Success secrets from John Wesley quotes
While I don’t find myself in a church on a regular basis, I do see great value in learning from religious leaders. John Wesley’s writings are no exception. Wesley lived during Revolutionary War times in both England and America. He founded a very analytical and studious movement in Christianity called Methodism.
The Methodist approach to religion reminds me of many of today’s agnostics. The basic, watered down premise is to accept no dogma blindly, but instead for each person to study and interpret all writings for himself.
John Wesley Quotes
The danger in such a thoughtful approach to faith is similar to a flaw I have noticed in myself and many of my clients. Many of today’s entrepreneurs experience “paralysis by analysis.”
“Beware you be not swallowed up in books! An ounce of love is worth a pound of knowledge.” –John Wesley, 1768
John Wesley writes that while knowledge is important, it’s the love that really makes a difference in the world. Beware of sitting back and spending your whole life making “perfect decisions” and failing to take action. There is no such thing as a perfect plan. Get out into the world now and spread your love.
On the other hand, John Wesley wrote not to run your life with your head down:
“Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry.” –John Wesley, 1777
True leaders develop the ability to make informed, efficient judgments quickly. This is one of the keys to success. Surround yourself with wise advisers, trust their opinions, but never hurry through any decisions to the point that you forget to think for yourself.
John Wesley measured success differently than many others of his time (and many people of today as well). Wesley felt that success is measured not by the number of possessions that one can amass, but by the amount of positive that that he can implement.
“Having first, gained all you can, and secondly, saved all you can, then give all you can.” –John Wesley, Sermon 50
This is commonly paraphrased “Earn all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can.” In order to be a good steward of the resources we have been given, we must do our best to produce more than we consume. Then, with the bounty that we have leftover, we must help others. We must strive to turn our world to paradise on earth.
If the teachings of John Wesley resonate with you, then you have a lot in common with Joshua Bevan.
Watch some of Joshua’s videos now.
Top 8 Ways to Compliment Someone You Don’t Like
One of the keys to success is keeping a positive attitude. With a positive attitude, we will encounter more opportunities for growth. This is because 1) we will be more open and see more of the paths in front of us, and 2) we actually attract more positive opportunities to ourselves.
Paying someone a compliment may turn an enemy into a friend
The hard part is keeping that positive outlook the majority of the time. Even when things look grim. Even when interacting with negative people. We all must interact with people who we don’t like, sometimes even on a daily basis. It can be quite challenging to avoid slipping into a negative view point after or even during one of those encounters.
If You Don’t Have Anything Nice to Say, Think of Something.
I find that the best way to defuse one of those meetings and keep it moving in a productive direction is to deliver a genuine compliment, especially at the beginning of the conversation. If you start off on a positive note, there is a much higher chance that it will stay positive.
Finding a genuine compliment, especially about someone who you already know you don’t like, can be very difficult. The compliment needs to be true and heartfelt. Whatever you do, DO NOT LIE. The other person will see right through the lie and you will be worse off than when you started.
How to Fake a Compliment Find an Honest Compliment
- Reframe a Negative. Instead of focusing on how anal retentive your boss is when he scrutinizes your every move, try reframing. Tell him, “It’s very thorough of you to always pick up on tiny details.”
- Focus on an Accessory. Even people with horrible taste are bound to pick up something nice. Try, “I really like your tie,” or, “Those are beautiful earrings you’re wearing.”
- Notice Changes. Sometimes general observations, with the proper vocal inflections, can be taken as compliments. While smiling, you can remark, “You got a haircut!”
- The Clothes Make the Man. Even though a fashion designer dreamed up that outfit and a clothing manufacturer did all of the sewing, your “friend” still put in the work of choosing and purchasing it. That should count for something, right?
- The Power of Suggestion. Beginning a conversation with, “You sound like you’re in a cheerful mood this morning! Did you have a good weekend?” may help to change the tone from neutral to good. Time this one properly, though, because it may also backfire and change the tone from bad to worse.
- Be Generic. “I admire your effort!” If you have trouble finding a quality compliment about your “friend” that you like, try complimenting him about a quality you typically like in ALL people.
- Think Like a Little League Coach. In youth sports, everyone gets a trophy simply for participating. “Thank you for coming to the meeting,” or “I appreciate that you were my partner on this project.”
- Above All Else – Be Sincere. Whatever you do, whether it is one of the above suggestions or another way you find to creatively compliment someone, make sure that the compliment is an honest one.
As long as you are genuine and authentic with what you are saying, the other person will be able to read it. Even the most negative people are boosted up by true and honest compliments. Use this knowledge to help propel yourself forward in your success.
If you plan to use any of these tips, tell us how in the comment section below.
How to Save on all Your Online Shopping
Saving money online is becoming more of a necessity for all of us. According to the US Census Bearau, we spend $126 Trillion online every year. This number grows higher as more Americans begin to take advantage of the money saving deals given by online retailers. Here’s a way to save even more on all of the already low prices on the ‘net. ShopBest pays you cash back on your online shopping. Here’s how:
- Visit ShopBest and download your FREE toolbar.
- Shop as you normally would. (That’s it!!)
- The ShopBest toolbar will automatically give you cashback points at the stores your normally visit.
ShopBest is the online coupon that is always on. There are no special logins to keep track of or cumbersome websites to visit before shopping. As Ron Popeil would say, “Set it and forget it!” Easy, simple, and it will save you money from your family’s budget.
Give All You Can
The part that caught my eye originally is the ShopBest Cares program. Every time that ny of its members make a purchase, ShopBest will make a donation to a charity that benefits children. You don’t need to change anything about your shopping habits, yet you will get a check in the mail, and so will the organizations that help kids in need.
Chick-fil-A First 100
Until last week, I had only been to a Chick-fil-A once in my life. The service at that one dinner was so above and beyond that I wrote a letter of praise to the corporate offices.
That’s when I started to read the business philosophies of the President, Dan Cathy, and his father, Chick-Fil-A founder Truet Cathy. I then began reading the Cathys’ leadership theories and they blew me away. I had to meet these guys.
On July 29, 2010, Chick-fil-A opened a new location in Valencia, California. To celebrate the Grand Opening, they gave away a year’s worth of free lunches to the First 100 customers. I joined the crowd and sought out interviews with Event Planner Hollee Swain, Owner Operator Dustin LaChance, and Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy.
Dan Cathy Models Leadership
Dan Cathy, President and CEO of Chick-fil-A, displays ultimate leadership skills. I had the privilege of meeting with him yesterday. It is so easy to see why the company he leads is expanding even during this down economic time. Check out the footage in a few days and see his “lead by example” style. During his (highly energetic) few minutes that he shared with me, he showed me his brand of confidence that empowers his team members through all of his 1,500 quick service restaurants.
Success in Life Begins with an Oxygen Mask
When airline passengers board a flight, an attendant will describe the emergency procedures. She will remind us: “In the event of an emergency, be sure to secure your own oxygen mask before helping others.” I’ve heard these instructions used metaphorically many times, and I mostly agree with the descriptions I’ve heard. In this article, I’d like to carry it further and discuss what’s missing.
On the plane, the number one priority is to make sure that we can breathe properly. Otherwise, we may pass out while trying to help our fellow passengers secure their masks, and everyone will suffer. Similarly, in life, we need to make sure our own business and personal lives aren’t going to suffer when we take the time to help a friend with his crisis. That’s a valid metaphor. We do need to follow it because the equivalent to passing out in the airplane is a failed business or a disastrous personal life.
The part I take exception to is that this is not the case only during emergency situations. In other words, we all need to help each other, always. Most of us can remember to help during times of crisis or in an emergency. For example, when there is a large natural disaster in the world, it is immediately followed by an outpouring of support from people and organizations. Or, we all remember to help a friend who is going through a divorce, or whose wife has health problems. What we forget is that we are supposed to help each other, always, during good times and bad.
I believe that the best way to get what you need is to ask for it. However, you must also remember to ask others what they need for bigger success. More than likely, the huge need that was hindering your friend’s forward momentum is no big deal for you to provide: maybe it’s a vendor referral, or a new client introduction. Assistance that may cost you only a little time and effort will help him see huge progress. As everyone makes these small gestures the rule instead of the exception, we all become more successful.
If the plane loses cabin pressure we need to make sure that children and the elderly can put on their masks. But we also need to hold the terminal door for the man with full hands and help the lady put her carry-on in the overhead compartment. We all need to strive for success (however that looks to each of us) and the best way to make that happen is by helping those around us achieve their goals.
Earn, Save, Give: John Wesley’s Guide to Success
There are many ways to achieve success in life. Some plans are more elaborate than others. Some would work for everyone while others would only achieve one person’s definition of success. Some are simple in design but take a lifetime to execute. John Wesley, a founder of the Methodist Church, wrote many sermons centering around proper stewardship of money and his instructions for a path to success. He stated that everyone can follow these three steps:
- Earn all you can
- Save all you can
- Give all you can
Earn All You Can
John Wesley wrote that God has given each of us valuable skills and talents. It is our duty to use these gifts to their fullest potential. We must work as hard as we can to create success for ourselves and our businesses. A balance must be struck between causing no harm to our fellow man while gaining the most resources for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Save All You Can
John Wesley then wrote of the importance of living frugally. We must not squander away these hard earned resources by trying to ‘keep up with the Joneses.’ Wesley himself lived a very humble life, never raising his budget throughout his entire career after seminary. The goal is to only use as much of the gifts as is necessary to keep our families comfortable, healthy, and safe.
Give All You Can
After working hard and earning great success in our business, and living frugally, there will be plenty of resources (time, money, and so on) to give. Wesley wrote that these resources are to be used to help our fellow man. It is our duty to improve our world, and to leave it better than we found it.
First visit? Play this video!
While building his businesses from the ground up, Joshua Bevan sought out some of the best mentorship. He has learned that the path to success is difficult and simple at the same time. Joshua has committed his life to learning how to, “Earn all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can.” Through videos, blogs and speaking events, he will pass that knowledge forward.
Recent Post
-
Achieving Success by Following Your Passion
by Joshua with View Comments
Don’t you think it’s about time you followed your passion?
In this video, Joshua Bevan learns how important it is to achieve success by following... -
Confidence vs Arrogance
by Joshua with View Comments
In this episode, Joshua learns that there is no such thing as too much confidence. Arrogant people are put in the same category as selfish or rude peo... -
Success secrets from John Wesley quotes
by Joshua with View Comments
While I don’t find myself in a church on a regular basis, I do see great value in learning from religious leaders. John Wesley’s writings are no e... -
Act at the Speed of Instruction
by Joshua with View Comments
In this episode, Joshua Bevan learns from a successful Real Estate investor that the best way to be successful is to act at the speed of instruction. ... -
Why are we so afraid to be embarrassed?
by Joshua with View Comments
In this episode Joshua Bevan learns from a group of evolutionary psychologists why fear and stress is a reflex when we are presented with an embarrass...