What If You Gave, Instead Of Got?

October 22, 2011 By Gina Bonanno Lemos 1 Comment

An Idea That Could Change Everything

I have an idea that could change the world, but I need to ask for your help in spreading it around and starting a movement.

I know, you’re probably saying, “oh… is that all, Gina? You just need me to help you change the world and start a movement? Suuuure, crazy lady!”

Yup, that’s right. I believe that if you’re going to do something, you do it BIG!

The “No Gifts, Please” Movement

So here’s my idea- I would like everyone to ask their friends and family members to give to a non-profit or worthy cause on their birthday, instead of giving them presents.

how to help starving children,non profit revenue generation,revenue generation for non profits Think about it. If every person in the world did this, then no child or adult would go hungry, no one would be homeless, no animal would need to be euthanized, no children would die from malaria or famine and so much more!

An Addiction And A Hang Over You’ll Enjoy!

I’ve done this now for the past several years, and I can’t even tell you how good it feels to know that I’ve helped in some small way. There is no feeling that is better than giving, and once you’ve felt it, it’s addicting!

Inspired By Oprah Winfrey

I was inspired to start doing this because of Oprah’s “Big Give” television show, and it’s been such a big success that I think everyone should give it a try (no pun intended) . All you have to do is pick a non-profit or charity that’s close to your heart, throw yourself a party, and let everyone know that it’s a “No Gifts Please” party, and tell them where you’d prefer their money or donated items to go.

Get This Party Started

So help me in starting the “No Gifts Please Movement” and PLEASE take the time to share this idea on your own blog or website, and through all of the social networks you’re a part of.

Let’s get the “No Gifts Please” party started!!

Motivate, Motivated, Motivation- What’s Your Motive?

October 13, 2011 By Gina Bonanno Lemos Leave a Comment

Motivation Is Like Pixie Dust That Gets Sprinkled On You

Most people that I talk to act as if motivation or becoming motivated is like some magical, mystical force that just happens, or as if it’s something that you can buy in a store. They also talk as though it’s something that they can only get (as if it’s a virus that you want to catch), and that they don’t have it within them. Like beauty, it’s what’s on the inside that counts the most, and what will make a lasting impression and help you to get what you want.

Being Motivated Is A Learned Behavior

The ability to motivate yourself, or become motivated without outside influence is a learned behavior, and something that you need to train your brain to do on your own, whenever possible.

As my business hero, Jim Rohn, once said “The guy says, ‘I wish someone would come by and turn me on’. What if they don’t show up?”

You Are On Your Own- How Will You Meet The Challenge?

Yes, in the beginning, you may need a spark of motivation, and it’s always a good idea to refresh those beliefs and excitement with audio tapes and books on a regular basis, but what about those times when you don’t have any of that available, and you need to perform or keep a clear, and positive focus?

In those times, it’s important that you have the skills and mindset to carry yourself through to the other side of the challenge.

So What Should You Do If You Begin To Lose Your Drive?

Remember your motive! Literally remind yourself of what you want and allow yourself to daydream for as long as it takes, about how excited you will be and how happy you will feel, when you’ve achieved your goal or when things are working out. Hold those thoughts in your mind and allow yourself to feel the excitement, as if it has already happened, and remember that this too shall pass. Remember too, we are always attracting or repelling what we desire and what we focus on the most.

This Is Just One Scene From The Movie Of Your Life

As adults, we all know (or should know), that problems come and go, people come and go, and that most feelings that once felt so intense, do actually fade with time. Whatever circumstance or difficulty you’re faced with, it is probably a fleeting issue. One day you will reflect upon your challenge with relief, a new appreciation for how you grew as a result of it, or possibly even laughter and disbelief about how it was a blessing in disguise. In times of absolute chaos always remember, this is but a blip in time and just one scene from the movie of your life. With the exception of the death of a loved one, in the grand scheme of things, and in the end, most of life’s heartaches won’t matter.

You Need Professional Help

If all else fails, and you can get to a computer or your car, log onto SimpleTruths.com and watch one of their short and inspiring videos or take a 5 minute motivational break in your car, where you should have your CD deck or MP3 player loaded with motivational masters such as Zig Ziglar, Jim Rohn, Tony Robbins and more.

An Enemy Called Comfortable

October 2, 2011 By Gina Bonanno Lemos Leave a Comment

He Was Broke, Homeless, And Had Nothing But A Dream

I recently watched a documentary about the man who wrote the book “Dances With Wolves”and, as we all know, that book was made into a movie, which won numerous awards & accolades. The autobiography of this author was so consistent with other high achievers and people that rose to fame, seemingly overnight; he was broke, homeless, and had nothing but a dream.

They Have The Drive And Determination Of A Force Of Nature

Why is this? Why is it that people who grew up in poverty or people who fell on hard times later in life, are so often the ones that have the drive and determination of a force of nature? I believe that it’s because these people are so completely and totally tired of not having even the smallest of comforts in life, and are so unhappy with where they’re at and what they don’t have, that they eat, sleep and breathe their goal. They also have an unwaivering belief and faith, that they will have what they desire, and that it is only a matter of time.

The truth is that no one achieves anything worth having overnight, and they’ve all paid their dues and earned their right to success.

The Biggest Motivation Zapping Force On The Planet!

I also believe that the people that are not rich, yet not poor, and those that are not happy with their situation or health, yet not miserable, are the least likely to make major changes in their life due to that great enemy called “comfortable”!

Being comfortable is the biggest motivation zapping force on the planet because those that are comfortable never get to experience the terror of the unknown. They haven’t yet experienced the anxiety and fear of not being able to pay their bills and the possibility of not being able to keep a roof over their head, or put food on the table for their family. They haven’t sat in a doctors office, waiting to receive a life changing and potentially life altering diagnosis.

What’s Wrong With Being Comfortable?

Now, some people may say, “yeah, but that doesn’t sound so bad. What’s wrong with being comfortable and happy with that?”. Here’s the deal, I don’t believe that comfortable people are all that happy. I believe that if they could trade places with someone that they perceive to be successful in all areas of life, they would do it in a heartbeat. The problem is that their comfortable life has led to apathy, and in some cases, laziness.

We all pay our dues, and I once heard a saying, “Comfortable now, equals very uncomfortable later in life, while a little discomfort now equals great comfort later”. This is true in all areas, whether we’re talking about exercise, diet, relationships, a career, or anything else in life. Making the tough or “not so fun” choices now, or dealing with a difficult situation now, will save you mass amounts of grief and pain later in life.

Besides- It’s Not All About You

When we are at our best physically and emotionally, we can do more and give more of our time and resources. This is vital, because it’s not all about you.

I believe that we are all judged by what we do with our time here on earth, and that to have a completely peaceful and happy spirit, and to be a well rounded person, we must give and do for others. If we do not, then we are missing a large part of our humanity and we will suffer, whether we realize it at this moment or not.