Update: A good friend flew in to see me last week. It was great catching up with him. We went out to eat a few times and I'm sure I've gained more calories than I wanted.

The good news is I've disciplined my body to where I can lose those calories. A little discipline can go a long way to achieve the results you want. This discipline thing works in just about every area of your life so decide today to make improvements. Not for anyone else... but for you.

Feature Article: Do You Have Game?

Subscribe: Sign me up for this e-zine and qualify me for the 5-week Secrets to Website Mastery e-course.

The Challenge...

Jim Rohn, America's business philosopher once said the successful person and the unsuccessful person both have the same amount of time. It's what each one does with their time that determines where they'll end up. He offers this challenging advice for all of us:

"Let others lead small lives, but not you.

"Let others argue over small things, but not you.

"Let others cry over small hurts, but not you.

"Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you."

Do You Have Game?

Dear Associate,

When I began making my first presentations I felt all yucky inside. Many of you who have made presentations can identify with the nervousness, shortness of breath and a raging heartbeat that felt like it would protrude through your chest. I replayed in my mind all kinds of things that could go wrong.

What if I forget my lines?

What if they don't understand me?

What if I say the wrong thing?

What if I pass out?

All of these questions and many other concerns churned inside of me, which generated a great deal of fear, self-doubt and anxiety. But today I survived it all and have become a better speaker because I put myself on the line. I tackled a new skill head-on, made a few mistakes along the way, but continued to improve because I wanted to get in the game, and play it well instead of sitting on the sidelines.

I'm still improving my speaking game, but from what little work I've already done, people have responded positively from their comments. This is a sign they're getting value from my messages. And people giving value to one another represents one of life's greatest treasures.

What about you?

Is there a new skill you know you want to learn? Is it a relationship that you want to start, develop or enhance? Do you want to look more attractive and appealing? Do you want freedom from some form of dependency?

If you seriously want to create a positive change in your life, let me summarize what you have to do next in one sentence:

It begins with you.

It really does. And no one else. And don't delay, because the types of questions you face if you continue sitting on the sidelines may end up being:

What will happen if I don't learn this new skill?

What if my peers pass me up for promotion?

What if my employer begins downsizing?

What if I lose all my benefits?

Really think about these questions and answer them honestly. Then get to work to create that improvement you desire. If that means investing in you, then so be it.

Three strategies for winning your game:

1) Motivate yourself. If you want to look dynamite, be wealthy or find your soul mate, picture that moment in your mind. Then replay that moment in your mind's eye as often as you can. To fulfill that picture you must first have a clear vision of it.

2) Challenge yourself. Reality says if you don't already have what you want — it's because you haven't taken the proper actions. Take a deep look at what you're doing that hasn't gotten what you want and decide not to do that again. Disregard this strategy and you'll always remain a dreamer.

3) Invest in yourself. Seek help from experts. Don't go for the quick fix. Then apply what you've learned and form them into life-changing habits. You're not giving a gift to someone else, but for you — the most important person you know.

Life rewards those who not only play the game, but especially those who become good at it. Get good at your game and people will notice. I guarantee it.

Warm regards,