Sam's Blog

This is the blog of Sam Childs. Sam is an expert in Executive Coaching and Lifestyle Improvement. He has helped dozens of people achieve their goals and continues to aide executives with his Image Projection Products and various other information products.

Mar 22, 2009, "Is This The Easiest Advice To Live Your Life By?"

"My code of life is absolutely simple. Help a friend, be a friend."

- Arnold Roth

Richard Marx. Do you remember him ? He had a great looking "mullet." A true 80's rock star. I remember- quite vividly actually- watching his videos before being picked up for carpoolwhen I was in the fifth grade. At times, it doesn't seem all that long ago...

I remember when I was that age. For my father's birthday we would always go see a movie, and then have a steak dinner. His favorite.

That year we went to see a movie called "Stand By Me." It was a wonderful film about growing up. It was written by Stephen King. It taught a lot of wonderful "life lessons."

I remember at the end of the film- the main character (who had aged) was writing a book. A memoir. The last sentence of the movie was,"Friends come and go like bus boys in a restaurant. I have had a lot of friends in my life. But none like the one's I had when I was 12."

I didn't understand it when I saw the movie. I get it now. Unfortunately..... When I was 12 I thought my friendships would endure forever. When people see you at your most insecure, vulnerable age, and STILL like you, it is hard to believe that you will grow apart. But it happens folks. To all of us.

Our friends define us. I have the best, most supportive group of friends that a man could ever want. I have been through a lot. I have only lost a few friends. I am lucky.

To me, friendship is not a "part time" job. When you are a friend of mine- you are a friend for life. I would do anything to help a friend, and I have the track record to prove it...

This email is not about me. Relating this to the quote above- Value your friendships. You get to a certain age- where you don't make new close friends. Friends are happy to support you. To help you achieve what you are capable of. Friends love to help friends.

The more you give, the more you get back. The more people you help, the more success you WILL achieve. In any endeavor. That, I promise you.

Today I went to a lacrosse game with my niece and nephews.

They have just begun to make friends. I hope they can keep the real friends for as long as it is possible. When they talk of their friends,they "beam."

Choose your friends carefully- because you don't want to set yourself up to be disappointed. Good friends will stand by you through "thick and thin."

Be wise in your choice making. For the best guidance I have had on choosing my friends, click on the link below to learn more. I was sure glad that I did. I have learned from the mistakes I have made in this regard.

Mar 12, 2009, "Can The Real A-Rod Please Stand Up?"

"Managers are people who do things right, where leaders arepeople who do the right things." - Warren Bennis

I woke up this morning and rolled out of my bed with a smile on my face. I was looking forward to a second consecutive great day in a row. Yesterday I got to spend the day with very close friends. We did something that we don't normally do- in these parts of New England- but considering we are going through what tends to be a very slow time of the year- we figured a little variety would be good for us.

We attended the "Monster Jam" at the Hartford Civic Center. What a ride it was !! We got there and immediately put in earplugs, as we were so warned by the gatekeepers that we risked "losing our hearing" if we did not heed their warning.

The main draw was "GRAVEDIGGER!!!". The event lasted about two hours. We had a ball ! Sometimes you need to push your comfort zones. Snap out of your routine and do something out of the ordinary. Expand your horizons - and you will be surprised at how much fun you can have. And what you can learn from other people.

After I got up and went to the gym- I glanced at the headlines in the newspaper. I read that Alex Rodriguez of the NY Yankees had indeed tested positive for steroids in 2003. I thought to myself - "Is anyone clean anymore?" Maybe I am missing something. Maybe I just don't get it. The reason these guys get paid so much is that they ARE "role models," whether they like it or not. That is part of the package. That is why they get the salaries and endorsement deals that get. That is why their agents fight so hard for them, despite the often times reluctance of the teams management and owners.

So getting back to the quote above by leadership expert Warren Bennis. "Leaders are people who do the right thing."

When you are a leader, you are a "role model." They are one in the same folks. Taking illicit substances or misbehaving is never the "right" thing for a person of influence. Never- whether they are "tested," or not. A-Rod's lack in judgment is yet another lesson we can all learn from.

Guard your reputation with your life. Strive to be a leader. Watch your actions carefully and you WILL achieve your goals and live your dreams.

P.S. I was exercising this morning at my gym in Old Saybrook, CT. Sunday often brings in the out of shape "weekend warriors." They struggle to keep pace with the moving rubber belt. Don't let yourself become one of them. Exercise is essential to a life well lived. If you want to learn more about the kind of exercise "systems" that I recommend then click on the link below to learn more.

http://www.Sam-Childs.com

Best,

Sam

Mar 9, 2009, "If You Agree With Me"

"To free us from the expectations of others to give us back to ourselves - there lies the great, singular power of self-respect."

- Joan Didion

Yesterday was almost the perfect day on the Connecticut shoreline. I wish you all could have been here with me. After Monday's blizzard conditions, it was great to finally see some glimpses of spring. The air was a crisp 38 degrees, yet there was no wind. A great day to spend time outside- which I did- taking care of things around the house and walking my dog. The birds emptied the birdfeeder, which I had filled earlier in the morning.

Sometimes I can go almost an hour watching them feed. It is nice to see animals that don't have a conscious mind. Animals that don't have to make the same decisions that we are faced with throughout the course of our lives. They don't experience stress. They probably don't argue with their loved ones. Their only concern is keeping warm and making sure they can find food.

Well ladies and gentlemen- we are different. We have the ability to decide what is best for us. We are fortunate. We can decide when to walk towards a situation- or take a step back, and walk away. Often times we don't exercise this ability to our advantage.

Joan Didion wrote about the power of "self-respect." Ultimately you have to decide what you want out of life- and chase it. Live up to your true potential. You can only do this by competing against yourself. Don't compare yourself to other people.

You must "free" yourself from the expectations of others. Then you will thrive. Only then will you have achieved true "self-respect." If you do this- you will contribute positive things to the world we live in. You can help to make the world a better place, by making yourself a better person.

P.S. I have some very exciting news. I have finally been approved by Google to place my Google Gadget on their desktop platform. If you don't have Google Desktop, I recommend you get it today. I have so much fun with it. I pull up my homepage and I have all of my favorite topics updated on a daily basis. It is fully customizable. I am sure you will love it. To learn more about Google Desktop, click on the link below. Also, you can subscribe to my Gadget by clicking on the second link. I know you will be happy that you did. Take a step forward and click on the links right now.

http://desktop.google.com

http://elertgadget.googlepages.com/achievegoal.gg

If you enjoyed this tip please feel free to forward it on to others. It just might make their day.

Best,

Sam

http://www.sam-childs.com/changeyourlife.html

Mar 6, 2009, "Virtue Has It's Own Reward"

I watched five episodes of "Dawson's Creek" today. I know....I am a loser. Kids don't really talk like that. At least the kids that I grew up with (me included.)

We weren't overly "cerebral." We didn't think about tomorrow, or for that matter, what was going to happen two hours from when we were having a party when parents were away in Europe. The big 80's. Everyone was rich. Empty houses. Good times.

On the show there is a lot of "drama.". There are high-school heartbreaks, and things that we all have gone through; it is a happy, and a sad show. I think it parallels life. Too much at times,- I think.

I have had my heart broken a few times- and I have broken many hearts. Not intentionally. I hate hurting people. I really do. It is a fear I have more than death.

What hurts me the most is the fact that you can't be friends with someone whose heart you broke. I have lost so many friends dueto the fact that I "can't grow up." The thing is I love falling in love, but I am not very good at "being in love."

I am sure you can think of a time in your life where you have gone through the same things It's normal- I promise...

The point I am trying to make is that it is okay to fall in love. It is okay to break hearts, and have your heart broken. That's life folks. Every experience is a lesson learned.

We all have to move forward. We have to persevere- because someday, somehow, we are going to experience the joy that we deserve, whether with another person....or alone.

I am more than okay being "alone." I like my own time. I like not having "responsibilities." That is my calling. Unfortunately it hurts people. I wish that I never hurt anyone. That everyone was my friend. It might be unrealistic, but that is how I view life. If you are like me, YOU can change, You can learn to "love the life you live." YOU can learn to love other people. You just have to look deep inside yourself and figure out what you are missing and find someone who fills that gap.

It's not easy. But life isn't' easy either. Remember that. You are not alone.

P.S. The last episode of disc 1 of "Dawson's Creek" is ending behind me. It makes me sad, but only for a moment. I know that you can live the life that YOU dserve. Click on the iink below to find out more.

http://www.sam-childs.com/changeyourlife.html

Mar 5, 2009, "How Motivation Will Put You On The Path To Greatness"

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing."

- Abraham Lincoln

Earlier tonight I was watching a documentary. It is titled "Baja 1000."It is about he legendary race in the Baja desert in Mexico that occurs every year.

For the whole year-or make that years men (mostly) prepare their motorcycles, buggies and trucks for the race which is a 1,000 mile race through the desert of Mexico.

It is a grueling experience. You have to plan carefully. You have to have the mental discipline to push forward. No mater what. There is no money involved.

No "grand prize." It is "sport" in the truest sense of the word. Just for competition. They are modern day warriors.

We can all learn a lot from them. A lot. If YOU decide, in your own mind that you are going to succeed. If you decide that you will accept nothing LESS then success- YOU will succeed. Period.

No matter what anyone else says to you-or about you. If you have a picture of "success" in your mind's eye, then ultimately you will get there. It is just a matter of time, preparation and perseverance. And discipline.

All of these things are pretty easy to achieve. You just have to take the "monkeys off of your back" when you attempt to succeed.

I know without careful preparation I would not be in the position to be that I am in today. To help you. To educate you. While doing so, I also educate myself.

We teach what we most want to learn. That is definitely the case with me. Every gesture, every subtlety, every word is carefully"rehearsed" before it is delivered.

This so that I can "elicit" the reaction that I want from my audience. This is not done in a "manipulative" manner- but ratherone of genuine interest and concern.

YOU can do the same thing of you put your mind and head to it. Do not be afraid. The skill set is there. Waiting for you to nurture it.

P.S. It you want to learn the UNIVERSAL skills of leadership used worldwide- thank click on the link below to learn more. I guarantee you will find something of value in it. It changed my life forever. I know that if you give it a chance it WILL change yours. Shy is for the youth. Plan for your own success and eventually you will achieve it.

P.P.S. Aside from corporate sponsors- who provide the capital to most of the racers, it is their own motivation. Their own determination. Their own willingness to attempt a feat of greatness.

If you enjoyed this tip please feel free to forward it on to others. It just might make their day.

Best,

Sam

http://www.sam-childs.com/changeyourlife.html

Mar 4, 2009, "The Speech I Never Wanted To Give"

"People who love what they do, regardless of what that might be,tend to live longer. " - Philip Glass

I went to Walmart in Old Saybrook this morning to run some of my weekly errands. As I was walking through the aisles- I thought to myself, "What recession?" The aisles were full, and people were buying as much as they could fit into their shopping carts. Walmart is always full of people. That is one of the reasons why I go there- to be surrounded by people. I live in a very small town. I used to live in the "grand and glorious," New York City. Sometimes I miss the action. Sometimes I just need to be around a lot of people. When I feel this way, that's when I go to Walmart. No matter what is going on with the economy, Walmart is always thriving.

I saw mothers with children- fathers taking their days off, and grandparents looking to kill time while babysitting. Walmart is always a microcosm of the larger America. If you ever feel like youare losing the "pulse" of what is going on in the world, just go to Walmart and you WILL feel whole again.

Do what you love, love what you do. We have all heard that before. It is often easier said than done. Trust me- if you can find work doing what you love- the money will follow. If not - the money doesn't mean that much, as long as you can feed and house yourself.

One thing that I have noticed in my immediate circles- is that the people that do what they love to do- do in fact tend to live longer.Sometimes into their late 90's. We can all learn a lot from those who live long lives, and those who do what they love to do. There is an obvious correlation. We all need to take some time and "go and do likewise" folks.

We will be better served by doing so- and better serve others as well.

In honor of Valentine's Day this week I have written an article that can help a lot of you out there improve your relationships. Relationships take work-it is unfortunate, but true. I live in a bubble, and don't always put the necessary work in to my own relationships- and believe me; I have suffered from not working on them. Click on the link below to read my latest. You will be glad you did.

P.S. I stay in shape- and you should too. You will feel well. You will lookbetter. And more importantly - you WILL live longer. Click on the link below to find out more. Be all that you can.

If you enjoyed this tip please feel free to forward it on to others. It just might make their day.

Best,

Sam

http://www.sam-childs.com/changeyourlife.html

Feb 16, 2009, "The Journey Is Most Important"

"This is your life and it's ending one minute at a time."

- Tyler Durden, Fight Club

It was 22 degrees when I got up for my morning 2-mile walk. I could see my breath. I felt alive. My blood was pulsing with 'vitality' - I thought to myself - it is a great day to be alive.

I came home and cleaned my house for an hour. I get a lot of satisfaction out of cleaning. Maybe it's because I'm not very artistic. When I can clean something and make it look better- I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment.

Following my morning shower I went to watch the 5-year-old son of a friend play basketball. Children at that age are unafraid. They have no inhibitions. They don't suffer fromembarrassment. They don't shy away from crowds.

These are learned experiences that we all go through as we pass through adolescence and on through adulthood.

Now back to the quote above. Fight Club was a strange movie- I thought the first time that I watched it. It was only after watching it several times that I started to realize the main themeof the movie. In the movie the main character, Tyler Durden is looking to squeeze the most he can out of life. Live it to the fullest.

He forms a "fight club". A club that takes man out of the ordinary life that most of us has endured at one point or another. Get up - commute to work- come home- watch TV - go to sleep -repeat- repeat.

What kind of life is this? This is not the type of life any of us dreamed about when we were 5 years old. I know I sure didn't. At first I wanted to be an astronaut, then a professional tennis player. The point is that as children we all had GOALS; we had dreams- we had aspirations. As we grow up these fade and we fall into 'comfort zones', which are a DANGEROUS place to be.

Break free of your comfort zones and you WILL look forward to every morning. Another day to start fresh- a "clean slate". Life is short. We need to live it to the fullest every minute of every day. If you do this you will go to bed satisfied every night. Try it and you will see what I mean.

P.S. I am looking over LongIsland Sound. As I write this I am truly living in the present moment. If you want to learn the techniques and strategies thatwill help you to live a more satisfying life- a life in which you are the master of your dreams- if you act appropriately- dress appropriately you will achieve what you once thought once impossible. One piece of knowledge CAN change YOUR life. Clink on the link below to find out more.

If you enjoyed this tip please feel free to forward it onto others.

http://www.sam-childs.com/changeyourlife.html

Feb 9, 2009, "No More Monkeys"

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt."

- Abraham Lincoln

Today I am missing something that is making feel left out. By my on choice. A best friend of mine is having a bachelor party in Atlantic City tonight. All of my best friends will be there.We only get a chance to get together a few times a year. Sometimes not even that much.

We all have great friends. Great friendships stand the "test of time." If a friend is a true friend than time shouldn't change the closeness of the relationship.

I am sure you can all remember a time when you had to miss close friends for one reason or the other. That's life. Sometimes you can't be in all places at the same time- even though that would be nice ☺

When I was busier than a bee in the business world I spent a lot of time dealing with vendors and other various salesman. Selling can be an easier thing. It must be heartfelt- and honest. The product must also be good.

What always amazed me was the amount of salesman that focused to hard on "closing." The seller should never put the buyer in a high-pressure situation. WE need to all remember that people want to buy- but they do not like to be sold.

The salesperson that focuses on 'closing' usually talks too much.This brings me back to President Lincoln's quote. The more you talk, the more chances you have to dig yourself a hole. And reveal your weaknesses. And reveal how much you really don't know.

Silence can be golden. If you are inquisitive but listen more than you talk, often times people will open up to you. Through further conversation they will reveal their 'emotional buy buttons'. Once you have this knowledge it will be easier for you to sell. Take this piece of advice and you will be head and shoulders above your competitors.

P.S. I walked another four miles today. With my mother's 12 year old black lab, "Lilly". My legs are sore. I'll bet her legs are even sorer. If you want to learn how silence can help you achieve greatness. If you want to know how to captivate and cultivate a closeness with your audience- if you want to learn HOW you can better sell YOURSELF than click on the link below to find out more. You will discover how this skill can change the way people react to you. It can change the way people treat you. And it will change the way you are received by others. For the better. Try a few of the techniques and see how it changes the way people react to you. And remember the shortest bridge between two people is a smile.

If you enjoyed this tip please feel free to forward it onto others. It just might make their day.

http://www.sam-childs.com/changeyourlife.html

Feb 6, 2009, "It's Still The Best Way"

"Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told: I'm with you kid. Let's go." -Maya Angelou

Yesterday my father got into a minor car accident. Nobody was hurt. Thank God. Once I got over the fact that he was okay, I started to think 'what a shame'. My father's car had 118,000 miles on it- yet it still looks brand new and still had the smell of a new car.

My father took great care of his car. It is reflective of the kind of person that he is. He pays extreme attention to detail-in his personal-as well as his professional life.

We can all learn a lot from people like my father. If you pay attention to detail in the way you act, dress, talk and groom yourself- you will be paid back for it. Many times over.

Life consists of a lot of "forks in the road." A lot of decisions that have to be made. Decision making can be difficult. Leaders decide quickly and then figure things out often times after the decision is made-but what separates them from the rest of the masses- is that they figure things out along the way WITH extreme attention to every move and decision.

Along with all of the decisions you will have to make in your life-some are more critical than others. When you project an attitude of supreme 'confidence' out to the world- things will align themselves to help you out. To help you achieve your goals. To solidify relationships.

So, I guess what I am trying to tell you is that you need to "grab yourself by the lapel" and the universe will align itself to help you out. Shake yourself up and get ready to 'take the plunge' outof your comfort zone.

It took me years to grasp this concept. Don't waste your time. Anthony Robbins writes, "Motion creates emotion." Get off your duff and start to make things happen.

P.S. I met my father for dinner last night. He really is an incredible guy. Anyway, he showed up in a brand new fire engine red Dodge Charger. My dad is 62 years old. He looked like an 18year old with an ear-to-ear smile as he got out of the car. I was thrilled for him. At least they didn't give him a Junker for arent a car. If you would like to learn the tactics and strategies that I use daily to boost my confidence- to shake things up in my life then click on the link below to learn more. Today I'm off tomy 'volunteer' job. I can't wait. I always walk out of there happier than when I walk in. Try to find some time in your lives to give back. You really do "get what you give". Another law of the universe. Now I'm going to take a long walk. My new favorite activity. Until tomorrow!

Best,

Samhttp://www.sam-childs.com/changeyourlife.html

Feb 1, 2009, "Give Me Two Minutes And You Will Become More Succesful"

"When I meet successful people I ask 100 questions as to what they attribute their success to. It is usually the same: persistence, hard work, and hiring good people."

- Kiana Tom

Tonight I was watching one of my favorite movies. It' s called "Things To Do In Denver When You're Dead."

It is a great film that teaches a lot of great lessons- to anybody who watches it. Essentially, the film is about how one would reconcile their life if they knew they had only had 24 hours to live. Think about that for a second.

How would YOU live your life? I think that is the question we all have to answer. If you live every day like it is your last, sooner or later you are going to be right.

I encourage you to take the same approach to 'living' today. You will be invigorated by the energy you experience. You will look forward to every morning. You will live a more satisfying, comfortable life knowing that you did the best you can- squeezing the most out of life- getting the most of your day-to day.

Reflecting on the quote above. You need to apply "persistence" to EVERYTHING you do. Perseverance is he key to success. That, and only that will bring you to the place where you can experience total satisfaction with what you have done with your time.

If you do business the right way- by that I mean under promise and over deliver- you will excite your customer base- whether you are an entrepreneur or an employee. You will gain so much from doing this, you will surprise yourself.

Hire good people. Train them well. Give them "brain-dead simple" procedural manuals that they will follow to a t.

It has been said that Ray Kroc's McDonald's model is the MOST successful business model in the world. Think about that for a second. Every time you go to a McDonald's you probably have exactly the same experience as you have had before. That is not a mistake. That is due to careful planning and execution of a very detail oriented "training course."

The sky is the limit. Treat people well. Smile and give them more than they expect. In other words- OVERDELIVER and you will get more customers or promotions than you ever dreamed.

Throughout my life and career I have gotten to know some very influential people that have given me the same advice. It took me a long time to fully grasp it, but once I did. - I experienced tremendous results. Reduce things to the simplest common denominator.

P.S. If you want to learn more about how to handle these "insecurities" and be your BEST SELF- I encourage you to click on the link below and become a new you. After all - Don't you deserve it??

http://www.Sam-Childs.com/changeyourlife.html

Jan 20, 2009, "How To Enjoy Every Single Day"

"A large income is the best recipe for happiness I ever heard of."

- Jane Austen

I had the most amazing lunch yesterday. The food was good.The service was exceptional. But more importantly the conversation was 'invaluable'.

I was sitting at a place in nearby Chester, CT called the "River Tavern". It was 30 degrees and sunny. Really a perfect New ngland winter day. People were walking the streets with big smiles on their faces.

I met with two of the smartest men I have EVER met. We had a three-hour lunch. It was like a college education stuffed into an afternoon.

We sat in the window seat and had a terrific conversation about life, business and more importantly my future.

One of the guys at the table is a very close family friend. An extremely accomplished consultant who now picks and chooses his projects selectively.

The other guy is a best selling author of 8 books that are sold through 30 countries throughout the world. Talk about being the "dumbest" guy in the room....

Both are VERY positive people. Both always see the 'glass as half fulll'. They are optimists, and have been paid handsomely for their 'out of the box' style of solving problems.

Anyway the point of the conversation revolved about "happiness" - how to get it how to live it. Now these guys were happy. TheyRADIATED it. It was fun to be around them and listen to their stories. It was fun to listen to their advice.

We came to the conclusion that indeed, if you don't "sweat the bills". If you don't worry about making the mortgage payment, you eliminate the causes of unhappiness if you choose worthwhile activities that are goal seeking in nature.

We are happiest when we are seeking goals. Resolving conflict. Solving problems. Crossing things off our list. Keep that in mind and apply it to your own life and business.

P.S, Today I was walking my brother's dog, Rufus. He is an English Lab. With a great demeanor. He is gentle and makes me smile. It was a wonderful day to be in Connecticut. If you would like to learn more about how to prssent yourself in the best possible light. How to be viewed as a person of authority. How to be a leader that WILL become successful than click on the link below for more information. It's 6:30pm. I'm late for cocktails! Over and out.

If you enjoyed this tip please feel free to forward it onto others. It just might make their day.

Best,

Sam

http://www.sam-childs.com/changeyourlife.html

Jan 19, 2009, "How to Be A Healthy Person Every Day"

"In health there is freedom. Health is the first of all liberties."

- Henri Frederic Amiel

Las Vegas. Cirque Du Soleil, "Eau". The year was 1999.

I was staying at The Venetian. My 'roommate' was my father. This definitely put a little bit of a 'crimp' in the fun factor that usually accompanies trips to Las Vegas.

When I return from Vegas it takes me nearly a week to fully recover to start feeling "healthy" again.

Today's email is all about health. I have a very disciplined schedule myself to keep me in topform. I exercise every day and take a handful of very carefully chosen supplements. I have always been a self-professed "exercise junkie"- I think it keeps my mind in top form because I feel good about the rest of myself.

How can this help you? I recommend that you put yourself on a schedule. Make a list of things you would like to accomplish. Check them off as you achieve your objectives. Whether it be a healthier diet, more regularly scheduled exercise or even something as simple as routinely logging more walking into your schedule.

I watched as I turn the crest of 30 years old what happened to a group of co-workers. They started to "let themselves" go. Seriously. They ate more, exercised less- and it showed. I promised myself that I would not let this happen to me. I make the effort every morning to do something healthy; usually it is body-weight squats, followed by a walk when I listen to self-help inspirational stuff to get my mind in the right place.

I also keep a "gratitude" book in which I write down all of the things in my life that I am thankful for. It really puts me a good mood.

Once you change a habit, you must replace it with another one. Once you do this you need to schedule this new replaced form for AT LEAST 21 days before it fully takes the place of the old habit.

How can this help you? That is a question you will have to answer for yourself. I'm sure you can think of something in your life, that you do voluntarily that you might like to change.

Decide what this is. Write it down. Replace it with another "habit". Commit to this new habit for 21 days. It's that simple. I hope this was helpful!

P.S. There is tons of other VERY useful bits and pieces that can make HUGE impact on your life. If you would like to learn how I have applied these "tricks" to my own life please click on the link below and order your copy TODAY. Beautiful day here in CT. I feel like doing cartwheels...so I guess I am going to try one or two. I'm hoping not to hurt myself.

If you enjoyed this tip please feel free to forward it onto others. It just might make their day.

Best,

Sam

http://www.sam-childs.com/changeyourlife.html

Jan 11, 2009, "How To Get The Most Out Of Every Day You Live"

"Focus on where you want to go, not on what you fear."

- Anthony Robbins

Earlier this evening I was "babysitting" my two nephews. They seem to like hanging out with me. I haven't quite figured out why. Maybe it's because I have never really grown up. I find joy in the 'simple' things. The things that make kids happy. Tommy Lee of Motley Crue called it endearably "Peter Pan Syndrome."

I have it, no doubt, to the nth degree. But I don't think it's a bad thing. I think it can be healthy. As long as you channel it wisely. I love to learn new things-nothing makes me happier.

Learning is a 'goal directed' activity. This actually is something that can be very satisfying for everyone of you. Whether it is reading the newspaper, or a non-fiction, or a fiction book. Always try to learn something from everything you read. Learn something from everyone you encounter. Learn something from every movie or TV show you watch.

You will be amazed at how much you can learn when you apply this discipline. Sometimes I think I'm a jackass. Sometimes I think I am a walking encyclopedia. Why? , You may be thinking? Because most people don't do this.

Most people go through the mundane tasks of everyday life without actually trying to BETTER themselves. I have tried this too. It never worked for me. If anything I would feel empty. Sometimes depressed.

Face what you fear. If you do this consistently you will accomplish GREAT things. You will surprise yourself. And more importantly you will surprise others.

Even if it is only 15 minutes a day. Dedicate it to bettering yourself. Dedicate this time to learning something that can help you, or help others.

You will live a much more satisfying life. And a much more fulfilling life. A life well lived. Go out and try this- and you will realize what I am saying is the truth.

People will react differently to you. They will warm up to you. They will WANT to be with you, because you have become magnetic.

Fear not. Face your fear. You will be better served by doing it.

P.S. I took a shower around 5pm today. I try to take two showers per day. I am a bit 'anal' about cleaning my house, and my body. Anyway, when I am in the shower I am always thinking about what I can learn next which will benefit me, and society as a whole. I do this when I take my walks as well. This is time well spent. If you want to learn more about how I accomplish all of these things that I have and continue to do I think you should click on the link below and you will have the 'key' to the answer.

If you enjoyed this tip please feel free to forward it onto others. It just might make their day.

Best,

Sam

http://www.sam-childs.com/changeyourlife.html

Jan 9, 2009, Feed Shark

Feed Shark

Jan 9, 2009, "How To Find Happiness in Every Day Life"

Sean Connery - " I spent a lot of my life being miserable," he says. "Then one day I thought, I'm here for the day, I can enjoy the day or not. I decided I might as well enjoy it."

The other night I was having dinner with my parents at our favorite local restaurant. It was a pleasant meal, the atmosphere was perfect and our conversation was lively.

We reflected on the events that have affected our family over the past 18 months. My brother got married. I got into a "situation" that took its toll on our whole family.

Everyone has challenges to meet at different points in their life. I know you have had them too. I have ridden the "emotional roller coaster" and know what its like on the ups and the downs.

I think we can all learn a lot from the words of Sean Connery quoted above. Happy people are successful people. At least entrepreneurs are.

We all have a choice when we wake up in the morning. We can wake up and put a smile on our faces, and more often than not, good things will happen. If you wake up with a frown, turn it upside down. Most of the time that will do the trick.

Happiness, to a large extent is a choice. Not all the time, but it helps. If you consciously decide to be happy, YOU will put out that signal to all of the people you deal with that day and you will receive good things MOST of the time.

Life is short. Sometimes, we get stuck in the mundane tasks that help "get us through the day" and we forget about the big picture. The big picture is everything.

Decide to be happy and success WILL find you. It has been proven by thousands of people. Decide to be happy and eventually it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

P.S. There are a few secret tricks that I use to call up happiness "on demand". I learned them from reading hundreds of books on the topic. You can benefit from the knowledge that I have acquired. If you are interested in learning these very simple, applicable techniques than click on the link below to learn more. I am confident that you can achieve the level of happiness that I have achieved if you take the first step. YOU deserve it. In fact, we all deserve it. We have been conditioned from day one that happiness is elusive. Happiness is like a butterfly; if you chase it -it will elude you. Don't cheat yourself. You deserve better- and it is available to you when you click on the link below. Successful people are happy people.

P.P.S. Here is the link to my latest article abouthappy marriages. Check the article section if you are interested.

http://www.Sam-Childs.com/changeyourlife.html

Crichton, Michael. Travels. Harper Paperbacks (November 5, 2002)

Jan 7, 2009, "How To Succeed With Determination"

"Motivation follows action."

- Robert Ringer

Last night I sat on my couch. I was eating dinner and re-reading the Anthony Robbins's classic, "Awaken The Giant Within."

This book is MUST reading out there for all of you. I gleaned so much great information from reading it that I go back and re-read it at least twice a year.

It is jammed packed with great content, tricks and techniques that anyone can benefit from. One of Tony's favorite things is to focus on is physiology. That we can control how we feel by changing the way we carry ourselves. By the way we walk. By the way we talk etc. I am a firm believer in this too that indeed, 'motion creates emotion.'

Imagine a big rock rolling down a steep hill. It's pretty difficult to stop it once it gains momentum. Well I think this applies to success as well. Robert Ringer's words above are, in my humble opinion, spot on.

Once you start on a path. You are going to make mistakes. You must learn to look at these as part of the 'learning experience' on your way to achieving your objective. I forgot who said this -but "you don't drown by falling into the water, you drown bystaying there."

Think about this for a second. We are all a bit inherently afraid of the unknown. If we simply 'take the plunge' we are FAR less likely to fear the thing that we once did. If you just take action you WILL eventually figure out the rest, as long as you are resolute and persevere.

A good baseball player is considered great if he makes contact with the ball 3 out of every 10 pitches. Don't fear the unknown, take a chance on yourself and do that thing, or start on that list of things and you WILL become more motivated as you pursue your goals. If you ask any entrepreneur or successful high-level manager, they will tell you the same thing.

It is our 'inactivity' that costs us the most in terms of missed opportunities and potential financial duress. I have learned the hard way, as have several others before me.

I think that if you think about the most successful people you know, you will see that they have made tremendous sacrifices to get where they are. I am not advising you to make foolish decisions, just not to 'short change' yourself.

P.S. Today it is extremely cold here in CT. That kind of bums me out because I have to get dressed up to attend a meeting this morning. If you want to learn more about how I motivate myself and how I have learned from my mistakes than click on the link below to learn more. I know that you will gain at east one useful piece of advice (among the hundreds of 'pearls of wisdom') in there that will change your life.

http://www.sam-childs.com/changeyourlife.html

Jan 5, 2009, "How To Appreciate The Life You Live"

"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer." - Albert Camus

Three years ago, I went to a very cool new bar that had opened three blocks from my apartment. It was strange- because it was on the roof top of an office building in New York City. That's right. An office building.

The first time I went there, I remember seeing palm trees, giant stuffed (like by a taxidermist) zebra's etc. I knew that when I ordered a round of drinks I was sure to get "sticker shock".

My first drink was a Stoli-Redbull. "$15.50 sir." Ouch! I remember handing over a $20 and not being offered any change. I went back to a table full of great friends and co-workers.

Five years before I had gone through a divorce. Actually, I was living with my soon to be ex-wife when we were going through the divorce. I wouldn't recommend anyone approach a divorce.

It was a pretty dark time in my life. But the four years after turned out to be the best years of my life. I felt liberated and refreshed. I saw things with a new perspective.

I went out more. I pushed my comfort zones. I re-invented myself. It felt great. I was thinking yesterday while in the shower- I would never have had that "reinvention" and enjoyed the great times that followed if I had not first gone through the 'tough times'.

It has been said that you can't appreciate the warmth without first being cold. Tough times are just road blocks- obstacles that you have to overcome to appreciate the good times and the good things that are sure to follow them.

Life is a dynamic experience in which you will have many difficult times and many good times. I think you should think of the bad times so you can appreciate the ensuing good times, or even the good times that preceded your difficulties. You will be a better person for it. It worked for me, and continues to work as I consistently view things through different "colored glasses".

P.S. Whether you are going through a rough or an easy patch in your life right now. Embrace it. Really appreciate it for what it is. Think of how good you will feel when you pull yourself up by your bootstraps and start living life the way it is supposed to be lived. Try this the next time you take a shower. Switch the water to FULL cold for 30 seconds and then go back to warm. Then you'll know what I am taking about. To learn more about improving yourself, to become a self-actualizing machine. Click on the link below to learn the techniques that I use every day to life my life to the fullest.

http://www.sam-childs.com/changeyourlife.html

Dec 30, 2008, "How To Achieve Any Goal You Want In Life"

Earlier this week I was taking one of my long walks, through scenic Old Lyme, CT. I try to walk about 4 miles per day. I find it extremely invigorating, and it gives me the chance to practice "walking meditation" in which I am completely concentrating on the the present moment.

I usually take these walks with my Iphone. Sometimes I listen to music. Sometimes I listen to self-help audio. And sometimes I talk to friends. One of my favorite features about the Iphone is that the headphones function as both the telephone talking piece, and the music headphones. You can easily switch back and forth. I love to talk to other people when I take these walks.

Throughout my life I have always tried to learn. I try to learn by reading non-fiction. I read mostly books about marketing and human psychology. A professor I had in college said, "we teach what we most want to learn."

I agree. Think about the times in your life when you were really excited about learning something new. Maybe it was a new skill, or a new perspective on something. I'd bet you went and told somebody else about what you had discovered.

While on this walk yesterday I was on the phone with my friend Jeff who lives in Del Ray Beach, Florida. Aside from the most recent hurricane scars, it is a beautiful place to live. He loves it.

As we were talking we discussed "The Law of Attraction". It is the main premise of the best selling book, The Secret, By Rhonda Byrnes. Basically what you put out to the universe and focus on achieving it with 100 % confidence that you will achieve it, the universe will respond by giving it to you.

Jeff and I have known each other for 10 years. I take what he says seriously because he speaks from the heart.

He sounded great. He spoke with 100% optimism. He told me that he had looked deep inside himself and discovered what actually made him happy. That coupled with a whole lot of "learning" through self-help literature had transformed him.

No hedonic treadmill for Jeff. He had turned over a new leaf. It was a very inspirational conversation for me. I felt that I had to ""share it with you."

I make it a practice to learn something about something every day. If YOU begin to do this you will see things from a new perspective. You will feel "liberated". I promise.

P.S. If you are interested in learning how I go about learning new things every day. You can click on the link below. There are many other ways to learn things. I have my own tricks that work best for me. I am sure you will find something of value among the many tips in the "Science of Super Human Success".

http://www.sam-childs.com/changeyourlife.html

Dec 29, 2008, "How To Get The Most Out Of The Risks You Take In Life"

"People mix up entrepreneurship with risk-taking... An entrepreneur is a risk-minimizer, an opportunity seeker."

- Peter Farrell

Three years ago I was at party. A BIG party. The event was to celebrate the annual Lehigh Vs. Lafayette football game. It was at a bar, in downtown New York City.

All of my closest friends were there. Ear to ear smiles across the room. The "collective happiness" was quite contagious. You could feel it the minute you stepped into the room on the second floor.

There was great music playing and everyone was eagerly shaking hands, kissing each other and clapping each other on the back. It was the best of times.

I have found through my life experiences that the happiest people are the most successful people. I was going through a pretty good patch in my life at the time.

I was happy at work. I was with all of my closest friends, and saw many faces that I had not seen in years. It was bittersweet. Good times.

I vividly remember seeing an old friend, Neil. I had heard through the grapevine that Neil had successfully launched his own IT support business, and that it was thriving. I was curious. I grabbed him to come over and "indoctrinate me".

I had always wanted to work for myself but lacked the confidence to take risk and leave my comfort zone. I am sure you can all relate. It's a tough thing to do....

Anyways- Neil so enthusiastic when telling me the story of his startup. The roadblocks he encountered and what he had accomplished so far.

The quote above definitely describes my friend Neil's approach to entrepreneurship. He explained to me that he felt that by going it alone he was "minimizing risk". He spoke of the lack of security that exists in the corporate world these days and that depending on another person to feed yourself is not a great place to be.

I gazed up at the ceiling for a moment. Then a beautiful waitress brushed my shoulder. I quickly ordered us another two drinks. Well, tequila shots actually.

After we slammed them down I thought to myself, how right he was.

Funny how random thoughts can come to you when you are in the oddest places?

That is why I encourage all of you to accept any, and all invitations, because you never know who you will meet- who you will see that might cause a similar "A-ha" moment in you. Go and try it out and you will see what I mean.

Dec 27, 2008, How To Get The Most Out Of Life Every Single Day

Last night I lay in my bed thinking exactly what I was doing when the planes struck our twin towers on 9/11. I was ridden with anxiety, as you can probably imagine as I lived in New York City at the time.

I had a difficult time falling asleep-if I did at all. It was kind of a" lucid dream".

I remember the day all too well. I was working in Teaneck, NewJersey at the time and was doing the "reverse commute" from the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

I was walking around the office floor checking in on my co-workers when I glanced up at the television, which was always tuned to CNBC. They were showing live coverage of the smoke billowing out of the twin towers.

I had friends that worked for Cantor Fitzgerald. I knew they occupied the top Floor of one of the towers. It was pretty surreal. Because Ididn't know what to think. I was numb. Not in a good way. I had a lump in my throat.

I ran downstairs to the cafeteria in our office complex. Firemen were collecting food supplies to take down to the rescue effort. My boss had given me $300 to give to the cafeteria owners to help defray the cost.

It turns out that I did lose a few friends. One was a classmate from college.Two others were currency salesman from Cantor.

The guys I knew from Cantor were looking for a way out of Wall Street. There was less and less money to be made as the currency market became more efficient by becoming electronically traded.

If only they had made the decision a few months earlier, I thought to myself.

Charles Lindbergh's quote above is a wake up call to us all. Life can be too short.We should cherish every minute of every day. If we live each dayas if it were our last, sooner or later we are going to be right.

What can we learn from this? To live an exciting, invigoratinglife you need to be decisive. Chase your dream and you will find that it will be fueled by adrenaline. The rest will take care ofitself.

I have made many mistakes in life. Big ones. The biggest one was not pursuing my dreams earlier. It took a catastrophic event for me to change careers. I was lucky that no one was hurt.

Now, I am chasing my dream, and yes it is fueled by adrenaline and passion.

I ask you to look deep inside yourselves for your dream. Don'tdiscount your abilities. You may hit some "bumps in the road" along the way. As long as you never give up, ultimately you will find your path and flourish.

Make lists. Lots of them. Keep in close contact with friends.Smile. Follow through on things and you will find what you were ultimately born to do.

http://www.sam-childs.com/changeyourlife.html

Dec 25, 2008, "The One Key You Need To Know To Achieve Any Goal"

Four years ago I attended a family reunion. The family was from my mother's side. People flew to Montreal from all overthe United States. We had all planned on meeting up at a ski resort- MT. Tremblant, which was about an hour and a half drive from Trudeau airport in Montreal.

Once we arrived at our hotel, I was amazed at how beautiful it was. It was a lodge- a giant log cabin. As I entered I thoughtto myself, "Wow, this is going to be a good time." As I entered the lobby I looked to my right and there was a large bar that was packed with people having a great time.

An acoustic guitar player was singing in the corner. I was taking it all in and living "in the present". I really didn't want that moment to end. But they all do. That's life.

The next morning I awoke to see the sun rising over a picturesque lake, and the family sat down to eat breakfast together.

I started thinking, as I looked around the room at all of the different faces in the room. There were a lot of successful people. A second cousin of my mother had flown in on a private jet. Another cousin was president of a large midwestern bank.

One guy had successfully started and ran his own cosmetics company.

All in all this was a pretty highly accomplished group. I felt inadequate.The one common thing they all shared was that they all had "system" that was responsible for their various successes. By"system" I mean a way of carrying themselves and using their oratory and body language skills to get what they wanted out of other people.

They did not necessarily "manipulate" people. But- they were all effective persuaders. That's what made them successful. They could persuade people effectively to accept their points of view. That is a key skill of every successful executive - in whatever profession they are in. Learn from others, study them- and go and do likewise.

P.S. My second -grade teacher always had a chip on her shoulder. She always felt like she was "dealt a bad hand". It was strange the way she always seemed to talk about she was the "victim" of situations. Don't let yourself be a "victim". Be proactive and move upwards, not onwards. If one person can do it, then anyone can do it. Success does- in fact leave clues. You just have to know where to look to find them. If you are interested in learning more about how you can be proactive, and be a leader, and excel than click on the link below and take action now. The skills that I learned have helped me to help others. I can help you too.

http://www.Sam-Childs.com/changeyourlife.html

Dec 24, 2008, Technorati

Dec 24, 2008, Technorati

Technorati Profile

Dec 23, 2008, How To Develop a Magnetic Personality

"We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It's our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better."

- Jeff Bezos

I got married. The year was 2000. I think. I had lived with a girl for four years and I thought the timing was right. She gave me an "ultimatum". Funny thing is, that I bought a ring. I held on to that ring for four months because I did not want to marry her under any illegitimate "pressure".

The wedding went off without a hitch. Everybody had a great time. The sun set over the ocean, and my parents had coordinated a firework display to celebrate the occasion. It was a amazing.

I hate being the center of attention. I would rather play"host" and accommodate my guests - and make them feel that they are having the best time they could be having irrespective of where they are.

That being said. My favorite thing to do is try to be "the best host". If I can change someone's life for the better- it is all about accommodation. If you "accommodate"other people, you will find yourself becoming much more satisfied with life because you aremaking a difference in their lives.

This is a secret that can be used to better yourself professionally and socially. You WILL be the person that is'talked' about in good company. You will be the one people think of as having a genuine interest in other people, and what makes them happy.

If you treat other people as people whose life you can make better, you will succeed in whatever endeavor you attempt to accomplish.

When I go to a party that is well hosted I take "mental notes".I am always trying to learn how I can make myself a better host,so that I can add value to their lives. If you can make someone happy, even if it is only for a few minutes, believe me- you will experience a level of satisfaction that only the top 3% of thepopulation experiences.

If you can provide that to someone else, you will be seen as the "person of influence". A person that has the ability to change lives for the better. It's not rocket science. It's simply taking an interest in the lives of other people,and catering to that need.

Go and do likewise.

P.S. In Connecticut today it is 19 degrees outside. It could be worse. If you want to learn how to be the "ultimate" host or hostess than click on the clink below to learn more about how you can. It's all about having a satisfied customer.

Remember, it's not our our job to make the sure the customer is always right. It's our job to make the customer "think" that he or she is always right. Make yourself a better person. Click on the link below.

http://www.Sam-Childs.com/changeyourlife.html

Dec 23, 2008, "Money And Relationships"

Dear Friend-

Last night I was watching one of my favorite movies. It's called "She's The One", written and directed Edward Burns. A phenomenal movie. And after having lived in New York City for the last 13 years; strikingly accurate.

It is a movie about relationships. Money versus happiness. What REALLY matters when it comes to marriage. Having gone through a brutal divorce of my own I am quite familiar with the subject. I don't want to revisit those dark times with you now, but I will be more forthcoming in the future.

Anyway at one point in the movie Mike McGlone is talking to his father, played by John Mahoney (of Frazier fame). And the father says to his son, "In Life you have to do what makes YOU happy first." Not at the expense of others, but for your own well-being.

I thought to myself this could be valuable information for anyone out there looking to find happiness being it in a professional or a social relationship. If YOU are not happy than the relationship cannot be "happy".

Happiness is a tough nut to crack if you think about it too much. If you think about the simple things that you are grateful for ,happiness comes easily.

The sun shining on a warm spring day. The leaves changing color in late September, the first kiss on the second date of someone you think "is your match".

My advice is that to create happiness you truly to have to do what makes you happy. You can do this in several ways. Taking walks works for me. Watching funny movies may work for you. But finding happiness in the demise of others is the sign of unhappiness and even worse- insecurity.

I have learned from my own "life experiences" that happiness is found in the present moment. When you are laughing. When you are in the "zone". When you are not concerned with anything but what you are doing RIGHT NOW.

It is my opinion that you can only achieve this kind of happiness if you find ways to make YOURSELF happy first. For me, that involves making other people smile. I believe that 'you get what you give'. Instant karma as John Lennon referred to it.

Go out and make yourself happy and the world will repay you for it in spades.

Don't short-change anyone. Give them the honest appreciation and credit they deserve, and at the end of the day you will be better for it.

Dec 21, 2008, "If You Take 2 Minutes To Read This You Will Be Well On Your Way to Success"

“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”- Arnold Schwarzenegger

Dear Friend,

This morning I was taking a walk down Sill Lane. The small street I currently live on in Old Lyme, Ct. I have begun reading a very interesting and helpful book, titled “Be Who You Want, Have What You Want” (Prentiss, Chris. Be Who You Want, Have What You Want. Power Press. Los Angeles, CA. 2008)

It truly is an inspirational book about changing your life for the better. It is filled with techniques and exercises that help you to help yourself. My favorite type of topic.

Anyways, I got to page one and the chapter title was “Reinventing Your World”. That GRABBED me by the collar and shook me up. I thought to myself, what an amazing concept. I couldn’t agree more.

I think the value of “re-invention” is such a powerful concept that can be applied to anyone, anywhere. For the better. I have had to reinvent myself several times in my 36 years and every time have managed to come out on top. I’m no genius.

I just managed to change my perspective on things so I could use my hardships to make myself a better person.

I have recently become a big fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger. This is a guy we can all learn from. He was constantly learning from the “bumps in the road” and using them as an excuse to “reinvent” and make himself a better bodybuilder, actor, investor and now governor.

In Arnold’s first American movie they dubbed his voice with someone who had a better grasp of the English language. He worked diligently to improve his English and as a result he became one of the leading stars in Hollywood’s history.

This is a lesson we can all learn from. What does not kill you truly does make you stronger.

Believe in yourself and your ability to create massive change. The resources are available to us all, especially now with the Internet it is amazing what you can find on this topic.

Try this starting tomorrow. Think if an area of your life that you can improve upon or are unhappy about. Wash yourself free of those feelings and realize that in the end, you will benefit from ALL of your experiences, good and bad, and ultimately become a better person for your efforts.

Best Regards,

Sam Childs

Dec 18, 2008, "You Can Have Anything In Life If You Believe In Yourself"

"Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming on the contrary, if I shall have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it, even if I may not have it at the beginning."

- Mahatma Gandhi

This morning I woke up and it was raining. When it rains I initially start the day with a frown. Fortunately for me, Iknow how to turn the rain into something positive but it does take conscious effort.

When I lived in New York City I had a doorman. His name was Otis.Otis was always pleasant. He greeted everyone with a smile andturned a lot of frowns 'upside down.'

I remember one morning, about 7 years ago. It was raining cats and dogs outside. I sighed as I approached the street for my 5-block walk to the subway.

Otis looked at me with an ear-to-ear smile and said, "Sam this is not rain. This is a reason to celebrate. For this is"Liquid Sunshine."

Huh? I thought to myself. This guy has the game figured out. When you approach every situation with optimism, others will respond the same way.

I know that morning I certainly did as I nodded enthusiastically and said," Thank you Otis, you have just MADE my day.

It makes me think of what we are all capable of if we THINK we CAN do something. The words of Mahatma Gandhi ring true. If you consistently think that you can do something- it becomes aself-fulfilling prophecy.

You will rise up to the occasion. Charlton Heston approachedevery "reading" as though he were going to get the part. He believed in the mantra that "confidence precedes competence".

If you act and believe that you can do something. And you "fake it until you make it" you will have an unbeatable advantage over 95% of the population. Think about this for a second.

It goes along with something I refer to in the Zero Resistance Living Course" (available through my website). Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Try this and you will immediately see the results. Well- maybe not instantly ,but you will certainly have an edge over your co-workers.

Best Regards,

Sam Childs