There is a vast amount of talking in the present day about "Freewill" and "Fate.” It seems that the majority of society believes that their surroundings and circumstances - their state of affairs - are caused by the subtle, mysterious workings of an omnipotent power, over which they are powerless.
The name of this power, they call "Fate." And while they vastly disagree on exactly what it is, what it does, and what makes it operate, they do, nevertheless, agree, excluding the acts of God, that it somehow controls their actions, movements, and circumstances; predestinating them to a prescribed state of affairs - each to his or her own varying degrees of wealth or poverty; health or sickness; happiness or sadness, and a score of other things in between.
While there is, admittedly, some circumstantial evidence that is habitually construed to support their belief in “Fate,” there is no actual concrete proof that could justify a dogmatic view in favor of it. However, the same cannot be said of “Freewill.” There is just too much available tangible evidence to ignore its validity. And because of this fact, the minority - those individuals within it who actually believe in "Freewill" - the belief that we are independent agents responsible largely for our own state of affairs, feel strongly that claim to a belief in “Fate” is a pretentiously evadable tactic used by those within the majority to deny responsibility for their state of affairs - their particular levels of poverty or wealth, happiness or sadness, etc., and to justify their failure to take corrective action to better their state of affairs.
So numerous are the examples that could be given, if space permitted, that support the validity of “Freewill,” and which examples would work, perhaps as well, I have nevertheless chosen Henry Ford because his story is most remarkable in that it embodies, as nearly as possible, the actual essence of “Freewill.” Henry Ford made a monumental decision at the young age of 16 that he wanted to become an apprentice mechanic. Now that does not sound like a monumental decision, but it definitely was in the case of Henry Ford. Unknown, perhaps, even to Henry Ford, his decision was destined to strip “Fate” of its theoretical power and become a perpetual herald to the eminence of “Freewill” - to the fact that an individual, not “Fate,” is responsible for his or her own state of affairs.
Consider carefully the importance that one farm boy’s decision would have on this nation and the world. Because of this decision, Henry Ford would become the founder of Ford Motor Company; and although Eli Whitney was the first to introduce the assembly line method of production, Henry Ford, because of his monumental decision, was to become one of the first to apply the assembly line method of production to the mass production of affordable automobiles and is credited with contributing to the creation of the middle class in American society. Henry Ford’s achievement was labeled “Fordism” because it helped to revolutionize industrial production not only in the United States but also in other countries. Henry Ford did many other things, but this suffices to point out that his decision at age 16 to become an apprentice mechanic was a monumental decision, and it gives validity to “Freewill.”
While most of the world knows of Henry Fords achievements, they do not know of the problem that Henry Ford faced at age 16 when he made his “monumental” decision to become an apprentice mechanic. Here was the problem that confronted Henry’s decision; and regrettably, it is still a problem that challenges many of us today - Had Henry earnestly believed in "Fate," as the majority does, he would have given up on his goal, resigned himself to the life of a farmer, accepting his “Fate” - a farm boy.
While most of Henry's family and acquaintances saw Henry as a farmer, Henry was busy seeing himself as what he wanted to become and having the courage to take the necessary action to achieve it. This wasn’t always easy for Henry because his decision was not immediately accepted as popular by his family, especially by his father who, at first, was very obstinate about what he wanted Henry to become - a farmer; However, through the demonstrated determination to achieve what he wanted, young Henry's father, as did other family members, gradually came to accept and even to appreciate Henry's decision about what he wanted to become; and they saw living proof through Henry's own example, that each individual is a “Freewill” agent responsible for his or her own state of affairs - that an individuals state of affairs is determined most largely, not by “Fate,” but by specific actions that an individual chooses through “Freewill” to exercise.
Maybe you are still undecided about what goal you want to achieve, and/or you are still uncertain about which is right, "Fate" or "Freewill”? If so, then you are not alone. People will continue, at times, to have questions about which goals they should pursue and will continue to debate and disagree on the preeminence of “Fate” and “Freewill,” as they always have. It may prove of benefit in helping you arrive at your own decisions about “Fate” and “Freewill,” to weigh the known facts. Namely, that while there is, admittedly, some circumstantial evidence that support a belief in “Fate;” however, there is no actual concrete proof that could justify a dogmatic view in favor of it - the same, however, cannot be said of “"Freewill". There is such a vast amount of tangible evidence in support of its validity, and the fact that you can change your state of affairs by taking appropriate action; that we cannot ignore the validity of “Freewill;” neither can we ignore its claim to preeminence - consider the example of Henry Ford. Add to this, the fact that there are dozens of others, like Henry Ford, whose names I have not mentioned; whose stories I have not yet told.
Maybe you have an inward desire to be or to achieve some cherished goal, as did young Henry Ford who more than anything else wanted to be a mechanic apprentice. It may be a simple goal that everyone expects of you, or maybe your goal deviates a little bit, or quite a distance, from what is, or what you perceive is expected of you; and because of this, you are not exactly sure on how to proceed. In either case, do what young Henry did - listen to your inward yearning to be and to achieve what you want in life; not what someone else wants or expects of you - but what you want. And when you are firmly convinced about what goal you want to achieve, go after it like young Henry did; and like Henry Ford, do not alienate yourself from friends and family. Instead, let your determination win their approval and support.
By recognizing and acting on his right to be a "Freewill" agent, young Henry Ford, with his newly acquired skills, was better suited to repair the farm equipment and still, at the same time, disciplined enough to exercise his obligation to help around the family's farm on his return visits and stays at home. The decision of one 16-year-old farm boy has benefited not only Henry Ford and his immediate family; but it has, and perpetually does, continue to benefit America, the world, and you and me.
Can you imagine the magnitude of the potential loss that we would have endured were it not for the fact that Henry Ford chose to exercise his right as a “Freewill” agent? When you do likewise, what success story will you one day have to share?
Good luck in your journey for success.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
How Secure Is Your Source Of Income?
After many years of hard work, you find yourself at the top of your field. All your income is riding on one customer, one job, or one avenue of revenue. Does this sound like your situation? If you answer yes, then you must consider creating multiple streams of income.
What if one day, unexpectedly, you are “down sized”, “cut loose”, “let go”. Call it what you like, but you find yourself without a job, without income. I know how it feels, it happened to me.
First, you panic, then you get really mad and finally you settle down and realize you better do something and do it fast. For many, this has been a very real life experience, one that we wish never occurred.
Most people find it difficult at best, to find a job that will replace the income they had and changing careers is very frightening. So what do you do? You might find another job that you feel is suitable, but in the long term, it is not always, what you thought it was going to be.
What about starting your own business? This seems to be the next logical, and in most cases, the better choice. Whether you choose to start a home based business, a service business or online business, you must make a choice.
Multiple streams of income are imperative, not just for survival, but in order to secure your future. So start now, make the decision that you will develop other ways of producing income for you and your family.
You cannot let a bad situation get you down and keep you on the ground. You must make a decision to get up and turn things around. Without action, nothing changes.
Whatever you choose to do, whether a home based business or a new job and career, you must do it with all your might.
What if one day, unexpectedly, you are “down sized”, “cut loose”, “let go”. Call it what you like, but you find yourself without a job, without income. I know how it feels, it happened to me.
First, you panic, then you get really mad and finally you settle down and realize you better do something and do it fast. For many, this has been a very real life experience, one that we wish never occurred.
Most people find it difficult at best, to find a job that will replace the income they had and changing careers is very frightening. So what do you do? You might find another job that you feel is suitable, but in the long term, it is not always, what you thought it was going to be.
What about starting your own business? This seems to be the next logical, and in most cases, the better choice. Whether you choose to start a home based business, a service business or online business, you must make a choice.
Multiple streams of income are imperative, not just for survival, but in order to secure your future. So start now, make the decision that you will develop other ways of producing income for you and your family.
You cannot let a bad situation get you down and keep you on the ground. You must make a decision to get up and turn things around. Without action, nothing changes.
Whatever you choose to do, whether a home based business or a new job and career, you must do it with all your might.
How One Woman Found Her Perfect Home Business --- Three Times
Have you ever noticed that what works for you at one point in your life, might not work five years down the road. Maybe a divorce happens, or a partner gets a job transfer. Someone in the family could fall ill, and of course, kids come into our lives and then leave the nest to start their own lives. New opportunities arise and old ones disappear; it’s what we often refer to as…LIFE.
I’ve recently been introduced to a woman via the Internet who has changed her self-employment career three times. She has such a great story. Her name is Anlé. Her story starts back in the early 90’s when she and her husband emigrated from South Africa to Germany. It wasn’t an easy move for Anlé, but she was young and full of adventure and optimism.
Anlé’s husband, who was of German descent, found work right away when they moved, but Anlé could barely speak ''ja, nein and ich liebe dich.'' Not being able to speak German was a huge hindrance to her getting hired. In Africa, Anlé was a promotional and advertising manager for their second largest wholesale group, but now, Anlé was going to have to think of a different approach making money, like starting her own business.
She had no idea what type of business to start, so she began to use the Internet as a resource. She happened upon a site called Bizymoms.com and was able to read about women who had their own home businesses. “I couldn't stop reading, all those business ideas! I printed it all and read all the stories of all Bizymoms and their home businesses. I made a decision that I too can start my own business”. Explains Anlé.
What Anlé did next is key to finding a profitable business. She looked at the needs of her area. Anlé says, “It was a time in Europe where English suddenly became a necessity because of the borders opening between the countries and most people between the age of 30 and 50 suddenly needed English for their careers.” Anlé had no problem speaking English, even though Afrikaans was her native language. She decided to take a five-day course on how to teach people a second language.
Now we all have fears that keep us from improving our lives and moving forward. Anlé was very scared to take the course. She feared of making grammar mistakes, or that she wouldn’t be able to cope. Anlé explains, “I think the biggest problem is that you loose your own identity when you move to a country where you can't speak the language. You loose confidence in yourself when you go to the bakery and you cannot even say what you want. The phone rings and you just stare at it and don't dare to answer cause you don't understand and can't speak to who ever is calling you. The fear probably came from living with this situation for months and loosing confidence in my abilities and myself.” Amazingly today, Anlé speaks German better than English.
The first day of class was hard. “I must admit that first day I was so petrified that I could hardly get my legs to move from my car to the entrance, but I survived.” Anlé took it one day at a time though and completed her five-day course.
Then it was all about getting the word out about her business. She put an ad in the newspaper and waited, she really didn’t know if anyone would actually contact her or not. But it happened. She started to get clients. Then large companies started to contact her to teach their office staff.
Anlé says, “English is not my native language, but with determination and good preparation one could make a success of everything.”
Anlé’s soon became pregnant and had a little boy. She made it very clear to her clients that her son would be coming along to all appointments. But Anlé’s son did something that all of our kids do, he got older. Anlé says, “But as my son grew I found that it was not fair on him to spend so much time in the classroom, where he had to keep himself busy while I was teaching, and so it was back to square one.”
Anlé had to find a new way to make money. Again, she turned to the Internet to get some ideas on what type of business she should start. She explains, “All these years I had been following Bizymoms' progress and as I needed a new idea I came across stories of Bizymoms who started daycare for little children. My daycare, ‘The Zwergenstübchen,’ was born. It was a wonderful time, five little children came from Monday to Friday and my son loved it too.” Anlé truly enjoyed her new business. She explains, “I learned so much from them. I learned to just leave all the 'adult work' and just play. Then my son and all the other children eventually went to Kindergarten, we were finally building our dream house, life was wonderful.”
Life is great when it’s wonderful, but when it turns ugly, it can be devastating. During the building of Anlé’s home her husband had an accident. He slipped and fell from a two-story building. The doctors gave him a 20% chance of ever walking again. Anlé found that out later. Her husband, being a very positive soul, turned it around and told he had a 80% chance to walk. He spent many weeks in the hospital, ten months in a wheelchair, underwent lots of therapy, and because of all the time he had to take off to recover, he lost his job. Anlé found herself with no job, a half-built house in middle of winter, and lots of debt!
The situation was bleak, but Anlé didn’t give up. She again turned to the Internet for help and motivation. She explains, “I read everything on Bizymoms, again and again, trying to find something that I could do. And then one day I found it. Liz Folger advised someone who didn’t know what kind of home business to start to 'to do what you really love,' and as I have always painted and loved it, I tried to draw a picture of my son; combining the two things that I love most!”
When you look at Anlé’s work you will be amazed. She is such a gifted artist, and that is how she is currently making her living. On the front page of her site you will see the picture she drew of her son. Anlé’s business is a dream come true. She says, “I get up in the morning and can’t wait to start!” And really, that’s how it should be. Anlé now works on a commission basis, and she has the support of all her friends and family.
Anlé’s son is a huge supporter of her business. He is so proud of his mothers work. He tells everybody his mom is an artist and all his little friends get a business card with the strict order to give it to their parents. Anlé says, “When they come and play, he always shows them what I am working on and tells them if they want a picture of themselves, his mom can draw it. I even got two commissions because of his networking.”
Anlé’s determination and power of positive thinking has clearly helped in the success of her business. Two quotes that she loves are, 'I always do the things that I can't do, that's how I get to do them,' and 'it's always to soon to quit!'. She ends by saying, “It is very true that if you do something that you love, the rest is history as they say.” You can view Anlé’s website at www.ass-atelier.de.
I’ve recently been introduced to a woman via the Internet who has changed her self-employment career three times. She has such a great story. Her name is Anlé. Her story starts back in the early 90’s when she and her husband emigrated from South Africa to Germany. It wasn’t an easy move for Anlé, but she was young and full of adventure and optimism.
Anlé’s husband, who was of German descent, found work right away when they moved, but Anlé could barely speak ''ja, nein and ich liebe dich.'' Not being able to speak German was a huge hindrance to her getting hired. In Africa, Anlé was a promotional and advertising manager for their second largest wholesale group, but now, Anlé was going to have to think of a different approach making money, like starting her own business.
She had no idea what type of business to start, so she began to use the Internet as a resource. She happened upon a site called Bizymoms.com and was able to read about women who had their own home businesses. “I couldn't stop reading, all those business ideas! I printed it all and read all the stories of all Bizymoms and their home businesses. I made a decision that I too can start my own business”. Explains Anlé.
What Anlé did next is key to finding a profitable business. She looked at the needs of her area. Anlé says, “It was a time in Europe where English suddenly became a necessity because of the borders opening between the countries and most people between the age of 30 and 50 suddenly needed English for their careers.” Anlé had no problem speaking English, even though Afrikaans was her native language. She decided to take a five-day course on how to teach people a second language.
Now we all have fears that keep us from improving our lives and moving forward. Anlé was very scared to take the course. She feared of making grammar mistakes, or that she wouldn’t be able to cope. Anlé explains, “I think the biggest problem is that you loose your own identity when you move to a country where you can't speak the language. You loose confidence in yourself when you go to the bakery and you cannot even say what you want. The phone rings and you just stare at it and don't dare to answer cause you don't understand and can't speak to who ever is calling you. The fear probably came from living with this situation for months and loosing confidence in my abilities and myself.” Amazingly today, Anlé speaks German better than English.
The first day of class was hard. “I must admit that first day I was so petrified that I could hardly get my legs to move from my car to the entrance, but I survived.” Anlé took it one day at a time though and completed her five-day course.
Then it was all about getting the word out about her business. She put an ad in the newspaper and waited, she really didn’t know if anyone would actually contact her or not. But it happened. She started to get clients. Then large companies started to contact her to teach their office staff.
Anlé says, “English is not my native language, but with determination and good preparation one could make a success of everything.”
Anlé’s soon became pregnant and had a little boy. She made it very clear to her clients that her son would be coming along to all appointments. But Anlé’s son did something that all of our kids do, he got older. Anlé says, “But as my son grew I found that it was not fair on him to spend so much time in the classroom, where he had to keep himself busy while I was teaching, and so it was back to square one.”
Anlé had to find a new way to make money. Again, she turned to the Internet to get some ideas on what type of business she should start. She explains, “All these years I had been following Bizymoms' progress and as I needed a new idea I came across stories of Bizymoms who started daycare for little children. My daycare, ‘The Zwergenstübchen,’ was born. It was a wonderful time, five little children came from Monday to Friday and my son loved it too.” Anlé truly enjoyed her new business. She explains, “I learned so much from them. I learned to just leave all the 'adult work' and just play. Then my son and all the other children eventually went to Kindergarten, we were finally building our dream house, life was wonderful.”
Life is great when it’s wonderful, but when it turns ugly, it can be devastating. During the building of Anlé’s home her husband had an accident. He slipped and fell from a two-story building. The doctors gave him a 20% chance of ever walking again. Anlé found that out later. Her husband, being a very positive soul, turned it around and told he had a 80% chance to walk. He spent many weeks in the hospital, ten months in a wheelchair, underwent lots of therapy, and because of all the time he had to take off to recover, he lost his job. Anlé found herself with no job, a half-built house in middle of winter, and lots of debt!
The situation was bleak, but Anlé didn’t give up. She again turned to the Internet for help and motivation. She explains, “I read everything on Bizymoms, again and again, trying to find something that I could do. And then one day I found it. Liz Folger advised someone who didn’t know what kind of home business to start to 'to do what you really love,' and as I have always painted and loved it, I tried to draw a picture of my son; combining the two things that I love most!”
When you look at Anlé’s work you will be amazed. She is such a gifted artist, and that is how she is currently making her living. On the front page of her site you will see the picture she drew of her son. Anlé’s business is a dream come true. She says, “I get up in the morning and can’t wait to start!” And really, that’s how it should be. Anlé now works on a commission basis, and she has the support of all her friends and family.
Anlé’s son is a huge supporter of her business. He is so proud of his mothers work. He tells everybody his mom is an artist and all his little friends get a business card with the strict order to give it to their parents. Anlé says, “When they come and play, he always shows them what I am working on and tells them if they want a picture of themselves, his mom can draw it. I even got two commissions because of his networking.”
Anlé’s determination and power of positive thinking has clearly helped in the success of her business. Two quotes that she loves are, 'I always do the things that I can't do, that's how I get to do them,' and 'it's always to soon to quit!'. She ends by saying, “It is very true that if you do something that you love, the rest is history as they say.” You can view Anlé’s website at www.ass-atelier.de.
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