Wednesday, June 29, 2005

FROM MY MAILBOX: Management Lessons from Starwars

Why Did Anakin Turn Bad?

Despite all the whizzing lightsabers, dazzling space battles and political drama, it was clear what "Star Wars 3" really is. It's case study of bad management.

Why does Anakin Skywalker turn bad? It sure seems like it's because he didn't get a promotion. He really wanted that title, Jedi Master (and the company car would have been nice).

But, you say, maybe Anakin wasn't ready for that promotion. Maybe he was still too immature, too easily angered, too likely to furrow his brow at the slightest provocation.

So why didn't his managers give him a clearly defined path to promotion? Not a bunch of Jedi mumbo-jumbo about using the Force and examining his feelings, but a concrete list of job skills he needed to improve (Using time more wisely? Prioritizing better? Keeping the Jedi break room cleaner? Thinking up better dialogue?)

The worst Jedi manager had to be Mace Windu, who, when things got hairy essentially told Anakin to just stay put, don't worry, and by the way we don't need your help right now.

That's not the way help an employee feel empowered and invested in the task at hand.

And it was disastrous for Yoda to tell a troubled Anakin to give up that which was most important to him. That sounded suspiciously like "Don't expect a raise any time soon."

Obi Wan Kenobi wasn't much better. A boss should know enough about an employee's life to know what they're worried about. Obi Wan didn't realize his apprentice was having a child (well, twins, actually) with Padme until it was too late. Those sorts of personal issues worried Anakin to the point of obsession, yet Obi Wan was mostly oblivious.

And sure, Palpatine appealed to Anakin's ego. But what smart boss doesn't, from time to time? It's not enough to tell an employee that he's the chosen one, yada yada. Obi Wan should have realized that the constant "you've got more to learn, young apprentice" stuff gets old after a while.

If Obi Wan and the council had chosen Anakin for a few crucial solo missions, maybe he would have been too focused on Jedi business to be tempted by Palpatine's Sith pitch.

Still, Anakin must bear the responsibility for his eventual decision to join the staff of Dark Side, Inc. He was seduced by a boss who promised much, but actually withheld vital information that would have affected Anakin's most important decisions.

Those kinds of bosses -- the ones to hold on to information and use it like a weapon, all in an effort to manipulate employees into doing their bidding -- are usually very articulate and seem like your buddy at first. They seem like they're looking out for you. Then, one day, you're cut off at the knees. Dependent on them for everything. And have nowhere to turn, especially if your old bosses kind of want you dead.

So the lessons for bosses and employees everywhere? Give your employees a stake in the enterprise, and if they want to move up, use constructive feedback to tell them how they can do so. Motivate their best qualities by giving incentives for good behavior, but be willing to accept criticism when it's warranted.

And don't become the kind of boss who rules through FEAR, INTIMIDATION, SECRECY and appeals to GREED and ARROGANCE.

Unless you're really good with a lightsaber.

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

CALL TO ACTION : Wear White Band; eradicate poverty

WRIST bands have always been part of fashion. Former Philippine President Estrada has his signature band the masa imitated when he took office. These days the baller ID, or plastic wrist bands worn by foreign basketball players with the name of the basketball team written on them, are the “in” thing among Filipinos.

This time, the wearing of another kind of wrist band is being campaigned globally. It is the White Band campaign to help eradicate poverty.

The Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) has the White Band Action on July 1 as a visible link to the efforts and activities of organizations and individuals all over the world. The people will wear white bands and wrap public buildings in white to send a message to the G8 world leaders (US, Japan, France, Italy, Britain, Canada, Germany and Russia) that they demand action on trade justice, debt cancellation, and more and better aid.

The GCAP is working this year to force world leaders to tackle the causes of poverty, and meet—even exceed—their respective promises on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It also focuses on the underlying factors that create and reinforce poverty, such as unfair trade, a huge debt burden and lack of quality aid.

Below are just some of the White Band events planned all over the world. More will be announced soon. For more information or to get in touch with national coalitions, please visit www.whiteband.org.

Massive white bands will be wrapped around buildings across the world, including:

  • The Soweto township of Johannesburg, South Africa, a group of shacks will be wrapped in a white band, to symbolize perpetuating poverty in Africa.
  • In Freetown, Sierra Leone, the famous cotton tree, planted by freed slaves when the nation was founded, will be draped in a white band.
  • In Senegal, the slavery archway will be wrapped in a white band.
  • From June 30 to July 14 the Sydney Harbour Bridge, in Australia, will be wrapped in a white band, with the Australian coalition's slogan "Make Poverty History" across it.
  • The Coliseum in Italy.
  • The Brandenburger Tor in Germany.
  • In Paris, France, the Trocadero's buildings which sit either side of the Eiffel Tower, will be wrapped with two white bands.
  • In Spain, bridges will be wrapping on the main highways of Spain.
  • In Georgia all the trees along the Central Avenue of the capital, Tbilisi, will be wrapped in white bands.

Marches, rallies, concerts and G8 Embassy actions are also planned around the world:

  • In South Africa the GCAP African regional coalition is planning a concert on July 2 to coincide with the planned Live 8 concerts. While in Zambia and Uganda concerts are planned for July 1 and July 2, respectively, to coincide with the White Band Day actions.
  • In the Philippines, a People's Summit and concert, will be followed by a rally of 10,000 people.
  • In Zambia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Bangladesh huge marches to G8 Embassies will be taking place on June 30 and July 1.
  • In Brazil, there are plans for simultaneous demonstrations to be carried out in Sao Paulo, Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro.
  • In Ghana, a beach party with farmers groups is planned to highlight the plight of rice farmers, caused by unfair trade rules.
  • In India, a South Asian caravan will be launched, on July 1, which will be travelling across South Asia between now and the UN MDG Summit in September 2005.
I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Monday, June 27, 2005

Statement of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Mga minamahal kong kababayan:

For the last several weeks, the issue of the tape recordings has spun out of control.

Tonight I want to set the record straight.

You deserve an explanation from me, because you are the people I was elected to serve.

As you recall, the election canvassing process was unnecessarily slow even after the election results were already in and the votes had been counted.

I was anxious to protect my votes and during that time had conversations with many people, including a Comelec official.

My intent was not to influence the outcome of the election, and it did not.

As I mentioned, the election had already been decided and the votes counted.

And as you remember, the outcome had been predicted by every major public opinion poll, and adjudged free, fair and decisive by international election observers, and our own Namfrel.

That said, let me tell you how I feel personally.

I recognize that making any such call was a lapse in judgment.

I am sorry.

I also regret taking so long to speak before you on this matter.

I take full responsibility for my actions and to you and to all those good citizens who may have had their faith shaken by these events.

I want to assure you that I have redoubled my efforts to serve the nation and earn your trust.

Nagagambala ako.

Maliwanag na may kakula­ngan sa wastong pagpapasya ang nangyaring pagtawag sa telepono.

Pinagsisisihan ko ito ng lubos.

Pinananagutan ko nang lubusan ang aking mga ginawa, at humi­hingi ako ng tawad sa inyo, sa lahat ng mga butihing mama­mayan na nabawasan ng tiwala dahil sa mga pangya­yaring ito.

Ibig kong tiyakin sa inyo na lalo pa akong magsisikap upang maglingkod sa bayan at matamo ang inyong tiwala.

I took office with a mandate to carry out a plan for the nation.

Since that time, I have focused on making the tough but necessary decisions to make up for years of economic neglect.

We passed a comprehensive, fiscally responsible national budget; raised new and necessary revenues to invest in the people; and implemented new anticorruption measures that have led to the highest collection of taxes in history.

Nothing should stand in the way of this work, or the next phase of my reform agenda, which includes new investments in education and social services with our new revenues, and an expansion of our successful anticorruption and lifestyle checks.

That is why I want to close this chapter and move on with the business of governing.

I ask every one of you to join hands with me in a show of unity, to help forge One Philippines, where everyone is equal under the law and [people have] the opportunity to use their God-given talents to make a better life.

Our nation is strong and getting stronger.

The progress is steady and I ask you to walk with me on this journey to rebuild our great nation.

I remain your humble servant and promise you that I will fulfill my constitutional oath of office to serve the people to the best of my ability.

God bless the Philippines.

==> Sa ganito lamang ba magtatapos ang lahat? Tila napakasimpleng katapusan sa isang masalimuot na pangyayari sa ating bayan. Marami pa ring tanong ang naiwang walang kasagutan.

Hindi sapat ang paghingi ng tawad. Dapat ay handa rin siyang tanggapin ang anumang consequence ng kanyang mga ginawa.
I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

I took the Blogging Personality Quiz and I am...

The Daily Grinder

I love blogging because it's like therapy. I can write about anything and everything that happens to me - from the food I ate to what I was doing when I heard the latest 'breaking news'. Being able to communicate with my friends (online and/or real life) through my blog is important to me.

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Saturday, June 25, 2005

QUIZ: What wise quote fits you?

Kind person
Your wise quote is: "Be kind to unkind people, they probably need it the most" by Ashleigh Brilliant.

You try to look beyond apperance, try to give people second chances and are probably very kind. Understanding is your biggest personality trait, and thoose you can see through should be grateful. If they aren't already. You detest narrow minded people, because they can't see what's really there. Facades is not your thing and you strive to always be who you really are.

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Friday, June 24, 2005

Ora Poetika

CDplug

In line with Pinoypoets' first anniversary, the group is releasing a recording of poetry readings entitled Ora Poetika. Available at Conspiracy Bar on June 28. For reservations, contact Romel Samson (09278470212, risingphoenix101@yahoo.com)

Ora Poetika

Ora. Bibig.

Doon nagsimula ang lahat – mga awit, mga panalangin. Isinasapuso ng mga katutubo, isinasalin sa bawat henerasyong dumarating, idinadagdag at dinadagdagan ng karanasan. Mga awit ng pagdiriwang, pagluluksa, panghihimok sa pagkilos. Mga panalangin – oracion – upang dalhin sa himpapawid ang mga kolektibong hiling ng bayan.

Poetika. Panulaan.

Diwang-nagsa-titik. Inilapat sa papel, sa semento, sa buhangin, sa isip. Sa puso. Tungkol man ito sa dagat, halimbawa, o sa lungsod, tiyak na may nagpupumiglas na tinig, at humihiling na ito'y pakinggan. Bumubulong sa diwa ng mambabasa hanggang sa kalauna'y mamumutawi muli mula sa bibig.

Ora. Poetika. Sa ganitong anyo nagsimula, sa ganitong anyo pa rin iiral. Sapagkat ang pagtula ay gawaing hindi lamang pang-isahan – ito'y gawain ng mga nangangahas na magpumiglas sa katahimikan.

Aanhin pa ang tula kung ito'y nakatago lamang sa baul ng paglimot? Aanhin pa ang tula kung hindi ito isinasapuso, isinasalin sa bawat henerasyong dumarating, idinadagdag at dinagdagan ng karanasan? Aanhin pa ang tula kung hindi naman ito makapupukaw ng nahihimbing na diwa?

Makinig. Malamang na sa mga tinig nilang mga nangangahas ay marinig mo rin ang tinig mo.

- Jonar Sabilano

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Pinoypoets’ Anniversary Night at Conspiracy

PPto
If you’re a writer, a poet, an artist or simply a lover of literature, better block off Tuesday, June 28 on your social calendar. Pinoypoets (PP), an online community of literary enthusiasts, will be holding its first anniversary bash at Conspiracy Bar in Quezon City.

Dubbed PP ‘to!(The Pinoypoets’ First Anniversary), the event promises to be an evening filled with laughter, music, and of course, excellent poetry. Prominent social, academic, and literary figures Makati Rep. Teddy Locsin Jr, Conchitina Cruz, Vin and Kris Dancel, Noel Del Prado, Joyce Burton Titular, Enrico John Torralba, Hannah Romawac, Roli Inocencio, Monica Llamas and Gary Granada, are but a few of our guest readers.

The celebration will also be highlighted by performances from G-Strings, 10kpp, Rubberband, Johnoy Danao of Bridge, Paramita, and Hannah Romawac of Session Road.

Pinoypoets is a community of poets, writers and literary enthusiasts who share their works, thoughts and insights on poetry. Formed by less than 50 members in June 2004, Pinoypoets has grown to 250 members based in different regions of the archipelago---and the world.

Its primary objective is to facilitate a creative forum and enrich its members' knowledge and craft. Michael Coroza, Edgar Samar, Santiago Villafania, Louie John Sanchez, Eileen Tabios, Bino Realuyo and Jema Pamintuan, some of the most respected names in Philippine poetry today, are the group’s consultants and critics.

PP ‘to!(The Pinoypoets’ First Anniversary), starts at 8 p.m. Admission is FREE! For more information, please get in touch with Rhodge (721 7229, seventhgecko@yahoo.com), Kath (09175777128, kathline_anne@yahoo.com) or Romel (09278470212, risingphoenix101@yahoo.com)

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Thursday, June 23, 2005

Ecstasy

Poignant memories
passion's firelit embers glow
ecstasy ignites

(C) Jheric A. Saracho
June 23, 2005

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

FROM MY MAILBOX: A Message from Nelson Mandela

Dear Friend:

Could the G8 summit on July 6th be an historic opportunity for America to lead the world - and save millions of lives?

Nelson Mandela thinks so: He's calling on the world's leaders to act now to end AIDS and extreme poverty.

In a new video on ONE.org, the former President of South Africa and hero in the struggle against apartheid asks the G8 nations for an unprecedented deal on debt, aid and trade for people in the world's poorest countries.

Will you join this call and sign the ONE letter to President Bush today?

If you've already signed the ONE Declaration, this is the next step you can take to fight global AIDS and poverty. The ONE letter asks the President to support three bold commitments at the G8 summit of world leaders on July 6th - more and better international assistance, debt cancellation and trade reform.

Please sign the ONE letter and then ask three friends and family members to join you.

Act today to send President Bush to the G8 Summit carrying the compassion, justice and generosity of millions of Americans. ONE signature, added today as you sit at your office, church or school, could help the poorest in the world overcome AIDS and extreme poverty - and bring hope to a generation.

Thank you,

The ONE Team

P.S. Visit ONE.org to learn more about the upcoming G8 summit, who will attend and what will happen on July 6th.

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Morning After

Lying next to you
basking in the afterglow.
Lovely night indeed.

(C) Jheric A. Saracho
June 21, 2005

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Monday, June 20, 2005

Which Buffy The Vampire Slayer Character Are You Most Like?

spike

You scored as Spike. You feel like you're misunderstood. When you care for others, it's deeper than they'll ever know. Though no one thinks you'll change/pull through, you'll show them.

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Sunday, June 19, 2005

Wellspring

A score of dripping satisfaction
quenches a parched heart;
She steeps herself in my waters,
ripples following the start.
Cascading from crest to uncharted depths,
Each drop on cheek and sensuous steps,
Waves of her love flow into me,
and do not recede.

(C) Jheric A. Saracho
June 19, 2005

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Saturday, June 18, 2005

Tequila

tequila

I drink your soul like Tequila.

Taking shots of your thoughts,
chasing it with your affection.

I'm intoxicated.

A confused concoction of passion,
a buzzed euphoria of us in bed.

My eyes show the loss of my inhibitions
providing a drunken soliloquy
of words best left unsaid.

Unguarded, I divulge what you already know.
My smile slyly telling secrets.

I'm an alcoholic
your essence my favorite drink,
and no amount of rehab will curb the craving.

Not even the mind's intervention
could stop me from taking that glass.

Your being is my unquenchable thirst.

As I bring the Tequila to my lips,
I don't hesitate --

to consume more.

(C) Jheric A. Saracho
June 17, 2005

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Friday, June 17, 2005

My heart, my love, my life

Being with you is the most incredible feeling
in the world because you bring my heart
such joy and happiness. It's hard to think
that I could actually be without you. You are
my heart, my love, my life.

Being with you is like this amazing rush
that I can't stand to let go of. It's like you
were sent to me from up above. The way you
make me feel when I'm in your arms is more
than I could have ever imagined. You are
my heart, my love, my life.

Being with you makes me feel so safe and secure.
I feel nothing can hurt me as long as I'm with you.
I never saw myself falling in love until the day
I fell in love with you. You are
my heart, my love, my life.

What I'm trying to tell you is that I want
to love you for all of my life and want to be
with you from now until forever and always. You are
my heart, my love, my life.

I love you baby.

(C) Jheric A. Saracho
June 16, 2005

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Salma Hayek says: Wear your white band today

Dear Friend:

It looks like a simple white band.

Maybe it is simple: We are going to make poverty history.

Will you join me today and wear the white band to show you support the ONE campaign and the fight against global AIDS and poverty?

You might be a teacher, doctor or mother. You might wear it to school, church or a concert. Whenever and wherever you wear a ONE white band, you say, without even saying a word, that you want more and better international assistance, debt cancellation and trade reform.

Half a million Americans are wearing the white band. I believe we can make that one million by the upcoming G8 summit on July 6th.

Let's do it together: wear your white band today.

From Dr. King to Nelson Mandela, history shows us that big changes can start with small actions. Wearing a white band is something YOU can do, today, in your neighborhood. When you wear a white band you join millions of people in America and around the world calling for change. If you've always wanted to be a part of something that can change our world, in our time, this is your chance.

I hope you will join us: get your white band today!

Thanks,

Salma Hayek

P.S. Click here to check out photos of other ONE supporters like Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx, Tom Hanks and Kate Hudson wearing the white band, appearing in national magazines this week.

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

one

Dear Friend,

Together as ONE, we have helped do something incredible!

This past Saturday, the U.S. joined together with other wealthy nations to free millions of people in some of the poorest countries from crushing debts. The finance ministers from the 'Group of Eight' or 'G8' nations agreed to write off billions of dollars of debt, and in return for cancellation, the qualifying countries will invest these savings in their own people -- to help with more schools, health clinics and wells.

Debt cancellation will quite literally save millions of lives -- but this deal was struck by only eight men huddling around a table. Eight men and the millions of us watching them, asking them to do the right thing. You called for this, with one voice, and they got it done.

The finance ministers' meeting was just a warm-up act, a down payment on an overall historic breakthrough. Let's keep up the positive pressure for the main event, when President Bush, Prime Minister Blair and the other G8 leaders meet on July 6:

Sign a letter to President Bush

Ask for his support at the upcoming G8 meeting for a comprehensive debt-aid-trade deal for the people in the poorest countries.

If you've already signed, please take a minute to ask 3 friends and family members to sign on.

Whenever we add more voices we get louder and more powerful! With your help, we will be the generation that looked extreme poverty in the eye -- and said no more.

Thank you,

The ONE Team

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Monday, June 13, 2005

FROM MY MAILBOX: Life Would Be Easy... If It Weren't For Difficult People

by Connie Podesta

Go on, it's okay. Admit it! We all know that life would be a whole lot easier if we didn't have to deal with those few (or many) difficult people we just can't seem to avoid. I think you know who I'm talking about.

What's not okay is to give up something you need, want or deserve because of their rude, obnoxious, sullen, and apathetic habits. Yes, I do mean "habits". If you're tired of playing their game, take charge of your life by taking a good look at yourself! You can not change them, but you can change what you do and how you act around them - and ultimately how they affect your life.

The Good News...and the Bad News

Difficult people have been trained and taught to act the way they do since they were children. In fact, they have been rewarded for their negative behavior throughout their entire lives. Difficult behavior worked for them as children - and more important, it continues to work for them as adults.

I believe that most of us are born with the capacity and desire to love and be loved. As we grow, we learn to respond to verbal and visual cues and we begin to adjust our behavior to obtain the positive responses we want. Children who can manipulate their parents soon learn to enjoy feelings of power and control over others.

The game of life is basically about "getting our needs met." And you certainly do play a part! We reward difficult people by giving in to their needs. Think about it. If someone's behavior is consistently inappropriate or unacceptable toward you, ask yourself if in any way you are rewarding their negative behavior.

For example, Helen gets upset every time Harry mentions that he wants to play golf. Rather than face a 2-hour lecture he usually finds it easier to just stay home. One day, however, he gets angry and accuses her of being a nag who never understands him. Instead of answering back, Helen gets her feelings hurt, stomps off and gives him the silent treatment. Harry takes advantage of her "cold shoulder" and plays a few holes of golf!

Jennifer wins the same "reward" at her new school. Few of the kids would talk to her and some were even making fun of her. She asked to stay in during recess, but the teacher said no. Eventually she gets into a fight and pushes another girl down. The teacher tells Jennifer that fighting is against the rules and she will have to stay inside. What did Jennifer learn? Ask the teacher respectfully and you will not get what you want. Push someone and you can avoid recess!

We have three choices each time we respond to another person: 1. Be positive; 2. Be negative; and 3. Avoid or ignore them. Difficult people see avoidance as a positive response. When we ignore unacceptable, inappropriate behavior, it will usually happen again because our avoidance tells the difficult person that we are willing to accept their behavior.

What do they really want?

Difficult people want to do their own thing, in their own time, in their own way, without interference. In addition, they expect everyone around them to cooperate - even work extra hard - to ensure that this happens. And they do not see anything unreasonable about these expectations. There is little in their experience to signal them that their actions are inappropriate. They also have little (if any) desire or motivation to change their habits.

What can I do about it?

We learn a lot from difficult people. We tolerate their behavior and attitudes as "part of life." We hold back our feelings and swallow our words. We make concessions even when we do not receive anything in return. We compromise even when it is 90/10 instead of 50/50. We may even question our own ability to relate and communicate with others reasoning that "Maybe it's me."

Since we cannot change difficult people, we can only change our selves and our reactions to their behavior. They need our cooperation and our permission to intimidate, control and repeatedly manipulate us to get their way. In most relationships, we are treated exactly the way we allow ourselves to be treated.

The good news is that because we are partly responsible there is something we can do to create and maintain relationships where we are treated respectfully. That's great news! By focusing on our selves and the changes we can make in our own behaviors and reactions, we can begin to take control of how other people treat us - today!

Take Action!

Think about two difficult people in your life.
Identify the behaviors of these difficult people.
Ask yourself if you could possibly be rewarding these difficult people.
Would they describe you as the difficult person? If so, what would they say?

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Friday, June 10, 2005

FROM MY MAILBOX: The Four Universal Principles That Can Bring You Uncommon Success by Loral Langemeier

I talk a lot about having a particular mind set when working on your business. It's the same wealth mind set I learned from my mentor, Bob Proctor. Some of you have seen Bob's stick figure drawings that show how we get the results we do in our lives. Essentially, your thoughts become an idea. That idea causes a particular emotion. The emotion alters your vibration, and the vibration is expressed through action. The actions create the results that show up in your condition, circumstance, and environment. The action in turn causes a reaction that again alters your results. This is the same cycle we run through daily, and it's why a person stuck in poverty stays in poverty, and the person finding incredible deals keeps finding more incredible deals.

The stick figure's "head" is split in two - the conscious and subconscious. The subconscious is by far the larger of the two, and is your power center. Any thought you continuously impress upon your subconscious becomes fixed, or in the words of Michael Roach, "germinate, then expand."

This is where the principles put forth by Roach really intrigue me. I see a lot of truth in these principles, and I'll explain each in my own words.

The four principles:


1. Whatever it is you are currently experiencing always matches the general content of thoughts that were at one time impressed upon your subconscious.

2. The strength of the original impression continuously expands in your subconscious until it flowers and forces you to have an experience that directly relates to that impression.

3. No experience of any kind ever happens unless there was an original thought that had been impressed that relates to the experience.

4. Once a thought has been impressed in the subconscious, it must lead to an experience. No impression is ever wasted.

I'll try to relate these principles to a practical application, so you can get a sense of their power. A young girl is told repeatedly that women don't have a good mind for business. This thought is impressed upon her subconscious, and grows throughout her teens. What she sees, and the experiences she has are in alignment with this impression and cause it to grow. She goes through college, finds a job, and moves to an area that is experiencing a real estate boom. However, all the houses she finds are bad deals, or she arrives too late. Her experiences match the impression in her subconscious that she doesn't have a good mind for business.

A second young girl is told that she can do anything she wants, and that she's got a good mind for business. Her experiences serve to reinforce this impression, and by the time she moves to the same area as the first girl, she's already created several businesses for herself. She sees incredible deals all over town, and jumps on them immediately.

Here we have two girls living in the same town. One sees great deals, the other gives up because she can't seem to find any decent deals. One believes she has a knack for business, and the other is convinced she's not good at business. The experiences they have and the circumstances that greet them on a daily basis match whatever has been impressed upon their subconscious minds.

How this information can change your life:


First, you have to realize that whatever it is you are currently experiencing is a result of thoughts and actions from your past. Current circumstances are no more or less than the expression of what has been impressed upon your subconscious mind. You are simply experiencing what you have prepared yourself to experience.

I see this as very good news, and here's why. If what you're currently experiencing is a result of past thoughts and actions, then doesn't it apply that your future experiences will be a result of your present thoughts and actions? Yes it does!

You may have heard me talk about the importance of being in action, and about compartmentalizing your tasks throughout the day. That is, when it's time to do email, you do email. When it's time to work on a particular project, that's what you do. This requires diligence and sometimes a great deal of practice to stay focused. When you act in this way, you start creating little successes in each part of your life. These successes and the focused attention create NEW impressions upon your subconscious. These new impressions will eventually surface in the form of new experiences.

Think of it a different way, and this will blow your mind. To experience what you want in the future, all you have to do is begin impressing into your subconscious the thoughts that directly relate to that experience today, then acting according to the feelings you have when you impress those thoughts. This is how you create new experiences.

Simply figure out what you want to experience, and work your way back from the experience to determine the thoughts and actions that will create the experience. This always works, without exception. Positive thoughts get reinforced through positive action, and negative thoughts through negative action. It's an incredibly simple concept to understand, but takes a lot of patience and persistence to get right, and you have to stick with it.

Here's a practical example. Say you want to get involved in flipping real estate, but your current experience is that everyone else seems to find the good deals, and that you always get there too late. Look back at your life to examine the thoughts and actions that were impressed upon your subconscious and resulted in your current experience. In "The Diamond Cutter", Roach goes through 46 business problems people face, and identifies the root cause and how to create new impressions.

It's likely that, if you're always behind or left out, you had this image of yourself impressed upon your subconscious early in your life. Maybe your brother or sister got all the attention, or you had to wear his or her old clothes. These thoughts create feelings of inadequacy, resentment, or jealousy. Actions are then based on these feelings, and reinforce the impression of "not good enough".

You have to break the cycle and create new, positive impressions.

What I like about Roach's approach is how much it requires very specific action to create a new impression in your subconscious. People who don't take the time to do a financial baseline or forecast are fueling the impression of lack - lack of time; lack of resources; or lack of money. To create the opposite impression in your subconscious, complete your baseline and forecast as a way of impressing the thought that "there is plenty of time to do what's needed for my business, and I believe I can make my targets."

It's important to understand that the simplest tasks often create the most powerful impressions. Knowing that you have over 60,000 thoughts in a day, what if you took actions throughout the day that required you to have mostly positive thoughts?

In the above example, the person who feels that everyone else gets the good stuff would benefit from having a mini-celebration every time she hears about another person's success. This impresses the idea that there are good deals to be had, and getting them is a very good thing. Yes, it's that subtle, and that easy to create new impressions. Remember to give it time, though.

Creating the impressions that result in building wealth and the expression of your power

1. Examine your current situation and understand what has been impressed upon your subconscious.

2. Create the vision of what you want to experience in the future.

3. Determine the thoughts and actions that will most likely result in those experiences.

4. Define the strategies and tactics necessary to impress the right thoughts and take the right actions.

5. Go into action.

More specifically:


If you haven't already created your 2005 baseline and forecast, do it as soon as possible to nurture the impressions of success.

Take the steps to protect your assets and your business. This helps to create the subconscious impression of your value and worth.

Develop real marketing plans for your business to impress upon your mind your ability to succeed.

Create or further develop your wealth team. Surround yourself with quality people you trust, and you impress upon your subconscious the energy or idea of quality. This results in quality experiences.

Celebrate in the success of your colleagues, and learn to collaborate instead of compete. Collaboration and celebration (and gratitude) create impressions of success in your subconscious, so that you may create future experiences in which you feel celebrated and grateful.


I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Thursday, June 9, 2005

Time, be still

Why can't you ever stop?

I hate to hear your tick-tock.

I just want to hold her in my arms
a little while longer
so our love can be much stronger

Time, be still
please don't tick-tock
Tell me, do you ever stop?

Give me more time
to look at her beautiful face,
to see her smile.

Time be still
I can't stand your tick-tock.

How come you seem to slow down?
Always, when she's never around.

It drives me crazy hearing your tick-tock
It means our time is growing thin.

Time - be still!
Can't you hear my plea
I want her right here next to me.

My wishes you can fulfill
Time, can you please be still?


(C) Jheric A. Saracho
June 9, 2005


I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Wednesday, June 8, 2005

FROM MY MAILBOX: The Secret Life by Stephen R. Covey

The secret life is the key to a quality life and that in turn is the key to a quality culture, products, and services. Once in New York City, I attended the Broadway play, The Secret Garden. The play was particularly poignant for me that evening because my mother had just died.

The Tony Award winning musical is the story of a young girl whose mother and father die of cholera in India as the play begins. She is sent to live with her uncle in a large British manor. The old house is filled with romantic spirits. As the restless girl explores the grounds of the estate, she discovers the entrance to the magical secret garden, a place where anything is possible.

When she first enters the garden, she finds that it appears to be dead, much like her cousin, a bedridden boy, and her uncle, still haunted by memories of his lovely wife who died giving birth to the boy. In harmony with natural laws and principles, the girl faithfully plants seeds and brings new life to the garden. As the roots are warmed and the garden cultivated, she brings about a dramatic transformation of her entire culture within one season.

In my many years of teaching and training, I have seen several such transformations brought about by proactive people who exercise principle-centered leadership and the Seven Habits in their secret, private, and public lives.

When I returned home to Salt Lake City the next day to speak at my mother's funeral, I referred to the Secret Garden, because for me and many others, my mother's home was a secret garden where we could escape and be nurtured by positive affirmation. In her eyes, all about us was good, and all that was good was possible.

Our Three Lives

We all live three lives: public, private and secret. In our public lives, we are seen and heard by colleagues, associates, and others within our circle of influence. In our private lives, we interact more intimately with spouses, family members, and close friends. The secret life is where your heart is, where your real motives are the ultimate desires of your life.

Many executives never visit the secret life. Their public and private lives are essentially scripted by who and what precedes and surrounds them or by the pressures of the environment. And so they never exercise that unique endowment of self-awareness the key to the secret life where you can stand apart from yourself and observe your own involvement.

Courage is required to explore our secret life because we must first withdraw from the social mirror, where we are fed positive and negative feedback continuously. As we get used to this social feedback, it becomes a comfort zone. And we may opt to avoid self-examination and idle away our time in a vacuum of reverie and rationalization. In that frame of mind, we have little sense of identity, safety, or security.

Examine Your Motives

The most critical junctures in my life take place when I visit my secret life and ask, "What do I think? What do I believe is right? What should my motives be?" These are times when I choose my motives. One such time occurred when I first heard Dag Hammarskjold say, "It is more noble to give yourself completely to one individual, than to labor diligently for the salvation of the masses." That statement had such a profound effect on me that I started to say to myself in regard to my relationships with other people, "Wait a minute it's my life. I can choose whether I want to make reconciliation with this person or not. I can choose my own motives."

One of the exciting fruits of the "secret garden" is an ability to consciously choose your own motives. Until you choose your own motives, you really can't choose to live your own life. Everything flows out of motive and motivation that is the root of our deepest desires.

Now, when I get into a frustrating or perplexing situation, I enter into my secret life. That's where I find not only motives but also correct principles; that's where the inner wisdom is. As I learn to be proactive in exploring the secret life, I tap into self-awareness, imagination, conscience, and into the exercise of free will to choose another motive.

People who regularly explore their secret life and examine their motives are better able to see into the hearts of others, practice real empathy, bestow real empowerment and affirm worth and identity.

A healthy secret life will benefit your private and public lives in many ways. For example, when I'm preparing to give a speech, I read aloud a favorite discourse on faith hope and charity because it helps me to purify my motive. I lose all desire to impress. My only desire is to bless. And when I go to a public setting with that motive, I have great confidence and inner peace. I feel more love for the people and feel much more authentic myself.

Executives who attend our leadership training in the mountain setting of Sundance often tell me, "This is the first time in many years that I've done any soul searching. I've seen myself as if for the first time, and I've resolved that my life is going to be different. I'm going to be true to what I really believe." Recently, many people have written me to say, "Your habits and principles have made the difference. I'd never really thought about some of them before, but I resonate with them." That's because these principles are found in people's secret life.

And yet most of us spend our busy days privately doing our thing, never pausing long enough to enter the secret life, the secret garden, where we can create masterpieces, discover great truths and enhance very aspect of our public and private lives.

Having a healthy secret life is the key to having a quality private and public life, as well as a quality culture, product or service.

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Tuesday, June 7, 2005

FROM MY MAILBOX: Guardian Angels

• Jan. 1 to 5 – Nemamiah (Family of Archangels)
• Jan. 6 to 10 – Ieilael (Archangels)
• Jan. 11 to 15 – Harahel (Archangels)
• Jan. 16 to 20 – Mitzrael (Archangels)
• Jan. 21 to 25 – Umabel (Archangels)
• Jan. 26 to 30 – Iahhel (Archangels)
• Jan. 31 to Feb. 4 – Annauel (Archangels)
• Feb. 5 to 9 – Mehriel (Archangels)
• Feb. 10 to 14 – Damabiah (Family of Angels)
• Feb. 15 to 19 – Manakel (Angels)
• Feb. 20 to 24 – Eiael (Angels)
• Feb. 25 to 29 – Habuiah (Angels)
• March 1 to 5 – Rochel (Angels)
• March 6 to 10 – Jabamiah (Angels)
• March 11 to 15 – Haiaiel (Angels)
• March 16 to 20 – Mumiah (Angels)
• March 21 to 25 – Vehuiah (Family of Seraphims)
• March 26 to 30 – Jeliel (Seraphims)
• March 31 to April 4 – Sitael (Seraphims)
• April 5 to 9 – Elemiah (Seraphims)
• April 10 to 14 – Mahasiah (Seraphims)
• April 15 to 20 – Lelahel (Seraphims)
• April 21 to 25 – Achaiah (Seraphims)
• April 26 to 30 – Cahethel (Seraphims)
• May 1 to 5 – Haziel (Family of Cherubims)
• May 6 to 10 – Aladiah (Cherubims)
• May 11 to 15 – Lauviah (Cherubims)
• May 16 to 20 – Hahaiah (Cherubims)
• May 21 to 25 – Ieiazel (Cherubims)
• May 26 to 31 – Mebahel (Cherubims)
• June 1to 5 – Hariel (Cherubims)
• June 6 to 10 – Hakamiah (Cherubims)
• June 11 to 15 – Lauviah (Family of Thrones)
• June 16 to 21 – Caliel (Thrones)
• June 22 to 26 – Leuviah (Thrones)
• June 27 to July 1 – Pahaliah (Thrones)
• July 2 to 6 – Nelchael (Thrones)
• July 7 to 11 – Ieiaiel (Thrones)
• July 12 to 16 – Melahel (Thrones)
• July 17 to 22 – Hahuiah (Thrones)
• July 23 to 27 – Nithaiah (Family of Dominations)
• July 28 to Aug. 1 – Haaiah (Dominations)
• Aug. 2 to 6 – Ierathel (Dominations)
• Aug. 7 to 12 – Seehiah (Dominations)
• Aug. 13 to 17 – Reiiel (Dominations)
• Aug. 18 to 22 – Omael (Dominations)
• Aug. 23 to 28 – Lecabel (Dominations)
• Aug. 29 to Sept. 2 – Vasariah (Dominations)
• Sept. 3 to 7 – Iehuiah (Family of Powers)
• Sept. 8 to 12 – Lehahiah (Powers)
• Sept. 13 to 17 – Chavakiah (Powers)
• Sept. 18 to 23 – Menadel (Powers)
• Sept. 24 to 28 – Aniel (Powers)
• Sept. 29 to Oct. 3 – Haamiah (Powers)
• Oct. 4 to 8 – Rehael (Powers)
• Oct. 9 to 13 – Ihiazel (Powers)
• Oct. 14 to 18 – Hahahel (Family of Virtues)
• Oct. 19 to 23 –Mikael (Virtues)
• Oct. 24 to 28 – Vevaliah (Virtues)
• Oct. 29 to Nov. 2 – Ielahiah (Virtues)
• Nov. 3 to 7 – Sealiah (Virtues)
• Nov. 8 to 12 – Ariel (Virtues)
• Nov. 13 to 17 – Asaliah (Virtues)
Nov. 18 to 22 – Mihael (Virtues)
• Nov. 23 to 27 – Vehuel (Family of Principalities)
• Nov. 28 to Dec. 2 – Daniel (Principalities)
• Dec. 3 to 7 – Hahaziah (Principalities)
• Dec. 8 to 12 –Imamiah (Principalities)
• Dec. 13 to 16 – Nanael (Principalities)
• Dec. 17 to 21 – Nithael (Principalities)
• Dec. 22 to 26 – Mebahiah (Principalities)
• Dec. 27 to 31 – Poiel (Principalities)

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Saturday, June 4, 2005

Where are you on the highway of life?

Jheric Highway

Study Hall

3

Lake Love

17

Hobotown

39

Dumpsville

129

Confusion Lane

492

Please Drive Carefully


I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)