Welcome to Jim Rohn's Weekly E-zine
Issue 373 - January 2, 2007

Jim Rohn International - Home of http://www.jimrohn.com - The Official Site of World Renowned Business Philosopher Jim Rohn

Special Note: To all our Jim Rohn readership - Happy New Year! Jim and all the staff here wish you and your family the very best for this coming New Year. May 2007 be filled with love, joy, laughter, overcoming challenges, accomplishing your dreams and may it be your best year yet!

The JRI team

PS - Now is the perfect time for planning and setting your goals for 2007 (mentally, physically, spiritually, financially, relationally). Make sure and take advantage of our special offer and begin receiving the Jim Rohn One-Year Success Plan, starting at only 9.97 a month (Plus over $300 in free bonuses)! Go to http://oneyear.jimrohn.com or call 800-929-0434 to sign-up today!

PPS - To review or download the 2007 Jim Rohn International/YourSuccessStore.com Catalog, click the link below (this is a large file; may take 2-3 minutes to download):

Jim Rohn International 2007 Catalog

Today's issue is going out to 128,972 weekly subscribers. Thank you in advance for forwarding this issue to friends, family and associates!  

Thanks and Enjoy Today's Edition!
JR/JRI

"Nothing is more powerful for your future than being a gatherer of good ideas and information. That's called doing your homework."  Jim Rohn

Today's issue includes:

1. Making Your Goals Count in 2007 by Jim Rohn
2. Vitamins for the Mind - Sowing and Reaping by Jim Rohn
3. The Myth of What We Manage by Chris Widener
4. Receive 4 Goal Setting Bonuses...
5. Jim Rohn Testimonials - December 26, 2006 - January 2, 2007
6. More Information
 

1.  Making Your Goals Count in 2007 by Jim Rohn (Excerpted from Week 7 of the Jim Rohn One-Year Success Plan - S.M.A.R.T. Goals by Jim Rohn)

As we enter into this New Year we all tend to have a heightened sense of the opportunities and possibilities that 2007 can bring. The need for goal-setting becomes more obvious and clear. And the great thing about goal-setting is you can keep it as simple or get as elaborate as you would like. In fact, we have dedicated one month in the One-Year Success Plan solely to the subject of goal-setting and have over 125-pages in the One-Year Plan workbook of exercises on this subject. Space and time won't allow that here, but below are some abbreviated points on goal-setting for the New Year.

I've often said the major reason for setting a goal is for what it makes of you to accomplish it. What it makes of you will always be the far greater value than what you get. That is why goals are so powerful - they are part of the fabric that makes up our lives. And goal-setting is where we create our goals.

Goal-setting is powerful, partly because it provides focus. It shapes our dreams. It gives us the ability to hone in on the exact actions we need to perform to achieve everything we desire in life. Goals are GREAT because they cause us to stretch and grow in ways that we never have before. In order to reach our goals we must become better. We must change and grow.

Also, goals provide long-term vision in our lives. We all need lots of powerful, long-range goals to help us get past short-term obstacles. Life is designed in such a way that we look long-term and live short-term. We dream for the future and live in the present. Unfortunately, the present can produce many difficult obstacles. But fortunately, the more powerful our goals (because they are inspiring and believable) the more we will be able to act on them in the short-term and guarantee that they will actually come to pass!

So, let's take a closer look at the topic of goal-setting and see how we can make it forceful as well as practical. What are the key aspects to learn and remember when studying and writing our goals?

1. Evaluation and Reflection. The only way we can reasonably decide what we want in the future and how we will get there is to first know where we are right now and what our level of satisfaction is for where we are in life. So first take some time and think through and write down your current situation, then ask this question on each key point - is that okay?

The purpose of evaluation is two-fold. First, it gives you an objective way to look at your accomplishments and your pursuit of the vision you have for your life. Secondly, it is to show you where you are so you can determine where you need to go. In other words, it gives you a baseline from which to work.

I would strongly encourage you to take a couple of hours this week to evaluate and reflect. At the beginning of this month we encourage you to see where you are and write it down so that as the months progress and you continue a regular time of evaluation and reflection, you will see just how much ground you will be gaining - and that will be exciting!

2. What are Your Dreams and Goals? These are the dreams and goals that are born out of your own heart and mind. These are the goals that are unique to you and come from who you were created to be and gifted to become. So second, make a list of all the things you desire for the future.

One of the amazing things we have been given as humans is the unquenchable desire to have dreams of a better life, and the ability to establish goals to live out those dreams. Think of it: We can look deep within our hearts and dream of a better situation for ourselves and our families; dream of better financial lives and better emotional or physical lives; certainly dream of better spiritual lives. But what makes this even more powerful is that we have also been given the ability to not only dream but to pursue those dreams and not just pursue them, but the cognitive ability to actually lay out a plan and strategies (setting goals) to achieve those dreams. Powerful!

What are your dreams and goals? This isn't what you already have or what you have done, but what you want. Have you ever really sat down and thought through your life values and decided what you really want? Have you ever taken the time to truly reflect, to listen quietly to your heart, to see what dreams live within you? Your dreams are there. Everyone has them. They may live right on the surface, or they may be buried deep from years of others telling you they were foolish, but they are there.

So how do we know what our dreams are? This is an interesting process and it relates primarily to the art of listening. This is not listening to others; it is listening to yourself. If we listen to others, we hear their plans and dreams (and many will try to put their plans and dreams on us). If we listen to others, we can never be fulfilled. We will only chase elusive dreams that are not rooted deep within us. No, we must listen to our own hearts.

Here are some practical steps/thoughts on hearing from our hearts on what our dreams are:

Take time to be quiet. This is something that we don't do enough in this busy world of ours. We rush, rush, rush, and we are constantly listening to noise all around us. The human heart was meant for times of quiet, to peer deep within. It is when we do this that our hearts are set free to soar and take flight on the wings of our own dreams! Schedule some quiet "dream time" this week. No other people. No cell phone. No computer. Just you, a pad, a pen, and your thoughts.

Think about what really thrills you. When you are quiet, think about those things that really get your blood moving. What would you LOVE to do, either for fun or for a living? What would you love to accomplish? What would you try if you were guaranteed to succeed? What big thoughts move your heart into a state of excitement and joy? When you answer these questions you will feel GREAT and you will be in the "dream zone." It is only when we get to this point that we experience what OUR dreams are!

Write down all of your dreams as you have them. Don't think of any as too outlandish or foolish - remember, you're dreaming! Let the thoughts fly and take careful record.

Now, prioritize those dreams. Which are most important? Which are most feasible? Which would you love to do the most? Put them in the order in which you will actually try to attain them. Remember, we are always moving toward action, not just dreaming.

3. S.M.A.R.T. Goals. S.M.A.R.T. means Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-sensitive.

I really like this acronym S.M.A.R.T., because we want to be smart when we set our goals. We want to intelligently decide what our goals will be so that we can actually accomplish them. We want to set the goals that our heart conceives, our minds believe and that our bodies will carry out. Let's take a closer look at each of the components of S.M.A.R.T. goals:

Specific: Goals are no place to waffle. They are no place to be vague. Ambiguous goals produce ambiguous results. Incomplete goals produce incomplete futures.

Measurable: Always set goals that are measurable. I would say "specifically measurable" to take into account our principle of being specific as well.

Attainable: One of the detrimental things that many people do - and they do it with good intentions - is to set goals that are so high they are unattainable.

Realistic: The root word of realistic is "real." A goal has to be something that we can reasonably make "real" or a "reality" in our lives. There are some goals that simply are not realistic. You have to be able to say, even if it is a tremendously stretching goal, that yes, indeed, it is entirely realistic -- that you could make it. You may even have to say that it will take x, y, and z to do it, but if those happen, then it can be done. This is in no way to say it shouldn't be a big goal, but it must be realistic.

Time: Every goal should have a time frame attached to it. I think that life itself is much more productive if there is a time frame connected to it. Could you imagine how much procrastination there would be on earth if people never died? We would never get "around to it." We could always put it off. One of the powerful aspects of a great goal is that it has an end, a time in which you are shooting to accomplish it. You start working on it because you know there is an end. As time goes by you work on it because you don't want to get behind. As it approaches, you work diligently because you want to meet the deadline. You may even have to break down a big goal into different parts of measurement and time frames. That is okay. Set smaller goals and work them out in their own time. A S.M.A.R.T. goal has a timeline.

4. Accountability (A contract with yourself or someone else). When someone knows what your goals are, they hold you accountable by asking you to "give an account" of where you are in the process of achieving that goal. Accountability puts some teeth into the process. If a goal is set and only one person knows it, does it really have any power? Many times, no. At the very least, it isn't as powerful as if you have one or more other people who can hold you accountable to your goal.

So: Evaluate/Reflect; Decide What You Want; Be S.M.A.R.T.; Have Accountability. When you put these 4 key pieces together, you are putting yourself in a position of power that will catapult you toward achieving your goals.

Let's Do Something Remarkable in 2007!

Jim Rohn


This article is excerpted from the Jim Rohn One-Year Success Plan. Take advantage of our special offer and begin receiving the Jim Rohn One-Year Success Plan, starting at only $9.97 a month! To learn more or to hear Chris Widener has to say about the Jim Rohn One-Year Success Plan or to join Chris and Jim Rohn as part of the Jim Rohn One-Year Success Plan and to participate in this Special Introductory Offer, go to http://oneyear.jimrohn.com or call 800-929-0434 for more information.

 

To read previous articles, quotes, and Q and A from the Jim Rohn Weekly E-zine Archives, or to get a complete listing of Jim Rohn's books, audios, videos and seminar schedule, or to place an order; please go to: http://www.jimrohn.com or call 800-929-0434 M-F 8:00-5:30 CST.

2. Vitamins for the Mind by Jim Rohn

Sowing and Reaping

Vitamins for the Mind is a weekly sampling of original quotes, on a specific topic, taken from The Treasury of Quotes by Jim Rohn (TTOQ). TTOQ, a beautiful, burgundy hardbound book with gold foil lettering, is a collection of over 365 quotes on 60 topics gathered from Jim's personal journals, seminars and books spanning over 39 years. To order the TTOQ by Jim Rohn or Excerpts from TTOQ by Jim Rohn or Brian Tracy, please go to Jim Rohn's Online Catalog

3.  The Myth of What We Manage by Chris Widener (Excerpted from Week 22 of the One-Year Success Plan)

Perhaps it is merely semantics, but an underlying problem I find that people have as it relates to the success in their life lies in a proper understanding of what exactly it is they manage. Think about it. We have time management (in fact, I present a seminar on this very topic, some of which is excerpted below), and financial management, and relational management, weight management, career management and many, many more.

The fact is though, that we don't manage any of those things. What we do manage is ourselves, and how we relate to those things. We don't manage time. Time clicks by, second by second, whether we do anything or not. What we do is manage ourselves, and our activities, as the time passes. We make choices as to what we will do and be involved in. The problem as well as the solution lies not with time, but with us.

So as we live our lives and pursue success, one of the keys to grab onto is the idea that the most important thing we can manage isn't a thing at all - it is ourselves!

How then can we manage ourselves? Here are some thoughts.

Make sure that the above is firmly engrained in your thinking: I only manage myself. I can choose how I will act and react in every situation. Dwight D. Eisenhower said, "The history of free men is not written by chance, but by choice, their choice."

Know your priorities. Do you know from top to bottom what your priorities are? Have you decided what the top ten things are that you want to spend your time on? How about with your money? Only after you know these things can you properly manage yourself into choosing to live in line with your priorities.

Learn to say "no" with a smile on your face. Here is where most of us fail. We do not choose to say "no" to those things that are not a matter of priority (the reason "why" is another article and probably a few counseling sessions at that!). Someone calls us up and asks us to do something for them (usually because they haven't managed themselves and would like our help picking up the pieces) and we say "Uh, I guess so." Then what? We usually kick ourselves for the rest of the day. "Why did I ever say yes?" Instead, practice this, "Gee, I am really sorry but I am not going to be able to be involved this time. I am sure you will be able to find somebody though." Go ahead and try it right now. Weird, isn't it? That is because we don't say it very often.

Schedule your priorities into your schedule; budget or whatever structure governs that particular area of your life. For example, do you have a financial budget that you yourself set? Then do you first and foremost allocate your money in that way, say, at the beginning of the month? If you do, you will eliminate even the opportunity to blow your money on impulse decisions and expenses because your money has already been committed to the priorities of your own choosing. The same principles apply to your management of time.

Remember, one of the greatest gifts God gave us is the ability to choose. And we can choose to manage ourselves appropriately according to our priorities. As we do, we will find ourselves feeling less and less of the personal pain and frustration we sometimes feel when we are out of control and not managing ourselves based on our priorities.


Questions for Reflection.

Q. What do you think about Jim's idea of stewardship? Have you ever thought of your life in this way? How is it helpful?

Q. Who in your life means the most to you? How will managing your time enable you to spend more time with them? What are two things you can do to manage your time so as to increase the time you can spend with them?

Q. In what ways do you exert choice in your life? Have you ever thought of time management as a choice? How is that concept helpful to you? What choices do you need to start making?

Q. In what areas would you like to start seeing fulfillment in your life? In what ways is time management connected to those areas of personal fulfillment?

Q. What are the top five priorities of your life? How much time do you spend on them each week? How much time would you like to spend on them each week?

Until next week,
Chris Widener
 

To hear (or see) what Chris Widener has to say about the Jim Rohn One-Year Success Plan or to join Chris and Jim Rohn as part of the Jim Rohn One-Year Success Plan and to participate in a Special Introductory Offer, go to http://oneyear.jimrohn.com or call 800-929-0434 for more information.

"Ideas can be life-changing. Sometimes all you need is just one more good idea." Jim Rohn

4. Receive 4 Goal Setting Bonuses

"One of the secrets to success is ideas mixed with inspiration." Jim Rohn

5. Jim Rohn Testimonials - December 26, 2006 - January 2, 2007

Here are some of the dozens of testimonials and comments we received over the past week from E--zine subscribers. To read more recent testimonials and the over 2500 we have received from readers over the past year, please go to  Customer Testimonials


I just started the 54th volume of my journals.
-- Brian Cavanaugh

Good Morning Jim and Happy New Year! Jim Rohn cures Autism. Now that's a Big statement, but it happened. Talk about leaving a legacy, you're the man, surrounded by an outstanding team. I have been meaning to send you this Thank you for a few weeks, today seemed so appropriate. 2006 was an extraordinary year for my family and I. With love, support and unwavering determination - instilled by you and your leadership and inspiration --- we were able to get our youngest son the help he needed in time, which lead to his graduation this past August. An incredible 3 1/2 year journey. "CC" is now mainstreamed with normal developing six year olds in a kindergarten classroom. An incredible, incredible miracle! To anyone considering the 2004 Weekend Seminar, it is the best program ever delivered. Get it! Twelve Pillars, WOW, just outstanding. Buy multiple copies, I have now given away 4 copies. Chris' book, The Angle Inside, is another winner. Your readers need to know, "it's not what happens, it's what you do about what happens" - caught that early on from one of your most successful students. Thank you again for giving me resources to overcome a major obstacle in the road and set my family up for the best year of our lives. Looking forward to meeting you personally in Dallas at the end of March.
-- Paul C. & Family

I am forty years old, an insurance manager that has followed your teachings for quite a few years. Recently, I was watching the 2004 Leadership DVD's and noticed something that I really appreciate. You seem to be giving more credit to the Bible when you're teaching instead of making reference to it as an "ancient text". This is huge to me as you have so much influence in business. I believe it has driven many to the Bible when they would have not even glanced at the great book. Also, in the last nine years my wife and I have adopted six orphans from Russia and Belarus. Since that time they began speaking English and I have been teaching them your words, philosophy and work ethic. I cannot thank you enough for your tenacity and dedication for sharing for these ideas for many years.
-- John C.


Thank you E-zine readers, for the sincere and kind words of encouragement and appreciation you sent us this week! -- JRI

"When a new idea comes our way, we must put it on our mental scales and weigh it carefully before deciding its value." Jim Rohn
 

6. More Information

Ezine Archives - To review previous issues of Jim Rohn's Weekly E-zine, please go to:
E-zine Archives

Printer-Friendly Version - Jim Rohn's Weekly Ezine: Issue 373 - Printer-Friendly

Personal Coaching - For those who are interested in personal coaching for 2007 you can now have access to Jim Rohn International coach - TC Cummings (former U.S. Navy Seal and Personal Development aficionado) and his team. For more information go to http://coaching.jimrohn.com or call 800-929-0434 and talk with Yveatte or Crystal or send an email to info@jimrohn.com.

A Plan of Consistent and Continual Growth! - The Jim Rohn One-Year Success Plan - (99% retention rate) offers a plan of consistent and continual growth in your personal and professional life. For details and a special Introductory Offer, go to http://jr1.jimrohn.com or call 800-929-0434.

Financial Mastery! Yes, one whole year on Financial Mastery, designed to both educate and help you create long-term duplicatable systems for 12 major areas of your financial world - To enroll today go to http://tj.jimrohn.com or call 800-929-0434 and talk with Yveatte or Crystal or send an email to info@jimrohn.com

For our MP3 and e-book listings go to http://mp3.jimrohn.com

Download the 2007 Catalog

Monthly Specials - Save 20-60 % Off All Products!

Save 20 - 60% off all books, audios and videos by Jim Rohn and other great speakers such as: Brian Tracy, Jan Ruhe, Charlie 'T' Jones, Bob Burg, Les Brown and more. For Jim Rohn products:  Jim Rohn International Online Catalog

For all CDs, DVDs and books by additional authors - Best-Selling Authors or call 800-929-0434. Also receive five bonus gifts for orders over $10.

Jim Rohn, Denis Waitley and Chris Widener MP3s and eBooks in Spanish

How to Subscribe - Subscribe at http://www.jimrohn.com or send an email with JOIN in the subject to subscribe@jimrohn.com

How to Unsubscribe - Use the automatic unsubscribe link at the bottom of this email, or send an email to unsubscribe@jimrohn.com

The Jim Rohn Affiliate Program

Booking Jim Rohn - Send an email to info@jimrohn.com and include your name, company, date and location of event, along with anticipated audience size and composition.

Visit Rave Reviews to find out what others who have experienced Jim Rohn live, including Anthony Robbins, Harvey Mackay, Les Brown, Mark Victor Hansen, Jan Ruhe, Brian Tracy, Vic Conant and others say about Jim Rohn - his philosophies and his message.

No List Sharing!
- The contents of this E-zine may be copied, reproduced, or freely distributed for all nonprofit purposes without the consent of the author as long as the author's name and contact information are included. Example: Reproduced with permission from the Jim Rohn Weekly E-zine.

All contents Copyright (c) 2007 Jim Rohn International except where indicated otherwise. All rights reserved worldwide. **Duplication or reprints only with express permission or approved Credits (see above). All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contact Information:

2835 Exchange Blvd., Suite 200
Southlake, TX 76092
800-929-0434
International and/or Dallas/Ft Worth - 817-442-5407
Fax 817-442-1390 or visit the website at www.jimrohn.com