You have started to have feeling for a person (or probably, more than a person) of the same sex does not necessarily mean that you are gay. You must identify the nature of your feeling first – is it really sexual feelings or just any sorts of emotional feelings (such as, compassion, sympathy etc.) that any individual can feel for another fellow human being. If it is the second type, then the question of being gay doesn’t crop up. But, if members of your same gender make you sexually turned on, then there are chances that you might be gay. I am saying ‘you might be gay’ because, I don’t know whether you have already developed such feelings towards the members of the opposite sex. If you have felt heterosexual attraction before and now suddenly getting sexually aroused by men, then you can be a bisexual. But whatever you feel like, always remember that there’s nothing to worry about. Whether you get attracted towards people of the same sex, or opposite sex or both sex, every forms of sexual expressions are absolutely normal.

In case if you are feeling attraction for men only, then it’s absolutely fine, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Just be yourself and be comfortable with your sexual identity. It is also possible that you may have these feelings momentarily and your same-sex feelings are not going to linger for long. So, you have to take your time and take things slowly. Don’t rush into any kinds of conclusions like ‘alas, I am gay’ or ‘wow, I am straight’. You are what you are, regardless your sexual orientation. A person is not known for his/her sexual preference; rather, the qualities that he/she possesses make an ideal individual. So, instead of fretting over your sexual preference, try to concentrate on your personal well being and develop your professional skills.

It’s always good to be aware of one’s own sexuality, but never force yourself to become someone else just to prove yourself ‘normal’ in the eyes of some prudes of the society. If persistent feelings for other guys come to your mind naturally, then you can’t do much about it. Just try to come in terms with your sexuality and start accepting yourself as you are. You are not the only person in this world who is gay; there are hordes of other people who feel the same way as you do. Remember, approximately 10% of the global population is gay.

Once you become sure about your sexual identity, then it’s up to you how you want to spend the rest of your life. You are free to choose your partner and get into a steady affair. You also have the liberty to indulge yourself into on/off relationships and one night stands. But, whatever way you select for satisfying your sexual urge, never forget to take necessary precautions, because it is mandatory is any sort of relationship – be it a heterosexual or homosexual one. Don’t try to get into relationship with a girl thinking it may ‘cure’ your homosexuality, since homosexuality is not a disease and the question of curing it by getting married doesn’t arise at all. Listen to your heart, try to pay heed to your inner feelings and desires and act accordingly.

Several researches regarding the reasons behind a person’s sexual orientation have been carried out throughout the past few decades. Though, scientists are yet to come into any conclusion concerning the actual basis of homosexuality, the role of genes cannot be ignored. As per the studies, some people are born this way. You may develop same-sex feelings at a young age or in the later parts of their lives, but there’s no use of hiding these feelings for long or pretending to be a straight guy. That’s not going to give you much. Being honest to your own self is definitely a better option than leading a life in the closet.

As the society is becoming more tolerant and sensitive towards gay people, you don’t have to worry much about your sexual preference. You can come across thousands of organizations and counseling centers that deal with these issues and the lives of many homosexual people have turned better after getting in touch with them. Once you meet other like-minded people through these agencies, you will certainly come to know how fun life can be for you gay people.

You don’t have to rush for coming out in public. First come out to yourself and then wait for the right place and time to reveal your sexuality to others. It’s your life and it’s only you who can decide how to lead it. I am sure, you are going to meet your prince charming soon and then, live happily ever after.

Most people think that’s all retirement is about — having enough money to sit on the deck, play golf, and visit the grandkids. But that’s the old model — not today’s retirement. I believe you can revolutionize your retirement even if you can’t count on 80% of your current revenue when you stop working. (That’s the secret number according to many retirement experts.)

Someone who turns 65 today can expect to live until age 83, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. So, even if you stop working at the normal retirement age, you’ve got nearly two decades to fill with things that really matter to you. And, if you give up traditional employment sooner, you’ve got even more years to enjoy the ‘third half’ of life. Today the average retirement age is an astonishingly young 57.

I said ‘enjoy,’ and I mean it. To do that, you need to put yourself squarely in the driver’s seat — decide when and how you retire and who you will be. Don’t let someone else’s definition determine your retirement.

So, begin by putting the money issue aside entirely. That’s right. Just forget about money and take a good hard look at the life you want to be living. Start journaling, brainstorm with friends and family, and dream a lot. For inspiration, begin to brainstorm ideas and tools needed to help you plan the perfect retirement for YOU.

OK. So money does have something to do with it. Now’s the time to figure out exactly how much you have and what you’ll need. Maybe you’ll discover that you have enough money to do everything you want to do. Congratulations!

But what if you don’t? Will you need to work until seven years after you’re dead? Or can you still create the retirement of your dreams? Of course you can. Here are some ways to make that happen.

1. First, sharpen your pencil and reconsider how much is enough? Maybe you don’t need to stay in the big house and take care of all that stuff. Perhaps you’d love to simplify your life by living out of your RV as you travel the country. What could you downsize or let go of to buy yourself a more carefree existence?

2. Second, consider supplemental income. Wait a minute, didn’t I just say you were going to stop working? Well, there’s work. And, then there’s work.

Larry was an art teacher in an urban high school for his entire career. In retirement, he followed his passion for painting and also volunteered at a national art society near his home. His experience, enthusiasm and organizational skills so impressed the Director that Larry was offered a part-time position as Assistant Director. Although he has less time for his painting, the supplemental income allows him the luxury of another passion -­ regular trips to Italy.

3. Maybe you’ve been passionate about your hobby all your life — making woodcarvings, gardening, or playing bridge. What about a part-time job as a gardening assistant during the summer, selling your work at craft fairs, or getting certified as a bridge instructor?

Think about what you love to do, the best times in your life, what you never had time for when you were raising children and working full time. If you love animals, become a pet sitter. Consider working in a day care center, if small children delight you.

4. Try seasonal employment. That’s what Betty and Bob do. They say they’re ‘rewired,’ not ‘retired.’ Each winter they close their Maryland home, pack up her home-based marketing business, and head to Snowmass, Colorado. For the next two months, they work for the ski corporation — alongside college kids from Australia and a few other couples their age. He parks cars and slings skis on busses; she helps families plan their vacations at the resort. The minimum wage they make covers basic expenses; they each get a season’s pass worth $1,799; and they only work a few days each week. The rest of the time they follow their passion ­ on the ski slopes.

Seasonal employment is available at National Parks, community facilities, and as travel hosts to exotic places. Furthermore, there are lots of Web sites that specialize in senior employment.

5. But if you really want to make the most of the ‘third half’ of your life, consider packaging what you know and sharing it with others. That’s what Miriam did. After 30 years of a successful therapy practice, she traded her East Coast home for a West Coast apartment. With her savings and a handsome settlement from her ex-husband, she lived the good life. Then one day the money was gone. Already in her seventies, she picked herself up, buffed up an old passion, and began writing psychological thrillers. Today, Miriam is making more money than she did during her other career ­ and she’s having a lot more fun.

What will it take for you to let go of your outdated beliefs about money and retirement and get inspired to revolutionize the ‘third half’ of your life?

Remember, money is merely one of the 15 ‘must haves’ for a thriving retirement. While taking charge of your life, having dreams for the future, and a purpose that pulls you out of bed in the morning are not as tangible as, say, $1.3 million in assets, they’re just as crucial.

Copyright (c) 2007 Lin Schreiber

Ceramic plates and cups - that’s what most people think of when they hear the word ‘ceramics.’ But in fact ceramic products are all around us - they literally fill our world. Come on a little tour with me - I promise that it will open your eyes.

Where would you be without your vehicle? Ceramics are present there - did you know that? Yes, many vehicles today use ceramic brake pads. These pads eliminate the need to use the older, asbestos-based types, which are a health hazard. Ceramic brake pads are also more effective in helping you stop - at all speeds, ceramic brake pads will provide you with that peace of mind.

Want some other examples? Well, let’s go back into the house. Go to your kitchen or bathroom, and what do you see - perhaps some beautiful (sometimes hand-painted) ceramic tile in your shower area, or on a kitchen countertop or hallway floor. It is both beautiful and functional, and it can increase the value of your home.

Speaking of the home, another area where you will see ceramic products in the kitchen is in the ‘equipment’ used there: coffee carafes, teapots and ceramic tea strainers can be found there, right alongside of the usual ceramic dish or cup.

Let’s leave the indoors for a moment, and head outside. Let’s go out to the garden, and sit down - here’s a wonderful ceramic garden stool, right next to a couple of pixies and garden gnomes — that’s right, all made of ceramics.

And while we are outside, if we go around to the front of the home, we might see the house numbers, street name and even the family last name - a unique touch, one that tells everyone just who lives here. And these signs? All made of . . . You guessed it - ceramics.

Well, we’re finished around the house. Now, let’s head off to work. All types of businesses and industries have used ceramics. Piezo electric elements are incorporated in computers, medical equipment, furnaces, watches - even your backyard grill. And ceramic ball bearings help devices as diverse as truck wheels, jet airplanes and roller skates function better.

Well, our trip is finished. As you can see, ceramic products truly DO fill our world - and our world would be very different without them.

The most common question I am asked from skinny guys who are trying to bulk up and develop some muscle tone, is where they should start. Most have the drive and enthusiasm but are unsure of the best weight and exercise routine for optimum success. This simple and easy to follow outline is a brilliant one for those just starting out or for those just simply wanting to add some weight training to their already existing program. Low impact sportspeople such as golfers right through to high impact sportspeople can adopt this easy to manage routine and reap the rewards.

Warming up is an extremely important step before you commence any concentrated body-building. Effective warm up activities such as star jumps, using the bike or treadmill and jogging on the spot really get the blood pumping and increase the rate of your heartbeat. Try to avoid days of no physical activity. Your body-building warm-ups are great stand-alone activities on your off days. A quarter of an hour before you start anything, drink water or a sports drink, and keep drinking all the time you’re active. Remember that sweating results in loss of fluid, and for each 1% of body weight you lose due to sweating, your performance will be lessened by 5%. So it’s imperative that you keep drinking if you want to maintain your stamina and enhance your performance.

Let’s face it, there are very few of us who have spare hours every single day for body-building. In reality you will probably get to go through this routine 2 to 3 times a week, and that is the minimum requirement. The weight loadings you use will be dependent on whether you are male or female, your size, strength and present level of fitness. You will certainly see a marked increase in your particular strength level after a month or even sooner. This will motivate you tremendously. But when you first start, only use light weights and concentrate on mastering correct techniques.

Apart from warm-up activities, you should start working your largest muscle groups. Try to stick to the usual order, which is firstly warm-ups, then stretches, chest exercises, shoulders, leg exercises, and finally of course biceps and triceps. Aim for ten reps of each exercise and do the cycle three times. Then, stretch the muscles you are working on and give yourself a one minute rest. Try to establish a rhythm and stick to it. Even keep the overall duration of your work-out similar during your first few months as this will help you measure your increased strength and fitness. If you can arrange a training partner to be with you, you will find yourself kept accountable and encouraged. A training partner can spot for you (stay in close proximity and help your bar back onto the supports if you find yourself suddenly unable to do it yourself). This is a wise safety measure.

Ideally you will require some warm up equipment, a weight bench, a long barbell with a variety of weight discs that can be easily changed and at least 2 small dumbells for some one handed lifting exercises and a large exercise ball for seated activities. All of this equipment can be purchased new from most large retail stores or can be found incredibly cheaply at garage sales or in the second hand for sale section of the local newspaper. Try ebay and other online auctions for bargain prices. Larger machines can be inflexible, hard to store and require lots of space. However, if you have the room or already have one they will definitely do the job.

To work your chest muscles, you’ll basically need to do flys and seated flys after your three sets of bench presses. Flys involve putting small dumbells in both hands, lying on your bench and raising the dumbells above your chest and back to your side in a big arc motion. Seated flys work best on an exercise ball, but if you use a ball make sure you keep your back very straight. Lean forward towards the floor in front of you and lift the dumbells in both hands to the side of the bench, feeling your chest muscles work as you do so. In all these exercises your elbows should be a bit bent, movements should be fluid rather than jerky and your grip should be firm but not too firm.

Shoulders. Straddle the bench with a longer barbell in your hands. Lift to just below the chin, this is your starting point. Lift the bar past your face and all the way until arms are stretched, then lower to starting point. Next set is the same but done behind the neck. Follow by seated one hand lifts with dumbells from the shoulder, past the ear and all the way to locking point above your head. Lift both at the same time. Next stand with dumbells at your side and lift out in a flapping motion with elbows slightly bent. Lift and lower slowly. Do 3 sets of each exercise. 10 reps each set.

Legs. If you have a stationary bike, start with 1 minute of steady pedalling. Then sprint for 10 seconds, slow for 10 seconds. Continue this for 2 minutes. Follow with 3 sets of leg raises. If you have a bench with leg raise bar, place the appropriate weights on and complete 3 sets. One facing up and one facing down to work the quads and the hamstrings. Finish with squats. In the first week or so use no weights then progress to holding a weight disc across your chest. After a few weeks, begin to use a barbell resting on your shoulders and gradually increase the weight to a comfortable level. Overloading the bar is not wise and will place unnecessary pressure on your knees. If joint pain is a problem to you I would suggest taking a supplement containing the amazing combination glucosamine and chondroitin. Arthtitis sufferers and those who’ve played a lot of sport (including my father!) swear by it.

When working the biceps you can start by standing and using a longer barbell, resting it on your thighs with your palms facing forward. Keeping the upper arm by your side, curl the bar up to your chest whilst moving your lower arm in an ascending arc motion, then lower it to your thighs. The same idea works well with single hand dumbells. Try lifting both together then. Beware of the tendency to swing down to lift, which feels easier but does not yield the same benefit. Finally, hold the dumbells to the side with palms this time facing in toward your leg with your dumbell facing straight ahead and lift, using the action outlined already.

Your triceps can be exercised in various ways but I always like to start from a seated position. Place your hands behind your back, slightly wider than your shoulders are apart and point your fingers forward. From this position lift your bottom up with flat feet and slightly bent legs. Now raise and lower your body as you bend and straighten your arms. Time for the exercise ball. It really is quite useful for seated exercises. Lean forward and put a dumbell in each hand. Put your upper arm parallel to the floor and slightly behind you. With your lower arm lift it in a pendulum motion towards a rear position before lowering it to a more perpendicular position. Then try lifting simultaneously if you can. I’m always conscious of varying exercises to alleviate boredom and as an example of this I’d recommend varying this one a bit by standing over your bench with one knee on the bench itself, then working one of your arms, then the other.

Do not forget that what you do after you have completed your workout is a significant part of your muscle mass gain process. You can actually enhance the effects of your exercise by consuming a protein shake or drink within about 30 minutes of completion. During your workout your muscles will slightly tear and then set about repairing themselves; it is this repairing which creates toning and muscle growth. If you take protein straight after the muscle damage occurs, you speed up the recovery process. To do this, you should purchase a protein shake high in carbs such as an xtreme mass gainer (and if you really mean business, look for added creatine or take creatine as well). Even those looking for toning without bulk use protein supplements but they choose varieties low in carbs and fat. These days protein shakes are tailormade for your needs so you won’t have any trouble finding what’s right for you. Just ensure that you include this important step in your usual routine. If you are looking for quick, effective and obvious results in your physique, protein shakes are for you.

Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath - these symptoms are all too familiar to those who suffer from asthma. Sadly, the number of people being diagnosed with this lung disorder is on the rise and has been since the late 1980’s. Allergies, too, have become of high concern with over twenty percent of children and adults in America suffering from allergic disorders, making allergies the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States.

A variety of factors can be attributed to this rise in the number of respiratory illnesses in America, including the spread of air pollution, a decrease in sufficient building ventilation due to airtight building materials, and an increase in the number of positive ions (greatly generated by electromagnetic fields) circulating in modernized environments. While outdoor air pollution is a concern, indoor air, which is known to be two to ten times more polluted than that outdoors, appears to be the greater culprit.

Negative ions, as created in the earth’s natural atmosphere, actually work to counteract these effects. In nature, these ions form as a result of moving or evaporating water. For instance, as water flows over a waterfall, electrons from the neutral water molecules are easily disturbed. When an electron escapes, it then attaches itself to another nearby particle. If the resulting atom or molecule contains more electrons than protons, a negative charge is created and, thus, a negative ion.

Around areas such as waterfalls and beaches, these negative ions are abundant. Upon visiting such places, many sufferers of allergies and/or asthma experience immediate relief from their symptoms; some who are able to relocate to these settings even claim to be cured completely. Numerous studies have proven the natural benefits of negative ions, demonstrating their positive effects on the body as well as their ability to remove pollutants, literally, from the air.

In modern environments filled with positive ions and pollution, the number of negative ions in the air is greatly lacking. However, the technology of negative ion generators, as used in many homes, offices, and hospitals, has helped to counteract this depletion. Just as negative ions work in nature to alleviate the symptoms of allergies and asthma, manmade air ionizers can accomplish the same effect. In one study, for example, patients felt so much better after fifteen minutes of being exposed to such an air ionizer that they did not want to leave.

One reason negative ion generators work so efficiently is due to the negative ions’ ability to actually remove triggering pollutants from the air. Upon being released from an air ionizer, these negatively charged ions attract positively charged particulates, including allergens and other air pollutants such as smoke, dust, mold, pollen, and animal dander. As these positively charged pollutants and negative ions form clusters, they become heavy and fall out of the air to surfaces where they can be easily vacuumed or dusted away rather than inhaled.

In addition to removing triggering particles from the air, negative ions provide many other benefits which help alleviate symptoms associated with asthma and allergies. For instance, studies have shown that negative ions actually appear to neutralize the effects allergens and other pollutants have on the respiratory system. When these ions are inhaled, breathing becomes easier, respiration is stabilized, and the activity of the respiratory system’s cilia is increased, allowing the body to filter out polluting particles more efficiently.

The benefits of negative ions are so strongly proven that many sufferers of allergies and asthma are able to rely less on other treatments or even to forego the use of medicine completely. Air ionizers have further been used in treating many other respiratory illnesses, including sinusitis, emphysema, and bronchitis. While positive ions prolong physical recovery, accelerate respiration, and decrease cilia activity, negative ions counteract these effects, making the benefits of negative ions extraordinary.

In environments where pollution and technology allow positive ions to thrive, negative ion generators can help to counteract their effects and allow those residing in such settings to experience the many benefits of negative ions. Sufferers of allergies and asthma who have experienced these positive effects can attest to the fact that negative ions provide exceptional relief. In fact, anyone who has been exposed to a negative ion generator can benefit from these charged particles, just as if breathing in the ocean air.

Cross stitching is often thought of as being a solitary pastime, perhaps sitting alone while everyone else is out having a great time. But this is not so! This delightful craft can be the ticket to make many new cross stitch friends and have lots of fun — and yes, complete those cross stitch projects too.

When you first start your quest, stop by your local craft store. They may have a cross stitch club that meets there or know of one in the area. If they currently don’t have a club that meets at the store, ask about starting one. Even if the store isn’t interested, don’t get discouraged. You can still form your own cross stitch club.

Starting your own cross stitch club isn’t as difficult as it may seem. The secret is planning. You need to think through what will be involved before you advertise your club. For instance, where will your club meet? You need a location where people can sit comfortably and stitch. That means you’ll need chairs and excellent lighting. You’ll also need a place for all these people to park their vehicles. Be certain to decide in advance if your club will only be for cross stitch fans or if people who enjoy other crafts can join as well. Finally, you’ll need to pick a time for your club to meet.

As your plan starts to take shape, you’ll have to decide if there’ll be a membership fee, what the goals of the club are, and if you want to have rules. Sometimes it’s easier to wait until you have a couple of members to decide on these issues. Then you can make decisions as a group about the direction in which you want the club to go. The main thing to keep in mind as you form your club is that it should be fun. You should enjoy stitching while you chat with the other members.

For some people, the idea of creating their own cross stitch club and sorting through the details may seem overwhelming. In this case, you can start out small. Find a few friends who like to stitch and ask them over to your house for a fun evening. Everyone may have so much fun stitching and talking that your informal get-together may soon form into a full-fledged club.

Of course, you can find cross stitch friends in other places close to home.

The most obvious way to cast the net of friendship is to seek out penpals. There are many stitching websites that have a penpal section, and many popular magazines contain find-a-penpal pages. This is wonderful way of making cross stitch friends from all over the world, and you may have the opportunity of exchanging small projects if you so wish. It’s often helpful to discuss your stitching projects — you can motivate each other to finish those tricky pieces you’ve been putting off.

The internet has many penpal sites too, although in my view, it’s worthwhile taking time to ensure that the site you’re engaging with is a good one. Never add your postal address or telephone number to their database. Your email address will suffice for the first exchanges with a new friend, and you can give her or him more contact details when you are sure that the person is genuine. You may prefer to have an e-pal, as opposed to a snail mail friend.

Many people prefer to chat with their penpal using email rather than snail mail. When you email, you tend to get a quicker response. This makes it simpler to keep in touch. Also, some people don’t like writing letters, although they do enjoy writing emails. If, however, you and your penpal enjoy writing letters, then you’ll be in for a treat sometimes when you visit your mailbox. In addition to letters, you and your penpal also can exchange little gifts for added fun.

Beyond penpal sites, e-groups for cross stitch enthusiasts exist as well. The way these groups work is that people sign up who share an interest. The groups chat about the subject, in this case cross stitch. Members also talk about their lives, and many friendships are formed. Yahoo has a group called XStitchpals. In this e-group, people send each other little cards that they’ve cross stitched each month. The cards have a theme, so it really makes it fun. You may find you quickly form many friendships on an e-group such as this.

So what are you waiting for? There are lots of new cross stitch friends out there if you spend a little time looking for them… and hey! Why not look a little closer to where you are right HERE, right NOW — go join the forums at Patterns Patch private cross stitch club.

How often have you either referred to or considered the expression, ‘Success is a journey and not a Destination?’ Probably many times, yet often being in a hurry to get there, we forget that success is not an end unto itself, but is instead an ongoing process.

Though some people seem to have the Midas touch and easily turn everything to gold, most of us have to give our endeavors lots of time, effort and the sweat of our brow before seeing things come to fruition. The simple truth is that the majority of us are simply not born leaders, but become leaders by who we are and the actions we take. Consequently, whether or not you’re an established entrepreneur or just starting out on your journey, there are particular traits you’ll usually find operating within the exceptional entrepreneur. In fact there are 7 particular traits you’ll generally discover deeply embedded within the exceptional and successful businessperson.

If you’ve already taken the plunge as an entrepreneur, you know that it takes a great deal of planning, development and strategic marketing to succeed. At any given time, there are changes to be considered and new directions to examine. In which case, whether you’re the CEO, CFO, Chief Marketer or Chief Solutions Officer of your company, your journey to success is probably full of trials and tribulations.

To support you in your journey to success, be willing to open your mind and sense of reasoning as you consider whether these traits are part of your driving force. If they are not yet ingrained within you, I recommend that you give them some thought.

THE 7 TRAITS TO SUCCESS

1) Successful Entrepreneurs Gain the Respect of their Peers One of the first and most obvious characteristics you’ll see operating in an exceptional entrepreneur is an equitable and unbiased disposition . Plain and simple the successful entrepreneur recognizes that no one is above or below. With an attitude of respect for others, the successful entrepreneur gains the respect from everyone they encounter. Strategies, attitudes and methods filter down to each person and reflect on all actions and activities. A successful entrepreneur gives everyone the space to be great. No matter how effective or beneficial your expertise, becoming a successful entrepreneur requires building up of your character muscles, traits and habits, which correspondingly make your dreams a reality.

2) Successful Entrepreneurs Believe and Trust in Themselves

The savvy entrepreneur is good at trusting his or her own ideas and instincts. Starting out as an entrepreneur requires persistence, determination and a high level of self-discipline. Continuing as a successful entrepreneur requires even more persistence, determination and self-discipline. The wise and successful entrepreneur knows this and works hard at developing their level of confidence. If you have a strong code of ethics and believe in yourself, then your ideas can work. Having the desire and passion are the first steps on your journey; getting there requires believing in yourself.

3) Successful Entrepreneurs Follow a Plan

The successful entrepreneur follows a plan. Haphazard or trial and error have no place for the triumphant entrepreneur, for no one gets to his or her destination without a map or a guide to follow. That doesn’t mean you won’t go off course if another road seems better, but it’s still more effective to have a plan in place. Most successful entrepreneurs start out by writing a basic business plan that acts as the impetus and guide for their endeavors. It doesn’t have to be fancy or lengthy but it should include marketing strategies, goals, intentions, ideas and why you can do better than your competition. A business plan should be reviewed and updated periodically for each new idea stirs and inspires other ideas.

4) Successful Entrepreneurs Think Creatively

Successful entrepreneurs are not afraid of thinking creatively. Whether a business idea has already been tried makes no difference to the exceptional entrepreneur. He or she sees better ways of doing things and knows that every idea can be expanded upon, made better, enhanced or broadened . The successful entrepreneur is willing to think outside or the proverbial box, which means using imagination, trying new things and expanding on a vision. The savvy entrepreneur pays careful attention as to whether a particular strategy is working. If after giving it his or her best shot the entrepreneur realizes the particular strategy isn’t working, they know there’s no point in continuing to invest energy, time and effort in the strategy. They move on to another approach and idea.

5)Successful Entrepreneurs Explore Their Exceptional Skills

Successful entrepreneurs realize that we each have our strengths and weaknesses as well as a multitude of skills and talents. Successful people ask themselves often what skills they have that no one shares in quite the same way. An exceptional and successful entrepreneur explores their particular skills until they find the ones that match most closely with their ideal. They don’t try to be and do everything. If the successful entrepreneur needs help, they’re willing to find someone who can do it better, and allows in the support. The successful entrepreneur stays open to change for they recognize that as they move forward, doors open in unexpected places that carry them to their next level of success.

6) Successful Entrepreneurs Envision Their Success

The successful entrepreneur gives time to envisioning how they want their business to look and how they want it to be. Intention is a powerful and dynamic tool. For those who are not inclined towards intention and visualization, talk to a successful athlete and you’ll discover that before each sporting event, the successful athlete envisions exactly how he or she wants things to turn out. Imagine what it will feel like when you’ve reached a particular set of goals. Get in touch with the feelings, you’d have as a successful entrepreneur. Practice and conceive of the sense of empowerment and the joy of having succeeded. The successful entrepreneur knows they have the power to live life the way they want, but to make it a reality, they know it has to be seen first.

7) Successful Entrepreneurs Never Give Up

Giving up is never in the vocabulary of the successful entrepreneur. Of course there may be days when a successful entrepreneur feels discouraged or disappointed, but giving up is not an option. Having faith, trust, confidence and determination are the qualities needed for the successful entrepreneur. To keep their focus on track, they seek out the support of those that know them, encourage them and bring out their natural enthusiasm. The smart and successful entrepreneur realizes that there will be good days and not so good days. Being a successful entrepreneur requires accepting the ebbs and flows of business for it is in fact what separates the exceptional and successful entrepreneur from the one who gives up far too soon.

The most successful real estate investors understand the difference between good debt and bad debt.

Most advice to consumers agrees that the ideal situation is to be debt free. Most consumer education treats all debt as bad.

Unlike this consumer ideal of being debt free, the most knowledgeable real estate investors welcome debt. They consider that debt can be a real estate investor’s best friend.

Good debt allows you to take advantage of ‘other’s people’s money,’ known as OPM.

In addition to OPM, another way that investors talk about using borrowed money is the word, ‘leverage.’ Consider using a crowbar to move a heavy object. The crowbar allows you to move the heavy object. Good debt is an example of leverage.

Levers allow you to move something that you couldn’t move if you tried to pick it up with brute strength.

This concept from physics is relevant to borrowed money. You can use someone else’s money as a lever to accomplish a bigger task than you could accomplish with your own money.

The reality is that someone always has the money you need to buy investment property. If you don’t have it, you can borrow OPM to buy property you could not afford to buy with your own money.

This is an example of good debt. You use borrowed money to create wealth. Debt is a tool you can use to buy what you could not buy with your own money. If the investment creates profit, you create profit from the leverage of good debt.

Compare good debt with bad debt. Consumer debt means going into debt for something that won’t bring you profit. If you charge $3000 for a plasma TV, you have created bad debt. The TV is not going to bring you profit. It is going to cost you money.

Consumer debt does not give you leverage. It is not a tool you can use to create wealth. This is why consumer debt is bad debt.

The critical distinction between good debt and bad debt is whether or not the debt is a tool to create more money. If you borrow the $3000 and use it as a tool to create profit, this is the definition of good debt.

Some of the biggest debtors on the planet are people like Donald Trump. Donald Trump owes fantastic amounts of money. He’s in debt, but he leverages the debt to build his skyscrapers.

Whether you call it leverage, or OPM, good debt is one of the fastest means to creating wealth.

Several reports indicate that knee injuries in particular are more common among women than among men. The reasons given have to do with leg alignment, muscle strength, and joint laxity or looseness. In general, women have wider pelvises than men do, which makes for a corresponding larger quadriceps angle, meaning the hips come down to the knees at a sharper angle. This puts more stress on the kness, making them more vulnerable to injury. Sports physicians often refer to a condition common in women called ‘the terrible triad’, in which a wider pelvis causes legs to be more knock-kneed.

The name stability creates some confusion as a category of shoes alongside the motion-control category because motion-control shoes are the most stable but provide a bit more cushioning than motion-control shoes do. Cushioning refers to the softness of the midsole. A softer midsole will absorb the force of impact better than a firmer midsole will; it also allows more foot motion.

Stability shoes are usually built on a semicurved last, which allows more foot motion than a straight last does. Several models, however, contain a medial post or an area of dense midsole material along the inner side of the shoe to prevent too much motion.

Whether you are an overpronator, an underpronator, or normal pronator is one of the most important factors in choosing the right shoe. How do you determine your degree of pronation? It is not like you can observe your own foot motion as you run. In figuring out what type of shoe is best for you, it helps to understand the basics of what your foot goes through during running.

Lightweight training shoes are designed for speed training and/or racing or for runners who simply prefer a lighter shoe. They are built on a semicurved or curved last and weigh less than most training shoes do. Offering less stability and motion control than most other running shoes do, lightweight trainers should not be worn by over-pronators, heavy runners, or runners who seem prone to injury. Some shoes in this category are more stable than others.

This may explain why many women have a hard time finding shoes that fit well, especially in the heel. Kate Bednarski, president of Ryka, Inc, which makes running and other athletic footwear for women, has done thorough research on the structure of women’s feet.

Why do women earn less than men? Over the last 30 years we have seen the introduction and implementation of a range of legislation aimed at addressing the gap between the earnings of men and women and yet there is still a significant gap. The UK Equal Opportunities Commission has stated that it will take at least two more generations to bridge this gap. What part does our mind and our attitude have to play in determining how much money we could or should be earning?

There are certainly enough motivators. We hate the fact that we don’t have enough money, we know we probably spend too much and we certainly know we don’t save as much as we should. There are also all the horror stories about failing pensions and old age poverty. These are still not enough to spur us into action and take control of our income generation. The answer is deep seated and lies in our conditioning. Until we understand how this impacts our attitude to money, all the changes in legislation and extended maternity leave in the world will not raise our earning levels.

In our earliest years our conditioning is determined. Some time between the ages of 0 and 8 we are taught a set of values or beliefs. In fact, David McClelland, Distinguished Research Professor of Boston University, proved it could be as early as 0 to 3 when our ‘values’ are determined by our parents and those most closest to us. These values impact how we feel about and respond to all sorts of things including our attitudes to money, wealth and the types of work we should be pursuing.

The emphasis on should is deliberate. Values are all about what we believe we should be doing to please others, to please society in general and to fit in.

For women and money this is complicated. Women today are taught the importance of being financially independent, to be self reliant because, afterall, ‘a man is not a plan’. However, sometimes the messages we hear growing up are inconsistent and conflicting. On the one hand, we’re taught about the importance of money the need to spend and save it wisely. At the same time we are taught that it’s just as important to be kind, sensitive and easy going; that the most important thing is our relationship with others and not our relationship with money. Unlike men, we are not taught to be powerful and ‘go for the kill’. This makes us reluctant to demand what we think we deserve, including equal pay.

To add insult to injury, we are told at a very early age that girls are poor at maths. From this we conclude that we must be bad at finance and managing money as well. As a consequence, we lack confidence in dealing with money, preferring others to take charge.

If our parents were raised during or shortly after the war, we also inherited a mentality of scarcity which continues to impact our attitude to risk and money as we become adults and parents in our own right.

What has been the result?

Besides the earnings gap which persists, a recent survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit on behalf of Barclays Wealth showed that we are far less likely to take risks with our money, whether in personal finance or business affairs. Women tend to place less importance than men on our income from investments and we save to reach a goal. Once the goal is reached we will often act to protect what it is that we have built up. This means we are limiting our potential to create even more wealth and be superrich.

Men have a different attitude and game plan. The same survey showed that men claim to have better knowledge than women of every aspect of personal finance. They are more confident and as Dr Ros Altmann, Governor of the London School of Economics states, ‘Men have more of a mindset that you have to just go out and get it and you can see their attitude towards risk taking in the games they play.’ It may just be a matter of confidence or bravado, but men play to win, take less time researching investment products and invest in the longer term.

Does this all mean we are doomed to stay poor for the rest of our lives? No! It means that what you focus on is what you get and it’s time to focus on getting rich. Being rich is a positive thing. It is about flexibility, freedom and being in control.

What do we to become rich?

1. Choose to do something about your financial literacy Financial skills are not innate but learnt. We need to learn financial skills and practice them to gain confidence. This means undertaking short courses in financial literacy which teach you how to prepare a balance sheet or income statement. Read the financial pages of daily newspapers to build an understanding of the financial world at large. Don’t be put off by ‘big words’, buy a jargon buster such as ‘The Dummies Guide to Investing’.

2. Spend don’t save Invest a defined amount (minimum 10% of your net income) every month into a high income bearing savings account – but don’t leave it there. Once you have accumulated enough, buy an asset which will produce passive income indefinitely. This could be a buy to let property which produces positive cash flow. Use this positive cash flow to buy a second income generating asset and continue to build assets.

3. Develop financial goals and stick to them After you’ve built your financial skills and have learnt to prepare a balance sheet and income statement, define how much income and assets you need to make you feel ‘rich’. This will be different for each individual. If you are planning your retirement fund aim to build a fund that contains 25 times the annual amount you want to have when you retire. So, if you want a total income of £30,000 each year when you retire, you need to have £750,000 in your retirement fund.

4. Reward achievement in investment – don’t use spending as an emotional crutch

Our client wanted to buy a new Audi sportscar for £500 per month. Our challenge to her was to develop a stream of passive income to produce £500 per month within a year and then buy the sportscar as a reward.

5. Network, network, network – but network with financially literate and clever people.

Networking is one of our greatest skills so utilise it by building networks with other men and women who are just as interested as you in wealth creation. Ask around to identify good tax accountants, IFAs, property companies and so forth. Build your own ‘wealth team’ with those individuals and companies who share your views and your ideals.