8 Keys to Achieving Higher Performance in Your Purpose: Key #2 - Same Approaches = Same Results

In the introduction to this series, I talked about getting intimate with your own special purpose. I believe that each of us was put here with a unique calling and a special mission. It may not always be grand, but it's yours. Key #1 discussed being UNIQUELY YOU!!! Now let's explore Key #2! First, this short video! The bottom line is this: if you want different results, you have to change your attitudes, actions and approaches. How many...

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8 Keys to Achieving Higher Performance in Your Purpose: Key #1 - Be Who You Are!

In the introduction to this series, I talked about getting intimate with your own special purpose. I believe that each of us was put here with a unique calling and a special mission. It may not always be grand, but it's yours. It is unique to you and you've been equipped for it. Check out what the Bible records as God's conversation with Jeremiah from Jeremiah 1:5-8: "5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born...

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8 Keys to Achieving Higher Performance in Your Purpose: Introduction

I get a lot of questions e-mailed to me about purpose and how to get better, do better and be better. Tons. (I want more of them, frankly! I appreciate all the interaction.) There seem to be common themes emerging so I felt like it was time to dedicate some focus to these areas. People ask me things like What is my purpose? How can I know it for sure? I know my purpose, but I feel stuck. What can I do? Where can I find a mentor? How can I raise...

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What is a "Dealbreaker" anyway?

I like to ask my readers questions, but today I need to make a statement to correct a common misconception. That's a fancy word for WRONG THINKING! I read all day everyday about "dealbreakers" and other such stupid ridiculousness. I call it ridiculousness because I've seen stuff listed such as nap-taking, height and aversion to eating soul-food listed as freaking dealbreakers. Really?I mean for real, for real?Garbage.All this talk has you majoring...

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Getting People to Listen

Here's a simple way to offer advice that people NEED and have them actually LISTEN to you. You've heard it said that people don't care what you know until they know that you care. That's true! Now, here's the way to show them that you care quickly and in in a few short statements:1. "I understand what you're feeling." - Use this statement (or one like it) to make it clear that you are listening and relating to what is on their heart and mind.2. "I...

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"And now...we're pleased to present..."

Always...always...always write YOUR OWN intro speech!! At least whenever possible. You want to be the one who influences how you're received. Unless the group is familiar with you, the host's words will help shape impressions BEFORE you even begin to speak. Don't take introductions lightly! Here's a brief article I've found that will help you introduce people or write your own introductions more effectively! I just finished writing mine for tomorrow...

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Resting Is A Vital Part of Working

You're the coach, the mentor, the leader and teacher. You constantly pour out. Remember to get a refill for yourself from time to time! Take a break. Get somewhere quiet. Catch a movie in the middle of the day. Pray. Read. Exercise. Make sure you're tending to yourself or you won't have anything to give!Please leave me your comments so I know how to serve you better!! If this was helpful, forward it to a friend. Talk to you soon! To your success!Mark...

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Blog on Purpose.

Let me share a tip with you about how to use your blog better: blog as preparation for your presentations!For example...if there's a topic on which you anticipate being asked to speak or even interviewed, blog it out. It will help you organize your thoughts well in advance. Now...here's a bonus...if you want to know which points are going to be stronger, post them on a message board, twitter or Facebook and see what ideas get the best reception....

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Keep Selling After the Sale!

When I was going my MBA work they taught us a powerful key to effective marketing in one of my most AWESOME classes. Here it is in a nutshell: the BIGGEST CONSUMERS OF ADVERTISING ARE THE PEOPLE WHO'VE ALREADY MADE THE PURCHASE!!!In other words, don't stop selling after you've made the sale. Remind people WHY they made the purchase and it will help convert them into evangelists for you. Study after study has been done and they show that part of the...

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Race in Dating and Marriage

Someone recently posted on Be Worth Finding that they think pre-marital counseling should be mandatory in all cases. Many people agreed. This was in response to a post I made about how few topics couples discuss before walking down the aisle. I've been shocked to learn that ( I guess ) people are so drunk with love that they will avoid, leave out or just forget important details about their lives such as finances, plans for children and more!...

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The Principle of the Tree Rat...err...Squirrel.

The story goes that a man owned a huge pecan tree and loved his Italian Cream Cakes with pecan and cream cheese frosting that he could make from the pecans that grew on that tree. Being from Texarkana, I can relate! Very few things rival a good Italian Cream Cake or even a German Chocolate Cake! I choose them even over Red Velvet! Anyway, the problem the man was having is that he could barely get a decent frosting for his cakes from this huge...

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Preparing for Marriage...Not Just the Wedding.

This is where a lot of Christian ministries get it wrong, I believe. We spend 99% of our time teaching people how to be happy and content singles...which is good...but spend 0% to 1% of the time talking about how to be happy and content married...and even less time talking about preparing for marriage. A good friend of mine sent me a great article about "10 Ways You Can Prepare for Marriage" for single women. Good article. Here are a few things...

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4 Things I'm Doing Right...That You Need to Do, Too!

I tend to write as a way of reminding myself of things. I've been doing it for years...journaling, scribbling little notes the back of envelopes, even sending myself text messages and e-mails. If it's something I want to keep in mind, I like to write it down SOMEWHERE! I'm not above writing in the palm of my hand, but I try not to. People don't like smudges on their hands from shaking yours. Anyway, this article is something like that. These...

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8 Lessons I Learned in 2011 (& Will Take into 2012)

This was a very good year. In fact, it was a great year for getting to know who God has made me to be and to get in better position to be that man. New people have come into my life. Some have exited. I survived some challenges that I wasn't sure I could. Altogether this was a year of massive shifts and lessons learned. 1. Be who you are. No question this is the #1 thing I have "learned" and I'm walking in more powerfully than ever. I aim...

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31 Days to Healthier Relationships: A Recap

We started "31 Days to Healthier Relationships" with an objective of helping our readers gain greater understanding, wisdom and tools to have healthier relationships. We focused the entire month of December on one thing and one thing only: relational health! No complaining...no bitterness...no blaming allowed.I feel like we succeeded! In case you missed any of it, I wanted to highlight a few of my favorite posts of the series. I can't cover everything, but here are a few you might want to go back and check out!"His Needs, Her Needs: The Top...

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