Motivational Memo Blog

54 More Magnificent Motivational Quotes

Peter G. James Sinclair — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:29:55 +0000

Post written by Peter G. James Sinclair and his LinkedIn Friends.

Well more than 1,000 people have contributed to my request for a motivational quote that has changed their life on LinkedIn.

I never get tired of reading these – and to also watch as the contributors respond to each other.

It’s awe-inspiring stuff. I trust you enjoy it as much as I do. This has now been going on for over a year – and who knows how much longer it will continue?

Sarah Lee • When you are on the side of the majority, it’s time to pause and reflect!

Jerry Fletcher • “What you know is important, Who you know really matters but to build a business, a career or a life of joy all depend on Who trusts you.”

Christine Felts • You cannot control what other people say and/or do, but you can control how you react to it.

Jamie Kirkendall • Let your love be like the misty rains, coming softly, but flooding the river. − Malagasy Proverb

Darla Brandt • “To the world we are one person, but to one person we may be the world“

Rahila Azad • “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” ― Mae West

Neville Stokes • “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” ~ Dale Carnegie

Jim Bouchard • “Perfection is not a destination; it’s a never ending process…Enjoy!” (And after a lot of blood, sweat and tears – I came up with that one!)

Daphne Rose McCoy • “It’s never to late to be who you might have been.” George Eliot

Jamie Kirkendall • “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.” – Steve Jobs

Steve Forsythe • If you don’t have a place at the table, you may well find yourself on the menu.

George Gojcaj • “The real measure of your wealth is, how much you’d be worth if you lost all you money”~ Unknown

Tal Lidder BA (Hons) MBA • @ George Cojcal – awesome! The quote has been attributed to Bernard Meltzer (1914-2007) American law professor.

Kieran Ekeledo • Life is just a sequence of feelings and emotions, we choose what we make of them.

James Eugene Barbush • “Keep your head above the weeds. Don’t get stuck in the mud. And stay out of the desert, it’s a hot, dry place” James Eugene Barbush

Neville Stokes • “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thruman

Frank Yu Yan • life is not important except on the impact it has on the lives of other people.

Stacey Shimabukuro-Lui • “Happy are those who dream dreams and are willing to pay the price to make them come true.” ~Author Unknown?~ I memorised this from a poster on the wall when I was in the 6th grade. It’s been in my heart ever since. (:

Neville Stokes • That is amazing Stacey – the quotes pretty good too.

Katrina Asaredumfeh • If you don’t put it into action it will never happen begin the process

Rachel Woods • Believe in your dreams and they may come true; Believe in yourself and they will come true. This sits on my wall and I love it!

Peter G. J. Sinclair – Motivator • ‘You were born to dream, and not to just dream miniscule dreams. You were born to dream MAXISCULE, MAGNIFICENT and MAJESTIC dreams.’

Neville Stokes • I like the three M’s – great to Meditate on Morning, Midday and Moontime.

Vicki Giroffi • Hello Peter; Progress, not perfection.

Christian Pierre • The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

George Gojcaj • ”You probably haven’t seen the last of your suffering, but for the believer, suffering wont last”.

Susan Anderson • The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. – Eleanor Roosevelt

Frank Yu Yan • I found that when you start thinking and saying what you really want then your mind automatically shifts and pulls you in that direction. And sometimes it can be that simple, just a little twist in vocabulary that illustrates your attitude and philosophy. Jim Rohn

Neville Stokes • “We make a living from what we get, we make a life from what we give”. Winston Churchill.

Bob Paff • ” What ever you are, be a good one ” Abraham Lincoln

Jamie Kirkendall • “Use what talents you possess: The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” Henry Van Dyke

Peter G. J. Sinclair – Motivator • ‘Insist On Yourself: Never Imitate.’ – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tal Lidder BA (Hons) MBA • If you haven’t got time for something – it isn’t important to you.

Alexander Ogidi • “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

Debbie Tranter • Thoughts Become Things!

Dan Bragg • When you are through improving…your are through (Lou Holtz) I had the next one on a poster I had in my room while I was in high school, it states…Surpass yourself, bigger and better things come to those who improve their skills. OK that’s 2, do I get a prize? LOL

Kathryn Michels • Miracles happen every day one just happened. This is my catch phrase and I say it because I know it’s true and since I say this people are always sharing more miracles with me so my confidence in this saying grows. Every single moment when we are open it is possible to recognise the miracles of every day living, so I stay open and celebrate living!

Shonda Taylor • It’s okay to be a work in progress as long as you progress.

Jane Wilde • What you think – so you become.

Neville Stokes • The way to feel peaceful is to let go of the future. The way to feel free is to let go of the past.

Jeff Botch • “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar

Bill Angelopoulos • A catcher’s glove, A first baseman’s glove, A single, a double. Dolly Parton – Two mits, two hits, and a country singer.

Peter G. J. Sinclair – Motivator • Those who lead their own lives with a heartfelt desire to lean towards truth will not be misled. For the truth will set you and I free.

Steve Werner • “It’s the Start that Stops most people”

Neville Stokes • “If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” — Frank A. Clark

Rick Ledingham • ‘If you will change, everything will change for you” – Jim Rohn

Brad Thomsen • We become what we think about ~ Earl Nightingale

Coach Jim Johnson • When you are through learning you are through. John Wooden

Neville Stokes • To win without risk is to triumph without glory. – Pierre Corneille

Brian Strahle • Do the work. Find a way. Make the box bigger.

Matthew Rehrl MD • “Fortune favors the bold”. Pliny the Younger quoting his father Pliny the Elder who died on a rescue mission as Mt. Vesuvius erupted.

Steve Werner • “It’s the Start that Stops most people.”

Shawna Garcia • “It’s not who’s going to let me, but who’s going to stop me.” ~ Ayn Rand

Neville Stokes • Progress in your life is not about the story thus far but about the story to come.

Thank you for subscribing to my Motivational Memo Blog RSS feed - but I would also like to invite you to sign up to my Motivational Memo Newsletter which is distributed generally once a week - and as my way of saying thank you please sign up to my newsletter and receive a free copy of my eBook 'Discovering The You In Unique'.

Motivational Memo Blog -

How To Live In The Land Called Love

Peter G. James Sinclair — Sun, 13 May 2012 16:20:59 +0000

Post written by Peter G. James Sinclair.

No greater love has a man than that he should lay down his life for another. This love then that we speak of is not the love depicted so often in the movies where all roads lead to the bedroom. It is a far deeper love that culminates in the sacrificial giving of oneself for another.

It is the love of the giver rather than always being the receiver. It is the love of the thinker whose thoughts are not turned inward but rather outward. It is the love of the outstretched hand and exhorter. It is the lift up that is delivered and it is the feet that walk the extra mile. It is the meal shared rather than the meal devoured. It is the smile given rather than the frown. It is the love that is patient. It is the love that is kind.

This Love…

This love has no leering eyes, nor gives despising looks. This love expresses gratitude for which it has and does not hunger after what others have. This love weeps at injustice and the miscarriage of justice. This love does not discard easily but rather cherishes the moment and stays for the long run.

This love cannot and will not falter. This love is a force that can withstand hurricane, flood, drought or cyclone. This love survives war, terror, massacre and mutilation, tyranny and anarchy. This love cannot be overcome and cannot be undone for it thinks of others. This love is a servant always seeking to serve, and because of that it rules supreme.

In giving, it receives. In living, it believes that no matter what should seek to pluck it from the earth – from it seeds will fall and more love will grow. For it is an external seed flame that cannot be extinguished.

The Indestructibility Of Love

Many have sought to destroy it. Many have made it their mission to bury it. And yet after the storm or after the desolation tiny sprouts of love have begun to reappear amongst the rubble of human carnage. It cannot be snuffed out – for the flame of love is everlasting.

Kings may reign and Kingdoms may fall, but love is enthroned in majesty forever throughout the ages. It is supreme in its presence and steadfast in its power in touching every man, woman and child upon the face of the earth.

Make love your mission and you will never be alone. For love given on a consistent basis will assure a return of love from unexpected quarters in abundance.

Fearless Love

Fear fails when you face it full on and act regardless of how you feel. Fear comes in many shapes and sizes but one of the fears that blocks the bright path ahead for many is the fear of man.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear because fear hath torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love.

True and perfect love is perfected in us as we love others as we love ourselves. So in order to route the power of fear that hovers over our life from time to time we need to make it our daily habit to exude love, from within, in the direction of others.

But how is true love demonstrated?

It is through our actions. It is the kind word, the thoughtful SMS, the unexpected phone call, the handwritten postcard, the letter, the email, the pat on the back, the undeserved gift. All these simple actions make all the difference when it comes to building stronger relationships and creating a bond that is built on love.

Love is strength. Love is a foundation. Love is the cement, the mortar and the magnificence. Love is the laughter, the shoulder, the hug, the warmth and the solid embrace. Love carries you through storms and flood and overflows into every area of your life. Love is the concern, the hand that helps and the foot that rushes to aid.

Love.

Photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography.

Motivational Memo Blog -

Rebuild Yourself By Doing What Everybody Else Does

Peter G. James Sinclair — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:32:27 +0000

Post written by Krisca Te.

Setbacks?

We all have them; a painful divorce, getting laid off work or being forced to declare bankruptcy. Life is full of these seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and whenever we’re faced with one, it is a struggle to pick ourselves up off the ground and start the difficult task of rebuilding ourselves.

When you’re faced with a difficult situation, the best way to get through the dark tunnel and find yourself out in the sunshine once again, is just to do what everybody else does – keep moving. This may sound simplistic, and you’re probably shaking your head and preparing to click the little X at the corner of your screen, but before you do, just hear me out for a few more paragraphs.

Conrad Hilton, one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, and founder of the Hilton Hotels chain, once commented that “Achievement seems to be connected with action. Successful men and women keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.”

This quote sums up quite nicely the point that I am trying to make. The minute you decide that the challenge you are facing is too much for you, you will be defeated, whereas if you decide that this setback will not stop you from fulfilling your dreams and reaching your goals, you are on your way to succeeding.

Setbacks provide you with the opportunity to rebuild yourself

If you feel like your life has been derailed and you’re heading in the wrong direction, take this time to rebuild yourself, get control of your life once more and continue moving forward.

1. The first step towards moving on after a difficult setback is to redefine your goals and visions. Think about where you want to be in a few years time. What do you want to accomplish? Try to visualize your goals so that you can create a clear picture in your mind of what you are going to start working towards.

2. Secondly, once you have an idea of what you want, write it down. Think of clear steps you will need to take in order to reach that goal, and write these down in as much detail as possible.

3. Next, it is time to break your long-term goal into short-term goals and smaller, more easily achievable steps. This is the key to making it become a reality, because knowing which steps you need to take puts the long-term goal within your reach. Clear your mind of negative thoughts and think of this defeat as simply another obstacle you need to overcome on your road to success. Celebrate your strengths rather than dwelling on your weaknesses and failures.

You can’t change the past, but you can decide your future, so acknowledge your mistakes, learn from them, and start moving on.

Find your own definition of success

It’s true that we can’t all become self-made billionaires like Conrad Hilton, Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg, but that doesn’t mean that we cannot be successful, because success is not defined by money or status. Success means something different to each person; it means living up to your full potential and fulfilling your personal goals, whatever they may be.

If you personally feel like you have accomplished, or are on your way to accomplishing what you want in life, don’t listen to anyone who tries to tell you that you aren’t successful. You can’t live your life according to someone else’s definition of success, because doing so will prevent you from following your own dreams and from living up to your full potential.

Krisca Te works with Open Colleges, Australia’s leading provider of TAFE courses equivalent and counselling courses. When not working, you can find her actively participating in local dog show events – in support of her husband.

Seven Ways To Live The ‘Seven-Star’ Life

Motivational Memo Blog -

I Challenge You

Peter G. James Sinclair — Mon, 07 May 2012 22:54:40 +0000

Post written by Peter G. James Sinclair.

It is so easy to allow our lives to be pushed around by circumstances, to be carried along by the rushing river of each day, or to be tossed around by the crashing waves of life, as it happens, like a piece of driftwood.

But there is another way.

This is where we must stand back from our life for a moment, to face ourselves squarely in the mirror, and challenge ourselves.

Fear must retreat.

The best method I have ever administered, whenever I have faced fear, has always been through the application of action.

It may be as simple as making a list. Or it may mean getting up and out of my chair and going out to dig my garden or to clean my yard. A walk along the beach works wonders. A stroll through the bush clears the mind. Making a decisive decision always helps to navigate a fresh path and a new way.

If you are waiting for someone else to save you then you will be waiting a long time.

I know people of my vintage who are preparing for retirement. Even in my country the government is now paying $1000 to every employer who will hire someone over the age of 50. There are retirement villages being built for over 50′s, and there is even an insurance company that caters just for the over 50′s.

What is it about the number 50? I don’t get it. Especially when one still feels like a teenager.

How I Learned To Challenge Myself

I am so pleased, as I review my life, that in my thirties I was retrenched, and as a direct result of that action, that rocked my world, I decided to start a business. I had no skills. I had no money. I simply decided to challenge myself to take back control of my life and my finances. We started a cleaning business and I ran it successfully with my wife for three years before selling it on to a friend.

What it proved to me was that I had the ability to start something from nothing and that I could do anything I decided to do. It has been with that confidence that I have started a number of businesses throughout the past two decades.

I discovered that I don’t ever have to wait for another man to hand me a job. I don’t have to wait for the government to give me another handout. I simply need to challenge myself to pursue the next opportunity and then go get it.

With that skill-set in place, created through necessity, I have passed the baton on to my children. That is why they, in their twenties, have the confidence and the mindset that they can start their own businesses, or acquire positions in other companies that are highly paid. They have learnt to challenge themselves to stretch further and reach farther.

But this comes with practice, and so I challenge you to learn how to challenge yourself today. Don’t leave it until tomorrow – because tomorrow never comes. Don’t settle for. Forge ahead.

I Had A Dream

I had a dream the other night and in the dream I could see myself plunging into the ocean. The next scene, revealed in my dream, showed me sailing a boat.

I thought about that for a while and the answer was very clear, as I always look for the interpretation of my dreams. I have learnt to live by faith. That has meant that at times I have plunged into the deep end, but the good news is that I have never once drowned. A boat has always appeared and that boat has transported me to the fulfillment of my dreams.

It takes faith. It takes action. It takes having the courage to challenge yourself. It requires a stretch. It demands a leap. It insists that we must face our fears and push straight through them.

Fear immobilizes. Faith mobilizes.

Don’t Wait Until…

Don’t wait until your fifty before you develop this skill. But if you have passed that age, it is never too late to start.

Take a course. Read a book. Find a mentor. Attend a seminar. Start a business. Get a coach. Learn a new skill.

Apply for a position far beyond your wildest dreams and way above your pay grade. You might just get it.

Refuse to allow yourself to be carried along by negative reports. Keep young by hanging around young minds.

Don’t retire. Decide to refire.

That is my personal challenge to you.

No related posts.

Motivational Memo Blog -

How To Embrace Failure & Make Your Dreams Come True

Peter G. James Sinclair — Fri, 04 May 2012 02:36:19 +0000

Post written by Cynthia Kocialski.

There is the famous quote, “What would you do if you could not fail?” We’ve heard the question so often that we never answer it. So, how would you answer it?

According to the dictionary, failure means “not achieving the desired end”.

Bucket lists are popular these days. It’s the list of things people want to do before they die. The most popular items are to travel and learn a new hobby, followed by learn a new language, write a book, start a business, become a parent, live to work, and go back to school. Interesting enough, not many of the things on people’s bucket lists have much to do with failure.

Develop A New View Of Failure

So why are we so afraid of failing? Our dreams don’t seem to involve failure at all. Are we afraid of disappointing people? Are we afraid of embarrassing ourselves? Are we afraid of change? Are we afraid of never succeeding at all? Is failure the worst of it? Isn’t living with regret for never trying worse than failing?

We just need to view failure differently. The truth is every successful person fails their way to success, achieving anything is the result of a string of failures. Once you succeed, no one remembers the failures.

The consequences of failure are mostly in our minds. For the most part, the repercussions of failure are trivial. If you reduce the risk of failure, you also reduce the reward at the same time. If you decrease the risk of failing too much, then the rewards of success become inconsequential as well. The surest path to failure is to do nothing. There is no risk and therefore, there is no reward.

Embrace Failure & Add Spice To Your Life

We need to embrace failure instead of being afraid of it. Losing your fear of failure can be quite liberating.

Fear is a mind game and in any game, the tables can be turned. Everyone has been told by someone that a can-do attitude is desirable. A far stronger wording is the will-do attitude. Just because you ‘can do’ something, doesn’t mean you ‘will do’ something. Instead of thinking of your goals in terms of “I want to do” or “I can do”, really cement the thought in your mind with “I will do”. Wake up every morning and ask yourself, “What am I going to do today that will bring me closer to reaching my goals?”

Another mind game trick is to act as if you have already succeeded. Walk into a room, free of fear, and with confidence as if you already are the person you dream of becoming. It breaks down your mind’s resistance to failure.

Everyone loves a good story and our lives are our stories. Failure, struggle, and eventual triumph make a great story. We wouldn’t be cheering for the hero if the hero couldn’t fail. Without the possibility of failure, there would be no suspense in a thriller. If the football teams on the field didn’t try and fail to make the goals, but always scored on a drive, the game wouldn’t be exciting to watch. Imagine watching a movie about someone who always succeeded effortlessly. Now that would be a box office flop! It would be boring.

Like it or not, failure is the spice of life, so embrace it.

Cynthia Kocialski is the founder of three companies and is the author of “Startup from the Ground Up” and “Out of the Classroom Lessons in Success”. If you want to know more about entrepreneurship and starting a business, give a visit to The Start-Up Entrepreneurs’ Blog now.

Motivational Memo Blog -

How To Avoid The Leaders Who May Mislead

Peter G. James Sinclair — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:50:55 +0000

Post written by Peter G. James Sinclair.

Follow the leader?

Sorry can’t always. I must follow my heart. I must trust my conscience.

First we must reach into the very depths of our being and ask ourselves the question.

For what reason have I been born?

For what purpose greater than myself have I been placed upon this planet?

What is the contribution that I must bring to earth’s residents?

What does my heart say?

We must lead. Our life. Before we can ever lead others.

Leaders.

I will respect them. But I may not necessarily follow them.

Discernment.

Selective.

Lead Your Own Life

Those who lead their own lives with a heartfelt desire to lean towards truth will not be misled. For the truth will set you and I free. But what is truth?

How many millions have been lured by the seductive oratory of so-called leaders?

Question. Demand proof of authenticity. Request qualifications – life qualifications – not pieces of paper.

Have they walked the walk that you are being asked to walk? Has the price been paid to command the respect and allegiance that is being solicited?

Mediocrity is not your portion.

Excellence should be your trademark.

Remain Untainted

To not be tainted nor manipulated by the pervasive pollution that permeates the atmosphere that we sometimes breathe. That should be our desire. To live as an influencer and not sitting as one who is always under the influence. True to our own thought. Obedient to the integrity of the language that passes between our lips. Willing to stand for something than to remain seated for nothing.

I sense, burgeoning from the stream of communicating thinkers that are now pouring forth their wisdom through the many channels that now avail themselves to us in our world today, that there is a possibility that blindness could possibly overtake society if we are not careful.

The blind leading the blind. The opinion leading the opinion. The mass of thought squelching the thought of originality.

Do we follow the masses, or do we listen to the voice crying in the wilderness? Or when we hear that voice that comes at a jagged angle to our own, how do we respond? Do we adapt? Do we repel? Do we embrace? Do we question? Do we accept? Do we reject?

Is To Lead To Control?

Or rather, is to lead to liberate?

Do you lead to chain or do you lead to springboard and elevate?

We must think. We must think more. We must think even more than we think we need to think.

Do not slide down the slippery dip of conventional and oftentimes acceptable thinking. Question everything. Use the mind that God gave you. It was given for you to use, not to put in overdrive.

Mind Your Mind

Lazy minds lead to lazy lives.

Sloppy minds lead to sloppy lives.

Disciplined minds lead to disciplined lives.

Sharpened minds lead to sharpened lives.

Creative minds lead to creative lives.

Do not blame your leaders if they land you in a ditch. Blame yourself because you chose to follow them. Lead your mind and you will avoid some detours that lie before you. Do this and you have just established yourself as the leader of your life.

To be called a leader does not necessarily equate with being a leader. Don’t be called. Be.

Don’t flash your credentials. Don’t speak up your associations. Don’t tell me what you have done nor what you will do.

Simply do.

Motivational Memo Blog -

3 Things You Should Give Up In Order To Be Happy

Peter G. James Sinclair — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:00:13 +0000

Post written by Mariana Ashley.

There are so many things in our lives that we hold on to. While some of these things are fond and wonderful memories, friendships, and feelings, many are also things that cause a great deal of pain, stress, and suffering.

Part of truly growing up and maturing is letting go of the things in our lives that cause us pain and discomfort. Of course, as we all know, this is no simple feat. Moving on and giving up these things is extraordinarily challenging and at times just as painful of a process as holding on to them.

However, if we are able to truly move on and take a step forward, we can find a healthier and happier future for ourselves.

Use these tips to help guide you towards real personal change, and let go of things, beliefs, and traits that you’ve been sustaining for too long.

1. Let Go of Your Need for Control

Understanding your own personal limitations is a very important step in life. You must be willing to understand that you cannot and do not always need to be in control of things. There are situations, people, events, feelings, etc. that are always going to be out of your control. Trying to control these things only causes stress, frustration, and pain for every party involved most often.

We all do it. However, trying to control things that are out of our feasible control is impossible. You are setting yourself up for failure. Take time to realize what it is you can control in various situations. For those things, people, or situations that you determine you can’t control, simply let them go.

2. Give Up Complaining

Another thing we are all no doubt guilty of is complaining. Complaining can have a therapeutic effect that lasts all of a few minutes. But still, it is a difficult habit to kick. It is important to begin to understand that those things that you complain about—people, situations, events, things—are not what is making you unhappy, angry, and sad.

Only you have control over how you feel and what you feel in specific situations. It is not the things around you that make you feel negatively, it’s how you choose to react to the situation.

Negativity is a contagious and addicting thing really. Stop allowing things you perceive as negative to have so much control over your emotions and mood. Complaining only prolongs your sour mood and negative feelings. Drop it.

3. Let Go of Blame

Placing blame on people and things outside of you is always a quick fix to a problem. In our society today, it seems that conflict resolution means finding someone to blame and then punishing them for their mistakes.

Give up on blame. Finding someone to blame is a waste of time and just one more negative action to fuel the negativity fire. Of course, taking responsibility for yourself, your feelings, and your actions is essential to becoming an adult and eventually finding stability. But it is also important to realize that blame isn’t always the most important aspect of a conflict or problem.

It doesn’t always have to come down to who’s done wrong. Let go of your need to place blame and work to find a more productive resolution. This will help you and the people around you find more joy and ease throughout your days.

Mariana Ashley is a freelance writer who particularly enjoys writing about online colleges. She loves receiving reader feedback, which can be directed to mariana.ashley031(at) gmail.com.

Motivational Memo Blog -

Who Killed Creativity? – The Review

Peter G. James Sinclair — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:40:33 +0000

Review written by Peter G. James Sinclair.

As a student at school I often struggled. The only reason I ultimately ended up in the A classes in high-school was because I made a conscious decision that I wanted to stop failing, and at that point in my life I decided to work harder than I’d ever worked.

But the highlights in my whole schooling career were the years that I had teachers who allowed me to light the creative spark that resided within me.

One year it was a Maths teacher, another year an English teacher and then yet another year a Science teacher. In each of these years, with each of these teachers, I excelled beyond my wildest dreams – and even came top of my year in some of my subjects.

The common thread in all these memorable experiences was creativity.

And that brings me to the masterpiece that my friends Andrew and Gaia Grant have produced in their latest offering ‘Who Killed Creativity?’

Brilliantly researched, powerfully creative in presentation, with a whole lot of associated products and presentations on offer, the reader is ushered along on an amazing journey of identifying and discovering the killer of our own creativity, and then on how we can actively recreate our creative framework and embark anew – both refreshed and revitalized to take on the world again with a truly creative approach.

Supported with multitudinous numbers of real life case studies, ranging from their own child’s creative discoveries as he crunches on a cookie to the world of global business where organizations have tackled the creativity challenge and used these principles successfully, this powerfully creative book gets the creative juices working overtime.

And mind you, it has been constructed in an extremely creative fashion as the authors cleverly help their readers to discover and identify who killed creativity, and with what weapon.

Firstly, the murder process is represented by four stages: oppression – the use of control and fear to limit open thinking, restriction – the use of pressure  and insulation to restrict ideas, degeneration- inhibition of  growth driven by apathy, and finally destruction – destructive narrow-mindedness and pessimism.

But the good news is that the authors don’t leave us there in a state of creative decease.

Hope is heralded and our creativity can be saved through liberation – the freedom and  courage to step out and think freely, initiation – the independence  and openness to let go and grow, motivation – the passion to drive transformation, and finally transformation itself – the flexibility and positivity to make real changes.

This ground breaking book is presented in a fascinating ‘crime scene investigation’ forensic approach, with carefully researched facts blended with humorous anecdotes to reveal the creative thinking killers. Practical tools and case studies then demonstrate how we as the reader can rewire our brain using seven essential creative thinking strategies.

I can assure you that ‘Who Killed Creativity?’ will definitely help resuscitate the spirit of innovation in your life at all levels

How To Live Creatively

Motivational Memo Blog -

The Day The Earth Moved

Peter G. James Sinclair — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:48:45 +0000

Post written by Peter G. James Sinclair.

A love letter to my children…

I could feel the earth move under my bare feet. There was nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide as I watched our granny flat begin to shake violently from side to side. The sound like a thunderclap accompanied the first warning that an earthquake had just hit Newcastle.

The wooden boards of the old weatherboard flat slapped and rattled against each other as I tried to comprehend what was happening all around me. Everything seemed to move in slow motion, and the sounds and the feelings lasted for what seemed to be minutes. Having never experienced an earthquake, I had no reference point to compare it with.

When the noise subsided, I raced past the granny flat and back into the house. The electricity was off and the phone was dead. I ran to where my son had been sleeping in his cot, and seeing that he hadn’t stirred I then rushed from room to room checking for any damage.

Fortunately we hadn’t been at the epicenter, or else our old weatherboard house would have been a heap of rubble. In a matter of seconds the Steel City had been shaken to its foundations. Any fault or weakness in any building was exposed for all to see; sometimes with devastating results. The tragedy that struck in a split second would take years to rebuild.

Children, my desire is to help build into your lives some solid foundations. The two most important things I can help you discover are wisdom and understanding. Many lives look all right on the outside, but true strength of character is unveiled when a tragedy or a challenge strikes. It is much easier to prepare, than it is to repair. It is so much better to build, than it is to rebuild. In the letters that follow, I’ll share numerous stories with you. I pray that they will plant in you a desire to win, a willingness to dare, and the courage to dream.

I want you to succeed and prosper. Don’t be afraid of making a mistake. Learn from them, dust yourself off, and press on with a little bit more experience under your belt. To be taught, you need to be willing to learn. With that attitude you’re destined to win.

Find out what gift God has planted in your lives, and then use it. Go with your strengths.

Learn this while you’re young, and it will put you light years ahead of those around you. The greatest discovery any man or woman can make is what purpose they’ve been born for, and then to pursue it with a passion.

In your pursuit, don’t forget to always love people. Forgive them whenever they let you down. Amidst the scraps of life never forget to love them. Sometimes the greatest investment you can put into another life is a smile or a kind word, a note, a hug or a gift. Live to give.

It doesn’t have to be anything of great expense, but the act of giving will touch a life, and could change it forever.

I want to give of myself to you in these letters. So many people, when they’re dead and gone, leave their children a bit of real estate, a few investments and a bill for the funeral. The graveyards are full of those who never left a lasting legacy. I, for one, want to leave you with love and wisdom that can act as a guide to you throughout the raging seas of life. A lifeboat or two may come in handy if things ever get a bit rough.

Life is a struggle. Unfortunately we haven’t been born into a perfect world. You’re going to have to fight for everything you’ve got. The greatest freedom that we have in this country, within the guidelines of the laws of the land, is that we are free to pursue our dreams. Free to be our own boss. Free to fail or succeed. Free to pursue our own personal dreams. Free to have our own goals. It’s a responsibility, but it’s a freedom that I wish for you.

Dream your own dreams. Fight your own fight. Get a vision for your life that will stir your heart.

It really doesn’t matter to me what you choose to do with your lives, as long as you use your strengths and enjoy life. Make sure that what you do doesn’t cause harm to those around you, but at the same time have a ball! Risk if you want to risk. Dare if you want to dare. Be different. Swim upstream. Step out of the boat. Walk on the water of life. You’re in good company as you walk by faith. Yes walk by faith, not by sight.

Dream big dreams. Love much. Always take time for those closest to you. Work hard, but never be too busy to smell the roses. Walk along the beach. Feel the sand between your toes. Search for shells. Touch a starfish. Fish a while. Kick a ball. Ride a bike.

Fly a kite. Paint a picture. Sing a song. Dance a dance. Dig a garden. Whatever you do, never lose the excitement of a new discovery.

Never lose the childlike spirit within you.

While at the library last night, I found a book that was dealing with the exact subject I’m currently working on. I was so excited that I was like a child in a candy shop. I love to discover things. If there is anything I want to instill in you, it’s the love of books and the love of learning. Did you know that the two things that will make a profound difference in your lives are the books you read and the people with whom you associate? Choose winners and make them your friends. Read plenty of books about great men and women. Learn from them, and apply the principles you draw from their lives. There’s no reason for repeating mistakes that have been made by those before you.

The best mistakes to learn from are the ones others have made. You’ll still make your own mistakes, but by studying and associating with winners, you can reduce the odds.

Regarding friends, look for quality rather than quantity. The secret to making friends? Be friendly. Friends will come and go, but there will be a few close ones who will stick with you for a lifetime. To keep good friends, continue to invest in them on a regular basis. Be positive. Be available. Forgive and love on them continually.

Well, it’s getting late and I’ve got to go to bed. There’s so much that I want to share with you, but a bit at a time will do. Sleep well. My prayers are with you. May sweet dreams be yours tonight.

With much love…

10 Life Changing Thoughts To Help You Never Run Out Of Gas

Motivational Memo Blog -

How To Turn Your Obstacles Into Opportunities

Peter G. James Sinclair — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 16:29:55 +0000

Post written by Peter G. James Sinclair.

‘Obstacles cannot crush me. Every obstacle yields to stern resolve. He who is fixed to a star does not change his mind.’ Leonardo Da Vinci

Life is filled with obstacles.

Experience has taught me that when we are pioneering towards a fresh dream, a new venture, or a heartfelt desire, there will always be obstacles.

Why is it that we are so often surprised by them? Why is that so many are derailed by the obvious? Why are we sidetracked? Why do we stop dead in our tracks? Why do we give up? Why do we agree with the naysayers and say, ‘I was a fool to think it possible’?

If you have found yourself in that position, I have good news for you. While ever there is breath in your body, it is still never too late to pick up that dream again with fresh resolve and go again.

But there are a few important things that you must understand if you are ever going to fulfill the reason that you have been born.

1. Obstacles Can’t Crush You

Obstacles may delay you, but they cannot crush you. They are the wolf that declares that he will huff and he will puff and blow your house down. Your brick house, which represents your dream, will unveil that the wolf’s threats are just that – a lot of hot air that will fail to stop the inevitable.

The only reason you will be crushed is if you start to believe his threats. Close your ears. Shut out your mind to such thoughts. Declare ‘I will not be defeated and I will not quit.’ Shout out loud that ‘Every obstacle that I come across will teach me a new lesson or a new skill that will position me for my next success.’

Approach each obstacle as your teacher and not as your opponent. If you approach your life as a student you will always be prepared to learn the lesson that obstacles teach. Ask yourself the question, ‘What can I learn from this?’ and nothing will phase you.

2. Obstacles Lead To Stern Resolve

Something happens to you on the inside when people say that you can’t. I have experienced this feeling time and time again with each crazy new venture that I have undertaken throughout my life.

It takes a stern resolve to push through the pain barrier, the opposition, the disbelief, the questioning, the doubt, the fear, the lack of resources, and every obstacle that is standing between you and the fulfilment of your dream.

This is where you step up a gear into overdrive. This is where you get creative. This is where you get imaginative. This is where you get sharper. This is where you kick over from amateur to professional. This is where your light rises above the pack and you start to stand out above the crowd called mediocrity. This is where you step up from being an under achiever and are transformed into an over achiever.

Steel is implanted into your backbone. Your eyes are transfixed towards your goal, and your resolve moves from a state of instability into a state of stern resolve.

3. Keep Fixed To Your Star

Sailors in ages past used the stars to guide them through all weathers upon the vast oceans that they sailed. Because of that they reached their destination.

What is your dream?
What is your goal?
What is your life goal?
For what purpose have you been born?
What do you wish to be remembered for?
What legacy do you wish to leave?
What imprint do you wish to plant upon earth for all eternity?
What do you wish to contribute?
What is your star?

It must be something that is bigger than yourself.

I read recently that rich people who fail to share their wealth generally commit suicide or die a lonely death. So it is very clear that we must live for more than just our own personal gain and comfort.

What is your star?

What will empower you to face obstacles, to learn from them, and to move forever forward to your destination?

4. Don’t Change Your Mind

Whenever an obstacle stands in your way it is so easy to convince yourself that it must have been a mistake. So you change your mind.

I am as guilty as the next person to have yielded to this throughout my life. But it is never too late to get back on track.

Once you know that obstacles cannot crush you, that it has led you to a stern resolve in your heart and mind – a knowledge that you know because you know what to do with your life – and you are fixed to your star, then don’t change you mind.

Stick with it. Improve. Learn. Grow. Go. Persist. Persevere. Never, never quit. Don’t give up. You can do it. You will make it.

Ask yourself this question. ‘How long am I willing to push ahead through very obstacle I face until I see victory?’ If your answer is ‘forever’, then what is an obstacle to do with such a commitment to success. It will bow its knee. It will yield. It will buckle under pressure applied by such a determined life.

Like the river that cut through the rock and formed the Grand Canyon, so too you will turn every obstacle into wondrous opportunities that will bring joy to not only you, but also to those who are impacted by your tenacity to fulfill the purpose for which you were born.

Motivational Memo Blog -