Friday 14th December 2007 - Newsletter No. 126

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Contribute: michaelsdesk@michaelheppell.com

THINK YOUR WAY TO A BRILLIANT CHRISTMAS!

Of all the news letters we produce our popular 'how to...' pieces get the best response so for our special Christmas edition we've asked Michael to write a how to get the best out of Christmas 2007. Here it is.

Christmas! Some love it, others bare it, some just wish it to go away. I'm in the 'love it' category. A brilliant Christmas time won't happen by accident. It takes a bit of planning for the physical side but it's not the excess that makes Christmas brilliant its the mental preparation. 'Thoughts are things' is the classic quote from Napoleon Hill, the quality of your Christmas is going to be determined by the quality of your thinking. So here are my thoughts on what you may want to 'think' during this season.

1) Think about counting to ten more often. It's one of the oldest stress management techniques but also one of the most effective. To add a bit of festive fun why not add the word reindeer between each number? So before you scream, kick off or bite think about... One reindeer, two reindeer, three reindeer...

2) Think about brilliant presentation. Going the extra few inches with wrapping, table decoration, stocking fillers and surprises makes a massive difference. Remember you only get one chance to make a first impression.

It's only just been released, but see what people are saying!

"This is a book EVERYONE needs to read. Not once. Have it by your bed and go back to it for snippets!

There's no better gift you could give yourself. Go on! You deserve it!"

Davina McCall

3) Think about what you are going to say when you call old relatives and friends. Make a list of five questions you'd like to ask them and five interesting pieces of news you'd like to share. You may be lucky and can pick up the phone and just chat, but why leave these lovely conversations to chance.

4) Think about making a contribution. There are more ways to give than ever, but here's a thought I used to share with people when I was a fundraiser. Making a donation should 'hurt' enough so you know you've made it but not enough so you wouldn't do it again.

5) Think about not drinking too much. Whooaa! Some of you may be shouting but there's an important reason which everyone should know most people enjoy a drink over the festive period, and why not? However, here’s a challenge for you. You will most likely want to change something, quit something or do more of something in the New Year. By making a decision to drink less (or it could be eat or something else) over the festive period you are starting to programme your mind for success in the new year. Think about it when it gets to January 1st and you are able to say, I know I can do this, after all I cut down on ‘x’ at Christmas.

6) Think about doing more stuff as a family. If you planned to have 4 meals together have five. If you were going to watch a couple of family movies cuddled up on the sofa then watch three. If you were going to go visiting people as a family once do it twice. It’s the most wonderful time to get together as a family – take it to next level of family fun.

7) Think about the true meaning of Christmas. Whether you are a Christian or not the reason for this celebration is the birth of Christ. Think about that for some time on 25th December, please.

Wishing you a brilliant Christmas,

Michael



BRILLIANT LIFE FOR CHRISTMAS!
We're delighted to announce the release of Brilliant Life, Michael's latest book. Brilliant Life uses the 'Wheel of Life' as a basis and is packed with short (2-3 page) mini chapters. Each one is designed as an easy read to rapidly get a point or two across. At 319 pages it means it will have something for everyone. It's a classic Michael Heppell straightforward style with bags of humour, inspiration and 'how to's'. Here's a synopsis of the book: If you want to achieve greater balance and succeed in all areas of your life, from your health through to your work, money and relationships, then this is book for you. In Michael Heppell's bestseller 'How To Be Brilliant', he uses the 'Wheel of Life', a tool that has helped thousands of people identify which areas of their life need attention, which areas they are doing well in and what needs to happen next. Now, 'Brilliant Life' has eight new wheels, one for each key life area, that will teach you about your true self and identify the areas you need to focus your energy and valuable time on developing. Once you know what to focus on, 'Brilliant Life' is jammed with practical tools and techniques to ensure that you achieve true life balance, success and happiness. Creating a brilliant life is easy when you know how. If you need some help with finances or help in relationships, the answer is in this book. Not only that, the techniques are simple - some will give you very quick results, others will need slightly more effort, but it's all there in a fun, easy to read, step by step guide... The book is designed to be a reference for you to use now and in the future. 'Brilliant Life' is the ultimate interactive self-help book and guide for success. To order your copy and receive it in time for Christmas, click here!

Michael has spent the last 10 years of his life working with over half a million people around the world.

This is your chance to ask Michael a question that affects you, your business, or any other area of your life.

Send your questions to michaelsdesk@michaelheppell.com and type 'ask michael' in the subject. A selection will be answered in the next edition of the newsletter.

Dear Michael

I'm starting to feel self doubt. People are beginning to question my ability to my job and I'm piling on the weight. Have you any thoughts?

Sincerely

Kris Kringle

Hi Kris

We all feel self doubt from time to time. The secret is to do something active that makes you feel good. Taking action is the key. I know you only work one day a year but make this your best one ever.

On your travels you will see the odd stocking which is looking for a filler, perhaps a book would be a perfect gift! As for piling on the pounds, could I suggest half a mince pie now and then?

Be Brilliant,

Michael