There exists a quiz referred to as “The Charles Schultz Philosophy” although there is some debate as to whether or not Schultz actually came up with it. For those who may not know, Schultz created the popular “Peanuts” comic strip.

I’d originally read this philosophy years ago and just came across it again the other day. I wanted to pass this along to you because I really feel that this short philosophy is what success and life is all about.

It’s very easy for each of us to lose sight of the really important things in life. As we get all caught up in achieving and accumulating things we tend to forget what’s most important.

The following is a great reminder.

Here’s the quiz although you do not have to actually answer any of these questions to get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
3. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
4. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
5. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is; none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care and make a difference for others.

“Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It’s already tomorrow in Australia.”

I’d like to remind you of the free resource library I’ve placed right here on my blog. Although I most likely do not know you personally I’d still like to make a positive difference in your life. This resource library is my way of doing it. Just click the “free resources” tab above.

A phenomenal series

Have you seen the series “Life” on the Discovery Channel being narrated by Oprah Winfrey? It’s an absolutely fascinating series about the animal kingdom.

I was watching one of the episodes the other day with my son when Oprah had said something which really struck a chord with me. She made a comment that much of the animal kingdom is engaged in a daily struggle to maintain survival.

What really struck me is that what she said is also true for most of humanity. Much of the human race is engaged in a day to day struggle just to maintain survival too. Isn’t that so sad? The question I have is why?

Why would anybody settle for a life of struggle? Struggle is a conscious choice just as much as success is a choice.

What separates the animal kingdom form humanity is that human beings have the ability and the opportunity to improve their existence. The resources to do so are readily available and the only force strong enough to keep you from improving your existence is yourself.

People have the ability to make something which the animal kingdom cannot make. Most of the animal kingdom has no choice but to struggle for survival. But, when people make this certain thing they are thrusting themselves into a life of struggle by choice.

This “thing’ I speak of are excuses; “I’m too old.” “I don’t have the time to make things better for myself.” “I’m not smart enough.” You get the point.

One other interesting point to note; go ahead and tally all of the creatures which make up the entire animal kingdom. If you were to count every species of land animal, fish, bird and insect you’ll have a number deep into the millions. Whatever that number might be it is finite. The excuses that a person is capable of telling themselves, on the other hand, is infinite. There is no limit to the excuses people use to keep themselves mired in struggle.

So take a good look at your life. Is it a life of fulfillment or a life of struggle? If yours is a life of struggle, why? Wouldn’t you rather live a life of fulfillment? Because you can, the choice is entirely yours.

End the struggle today. Click on the “Free Stuff” tab above where I’ve posted a library of well over 100 free personal and professional development eBooks and resources.

And, download my free home based business success report today – it could very well be the beginning of the end of your struggle for existence.

Here is a question men and women have been asking themselves literally since the beginning of time: “what is the secret to success?”

You may be surprised by the truthful answer: there really aren’t any secrets at all. Success in life and in business is a process. It’s the result of productive habits, focus and passion for what you’re doing. One of the most important ingredients is persistence as true success takes time.

For the purposes of this post let’s look specifically at how to succeed in network marketing. Succeeding in network marketing is a very popular and relevant topic today. People by the thousands are starting home based businesses today in response to a weak economy and sluggish job market.

Unfortunately, many people go into business for themselves with the misconception that success will just happen or somehow come easily. Of course nothing can be further from the truth. Network marketing success can be yours but it’s not gonna happen by chance.

Educate yourself upfront and you will uncover the right network marketing success tips and techniques you’ll need to make it in this industry. Doing so will save you a great deal of lost time and money in the long run.

Right off the bat, even before starting out, here is the most important network marketing success tip you can possibly receive: make sure that you start your business for your own, sound reasons.

Let me explain what I mean by this. Too often a person will get involved in one business or the other as the result of outside pressure. Maybe their sister had recently started a network marketing business and through a whole lot of pressure she will convince them they have to get on board too.

Getting pressured by somebody else is the absolute worst way to start a business. Unfortunately, as I’m sure you can imagine, this is a story that repeats itself time and again.

Take a look at this short video clip and see if you can relate to it:

Don’t get me wrong, there has never been a better time than right now to start a home based business. With the economy still in a shambles with no relief coming any time soon, there is a growing trend towards working from home.

What I am cautioning you on is to make sure you conduct thorough due diligence so that starting a business is a decision which comes from within you, not as the result of outside pressure.

And conducting a little upfront due diligence is really a pretty easy thing to do. Believe me, taking this important step will save you lots of heart ache in the long run.

At this point, allow me to offer you a few helpful network marketing success tips which will help the process to run a lot more smoothly for you.

Firstly, determine what your genuine interests are.

Are you into green living and environmental concerns? Is healthy living your thing with an interest in organic products? Or maybe you’re passionate about technology. Understand that you’ve got to start a business where you have a passion and genuine interest.

Getting involved in one business over another because you think it might be your best way to make a quick buck is not sound due diligence. There is no way you will experience sustained business growth or long term success if this your only criteria for starting a business.

Another important consideration is whom you would choose to go into business with.

For example, when you start a network marketing business, your sponsor can also be considered your business partner. You’d want to make sure that you choose your business partner wisely. Success in network marketing is a team sport so choose your team wisely.

This previous point goes back to what was said earlier about being pressured by your friend to start a business. If somebody is trying to pressure you into a business then chances are good they are not the right partner for you.