You may be happily married with a great family, but someone you may look up to (or down on as the case may be) has it together just a little better.

Or, you may be among the top players in your sport or in your profession, but there are still 5% of the people that are doing better…so the question becomes, how can I get better at what I do?

Indeed, you could also be in a position where you are in the bottom 5%, life has thrown you some challenges and now you are ready to embark on a program of change to help you get better at what you do.

After having modeled several of the highest achievers in life and developing the blueprint in Attracting Greatness, you can be more convinced than ever that you can make positive change in your life and that you can get better no matter where your starting point, you age or life situation.

Here are 3 tips to get you started on how to get better at what you do:

1. Elevate your expectations & standards: The reality of our lives is that we achieve (almost always) to the expected standard we set for ourselves.  Sure, we may dream bigger, we may want to be bigger, but do we EXPECT to be bigger and better?  That is the more important question — to get better at what you do you must work on your mind to frame a new set of expectations (not just dreams or desires).   While improving your results starts with a dream, altering your expectations is what really helps you get to the next level

2. Consistency. The universe values consistency at an exceptionally high level.  Raise your game for one or two days and then sink back to where you were will not only NOT get you to the next level in your life, it will demonstrate inconsistency which will also lower your credibility making it that much tougher to get better at what you do the next time.  Making small adjustments and commitments that you can put into practice consistently is better than making wild leaps that can not be sustained

3. Work on your self confidence. You do not get better at what you do without having a firm inner belief system that allows you to wander into the forest of the unknown with excitement and confidence rather than dread and uncertainty.  If you want to get better at what you do, then make sure you are ready to break down the barriers that fear and uncertainty will place in front of you.

Anyone can get better at what they do – it is a matter of combining fearlessness with consistency and a new set of expectations, armed with those 3 powerful things, you can really become unstoppable.

Expect Success is a 105-page power-packed, easy-to-read and practical book on "How to Accomplish Anything In LIfe Using Your Own Inner Circle of Success" 

Here's the REAL kicker…

When you buy it today you will receive over $1,000 in fr-ee gifts.

I won't go into all the details here, because everything is covered at his website.  I’ve personally read and reviewed this book and believe it in.  I am confident it will help you achieve success faster than ever before.

Here's a quick "Expect Success" video for you…

So – head over and, just for today, claim your $1,000 in bonuses for ordering Drew's "Expect Success" book

I can remember my teenage years daydreaming in class wondering what my true purpose in life really will be – what career will I have, what sort of lifestyle will I lead and who will I lead it with?

As we grow older more and more of finding our life purpose gets wrapped up in major achievements – our first car, our home, our relationships, how we dress, how many awards or promotions we receive and so on…

Is that really the rigth way to define our purpose in life?

If so, why do so many people who have achieved peaks in their lives want to simplify life, to change your life into something completely different, but the question is….what?

It's really worth it to see how we view the purpose of life – especially as it relates to getting specific results. We are all extremely result-oriented and tend to view our lives in terms of how much we've achieved.

For instance, if you think about your life, you may consider yourself a high achiever if you earn double what you did four years ago. Maybe you have finally gotten married, and that is the real purpose in your life. Or, perhaps you've managed to work off that nasty 10lbs, is that the true catalyst to happiness?

But what about negative life experiences, does that mean evertime something bad happens we must take a nose dive, lose our self-confidence and that we are not a success anymore? What if your partner dumped you unexpectedly? How would you feel about yourself if you gained 5 pounds over the holidays?

It's a little silly to believe that your life purpose is so wrapped up in specific achievements isn't it?

It is no wonder that using specific goals, objectives and achievements as the sole guage for alignment with our life purpse leads to a roller-coaster of emotions.

If your self-worth is tied in with achieving your goals or particular position then you'll be motivated to do more only when things are going well.

Does that sound like you?

I can tell you, since we released the Ultimate Guide On Improving Self-Confidence…we have noted that thousands upon thousands suffer dramatic shifts in their self-confidence and self-esteem – the good news is that it can be quickly and permanently reinforced…if you follow the steps in the course.

The problem in both these cases is that you've tied up your self-worth in things that you don't have any control over. When events change your self-worth changes too and you suffer either way. If you're always pushing yourself to achieve, you may forget to relax and be happy with just who you are. If you are terrified of failing you may call it self-acceptance and never live up to your full potential. 

What then is the secret to finding your life purpose?

Maybe you have been looking for your purpose in life in the wrong place? 

After all, if you lose something valuable in one place and only look in another are you likely to find your missing item?

No, as it goes with finding your life purpse. 

Instead of looking for your purpose in a specific life event, goal, objective or posession, seek to uncover the ongoing reason you have deep within for existing in this life.

For some, this will be a form of spirituality, others will find it in a mission or cause that helps others.

When I examined my life and remembered back to the times, situations and events where I was most happy, there was a consistent theme – coaching, teaching or helping. 

Coaching minor hockey, teaching writers and information publishers to share their knowledge with wider audiences, helping our local church with their programs, teaching my kids how to be happy and self-sufficient – these were congruent with my life purpose.

If we look at how we live, what we contribute and how we can add value to this world, then your finding your life purpose will be both quick and rewarding. 

But is there another way?

I've been experimenting ALLOT with positive affirmations lately and have been able to find a system that works for not only myself in almost any mindset, but for many others I help around me. 

Many of us have tried affirmations in the past, most of us for just a few days to 'see what would happen' and some of us for much longer, but many of us have had a hard time seeing any signifjcant difference.

What I did discover is there are many WRONG ways to both write and use positive affirmations when trying to improve your positive thinking and achieve new levels of self-improvement.  

You'll find the 6 key principles of using positive affirmations here  to break through negative thinking – use these methods to craft and apply your own daily affirmations. 

We can't rely on much these days, but one thing we can definitely rely on is that we will hit rough times, challenging times – we will be hit with challenges when we least expect them.  Those who prepare themselves now for what may come in the future will be the ones that will make it through these times the best.

A good portion of the "Attracting Greatness System" came from personal experiences facing crisis situations and is now available to those who want to better prepare themselves for the fast-paced, stressful and highly dynamic lifestyle we now live in. 

It's more than motivation, personal development and self-improvement – we are talking about a thorough preparation so that we can ride out storms such as the current economic crisis.

Whether you are stuck in a rut, financially challenged by the latest crisis, facing a job you hate or challenges in your own business or personal life you can heed Tony Robbin's latest words in the video below. 

Asked what his advice would be on the latest challenges in the economy Tony has it right when he talks about our ongoing need to prepare ourselves emotionally for anything that comes up because we never know what is around the corner…

Watch here:

Anthony Robbins on The Today Show

Jeff

Having outlined in detail my own experiences of getting incredibly sick with dozens of vague symptoms in my early twenties, I've become acutely aware of the importance of a healthy gut.

There is a daily war happening on our intestines and colon that, when our systems are balanced, keeps the peace very effectively…we know that is the case when we have maximum energy, have a powerful immune system where we can fight off illness, rarely get headaches or do not suffer from digestive problems such as heartburn, acid reflux, bloating or other very common, 'uncomfortable' intestinal conditions these days. 

The challenge is, when our gut's delicate balance of 'good' bacteria is disrupted, then the nastier bugs can take over and the result is a rapid spiral into pain and suffering. 

In our highly respected "Attracting Greatness" blueprint for leading a happier, healthier and exciting life, we spend significant time outlining a plan to return your body and mind to the place where they must be before we can truly be functioning as we were meant to function.  Right now, 95% or more of us are NOT where we could be once we understand the delicate balance that has been disrupted.

WHAT DISRUPTS OUR SYSTEM

Research has now proven that there are a host of disruptors to normal gut health that result on further impact to our nervous system, immune system, lymphatic system, with direct links to such diseases as Fybro Myalsia, Cancer, Heart Disease, Arthritis, and a whole host of other less serious conditions.

Here are just a few things that disrupt our normal ability to keep peace in the war that constantly goes on inside our gut:

 - antibiotic use, even from 20-years ago, will destroy our 'good' bacteria
 - poor eating habits, too many refined and processed foods will lead to an overgrowth of 'bad' bacterias
 - parasites which a large percentage of us have in our gut right now from children, pets, food, and more…
 - negative stress, a recent scientific study has shown proof that stress on our nervous system DOES directly impact the checmical functioning of our gut
 - exposure to chemicals and toxins, we are all exposed to these at some level – eventually these impact our 'good' bacteria and allow the 'bad' to win the war.

As you can see, this is not a third-world problem, not a problem for one race, income level or sex – but is a chronic problem across all of us. 

WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT

First, we must realize the link between what happens in our gut and the rest of our body function is direct and very real.

Second, we must accept that our own gut health has been challenged at one time or another and so we must do what we can to help bring it back into balance – the good news is that it's not that hard and the upside benefit is massive.

Third, we must learn to manage stress in our lives.  It doesn't matter how healthy a life you live, if you cannot manage negative stress, your gut will not operate properly and you will find yourself subjected to the same diseases and bad health as a life-long smoker or obese person. 

In 'Achieving Greatness' we tell our story of how we learned about all of this the hard way and how we completely turned around my own health in less than 6-weeks – we also share the blueprint so you can do the same. 

The sooner we act on bringing back a healthy system, the sooner we can improve our enjoyment of life, achieve incredible breakthroughs and fight disease that may already be rearing its ugly head deep inside our bodies.

But…that's where I struggle a little – it seems from reading Eckhart's A New Earth, as opposed to other spiritual awakening authors such as Wayne Dyer or Deepak Chopra – he calls for TOTAL alignment with nothing more than what you are doing right now.

Certainly, eliminating fear, anxiety, and managing stress in our lives is a massive stepping stone to achieving greater things in our lives as was outlined in our newest step-by-step program "Beyond Greatness"

In fact, he argues that there are only 3 states that are congruent to being in-tune with the universe – Acceptance, Enjoyment and Enthusiasm.

I have to 100% agree that when we are in a state of enjoyment or enthusiasm, we are in line with the universe, but there is only one other state and I wonder how any progress is made given that the only other choice we have is acceptance?

Let's say I am struggling in a crappy job that I hate, I can't enjoy it or be enthusiastic about it…so I have to accept it?

Hmmm…that doesn't seem right?

I've listed to different Tolle audio's – the extensive series he did with Oprah which seemed to only raise more questions about this "passive" resistance technique that I just can't see will lead to successful enlightenment.

However, I do see the following advantages of Eckhart Tolle's advice in A New Earth:

• Living in the NOW means you remove a great deal of stress, strain and unhealthy anxiety from your life.  I still strive, but now I've learned to be a little calmer about it and not worry so much
• I do believe there is an energy that operates things at a far higher level than we exist – congruent with the teachings of the Secret and other spiritual books
• His concept of the ego constantly trying to drive you beyond the current moment is earily believable as he touches on this again and again in A New Earth

Overall, I know that the advice and concepts given in Tolle's A New Earth will improve my happiness and ability to reach the next level of awareness – somehow though I have to still understand how that co-exists with progress and the need to improve the situation around ourselves. 

Are you more productive in the morning or the afternoon?  How about the evening, when your kids are asleep? 

For most people, there are a few hours each day when they consistently feel the most energetic, the greatest amount of creativity, sharper than the remainder of the day.  Yet, if we're not careful, we often waste that important part of our day or let others fritter it away while we miss out on the high production we can draw from this critical part of our day.

That's what I mean by a personal plan that lines up with the most productive part of our day.

In the terrific personal achievement book "Beyond Greatness" the critical phases of discovering one's ultimate purpose and gaining self-confidence in our lives depends heavily on improving our ability to take action and reduce procrastination to a mere memory. 

My time is the morning – typically between 6AM-11AM I am far more energetic, and so I work on a personal plan that blocks time specifically targeting my personal achievement goals.

For instance, I begin by exercising to help achieve my weight loss and health goals followed by a consistent breakfast with my family – quality time when I give full attention to my kids.  I'm the breakfast person around our house and for the last nine years our kids can count on some alone time with Dad first thing in the morning. 

Next comes my most productive time to work on my most cherished personal plan regarding business – when I write, publish and develop my best strategic marketing ideas.  But I don't JUST plan, I also make sure I take action first thing in the morning to get the day off right. 

When is your best, most productive time of the day?

What a rush it can be to hit 12 Noon and already have accomplished more than you set out to do that day.  Or, if you are an evening person, then by being the most productive you can be, working on the right elements of your personal plan, you can lay down and have the best sleep you have ever had because you know you are focused and that you have gained maximum personal achievement for that day. 

Perhaps you come completely unraveled when you are forced to get up and speak in front of a group of people.  It could be anxiety over dealing with superiors or it could be meeting someone from the opposite sex for the first time that brings out your lack of self confidence. 

It's like the spotlight is one us in those situations isn't it?  You appear nervous, unsure and knowing about makes the entire experience even worse as your self confidence gets worse each time you come upon those situations. 

Whatever the situation, we all have at least a few situations where we come unglued and turn into a babbling idiot later walking away kicking ourself for being so awkward – areas we are painfully aware of and avoid as much as we can…but sometimes they interfere with achievement, advancement or even just our happiness. 

So, here are 10 ways you can improve your self confidence freeing yourself from these limitations:

1. Forget the past.  Because your self confidence has taken hit after hit over many years, you need to recognize that the past does not equal the present, approach the situation with a clear slate

2. You see it more than they do…realize that most of your low self confidence comes from within YOU rather than visible to outsiders.  You create an image of yourself exadurated over what is visible to those outside of you

3. Your self confidence impacts others.  People will avoid you if you have low self-esteem – sometimes not even consciously, but they sense the negative energy.  It's not your unease or the fact you are not perfect in the situation that turns people off but rather the negative energy that surrounds you as a person with low confidence

4. Everyone feels unsure…every single person – even seasoned experts, deal with situations frequently where they are uncertain or uneasy, so stop thinking that it is just you

5. Negative self-image…how many times have you said to yourself "I'm not good at that" or "I'm a bad person" or even "I will never get better at this?"  You have programmed yourself to live a lifetime of self-doubt – change your mindset to "I am good at this". "I add value in this situation"

6. Don't give people around you too much credit.  I have fallen into this trap where I assume those around me are 100% confident, that they never get nervous, have a much better handle on things…but over and over again I have found quite the opposite.  That we all struggle and many struggle even more than I do, so get on with it and do your best.

7. Positive self-programming.  You can experience dramatic improvements in your self confidence by visualizing yourself in these problematic situations and changing the script of the movie to one in your favor.  Imagine yourself getting up in front of a group and feeling comfortable, natural, energetic – completely ON your game. 

8.  Avoid negative influences.  If you have people around you that are negative then that thinking and energy will rub off on you – you need to politely back out of these relationships as much as possible, often you will notice an immediate improvement of your self-confidence becoming part of a more positive group

9. Face your fears.  At the root of all low self confidence is an underlying fear.  Become more aware of your fears – write them down understanding that if you can face these fears they will have less control over your life

10. Practice. Identify the situations that are most uncomfortable for you and role play, practice acting in these situations. Actors, celebrities, politicians and great leaders have overcome major challenges to their self-confidence by repeatedly practicing in these situations until they can improve their confidence

Low self confidence is one of the five key factors in our lives as outlined in "Beyond Greatness" that can quickly be improved unleashing an amazing energy, personal power and sequence of achievement in our life…on our path to personal greatness.

Operating my own business and having worked at very high levels in both small, innovative companies as well as large, multi-national corporations I have observed many times trust being placed in a person or point of view due to the degree of belief the presentor of the idea had versus the quality of the idea. 

As a result of seeing the profound impact self confidence has on personal achievement, it should be no surprise that we focus on systems to improve self confidence in our latest course 'Beyond Greatness'

Have you ever come across this in your line of work or in your business?

Someone that doesn't have as good an idea as you, or their product is not as high a quality as yours is or they don't know very much about their topic…yet they get the attention mainly because they have a high degree of self confidence which projects onto those they are trying to persuade.

The same thing happens in relationships and dating…if you come across as confident, comfortable in your own skin, then you can get around many other flaws in your character attracting quality people into your life. 

What do you think…is your ability to get what you want heavily dependent on your own self confidence? 

My guess is that about 3/4 or 75% of persuasion is due to your own level of self confidence and how that is projected outward to those around you.  What would you guess is the right percentage?