Josh Hinds Motivation and Inspiration Journal

Being action oriented is the best way to make up for the times in life when things don’t work out the first time around.

Make no mistake, you have the ability to change your lot in life, provided you are willing to do what’s required. It all begins with a willingness to let go of the idea that others are responsible for whatever has kept you from the vision you have for your life.

Friend, I’m the first to admit that it can be a hard pill to swallow, accepting that you are ultimately responsible for your own life — but when you get it, you become like a painter with an infinite canvas upon which to craft a masterpiece.

It’s your life, LIVE BIG!
Josh Hinds

PS. if you enjoyed the message above you’ll love Josh’s Motivational CD, ‘Why Perfect Timing is a Myth’.

I’m often asked how I came to have such a positive outlook on things. First, let me assure you, I have my moments where my rose colored glasses are a bit dimmer then I’d like them to be.

That said, I do make a point to see the positive side of life whenever possible (and yes, I do believe, from my own life experience, and studying the lives of many others through the work I do that it’s a choice we make). Depending on what each individual person has gone through in their life, perhaps an easier choice then for some, but a choice none the less.

That said…

There are any number of things I do, and have done over the years to help me remain focused on the good things which life affords us, but if I had to key in on one thing that laid a foundation for my positive outlook, I believe I would have to point to how fortunate I was, from as early as I can remember, to have heard my mother say to me, “Josh, you have unique GOD given talents and gifts — but it’s up to you to explore those and develop them to the best of your ability.” Sometimes I heard it just like that, other times it took a different form, but the message, the powerful meaning of the message was always the same.

If you know my story you know that I’ve had my share of adversities and challenges. Friend, I can say without a doubt that having that important foundation in place — having fully accepted that I had unique talents, that I was not only capable of developing, but that I in-fact was expected to fully develop, helped me tremendously in having the fortitude to move past life’s challenges as they appeared, knowing that I had in me, or was capable of acquiring whatever skills I needed in order to accomplish my greater good.

If you were lucky to have had a similar such gift from people in your life, those who took the time to encourage you, take a moment to appreciate it in full. Not everyone is so lucky.

If you’re not fortunate to have had the type of positive influence I’ve outlined above, first, allow me to assure you, it’s true for you as well. If you’ve never heard it before, well congratulations, you have now, and as such you have the duty to fully develop your own gifts and talents — not partially, but to the absolute best of your ability. And don’t think you get a pass either, because you are just now being tasked with the idea of getting on with uncovering your talents.

The point isn’t when you find out — as much as that when you do, you get on with the most important task of doing what’s necessary to fully make use of those incredible gifts and talents which GOD has loaned to you. Friend, as you begin to fully develop your talents you will inevitably begin to experience a deep fulfillment for having done so. It’s quite the rush.

By the way, I understand that you may not subscribe to what I’m suggesting here – that’s fine. We’re all entitled to our own beliefs – I appreciate that we’re all individuals and have varying views. I’m not here to change your personal belief system, rather I’m sharing with you my own experience knowing full well that you can either agree or disagree — that said, I know what I believe and know what I’ve seen play out time, and time again, and yes, in case you’re wondering I have also seen it play out in the lives of those who starting out didn’t believe they had any special gifts in the least, yet in time as they went about being open to the idea, and working to develop them came to believe because the truth in the idea played out before their very eyes.

In summary, if what I’ve shared here with you is a new concept, that’s OK, but don’t put off the idea that you’ve got greatness in you and as you begin the ongoing journey of living out your greatness through your commitment to developing those truly special gifts and talents which were entrusted to you you will be better for it.

Also, be conscious of the opportunity, and when necessary create those opportunities, to encourage others by letting them know that they too have their own GOD given abilities, which they have been entrusted with to fully develop and share with the world. All sorts of powerful things happen when you encourage others in this way — and that I can tell you as it is something I’ve seen play out beyond my wildest dreams through the work I do — not the least of which is an incredible sense of fulfillment that you simply can’t put a price tag on.

It’s your life, LIVE BIG!

Josh Hinds

Starting today commit to giving your absolute  best to every task which comes your way. Rather than seeing things as a burden or menial tasks remind yourself that each is preparing you for the eventual larger opportunities which lay in store for you.

To paraphrase business philosopher, author, and lecturer Jim Rohn, you can’t just start at the top, it’s as though life is making sure you can handle the smaller tasks that are required of you, before you’re given the responsibility of having to deal with the bigger ones.

Prove you can work through the smaller things that are asked of you and before you know it, you’ll attract greater opportunity, along with the greater life rewards that come with being able to work through them.

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

PS. Order your copy of my Success Package – Why perfect Timing is a Myth! – it’s full of tips you can use for staying motivated & inspired to achieve your dreams!

Here’s a positive affirmation you can when you find yourself in a bit of inspiration…

“Each and every day I am making action my ally as I move confidently in the pursuit of the goals I have set. I take the time to evaluate the actions I am taking to ensure they’re moving me in the right direction. Actions in and of themselves won’t guaranty I meet with my desired result. Right action is needed.

I keep myself on the correct path by taking ample time to evaluate where I am, and what exactly I want to accomplish. By making certain I am doing what’s needed, and putting forth the effort required of me to achieve that which I have committed to accomplishing I am moving with confidence in the direction of my goals and heart’s desires.”

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

PS. Drop me a note at jhinds[AT]getmotivation.com for details on my Encouragement and Accountability Coaching Program.

Here’s an affirmation to use when you need a quick burst of inspiration…

“In all my pursuits I’m practicing great tenacity. I am as capable of succeeding in my endeavors as anyone is. Everyday I re-connect with what I want to achieve, by re-writing my goals, and taking a moment on each to think about why they are truly worth pursuing.

Once I have thought on, and written down my goals I assign daily actions I will take which will move me closer towards my larger goals. I will achieve my intended destination by identifying the right actions which are necessary — and carefully following through on each until their completion.”

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG!
Josh Hinds (motivational speaker, author, and accountability coach)

* Order your copy of the ‘Why Perfect Timing is a Myth: Tips for Staying Inspired and Motivated Day in and Day out! Success Package’ by Josh Hinds at
www.getmotivation.com/successpack/

It’s been said that on average a happy customer or client will share their experience with three other people, while a negative experience will be retold upwards of 6 to 7 times.

I readily admit I don’t have the scientific numbers to prove whether the above claim is true or not, but I can tell you that if there’s even the slightest smidgen of truth in it I don’t want to find out for sure! Do you? No, of course you don’t.

Maybe it’s because I speak and coach clients on how to build strong relationships with their customers, and as a result make more sales & greater profits in their businesses, but as you might expect I hear more than my fair share of customer service stories (The good, the bad, and at times the downright ugly).

The following story illustrates not only how important it is to take seriously the way we treat our past customers, but it also shows just how easy it is to blow what could otherwise be a lasting win, win situation for everyone involved.

A friend shared the following story with me.

About 3 months ago my friend went into a local car dealership in our local area and purchased a car, he was absolutely delighted with every aspect of the purchase.

The salesperson was perfect, the car was to his liking, all it seemed was wonderful. Except for one tiny detail, which as you will see shouldn’t have ever been allowed to develop into a problem in the first place — but I’m jumping ahead of the story.

It turns out during the car transaction the salesperson mentioned that my buddy would get his first oil change at no charge. All he would need to do is to call her (the salesperson) when the first oil change was due.

Three months passed, and all the while my friend had been happily sharing the positive experience he had from buying the car.

Then the customer no-service nightmare begins (and I might add, whatever positive relationship had been in place up to that point went kaput!). My friend called the salesperson, he said he reminded her that he had bought a vehicle from her a few months back and just as she’d asked him to do he was calling to get the initial oil change scheduled. The one that was promised as a reward for buying the car from the dealership.

First challenge… not only does she not remember his name, she doesn’t even act as though she has any clue who he is.

Second challenge… rather than offering to take care of scheduling the oil change herself — she says, “I don’t really handle that, but here’s the number of the service department person to ask for, he can take care of you”.

My friend is surprised, but isn’t really bothered by it at this point. He calls the service department and a young lady answers. He explains the situation, and she says that the person whose name he was given was at lunch, and that she “doesn’t know anything about that” — that being a free first oil change when you purchase a car from the dealership.

Instead of offering to take his name she informs him that she would be happy to schedule something if he would like. Unfortunately the “something” wasn’t the as promised free first time oil change.

At this point my friend explains to her that he’s not interested in having their company handle any service work for him. While nice, he also explains that because of the lack of service — from the sales department to their service center he will not only not take advantage of their service department, he will also never purchase another vehicle from the dealership.

His reasoning was solid in my opinion, he said, “Josh, if I can’t count on this company to fulfill a simple oil change, how can I count on them to stand behind a vehicle which costs say, $30,000.00 to $60,000.00. Like I said, his reasoning was sound.

Unfortunately, for the dealership, that was just the beginning of their misfortune — literally in the form of missed referrals and the numerous retellings of this customer no-service story that my friend received.

While he’s not a vindictive person at all, he has told well over 8 to 9 people I know of (myself included) about this unbelievable experience. Think about that for a moment. Consider how many people will now give serious pause to doing business with this company. Even assuming that not one of those people recounted the story (which you know I have just shared it with many people here in this writing, not to mention how many people will hear it when I am speaking from the stage or coaching one of my clients on the right way to build winning customer relationships).

There are many lessons we can gain from the story above, not the least of which is this…

If you make a promise, do your dead level best to live up to it. That’s not to say that you aren’t going to fall short at times, try as we might, we all have our moments where we fall short. Still, if you want to stand out above those in the marketplace when you fall short, do your best to rectify the situation. Be honest about it, admit you fell short and if possible do your best to make up for it.

You don’t have to be perfect, and chances are, you can’t be 100% of the time no matter how hard you try, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a target worth aiming for. Aim for it, and you will find that far more often than not you will be way ahead of the game professionally and personally.

People not only want to be able to believe in and trust those they do business with — they will actively seek out those they can feel that way about. Strive to be that person and you will attract more than your share of opportunity — and make a whole lot more sales in the process!

* Josh Hinds is a motivational speaker and coach, as well as the the author of the Why Perfect Timing is a Myth Success Package!

One thing is for certain, when you go the extra mile there’s always someone, somewhere who takes notice. The challenge is that it may appear that no one sees the extra effort you’re putting in, and in turn there’s a tendency to give up in frustration — which unfortunately undoes any good will you’ve built up to that point.

Admittedly, it’s not easy to stand your ground and keep on piling on the value — especially when it seems that there’s not a living soul who is taking notice.

If you can distinguish yourself from the people who give up, and stick to it you’ll reap the rewards of those who give their best no matter what — and in turn achieve results which are available only to those who can hang on through the challenge.

Always remember that you’ve got greatness in you — and that someone (whether you choose to believe it or not) is always taking notice!

One helpful idea is to track your own daily successes along the way. Doing so will allow you to see first hand that you’re making a real difference, and that you’re contributing in a big way.

It’s perfectly acceptable that until others step in and do so — that you create your own source of validation. Tracking your daily accomplishments will allow you to do just that.

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

Btw. You can learn more about the speaking, training, and coaching I do at www.JoshHinds.com

Being forward thinking, and on focus with regards to the goals you have set for yourself, and the direction you want your life to move in is important — no doubt about it.

However, it’s also important to give ample time to the successes you’ve experienced along the way. And we’re not just talking about the monumental wins either. Even the smallest of right actions all add up. They all count, and are important!

The reason taking the time to  recount your past achievements is so important is because in doing so you’ll find it to be a terrific motivator for helping to move you forward on your goals.

When you feel good about the place and path you’re on, and the progress you’re making (and have made in the past) you will find it to be that much easier to stay the course and dedicate the necessary time to accomplishing what needs to be done to get you to the eventual outcome you’ve planned for.

Recounting your past achievements will become a welcome
reminder and source of validation that you’re making things
happen in your life!

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG!

Josh Hinds

Develop the habit of always being there and encouraging others. In doing so you will notice that more and more folks seem to magically appear and do the same for you.

In reality there’s no magic formula to it. Think about how you feel when you never seem to hear from someone unless they are in need of something. Do you find yourself with an overwhelming desire to help them?

Even when you do help them, are you left with a feeling of unease? Wondering why they never seem to be around when you could use them, or when times are good? Admit it, right or wrong, we’ve all felt this way to some degree or another.

Build the goodwill before you need to tap into it…

If you will always remember that you must put in the time and build up goodwill with others long before you find yourself in need you will be way ahead of the game.

Those who wait until they have a need to ever reach out to those around all to often find themselves surprised when there’s a shortage of people willing to lend a helping hand.

Put the time in to develop win, win relationships with other people long before you need to ask for any help yourself and you will find that someone is always there to pick you up in your time of need.

Think of it like gardening. To reap a great harvest you have to let the vegetables grow. If you pick the vegetables before they’re ripe you’ll be in trouble. The same is true for not tending to and cultivating the personal and professional relationships in your life.

If you will spend time creating value in the lives of those around you, you won’t have to worry whether or not there will be anyone there for you when you can use a helping hand.

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

PS. If you’d like to have me speak to your group – details are at www.JoshHinds.com

Here’s an inspirational affirmation you repeat to yourself when you need a bit of a positive boost…

“I will stop several times throughout the day to rethink what’s truly important to me. I will reconnect with the reasons I’ve set the goals I have. I will give serious thought to the path I’m on and look over my plan for achieving what is important to me.

Wherever needed I will adjust my plan and commit to seeing it through. I am as capable of living my definition of success as anyone. Whatever skills I may lack I am more than capable of learning. I can attract whatever is needed to get me to the place I want to be in life.

I accept that I’m not guaranteed anything in life, but rather I am given the opportunity to go after what I believe to be a worthy pursuit. Because there is no guaranty of success I will appreciate it all the more when I’ve achieved what I have set out to accomplish.

Through hard work, keeping my end result in mind, and applying ample stick-to-it-ness I will succeed!”

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

PS. Interested in having me speak to your group? Details at www.JoshHinds.com