New Years Resolution

1. Post at least one new Blog Post per week

2. Read a book 5 nights a week

3. Summarise key points from each book

4. Complete Toastmasters Competent Communicator Manual

5. Study a foreign language

6. Have a letter printed in the Irish Times newspaper

7. Conduct the role of Toastmaster at at Toastmasters meeting

8. Have read at least 15 books by years end

9. Invest in 2 companies

10. Launch my new website venture

11. Create new look for blog

12. Triple total number of blog readers for 2009

Motivational Quotes

"Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps" David Lloyd George, British Prime Minister

"How many a man has dated a new era in his life from the reading of a book?" Henry David Thoreau. American Writer

"The greater part of our happiness depends on our disposition and not on our circumstances" Martha Washington (First Lady of the USA)

"You can't build a reputation on what your going to do" Henry Ford

"When I was a young man, I observed that nine out of ten things I did were failures. I didn't want to be a failure, so i did ten times more work" George Bernard Shaw, Irish Dramatist, Writer and Critic.

"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.
Education will not; the world is full of educated failures.
Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent"
Calvin Coolidge (President of USA)

"A genius! For thirty-seven years I've practiced fourteen hours a day, and now they call mea genius!" Pablo Sarasate. Spanish Violinist and Composer

"If people knew how hard I worked to gain my mastery, it would not seem so wonderful at all" Michelangelo Italian Painter and Sculptor

"Whether you believe you can do a thing or believe you can't, you are right" Henry Ford

"All successful people have a goal. No one can get anywhere unless he knows where he wants to go and what he wants to do" Norman Vincent Peale American Writer and Minister

"My formula for success?
Rise early, work late, strike oil" J. Paul Getty American Oil Magnate

When the other guys sleeping, I'm working

Some fantastic life advice from Will Smith. Very motivating and inspirational!

This second video is probably the best practical advice ever given to kids

What I Learned From Barrack Obama

"Dreams From My Father" (1995) Book Review

You may ask, why a book written by a politician who has no business background is included in my business book reviews? My answer is that there are lessons to be learned from an extraordinary performer in any field, and it is apparent that Barrack Obama is an extraordinary performer by any standard. Because this book was written before Barrack entered politics it is perhaps more honest than it is possible for him to be now. This honesty allows the reader to gain a great insight in to Barrack's personal character and makes it possible to identify some reasons why he has been such a success.

1. Successful People are People Too!

Generally when he hear stories of very successful people, we hear about their amazing work ethic and drive, they are presented as people with almost superhuman focus. So what was refreshing for me as a 23 year old was to find out that at one time Barry (as he was called at the time) was just another college student, unsure of who he was or what he wanted to do with his life, who enjoyed parties and girls just as much as the next guy!

2. It is Never Too Late

Barrack Obama did not graduate from Law School until he was 31. The general consensus is that you got to college, pay off your loans, and work until its time to retire, probably changing companies and roles a few times along the way. But it is evident from Obama that it does not have to be done this way. Obama did what he wanted to do after college. Then after a few years he decided that he would go to Grad school and increase his knowledge and skills and begin a new departure in his life. I think it is fair to say that Obama's journey to the presidency did not begin until Law School. He did this at an age where most people have accepted that the way their life is now is how it will continue to be. But he has shown in the time since he graduated that it is never too late to try and change and improve.

3. Passionate Perseverance

You only get once chance at life, therefore it makes sense that we should all do what makes us happy. While this is easier said than done, there is a generally held belief that we should all work at something we have an interest in and we are passionate about. But in our busy world filled with bills, invoices and doctors fees, it often doesn't seem practical to pursue your passions or something gets in the way of our dreams. Most people prefer to take the safe job that they might hate, rather than take a chance on something they love but may not seem practical or provide enough financial support. Barrack Obama though, did what very few people do. After college he chose his career based on his passions not his paycheck. He became a community organiser in the south side of Chicago. He wasn't making much money, but he was truly doing what he loved. The result of this (although he is modest in the book) is that he was fantastic at his job and had a profound impact on those he worked with in the community and their lives. Obama then went to Harvard Law School and on completion of his degree, he again turned down the option of pursuing a career with great financial rewards, and began work as a lawyer helping the poor in Chicago. From that point on we all know that he rose quickly in politics, becoming Senator of Illinois and eventually President. I think this shows the power of passionate perseverance. Obama was passionate about helping people and trying to improve government and this passion has lead him all the way to the White House.

The lessons I took from this book can be universally applied. If you are passionate about something, whether its playing a sport, volunteering in your community or writing a blog, the extra time, effort and energy required always seems worth it. And secondly if you are passionate about something but haven't done it yet, joined a team, cooked for a bake sale or started writing, then why not just start now, because it's never too late...

What They Teach You at Harvard Business School

"You wasted $150,000 on an education you coulda got for a buck fifty in late charges at the public library."

– Will Hunting (played by Matt Damon), Good Will Hunting

Will Hunting will be happy to know that with today's modern technology this education might not even cost a buck fifty. This is due to a service I only recently became aware of, but already know it is something that I will be using for many years. In my opinion it represents a new platform for education in the future. I am talking about iTunes University. Some of the greatest colleges in the world have started uploading material to iTunes which can be downloaded for free. So far I have listened to lectures from Stanford, Wharton Business School, Cambridge and Oxford University. It is an amazing experience to have access to an education many people would think impossible to get just a few years ago. Most of the podcasts I downloaded involved lectures where experienced business people were talking about their experiences to students (generally MBA students). I only started using this service about 2 weeks ago and have already listened/watched (there are some videos) around ten different lectures. My favorites so far have been Words of Wisdom from an Experienced CEO (Stanford Technology Venture Programmes) and "Why You Shouldn't be an Entrepreneur" (Yale Entrepreneurial Institute) . I found the service perfect to throw on my iPod when travelling, 3 hour flight became takeoff/landing and three very interesting lectures!

I would recommend anyone with an interest in business to check it out, there is something for everyone to learn regardless of experience. Check it Out