Ray Edwards Show

Another “deep dive” interview! This episode we chat with Chris Ducker the author of Virtual Freedom. How to Work with Virtual Staff to Buy More Time, Become More Productive, and Build Your Dream Business. Chris certainly “walks his talk”. Of his own “virtual freedom”, he says, “I now work an average of 6-hours a day, my workweek no longer includes Friday and I get to spend lots of time with my wife and three awesome children.” During this wide-ranging interview, you'll discover.. Why going with a smaller publishing company might be the best idea for your book. (04:00) How a near-death experience led to Chris's greatest business epiphany. (05:00) How and why Chris started blogging. (06:00) The all-important concept of the “Virtual CEO”, and what it means to you. (06:38) How Chris completely replaced himself so his business could run without him. (07:00) The secret advice Jay Baer gave Chris (that you can use)  that caused Chris's blog numbers to skyrocket. (09:15) Should everyone use Periscope? And what are the secrets of successful “scoping”? (11:00) The truth about “personal brand” vs. “company brand” – which is best?  (14:42) Why you should never worry about other people “stealing your ideas” online. (15:30) Chris and I share our respect for the warrior-philosopher, Bruce Lee. (27:00) The book by Bruce Lee (that's not about kung fu). (28:00) The little-known “origin story” of Youpreneur.com (29:00) How Chris managed to get a great domain name (Youpreneur.com) that was already taken. (33:00) Why Chris's podcast is one of my few essential listens. (37:00). Is it too late to build a “brand you” business? (38:00) The hilarious conversation Chris had with Lewis Howes. (42:00) Books Chris recommends some favorite books (44:00) An awesome moment during which “The Force Awakens” and we share Star Wars stories.  (45:00) Chris reveals the bizarre talent he possesses that you'll be shocked to learn about. (47:00). Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Links Mentioned Chris Ducker's Blog The Youpreneur Podcast Chris on Twitter Chris's book, Virtual Freedom Striking Thoughts, by Bruce Lee School of Greatness, by Lewis Howes The Automatic Customer, by John Warrillow   How To Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there. Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript now. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed.  

It's a New Year… and it's time for a New You! In this episode… How to be richly blessed in the New Year. The most elegant “Task Manager” Ray has ever found, and one reason not to use it. … and of course – How to Achieve True Success. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations “Therefore be imitators of God , as well-beloved children . And walk in love…” (Ephesians 5:1–2, AMP) How your DNA affects who you are – and how you can change your DNA. How to experience a more peaceful, less stressful life. And of course, how to be richly blessed in the New Year. Tip of the Week I have moved from Omnifocus to Nozbe and now to Todoist. Here’s what I like about Todoist… Todoist is elegant, and you can use it without reading the instructions. It’s everywhere, on all my devices. The price is right. It’s free to try, and the premium version is only $29 per year. You can customize it to your liking. Try Todoist now at todoist.com Feature Segment: New Year, New You This is the time of year when so many of us set goals and make resolutions. Here’s the problem… We start out strong, almost invariably fall off the wagon, and then quit. What's the solution? In this segment, for the first time publicly, I will show you my R7 approach to succeeding in the New Year. I know you can re-create, re-invent, and restart your life at any time. You can systematically achieve true success by following the R7 Approach. Listen to the episode to find out how. Note that this training is one small piece of the Success Optimizer training, which retails for $1,000. The good news is, you can get it free when you buy Michael Hyatt's “5 Days To Your Best Year Ever” course. To buy Michael's course, click here and register. Click here for a short video where I describe the $3,375 in free bonuses I will give you when you buy the course through me.   How To Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there. Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript now. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed.  

This is a new experiment for the new year – a “Faith Friday” Spiritual Foundations edition of the Ray Edwards Show. In this episode: How your DNA affects who you are – and how you can change your DNA. How to experience a more peaceful, less stressful life. And of course, how to be richly blessed in the New Year. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. How To Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there. Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript now. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed.  

Have you been promising yourself that you would start a business of your  own “someday”? Or have you started a business already, and everything seems to be going against you? In this episode: We discuss the virtues of “Christian Selfishness”. A foolproof method for not breaking your diet resolutions this year. And of course, those 5 pesky roadblocks to starting your own business. All this, plus our never-ending quest for Truth, Justice, and the American Way… Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations On Christian Selfishness “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:12 We do things for God out of the profit motive. To be happy. “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” – John Piper “The glory of god is Man fully alive”. – St Iraneus Figure out what makes you truly happy and fully alive, and go after it in God’s name! Tip of the Week The #1 Way To Avoid Busting Your Diet In The New Year This is guaranteed to work, 100% of the time, and I guarantee less than 10% of our listeners will do it. Spend your eating on paper first. Make a list of everything you will eat in a month. Throw everything else out. In the trash. Right now. Today. Don’t replace it. Featured Segment Everything you believe about why you can’t start a business is a lie. Your biggest hurdle to getting started is… your thinking. You have a thinking problem. Anyone can start a business with a lot less stress and difficulty, by simply eliminating these 5 mental roadblocks in their thinking (I spell these out in the episode – listen to the podcast episode.) How To Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there. Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript now. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed.  

This episode is another deep-dive Wednesday interview, this time with John Lee Dumas of Entrepreneur On Fire. In this episode: I catch John Lee by surprise, and then he opens up in a deeply heartfelt way. The amazing story of how John Lee struggled as a veteran returning home – and then triumphed like crazy. How to achieve your top goal in less than 100 days. How you can help build a school in Africa! All this, plus our never-ending quest for Truth, Justice, and the American Way… Click here to download or listen to this episode now. The Freedom Journal is a gorgeous, 300-page, leather-bound, gold embossed journal that will guide you in the accomplishment of your #1 S.M.A.R.T. goal: S – Specific M – Measurable A – Attainable R – Relevant T – Time-bound A unique, step-by-step process: With daily tasks, nightly recaps, 10-day sprints and quarterly reviews, The Freedom Journal WILL hold you accountable to accomplishing your #1 goal in 100-days. How To Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there. Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript now. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed.  

According to the Statistic Brain Research Institute, only 8% of people who make New Year’s Resolutions actually stick with them. Why is it so hard to maintain the change? Why do most of us quit before we even  get started? In this episode: I get personal, and give you a peek into the goals I failed to hit this year… why I think I failed… and what I plan to do aobut it in 2016. The amazing power of the “9 Environments” to guide (and even control) your destiny. How to consciously re-engineer your “9 Environments” to support the behavior patterns and emotional states that lead to success. And…is Ray Edwards really recommending you get rid of your books? Yep. All this, plus our never-ending quest for Truth, Justice, and the American Way… Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.” Romans 4:7–8 Some people think that if they were more “right” with God, then He would hear their prayers. For example, they sometimes believe that if they had not quarreled with their wives or had those bad thoughts about their boss earlier in the day, then God would answer their prayers. But I have good news: God is not like that. Tip of the Week: Hire Your Own Personal Chef… Cheap! What if you could eat healthy, real-food meals, prepared fresh for you by a gourmet chef… but for less than it costs to eat out at a cheap health-destroying restaurant? That's what we're experiencing with Pete's Paleo. Thank you Joe Polish for introducing me to Pete's! Featured Segment: Why You Find It Hard To Maintain The Change Anyone can increase their ability to maintain the change over time, by optimizing each of these 9 Environments. Physical Environment Mental Environment Spiritual Environment Emotional Environment Social Environment Financial Environment Work Environment Geographical Environment Transportation Environment How To Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there. Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript now. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed.  

NOTE: As of last week, we have changed podcast release day to Mondays for the main podcast. We're now experimenting with a second show each week. These shows will be long-form interviews, which I am dubbing “remarkable conversations”. Feedback sought and appreciated. Businessman and Life Coach, Aaron T. Walker, has inspired many through his leadership, mentorship, and consistent pursuit of excellence. He enjoys helping others and believes experience is a great teacher. 35 years of entrepreneurship and marriage have given Aaron a wealth of experience. For 19 years and counting, Aaron has been coached personally by his friend, financial guru Dave Ramsey.  My guess is he's learned a thing or two from Dave! In this episode: How Aaron started his first business as a teenager with none of his own money. The difference between success and significance, and how to attain both. The chilling story of how Aaron contemplated shooting a man – and the life-changing insight he gained from that experience. The truth about building lots of wealth. The astonishing method for doubling your business in record time – without new equipment, without new marketing dollars, without new staff… even without selling of any kind! How Aaron gets world-class media opportunities and mentoring from powerful, famous people – it's so simple you can start doing this today, yourself. Why Aaron believes this is the best time in history to start a business, no matter how old or young you are. …and much more! Click here now to listen to the episode. Aaron's Website, View From the Top Give Aaron a shout-out on Twitter. The free assessment documents Aaron mentioned are on this page (top right box in the sidebar). How To Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there. Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript now (COMING SOON). Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed.  

NOTE: As of last week, we have changed podcast release day to Mondays for the main podcast. I know, know… that seems to imply there is an “other than main” podcast. Is that true? Yep. Details coming soon. Why do some people seem to succeed so easily, while others struggle merely to get by. Why is it some people seem to take a clear path to an exciting, vital destiny, while other lead lives of monotonous mediocrity? In this episode: Did you ever feel like the door to your destiny is just locked? Like you can’t get through no matter how hard your try? Maybe the answer isn’t to try harder. Maybe the answer is to get the keys to the door! The supernatural secret to more energy, less stress, and amazing powers of stunning accomplishment. And…is Ray Edwards really recommending you get rid of your books? Yep. All this, plus our never-ending quest for Truth, Justice, and the American Way… Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus[a] from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:11 You can get out of a state of fatigue, discouragement, and depression… you don’t have these things, you create them. Your thoughts, and especially your words, always empower some form of spiritual activity. Want energy, joy, and enthusiasm? Don’t wait for these things to “happen to you”… you make them happen. They are within your spirit… all you have to do is release them. Speak out and create the  energy, joy, and enthusiasm… whatever  you need… to accomplish what God has made you to accomplish! Tip of the Week: Get Rid of Your Books Am I, Ray Edwards, recommending you get rid of your books? Me, the champion of reading? Yes! Here's what I suggest you do: listen to the episode. Featured Segment: 5 Crucial Keys That Unlock The Doors of Destiny Did you ever feel like the door to your destiny is just locked? Like you can’t get through no matter how hard your try. Maybe the answer isn’t to try harder. Maybe the answer is to get the keys to the door. Your destiny is predetermined… by you. Design it. Anyone can unlock the doors of destiny, by using these 5 Crucial keys. Key 1: Purpose What is the meaning of your life? What does “Interview With The Vampire” have to do with your life purpose? You must know the larger story you are part of. For me, it is “to glorify god by living life fully alive, taking my deepest enjoyment from Him”. Key 2: Mission How are you drawn to operate in the context of your purpose? Does your purpose change during the course of your life? How do you discover the role you play in the story? Key 3: Vision What does it mean to have a “vision”? What we can learn about vision from Walt Disney. You must know what your future “scenes” in that story look like. Key 4: Goals How will you know when you have arrived? Guys Without Goals: “I have never failed to hit a goal… because I’ve never set one.” For you to know when the mission is truly accomplished, you must define the specific objectives you want to meet. Key 5: Take The Required Actions Summary Key 1 – Know your Purpose (What is the meaning of your life?) Key 2- Know Your Mission (What is your current assignment that serves your Purpose?) Key 3 – Clarify your Vision ( what does success LOOK like?) Key 4 – Define Your Goals (what are the milestones along the way to mission accomplished?) Key 5 – Take The Required Actions How To Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there. Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript now. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed.  

NOTE: As we prepare to begin a new year, I am making a few changes to the way I create and deliver content to you. The first such change: the main podcast will now be published on each Monday. – Ray Edwards If you market products or services of any type, your audience, your customer list, and your workplace is filled with them: Millenials. They are maligned, misrepresented, and misunderstood. Cutting through all this noise and disinformation about the rise of tomorrow's leaders can enhance your family, your relationships, and yes… your business. In this episode: This week we turn the tables and I interview Sean – who is my c0host for this show, our company's Director of Strategic Development, and – surprise! – a Millenial. How to receive wisdom from your adult children. The surprising element of life that is vital to Baby Boomers, but very low on the priority scale for Millenials… and why understanding  this is your key to connecting with them. Who are Millenials, and how are they different from other generations? Are Millennials really suffering from entitlement and narcissism? What you must know if you want your marketing messages to hit home with Millenials… and the mistakes you must absolutely avoid. Why (and how) Millenials will change the world for the better. Click here to download or listen to this episode now. Spiritual Foundations “A wise son makes a glad father.” – Proverbs 15:20 “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” – Proverbs 13:20 Don't just teach your children, learn from them. Featured Segment: Marketing to Millenials Some fact about Millenials to set the context for our discussion: Millennials are the demographic cohort following Generation X. Most researchers and commentators use birth years ranging from the early 1980s to the early 2000s Authors William Strauss and Neil Howe believe that each generation has common characteristics that give it a specific character, with four basic generational archetypes, repeating in a cycle. In their theory, summarized in their book The Fourth Turning, Millennials will become more like the “civic-minded” G.I. Generation. Jean Twenge, the author of the 2006 book Generation Me, attributes Millennials with the traits of confidence and tolerance, but also identifies a sense of entitlement and narcissism based on personality surveys that showed increasing narcissism among Millennials compared to preceding generations when they were teens and in their twenties. The University of Michigan's “Monitoring the Future” study of high school seniors (conducted continually since 1975) and the American Freshman survey, conducted by UCLA's Higher Education Research Institute of new college students since 1966, showed an increase in the proportion of students who consider wealth a very important attribute, from 45% for Baby Boomers (surveyed between 1967 and 1985) to 70% for Gen Xers, and 75% for Millennials. But the percentage who said it was important to keep abreast of political affairs fell, from 50% for Baby Boomers to 39% for Gen Xers, and 35% for Millennials. The idea of “developing a meaningful philosophy of life” decreased the most across generations, from 73% for Boomers to 45% for Millennials. The willingness to be involved in an environmental cleanup program dropped from 33% for Baby Boomers to 21% for Millennials. In March 2014, the Pew Research Center issued a report about how “Millennials in adulthood” are “detached from institutions and networked with friends.” The report says Millennials are more upbeat than older adults about America's future, and 49% of Millennials say the country’s best years are ahead. Interestingly, they're the first generation in the modern era to have higher levels of student loan debt and unemployment. Most this data was obtained from this article at Wikipedia. Listen to the episode to hear Sean's startling take on Millenials, and how they will change the world. Seans website is SeanEdwards.com. Connect with Sean on his Facebook Page. Sean's New Book – Highly Recommended Reading American Resurrection: The Failure of the U.S. Constitution and the Rebirth of a Nation The Constitution has failed, and most people don’t even realize it. Over the past century, both Republicans and Democrats have forgotten its purpose… and our nation’s great destiny.  No one party is to blame. We have just forgotten the reason why our nation exists. Hidden behind misunderstood and empty party slogans, our country is caught in a confused struggle to do what is right. We have cannibalized our principles and forgotten who we are. This book is an attempt to reawaken the giant that changed the world. The ideas that the led to our nation’s founding still have the power to radically change history. We only need to remember them. Liberal or conservative, this book will challenge you to see the world in a new and powerful way. Sacred cows in both parties will be put to the test. And hopefully, our nation can begin the journey back to greatness. The United States still has a destiny to fulfill in the world, the only question is… will we do what is necessary to realize that future? Find out how by reading American Resurrection: The Failure of the U.S. Constitution and The Rebirth of A Nation. If you'd like to try two free chapters from the book first, just click here and enter your email address. Your free sample will be emailed to you. How To Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there. Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript now. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed.  

Some people are waving a “stupid” flag, signaling the rest of us that they are… well… stupid. Here's how to know if you are waving “stupid flags” – and what they cost you in terms of money, repect, relationships, and opportunities. We don't leave you hanging – we'll give you some hints on …. how to stop. Spiritual Foundations How to Change Your Life, Overnight, No Matter What Tip Of the Week The Best Camera Money Can Buy Photographers mentioned: Austin Mann Dan Rubin 10 of the Best iPhone Photographers And if you're up for the 30 day challenge, post your daily iPhone (or whatever phone/camera you carry) on Instagram. Follow me on Instagram – and I can't wait to see your photos! Feature Segment: Are You Waving “Stupid Flags”? You can know if you are waving “stupid flags” that cost you money, relationships, and opportunities…. and you can learn to stop waving those flags. Here are 3 questions to ask yourself before you speak: Does what I’m saying or doing possibly sound like a complaint? STUPID FLAG! Complaining is stupid. But making a request is smart. Does what I’m saying or doing come at a cost to someone else? STUPID FLAG! Words and actions are as painful or deadly as a fist or a knife. Make sure your humor doesn’t cost someone else. “Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!” Proverbs 26:18-19 Does what I’m saying possibly display my ignorance? STUPID FLAG! Especially if you're about to express a heated opinion, stop and ask yourself, “How do I know this is true?” Remember that sometimes, even if you are certain you're right, speaking your opinion won't build anyone up, nor will it “impart grace to the hearer”. (Ephesians 4:29) 30 Day Challenge: “30 Days of No Stupid Flags” – all you need is a rubber band and commitment. Or, as Sean explained, a Sharpie and some nerves of steel. Are you joining either of this month's Challenges? Why or why not? How To Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there. Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript now. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed.  

Maybe you've heard: giving thanks makes you feel happier and more fulfilled. There are at least 7 scientifically proven benefits to practicing the “attitude of gratitude”. And right now, as we enter the Thanksgiving Holiday season, the media is filled with heartwarming stories of all we should be thankful for. Today, I'm going to suggest you be thankful for the bad stuff. The challenges. The tragedies. The pain. In today's show, we'll discover: The shocking truth about suicide rates during the holidays. The 3 dangers of “counting your blessings”. The 7 scientifically proven benefits of  gratitude. The 5 unconventional times to practice thankfulness. How the attitude of gratitude makes you healthy, wealthy, and wise. Why you can be thankful for the trials, and not just through them. Plus, I'll share a tip for how to get your podcast ranked higher in iTunes, quick and easy. Spiritual Foundations Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. – James 1:2-8 All those things that seem to oppose our goals are actually the raw material for achieving them. – Dan Sullivan You can be thankful for trials, and truly count it all joy, not because God is teaching you a lesson, but because when approached with faith, trials always lead to victory. God doesn't cause everything, but He can use everything. Tip Of the Week How do you get your podcast ranked higher in iTunes? It comes down to 2 key factors, according to my buddy Cliff Ravenscraft: Recent new subscribers in iTunes, using the Apple Podcast App. Recent new downloads in iTunes, using the Apple Podcast App. It is my opinion that high star ratings and favorable reviews somehow factor into the equation as well. Feature Segment: 5 Unconventional Times To Practice Thankfulness (How The Attitude Of Gratitude Makes You Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise) This is is season for bloggers and podcasters to roll out their “Thanksgiving posts”. And I do believe we all have a lot to be thankful for. Of course, it's easy to be thankful when you live in a nice warm house, are privileged to indulge in gluttony, and watch multi-million dollar entertainment spectacles piped into your home virtually free of charge. Especially if you're healthy, and are in the top 10% of the world's wealthiest people. Before you argue that last point, let me assure you that if you live in any modern country, especially in the USA or Canada, you almost certainly are. Check for yourself. I'll wait. Just in case you didn't check, according to the Global Rich List website, if you make $14,000 per year in the USA, you're in the top 9.52% of the richest people in the world by income. So get grateful. The Shocking Truth About Suicide Rates During The Holidays Normally, this is where a blogger or podcaster would tell you about suicide rates surging up dramatically during the holidays. The convetinal wisdom is that we should exercise great discipline in being thankful during this time of year, because otherwise, we may, like so many, slip into depression. The problem with this is that it's simply wrong. Suicides do not go up during the holidays. They are, in fact, at their lowest rates of the year. But don't just take my word for it: The Health Central website says: There is a well known reduction in the suicide rate on major public holidays (including non-religious). Many studies in different Western countries have found the drop is even more pronounced during the Christmas to New Year's stretch.  Read the whole article here. The Wall Street Journal looked into this a few years ago, and their conlusion is that suicides dip in the winter, and peak in the spring. They back it up with solid reearch: Studies from around the world suggest the key factor is climate, rather than the calendar. In the U.S. from 1999 to 2004, the six highest months in terms of suicides per day were March through August, not in that order, with a peak in July, according to my analysis of numbers provided by the CDC. (The seasonal variation isn’t extreme; the daily averages range from 76.3 suicides in December to 87.6 in July.) Other northern hemisphere countries such as Switzerland and Lithuania exhibit the same trend as the U.S. Suicide rates rise in England and Wales on hotter days, according to a study this year. In Singapore, near the equator, there was little seasonal effect. In the southern hemisphere, suicide rates peak in December. Climate’s role isn’t totally understood; some researchers have linked suicide’s seasonality to the amount of sunshine. What do we conclude? One obvious possibility is that becuase people are practicing gratitude more intetionally during the holidays, they are less likely to kill themselves. So that's a big point in favor of “the attitude of gratitude”. However, don't skip this next part, because I want you to know… The 3 Surprising Dangers Of “Counting Your Blessings” Denial and gratitude are not the same thing. If you're swimming in the alligator tank, all the gratitude in the world is unlikely to keep you from being some lizard's dinner. Giving thanks only for the “good stuff” can bottle up poisonous thinking and emotions. It suppresses, refuses to deal with, and thereby strengthens, the power of unresolved pain. Your glib attiude and lack of empathy can hurt other people. You must be sensitive to what is happening with the people around you. Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, will be counted as cursing. Proverbs 27:14 A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? Proverbs 18:14 The 5 Unconventional Times To Practice Thankfulness When you a depressed. When you are lonely. When you are ill. When you lose someone you love. When tragedy strikes. How has “the attitude of gratitude” helped you deepen your faith… how has it make you healthier, wealthier, and wiser? How To Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there. Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript now. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed.  

When it comes to productivity, there is no shortage of advice. The problem is it's often the same advice, repackaged with a bright new wrapper. Nothing new inside. And there's no problem with that. Often, we need to hear the same advice presented differently, at different periods in our life, before it “clicks” and we finally “get” it. But sometimes, we need something truly different, something that rises above the normal, and begins to look more like a revolution than an evolution. Today's “7 Shocking Productivity Hacks” may not seem new at first, but the extremes to which I will advise you to take these measures is, at least, something outlandishly more radical than what most would recommend. When you listen to today's show, you'll discover: How you can finally conquer your overflowing email inbox, once and for all, guaranteed. For free. The devastatingly effective method that ensures you never receive another unwanted phone call. A radical, but powerful method for getting rid of “dead weight” friends and acquaintances who are dragging you down… without making them feel judged, and without hurting their feelings. The almost magical technique to prevent writer's block, plus multiply your creativity, energy, and productivity by a factor of at least 7 … maybe 10. How to eliminate – totally and permanently – the #1 way other people waste your time. How to slash unwanted interruptions, meetings, and junk mail from your life, with one simple, bold “directive.” The single sentence (that you will come up with) that will erase any excuse you have for wasting a single minute of your time on someone else's priorties, for the rest of your life. How God can set you free from self-destructive habits, Plus, I'll share a resource that helps you improve your marketing. That's all comin' up on this week's show! Spiritual Foundations If you're breathing, you are tempted by various kinds of self-destrcutive behavior. It may be overeating, drinking, drugs, sex … or seemingly “lesser” sins like compulsive gaming TV watching, or even being “grumpy” all the time. God will set you free from these and any other self-destructive behavior, also known by the less popular term, “sin”. How do we know this? There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” -Romans 8:1 Don't get tripped up if your Bible says, “who do not walk accoirding to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Some translations, such as the New King James, include that line but it isn't in the oldest, most reliable Greek manuscripts of the New Testament. (NOTE: Sean thought it might be a good idea for me to point out that not everyone agrees that those are the most reliable manuscripts…. I explain more about this in the show.) Now. Back to our topic – that verse. Notice the tense: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” So don't get all filled with guilt when you are tempted to sin. Just don't engage in the self-destructive behavior. Having the thought is not a sin. Acting on it is. As it was explained once to me: “You can stop birds from landing in the tree, but you can stop them from building a nest.” The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is inside you now, and that means you have the power of Christ to resist the temptation. And lest you fall into a “shame spiral”, just remember that even when you do give in, when you fail, you are still “the righteousness of God” in Christ. And there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. As you become more aware of how Jesus has cloaked you in His righeousness, and you see more of the Spirit living in you, you will not keep on sinning. You will not keep up the habits that destroy you. You have the power to “go and sin no more” – but only after you experience the reality of His Grace. Tip Of the Week Get your tickets early for Social Media Marketing World 2016. I'll be speaking there this time around, and right now you can save a lot of money on your ticket. April 17-19 San Diego, California Networking party on the USS Midway aircraft carrier. You’ll choose from 100+ expert-led sessions and workshops in multiple social media marketing tracks (you get access to all). Mari Smith, Guy Kawasaki, Chris Brogan, Mark Schaefer,Michael Stelzner, Jay Baer, Brian Solis, Amy Porterfield, Michael Hyatt, Cliff Ravenscraft, John Lee Dumas, Joel Comm, Pat Flynn, Chris Ducker, Dan Miller… and so many more! Great information, inspiration, and motivation … in a no-pitch zone! I want to “storm the gates” with our own little cohort. See you there? Feature Segment: 7 Shocking Productivity Hacks Delete your email account. (How you can finally conquer your overflowing email inbox, once and for all, guaranteed. For free.) Change your phone number. (The devastatingly effective method that ensures you never receive another unwanted phone call.) Move to a different city. (A radical, but powerful method for getting rid of “dead weight” friends and acquaintances who are dragging you down… without making them feel judged, and without hurting their feelings.) Don't share your email address, phone number, and mailing address. (To anyone. How to bring unwanted interruptions, meetings, and junk mail from your life, with one simple, bold “directive.”) Never return another phone call. (How to eliminate – totally and permanently – the #1 way other people waste your time.) Stop consuming content. (The almost magical technique to prevent writer's block, plus mutliply your creativity, energy, and productivity by a factor of at least 7… maybe 10.) Ask the “desert island” question. (The single sentence that you will come up with that will erase any excuse you have for wasting a single minute of your time on someone else's priorties, for the rest of your life.) Do you have some ‘shocking produdctivity hacks' of your own? How To Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there. Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript now. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed.  

Would you like the closest thing to a “silver bullet” when it comes to marketing your business? Here it is: tell good stories. But you must tell them in a very specific way, or this tactic can backfire. Fear not! This week I'm having a conversation with Donald Miller, who knows how to tell a great marketing story. Don shares some of his very best techniques with us in this interview. You'll learn… How Don discovered the power of story to sell products. The single most important character in your marketing story. How to use story in your marketing to sell more of … virtually anything at all. And much, much more. The Storybrand Online Workshop Click here to find out more about the “no-travel-required” online version of Don's Storybrand workshop. How To Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there. Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn.   Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript now. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed.  

Does you marketing make it past the trash can (or the delete key)? Probably not. Here's how to fix that. 5 Ways To Have Your Customers Want To Receive Your Marketing Why I Take Communion Every Day. Why we say stupid things… and how to stop! And much, much more. How To Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there. Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn.   Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript now. Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed.  

Is your business built like a diving board – with only one support underneath? Or is it built like the Parthenon, which has stood for thousands of years because of its strength? The 7 Pillars of Competitve Advantage for Your Business Why we should always be thankful, no matter what comes our way. How to get your business out of the red and into the black – fast! (for less than $20) And much, much more. Links From the Show Jeff Walker's book, Launch! How To Help Subscribe to the show in iTunes and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. We are also on Stitcher.com, so if you prefer Stitcher, please subscribe there. Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn.   Get The Transcript Click here to get the transcript now.  Transcripts provided by SuccessTranscripts – a great solution if you need your podcast, sermon, speech, or other audio transcribed.