers are looking for homes and our system takes all the risk so you don’t have to.

Posted in General Real Estate Information
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