When asked to define relentless it means: steady and persistent. It could just as easily be the adjective that describes Tim Ferris. Who else but Tim Ferris could ever conceive the notion of writing a book called the 4-Hour Workweek? Released in 2007, it’s a semi-autobiographical self-help book that gives you the freedom to Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich. Tim Ferriss is an American writer, educational activist, and entrepreneur and he’s currently on tour right now in Austin, Texas to promote his second best seller “The 4-Hour Body: An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman.” Highlights include how to skip the gym and gain 34 pounds of muscle in 28 days by doing kettle bell workouts.
But what you may not know about Tim Ferris is that he never gave up. The 4-Hour Workweek was actually rejected by 26 publishers before someone decided to take it on. When asked why the 27th publisher finally said yes, they replied ‘no reason.’ They just figured he was the right guy to do something with it!
In The 4-Hour Workweek Tim uses the acronym DEAL for the four main chapters, Definition, Elimination, Automation and Liberation. He’s highly regarded in the world of publishing as the man who is on a mission to warn us against information overload, “selective ignorance” and has coined the phrase “lifestyle design.”
Timothy Ferriss he makes a lot of bold claims: “How do you create a hands-off business that generates $80,000 a month with no management? It’s all here.” Tim’s taken then literary world by storm from lessons learned through the Pareto Principle (80-20 Rule) and Parkinson’s Law: he streamlined both his business and personal life, eliminating distractions and automating systems until it was not only more profitable, but also took less of his time. Then he took a mini-retirement…
It no secret that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Tim chooses to believe that everything rewarding and profitable comes from enhancing your strengths. What’s his philosophy? Emphasize your strengths, don’t fix weaknesses, he believes most people are good at a handful of things and miserable at most. What is more fun leveraging your strengths or attempting to fix all the chinks in your armor? The answer is quite obvious…
Tim Ferriss was virtually unknown before writing The 4-Hour Workweek. Like many, he had a soul-sucking sales job at a tech firm that wasn’t fulfilling. He thought he could do better by starting his own business [BrainQUICKEN out of San Jose, CA], but that too, left him drained. As fate would have it he decided to write a book that would be non-fiction. Funny thing was he became a first-time author who didn’t just write a book, but rather a bestseller. And then, the impossible happened, and a lifelong dream came true. He was simultaneously #1 on the New York Times and #1 on the Wall Street Journal business bestseller lists for 3 months.
I just love how he shatters conventional wisdom. He challenges people’s thinking by showing them ways to optimize their lives.
He’s a relatively young entrepreneur and author who became a multi millionaire before the age of 33. He teaches us how to reboot our lives. Challenging us how to think outside of the box he poses the question: “How is it possible that all the people in the world need exactly eight hours to accomplish their work? It isn’t. Nine to five is arbitrary.” Tim teaches us to use technology more effectively, and more importantly to make more effective decisions.
Tim announced that he would be donating 10% of all author royalties to educational charities such a www.Donorschoose.org online charity connecting you to classrooms in need. To date there are over 16,000 project requests currently in need of funding in the public school system.
Tim’s The 4-Hour Workweek has been sold into 35 languages. According to Technorati: he’s one of the top 1000 blogs in the world, Huffington Post is delighted to reveal: #1 most-linked-to blog in the world and of course Wired.com’s reveals that he’s the greatest self promoter in the world. Thousands of readers have shared their own amazing tools and tricks, producing phenomenal and unexpected results from his blog. The outpouring of “love” prompted him to revise and update a 2009 version to include case studies from families, students and CEO’s.
So go ahead and live out your dreams that you’ve postponed for “some day.” What’s the worst that could happen? Tim believes when you begin to see the infinite possibilities outside of your current comfort zone, you begin to soar. Afterall, Monopoly, Apple, Cliff Bar, KFC, Domino’s Pizza, Fedex and Microsoft were born in the recession. It’s time, my friends to get busy…
Friday, March 9, 2012
Benefits of Ethnic Marketing: Growth, Untapped Market Segments & Increased Profitability
The face of Canada has changed dramatically over the last 20 years. Statistics Canada reports more than 200 ethnicities are now represented in this country. Immigration accounts for more than 50% of our population’s growth, and will more than likely double by 2025. Entrepreneurs should be pitching the product and service to ethnic markets, if not, your competitors will. On the whole, ethnic markets can represent growth, untapped market segments, and increased profitability.
It has been difficult for companies to find successful ways to target to the various ethnic groups found in Canada. The United Way of Greater Toronto fundraising initiatives city wide in 2000 proved dismal to the diverse multicultural groups within the city. Six years ago fundraising efforts raised anywhere from $20,000 – $25,000 from seven or eight communities. Three prominent groups were targeted instead and last year raised about $700,000 – a 300% increase within a six-year period.
Companies actually hire directors of ethnic markets now, and the message is about communicating to the changing Canadian market, the most effective ways to incorporate a more diverse approach to market your brand.
Today’s consumers are far more sophisticated, have better educations, and have increased spending power than the immigrants of years gone by. Marketers understand the ethnicity of their customers, embrace their customs, and tap into their sensitivities.
Ethnicity is a multidimensional expression of identity that includes race, origin or ancestry, language or religion. Influenced by variables: immigration, blending, and intermarriage, which very often create a strength of ethnic identification. Often associated with a culture are customs and beliefs and sometimes dress and eating habits. A survey conducted in 2002 by Statistics Canada regarding ethnic diversity reveals that three-quarters of Canadians say they are interested in learning more about their ancestry and are familiar with their heritage.
Solutions Research Group conducted a study that examined six major population groups in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. The study included Canadians of Chinese, South Asian, West Asian, Hispanic, Black and Italian backgrounds. A total of 3,000 respondents (age 15+) were interviewed in 9 languages: English, French, Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish and Italian. The results were astonishing: among the most vital of media is the Internet with 88% usage. Chinese Canadians are active users spending 2.4 hours/day, followed by TV then radio. Although less time is spent watching TV, ethnic Canadians are more likely than the market benchmark to have digital cable or satellite TV (41% vs. 39%). Black and Chinese Canadians lead on this measure (47% and 44%, respectively).
More than half (52%) of the ethnic groups surveyed agree with the statement: “I rarely see advertising messages intended for me,” suggesting a significant lost opportunity. The trick is to go beyond the status quo, to dig deeper, and the solutions will be found.
Pay attention to the three C’s: caution, care and commitment.
Caution
An ethnic market is really comprised of dozens of smaller, distinct segments. What sells in the Southeast Asian community may not sell to the Chinese community. If referring to China, do you target Hong Kong or Taiwan? Marketers must learn to identify communities and focus directly on those. Ethnic identity has little to do with how people buy gas and car repairs. However, it has plenty to do with which groceries or books they buy.
Care
Decisions should be made to pursue different ethnic communities, and along side comes the care that should be taken to learn about them. The size of the market is considered and how you, the marketer, are going to capture it. Direct marketing techniques are the best means for personalizing your message. Companies may already own the information needed to determine the approach.
Example: Financial institutions know where their clients send money. Companies that capture this kind of data (through data mining) can use it to tailor their product and services to the consumer.
Purchase subscriber lists to ethnic newspapers or membership rolls of ethnic associations. Determining your target audience becomes easy, the next task… to craft the marketing materials in the language they understand.
Commitment
A recent survey of 150 marketers found that only 40% did back-end analysis of their direct marketing programs on a consistent basis. The costs associated to discovering this type of information is expensive. What will be your ROI? Companies more and more are jumping on the ethnic bandwagon. Just go to any Wal-Mart Super Centre and view how their food products are representative of the various ethnicities, and how their ways of “giving back” actually enhance the communities they serve. Last year, the Salvation Army received a $100,000 donation from them. After all, their motto “Wal-Mart Canada is committed to making a difference in the lives of Canadians”, once again, rings true.
It has been difficult for companies to find successful ways to target to the various ethnic groups found in Canada. The United Way of Greater Toronto fundraising initiatives city wide in 2000 proved dismal to the diverse multicultural groups within the city. Six years ago fundraising efforts raised anywhere from $20,000 – $25,000 from seven or eight communities. Three prominent groups were targeted instead and last year raised about $700,000 – a 300% increase within a six-year period.
Companies actually hire directors of ethnic markets now, and the message is about communicating to the changing Canadian market, the most effective ways to incorporate a more diverse approach to market your brand.
Today’s consumers are far more sophisticated, have better educations, and have increased spending power than the immigrants of years gone by. Marketers understand the ethnicity of their customers, embrace their customs, and tap into their sensitivities.
Ethnicity is a multidimensional expression of identity that includes race, origin or ancestry, language or religion. Influenced by variables: immigration, blending, and intermarriage, which very often create a strength of ethnic identification. Often associated with a culture are customs and beliefs and sometimes dress and eating habits. A survey conducted in 2002 by Statistics Canada regarding ethnic diversity reveals that three-quarters of Canadians say they are interested in learning more about their ancestry and are familiar with their heritage.
Solutions Research Group conducted a study that examined six major population groups in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. The study included Canadians of Chinese, South Asian, West Asian, Hispanic, Black and Italian backgrounds. A total of 3,000 respondents (age 15+) were interviewed in 9 languages: English, French, Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish and Italian. The results were astonishing: among the most vital of media is the Internet with 88% usage. Chinese Canadians are active users spending 2.4 hours/day, followed by TV then radio. Although less time is spent watching TV, ethnic Canadians are more likely than the market benchmark to have digital cable or satellite TV (41% vs. 39%). Black and Chinese Canadians lead on this measure (47% and 44%, respectively).
More than half (52%) of the ethnic groups surveyed agree with the statement: “I rarely see advertising messages intended for me,” suggesting a significant lost opportunity. The trick is to go beyond the status quo, to dig deeper, and the solutions will be found.
Pay attention to the three C’s: caution, care and commitment.
Caution
An ethnic market is really comprised of dozens of smaller, distinct segments. What sells in the Southeast Asian community may not sell to the Chinese community. If referring to China, do you target Hong Kong or Taiwan? Marketers must learn to identify communities and focus directly on those. Ethnic identity has little to do with how people buy gas and car repairs. However, it has plenty to do with which groceries or books they buy.
Care
Decisions should be made to pursue different ethnic communities, and along side comes the care that should be taken to learn about them. The size of the market is considered and how you, the marketer, are going to capture it. Direct marketing techniques are the best means for personalizing your message. Companies may already own the information needed to determine the approach.
Example: Financial institutions know where their clients send money. Companies that capture this kind of data (through data mining) can use it to tailor their product and services to the consumer.
Purchase subscriber lists to ethnic newspapers or membership rolls of ethnic associations. Determining your target audience becomes easy, the next task… to craft the marketing materials in the language they understand.
Commitment
A recent survey of 150 marketers found that only 40% did back-end analysis of their direct marketing programs on a consistent basis. The costs associated to discovering this type of information is expensive. What will be your ROI? Companies more and more are jumping on the ethnic bandwagon. Just go to any Wal-Mart Super Centre and view how their food products are representative of the various ethnicities, and how their ways of “giving back” actually enhance the communities they serve. Last year, the Salvation Army received a $100,000 donation from them. After all, their motto “Wal-Mart Canada is committed to making a difference in the lives of Canadians”, once again, rings true.
Ben & Jerry’s Strategy Unleashed: Combine Social Activism and Environmental Responsibility
In the past, Ben & Jerry’s positioned its ice cream for kids and the “young at heart.” As of late, the campaigns have been targeted to the baby boomers. Though the company touts social responsibility, the real compelling reason to buy the ice cream is because it’s made with good ingredients and tastes great. Always innovative, never stagnant, the flavors are unique, flavorful, and aptly named. Ben & Jerry’s is an all-natural, non-traditional brand. Truly sitting at the top of the premium ice cream category, its leading competitor is Häagen-Dazs®, and Dreyer’s – their rival. The key benefit for the consumer is that not only is the ice cream delicious, but consumers realize that B&J’s is all about doing good things for the community – giving back. They are a fun corporation, and all ads are colorful. They are constantly having sales promotions, and involve the public in naming new flavors and retiring the unpopular ones.
Nineteen eighty-five was the year that year marked a turning point for Cohen and Greenfield. With a new sense of mission, they vowed to adapt their business to suit their philosophies. Thus, the Ben & Jerry Foundation was created, which received 7.5% of the ice cream company’s pre-tax profits and then donated them back to the community.
Their tagline: greening the grassroots since 1985 and has enabled them to donate over $1 million dollars per annum. Community Action Teams (CATS) distribute small grants to groups within Vermont, the company’s headquarters. Ben & Jerry are friendly, concerned bosses, and the dynamic duo tied their values and attitudes into company policy. To work at a Ben & Jerry’s outlet or plant is to become part of a team. Each individual is valued. Respect for employees took a far greater precedence than any corporate or profit oriented concerns. Ben & Jerry’s serves the community, and every year they give out free ice cream to show their appreciation.
What is really important are the social stands they take; Vermont Children’s Forum [B&J’s want the U.S. to spend more on health care and education for kids], Just Say No to rBGH [ban artificial growth hormone that’s injected into cows], Business leaders for new priorities [reallocated to education, health, child services and world hunger] and finally, Common Cause Education Fund [a non-profit organization that allows citizens to make their voices heard in the political process].
The company is focused on making an exemplary product – they don’t cut corners on the ingredients they use or the time it takes to make a super premium product. The company is focused on market penetration, product development and product differentiation.
Ben and Jerry’s mission is to promote Social and Environmental progress. B&J’s humble beginnings of “being green,” was actually the by-product of being poor. The company had to find efficient ways to do things. As the company grew, the company realized the need to be more socially responsible.
Success was measured by not on how much money they made, but how they were doing as a neighbor. Through social audits recycling was introduced, as well as waste reduction, while improving their environmental footprint. When consumers buy this product they believe they are buying a product that has an ethic. The panel on the back of the pint is used to discuss issues, and they use the title itself. A great example of this, one of the newest flavors: Fossil Fuel, talks about global warming, people are asked to go visit the website. The business is known as a caring and community based business, one of the reasons why it has lasted so long… They believe in spirituality in business, as in people, and this, believe it or not speaks volumes. To help others you are actually helping yourself in return. Ben & Jerry’s ice cream tastes great, has an appealing social mission and brand integrity, and is exactly what consumers want!
How Storytelling Effectively Markets Your Small Business
How important are small businesses to the U.S. economy? They have generated 64 percent of net new jobs over the past 15 years. However, some businesses struggle to effectively market themselves. I don’t really understand why. Marketing is storytelling and storytelling is one the most underutilized tool in marketing. Storytelling not only makes it easy for people to get to know, like and trust you... it also increases sales!
Then I think back to any speaker I heard at a seminar. What did I remember about the talk? Was it their theories? Their principles? I doubt it. Did I remember the stories the speakers told? The answer is a resounding YES!
...That's because good storytelling creates images in our minds that last for years... even decades.
I love social media, but I had to stop thinking of social media as Twitter, as blogging, and as Facebook. Those are social tools. Social media is about telling a story. It’s about me talking directly to my customers and telling them who I am. I want to tell you why I’m better and what I believe in so that you will remember me and feel connected to me. Every time you read an article posted on my blog I want you to be able to associate all the positive benefits of wealth, health and wisdom.
I’m always amazed at the stories companies are telling in social media. What’s your story? When did you join the marketplace? Who are you, what do you stand for, and how can you help me? Use social media to tell that story. Take advantage of a targeted, absolutely free way to market your business online. Here are some great examples.
• Grasshopper is a phone systems company that believes in entrepreneurs.
• Zappos is an online shoe retailer that cares about customer service and its employees.
• Dell is a technology provider that offers resources to small businesses.
If every picture tells a story here are the three essential elements that make up stories that persuade, captivate and sell:
1. Use the P.A.R. Formula
P.A.R. stands for Problem, Action, Results. First, state the problem you faced. What wasn't working and how did that feel? Second, tell what action you took. What was the epiphany that changed your life? What was your "ah-ha" moment? Finally, what was the result of the action you took? Be specific using numbers and real world results. Tell others how you feel now, so many things are have changed.
2. Paint a Picture
The most powerful stories cause the listener to see pictures in their mind's eye. Those pictures that burn in our memory and we are able to remember that story for years to come.
Pick a very specific moment in time that represents the pivotal moment of your story. Cut to the chase. Tell the story create the picture in YOUR mind's eye and pick just a couple details to tell them, just enough to paint the picture. Let the listener complete the picture in THEIR minds. That's your goal.
3. Have Your Story Teach a Principle
This is the big marketing secret few use... tell a story that also teaches a core idea behind your service, product or program. Nobody likes to be lectured to... so don't do it! But we all love good storytelling.
The story you tell should be interesting AND educational. Example: share step by step how to use direct response marketing. (moving a stranger to a friend, a friend to client and a client to a champion.)
Even though your story won’t be identical to mine I can see my own picture... and I’m more likely to remember the principle behind the story: storytelling sells! We both share a moment in time... and that’s the connection between you and I.
Then I think back to any speaker I heard at a seminar. What did I remember about the talk? Was it their theories? Their principles? I doubt it. Did I remember the stories the speakers told? The answer is a resounding YES!
...That's because good storytelling creates images in our minds that last for years... even decades.
I love social media, but I had to stop thinking of social media as Twitter, as blogging, and as Facebook. Those are social tools. Social media is about telling a story. It’s about me talking directly to my customers and telling them who I am. I want to tell you why I’m better and what I believe in so that you will remember me and feel connected to me. Every time you read an article posted on my blog I want you to be able to associate all the positive benefits of wealth, health and wisdom.
I’m always amazed at the stories companies are telling in social media. What’s your story? When did you join the marketplace? Who are you, what do you stand for, and how can you help me? Use social media to tell that story. Take advantage of a targeted, absolutely free way to market your business online. Here are some great examples.
• Grasshopper is a phone systems company that believes in entrepreneurs.
• Zappos is an online shoe retailer that cares about customer service and its employees.
• Dell is a technology provider that offers resources to small businesses.
If every picture tells a story here are the three essential elements that make up stories that persuade, captivate and sell:
1. Use the P.A.R. Formula
P.A.R. stands for Problem, Action, Results. First, state the problem you faced. What wasn't working and how did that feel? Second, tell what action you took. What was the epiphany that changed your life? What was your "ah-ha" moment? Finally, what was the result of the action you took? Be specific using numbers and real world results. Tell others how you feel now, so many things are have changed.
2. Paint a Picture
The most powerful stories cause the listener to see pictures in their mind's eye. Those pictures that burn in our memory and we are able to remember that story for years to come.
Pick a very specific moment in time that represents the pivotal moment of your story. Cut to the chase. Tell the story create the picture in YOUR mind's eye and pick just a couple details to tell them, just enough to paint the picture. Let the listener complete the picture in THEIR minds. That's your goal.
3. Have Your Story Teach a Principle
This is the big marketing secret few use... tell a story that also teaches a core idea behind your service, product or program. Nobody likes to be lectured to... so don't do it! But we all love good storytelling.
The story you tell should be interesting AND educational. Example: share step by step how to use direct response marketing. (moving a stranger to a friend, a friend to client and a client to a champion.)
Even though your story won’t be identical to mine I can see my own picture... and I’m more likely to remember the principle behind the story: storytelling sells! We both share a moment in time... and that’s the connection between you and I.
Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman
Martin EP Seligman, Ph.D. taught me a lot about making choices when he wrote the book Authentic Happiness: “Optimists have a strength that allows them to interpret their setbacks as surmountable, particular to a single problem and resulting from temporary circumstances or other people. “Pessimists are 8 times as likely to become depressed, they do worse than their talents warrant and they often lose national elections. So what are the pros and cons of optimism and pessimism? The results will surely surprise you…
“Pessimists in contrast have a particularly pernicious way of construing their setbacks and frustrations. They automatically think that the cause is permanent, pervasive and personal. ‘It’s going to last forever, it’s going to undermine everything, and it’s my fault.’ Seligman admits to being a recovering pessimist. As he waited for a phone call to see if he had won his association’s presidency he was sure that a busy signal meant that he had lost the election, and of course it was because he wasn’t qualified enough, and hadn’t devoted enough time to winning. In reality he had won.
I truly believe that deep down inside we all want happiness, to be at peace with ourselves, and free from harm. We want to experience pleasure and we want to love one another. Happiness is something that we pursue so relentlessly, yet at times it can seem so elusive. Why is that?
Well, for one thing we are bombarded with insistent messages promising us a luxurious life and joy on credit. The happy racket and false promise enterprise is indeed big business these days. When we look at different aspects of our lives including wealth, health and wisdom we realize that we need all three to work in synchronicity.
Can optimism or happiness be learned? It seems it can to a certain degree. We do not yet “view positive motivations: loving kindness, competence, choice and respect for life as being as authentic as the darker motives.” – Martin EP Seligman
With the relentless pursuit of happiness we may enter trouble. Could it be that we are looking for the wrong kind of pleasure, the passive kind?
Countless research studies have proven that when animals or people learn that what they do, and their actions have no effect on their environment, they lapse into a state of passive listlessness. They become depressed, and feel hopeless.
Pessimists may be more accurate in their perception, but optimists live longer. It is really two different ways of seeing the world. A positive mood brings people into a mode of thinking that is creative, tolerant, constructive, generous, un-defensive, and lateral. “We look for what is right not what is wrong.” A negative mood “activates the battle station’s mode of thinking: the order of the day is to find out what is wrong and eliminate it.”
Seligman’s findings were inspirational: Happy people are more altruistic and generous. They focus less on themselves, like others more, and want to share their good fortune. When we are down, we trust others and life less. We turn inward in defense and focus on our own needs. Looking out for number one comes from a place of a deep distrust and unhappiness. It makes perfect sense to make the choice to be happy to see the world differently.
Seligman has an actual formula for happiness. It is H=S=C=V. H is the enduring level of happiness. S is your set range: are you born an optimist or a pessimist. C is the current circumstances of your life and V is events over which you do have control. So your enduring level of happiness depends upon your genes, your circumstances and your sense of control.
Happiness is written in the United States Declaration of Independence as an inalienable right: Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights are not contingent upon the laws, customs, or beliefs of any particular culture or government. Martin suggests that we use gratifications versus pleasures. Enduring pleasure has to do with enacting personal strengths and virtues, this is something that each of us will find to be different. It is what we were born to do. It is our essence.
Happiness is relative. We have so many talents, strengths and possibilities that need to be formulated into a plan of action. It is a vision of what we want to become.
“Pessimists in contrast have a particularly pernicious way of construing their setbacks and frustrations. They automatically think that the cause is permanent, pervasive and personal. ‘It’s going to last forever, it’s going to undermine everything, and it’s my fault.’ Seligman admits to being a recovering pessimist. As he waited for a phone call to see if he had won his association’s presidency he was sure that a busy signal meant that he had lost the election, and of course it was because he wasn’t qualified enough, and hadn’t devoted enough time to winning. In reality he had won.
I truly believe that deep down inside we all want happiness, to be at peace with ourselves, and free from harm. We want to experience pleasure and we want to love one another. Happiness is something that we pursue so relentlessly, yet at times it can seem so elusive. Why is that?
Well, for one thing we are bombarded with insistent messages promising us a luxurious life and joy on credit. The happy racket and false promise enterprise is indeed big business these days. When we look at different aspects of our lives including wealth, health and wisdom we realize that we need all three to work in synchronicity.
Can optimism or happiness be learned? It seems it can to a certain degree. We do not yet “view positive motivations: loving kindness, competence, choice and respect for life as being as authentic as the darker motives.” – Martin EP Seligman
With the relentless pursuit of happiness we may enter trouble. Could it be that we are looking for the wrong kind of pleasure, the passive kind?
Countless research studies have proven that when animals or people learn that what they do, and their actions have no effect on their environment, they lapse into a state of passive listlessness. They become depressed, and feel hopeless.
Pessimists may be more accurate in their perception, but optimists live longer. It is really two different ways of seeing the world. A positive mood brings people into a mode of thinking that is creative, tolerant, constructive, generous, un-defensive, and lateral. “We look for what is right not what is wrong.” A negative mood “activates the battle station’s mode of thinking: the order of the day is to find out what is wrong and eliminate it.”
Seligman’s findings were inspirational: Happy people are more altruistic and generous. They focus less on themselves, like others more, and want to share their good fortune. When we are down, we trust others and life less. We turn inward in defense and focus on our own needs. Looking out for number one comes from a place of a deep distrust and unhappiness. It makes perfect sense to make the choice to be happy to see the world differently.
Seligman has an actual formula for happiness. It is H=S=C=V. H is the enduring level of happiness. S is your set range: are you born an optimist or a pessimist. C is the current circumstances of your life and V is events over which you do have control. So your enduring level of happiness depends upon your genes, your circumstances and your sense of control.
Happiness is written in the United States Declaration of Independence as an inalienable right: Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights are not contingent upon the laws, customs, or beliefs of any particular culture or government. Martin suggests that we use gratifications versus pleasures. Enduring pleasure has to do with enacting personal strengths and virtues, this is something that each of us will find to be different. It is what we were born to do. It is our essence.
Happiness is relative. We have so many talents, strengths and possibilities that need to be formulated into a plan of action. It is a vision of what we want to become.
Relentless Crusader and Aids Activist Elizabeth Taylor Left an Inspirational Legacy
Everyone knows the glamorous side of Elizabeth Taylor. You see it everywhere. But how many of us really knew that she was a relentless crusader and Aids activist? For those who were lucky enough to know her she devoted consistent and generous humanitarian time, advocacy efforts, and funding to HIV and AIDS related projects and charities. She hopped on board as one of the first celebrities to bring about awareness at a time when few acknowledged the disease of AIDS. She was instrumental in organizing and hosting the first AIDS fundraiser in 1984 to benefit AIDS Project Los Angeles. But, it didn’t stop there…
As an active participant in the fight for AIDS she was involved in raising more than $100 million and expanding public awareness. She was proud of the 30 years she spent with both charities and her fundraising efforts did not go unnoticed. The charitable donations raised were used to fight the pandemic disease; confront its discrimination; and to expand research, treatment access, education, and additionally government funding.
Rock Hudson was her co-star in Giant in 1956, and they struck up a friendship that would last a lifetime. Though he’d been diagnosed with AIDS in 1984 he only disclosed to her about having the disease in 1985. Hudson was also one of the first major Hollywood celebrities to die from an AIDS-related illness. On July 25, 1985 Hudson issued a press release announcing that he was dying of AIDS, and he died in October of the same year. He was sixty. “I remember complaining, ‘Why isn’t anybody doing anything? Why isn’t anyone raising money?’” asked Elizabeth. “And it struck me like lightning: ‘Wait a second, I’m not doing anything.’” But she would. Elizabeth Taylor’s plan of action took flight.
She was one of the many activists who were seeking to de-stigmatize AIDS and its victims. Hudson's revelation of his own infection with the disease was viewed as an event that could transform the public's perception of AIDS. In 1985 Elizabeth Taylor became the cofounder of the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) with Dr. Michael Gottlieb and Dr. Mathilde Krim. She also founded the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in 1993, created to provide critically needed support services for people with HIV/AIDS.
In 2006, Elizabeth Taylor commissioned a 37-foot “Care Van” equipped with examination tables and x-ray equipment and was donated to New Orleans with the money raised from the AIDS Foundation and Macy's. That same year she donated $40,000 to the NO/AIDS Task Force, a non-profit organization serving the community of those affected by HIV/AIDS in and around New Orleans.
In 1992 Elizabeth Taylor was bestowed with an honorary Academy Award,
the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, for her HIV/AIDS humanitarian work. Jean Hersholt helped form the Motion Picture Relief Fund in 1939. The fund supports industry employees with medical care when they are down on their luck and the fund was used to create the Motion Picture Country House and Hospital in Woodlands Hills, California.
On February 9th 2011 a black-tie benefit marked amfAR’s 25th year and more than $1.5 million was raised for AIDS research. Former President Bill Clinton, Diane von Furstenberg, and Dame Elizabeth Taylor were each presented with the amfAR Award of Courage. The award is given to those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and distinguished service in furthering amfAR’s mission. They have all played a vital role in increasing AIDS awareness and accelerating the pace of HIV/AIDS research.
On the passing of Elizabeth Taylor a statement was released by Former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, “Elizabeth's legacy will live on in many people around the world whose lives will be longer and better because of her work and the ongoing efforts of those she inspired.”
As of this date, amfAR and The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation has raised a combined total of over $270 million dollars. “I hope with all of my heart that in some way I have made a difference in the lives of people with AIDS. I want that to be my legacy. Better that than for the mole on my cheek.” Elizabeth Taylor has truly made a difference. Today, 33.2 million individuals live with AIDS worldwide. The fight will not be over until that number reaches zero.
As an active participant in the fight for AIDS she was involved in raising more than $100 million and expanding public awareness. She was proud of the 30 years she spent with both charities and her fundraising efforts did not go unnoticed. The charitable donations raised were used to fight the pandemic disease; confront its discrimination; and to expand research, treatment access, education, and additionally government funding.
Rock Hudson was her co-star in Giant in 1956, and they struck up a friendship that would last a lifetime. Though he’d been diagnosed with AIDS in 1984 he only disclosed to her about having the disease in 1985. Hudson was also one of the first major Hollywood celebrities to die from an AIDS-related illness. On July 25, 1985 Hudson issued a press release announcing that he was dying of AIDS, and he died in October of the same year. He was sixty. “I remember complaining, ‘Why isn’t anybody doing anything? Why isn’t anyone raising money?’” asked Elizabeth. “And it struck me like lightning: ‘Wait a second, I’m not doing anything.’” But she would. Elizabeth Taylor’s plan of action took flight.
She was one of the many activists who were seeking to de-stigmatize AIDS and its victims. Hudson's revelation of his own infection with the disease was viewed as an event that could transform the public's perception of AIDS. In 1985 Elizabeth Taylor became the cofounder of the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) with Dr. Michael Gottlieb and Dr. Mathilde Krim. She also founded the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in 1993, created to provide critically needed support services for people with HIV/AIDS.
In 2006, Elizabeth Taylor commissioned a 37-foot “Care Van” equipped with examination tables and x-ray equipment and was donated to New Orleans with the money raised from the AIDS Foundation and Macy's. That same year she donated $40,000 to the NO/AIDS Task Force, a non-profit organization serving the community of those affected by HIV/AIDS in and around New Orleans.
In 1992 Elizabeth Taylor was bestowed with an honorary Academy Award,
the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, for her HIV/AIDS humanitarian work. Jean Hersholt helped form the Motion Picture Relief Fund in 1939. The fund supports industry employees with medical care when they are down on their luck and the fund was used to create the Motion Picture Country House and Hospital in Woodlands Hills, California.
On February 9th 2011 a black-tie benefit marked amfAR’s 25th year and more than $1.5 million was raised for AIDS research. Former President Bill Clinton, Diane von Furstenberg, and Dame Elizabeth Taylor were each presented with the amfAR Award of Courage. The award is given to those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and distinguished service in furthering amfAR’s mission. They have all played a vital role in increasing AIDS awareness and accelerating the pace of HIV/AIDS research.
On the passing of Elizabeth Taylor a statement was released by Former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, “Elizabeth's legacy will live on in many people around the world whose lives will be longer and better because of her work and the ongoing efforts of those she inspired.”
As of this date, amfAR and The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation has raised a combined total of over $270 million dollars. “I hope with all of my heart that in some way I have made a difference in the lives of people with AIDS. I want that to be my legacy. Better that than for the mole on my cheek.” Elizabeth Taylor has truly made a difference. Today, 33.2 million individuals live with AIDS worldwide. The fight will not be over until that number reaches zero.
Pay Attention To What Matters Most
When we pay attention to what matters most we are living consciously. Think about this statement for a moment. We live in an age where our attention is being constantly being diverted on a daily basis. I was asked the question one day: what is deserving of your attention? Needless to say, I was momentarily stumped. Is this a trick question, or a question that’s just tricky? In the true entrepreneurial spirit I wanted make my business flourish so here’s the list of what matters most.
Okay, so just how did I decide what’s worthy of my attention? Here’s my most valuable list to date, and it is definitely something worth sharing.
Wealth
• Goal setting is an important part of building wealth. When my goals are focused I have a greater chance of turning them into reality. I keep them posted in plain sight, this means where I can see them.
• Manage my debt. When I sink into debt I am doing the opposite of what I should do to achieve real wealth. Best to get it under control.
• Living within my means. Many wealthy people recount sacrifices that were made so they could attain the level of success and financial freedom they now enjoy.
Health
• Buy every product out there, even if you don’t need it. I’m just kidding on this one, but you get the picture, I’m sure. I’m guilty of buying new foods or new exercise equipment especially if pitched by someone’s whose ultra fit. They must be great I think… I saw the ad on TV! I’ll state this now with total conviction, the opposite of impulse buying is taking the time to properly evaluate your purchases. If it’s not nutritious or seems like a fad, I don’t even think about it, anymore.
Wisdom
• Take calculated risks. The flip side of every risk you take in business can be either beneficial or not. If the calculated risk produces an attractive return then by all means I’ll take it.
• Make making ecologically sound choices is both wise and financially sound. You can read about it in David Bach’s book Go Green, Live Rich. Consumer habits determine “the quality if your life.” Environmental awareness is the name of the game these days.
Just thinking about this question in great detail helped me discover what matters most to me and why. This led me to the conclusion that my attention is precious. I noticed that if I want to I can choose to give my attention to just about anything I thought was relevant in my life. I knew I really wanted to focus on my income, and I did that. Additionally, I wanted to give some attention to diet and exercise, going green, and to donating my time to a worthy cause. And you know what? It feels great!
The opposite side of the coin side is that if you don’t make proper choices, your attention will be pulled towards something by default. There will be someone else out there that will make the decision for you. Could be your boss, a family member, an advertiser, the myriad of social influences that exist in today’s society, it won’t be something that you deliberately chose.
When you don’t make these choices yourself, you fall back into unconscious living, and your results will suffer. Living in an unconscious way tends to result in a poor way compared to the results you can get from living consciously.
My attention is a very limited resource, and I don’t have an infinite attention capacity either. I can only give my attention to one item — or at most, a few items — at one time. Attention is a precious resource, and something that I invest in carefully and thoughtfully. When I paid attention to the things that mattered the most my business started to flourish. So I’ll leave you with the question What is deserving of your attention? It will be interesting to see what comes back!
Okay, so just how did I decide what’s worthy of my attention? Here’s my most valuable list to date, and it is definitely something worth sharing.
Wealth
• Goal setting is an important part of building wealth. When my goals are focused I have a greater chance of turning them into reality. I keep them posted in plain sight, this means where I can see them.
• Manage my debt. When I sink into debt I am doing the opposite of what I should do to achieve real wealth. Best to get it under control.
• Living within my means. Many wealthy people recount sacrifices that were made so they could attain the level of success and financial freedom they now enjoy.
Health
• Buy every product out there, even if you don’t need it. I’m just kidding on this one, but you get the picture, I’m sure. I’m guilty of buying new foods or new exercise equipment especially if pitched by someone’s whose ultra fit. They must be great I think… I saw the ad on TV! I’ll state this now with total conviction, the opposite of impulse buying is taking the time to properly evaluate your purchases. If it’s not nutritious or seems like a fad, I don’t even think about it, anymore.
Wisdom
• Take calculated risks. The flip side of every risk you take in business can be either beneficial or not. If the calculated risk produces an attractive return then by all means I’ll take it.
• Make making ecologically sound choices is both wise and financially sound. You can read about it in David Bach’s book Go Green, Live Rich. Consumer habits determine “the quality if your life.” Environmental awareness is the name of the game these days.
Just thinking about this question in great detail helped me discover what matters most to me and why. This led me to the conclusion that my attention is precious. I noticed that if I want to I can choose to give my attention to just about anything I thought was relevant in my life. I knew I really wanted to focus on my income, and I did that. Additionally, I wanted to give some attention to diet and exercise, going green, and to donating my time to a worthy cause. And you know what? It feels great!
The opposite side of the coin side is that if you don’t make proper choices, your attention will be pulled towards something by default. There will be someone else out there that will make the decision for you. Could be your boss, a family member, an advertiser, the myriad of social influences that exist in today’s society, it won’t be something that you deliberately chose.
When you don’t make these choices yourself, you fall back into unconscious living, and your results will suffer. Living in an unconscious way tends to result in a poor way compared to the results you can get from living consciously.
My attention is a very limited resource, and I don’t have an infinite attention capacity either. I can only give my attention to one item — or at most, a few items — at one time. Attention is a precious resource, and something that I invest in carefully and thoughtfully. When I paid attention to the things that mattered the most my business started to flourish. So I’ll leave you with the question What is deserving of your attention? It will be interesting to see what comes back!
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