Power of Association !!! 
By: Rod Moore - Melbourne
www.goalsmagic.com 

This week I have come up against challenges that at first appear to be to huge for me to overcome. It seems that whenever you set out to pursue your dreams and goals, that challenges are placed in front of you. It's almost like a test to see if you really desire the dream or goal you have.

As I was thinking about the current challenge placed in my path, I began to ask myself what is the number one thing that will get me through this period?

I remember reading a book by Charlie 'Life is Tremendous' Jones in which he says your life will be no different in five years, except for the books you read and the people you associate with.

So to me the most important step in moving through the 
obstacles and challenges is to ensure that I am associating with only those people who build me up and not drag me down. 

Heres a worthwhile exercise. Make a list of everyone you associate with on a semi-regular basis, and evaluate the effect they have on you. Lets make three lists:

1. Family - They are important, but often those closest to us can be the most damaging to our attitudes.

2. Inner Circle - The friends that you spend your time with and who's company you enjoy. What effect are they having on you? Are they encouraging you to go after your dreams and goals ... or are they holding you back at their comfort level?

3. Work - We spend so much of our lives at work. Is the environment positive, optimistic and focused on being, doing and having more out of life? If not ... maybe you need to think about what effect your work is having on your mind.

Make a seperate list of all the people you associate with in each category and next to each name put a '+' or a '-'next to each name. Only give someone a '+' if they truly build you up, and support you in everyway. If someone is neutral then just put a '?' next to them. 

Now looking over your list, do you find more '+' or '-' signs? Is the power of association working for you or against you? Be careful of the effect that your 
associations are having on you, for they will surely have an effect one way or the other.

One of the great things with the Internet is that you can find people to associate with to build you up. The main source of this is through discussion forums. There are a few that are incredibly positive and uplifting. I know that when I am faced with challenges such as this week I go to spend time on-line with positive uplifting people.

I highly recommend my friend Mark Farmers discussion forum at Total Life Success. You can drop by there and met hundreds of success oriented people to share ideas with, or gain inspiration from. Take a look at Mark's web site at http://www.totallifesuccess.com 

Also don't forget to join in the discussions at the Goals Magic web site. As the number of people getting involved continues to grow, this will also be a great place to associate with positive goal focused people.

See Rods Website: www.goalsmagic.com 

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