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Exceptions Break The Rule

The golden rule isn't: "Treat others as you want to be treated... unless they tick you off." Nor does the commandment "Thou shalt not steal" come with restrictions or blackout periods. It's a rule ? a very powerful rule ? that should be followed in all circumstances. Any exception would break the rule completely. What's the point of a rule, goal, or plan if you don't follow it? If you're not willing to follow a plan, idea, or goal straight through, then don't bother pretending.

You're only setting yourself up for disappointment. You'll be creating exceptions and restrictions that serve the purpose of making temptations easier to serve. For the Diet Seekers... Let me put it another way. Let's say you're following a strict diet where you can eat certain foods but abstain from desserts and sweets.

And let's also say that if you were to follow the diet unequivocally, you'd lose the desired amount of weight. So why do you create excuses when that mouthwatering piece of chocolate cake comes within eyesight? "Just this little piece won't hurt," you might say. While it may be a "little piece," it'll certainly expose your weakness. And that's the worst kind of pain -- the kind that doesn't hurt you physically, but spreads like wildfire. It's called a lack of discipline.

If you don't have the willpower or perseverance, how can you call yourself a success story? I mean, this "strict diet" has suddenly become a "lax diet where you can make spontaneous decisions on rule changes." The people you see lose dozens of pounds had to work for it. They disciplined themselves, and believed in the power of themselves. They are the true success stories! For the Business Builders... Let's say you've set a goal to start your own business. The plan is to use as much free time as possible to refine your idea and get the wheels turning.

Oh, but wait, your favorite TV show is on and you sure are feeling mighty exhausted from a hard day's work (at the day job you despise with utmost passion). "Tomorrow," you convince yourself. Tomorrow comes, and so does a phone call from a buddy asking you to go to your favorite hangout. Off you go, merrily downing a few with your buddies, chatting more about nothing than about anything of importance. A month later, you're still convinced that your goal is within sight.

(Yeah, and the moon's within arms reach. Fat chance.) Your goal deserves commitment; show it respect. Beat the Cake. Say No to Distractions. But How? Now before you dismiss all of this as crazy or unreasonable, I want to mention that temptations will always be strong, distractions ever-present and tasty treats always within grasp.

But you have to account ahead of time for these obstacles. Perhaps you can use the "3 Strikes I'm Out" system. You might say: "I will allow myself to have 3 strikes (distractions, treats, temptations, etc.) a month. Not a single one more!" Or better yet, find ways to discipline yourself when you have challenging temptations. Maybe that means reminding yourself of your overall goal or boiling down the temptation to what it really is.

After all, chocolate cake is just a bunch of heavy carbs loaded with artery clogging fats stuffed with pounds of sugars and oils. Never has an artery clogger tasted so good! The true purpose of this treat is more to test your resolve than resolve your hunger. And that TV show that you couldn't say "no" to, is an hour of inactivity a week (for a number of months a year) that could have landed you time to test out your idea, bring it to market, or given you financial and personal satisfaction. After all, the purpose of the show is more to numb your mind than to expand it. On the other hand, people argue that there will always be exceptions to the rule and it's the exceptions that help prove the rule (just think of mathematics or science).

Others say that rules are "made to be broken," but we also say that promises are made to be kept. You can't have it both ways! The Danger of Floating Goals, Plans & Rules So, what happens when an exception proves a rule false or when a rule is broken? Well, almost unknowingly, a new rule is created in its place and a new precedent set. For example, if a law is changed, the new law is carved out of the old after much deliberation, thought, and majority voting. The old law no longer exists but a new one is born and is used to govern. But what if you allowed your own personal goals, morals, and plans to change on a dime? No deliberation, thought or majority votes can stop you now.

Now all of a sudden, you have shifting rules that accommodate any situation imaginable. How efficient will you be? How satisfied will you be with yourself? Floating rules are best shown with a childhood example. We were all kids at one point. We played games, and often found ourselves changing the rules on the fly, just so we can win. Forget "3 strikes, you're out," it was more like 4...

5... 6... or however as many as needed for you to hit that proverbial game winning home run. If floating rules were the standard, when would you know whether you should continue reaching for your goal, or take a detour? When is it acceptable to break the rules or follow them? When does the game have 3 strikes or 6? Well, we wouldn't know. That's the danger.

Discipline, perseverance, and self-management are thrown out of the window. The Power of Focus & Destinations Speaking specifically about goals or plans, exceptions may not be the main issue. The problem might stem from the fact that your goal isn't specific enough. Simply saying that you're "going on a diet" or "going to start a business" is up for interpretation. The goal is so generic and has no guidelines.

You won't know what is acceptable or unacceptable behavior, so exceptions arise. Why not try something like: "I want to lose X pounds but not starve myself. I can discipline myself to do X hours of exercise every day and I'll still treat myself on specific occasions, such as..." "I want to spend X hours a night working on my business, doing specific tasks daily such as..." When you set specific, measurable, and reasonable goals, you'll be less likely to stray. That's the power of focus and the power of having a destination. But What If I Stray? Sometimes you have to have that piece of chocolate cake by obligation.

The problem isn't so much as your craving for the tasty treat; rather it's your need to please the chef. After all, you might not want to offend your family or friend who put their heart and soul into their baking and await your glowing review. Or perhaps one night you simply can't focus on your business because there's something weighing on your mind. You need some downtime to sort things out, and that's completely understandable. It's fair to stray, we're human, we're not supposed to be perfect.

But, don't despair! There's no use in losing hope and giving up your goal because of a setback. You're not defeated until you truly believe you are. The first thing you need to do is acknowledge the defeating moment. Just because you've strayed (either out of kindness or desperation), it doesn't mean you should abandon your goal. Admit the mistake, then: Make up for it.

Refocus your energy on the goal, plan, or rule. Don't let the mistake, pain, or despair overwork your mind. That'll only increase the negative thoughts and cause further tension. Recommit yourself to your goal, and strive for success. If you deserve commitment from anyone, it's yourself.

Shed the exceptions and excuses and reach that goal! Summary * Exceptions break the rule. Don't be fooled by distractions or temptations. * Your goal deserves commitment; show it respect. * Try the "3 Strikes, I'm Out" rule. Limit the number of distractions or temptations to a specific and consistent number per month.

Be sure to actually follow through with it. * Boil down the distracting force to its core. Spell it out, it'll help you realize how ridiculous it really is. * Disallow floating goals. They're deadly.

* You might slip-up and deviate from your goal, but if it happens, don't despair. Just admit the mistake, then make up for it. * Don't give up! You're no quitter, not by any means.

Pigeons Beware, the English are Coming!

Miami, FL (ContentDesk) Aug. 31, 2005 ? Last week saw the launch of Deterapigeon.com website and their Defender 4 anti-roosting pigeon spikes in the United States, a new and exciting product from the leading and highly respected manufactures of bird spikes in the UK. The animal conscious pigeon spikes simply prevent pigeons from landing without causing harm.Deterapigeon has been established in England since 1996 and David Jones (Director of Deterapigeon) invented...

Pigeons Beware, the English are Coming!

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Munchie Gifts Adds Special Dietary Needs Gifts Department

(ContentDesk) November 20, 2004 -- Sugar free products are offered for persons with high blood sugar or diabetes, gluten free cookies for persons with Celiac Disease as well as all natural products for those who simply want to enjoy healthy munchies. Gluten free offerings for those with Celiac Disease include gourmet cheesecake and freshly baked cookies. Scrumptious cheesecake is also offered in a wide choice of sugar free flavors and and baked to order cookies are available in sugar free and all natural as well as gluten free. All the ingredients in the All Natural Gourmet Cookie line are Natural and/or Organic. Great care has been taken to provide the finest Natural products without the marketing hype.

Ingredients are All Natural, No Preservatives" and No Hydrogenated or Partially Hydrogenated Oils. Sugar-Free/Lower Carbohydrate Gourmet cookies offered in tins and gift baskets have the same ingredients as the All Natural Gourmet line except for the following differences: ? Sugar...

Munchie Gifts Adds Special Dietary Needs Gifts Department

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What is Search Engine Optimization and Why Do I Need It?

Purchasing web design service is confusing with all of the different buzz words floating around. In an earlier article I discussed the differences between custom web design and web design based on templates. Another service being pushed by many web developers is search engine optimization (SEO). It has become a huge field in the last few years despite the fact that many purchasers of web development services are not clear on what it is or why they need to consider it in the making of their site. What is Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?Nearly every internet user finds new web sites using a search engine such as Google, Yahoo, or MSN.

You go to their site, type in what you are looking for and usually find it in the top two or three results. What goes on behind the scenes of every internet search involves complex software intelligent enough to figure out which pages are the most relevant to your search. If you are looking to buy a product online, you will search for the product...

What is Search Engine Optimization and Why Do I Need It?

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Aphrodisiac Expert/Author Checks in for 2005 Valentine's Festivities

"Cooking and seduction are delicious arts that involve head, hand and heart. And great lovers are inspired by passion, as are great chefs," says Diane Brown, an aphrodisiac expert and author of The Seduction Cookbook.
The Fairmont Miramar Hotel Santa Monica follows suit by welcoming Brown as guest chef/cookbook author for their 2005 Valentine's Day festivities. Scheduled for hardcover release in February 2005, The Seduction Cookbook offers tips and techniques for shooting Cupid's delicious arrow straight through the heart of a lover's sensual appetite. With more than 80 heart-melting, temperature-raising recipes that are quickly and easily prepared, one can cook up an evening of romance without spending hours in the kitchen.

The book also contains expert tips and ideas indispensable to making the mood magical: grow an erotic herb garden; learn which aphrodisiac foods really work; set the stage for romance and seduction; bewitch your lover with decadent desserts; and make...

Aphrodisiac Expert/Author Checks in for 2005 Valentine's Festivities

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Alaskan Northern Lights and Landscape Uniquely Captured in Tom Robinsons Paintings

Light and shadow, hot and cold, extremes of color and emotion.
These are the things that will strike you when viewing the paintings of Tom Robinson.
Tom's magical talent with light may have a lot to do with the fact that he has been flying since he was 14 years old with most of his flying time in Alaska from Mt. McKinley to the mighty Yukon. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Tom is a registered member of the Cherokee tribe with three daughters, two granddaughters and an Abyssinian cat named "Ringo".

Tommy honors his Native American heritage with his love and respect for nature; apparent in his paintings. Tom Robinson has been a commercial pilot/guide flying visitors and mountain climbers around Denali National Park and landing on the glaciers of Mt. McKinley for 16 years. Since he's so busy in the summer he relies on memories of the sky and illuminated mountains to guide him while painting during the dark days of endless Alaska winters. Although there has had no formal...

Alaskan Northern Lights and Landscape Uniquely Captured in Tom Robinsons Paintings

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Would you like S'more? - Cooking S'mores Indoors

The best part of camping has nothing to do with being outside. Think back to the last time you slept in the woods and you will agree with me. Take away the mosquitoes, the unexpected rainstorms and going to the bathroom in the bushes and what's left? Not much you say? Well then you forgot the best part because nothing is more fun about camping than making s'mores. If you don't have time for camping anymore but melted chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers still sounds tempting, don't worry. We'll show you three ways to skip the great outdoors and cook up some s'mores in the comforts of your own home.A great way to cook s'mores indoors is to use the Casa Moda S'mores Maker.

It's a lot like cooking smores outdoors. The S'mores Maker replaces the campfire with a sterno and instead of passing around the bag of marshmallows, there are neat places to stack all of your ingredients. The Casa Moda S'mores Maker is great for those of us who are trying to set a mood. There are people...

Would you like S'more? - Cooking S'mores Indoors

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Holiday Candy Canes Are Festive and Fun

Candy canes are everyone's favorite holiday treat. Just think about how versatile they are. Not only do candy canes look great hanging from Christmas trees, but their versatility makes them perfect for all kinds of decorative uses.Candy canes can be crushed or used whole in holiday arts and crafts projects. How about adding candy canes to your homemade holiday gift baskets?Peppermint candy canes are usually red and white, but they can also be found in fun colors like red, green and white, and also flavors like orange, cherry, and even chocolate!You can find candy canes sprinkled inside of cookies and other delicious Christmas recipes.Candy canes make great ornaments. You can buy real ones and hang them around the house or the plastic version works fine too.To create a festive mood on the holiday dinner table you can put out a couple of candy cane candles.Got a wreath? Stick a few candy canes inside and watch your guests smile.

Candy canes always seem to make people happy.Mini...

Holiday Candy Canes Are Festive and Fun

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Ummah foods launches first ever chocolate bar for 3 million sweet toothed muslims

(ContentDesk) April 24, 2004--Ummah Foods announces the launch of the first chocolate bar for the three million strong sweet loving Muslim community in the UK on the 1st May 2004.
The milk chocolate bar with a caramel filling is the first of many confectionery products that will be hitting the stores soon under the Ummah Foods label.Ummah Food's Director Khalid Sharif, 30, plans to follow in the footsteps of other community based business and turn Ummah Foods into a global brand for quality and community. Mintel estimated Muslim spending power at twenty billion pounds in 2002, and now Muslim consumers can choose to support businesses that practice community responsibility through their purchases.
For every Ummah Foods product sold, ten percent of the profit will go to charities and community projects.
Ummah Foods hopes to partner with and support education projects, homeless charities, humanitarian and community projects.

On a local level it wants to...

Ummah foods launches first ever chocolate bar for 3 million sweet toothed muslims

Chocolate > Ummah foods launches first ever chocolate bar for 3 million sweet toothed muslims

Quicken Loans? $10,000 Giveaway Offers Many Opportunities to Win Prizes

Livonia, MI (ContentDesk via ContentDesk Direct) March 27, 2006 -- What would you do with $10,000? For most people, the possibilities are endless: pay off your credit card debt, renovate your home, pay your childs college tuition or take a much-needed vacation. Quicken Loans wants to help make your dreams come true, by giving you the opportunity to win $10,000. From March 27 to May 27, you can visit refinance Chocolate Exceptions Break The Rule
Chocolate > Quicken Loans? $10,000 Giveaway Offers Many Opportunities to Win Prizes

Best Free Pop Up Blockers Online

Most anyone who spends any time on line can tell you that pop up ads are nothing if not annoying. Stopping them is a good way to speed up your surfing and put in a plug in one more way for viruses and spyware to invade your system. Luckily there are a number of free pop up blockers on the internet that will help you do just that. As for which are the best, there are five that come to mind initially: Google, STOPzilla, Window Shades, Firefox and PopOops all offer fantastic free pop up blockers...

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When Your Car?s Parts Are Hard To Find

One of the major problems that classic car owners have is that they have a hard time locating the right kind of auto parts or replacement parts for their vehicle. This is mainly because most auto parts stores at present offer only auto parts for the most popular vehicle makes and models as well as the auto parts for the newest cars in the market. They do not take into consideration that there are still old cars still alive and working that also need some auto parts replacements.
used cars When Your Car?s Parts Are Hard To Find Chocolate Exceptions Break The Rule
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Calling all Flower & Herb Buyers: Annual Directory Lists Buyers of North American Botanicals

Maryville, MO (ContentDesk) February 4, 2006 -- Prairie Oak Publishing is accepting free buyer listings and advertising for the Directory of Flower & Herb Buyers, 2006. Companies wanting to purchase North American flowers, herbs, seeds, roots, or other botanicals directly from growers & wildcrafters in large or small amounts are invited to submit a free listing at http://www.herb-buyers.com or request a listing form. Classified ads are...

seeds Calling all Flower & Herb Buyers: Annual Directory Lists Buyers of North American Botanicals Chocolate

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