303. Responsible Speech

It follows from the rule "Say and do nothing unnecessary and be usefully occupied at all times." that you should take responsibility for those things that you do say. Never promise that which you cannot deliver, never say anything that you don't mean. Always think of the consequences for the other person of what you are about to say. Never be flippant in your speech. Never speak without thinking. You must never, by your speech, plant in anyone's mind a thought that could be harmful to them or to those they care about. Refrain from useless chatter.

Words have effects. The meaning of a word is what it does. The effects of some words can last for centuries or millenia.

"Words change how people behave. Words are the most powerful drugs that we have." - Mark Twain.

A wrong lecture I once received from someone who didn't know what they were talking about changed my behaviour and limited my behaviour for nearly 26 years. I was told to separate my professional fuction (testing in the consulting room) from the selling function in the dispensing room. This meant that during the test I was not sewing the seeds for the sale of value added items and so making it easier for the patient to go for the cheapest items.

302. "Luck"

Luck always favours the mind that is prepared. And when I look at it, the harder I work, the luckier I get.

This means that before every event, every test, job interview, exam or encounter of any sort, you should prepare, do your homework, check, double check and check again everything connected with it.

Luck is defined as that which happens when opportunity meets preparation. Learn to recognise it whenever it happens.

301. Training in the Martial Arts

When you train in a martial art, you will be on average, 30% faster than an untrained combatant. No matter how much bigger, hairier, uglier or smellier than you your opponent is, all that he has is a pair of arms and a pair of legs that are no different from your own. There is a limited number of ways these can be used against you. When you contact them, remember that and stick to them and destroy them rapidly.

There are 3 aspects of training in the Martial Arts. You should strive to develop each aspect evenly. These are 1. Strength. 2. Skill (Technique). and 3. Speed. If you have any 2 of these aspects you will beat an opponent who has only the other one. e.g. speed + skill will always overcome strength on its own.

300. Total Committment

Develop and cultivate within yourself the habit of total committment. This means there will be no idling, loafing off, standing around, sneaking away or calling in sick. This is a decision, cut away all other possibilities, excuses and rationalisations. Begin to give 100% for 100% of the time. Let there be nothing else going on.

299. Know Thyself

Find out who you are, what you stand for, what your values are, what your strengths and weaknesses are. Do the exercise where you list your values and re-order them by which you put first. Do this prioritising exercise at least once a year. Once you know, just carry on being yourself. Never try to be someone else.

298. The Light of Others

Whenever someone succeeds, it is often because there is someone else to show the way. The light does not have to be in your family, it often comes from your teachers.

297. Education and Freedom.

Education is the door to freedom. Without it, your choices become very limited indeed.

296. On Vegetarianism and Imposing your Views

Vegitarianism like everything else is a choice. If there are moral reasons then there are. The problem is when those that take certain choices seek to impose their views on others. This is called fascism !

295. How to Deal With Criticism

When you are being criticised, learn to listen to it as if you are simply hearing an alternative way of looking at yourself (as indeed you are). Judge it honestly and see if there is any truth in it. If there is, accept what truth there may be and work to improve on that aspect of yourself with the attitude that it is simply another piece of stone that needs to be chipped away from your magnificent sculpture.

If you find that there is no truth in it, waste no more time on it; do not give ear to untruth; simply state that it is untrue and do not get involved in arguing about it. Sound "iti" in mind and allow your mind to move on gently to the next item on your agenda.

294. Support

Always have a number of support groups to help you out. Things are much easier when you are surrounded by like-minded people. Join Mastermind Groups, think tanks, chambers of commerce, referral networks, professional associations etc.

293. Multiple Streams of Income

Always keep multiple streams of income. If you have a job, start a part-time business. If you have a business, take a part-time job. Invest in the stock exchange. Keep rental properties both residential and commercial. Keep building your asset base and generating new streams of income. Develop passive income streams.

292. Look After Your Own Customers

Don't worry about the competition, look after your customers instead.

291. There are no Days Off !

When you have a career, even if you are an employee, you are working for yourself. When you work for yourself there are no days off. If business is slow, clean out your files, make phone calls, do things that will drive your business forwards. If you are out and about, and headed for an appointment, call on an old friend for directions, it often generates extra business. Produce new business every day. Talk to everyone who rings up, you never know where each contact may lead.

290. On Being Professional

1. Always call people back. (It shows you care)
2. Always keep your promises.