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When the time comes and you have decided to own a home, you will be faced with many things to think about.

Your future depends on the type of decisions you make as a first time buyer of a home.

The first thing you need to do is get a checklist and list everything that you think may be remotely involved in owning a new home.

Check things off as you complete them and keep track of everything so you won’t loose sight of what you are doing or what your next step will be.

Make sure you understand every aspect of owning a home and know what type of agreements you will end up signing.

The issues of credit that are constantly talked about in the media is greatly affecting the first time buyer in many ways.

First of all lenders are becoming cautious of who they lend to. High risk products are being pulled out of the equation.

The 100% mortgage is one of these high risks product. This type of mortgage is basically meant for the first time buyers.

Typically, the loan will allow first time buyers enough money for the deposit on their property and extra money for home improvements.

Basically, all cost involved in buying a new home are covered. Buyers must be aware that they can really get in over their head because the lenders allow an additional unsecured loan in addition to the mortgage.

In recent years obtaining loans online has become a new and somewhat
unknown reality. Years ago one would make appointments with their
bank lenders and obtain loans the so-called old fashioned way. But in
this fast paced world, people want instant gratification. Nobody wants to
wait for approval, they want to know the outcome instantly. And for those
who only want a small personal loan obtaining one has become even easier. Cash
advance loan shops are popping up all over, reminding me of the Starbucks
craze. Even online you can easily find payday loan sites that are eager to
help folks whose payday check can’t come quick enough.
So which is better, the traditional banks or online loan companies? It’s hard
to say, there is a place for both I think. When placing an application for a home
loan, person to person interaction would be more comforting I believe. Home
aquisition is one of the most important steps a person will ever take, so making
contact with another person calms fears of the unknown, especially with the
task of a home loan. In cases of bad credit histories, an application through an
online loan company can be a welcome relief. It is much easier to receive
rejection through a computer than face to face. Also online loan companies can
be more lenient towards people with poor credit which helps those that want
to get out from under the black mark of bad credit.
Investigate both avenues when it’s time to acquire a loan to find out which route
is best for your individual needs. I suggest looking at my site for online loan
reviews..http://www.onlineloanreviews.com

About the author:

Connie Barker is owner of http://www.onlineloanreviews.comand various other loan websites.

I am a firm believer that people should try to make the most out of each day that they are alive. We all have to die at some point and even though this may seem a little morbid it is true. Today or tomorrow could be our last day and therefore this is why we should be living each day to the full.

Each day I read and watch the local and international news stories which make me aware of some very sad events. People who are very young are dying each day in a variety of different circumstances and I am very much aware that I am not immune from one of these tragic events. No one can say for sure that they are going to live until lets say seventy years of age, most people I think presume that they will, which could be seen in some quarters as a good thing. Thinking positive they say is the right way to think, which I have to admit is something I also agree with.

My attitude is that I need to work to live where as other people seem to live to work. It is like they would rather be at work than at home having fun or spending time with their family. I know a number of people who have young children but who leave their house at around half six in the morning and do not return home until seven at night. This is not because they are poor but because they will take on any extra hours as way as overtime that is offered to them. I personally would rather spend time with my children than be stuck at work and feel that my life is enriched in this way.

When I am on my death bed in what I hope will not be for a long time yet of course, I want to be able to think and say to myself that I have no regrets and that I am happy with the way I have lived my life. At the moment I am lucky as I am able to watch my children grow and mature as people. From the work that I do, I am able to take my family on holiday each year and can afford to pay all of my bills. Some no doubt might say that I should work a lot more hours than I do, I would then be able to buy a better car and would be able to take my family on two holidays per year. What I would say in response to this however, is at what price would I be able to obtain this? I would have to sacrifice much of the quality time I have with my children, would not be able to take them swimming and to the park as often as I do for example. I hope and think that my children are very happy at the moment and this in my opinion is priceless. I will not compromise this in search for a better standard of car etc.

I used to constantly worry about what might happen to me in three or six months time. Will this or that happen? If it does how would I be able to cope? I am of course worrying in these situations about things that have not even and may never happen. This I have now realised is pointless and even very silly. I should be living for today, I should be making the most of today, I will think about tomorrow, tomorrow. I will deal with any problems that come my way in the best way that I can at the time when they happen, that is all I can do. By stressing about them before they happen will only stop me from enjoying myself on that particular day.

Now is the time to stop the stress, worry, fear and depression. There is a good chance that we only have one life, so lets enjoy it.

Copyright 2006 Stephen Furnari

One of the best ways an entrepreneur can find the investment money he or she needs to grow their business is by finding a strategic or joint venture partner. In a good partnership, each partner will bring expertise or assets that the other party is missing, but that are necessary for the business to be successful; for instance: CASH!

If done correctly, a partnership can be great a way to grow your company without implementing difficult and time-consuming changes to your business. A partnership can help you increase your market share, gain a new competitive advantage, and help you to respond and adapt more quickly to change in the marketplace.

But, business partnerships can be tough, and getting out of a bad one can be worse than an ugly divorce.

In my practice, entrepreneurs often come to me when it’s too late. In a typical scenario, communications have broken down between the partners, they have been kicked out of their business, money has been stolen, and everyone is about to sue everyone else.

Let me put this into tangible terms for you. What I have found is that when I help my clients outline their relationship with their partners in writing before they get started, it will cost them between $1,500 and $7,500 for a simple partnership. When clients do not do this up-front work and hire my firm to sue their partner (or defend a lawsuit) when things go bad, it can cost up to 10 TIMES that amount in litigation!

What I have found is that when future business partners hash out the terms of their relationship before they get started, they have longer and more successful partnerships, and they save a considerable amount of money on legal fees. To help future business partners get the conversation started, I have created a Business Partners Questionnaire that helps future partners begin to outline their relationship in writing. To get your FREE copy, email me at sfurnari@furnarilevine.com.

Here are a few other suggestions to help keep you and your partners out of court!

1. Go Back to the Basics

Before you even start hunting for a potential partner or decide that a partnership is definitely the way to go, take a look at your business plan. Decide whether such a move is in line with you business goals. What are your organizational goals? Would a partnership help you achieve these goals? Is it consistent with the objectives of your company? A partnership is not a magic bandage that will solve your company’s problems. If you feel that your decision to partner is a defensive move, it maybe an indication of a core problem that should be fixed within your company, not externally. Similarly, don’t rush into partnership because you rely on one to start your business.

2. The Deadly E’s: Ego & Emotion

The deadly E’s can trap you in a potentially awkward situation with your partner. Surrounded by a myriad of official documents and important decisions to be made, your ego can cause you to make claims and opinions that can come back to bite you later on. For example, by distinguishing yourself as the company’s official decision maker, you become responsible for your partner’s decisions too. Just as dangerous are your emotions, which can lead you to form unrealistic expectations or impromptu promises or commitments.

3. Don’t Ignore Possible Opportunities/Stay Flexible

Cash-strapped entrepreneurs have a tendency to stop their search for a partner once they find the first person who demonstrates an ability to write a check. Remain uncommitted until you sign an agreement with your potential partner. Actively cultivating your alternatives can give you a better perspective on the partnership process and allow you to ask yourself, “is this partnership truly the best option?” Keeping your options open can help you compare the relative advantages and disadvantages of each alternative, including that of a partnership. Not only does this prevent you from devoting excess time, money and effort on the sub-prime partner candidate, but you get the assurance that whatever decision you made was the best one.

Also, consider possible opportunity costs. Along with the benefits of a partnership, you also assume liabilities, like your partner’s competitors. Will this fact conflict with potential opportunities in the future?

4. Form an Exit Strategy Before You Get Started

Be realistic. Conflict is inevitable and you never know how severe it may get. Although it seems cynical, you should think of how you’ll exit from the partnership…before you get started. Consider it staying prepared for your next opportunity. While you and your partners are still on good terms, it’s crucial to determine how to allocate your business’ assets in case you and your partner decide not to work together anymore. You should also agree about what to do with the business or assets in case of an untimely termination, such as a partner’s death. Having an exit strategy will help you maintain your autonomy - your fate and that of your business remains in your hands, not your partner’s.

5. Map Out Your Mutual Expectations In Writing

Before you get started, and possibly before you meet with your lawyer, prepare a plain English roadmap of the relationship between you and your partner. Some major advantages are: it allows you to draft the partnership agreement with your lawyer before presenting it to your partner’s lawyer; its flexible structure enables you to experiment with different relationship configurations to see which one you’re most satisfied with; you’ll have a clearer idea of what you want from the partnership; and most importantly, you can clearly distinguish business issues from legal issues, and use lawyers only to discuss the latter which will save you money on legal fees.

This brings us to the next point.

6. Get Legal Advice Early

Get legal advice from the beginning. Let your lawyer know what your goals are and he or she will let you know what you need to do to get there. A lawyer can also assess how realistic or beneficial your aspirations are. They can help you strategize your negotiations and plan what to ask for and when. Also note that the attorney representing the other side is the one you should look out for. You and your future partner should discuss the business side of your relationship first and, if possible, only introduce lawyers later.

7. Don’t Do Everything Yourself

A good leader knows when to delegate responsibilities. Don’t try to do everything yourself. Assuming you’ve already taken the steps to carefully choose reliable consultants and employees, communicate with those working for you. Lawyers, accountants and managers can provide an objective, specialized perspective and a more realistic tone to what might be an overly optimistic plan. Having technical and expert advisers on hand can also help you understand financial and operational implications pertinent to both parties.

8. Haste Makes (Costly) Waste

It’s true, time is money. But ignoring details and attempting shortcuts will likely cause delays or worse, bad decisions when forming a partnership. Remember, if your partnership blows up, it will cost you far more time, money and heartache than if you do things right from the beginning.

9. Don’t Overlook Details

As an entrepreneur, you already have a knack for seeing the big picture. It’s the details, however, that will add value to your vision in the long run. Covering the following bases will help buffer you against uncontrollable changes in the market, operating costs, and even sentiments between you and your partner. Before you get started: establish the objectives and expectations of each partner; determine each partner’s contribution in terms of funds, skill and time; assess how much revenue will be allocated relative to the amount and type of work done; assign the roles and related tasks of each partner; for example, decide who will manage the partnership, who will get training and hire employees, etc.; form evaluation objectives and plan ways to monitor and assess performance; and determine a procedure to resolve problems when things break down; for example, mediation or arbitration.

10. Trust Your Gut

My present partner excluded, I have been guilty of some bad decisions about business partners. I was involved in a partnership where I owned and managed an investment property in a ski resort with two other people. My partners were social acquaintances whose company I enjoyed very much in that type of setting. However, throw money, emotions, power, and economic risk in the mix, and things quickly got tense.

The first indication that the business partnership might not be a good one was in the very beginning. We were sitting in a quaint Vermont restaurant and one of the partners threw a temper tantrum about making an offer on a property we were considering. What was a very logical and arithmetic decision for me, was a very emotional one for this person. After the outburst, I had a bad feeling about the interpersonal dynamics of the partnership. I decided to go ahead anyway because the economic prospects were outstanding.

Sure enough, in less than a year we were not on speaking terms. Luckily, before we got started, I insisted on an iron-clad partnership agreement that had a mechanism in it for me to get out. I ended up making money on the investment, but not enough to pay for a year’s worth of arguments, stress and distraction from my law practice. I didn’t trust my gut and it cost me in the long-run.

A business partnership is truly a marriage. As all marriages go, when things are good, they’re great, and when they’re not, look out! If you get a bad feeling about your future partner, trust you instincts, they are usually correct.

Stephen Furnari is a securities attorney with Furnari Levine LLP (www.furnarilevine.com). Stephen helps young and growing companies obtain the funds they need to grow their businesses and accomplish their financial goals. He also teaches entrepreneurs how to avoid costly and avoidable legal mistakes.

Those of us who have lost ourselves along the way due to childhood or adult trauma, addictions, or other misfortunes are profoundly aware of the role serenity can play in re-creating and maintaining a self, a life, and a future.

Many of us have at some point misplaced our self-esteem, self-respect, and self-worth. We have separated ourselves from others and lost family members and friends we love because of our own self-absorbed, self-righteous, or self-deprecating thoughts. Shame abolishes serenity.

“Life’s not worth a damn till you can shout out ‘I Am what I Am.’” La Cage Aux Folles

When we lose our sense of authentic self, we define ourselves through what others think of us. This can be devastating for those who do not fit the status quo. And sometimes we lose ourselves entirely and find solace in negative, harmful waysways that momentarily quell the pain.

I did not come here to be you. I came here to be me.

We have tried in the past to live up to the expectations of others in order to feel accepted. Our progress was unrewarded because we were obsessed with perfection. Perfection is final. There is no room for growth.

Regaining our sense of self requires change. To do so, it is imperative that we stay aware of the goal: progress, not perfection. Serenity is the beacon that assists us in staying that course.

Change is going on all around us. Sometimes its radical and sometimes its superficial. We see it in nature with the change of seasons. Our bodies are a constant reminder of changefrom the length of our hair to the shapes of our torsos. We change our minds incessantly as thoughts and feelings come and go, making us different in some particular way.

However we meet change and whatever the purpose for change, serenity is our strongest ally. It is the rudder that directs us through the often chaotic times of change.

Often, that which we thought protected us changes. Prior to suicide bombers, we felt secure in the might of our weapons. While growing up, our parents’ presence may have fostered a sense of security. When we are healthy we feel more secure than when we are ill. Having money, being in a relationship, having a steady job, and being part of the accepted group all conspire to a sense of security.

During times of change, it is important to understand the distinction between security and serenity.

Serenity is an elevating, intimate, spiritual experience of connection to some unseen life-enhancing potential, power, or presence.

Serenity is developed through a conscious relationship with this Higher Power, Self, God, Universe, etc.

Serenity is independent of organized religion, philosophy, gender, age, status, past, future, or any physical condition.

The experience of serenity may be achieved in many ways: nature, music, reading, silence, poetry, stillness, dance, art, prayer, exercise, meditation. Regardless of the channel, the experience of serenity itself connects us to something greater. My life opened up dramatically the day I admitted that I needed help during times of change. Humility and serenity go hand in hand.

Serenity is the outcome of a fundamental shift in the focus of who we are, and where our authentic power lives.

Serenity is a function of inner values and character. Our talents may get us to the goal; however it is our character that sustains us.

Security, on the other hand, is most often a function of physical possessions, or the lack and rejection thereof, and is ego-based.

Many of us know first hand that succumbing to the capitalistic view of extreme consumerism can lead to a moral, ethical and spiritual impoverishment that breeds resentment, stealth, and blindness. There is a trap door we can easily fall through when we place to much value on our possessions as conduits for serenity. Our well-being becomes dependent on things rather than our true self.

Serenity is a shift from separation to connectedness. The effect of this transformation not only impacts the unseen levels of our consciousness, but also our everyday actions and reactions with each other.

Serenity creates a dynamic wherein we are all esteemed as equal to the wellbeing of humanity and the earth itself.

Serenity is a shift from experiencing our worth through our possessions, which is actually security, to who we are as human beings and the contribution we are regardless of what we possess.

The opposite of depression is not happiness, it is feeling vital.

Serenity shifts our focus from ruminating on what is lacking, which can cause depression, to a more expanded and congruent vision of possibilities that encourage vitality. Everyone is needed.

Serenity fosters gratitude and appreciation for what we have, and develops the experience of our individual and collective sufficiency.

When you are in the process of positive change, say yes to it. Declare that you are safe and remind yourself that it is only change.

Center yourself in serenity. Go beyond other people’s fears and limitations. Release all doubts, and free yourself from the past.

Claim your own authentic power. It is a mighty presence within you and will connect you to life itself.

Go ahead. Open new doors to life.

Matt Garrigan is a motivational speaker, the founder of LifeForce Educational Corporation and the creator of The Liberty Experience Training, The Mastery Course and the Awakened Potential Course. Matt has been a pioneer in the human potential movement since 1980. His exceptional goal oriented coaching techniques, expanded consciousness training, awareness counseling, integrity coaching and spiritual guidance have assisted thousands of individuals in transforming the quality of their lives. As a motivational speaker Matt’s ability to uniquely integrate many different philosophies and practices, combined with his steadfast commitment to empower people, makes his work a potent, life enhancing experience that sheds light on new possibilities in communication, relationship, prosperity and enlightenment.


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© Matt Garrigan - http://www.mattgarrigan.com

As with any other start up, a new multi-level marketing (MLM) venture owner will look to friends, family, and acquaintances for support. The MLM business owner must sell the parent company’s products or services and contact individuals that might be interested in becoming an independent distributor in his or her network. When the family, friends, and acquaintances have been exhausted, other viable leads may include people who were previously part of an MLM network. These prospects are called MLM genealogy leads.

MLM genealogy leads are the names of people from an MLM company that is no longer in business. Previous MLM independent distributors know that to build a large and successful “downline” - the network of distributors recruited by a business owner - they need fellow networkers to help them build their business.

As with any other type of business, successful MLM business owners rely on their contacts to help their business grow. People involved in MLM ventures often stick together. If one person joins a new network, he or she might persuade others in similar situations to join the network as well. By simply working the MLM genealogy leads, an MLM business owner has the potential to create a rather large network.

Genealogy leads can be acquired through contacts within the MLM company that dissolved, or a list can be purchased from a third party company. With MLM genealogy leads, it is important that the business owner check the leads list against the Do Not Call (DNC) Registry to ensure that the list is updated regularly and that the leads remain fresh.

If you run a business like I do, you probably have limited time to do all the things you need to do each day. In order to make sure I get to exercise each day, I have to get up BEFORE the chickens do - between 4:30 AM and 5AM. Every single time I have to tell myself, “Kim, JUST DO IT!” I don’t always want to either but I do it.

Why would I do that? Because if I don’t, I know I won’t feel my best during the day. Some of you may be saying, well that’s easy for you to say; you’re probably one of those “weird” people who actually likes to exercise. You would be right I do but NOT at 5AM! However, that’s the time I’ve set aside to make sure I DO exercise. If I put it off until “later” the likelihood of me getting my workout in is about nil.

The question still remains here though - how do I “just do it?” That’s the question isn’t it? It all begins, as does every single thing else, in your head. It’s a matter of how badly do you want to feel better about yourself, to feel good because you are healthier as a result of exercising.

I recently read in a magazine I receive that there is no magic bullet that will give you the body you desire without two things: 1) diet and 2) exercise. No matter what there is just no getting around the fact that we are what we eat and what we do too!

My stepfather is an exercise physiologist and he always told us when we were growing up, more output less input is what will gain you a fit and healthy body. Period. That’s it! So now, I say again, you’ve got to just do it! For you. Tell yourself that every day - it’s for you. For a better quality of life and surely a healthier one.

Is it easy? No, but you can make a simple goal of doing something each day that will bring you to your goal - whatever that may be. You have to decide that because, after all, it IS your body. If you’re out of shape, start out slow. You don’t have to run a marathon your first day, but you can walk a block or two, even a mile if you’re up for that. Just DO something, until you’re adding a bit more each time. You’ll be amazed at what you will be doing in no time.

You may start with walking a block but you’ll be running a mile before you know and then, who knows, maybe you’ll be running a marathon. Or doing a bodybuilding competition. Or just not being tired all the time because you are doing some form of exercise each day. Don’t roll over and go back to sleep or say, I’ll start tomorrow because that is the exercise NOT trap. It will just become a pattern that can only lead to more disappointment and frustration. Besides, you CAN just do it! I do and I know you can too!

So come on, today, JUST DO IT!

Kim Bloomer, owner of Aspenbloom, is a preventative pet care consultant. She also publishes several RSS channels including, AspenbloomWellPet. Kim also has her own product for helping abused animals recover. To find out more visit Aspenbloom Pet Care.

A lot of my life’s lessons have been expensive, but maybe none so much as my earliest experiences on the Internet.

I immediately saw the potential and jumped in. I could now check traffic before leaving home, shop at home, and send a birthday card without a stamp.

Soon I discovered money could be made online and I jumped into that, too. In no time at all I’d handed hundreds of dollars to people who promised me I’d have a big car, home on the beach, and never have to go to an office again.

I eventually realized the secret is to screen the offers to determine those which are legitimate business opportunities. And, over the years, I’ve made some money.

I’m not rich yet, but I’ve learned a lot, earned some money, and still love the Net.

When my granddaughter was born, my daughter-in-law figured that something had to change.

Although she’d gone to work in an office when their firstborn was a toddler, she and my son knew that two little ones equal five times the work.

She wanted to stay home with the kids but didn’t want to give up her income entirely. When I suggested a home office, she balked. She said she’d been told it is very hard finding legitimate home based businesses.

We went online and I showed her several sites where she could find excellent employers who offered work at home jobs. She applied to several.

Currently she is working as a virtual call center representative and builds her schedule around her family. The income helps out and she’s enjoying working at home.

Motivation is the elusive elixir. Not only does it help people do good work, and do it faster, but it also helps them feel good about it while they’re doing it. Yet motivation always seems temporary, fleeting. We call a meeting, bring in a motivational speaker, and fire up the team. Yet, we know it won’t last.

What if we could make it last? What if we could make it easy for everyone on your team to stay motivated day in and day out, regardless of what was going on around them? You could expect higher levels of performance from everyone and create a team with an unstoppable can-do attitude.

Despite its elusive nature, motivation is rather simple to understand. Motivation can be defined as a concerted effort to produce a desired result. So let’s think about that for a moment. Why would anyone make a concerted effort to produce a result?

Underlying all motivation must be a belief that winning is possible, that the result is attainable. When people stop believing that they can win, that they have little chance for success, their efforts directed at achieving that success fade. However, people can remain motivated day after day when they are playing a game they believe they can win.

Motivation can be made a permanent part of your organization’s environment when you provide the three keys that will allow your team members to believe that they can win, that they are unstoppable.

What’s the Plan?

The first key is a strategy. A strategy is a best-guess plan that expedites the accomplishment of desired goals. Motivation depends on having a clear path to accomplishing a desired result. It’s OK if every detail is not in place and a few variables exist, but the path to success must not be shrouded in fog. However, the plan must be complete enough to permit the belief in a successful end result.

When the plan is in doubt, motivation is ruled out.

While desire is a powerful motivator, so is anger. When Osama bin Laden was linked to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the wrath of angry Americans was focused on him. Emotions were high, and it would have been easy to fill an airplane bound for Afghanistan to hunt him down.

If you were on that plane, imagine how your excitement and motivation would soon fade when you learned that the “plan” was to drop you into Afghanistan and let you figure out how to find Osama. Without a clear path for getting past the enemy and finding bin Laden, your early determination would soon turn to despair. We all need a plan that we believe can work.

It’s Tool Time!

The second key to motivation is tools. To stay motivated, individuals must believe that they have access to the tools they need to execute the plan. No matter how wonderful the plan, excitement will fade as soon as people discover that resources are inadequate to permit delivery of the goods.

This is the common de-motivator present in the “do more with less” admonition. Expectations of employees are raised and more is expected while resources are systematically removed. Left to their own cleverness, employees can often find ways to get more done with fewer resources if they are allowed to substitute a more productive resource for a more costly one. Unfortunately these “do more with less” initiatives often remove tools and resources without permitting for their replacement by the necessary cost efficient tools to get the higher expectations accomplished.

When tools don’t exist, motivation is at risk.

Let’s go back to Afghanistan. I’m betting you’d like some tools, and I’m not talking about a shovel or nice power saw. A gun would be good for starters. And bullets. While we’re making a list, let’s add grenades, two-way radio, Kevlar vest, and a rocket launcher. Oh, food and a canteen would be really good. And a map to get us back home.

“Do more with less” rings hollow when the stakes are high, like when your life is on the line. Make sure your team has the proper tools to tackle the tasks ahead of them and dispatch them productively and with confidence.

No Training? No Can-Do!

The third key to maintaining motivation is skills. Individuals must be trained on the skills that allow them to use the tools in the context of execution of the plan. It’s not enough to have the resources if their application is left to question.

Skills training still may not accomplish the desired result if it is delivered outside of the context of the plan. A hammer can be used for both driving nails and pulling them out, and it’s important to know what needs to be accomplished so that its application supports our desired outcome.

Without skills and training, motivation will be waning.

Forget the guns, Kevlar, and rocket launcher for a moment. Let’s suppose we drop you into a tank, such as the magnificently sophisticated Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Without training on how to operate it, you’d be a sitting duck. Maybe you could figure out how to operate it, but possibly at great danger to yourself. What if you loaded the cannon improperly and caused a misfire? How far could you drive without running out of fuel in enemy territory?

At least the tank is firmly planted on solid ground. If put behind the controls of an Apache helicopter without adequate training, the risk to you goes through the roof! Without proper training, motivation is quickly replaced by frustration and fear.

The same things happen every day in workplaces all around us. People show up to work in the morning without a clear idea of how they contribute to the big picture, and without the tools and training to get the job done. Deliver the keys of strategy, tools, and skills, and your people will understand where they’re going and how they’re going to get there. Those keys will maintain motivation, excitement and enthusiasm by establishing confidence. They assure a successful outcome and are reason enough for employees to stay engaged and fervently work toward the big, bodacious goal you’re ultimately after.

With the keys of strategy, tools, and skills, making motivation stick won’t seem so elusive after all.

© 2004 Paul Johnson. All rights reserved.

Note: This article is available for reprint at no charge. We only ask that you include our copyright notice in your reprint, along with the About the Author (byline) information we provide at the end of the article.

Paul Johnson of Panache and Systems LLC consults and speaks on business strategy for systematically boosting sales performance using Shortcuts to Yes. Check out more salesforce development tips at http://panache-yes.com/tips.html. Call Paul direct in Atlanta, Georgia, USA at (770) 271-7719.

General Omar N. Bradley, who played a major role in World War II, once observed that “[i]f we continue to develop our technology without wisdom or prudence, our servant may prove to be our executioner” (Quoteworld.org). This ominous prediction, however doomsday it may sound, is well on its way to becoming truth. Americans as a whole are too dependent on technology and such dependence is dangerous.

Perhaps the most recent indication that Americans are asking too much from technology is the Blackout of 2003, so designated by our country’s news anchors. On Thursday, August 14, some 50 million citizens were left literally “in the dark” from Detroit to New York City in biggest and longest blackout in American history. Remarkably, mass panic and rioting did not occur even in New York. Officials actually remarked that the arrest rate was lower that night than average (Adler). What did happen more than usual were calls to the fire department to put out fires; “a number of which were caused by New Yorkers’ unfamiliarity with the technology of candles” (Adler). As humorous as it is, it also shows the serious consequence of over familiarity with too much technology. Have we “progressed” so far that lighting a match becomes as wondrous as it might have been to ancient people who accidentally caused a spark to set wood on fire? Fires were not the only trouble that night; hundreds of people were locked out of hotels for over a day because the doors’ dependence on electric keys; many people could not buy basic necessities because they usually used credit cards which no longer worked due to the power outage; many of the elderly who depend on electric to pump oxygen or to power other medical necessities had to go to hospitals whose generators were, mercifully, functional.

The danger, however, was and is far beyond a simple inconvenience. All of America learned a lesson on September 11, 2001: the enemy can attack almost without warning. If nearly three thousand lives were lost on that day, how many more could have been lost during the Blackout had the Enemy chosen to strike? The thought is not pleasant.

The Oscar-winning movie The Matrix offers a futuristic view of what could happen should humans become too dependent on technology. Perhaps it is most apparent when Morpheus tells Neo how the machines took over Earth and instituted “a neural-interactive simulation” that gives the movie its title (”Theory”). The thought that machines could overwhelm and enslave the human race might be too “sci-fi” for some people to believe but in the wake of Blackout we would do well not to be so smug.

Technology has, in many ways, enhanced the quality of life for humans. The good side should not overshadow the darker side, however. The dangerous addiction Americans currently have to technology might be our downfall so remember the Blackout and, with proper supervision, learn how to light a match.

Works Cited
Quoteworld.org. QuoteWorld. 13 September 2003. http://www.quoteworld.org/
Adler, Jerry. “The Day the Lights Went Out.” Newsweek at MSNBC.com. 13 September 2003.
http://www.msnbc.com/news/953580.asp
Theory of Knowledge: Philosophical Issues in The Matrix. Princeton University. 13 September
2003. http://www.princeton.edu/~jimpryor/courses/epist/notes/matrix.html

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Erin is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/
which is a site for Creative Writers. Visit her portfolio at http://Writing.Com/authors/rose_shadow