A warm hello from Cyprus, my favorite island in the world. The sun is setting on my veranda at this moment as I pen these words. Ever think about this? The average small business owner barely makes a living let alone ever becomes wealthy. Many entrepreneurs work extremely long hours. But hard work alone is definitely not the answer to achieving massive success. By contrast, nearly every wealthy super achiever I've known and worked with are not workaholics. (To be fair, I also know a few workaholics that are rich. But they are unhappy and unhealthy in every instance.) While the super successful are productive, they are also multifaceted in how they spend their time. And their lives are a lot more fun too. I believe it is this "well roundedness" factor alone that makes all the difference. And multiplies their margin of success. I thought I'd share today lots of personal things about facets of my own life that you may find of interest. These insights may give you food for thought. And also encourage you to add some factors to your existence. Besides my work, here is a brief look at how I spend the most valuable asset I have - my time. ** Reading ** I read 2-3 hours a day and have for many years. This includes solid "How To" books, written by those who really walk the talk. But I also enjoy fiction. Favorite fiction writers include Ayn Rand, John McDonald, Rex Stout, Elmore Leonard. My very favorite author is the late Miss Rand. Newspapers that I read daily include Wall Street Journal, the International Herald Tribune and the local paper in whatever country I'm in. Magazines that I look forward to include GQ, Vanity Fair, Economist and Readers Digest. I also read Globe and National Enquirer, which publish some of the world's most powerful headlines and which are good study materials for any marketer. ** Hobbies and Health Pursuits ** My anti-aging research has convinced me we are close to being able to extend life to 120 healthy, vigorous years. I do all I can to prepare myself for a long and active life. Happily health is 80% lifestyle. And only 20% genetic. I spend time playing tennis, walking, weight resistance, hiking and swimming. I also meditate each day for at least 20 minutes. My diet is what I call the 90/10 secret. 90% organic. Mostly fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and seeds. Meat once or twice a week. 10% includes all the things I love most, such as pizza, hamburgers, frozen yogurt and pasta. When I've shared this diet with close friends, clients and family they grow to love it. I take 63 natural supplements daily. I make sure I sleep 7-8 hours a day as this is very important to your health. ** Music ** Among my favorites are Mozart, Sinatra, The Beatles, Rod Stewart, Celine Dion and Tony Bennett. I also love authentic Greek music. ** Dancing ** Ballroom, Tango, Mamba, Foxtrot, Greek - Bethany and I take dance lessons at every opportunity. (Look towards the bottom of my home page at www.tednicholas.com to view my Greek dancing.) ** Family Time ** It is extremely important to spend time with children and grandchildren together and individually whenever possible. An annual highlight of mine is to rent a lovely beach home for a week on the east coast of the U.S. All my family enjoy this special concentrated time together, as we live all over the world! ** Friendships ** One of life's great values are the friends you choose to spend time with. The art of conversation is a particular great joy of friendship. ** Romantic Relationship ** In my view the most important of all human relationships. Why? The person with whom you choose to share your life is crucial to your happiness. I wouldn't trade my personal relationship with Bethany for anything. It's my highest value. ** Fashion ** I love men's fashion. And women's too! I especially love ties, shirts and hats. With all the above you may wonder when I find time to work! Not to worry. I spend from roughly 1 pm to 8 pm 6 days a week on my work. And I enjoy every moment of it. It's a true labor of love. Let me know if the above gives you any ideas to help you make some changes that may help you enjoy your life even more. Your correspondent, Ted Nicholas This article appears courtesy of THE SUCCESS MARGIN, the Internet's most valuable success and marketing e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit https://www.tednicholas.com/ |
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