The Daily Motivator: September 2008

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Still to come

Be thankful for what is. And be thankful also for what has not yet come to you.

For that is where the possibilities are. And those possibilities have no limit.

Value what you already know, and also value the countless things you don't yet know. For in what you do not know, there is the joy of learning and discoveries to come.

Find peace in the thought that you cannot ever have it all or know it all. For if you did, there would be nothing more to experience.

The best is yet to come. For you have the opportunity to choose it all from the boundless field of possibilities.

There is great value in where you have been, in what you have done, and in all that you now have. And always, so very much more is still to come.

-- Ralph Marston

Copyright (c) 2008 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. From The Daily Motivator at http://greatday.com where you will find an archive of more than 3,000 positive messages plus books, CDs, motivational videos and more. Permission is given to post online only if this entire notice is included.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Wide open

Today is wide open. It does not have to be like yesterday, or any other day.

Today is opportunity. It is a canvas upon which your choices and your actions can create a valuable and unique masterpiece.

Paint vividly and passionately upon that canvas. Do something good and useful, valuable, exciting, inspiring and fulfilling with the magnificent possibilities that exist right now, on this very day.

Here you now are, with the knowledge, experience, resources and desire to make a difference. This is the time to act and to push your most profound purpose confidently forward.

All that you have ever thought, and felt, and experienced has brought you to this point. Now is when you can make something new, great and wonderful out of it all.

Today is real and today is now available for you. Bring it to life in your own special way.

-- Ralph Marston

There is always a way

You are stronger than anything standing in your way. Because you have a purpose that cannot be denied.

Often that purpose is difficult and inconvenient to follow. Yet it is never impossible to follow.

There is always a way. If the path you're on is blocked, look for another route, because it is surely there.

You can be flexible, innovative, determined and persistent. You can imagine any possibility, and then work to make that possibility real.

Every moment, every circumstance, every turn of events presents you with an opportunity to act. Take those opportunities, make those actions come to life, and express the purpose that is uniquely you.

Step up and embrace the responsibility for moving your life forward. Whatever may come, there is always a way.

-- Ralph Marston

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Give yourself the power

Your power depends on your perspective. And your perspective is yours to choose.

If you convince yourself that you're having a bad day, you will indeed experience a frustrating and unproductive day. If you assume that circumstances are allied against you, then you'll encounter great trouble in getting anything done.

There is a much more powerful alternative. You can choose to adopt and embrace a perspective that will work for you rather than against you.

Think of how you would feel if conditions were perfect, if your actions were highly effective and if everything was going exactly your way. Then, once you imagine how it would feel, go ahead and allow yourself to actually feel that way.

How would you act today if you knew you were going to be completely successful? Go ahead and act that way, and the success will come.

Put yourself in a position of power by choosing to feel the positive influence and effectiveness that you know is yours. Adopt the thoughts, feelings and actions of success, and you will indeed bring success to life.

-- Ralph Marston

Friday, September 26, 2008

Abundance awareness

Fulfillment is not a matter of acquiring something. Fulfillment is developing the awareness that you already have access to whatever you seek.

There is no need to ask or to beg for anything from life. Instead, you can lovingly accept and express what is already available to you.

Even now, there is a connection to whatever you may dream or desire. Know that connection, feel that connection, live that connection and the dream is real and present.

Though there are challenges and obstacles, they do not separate you from your dream. On the contrary, they connect you to it and give it value.

Achievement is the expression of what you already know to be true. Achievement is a state of awareness that you can enter whenever you choose.

All that you could ever imagine is available to you at all times. Open yourself to the possibilities, and joyfully accept the limitless abundance that is.

-- Ralph Marston

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Learn and know

Knowledge is one of the greatest treasures you can ever have. Each day is filled with countless opportunities to obtain more of it and to make good use of it, and no one can ever take it away from you.

In fact, the more you share what you know the more valuable that knowledge becomes to you. In knowledge there is great and continuously growing power.

Do not be content to hear secondhand from others how the world works. Take the initiative and make the effort to learn for yourself, and gain real, useful knowledge.

The amount and quality of knowledge you have will determine to a large extent the quality of your life. When you know what you need to learn, and when you know how to find it, anything becomes possible.

You already have great knowledge and you have access to much, much more. Achievement comes from using your knowledge to drive your actions toward the goals you have chosen.

Every day, every situation, every experience is a learning opportunity. Make good, purposeful use of what you know and learn, and there is no limit to what you can achieve.

-- Ralph Marston

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Priorities

You've had many successes in your life and you'll have many more. In matters large and small you have a history of achieving what you have truly chosen to achieve.

The question to focus upon is this. What will you now choose to achieve?

How will you make the most meaningful and fulfilling use of the time and resources available to you? Which of the many opportunities will you now decide to follow?

You have a way of reaching those goals that you've authentically committed to reach. When something is important enough to you, when it is a priority, you know how to make it happen.

So what are the priorities you choose to have on this day? Upon what will you focus your considerable powers of achievement?

Whatever you make into a priority will surely become an achievement. Choose your priorities today with care, because you are indeed choosing how your life will soon be.

-- Ralph Marston

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Bring new value to life

It's natural to be negative. But that doesn't mean you have to let negativity control your life.

It's normal to worry. But worry accomplishes nothing, and you have much better ways to use your time and your energy.

The situation you're in could get a lot worse. And yet, it is just as likely to get a lot better.

You don't know what the future will bring. So your best strategy is to make full and positive use of the present.

The way to do that is by allowing your positive expectations to guide and to focus your positive actions. The best opportunities often arise when it seems that there won't ever be any more opportunities.

This is a day when you can make real progress. Turn toward the goal, let your expectations put a smile on your face, and bring new value to life right now.

-- Ralph Marston

Monday, September 22, 2008

Imagine your life

What can you imagine? What would you most like to imagine?

Your life flows out from your imagination. Whatever you choose to become, you have first chosen to imagine.

No, life does not come to pass exactly as you have imagined it. There are many surprises and distractions along the way.

And yet, your most persistent and consistent imaginings do indeed set the direction for your life. Though it is impossible to foresee every pebble in every road, you can certainly choose which roads to travel based on where you know they lead.

Let your imagination be the pioneer that explores exciting and fulfilling new worlds. From the best of those worlds, find the one for you.

Imagine a great and wonderful life for yourself, with passion and loving detail. As soon as you imagine it, you begin the process of truly living it.

-- Ralph Marston

Saturday, September 20, 2008

All of now

The bright sun shines in the clear blue sky. Shimmering waves glisten on a restless sea.

Beauty fills the world. Possibility fills your life.

The problems are real. Yet in each one is the opportunity to move forward.

This sparkling moment is one of a kind. Take it in with love and with gratitude, and remember to live it fully.

This magical mystery that is your life knows only the limits you choose to give it. In the heart of your spirit you can experience anything you decide to experience.

Life is in all of now. See it, feel it and know it as it fills you with wonder and joy.

-- Ralph Marston

Friday, September 19, 2008

Now is the time

It's time to get busy. It's time to make a difference, and just think of how great that will feel.

This day is a golden opportunity to bring your dreams to life. You're in a position to have a positive impact on your world.

Instead of complaining about what's wrong, build upon what is right. Instead of arguing over who is to blame, figure out what you can do to make things better.

There are ideas you've been meaning to pursue. Now is the time to get started on them.

There are projects you've been needing to finish. Now is your chance to bring those achievements to fruition.

Give the gift of your own smart, focused, enthusiastic action to the world today. There's immense value just waiting to be created, and now is the time to make it happen.

-- Ralph Marston

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Always something

There is always something positive that you can do. On the best of days, or in the most challenging of circumstances, you can choose to move forward.

Conditions are not as bad as they seem, nor are conditions as good as they appear. Conditions are whatever you choose to make of them.

It's up to you to take the energy of this day and give it a specific direction. Though circumstances are constantly changing, you can always choose to move in the direction of your dreams.

Of course there are complications, challenges and obstacles. And you can use them all to create your own path forward.

You are in control of your thoughts and actions. That's a powerful place from which to operate, no matter what the outside circumstances may be.

There is always something positive, productive, enriching and fulfilling that you can do. Get up, get going, and make a difference in your own special way.

-- Ralph Marston

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

A different angle

You can learn many things from those who agree with you. You can often learn even more from those with whom you disagree.

Your own perspective is important, for it enables you to make sense of the world. Always keep in mind, though, that yours is not the only perspective.

You can listen to others, learn from them, and successfully work with them even though you may not agree with them on all issues. If everyone held the exact same opinion on every subject, then knowledge and wisdom would become stagnant and outdated.

Your own perspective will grow stronger and more useful when you regularly allow it to be challenged. When people respectfully agree to disagree, everyone benefits from the diversity of opinion.

Living a life of success and fulfillment does not depend on always proving that you're right and that others are wrong. To make real progress you must let go of the assumption that you already have all the answers.

Stay true to the values you treasure, while thoughtfully considering the different perspectives of others. Look at life from a different angle, and you'll always find new richness.

-- Ralph Marston

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Offer real value

There is always much work to be done. There is always great value to be created.

Plenty of problems are waiting to be solved. And each problem represents opportunity.

All kinds of dreams are longing to be realized. Those dreams add incalculable positive power to life.

Choose to tackle the difficult problems with effectiveness and persistence, and you will gain great rewards. Learn to deliver the real value and substance that the world seeks, and your efforts will always be in demand.

Conditions are constantly changing, and yet some things will always be true. Those people who make themselves the most useful will enjoy life's richest treasures.

Choose to be creative, flexible, productive, effective, efficient and generous with the best that is within you. Offer real value to the world, and the world will surely return the favor in abundance.

-- Ralph Marston

Monday, September 15, 2008

Living purpose

Your purpose is not to fear or to frighten. Your purpose is not to control or to be controlled.

Your purpose is to live, to love and to experience life in a way that is uniquely yours. Your purpose is to be open to the newness and reality of every moment, giving joy a living expression.

Your purpose is to give the miracle of life a distinct voice. It is to know and to treasure moments of pure beauty for which there are no words.

The challenges may be profound, and yet they cannot challenge or diminish your purpose. On the contrary, those challenges help you to understand and express your purpose more clearly.

The world can at times distract you into caring about mere shadows of life that have no real meaning. Yet always, beneath the surface, your living purpose is there.

Remember that purpose, and let its value flow freely from you with each thought, feeling and action. Live from your purpose and be fully alive.

-- Ralph Marston

Saturday, September 13, 2008

The next step forward

Adversity is only adversity. Choose not to make it anything more.

Adversity will affect the circumstances in which you live and work. Yet you do not have to let it affect who you are, or where you're headed, or what you're able to do.

Take note of the setbacks and adjust to them. But don't expand on them by making them a part of you.

Instead, use each instance of adversity as a reminder of why you have chosen to move in the direction you are moving. Use each setback as an opportunity to redouble your positive, forward-looking efforts.

Every day brings new value and new possibilities. There is always a way to take the next step forward on the path you have chosen.

Find that step today and take it. No mere circumstance can stop you from moving steadily and joyfully forward in the direction of your dreams.

-- Ralph Marston

Friday, September 12, 2008

Purposeful determination

What is the difference between desperation and determination? The difference comes from having a positive, meaningful direction.

The energy of desperation is wasted on self-pity and negativity. That can lead to destructive behavior, which only makes the sense of desperation worse.

Yet by choosing a positive orientation, you can always transform the self-defeating energy of your desperation into solid, potent determination. By applying that energy toward a positive purpose, you can make great and valuable improvements in your world.

If you become dismayed, discouraged or even desperate, recognize that there's a positive opportunity. For it signals that you are ready and willing to be genuinely determined.

And when determination fuels your actions, those actions bring real results. Persistence, effectiveness and power flow naturally and solidly from purposeful determination.

Just one step away from desperation is the energy of determination. Take that step, and put all that energy to good use.

-- Ralph Marston

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Authentic

There is great power in truth. There is great power in authenticity.

It can be comforting for a while to overlook or deny who you truly are, in order to go along with the crowd. Yet it is a false comfort that never does last.

There is no person you can pretend to be who is as powerful and effective as the person you really are. No identity you might try to manufacture will ever work as well as the identity that has always been a part of you.

With authenticity, no effort is needed to maintain your sense of self. It flows easily and naturally through everything you do, freeing you and enabling you to live life fully.

You are real and you are unique and you are of great value. It is in your best interest to mine the magnificent treasure of the authentic you.

Do not merely go along with life. Be authentic, and you will make it great.

-- Ralph Marston

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Good and tired

Being tired from doing something feels a whole lot better than being tired of doing nothing. If you're going to be tired at the end of each day, then make it really count for something.

If you're weary, perhaps it's not because you're doing too much. Perhaps it's because you're not at all invested in what you're doing.

A difficult challenge that's aligned with your purpose will generate far more energy in you than an easy task that has no real meaning for you. You can accomplish much more when what you're accomplishing is what you care about.

When your body is tired, a good night's sleep will revive you. When you're spirit is weary, you'll need something more.

You have a unique voice and a unique purpose that are longing to be expressed. Start living that expression and you'll find an endless source of energy flowing through your life.

Get yourself good and tired with focused, disciplined work on a purpose that connects with who you truly are. And you'll find that each day you have even more energy than the day before.

-- Ralph Marston

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Two to one

There's a job that must be done. Will you get busy and do it or will you just sit there and avoid taking action?

The way you prevent yourself from taking action is to have a set of reasonable and believable excuses. The way to get the work done is to replace those excuses with clear and meaningful reasons that are far more compelling.

Every delay is a wasted opportunity. For time is a most precious and irreplaceable resource.

Each time you think of an excuse for not taking action, overpower it. For each single excuse, quickly come up with two good, solid believable reasons for moving forward.

Yes, if you choose you can talk yourself out of doing what must be done. Fortunately, you are just as empowered to talk yourself into taking any necessary action.

Decide to blast away every excuse with two good reasons for going ahead and moving forward. And the odds are two to one that you will indeed reach whatever goal you choose.

-- Ralph Marston

Monday, September 8, 2008

Turn toward peace

Peace is not a circumstance. Peace is a feeling, a powerful, wonderful and desirable feeling.

Peace does not depend on any particular set of conditions. It can be any place, at any time.

Remember how peace feels. And by so remembering, you make yourself available to peace.

Peace is what remains when you've surrendered your ego and your fears. Peace is always there, patiently waiting for you to turn your awareness toward it.

The same part of you that longs for peace is the part of you that experiences peace. It is not complicated and is as close as your next thought.

Think lovingly of how peace feels to you. And truly be at peace.

-- Ralph Marston

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Fulfillment now

A beautiful, fulfilled life requires nothing more than what you already have. Fulfillment depends solely on your decision to accept and experience it, in the moment where you are.

There are some achievements that may take a lifetime to reach. Yet at any point along the way, from the very moment you begin, you can know fulfillment.

Reaching any goal is a matter of commitment, discipline, intention and effort. Fulfillment itself is immediate, for it is a matter of knowing that you are living true to your highest purpose.

Do not become trapped by measuring success based on what you've already done or failed to do. Learn to see that success is entirely a function of how you are feeling and thinking and acting right now.

Your past cannot hold you back and your future cannot intimidate you, unless you allow it. This moment has every possibility of being the most fulfilling time you've ever known.

Your life is infinitely more wonderful than any possession or event or circumstance that you can imagine. And somewhere inside, you know it.

-- Ralph Marston

Friday, September 5, 2008

Depth of gratitude

Abundance and gratitude are inextricably linked. By living with gratitude, you open yourself to life's immense abundance.

If you are a little bit thankful for this, and a little thankful for that, just every so often, you'll have glimpses of abundance. When you enable and allow yourself to be continuously thankful for every big and little thing, your life will be immersed in abundance all the time.

It may seem strange to feel thankful for those events in your life that appear to be negative. Yet it is precisely by being thankful that you can identify the opportunities for transforming the setbacks and obstacles into successes.

You may not think it's worth the time and effort to be thankful for all the little, seemingly insignificant things in your life. However, without the little things there would be no big things.

Seek to develop a depth of gratitude by seizing every opportunity to be thankful. Make genuine gratitude a constant companion to who you are, in all that you do.

As your gratitude grows deeper and more all-encompassing, life's abundance shines more brilliantly for you. Be truly, constantly thankful, and there is no end to the level of abundance that you will experience.

-- Ralph Marston

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Yours to live

This day is yours to experience. This life is yours to live.

This world is a place in which you can act to make a positive, meaningful difference. This moment is one that's filled with possibilities.

It can often be difficult to make your way forward, and it is all too easy to lose sight of the unique and beautiful person you truly are. Take time to remember the best that is within you, and know that your authentic, miraculous life is stronger than any obstacle.

Choose to fill this day with your very own special expression of what it means to be alive. Right now is your opportunity to fulfill those yearnings that have always called to you.

You have the power to take any ordinary moment and put joy into it. Your happiness comes not from what you may seek to take away from life but from what you give, what you create, and what you share.

This is your moment to live with all the purpose and richness you can imagine. Realize that nothing is really holding you back, and make this the best day ever.

-- Ralph Marston

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Thrive on challenge

Life will challenge you regularly. Embrace that challenge with a thankful heart and a creative, resourceful mind.

Each challenge has within it great strength. Go out to meet the challenge, work your way steadily through it, and that strength becomes yours.

Challenge can be painful, inconvenient, embarrassing, tedious and time consuming. And that same challenge also gives life much of its meaning, flavor and fulfillment.

One of the kindest things you can do for someone else is to offer a respectful, meaningful challenge to that person. One of the smartest things you can do for yourself is to take on higher and higher levels of challenge.

Challenge sharpens your priorities and magnifies your performance. Lives of greatness positively thrive on challenge.

Choose to see each challenge as the opportunity for growth, satisfaction and achievement that it is. The world is overflowing with challenges, and inside each challenge you'll find truly immense value.

-- Ralph Marston

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

The goal ahead

If you find it difficult to deal with where you are, look ahead toward where you're going. Keep yourself focused on the goal at the end of the road, and you'll find the strength to move steadily down that road.

When you continue looking ahead, even the difficult steps will seem lighter. The burdens of the moment become much more bearable when you know there is a purpose behind them.

Your dreams can pull you toward them if you'll give those dreams a prominent place in your heart and your mind. Look ahead toward where you intend to go, and you'll find that each challenge makes you stronger.

When your eye is on the goal, the distractions won't be nearly so distracting. Your efforts will gain the immense power of focus when you're always clearly aware of where you're headed.

Your time, your energy, and your resources will get used no matter which direction you are looking. By choosing to look ahead, you get the highest return for the efforts you invest in your life.

Look ahead, toward the place you most want to be. The more you look, the faster you'll move forward.

-- Ralph Marston

Monday, September 1, 2008

Choose your world

When the going gets tough, smile. And know that you have what it takes to make it through.

When stress and tension and confusion surround you, relax. Select a specific challenge, deal with it, and then move calmly and confidently to the next.

If you're being pulled in every direction by forces beyond your control, take time to remember what you value most. Focus on what's important to you, and you'll naturally move toward it.

There will be times when it seems that your dreams are slipping away. Remind yourself once again why you follow those dreams, and you will bring them back to life.

Choose to live not in a world that's overwhelmed with problems. Choose instead to live in a world that is overflowing with positive possibilities.

On the surface, life can often seem tumultuous and incomprehensible. Yet deep inside, where it truly matters, life is the way you see it and becomes what you choose to make it.

-- Ralph Marston

About Me

Blog Archive

Contact

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Monday, September 29, 2008

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Friday, September 26, 2008

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Monday, September 22, 2008

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Friday, September 19, 2008

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Monday, September 15, 2008

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Friday, September 12, 2008

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Monday, September 8, 2008

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Friday, September 5, 2008

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Monday, September 1, 2008