“Although I’m blind, I can see far and wide; even though I’m disabled, I can climb high mountains.” –Shirley Cheng

What comes before a successful businessman, a successful doctor, or a successful teacher? A successful human being. In order to be truly successful in life, you need to first establish three essential spiritual principles–your core values, gratitude, and faith–and these gems will help you create a successful you.

Values

What qualities do you hold highest? What traits do you want to have and be associated with? Think of what qualities are important to you, and then hold firm to them. Your values are what you will base your life’s decisions on, and they will guide you in the right paths in life. two plus two equals four. If you think that two plus two equals everything and anything, you are bound to encounter problems in your life.

You will make goals around your core values. For example, my value is goodness, so I make goals that will accomplish my value. I will be satisfied with having achieved that value if nothing else.

Nothing in life is ever guaranteed; everything you own–your car, your house, and even your friends and family–can be taken away from you. But nothing can take away your values if you do not let them. No one can destroy your values unless you destroy them yourself.

Gratitude

Before we run into any obstacle, we first need to prepare ourselves for negative or challenging situations. We need a cushion on which we can fall back when we run into life’s hardships. Think about the acrobats performing in circuses; while they dazzle their audiences with their skills and agility, they have nets underneath them to catch them in case they ever fall. This is the kind of protection we need to have in life, so we will not get badly bruised once we crash down. This cushion in life should be gratitude. Appreciation is the essential net to cushion us against ordeals, from everyday obstacles to life’s traumas.

Start everything with appreciation. Before you do anything new, say anything new, go anywhere new, meet anyone new, first appreciate your current state in every aspect. This acts like a cushion in case what you do brings you to your original state. So if you could be thankful for now, when you return to now, you will be thankful that you have not lost anything and will be grateful for anything you do gain. So it is vital to appreciate your situation at every stage of your life.

Faith

The most important ingredient to success–and this is what really takes me far in life–is the deep, unwavering faith in God.

it is the faith in God that has allowed me to move forward, one sure step at a time, as I know He is there guiding me, supporting me, and loving me. Keep your faith in God strong and sturdy, and your steps will be strong and sturdy in turn.

Besides the three important principles, my golden rule to be truly successful is: Do your best in everything you do. Many people do a mediocre job and expect to be successful; they depend on luck to get them successful. But in the long term, luck will not bring you far.

In life, no matter what position you are in–a teacher, a doctor, a parent, a child, a grandchild–do your best in being your best. And make the most of what you have. If you only have a spoon and a fork, use the fork to comb your hair and use the spoon to play music. Hey, some people do not even have a spoon and a fork. In my case, I lost my eyesight, but I still have my fingers so I can type; I still can hear, and I am still alive. I use all those wonderful factors to become an award-winning author, motivational speaker, published poet, and advocate, and I continue to love the life I live.

About the Author:
Shirley Cheng (b. 1983), a blind and physically disabled award-winning author, motivational speaker, self-empowerment expert, poet, author of seven books, contributing author of twelve, and a parental rights advocate, has had severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since infancy. Owing to years of hospitalization, she received no education until age eleven. However, after only about 180 days of special education in elementary school, she mastered grade level in all areas and entered a regular sixth grade class in middle school. Unfortunately, Shirley lost her eyesight at the age of seventeen. After a successful eye surgery, she hopes to earn multiple science doctorates from Harvard University. http://www.shirleycheng.com

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by Doris Helge, Ph.D.

“Happiness at work” isn’t the name of a fairy tale. It’s a reality for many employees, managers, and entrepreneurs — people just like you. You’ve probably heard that Google employees can wear their pajamas to work and be rewarded with excellent pay, exotic job training, 5 star restaurants, a fun climbing wall, and other perks.

You may be moaning, “But I don’t work at Google!” Great news! You don’t have to work at Happy Time, Inc. to enjoy meaning, fulfillment, and joy at work. Your happiness is never dependent on what a boss, coworker, or client does. You can immediately begin to create a work life packed with productivity, passion, and joy. Here are some quick tips.

FEED YOUR NEEDS. You’re happy at work and you do your best work when your needs are met. Structure your work life so you do more of the tasks that are the most meaningful and fulfilling to you. Identify and communicate your unmet needs in a win-win way. You’ll create a healthy coaching and constructive feedback system.

STRESS YOUR STRENGTHS. Identify and emphasize your strengths. Most people spend far too much time trying to correct, rather than manage, their weaknesses. Joy on the job emerges when you use your talents in ways that express your special abilities and benefit others. You came to Earth fully prepared to make a special contribution that only you can make.

DEVELOP A SIGNATURE STYLE. Since you’re a gift to this planet, identify what’s unique about your personality and talents. Sell the brand called “You.” Develop a signature style that ensures that clients, managers, and coworkers notice your skills and talents. They’ll lavishly reward you for your special contributions.

BE YOUR OWN BOSS (EVEN IF YOU HAVE ANOTHER ONE). Whether you are an entrepreneur or you work for a company, you are the CEO of Your Inner Firm. Be accountable to yourself by doing your best work. Just as effective organizations do, make sure the staff in your organization (you) receive the best possible training. Watch your joy on the job surge with self-initiated education. Use the Internet, mentors, virtual networking, classes, and trade association meetings to create more happiness at work.

SHINE BY SHARING YOUR SPECIAL SKILLS AND TALENTS. Volunteer to mentor someone who’s struggling with an activity you’ve already mastered. This will invariably boost your skills and knowledge. You’ll soon become even more aware of your professional passion and life purpose. Since happiness at work grows when your self-esteem rises, you’ll also enjoy more joy on the job.

You’ve just read a few examples from over 300 ways to create job satisfaction. Over 300 techniques were revealed during the national “Happiness at Work Studies” that led to the book, “Joy on the Job.” Download a sample chapter from the book, “Joy on the Job,” at http://MoreJoyOnTheJoy.com and discover how to make your job a sources of smiles.

Also tell us what teleseminars you want to attend, such as:

__ How to redesign your current job so you shine while you share your special talents
__ Discover how to easily resolve conflicts with “difficult people”
__ Manifest your dream job so you can enjoy work-life balance
__ Be heard and get your needs met at work

Visit http://MoreJoyOnTheJob.com now and get more free tips, podcasts, & special reports. Sign up for the free “Joy On the Job Ezine” and teleseminars. Doris Helge, Ph.D., is a coach, corporate trainer, and speaker. She is author of “Joy on the Job,” “Transforming Pain Into Power,” and other books. Dr. Helge hosts the “More Joy on the Job” radio show. Download sample chapters from Doris’ books at http://www.MoreJoyOnTheJob.com

© 2008. This article was excerpted with permission from “Joy on the Job” by Doris Helge, Ph.D. Permission to reprint is granted by the author as long as the article is left in tact and proper attribution is given.

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You can quickly reduce stress without waiting for a weekend, vacation, or massage. You’ll feel empowered when you take action to meet your needs, and that automatically elevates your happiness at work. A few of the easy strategies described below require planning ahead so you have materials on hand. However, each tip will only take you a few minutes to implement once you’re set up. Less stress results in greater creativity, higher productivity, and fewer conflicts with “difficult people.” If you are a manager, tell your employees about these stress reduction techniques because they accelerate employee engagement.

GET IN THE GROOVE

A finger labyrinth can center your mind, calm anger and anxiety, stimulate creativity, and shift your perspective regarding a tough challenge. The power of a labyrinth is simple. It integrates physical movement with a challenge to your left brain. You stop perseverating about a stressful situation and allow creative solutions to emerge.

I discovered the power of a full-scale labyrinth at a progressive hospital that encouraged patients and their loved ones to explore a beautifully landscaped “puzzle” area (the labyrinth). Day after day, I watched distraught clients and their families enjoy their lives more even if their situations had not visibly improved.

On the job, use your nondominant hand to “walk” through a finger labyrinth because you stimulate different neural networks when you do this. This will provide easier access to your intuition. If you don’t already have a finger labyrinth in your desk, pocket, or purse, you can discover how to buy or create one by searching “labyrinth” on the World Wide Web.

ORCHESTRATE YOUR MIND

Certain types of music have been associated with relaxation because music can stimulate specific brain states. Companies such as Sound Health, The Relaxation Company, Inner Peace, New Earth, and Phillips, and composers such as Morry Zelcovitch offer outstanding collections of brain-entrainment music that induce specific levels of consciousness.

The strategy of using music to entrain your brain state is so successful that employees in many offices I work with cooperatively select the recordings they play as background music. We usually test the results, just as I have tested the effects of all of the “More Joy on the Job Strategies” I recommend to my clients.

Since the results are positive and measurable, I’m suggesting this strategy to you. You can also create your own private brainwave symphony by using an iPod or a portable CD player and headphones.

FOLLOW YOUR NOSE

Unique aromas produce distinct physiological effects and mood states. Essential oils and flower essences can dramatically affect your feelings because your olfactory sense is directly connected to the limbic area of your brain (the seat of your emotions).

Employees frequently use essential oils to elevate concentration and arouse feelings such as peace and joy. Some Japanese companies diffuse lemon and peppermint essential oils to increase productivity.

I’ve introduced sandalwood and nutmeg to organizations I’ve consulted with because they can decrease stress. A blend of rosemary and lemon improves focus. Other oils, such as ylang ylang and bergamot, stimulate the production of the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin. Lavender triggers alpha and theta brain waves. Chamomile, rose, and orange blossom are calming. Jasmine is said to imbue confidence in dealing with difficult problems, which can elevate your self-esteem.

Once you experience the benefits of aromatherapy, you’ll probably keep vials in your car and home as well as at work. When purchasing essential oils or flower essences, keep in mind that the quality of the product will determine its effectiveness.

BONUS: FAST STRESS REDUCTION TIP

Rub a drop of peppermint or lavender essential oil into your wrists when you feel anxious. Breathe deep belly breaths while you enjoy the delicious smell. The lovely fragrance can refresh many parts of your body at once because the arteries in your wrists are close to the surface. Therefore, the benefits of the cooling, calming oils are quickly distributed throughout your body. This tip also works great behind your ear lobes because your ear lobes are saturated with reflexology points related to the physiology of stress.

A side benefit of using essential oils is that you smell good. This can trigger a subtle boost in charisma, customer satisfaction, and the subliminal perception that you’re a natural leader (a.k.a. “promotion material”).

Don’t have essential oils on hand? Substitute cold water for the oils, but make a note to buy essential oils because the side benefits are at least as much fun as the stress reduction.

THE REST IS YET TO COME

I also teach employees, managers, and entrepreneurs how to quickly induce a healthy state of laughter because deep belly laughter has been proven over and over again to reduce stress in the body and mind. We’ll cover this in another article, so sign up for the blog RSS feed if you haven’t already done so.

© 2008. This article was excerpted with permission from “Joy on the Job” by Doris Helge, Ph.D. Permission to reprint is granted by the author as long as the article is left in tact and proper attribution is given.

Visit http://MoreJoyOnTheJob.com now and get more free tips, podcasts, & special reports. Sign up for the free “Joy On the Job Ezine.” Doris Helge, Ph.D., is a coach, corporate trainer, and speaker. She is author of “Joy on the Job,” “Transforming Pain Into Power,” and other books. Dr. Helge hosts the “More Joy on the Job” radio show. Download sample chapters from Doris’ books at http://www.MoreJoyOnTheJob.com

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HOW TO DECREASE EMPLOYEE RETENTION & PRODUCTIVITY PROBLEMS

The next time you hear managers complain they can’t recruit or retain good workers, tell them to hire people with disabilities. When supervisors moan about employee absenteeism, low productivity, or lack of creativity, ask them, “Do you hire people with disabilities?”

From entry level to professional positions, workers with disabilities have fewer job changes and absences than their peers without disabilities.

Employee retention is more important than ever. Labor shortages of up to 10 million workers have been forecast.

Are you concerned about safety, liability, or performance of a worker with a disability? You can breathe a sigh of relief. Safety records of workers with disabilities equal or surpass the records of non-disabled workers.

BOTTOM-LINE REASONS TO BE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE

Improve customer loyalty

Companies who hire people with disabilities gain customer loyalty. Local communities support visible efforts to support citizens with disabilities. Maybe you’ll reach the end of your life without having difficulty seeing, hearing, or remembering, but most of us won’t.

When you hire people with disabilities, local support for your business grows rapidly. Many of your customers have invisible disabilities — arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart trouble, back injuries, etc.

Boost innovation and creativity

Your organization also gains a significant new source of creativity that affects your profit margin. People with disabilities have become master innovators and problem solvers during their interactions with a world that isn’t always user-friendly. People with disabilities will subtly open your eyes to more effective ways to serve all of your customers. Your product line may become more creative.

ARE ACCOMMODATIONS EXPENSIVE?

Are you worried you can’t afford expensive accommodations needed for people with disabilities? Most modifications cost under $500. The majority carry no price tag. It costs nothing to modify a schedule so your new employee can use public transportation. Most business owners can offer flex time at no additional cost.

If sophisticated accommodations are required, financial resources are often available through your state office of vocational rehabilitation.

SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE TO YOU

How to find qualified people

Now that you’re enthusiastic about the benefits you’ll gain and less concerned about potential problems, how can you find qualified people who have disabilities?

If you don’t know where to find local resources, contact the National Business and Disability Council (NBDC) at (516) 465-1519. They have many information services, including the NBDC Yellow Pages. NBDC also provides a National Resume Database so you can identify job applicants with disabilities who have at least two years of college or more or equivalent technical training, verified by an independent source.

Staff training and supervision

NBDC services don’t end with applicant referral. They can help you create a win-win work environment in which all of your staff — including you — feel comfortable and supported. They have the experience you need to ensure adequate staff training and accountability.

DO IT FOR YOU

Hire people with disabilities . . . but don’t do it for “them.” Do it because you want to learn more about life from people who have used their challenges to develop their character in ways most of us haven’t yet imagined.

I once directed the American Council on Rural Special Education and co-founded the National Rural Independent Living Network. Because I conducted national research, I was frequently asked to testify to the U.S. Congress. Each time, I struggled to adequately represent a constituency that awed me with their capabilities, no matter what disability label they’d been branded with.

People with disabilities inspire us to achieve our true potential. Christopher Reeve inspired us with his optimism and his determination to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Hire people with disabilities and enjoy more smiles from your employees and customers.

This strategy for joy on the job was identified as part of the “Happiness at Work Factor Studies” that led to the publication of “Joy on the Job.”

Go to http://MoreJoyOnTheJob.com to download free articles so you can boost employee retention and motivation and enjoy more happiness at work. Download free chapters from Dr. Helge’s books and hear “Joy on the Job” podcasts at http://www.JoyOnTheJob.info

Doris Helge, Ph.D. is an executive coach, award-winning speaker, and corporate trainer. She is author of “Joy on the Job,” “Transforming Pain Into Power,” and other books published in many foreign languages.

You may reprint the above article as long as it remains intact and proper attribution is given to Doris Helge, Ph.D. (c) 2008.

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Fear of failure? Ms. Renhard will help you quiet your inner critic and boost your self esteem and success by taking a leap of faith.

Interviewer: Doris Helge, Ph.D., http://www.MoreJoyOnTheJob.com

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Love at Work? Listen in. Guest Rebecca White is now host of “Heal Yourself Talk Radio” at http://www.HealYourselfTalk.com. White and the “Joy on the Job Coach,” Doris Helge, http://www.MoreJoyOnTheJob.com explore the benefits of following your heart in business and heart-based management.

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