tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77096820574539862632024-03-12T23:40:16.744-05:00Just Take a SwingOne Man's Search For the Best in LifeKevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.comBlogger214125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-20016170393599135472011-06-09T17:13:00.002-05:002011-06-09T17:16:47.776-05:00Emerson Post #7- Message<blockquote>To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, that is genius. – Ralph Waldo Emerson<br /><br />What is burning deep inside of you? If you could spread your personal message RIGHT NOW to 1 million people, what would you say?</blockquote><br /><br />That we are all vulnerable and we all need eachother. That true greatness comes from humility, and true excellence comes from diligence. That to expose ourselves to others takes courage, and that courage strengthens us and strengthens those around us. That emotion is endearing and empathy is empowering. That in being ourselves we become what others need.<br /><br />That I have mastered none of these things.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-72699804043616438822011-06-07T11:34:00.003-05:002011-06-07T11:41:54.004-05:00Emerson Post #6- Goals<blockquote>Our arts, our occupations, our marriages, our religion, we have not chosen, but society has chosen for us. We are parlour soldiers. We shun the rugged battle of fate, where strength is born. – Ralph Waldo Emerson<br /><br />“Next to Resistance, rational thought is the artist or entrepreneurs worst enemy. Bad things happen when we employ rational thought, because rational thought comes from the ego. Instead, we want to work from the Self, that is, from instinct and intuition, from the unconscious.<br /><br />A child has no trouble believing the unbelievable, nor does the genius or the madman. Its only you and I, with our big brains and our tiny hearts, who doubt and overthink and hesitate.” - Steven Pressfield, Do the Work<br /><br />The idea of “being realistic” holds all of us back. From starting a business or quitting a job to dating someone who may not be our type or moving to a new place – getting “real” often means putting your dreams on hold.<br /><br />Today, let’s take a step away from rational thought and dare to be bold. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to accomplish but have been afraid to pursue? Write it down. Also write down the obstacles in your way of reaching your goal. Finally, write down a tangible plan to overcome each obstacle.<br /><br />The only thing left is to, you know, actually go make it happen. What are you waiting for?</blockquote><br /><br /><br />I've always wanted to learn to play the piano. The obstacle for me has been the time it takes to make it pleasantly enjoyable. It's a daunting time sink. I don't know if it's something worth beginning for me, because I'm not sure I'm willing to dedicate enough time to it to become great at it. It's always on the back of my mind, but I don't have the wherewithal to make it a reality.<br /><br />A goal I am in the process of achieving is getting my speed back for rugby. I love lifting weights, and as I became stronger I began to look at competition outlets. Obviously there was competitive lifting. It's appealing in the sense that it directly relates to the activity, but for me team sports and competition are where I have always felt at home. Rugby was something I loved doing and stopped due to a leave of absence related to a sabbatical/internship in school and a renewed focus on school upon my return.<br /><br />I always wanted to go back and never did so I took the plunge last week. It's destroyed me so far, but it's been exciting to see a measurable change in myself. I'm getting my speed back and in a few months I should be highly competitive at my position. We'll see what time holds for the future, but after the first week things seem promising.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-61277676715605749872011-06-06T10:27:00.002-05:002011-06-06T10:31:29.707-05:00Emerson Post #5- Travel<blockquote>If we live truly, we shall see truly. - Ralph Waldo Emerson<br /><br />Not everyone wants to travel the world, but most people can identify at least one place in the world they’d like to visit before they die. Where is that place for you, and what will you do to make sure you get there?<br /><br />(Author: Chris Guillebeau)</blockquote><br /><br />For me my location of choice would have to be Asia. I haven't been there before and the difference in culture is very interesting to me. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance made me fall in love with the region. Being somewhere very different from you causes you to learn so much about yourself and exposes your beliefs that perhaps were so intertwined with yourself that you never saw them before.<br /><br />To make sure I get there I will plan a trip down the road. It's on my list after Australia and possibly Macchu Picchu. Preferably it will be a trip that is several years down the road as I would like to spend a significant amount of time there as to not waste the airfare.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-33383473763831259612011-06-04T10:57:00.003-05:002011-06-06T10:27:27.178-05:00Emerson Post #4- Challenges<blockquote>That which each can do best, none but his Maker can teach him. Where is the master who could have taught Shakespeare? Where is the master who could have instructed Franklin, or Washington, or Bacon, or Newton? . . . Shakespeare will never be made by the study of Shakespeare. Do that which is assigned you, and you cannot hope too much or dare too much. – Ralph Waldo Emerson<br /><br />Identify one of your biggest challenges at the moment (ie I don’t feel passionate about my work) and turn it into a question (ie How can I do work I’m passionate about?) Write it on a post-it and put it up on your bathroom mirror or the back of your front door. After 48-hours, journal what answers came up for you and be sure to evaluate them.<br /><br />Bonus: tweet or blog a photo of your post-it.</blockquote><br /><br />My biggest challenge is getting it all to fit together. I'm doing decent at a lot of things but I feel in a transition right now. I'm getting better but not there. I know you never get there, but I'm on the cusp of really getting somewhere fantastic.<br /><br />It's tough and focus on goals and taking it day by day is the way I need to manifest this. Busting out the daily goal board is probably in order.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-44566317957448640142011-06-02T16:01:00.003-05:002011-06-02T16:26:09.806-05:00Emerson Post #3- A Dangerous idea<blockquote>It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude. - Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance<br /><br />The world is powered by passionate people, powerful ideas, and fearless action. What’s one strong belief you possess that isn’t shared by your closest friends or family? What inspires this belief, and what have you done to actively live it?<br /><br />(Author: Buster Benson)</blockquote><br /><br />The belief I try to foster in myself that everyone doesn't share is that you can do anything that you want to. In reading about great men, you find that limitations are more or less the creation of the self and not society. <br /><br />To try something new is really more about overcoming fear. Obstacles are there, sure, but they exist to repel those who don't want it bad enough. The higher the obstacles the more special the goal.<br /><br />Individuals have a way of getting wrapped up in this cookie cutter life. Get married, buy a car, buy a house, have kids, buy a bigger house, and retire. We find a job where we get paid well enough to live within predefined means. Consumerism provides us with a safety of new things to show off our "interesting" life. It's much more rare for the individual to pursue an interesting life on its own merits.<br /><br />This idea came from reading blogs/books of successful people and realizing that my belief system and the opportunities that existed were largely lies that I had created for myself. In my life, it made me apply for a job I had no business applying for and getting it. I've taken sabbaticals at age 27 and done things just to see if I could. <br /><br />I could always do more, but now I have more of a "why not" outlook than a "I can't" outlook and that has made all the difference for me.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-27738353926685635302011-06-02T08:38:00.002-05:002011-06-02T16:26:25.795-05:00Emerson Post #2- A Sentence<blockquote>Your genuine action will explain itself, and will explain your other genuine actions. Your conformity explains nothing. The force of character is cumulative. – Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance<br /><br />If ‘the voyage of the best ship is a zigzag line of a hundred tracks,’ then it is more genuine to be present today than to recount yesterdays. How would you describe today using only one sentence? Tell today’s sentence to one other person. Repeat each day.<br /><br />(Author: Liz Danzico)</blockquote><br /><br /> <br />Good times with good friends, nuzzled around a productive workday.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-9779317864329373132011-05-31T12:39:00.004-05:002011-06-02T16:26:55.640-05:00Emerson Post #1- Fifteen Minutes<blockquote>We are afraid of truth, afraid of fortune, afraid of death, and afraid of each other. Our age yields no great and perfect persons. – Ralph Waldo Emerson<br /><br />You just discovered you have fifteen minutes to live.<br /><br />1. Set a timer for fifteen minutes.<br />2. Write the story that has to be written.</blockquote><br /><br />Fifteen minutes isn't very long to reflect on one's life or what one wants to say. So in that case I will just speak. Due to the brevity of time forgive the jumbled nature or my comments.<br /><br />It's tough to say what makes one's life great. I don't think it's the same for everyone nor do I have the answer for everyone. The things I remember most about my life are the things I have done with others I care about. Friends and family are what make life worth living, and how we exist beyond our finite life. All things come to an end, but when we give of ourselves to others it stays with them and should we do something fantastic well perhaps it will change them enough for the better that the individual passes it on to others, and so through acts of kindness we can live on forever.<br /><br />The human experience is so magnificent and yet so mundane, no? Regardless of how fantastic of a life one lives there is ample time for nonsense. Time spent doing things that don't matter or that we would rather not be doing. Why is that? Maybe we grow in these moments in ways we can't yet fathom. Do we develop patience, focus, wantingness? I can't say for certain.<br /><br />Money can't be the answer for anything because at the end of the day it's just there and you always feel like you could have more. I don't see it as a limitation in my life. I have enough to do the things I want, and yet I strive for more. Perhaps, it's seen as a scorecard. That's Warren Buffett's premise. That we merely use it as a way to keep track of who has done what and so we feel that the more we have the better we won at life. There is some truth to this idea. Society pays us for our contributions, though it seems unequitable because we overvalue some things (athletics/entertainment) and undervalue others (education).<br /><br />If I have one desire for those around me it is to live their dreams. It is so easy to get locked into routine and live it. To do the same thing over again. To find the best use for our paycheck, spend it, and get the next. Spend some time frequently questioning why you do what you do and try alternatives. We have a set time here and we may as well take advantage of it. I've found that our only limitations in life are those we instill upon ourselves. Hard things worth doing are hard to prevent people that don't want it bad enough from doing it themselves.<br /><br />I used to believe that life was about finding what you are good at and doing that. I was wrong. There is no such thing as exceptional talent without exceptional effort. Any successful individual you read about has struggled to get where they are at. It is human nature to try and find the shortcut. There isn't one. You will not find unbridled success without developing a talent. Enjoying the cultivation process helps.<br /><br />Take the time to believe in yourself and let others know you believe in them. Empowerment is something that is cheap and can have a profound impact. I'm very bad at this, so I apologize for my shortcomings here. When you see someone up against the wall help them see over it. Sometimes it only takes a change in view to continue to push. <br /><br />Create something. Whether that be a blog, art, whatever, it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Do something because you can and because you enjoy it.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-31313360852840722202011-03-24T09:01:00.003-05:002011-03-24T09:10:00.779-05:00Quotes- Blackbird<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/3000/3043/blackbird_2_md.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 327px;" src="http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/3000/3043/blackbird_2_md.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><blockquote>Blackbird singing in the dead of night<br />Take these broken wings and learn to fly<br />All your life<br />You were only waiting for this moment to arise<br />Blackbird singing in the dead of night<br />Take these sunken eyes and learn to see<br />All your life<br />You were only waiting for this moment to be free<br />Blackbird fly, blackbird fly<br />Into the light of the dark black night<br />-The Beatles</blockquote><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5CUHHGlQg0">This song is my life right now.</a> I can't stop listening to it. <br /><br />It doesn't matter what you have done in the past. F*** your past. You may have been broken, but today you can fly. All the pain, all the crap you have gone through is gone. It is not who you are now. Open your eyes, see the world, face your fear and go in to the night. We are not prisoners of our past; we can open our eyes and change in an instant. Define yourself by your dreams and fly.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-14804469132565062012011-03-16T12:22:00.002-05:002011-03-16T12:35:55.473-05:00Quotes- And Then Some<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wayfaring.info/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/english_garden.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 432px; height: 298px;" src="http://www.wayfaring.info/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/english_garden.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />And then some… these three little words are the secret to success. They are the difference between average people and top people in most companies. The top people always do what is expected …and then some. They are thoughtful of others; they are considerate and kind …and then some. They meet their responsibilities fairly and squarely …and then some. They are good friends and helpful neighbors …and then some. They can be counted on in an emergency …and then some. I am thankful for people like this, for they make the world a better place. Their spirit of service is summed up in these three little words …and then some.<br />-Carl Holmes<br /><br />If you are doing what is just asked of you in your job, relationships, life, etc. you are short selling yourself. If you aren't giving more than the minimum you will never cultivate anything of excellence. We are all painters, we draw the landscape of our lives with our actions daily. If you can't give your best, than you are in the wrong line of work or around the wrong people. It's time for a change. Creating your ideal world takes time; plant the seeds today so you can see fruit tomorrow. You're worth it.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-85750145749684526192011-03-15T13:34:00.003-05:002011-03-16T10:24:59.004-05:00Quotes- Insanity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.coachbones.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/weight-room1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px; height: 331px;" src="http://www.coachbones.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/weight-room1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.<br />-Albert Einstein<br /><br />Last night I sat in bed trying to fall asleep for over 3 hours. Getting up at 5:24am to go lift was looking more and more daunting as the minutes rolled by and I laid awake unable to sleep. I sat in bed thinking about how tired I would be in 4 hours. "I will probably end up skipping I am going to be so tired," I thought.<br /><br />I've done it that way hundreds of times. "oops! too tired, back to bed, we'll make it up the next day." I've half assed it plenty, so my results have been half assed. As I lay there I realized that excellence would require me to be different. If I wanted different results I had to change. So at 1am still unable to sleep I got out of bed, got dressed, and went to the gym. I wasn't excited about it and I didn't have my best workout, but I got done what I needed to do to be successful.<br /><br />I wanted different results than I've gotten in the past.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-21110887097309341422011-02-25T15:35:00.002-06:002011-03-16T10:24:59.011-05:00Quotes- Girls Are Trouble<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nndb.com/people/460/000022394/balzac1-colorized.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 236px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.nndb.com/people/460/000022394/balzac1-colorized.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />When women love us, they forgive us everything, even our crimes; when they do not love us, they give us credit for nothing, not even our virtues. <br />-Honore de Balzac<br /><br />Have a good weekend!Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-58909251123235196762011-02-24T16:27:00.003-06:002011-03-16T10:24:59.011-05:00Quotes- Be Real<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://api.ning.com/files/3UnGzaoaYHrdYon47WQEtxVvilOD74U7JNlv-Kym*1xtiz4jNcSLeCZIdEzm3DCmFQJa16hdoD2J*F0pAN2IGUtwFkhLbQc4/KeyWestSailboat.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 480px; height: 320px;" src="http://api.ning.com/files/3UnGzaoaYHrdYon47WQEtxVvilOD74U7JNlv-Kym*1xtiz4jNcSLeCZIdEzm3DCmFQJa16hdoD2J*F0pAN2IGUtwFkhLbQc4/KeyWestSailboat.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.<br />—William Arthur Ward<br /><br />Don't be a complainer. Complainers change little and instead spend their time nagging the status quo. Waiting for someone else to make a change. And don't be overly optimistic to the point that you sit and know that things will be better in the end. Waiting for the universe to change itself. <br /><br />Instead, be real. Identify where you want the change to occur and start changing. It's simply amazing how little effort it takes to change your circumstance. 365 days is a long time. A minor change a day turns into a major change real fast. Adjust your sails and head for your goal.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-50674799922538875262011-02-23T17:09:00.003-06:002011-03-16T10:24:59.011-05:00Quotes- You Have to Work<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4rK3ZSwL-2Afq2N6-Abzn-n5HtdaSoER6OkMRcs0O5MMsiWAFbe1Rq6uNdTBHK3jt-X6jN2QosmCMrxBiQnYPZIwLWj94933JaIrpoMmrNQX6ZlIufHGzJvVyigB3UQ1dqDTE3n8WLk/s400/Juma+Ikangaa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4rK3ZSwL-2Afq2N6-Abzn-n5HtdaSoER6OkMRcs0O5MMsiWAFbe1Rq6uNdTBHK3jt-X6jN2QosmCMrxBiQnYPZIwLWj94933JaIrpoMmrNQX6ZlIufHGzJvVyigB3UQ1dqDTE3n8WLk/s400/Juma+Ikangaa.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare.<br />-Juma Ikangaa<br /><br />I had the opportunity this week to speak with several high net worth individuals. Guys who buy and sell companies for a living. The secret to true wealth? There is no secret. It's grinding it out step by step until you hit then going after it again. It's the accumulation of due diligence and effort. Shortcuts don't bring success. I used to naively think that if I found the right project then I could work a little to get a lot. It's not true, at the end of the day you get compensated for what you do. And if you aren't doing much, well you aren't making much either. Your life is worth your effort.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-24241094262339318922011-02-18T14:56:00.002-06:002011-02-18T15:24:25.256-06:00200 Posts in the Bank<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.buzzlightyeargames.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/buzz_lightyear.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 317px; height: 307px;" src="http://www.buzzlightyeargames.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/buzz_lightyear.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Well I've now written 200 posts on this blog. The first post occurred in 2009. When I go back and look through old posts, I've changed a lot. This blog has changed a lot. My writing has gotten better (hopefully in your opinion too). I'm doing now as a career what I hoped to be doing then. I've grown up, at least a little.<br /><br />This blog was created to help me with my writing, and I feel like that goal has been accomplished. I write better, but I have a long way to go. I'm far from decent, but I've realized that growth comes from persistence and application. I started out with a lot of thoughts and have become more of a man of action. Action is the only way we get a long in this life.<br /><br />So with that said, thank you for reading. I hope at least a few of you have benefited from my little project. I know I've benefited greatly from writing it. And yes we need a quote:<br /><br />To Infinity and Beyond!<br /><br />Ps. Everyone have a fantastic weekend.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-7623536060572855342011-02-17T13:55:00.007-06:002011-02-17T14:41:37.940-06:00Asking for a Raise/Negotiating<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://athome.allentate.com/wp-content/uploads/communication_negotiation.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 247px;" src="http://athome.allentate.com/wp-content/uploads/communication_negotiation.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The power or negotiating is important. In fact, in all my studies on financial independence it's the signal number one way to save more money. If you make more money you have more to save. Surprisingly most people do not negotiate salaries.<br /><br />If I took my first job offer without negotiating I would be getting paid 18% less than I do now before bonus. Factor in my bonus and it is closer to 20%. All I did was counteroffer, not once, but THREE TIMES. <br /><br />When I announced my departure at my previous job, I met with the partner in charge of retention. He asked me what I was making and I told him after a little prodding. He looked at me and told me to leave because I was making more than any of my departed peers, and I would find out I was earning more than people with three to four years of additional experience. I was an average employee who did exceptional research in regards to negotiating my salary, and it paid off.<br /><br />At the end of the day I read a book on negotiating and a couple blog posts. So for approximately 3 hours of research I got a 50% increase in salary with bonus. Worth the time if you ask me. What you make now determines what you will make in the future, in fact I have never had a job interview or held an interview where the candidate's current salary wasn't discussed. There are ways to tactfully dodge this question. You will rarely ever see a huge jump in pay because your hiring employer incorrectly assumes you are getting paid slightly less than you are worth. <br /><br />Once you find a job you like it's important to periodically review your salary structure. Winning the wage game is the result of incremental raises over time. If you are in your current job here are some reasons you should be getting a raise: <br /><br /><blockquote>-You are assigned new responsibilities<br />-You take on someone else's workload because they left/got fired and you feel like you can do the additional work long term <br />-You don't have an annual review with a raise or your raises aren't structured<br />-You get moved to a different office or location<br />-You believe you are outperforming your peers</blockquote><br /><br />The bottom line is that no one is going to do this for you. Companies rarely throw extra money at employees if they don't have to. If you are adding value and are worth keeping around then you should be compensated for that. If you aren't adding value, then you should be working somewhere else.<br /><br />If you want a raise here are a couple of tips:<br /><blockquote>-Make a list of how you have contributed (tasks, value, etc.)<br />-Know how long it has been since your last raise<br />-Know what people in your position at other places are making (google "find salaries", check job postings)<br />-Don't accept the first offer unless it was what you were expecting. A negotiation is a two way street.</blockquote><br /><br />If you want more information here are some posts that go more in depth. Additionally, if you have job specific questions feel free to contact me.:<br /><br />-<a href="http://www.freemoneyfinance.com/2010/03/making-the-most-of-your-most-valuable-financial-asset.html">Managing your career</a><br />-<a href="http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/negotiate-salary-examples/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+IWillTeachYouToBeRich+(I+Will+Teach+You+To+Be+Rich)&utm_content=Google+Reader">How to negotiate better than 99% of people</a><br />-<a href="http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/reveal-salary-history-negotiation/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+IWillTeachYouToBeRich+(I+Will+Teach+You+To+Be+Rich)&utm_content=Google+Reader">Don't reveal exactly how much you make</a><br />-<a href="http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/05/06/negotiating-your-salary-how-to-make-1000-a-minute/">Negotiating Your Salary</a>Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-86584621112033912372011-02-16T13:51:00.002-06:002011-02-16T13:56:51.394-06:00Quotes- Plan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.partyshopper.com/images/products/shindigz/ZB4S04G.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 252px;" src="http://www.partyshopper.com/images/products/shindigz/ZB4S04G.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><blockquote>Maturity includes the recognition that no one is going to see anything in us that we don't see in ourselves. Stop waiting for a producer. Produce yourself.<br />-Marianne Williamson</blockquote><br /><br />A lot of us spend our lives waiting. Waiting for the right moment, the right person, the right job, the right circumstances to happen. Do you know where you want to be in five years? What if you do what you are doing now for the next five years, are you content? I know where I am and where I want to be. I’ve developed a plan to get to my end goal. Most folks bob on the open sea and amble through life. Be better than average. To put it another way: <br /><br /><blockquote>If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.<br />-Jim Rohn</blockquote><br /><br />This is why the mental aspect (plan) of change is the hardest part. We have to convince ourselves first that it’s something we are capable of and can complete. Then we have to design a strategy we will use when plowing through the adversity. Anytime we change something about ourselves it’s not easy. Yet this step most people skip. You can’t lean on a whim when you start to struggle. You have to have a well planned thought; a vision of a finished product. So what’s your plan?Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-76323769496044710542011-02-15T14:59:00.002-06:002011-02-16T11:27:22.939-06:00Quotes- Persistence<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.realdutchpower.nl/uitslagen2005/ifsawordlchampionship/@Quebec%20Zydrunas%20Deadlift%20World%20Record.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 316px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.realdutchpower.nl/uitslagen2005/ifsawordlchampionship/@Quebec%20Zydrunas%20Deadlift%20World%20Record.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><blockquote>1) Figure out what you want, and the price you’ll have to pay to get it.<br />2) Resolve to pay that price.<br />-Keys to Success Bunker Hunt<br /><br />The urge to quit is strongest right before you make it.<br />-Bob Parsons, founder of GoDaddy<br /></blockquote><br /><br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704858404576134601105583860.html">An interesting article in the Wall Street Journal</a> indicated that the most successful artists were those who believed they were destined to be famous. Is God really concerned with the popularity of starlets? No, obviously not, but a funny thing happens when you believe in destiny. You can't take no for an answer. Your heart won't let you. You stand in the face of all accusers, all road blocks, and grit your teeth and persist. Because you know something they don't. That it's your destiny.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-43208342878248204082011-02-14T14:53:00.002-06:002011-02-14T16:08:20.934-06:00Quotes- Dream<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.holamun2.com/files/images/mun2-images/news/as-seen-on-myspace/as-seen-on-myspace-lmfao.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://www.holamun2.com/files/images/mun2-images/news/as-seen-on-myspace/as-seen-on-myspace-lmfao.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://welcometothewood.blogspot.com/2011/02/quotes-love.html">It's Valentine's Day, I know... I just wrote about love so if you want to read it then click this text.<br /></a><br />Everyday I see my dream.<br />-LMFAO<br /><br />We are capable of living the life we want to live, our only obstacle is ourself. You see limitations are most often perceived rather than realities. Walls exist to stop the people who aren't willing to sacrifice enough. For most anything you want to accomplish there is someone who did something similar with less. The human will when maximized is a powerful tool. You can create your dreams. If you wake up too many days in a row realizing that the life you live isn't your dream; well, only you can change it.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-68201052136815032342011-02-11T16:36:00.004-06:002011-02-14T14:51:34.259-06:00Quotes- Choosing Tomorrow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://orangecatfiona.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/fiona_cheshire_cat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 402px; height: 242px;" src="http://orangecatfiona.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/fiona_cheshire_cat.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><blockquote>“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?"<br />"That depends a good deal on where you want to get to," said the Cat.<br />"I don’t much care where--" said Alice.<br />"Then it doesn’t matter which way you go," said the Cat.<br />"--so long as I get SOMEWHERE," Alice added as an explanation.<br />"Oh, you’re sure to do that," said the Cat, "if you only walk long enough."<br />-Alice in Wonderland</blockquote><br /><br />Know where you want to go. What you do today has an effect on your tomorrow. No one can decide your destiny for you. If you leave it to chance, then don't be disappointed when you've arrived. You didn't care which way you went, and well... now you're there.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-72184521041014811622011-02-10T14:48:00.004-06:002011-02-10T14:54:45.159-06:00Quotes- Enthusiasm<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://silverbulletselling.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/sales-enthusiasm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://silverbulletselling.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/sales-enthusiasm.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><blockquote>Nothing great ever happens without enthusiasm.<br />-Ralph Waldo Emerson</blockquote><br /><br />Extraordinary results take extraordinary enthusiasm. You see the success is not the person who had the grand idea. It's the person who waded through the mud and the crap to reach the carrot on the other side. You have to want it bad enough, because if it was easy or simple than it would already be done.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-53664088566599773932011-02-09T16:46:00.002-06:002011-02-09T16:52:05.291-06:00Quotes- Value<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.digitalapoptosis.com/archives/montreal/Chinese%20Garden2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 382px;" src="http://www.digitalapoptosis.com/archives/montreal/Chinese%20Garden2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><blockquote>Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value. <br />-Albert Einstein</blockquote><br /><br />How will you use your blessings? Success is something personal, and value is something offered. We all come into this world with nothing and we all leave with nothing. The only remains we truly have are the lives we have touched. Make a footprint of joy wherever you go. Help others achieve their dreams. It's the best legacy you can leave.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-42982463582615881152011-02-08T12:17:00.003-06:002011-02-09T16:52:05.291-06:00Quotes- Start<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/files/u45/race_start.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 318px; height: 450px;" src="http://www.psychologytoday.com/files/u45/race_start.jpeg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />You only get results from the physical actions you take, never for the ideas you have.<br />-Steve Pavlina<br /><br />I have a habit of collecting thoughts. Quotes (no surprise there), books, ideas, etc. When starting a workout/diet program I'll read a ton on the subject and try to tweak the tiniest thing to get optimal results. You have to be careful. Sometimes that leads to inaction. You spend all your time on tweaking and fixing that you fail to do anything. A bad workout/diet program works better than a great idea of the best one. If you aren't sure the best approach just start. You'll achieve more than if you sit another day and think about it.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-19574768958374737722011-02-07T12:23:00.004-06:002011-02-09T16:52:05.291-06:00Quotes- Today<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.maniacworld.com/holding-the-sun.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 405px; height: 290px;" src="http://www.maniacworld.com/holding-the-sun.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I am <Enter Your Name> from the future. I am here to tell you that, today, you have the opportunity to change everything. Your whole live hinges on today’s actions. If you do not act today, if you do not grab control of your fate today, your life will take a completely different trajectory. One path leads to greatness, and the other path leads to a life where you will look back on today as the day where you could have spoken up, today is the day where you could have reached out. You will look back realizing that today was the one chance you had to change everything. Do not let this moment pass you by.<br />-Zen Habits Blog<br /><br />What have you done over the past week? What if you do this for the next five years? Will you be who you want to be? I'll read this quote and realize that I have developed a stagnation in my daily habits and need to change my course. The things I am doing with my time have little positive effect on the future. You don't change the you five years from now five years from now. You have to change today.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-47208680504435818842011-02-04T14:46:00.002-06:002011-02-09T16:52:05.292-06:00Quotes- It's All Relative<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.thequoteblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/albert-einstein-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 521px;" src="http://www.thequoteblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/albert-einstein-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><blockquote>Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. That's relativity.<br />-Albert Einstein</blockquote><br /><br />It's the weekend. I hope you have a great one. Do something fun and make someone smile.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7709682057453986263.post-85672152981715790542011-02-03T11:05:00.005-06:002011-02-03T11:32:42.741-06:00Quotes- Be You<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=32375883&l=b69cf43489&id=8321666"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 462px;" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-ash1/v22/144/27/8321666/n8321666_32375883_4151.jpg"" /></a><br />Be yourself because everyone else is already taken.<br />-Oscar Wilde<br /><br />People respond to openness and vulnerability because genuineness is inspiring and addicting. Why is that? It's something everyone can do. Because it is so rare. It takes risk to be just who you are instead we conform to social dogma, our environment, or try and emulate someone else. Don't, if you want to change something about yourself then do it, but now you are unique, today you are beautiful. The world is spoiled with wannabes, but there is only one <Enter Your Name Here>. And we all love something new.Kevin Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14573825352132489462noreply@blogger.com0