As I read the article discussing how it is estimated that 2.81 million discouraged or “marginally attached” people are no longer looking for work, but are willing and able. These numbers are not included in the official unemployment rate. I continued to read about how if these 2.8 million were included in the official unemployment rate, the official unemployment rate would obviously be higher. A point which that is obvious and easy to understand.

The article went on to state that this is the widest gap since 1994. [Note: the article title is misleading as it states "...highest recorded" which gives the impression that it is the highest ever] And then it came, the statement that brought politics into the equation. The articles stated, “It never rose above 1.1 points during the Bush administration.” It then went on to discuss how a Republican legislator was planning to introduce a bill that would force the Labor Department to include the marginally attached in the official number.

I felt my heart sink and I took a long deep sigh. What factors and figures should be included in the official unemployment figure has been debated and discussed for decades. Pointing out the record under the Bush administration points to the true intent of this article: biased politics disguised as news.

This is a reminder that there is an underlying pretense to everything you hear and read in the news. I guess I’m grateful that this one was obvious.

Profitably yours,
Sherrin Ross Ingram

You have been blessed to see the start of another glorious week. The slate has been wiped clean (of the good and bad). You have another opportunity to BE MORE and DO BETTER. This week can be your best week ever! Remember, success is just a string of successful weeks tied together.

Here’s a quote that is particularly insightful and motivating:

We don’t see things as they are. We see things as we are.  ~Anais Nin

THIS WEEK’S TIP: Keep Your Perspective in Check

It is so easy to get caught up in the way we do things that we forget that our way is not the only way of accomplishing a particular goal.  Sometimes, our way is not even the right way for us.  One of my quotes that I use frequently in my presentations is:

“Arrogance not only prevents you from seeing the big picture, it makes you think your view is the big picture.”

Both quotes above are related to the two same points:
(1) You are always seeing things through the filter of your own experiences, values and beliefs.
(2) There is always a bigger picture than what you are seeing or thinking right now.

So, in any situation (whether it be a joyful or stressful one), remember that your view of a situation is just one way of viewing that situation and that there is always more to the situation than what you’re seeing at the moment.

THIS WEEK’S AFFIRMATION: I will remember that my perspective is part of a larger world in which everyone’s perspective serves an important role.

Until next Monday, expect the best FROM and FOR yourself!

Profitably yours,
Sherrin Ross Ingram
America’s Leading Power Strategist
http://www.sherrin.com

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Want to grow your business, fast-track your career and accelerate achievement of your goals? Then join The Strategic Thinker’s Inner Circle program: http://www.StrategicThinkers.org

You have been blessed to see the start of another glorious week. The slate has been wiped clean (of the good and bad). You have another opportunity to BE MORE and DO BETTER. This week can be your best week ever! Remember, success is just a string of successful weeks tied together.

Here’s a quote that I find particularly insightful and motivating:

Things may happen to you, but the only things that matter are the things that happen in you.

~Eric Butterworth

THIS WEEK’S TIP: Remember Your Power

For many, there is a strong tendency to give up their power to circumstances. Despite their intentions to keep a positive attitude and have a productive day, it doesn’t take too much before they regress into focusing on the worst possible interpretation of a situation or obsessing over past events. They often terrorize and torture themselves with worse case scenarios. And, this is the worse part, they believe they have no choice but to think and feel (and, as a result, act) this way.

When asked about their choice to focus on the worse scenarios and obsess over past events, a common response is “You think I want to think about these things and feel this way?” They are absolutely unwilling to entertain the possibility that they actually do, on some level, want to think and feel the way they do. They are absolutely unwilling to believe that they have the power to choose their response in any situation.

Any success you hope to achieve and maintain is dependent upon nailing this message to your heart and mind: You may not have control over every thought that enters your mind, but you absolutely have the power to decide what thoughts you will focus on.

Do you have the habit of giving up your power to circumstances? Or, do you maintain and exercise your power to decide what thoughts you will focus on? Make a decision to always remember your power!

THIS WEEK’S AFFIRMATION: I have the power to decide what thoughts I focus on, and I diligently exercise my power in every circumstance.

Until next Monday, expect the best FROM and FOR yourself!

Profitably yours,
Sherrin Ross Ingram
America’s Leading Power Strategist
http://www.sherrin.com

If you like this Magnificent Monday Motivation Moment,
share it with your circle of influence!
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What are your thoughts about this Magnificent Monday Motivation Moment? I would love to know!Post your comments below or send them to me at sherrin@sherrin.com.

Want me to speak at your next conference or meeting? Then be sure to pass my info and web site on to your group’s meeting planner: http://www.SHERRIN.com

Want to grow your business, fast-track your career and accelerate achievement of your goals? Then join The Strategic Thinker’s Inner Circle program: http://www.StrategicThinkers.org

You have been blessed to see the start of another glorious week. The slate has been wiped clean (of the good and bad). You have another opportunity to BE MORE and DO BETTER. This week can be your best week ever! Remember, success is just a string of successful weeks tied together.

Here’s a quote that is particularly insightful and motivating:

Our main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand.

~ Thomas Carlyle

THIS WEEK’S TIP: Get Off Your Assets and Get Things Done NOW

It is very easy to get so caught up in visioning your desires and planning for your future that you do not take care of the “here and now”. It is critical to remember that what you think of as your future is nothing more than a compilation of all the “here and nows.”

As a strategic planning specialist, I personally have to keep vigilant attention and clarity about this. Yes, planning is a great tool for efficiently achieving your goals. But it becomes a liability when it stifles action and is used to mask fears.

With all planning, there comes a point when you must get off of your assets and implement. There is no substitute for daily inspired and calculated action.

THIS WEEK’S AFFIRMATION: Everyday, I get the most important tasks done.

Until next Monday, expect the best FROM and FOR yourself!

Profitably yours,
Sherrin Ross Ingram
America’s Leading Power Strategist
http://www.sherrin.com

If you like this Magnificent Monday Motivation Moment,
share it with your circle of influence!
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What are your thoughts about this Magnificent Monday Motivation Moment? I would love to know!Post your comments below or send them to me at sherrin@sherrin.com.

Want me to speak at your next conference or meeting? Then be sure to pass my info and web site on to your group’s meeting planner: http://www.SHERRIN.com

Want to grow your business, fast-track your career and accelerate achievement of your goals? Then join The Strategic Thinker’s Inner Circle program: http://www.StrategicThinkers.org

You have been blessed to see the start of another year and another glorious week. The slate has been wiped clean (of the good and bad). You have another opportunity to BE MORE and DO BETTER. This can be your BEST YEAR ever! Remember, success is just a string of successful weeks tied together.

Here’s a quote that is particularly insightful and motivating:

I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.

~Albert Schweitzer

THIS WEEK’S TIP: Solve More Problems

How will you serve others this year? What specific problems do plan to solve? What does achieving your 2012 goals do for your community and the world in general? How many people are you positioned to reach?

These are all questions that lay the groundwork for your most successful year ever. Business growth and financial rewards ultimately come from how well and how often you solve problems for others. The more problems you solve for the most number of people, the more money you make – it’s that simple! Remember, it takes creativity, not money, to solve problems.

Make it a point this year to have a mindset of service and stewardship. When you combine service and stewardship with clarity, diligence, superior strategy and skill, the results can be mind-blowing. For me, this seemingly simple shift in perspective was the missing piece to my puzzle for massive success. It could be the missing piece for you too.

THIS WEEK’S AFFIRMATION: I am wise. Everyday, I enjoy the rewards of solving problems for an increasing number of people.

Until next Monday, expect the best FROM and FOR yourself!

Profitably yours,
Sherrin Ross Ingram
America’s Leading Power Strategist
http://www.sherrin.com

If you like this Magnificent Monday Motivation Moment,
share it with your circle of influence!
JUST CLICK ON THE SHARE BUTTONS
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What are your thoughts about this Magnificent Monday Motivation Moment? I would love to know!Post your comments below or send them to me at sherrin@sherrin.com.

Want me to speak at your next conference or meeting? Then be sure to pass my info and web site on to your group’s meeting planner: http://www.SHERRIN.com

Want to grow your business, fast-track your career and accelerate achievement of your goals? Then join The Strategic Thinker’s Inner Circle program: http://www.StrategicThinkers.org

You have been blessed to see the start of another glorious week. The slate has been wiped clean (of the good and bad). You have another opportunity to BE MORE and DO BETTER. This week can be your best week ever! Remember, success is just a string of successful weeks tied together.

Here’s a quote that is particularly insightful and motivating:

Do not forget small kindnesses and do not remember small faults.

~Chinese Proverb

THIS WEEK’S TIP: Seek out the Good

Here in the States, it’s the day after Christmas. Many are probably still feeling the euphoric state of kindness and gratitude that this season often evokes. Do all that you can to keep that feeling!

It may be true that there is some thing or situation that you are experiencing that causes you great pain and discomfort (whether it’s emotional or physical). It is equally true that there are good things and joyful experiences all around you. Consciously choose to look for the good, and then choose to think about and focus on the positive aspects of what ever it is you’re experiencing.

So often we become disappointed, sad or worse if we inventory our life and don’t see the big things we were hoping for. It is during times like these when it’s most important to focus on what you do have and forgive yourself for not doing all that you could have to get other things you’ve wanted. Truly forgive yourself and move forward with focus and positive expectations. It’s a new day.

THIS WEEK’S AFFIRMATION: Everyday, I choose to look for and focus my attention on all the positive aspects around me.

Until next Monday, expect the best FROM and FOR yourself!

Profitably yours,
Sherrin Ross Ingram
America’s Leading Power Strategist
http://www.sherrin.com

If you like this Magnificent Monday Motivation Moment,
share it with your circle of influence!
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What are your thoughts about this Magnificent Monday Motivation Moment? I would love to know!Post your comments below or send them to me at sherrin@sherrin.com.

Want me to speak at your next conference or meeting? Then be sure to pass my info and web site on to your group’s meeting planner: http://www.SHERRIN.com

Want to grow your business, fast-track your career and accelerate achievement of your goals? Then join The Strategic Thinker’s Inner Circle program: http://www.StrategicThinkers.org

–Finish this: It just wouldn’t be Christmas without ____.

It seems that “Family” and “Jesus” were the most popular answers.

My answer: It just wouldn’t would be Christmas without… the smell of cookies baking, a fire place roaring, real rum egg nog and classic Motown Christmas songs playing in the background.

Here’s what some from my Twitter tribe (http://twitter.com/SherrinIngram) said:

Here’s what some from my Facebook tribe: (http://www.facebook.com/sherriningram) said:

“Finish This” provides a fun way to stimulate thinking and fuel insights on personal development. Completing these simple statements is an opportunity to pause, reflect and express your views, beliefs and values.

Are you following me on Twitter? (http://www.twitter.com/sherriningram)
Are we connected on LinkedIn?http://www.linkedin.com/in/sherriningram
Are you my “Friend” on Facebook? http://www.facebook.com/sherriningram

If not, let’s get connected!

Also, follow and become “friends” with my tribe members above.

Now, it’s your turn to “Finish this: All I really want for Christmas is ______.”

You have been blessed to see the start of another glorious week. The slate has been wiped clean (of the good and bad). You have another opportunity to BE MORE and DO BETTER. This week can be your best week ever! Remember, success is just a string of successful weeks tied together.

Here’s a quote that is particularly insightful and motivating:

Any fool can know. The point is to understand.

~Albert Einstein

THIS WEEK’S TIP: Apply Your Knowledge

I really like this quote, but I feel it is missing two words for maximum impact. I think it should read, “Any fool can know. The point is to understand and apply.”

It is often said that knowledge is power. Because you are reading this, it’s likely that you already know that is not true. The application of knowledge is power.

My consulting and coaching journey has unequivocally ingrained in my mind this interesting truth. Most of us know or at least have a good idea of basic things we can do to BE MORE and DO BETTER in every area of our lives. We just don’t always do it. For example, we know that drinking half of your body weight in ounces (some of us were simply told to drink 8 glasses) of water everyday will promote good health. Do you drink that amount of water everyday? Those in commissioned sales know that their income can be transformed if they are in front of an actual prospect by 9am every morning. How often does that happen?

Remember, it’s not enough to have knowledge. Any fool can have knowledge. The point is understand and apply the knowledge. Are you really applying your knowledge?

THIS WEEK’S AFFIRMATION: I am wise. Everyday, I diligently apply the knowledge I’ve acquired in every area of my life.

Until next Monday, expect the best FROM and FOR yourself!

Profitably yours,
Sherrin Ross Ingram
America’s Leading Power Strategist
http://www.sherrin.com

If you like this Magnificent Monday Motivation Moment,
share it with your circle of influence!
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Don’t forget to add @SherrinIngram to your share updates.

What are your thoughts about this Magnificent Monday Motivation Moment? I would love to know!Post your comments below or send them to me at sherrin@sherrin.com.

Want me to speak at your next conference or meeting? Then be sure to pass my info and web site on to your group’s meeting planner: http://www.SHERRIN.com

Want to grow your business, fast-track your career and accelerate achievement of your goals? Then join The Strategic Thinker’s Inner Circle program: http://www.StrategicThinkers.org

You have been blessed to see the start of another glorious week. The slate has been wiped clean (of the good and bad). You have another opportunity to BE MORE and DO BETTER. This week can be your best week ever! Remember, success is just a string of successful weeks tied together.

Here’s a quote that is particularly insightful and motivating:

How you do anything is how you do everything.

~T. Harv Eker

THIS WEEK’S TIP: Bring Your A-Game

Have you ever noticed how approach small, mundane and seemingly unimportant tasks? In general, I have found that the attitude and approach you take with the small stuff is reflective of how you handle most things in life. Oh sure, when you think it’s big, you rise to an occasion… maybe. On the whole, however, the way you are with the little things is how you are with the big things.

I know it’s easier, both mentally and physically, to rise to a specific challenge or opportunity or pull out the big guns for the “big game.” But, it’s the small tasks over time that make or break you. Every day and every task is practice and preparation for the big game. That’s a huge reason why so many struggle to achieve their goals: they muddle their way through practice believing that they will show up big at game time.

Long-term success and profit is in the day-to-day details. Why? Because it’s the day-to-day details that provide consistency and support to the value of the big things. So pay attention to your attitude and approach in all of your tasks, and DON’T SLACK OFF… not even for a minute. Bring your A-game to everything you do.

THIS WEEK’S AFFIRMATION: Everyday, I give my best performance in everything I do.

Until next Monday, expect the best FROM and FOR yourself!

Profitably yours,
Sherrin Ross Ingram
America’s Leading Power Strategist
http://www.sherrin.com

If you like this Magnificent Monday Motivation Moment,
share it with your circle of influence!
JUST CLICK ON THE SHARE BUTTONS
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Don’t forget to add @SherrinIngram to your share updates.

What are your thoughts about this Magnificent Monday Motivation Moment? I would love to know!Post your comments below or send them to me at sherrin@sherrin.com.

Want me to speak at your next conference or meeting? Then be sure to pass my info and web site on to your group’s meeting planner: http://www.SHERRIN.com

Want to grow your business, fast-track your career and accelerate achievement of your goals? Then join The Strategic Thinker’s Inner Circle program: http://www.StrategicThinkers.org

You have been blessed to see the start of another glorious week. The slate has been wiped clean (of the good and bad). You have another opportunity to BE MORE and DO BETTER. This week can be your best week ever! Remember, success is just a string of successful weeks tied together.

Here’s a quote that is particularly insightful and motivating:

Competition is a by-product of productive work, not its goal. A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.

~Ayn Rand

THIS WEEK’S TIP: Outdo Yourself

Reading this Ayn Rand quote immediately reminded me of the importance of having the right focus. If you’ve been reading my Magnificent Monday Motivation Moments for a while, then you already know that I strongly believe the root cause of failure is having the wrong focus. I know that many people say that the root cause is fear. But I think if you closely examine fear (or any other commonly stated root cause), you’ll find focusing on unsupportive thoughts at the core.

In the case of competition, focusing on beating others is the wrong focus. I believe this to be this case for two reasons: such a focus is not sustainable and can ultimately be unfulfilling. Think about it for a moment. Once you’ve beaten everyone and you are #1, what’s left? Contrast focusing on beating others with focusing on bettering your best everyday. The quest to BE MORE and DO BETTER is eternal.

Don’t get me wrong… when it comes to competition, I like being viewed as the “best” just like most ambitious business owners. However, as my perspective grows, the more I confirm that long-term success is really about being my best… everyday. For me, that means the only real “competition” I have is myself. Have you thought about who or what is your real competition?

THIS WEEK’S AFFIRMATION: Everyday, I focus my attention and efforts on being more and doing better.

Until next Monday, expect the best FROM and FOR yourself!

Profitably yours,
Sherrin Ross Ingram
America’s Leading Power Strategist
http://www.sherrin.com

If you like this Magnificent Monday Motivation Moment,
share it with your circle of influence!
JUST CLICK ON THE SHARE BUTTONS
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Don’t forget to add @SherrinIngram to your share updates.

What are your thoughts about this Magnificent Monday Motivation Moment? I would love to know!Post your comments below or send them to me at sherrin@sherrin.com.

Want me to speak at your next conference or meeting? Then be sure to pass my info and web site on to your group’s meeting planner: http://www.SHERRIN.com

Want to grow your business, fast-track your career and accelerate achievement of your goals? Then join The Strategic Thinker’s Inner Circle program: http://www.StrategicThinkers.org