How to survive 2012 and be successful

[PLAYSWITHMACHINES]

How to Survive Year of the Dragon 2012 and be Successful

First of all, a Dragon year occurs every 12 years according to the Chinese calendar, where each year is represented by an animal. This also ties in closely with the Chinese astrology and indeed their whole culture.
To a Westerner, this may seem strange, but it would seem that there are many natural cycles that occur every 12 years, and also many human events as well.
I was born in a Dragon year, which makes me a dragon and this is my year.

From Wiki:

5.Dragon – ? / ? (?) (Yang, 1st Trine, Fixed Element Wood): Magnanimous, stately, vigorous, strong, self-assured, proud, noble, direct, dignified, eccentric, intellectual, fiery, passionate, decisive, pioneering, artistic, generous, and loyal. Can be tactless, arrogant, imperious, tyrannical, demanding, intolerant, dogmatic, violent, impetuous, and brash.

Yes, that sounds like me alright
(I would never be violent or intolerant, though. The rest is true:)

The Chinese zodiac is similar to the Western one, which uses 12 months per year, only the Chinese one uses cycles of 12 years.
Every 5 of these cycles (=60 years) something big happens....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_calendar_and_history

OK so they missed 9/11 by 2 years, and 2012 doesn't seem as worthy of attention as 2028, which is the beginning of the next 60 year cycle.
If a meteorite smashes into Earth tomorrow, there's not much you can do about it, but you can survive financially & mentally through the crisis, which is a transition period.

I was reading a 'key to success' article in the local paper, which was more given to financial or relational ends, but i thought it relevant to everybody (especially now) and it's not about money or making an impression, it's about how we can all apply this to everything we do.
Especially when dealing with each other.
This simple 'self help' plan (in the form of 2 expensive books, of course) can be applied to everyone everywhere, regardless of your race, religion, social backround, whatever.
All those rich & successful people use this, and they probably did it by selling books like this
But the local paper very kindly printed the relevant parts, and i have very kindly (loosely) translated it into English for you

It's a Crisis!
Whoever has a job, is lucky to have one, and is praying he or she will keep it.
And for whoever has just lost their job, the future looks anything but rosy.
The whole country has Diabetes, everybody is getting divorced from everybody else, the mortgages have left the roof behind and are heading into the stratosphere (that's from me BTW).

Is there hope?
Yes!
Successful people ,especially in business, have certain habits or traits which we can all imitate in order to be successful.

(here they go on about exchanging your dingy appartment for a villa, your beer-belly for a sixpack,your irritating girlfreind into a fun playmate but hey, let's be realistic here...
The beer spoiler/ sixpack war is one i am a veteran of, it's still not clear which side has won)

One of the books is called This Will Be Your Year, and if you want it to be, you had better get a move on, it's almost halfway through......
Here are 7 tips they pulled from the 2 books:

1: KNOW WHAT YOU WANT

If you don't know what you want in life, you are a boat adrift, bobbing around on the sea of life, which is rough at times.
The authors advise you to listen to your dreams to find out where your needs are, what you really want. If you take the time for some short naps or daydreams, write them down at once.
This has (apparently) quite an impact, it enables you to see more clearly your heart's desire, rather than what your brain is telling you when you are awake.
Once you have clearly defined what it is you want, it enables you to FOCUS on it, you automatically have the MOTIVATION to do something about it.

For example, you want a million bucks (Yeah me too).

OK so what were you planning to do with that million?
"Well, i thought a big mansion, a world cruise, maybe have a yacht built to order..."
No, those are the things you want to do with a milion bucks.
Now tell me what you really want to do?

Most of the above you could probably get with much less money, or even for free...
Get in a comfy chair with a pen & paper, take some deep breaths, relax, and write down what you would like to DO with a million bucks.
Remember, these are your dreams, they have no limit.
Take the brakes off & fly, the sky's the limit, (or as this paper puts it: Heaven has no ceiling!)

2: ADD UP SMALL & BIG SUCCESSES.

Success is a way of thinking, a frame of mind.
If you are a millionaire, and bump into a billionare, you will probably feel worthless next to him
Write down your successes, and update them, even if it's small things like 'i managed to buy that fridge with 10% discount after haggling with the guy in the shop today', or 'i've been accepted for the Advanced Tango class'
By counting on your past success, you are mentally equipped to handle the next one, you gain faith in yourself. Many people who write about positive thinking say the same thing:
That which you concentrate on, starts to happen.
Your faith in yourself will guarantee the success, and the success will make you more self assured, it will restore your faith in yourself.
The one fuels the other.

3: MATCH YOUR DEEDS TO YOUR GOALS.

It's great weather outside, the door is open, but you choose to sit indoors & eat cake all day.
Here your actions are in conflict with your goal.
For any chance of success, your actions should always be in agreement with your goals.
I don't want to take the trash out, but the can is full.
But what i really want is the trash out of the house.
Solution? Take the trash out....
If you want that promotion, it doesn't help to clock out on the dot at 5.
If you want your relationship to be a happy one, it helps to do your best to please your partner.
Avoid conflict re; above. Call them & tell them you will be a bit late.

Even successful people realise that sometimes our behavior tends to sabotage our goals.
Too much alcohol, food, facebook, dumb films. It all gets in the way of you reaching your goal.
No pain, no gain.
The trick is to find things to do that you intrinsically LIKE doing, choose something that fascinates you and you can really get into it.
Losing weight is much easier if you find a sport or hobby that you ENJOY, so much so that time simply flies, and you are left out of breath but extremly happy.
Wealth is a side effect of you having fed the goose that laid the golden egg...

4: KNOW YOUR WEAKNESSES.

From studies it has been shown that successful managers tend to scorn slovenly workers and won't make time for them, they are not prepared to waste time & energy trying to motivate employees. They will make time for those they see as useful & productive, but they won't flog a dead horse.
You don't want to be a dead horse, but spending time & effort trying to do something that you know you're not good at, is simply wasting time.
Research yourself. Find out what you are good at, and not good at.
Make a list, and ask a good freind to read it, & ask them to be HONEST with you.
In this way, you avoid making a too-rosy or too-bleak picture of yourself
Investing in your good qualities or talents will take you much further.
Also from the list you will find what you are not so good at, and you should make freinds with someone who has just those talents that you lack, to help you out.
Let them be your role model for the difficult tasks, see how they approach it.

5: MAKE A 'TO DO' LIST.

Sounds corny, but this is exactly what many successful people do (i don't, i guess that's why i'm still poor).
Make a list of things to be done in the next few days, noting the time you think you need to do it.
Always allow for spontaneous changes, etc. As a rough guide, allow 60% of your time for the work, and 40% free time for unforseen events.
So in an 8 hour work day, allow 5 hours for getting something actually done, and 3 hours for dealing with unexpected problems or delays.(which i always do;)
Give priority to the most important things, and if possible, DON'T let others handle it.
At the end of the day, go through the list & anything still not done goes on the top of tomorrow's list. Simple.

6: NO MONEY=NO REASON NOT TO DO ANYTHING.

This is the main excuse everyone uses for not being successful.
Most people who have seen have seen their dreams come true were not thinking about money, if they ever had any to begin with. Their focus was on realising their dream, if money was involved, it eventually came to them through hard work, saving, or finding an investor to sponsor them.
They put other things to one side and focused on their dream.
Using lack of money as an argument for not realising your dream is a waste of your life force and your true ability.
The result will be that you will not be happy, and won't take an opportunity when it comes along.
If you won't dare take a chance, ask yourself why that is.

7: CHOOSE A ROLE MODEL THAT SUITS YOU.

If you look like a sack of potatoes but you want to look like Naomi Campbell, you will tear yourself to bits every time you try to make the comparison.If you are on welfare and can only complain about the rich, it will only make you feel worse.
Insecurity & too much self-criticising will stand in the way of your success.
If you want to succeed, look at someone who HAS succeeded in the same dream that you have, study them,read their biographies, take some inspiration from them (it's free).
What do you have in common with them?
But you don't have to become them. You have your own unique perspective, and it will show, let it be seen.

There you have it, not just the key to personal success but the success of everybody around you.
We all have the same goals at the end of the day, a peaceful & prosperous life.
And if any of you DOES become a millionaire, i want to talk to you about investing in my spaceship........

[sky otter]

playswithmachines


i  is gonna survive 2012 the same way i survived Y2K

laughing merrily

and yelling loudly

NEXT


hahahahahahahahahahah





oh ya want some good astrology sites
try these

combo of eastern and western and good
http://suzannewhite.com/new-astrology/new-astrology.html


get a natal chart that is right on the money or other combinations..best online site
http://www.astro.com/


and the talk guru with astronomy and astrology all mixed together
http://www.philipsedgwick.com/

[Shasta56]

I'll survive by celebrating the eleventh anniversary of being handfasted with my hubby.  I'll also remind my coworkers that if anything was going to happen, we would know ahead of time since it's already tomorrow on the other side of the international date line.

Shasta 5150

[Littleenki]

Shasta and Sky, Im gonna join you guys for the start of another day on dec 22nd, like the fourth! With fireworks!
Double cheers!
Le

[The Seeker]

Dear friends, I expect to be conversing with all of y'all on the 22nd, refuse for it to be any other way 

yet the OP does make some good points for all to ponder; take steps to delineate and outline what we want, and how to do it; see it happening, feel it, and make it so...


seeker

[Shasta56]

Celebrating with fireworks and champagne.  Or sparkling cider for the no alcohol crowd.  I really want to start doing Hogmonay with the grandkids. 

I descend from the kings of Scotland on my dad's side.  Something I didn't know until a few years ago, and I'm sure I've long since bled out every drop of royal blood by virtue of being accident prone. 

But hey, it's an excuse to party.  Just without haggis on the menu.

Shasta 5150

[Littleenki]

No haggis here either, Shasta! That stuff is rank!

I will however share a spot of single malt with you, a virtual shot!

All of us here are too positive to be let down by any negativity, so let's have a new holiday, Dec 21st....not eaten by aliens day! LOL!

Or, maybe aliens like ribs, I cook them real good!

"Grey's Rib Shack", at your service!

Now, PWM, that post was a good way to look into the minds of those who have been in control, and beat them at their own game...kinda like getting the other teams playbook before the big game!

Brilliant!

Cheers!
Le

[Amaterasu]

Thanks, PWM!  In reading it, I discovered that I am on the right track!  And THAT is a good thing to know!

Of course, I don't dream of millions, I pursue no need for money at all!  [smile]

[Littleenki]

Thanks, PWM!  In reading it, I discovered that I am on the right track!  And THAT is a good thing to know!

Of course, I don't dream of millions, I pursue no need for money at all!  [smile]

Except for millions of warm fuzzy pumas!LOL!
You are defining the right track, Amy, a role model for all of us!
Cheers!
Le

[Amaterasu]

Aw...  Now Ya got Me blushing!

Thanks, Dave.  [smile]

[Littleenki]

Aw...  Now Ya got Me blushing!

Thanks, Dave.  [smile]

My pleasure, Amy! Sleep well!
Dave

[PLAYSWITHMACHINES]

'Make it so'
I think i'll make that my motto
It would be nice to learn all their tricks & play their own game.
When i look at it this way, i've been doing exactly what i want to do (except work) and i've got almost everything i need.
Since most of the gear has to be built from scratch, it's not a question of money for me, more a question of getting the materials together & finding the time to work on my projects.
Vacation is coming up, so it will be the perfect time for trying out these ideas, reading theories etc.
I wish you all well with your endeavours, and we will all have a BIG party in December to celebrate the dawn of a new age

[sky otter]

PWM

didn't want you to think i was making fun of your post..i was not

and dragons are cool folk..i know several...did you know that the five elements also come into play
as well as the time of day and the western sign also...never a simple black and white ID

here's some info you may not have found

IN YOUR ELEMENT

The characteristics of the Dragon Sign are tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth overlaying a 5-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12-year cycle.

THE METAL DRAGON 1940 AND 2000

Truthful but extreme, courageous but unyielding, Metal Dragons have a strength similar to the Dragon fire. Metal Dragons succeed through determination. They are mighty and respect people who stand up to them. In troubled times, these Dragons make great allies, but become ferocious challengers. Metal Dragons can often calm others through their forceful personalities. They seek action, and things are never better than when they are defending a thought or belief about which they have complete faith. Metal Dragons like to lead, and have an affect that makes others want to follow them. Yet even if they attract no support they will fight alone.

THE WATER DRAGON 1952 AND 2012

Water has a calming effect on the Dragon's fearless temperament. Water allows the Dragon to re-direct its enthusiasm, and makes him more perceptive of others. These Dragons are better equipped to take a step back to re-evaluate a situation because they understand the art of patience and do not desire the spotlight like other Dragons. Therefore, they make smart decisions and are able to see eye-to-eye with other people. However, their actions can go wrong if they do not research or if they do not finish one project before starting another.

THE WOOD DRAGON 1904 AND 1964

Wood has a modifying influence and brings creativity to this sign. Questioning and liberal, Wood Dragons enjoy talking about original ideas and are open to other points of view. They are innovative, imaginative practical and appreciate art in each of its forms. Generally less pretentious than other Dragons, Wood Dragons have an ability to get along with other people. They have the essentials to build a prosperous and happy life for themselves. Still, Wood Dragons are outspoken and at times a bit pushy to quell everyone, even in the most friendly quarrel.

THE FIRE DRAGON 1916 AND 1976

The Fire Dragon is a powerful force to be reckoned with. This is a Dragon doubled! The Fire Dragon can move from calm and collected to combustible in a matter of seconds. In some ways the Fire Dragon is his or her own worst enemy. These Dragons cannot help feeling they are valuable and all-knowing. When they are right their vehemence and vigor is an asset to the cause, and though they value objectivity, they do not always employ the best decision-making measures, and sometimes jump to the wrong conclusion. They also suffer from recklessness and quick tempers. Yet, when they do keep their temper, emotions, and rivaling spirit under control, they emanate a commanding influence on other people.

http://www.usbridalguide.com/special/chinesehoroscopes/Dragon.htm

[PLAYSWITHMACHINES]

Thank you Sky, and i was not offended by your post
It looks like i'm a Wood dragon, which is true. I love working with wood, i love trees. Most of my prototypes are built on a wooden frame, it's the perfect building material.
But there i go, on about me again, those darn dragons are SO egocentric

Thanks for the info, i am interested to see if this water dragon year works out well. So far there's no clues about the world ending
Wood floats on water, so i should be alright.....

[Amaterasu]

IIRC, I am a Monkey - but since I was born on Jan 25, 1957, I think I may be a different "sign" because the Chinese NY is in Feb (I think - didn't look it up and going on memory)...

Fascinating stuff, sky!