The 12 Hours Of Christmas

Posted on 15 December 2008 in Uncategorized

I was feeling all festive this weekend and I got to thinking, what can I do for my lovely readers such as yourself to thank you for supporting me through 2008. As I had just finished reading ‘Buddhism Is Not What You Think’ and feeling semi-enlightened I was in the mood to give all my worldly possessions away. Unfortunately my wife put her foot down as I was loading the HDTV, her coach handbags and the dogs into my car.

Not discouraged by her locking everything of value away I turned my attention to the stuff in my office. Initially I thought I’d offer my Mac up, but then realized it would make blogging a tad tricky without a computer.

I’ve got load of books and only a handful of which I ever refer back to after the initial reading. Like most people I stick then on bookshelves in a futile attempt to look intelligent and learned. So what better than to give them to people that will get some benefit from them! It’s a cunningly ingenuous plan I think you’ll agree and I’m sure your dying to know how you get your mitts on them.

The 12 Hours Of Christmas

I have decided that on Thursday 18th starting at 8.00am

I am going to give away a book or audio program (sometimes multiple ones) every hour for 12 hours. I have worked out that there is in excess of half a million dollars worth of material and some of the programs are 6 cd sets no less.

So if you want to get something for nothing here are the rules of engagement.

Rules

You must have a US mailing address. I will pay packing and shipping and intend using media mail to keep costs sensible. Media mail is not available for overseas or even Canada. Sorry if you live elsewhere and you were all excited and I’ve dashed your hopes. Please accept a cyber hug as recompense.

I will mail to the FIRST person to post the comment according to the time stamp. Don’t worry if Akismet sticks you in the spam pile, it still time stamps everything and I’ll dig you out again. If you post too early, TOUGH! If an offering doesn’t go in the hour it’s up for grabs, TOUGH! It will not be offered again.

The only requirement for the comment is that you leave either a joke or a quotation that inspires you.

The offer is limited to one per person. If you think you have a book and then I authorize a ‘moderated’ comment and it’s before yours, guess what? Yep you’ve got it, TOUGH!

The gift will go to the first person that posts a comment for that hour. All time is Eastern Standard Time and I will not be getting into a debate and no fooling around with the International Date Line.

Any questions stick them in the comments. If I have any more thoughts before then I’ll post them below.

Here are goodies:

8.00am to 9.00am

The Tipping Point – Malcolm Gladwell. (Audio)
Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus – John Gray (Audio)

3 cd abridged version of Gladwell’s brilliant book. Well worth a listen and you can check out my review of his latest book ‘Outliers’ here.

I wasn’t that keen on ‘Men Are From Mars’ but that maybe because this is an abridged 2 cd version. It was an international phenomenon and you can make your own mind up.

9.00am to 10.00am

Action Strategies for Personal Achievement – Brain Tracy (Audio)

Brian Tracy is almost 200 years of age and probably invented personal development. Here is a 6 cd set to get you on your way with modules on time management, strategic planning and work life balance amongst others.

10.00am to 11.00am

Excuse Me Your Life Is Waiting – Lynn Grabhorn. (Audio)
The Celestine Meditations – Salle Merrill Redfield (Audio)
Feeling Fine Affirmations – Louise Hay (Audio)

Published about 5 years before The Secret and a lot better, this is a 5 cd series on manifestation and the power of emotions. Also included is a 1-hour meditation cd based on the Celestine Prophecies and an hour of Louise Hay the Dame of self-help talking about affirmations and stuff like that.

11.00am to 12.00pm

Get Things Done – David Allen (Audio)
The 7 Hidden Secrets of Motivation – Todd Beeler (Audio)

The book that many just call GTD and first brought to my attention the delights of tickler files. Abridged 3 cd set. The Todd Beeler thing is a rather battered 6 cd set on motivation. I lost interest when he went all religious on me half way through, but you may like it.

12.00pm to 1.00pm

Getting Started in Personal & Executive Coaching (Paperback) – Stephen Fairley and Chris Stout.
The Passion Plan – Richard Chang (Audio)

The former is a great introduction to wannabe coaches that haven’t read How To Become A Life Coach. The latter is a 3 cd set.

1.00pm to 2.00pm

Spin Selling – Neil Rackman (Audio)
Strategies for Selling – Sun Tzu (Audio)
Leadership & The One Minute Manager – Ken Blanchard (Paperback)

Spin Selling is a classic sales book and a method used by many successful sales people the world over. This is a 3 cd box set.
I’m tempted to think that Sun Tzu didn’t write this himself seeing as he died half a million years ago or somewhere around then, but he probably would have if he was around now and working for IBM. 4 cd set.

2.00pm to 3.00pm

The Psychology of Winning by Dennis Waitley (Audio)
Weekend Leadership Sampler – Jim Rohn (2 x DVD)

These guys aren’t as old as the hills because they built the hills in the first place, so they must be even older. They know what they’re talking about though and Jim Rohn is the man that Tony Robbins calls mentor. The Waitley box set is 6 cd’s and retails around $70.

3.00pm to 4.00pm

Ask And It Is Given – Jerry and Esther Hicks (Audio)

Is Esther madder than a barrel of monkeys or a brilliant channeler of the being they call Abraham? Who knows, but this 8 cd set will help you make your own mind up

4..00pm to 5.00pm

Instant Confidence – Paul McKenna (Paperback with cd that wont plan on my computer)
The Now Habit – Neil Fiore (Paperback)

Paul McKenna is the UK’s answer to Tony Robbins except he’s two feet smaller and has less hair. NLP based book on improving confidence, amazingly enough.

Do you procrastinate? Can you stop procrastination long enough to read Neil Fiore’s book? If so you may never procrastinate again.

5.00pm to 6.00pm

The ‘E’ Myth – Michael Gerber (Audio)
Essential Profit Strategies – Chris Cardell (Audio)

If you want to grow you business and know how to franchise it and makes lots of money, this is the book for you. A classic of its genre that has sold more than 1,000,000 copies. 7 cd box set unabridged.

Chris Cardell is the ‘Seth Godin’ of the UK. I used to subscribe to his Inner Circle Membership. There we would partake in funny handshake and paddling each others asses in between discussing marketing and how we were going to rule the world. Actually, that’s not entirely true, but what is true is that this 6 cd set has some great information for small and not so small business owners and can help you make money.

6.00pm to 7.00pm

Personal Development For Smart People – Steve Pavlina (Hardback)
Don’t Ask Stupid Questions – Tim Brownson (Hardback)

I may insist you take an IQ test before I send you Steve’s book because it’s only for smart people, so beware. If you haven’t already done so, check out my review here. You’ll also discover why Steve was unhappy with me and my attitude and has probably taken me off his Christmas card list (still got my fingers crossed that isn’t the case obviously). I actually think it’s a worthwhile if somewhat erratic read and seeing as it’s free you can’t really go wrong.

My book has way more typos than Steve’s and I think that’s where I whip his ass big time. I also don’t get too wrapped up in using the English language correctly. Here’s some reviews for you to ponder. Read them both and decide which one tickles your fancy. BTW, if it’s Steve I’ll still love ya!

7.00pm to 8.00pm

Buddhism Isn’t What You Think – Steve Hagen (Paperback)
Living Buddha, Living Christ – Thich Nhat Hanh (Paperback)
The Power Of Now – Eckert Tolle (Paperback)

Check out what I thought of Steve Hagen’s book here. Hanh’s offering is an interesting comparison between the Buddhist and Christian faiths. You may be surprised to read that he draws more parallels than he does differences. Well you’ll not be surprised now because I just told you, but maybe you would have been if I hadn’t spoiled the ending for you. Sorry.

That’s your lot and I hope to see you back here at 8.00am on Thursday 18th for the big giveaway.

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84 Comments So Far.

Comment by Laurie on 15 December 2008:

Ok I bet you know what time I’m going to chime in!
Comment by Lori on 15 December 2008:

What a great thing to do, Tim. You inspire me :)

Loris last blog post..BeMeaningful: Favorite article today: 100 Simple Ways to Change Your Life for the Better http://tinyurl.com/5qdc34
Comment by Maarburg on 15 December 2008:

Not trying to win, just sharing a quote:

The aim of life is self-development. To realize one’s nature perfectly – that is what each of us is here for.
– Oscar Wilde
Comment by Lyman Reed on 16 December 2008:

Tim… You Are Awesome!

Now, the question is… do I do a write up about this on freepdmaterial.com – or do I stay quiet and keep the competition thin? :-)
Comment by Tim Brownson on 16 December 2008:

@ Laurie – I sure do you after Spin Selling, aren’t you?

@ Lori – Thanks A lot and I hope you’ll have a shout of anything appeals.

@ Maarburg – Old Oscar certainly got that right. You should go for something. I was going to say Tipping Point but I have you screwed you over with the timing of that being way out west. Sorry!

@ Lyman – You’re more than welcome to mention it. I’m not sure that all this stuff will be in big demand.
Comment by Bill Skrips on 16 December 2008:

No book or CD needed-I’m actaully trying to get rid of a pile of my “extras”…here’s a good quote, though:

A belief which leaves no place for doubt is not a belief; it is a superstition. -Jose Bergamin, author (1895-1983)

best wishes for a good new year-hope that we don;t have to be too frugal-I, for one, do NOT like cat food.
Comment by Karen Snyder on 16 December 2008:

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start,
anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”

-Carl Bard

Thanks for the chance.
Comment by Tess on 16 December 2008:

How freeing and how fun. Joy to the world!
Tess
Comment by Tim Brownson on 16 December 2008:

@ Bill – Outstanding quote! I really, really like that, thanks!

@ Karen – You’ve peaked too early! It start on Thursday, sorry about that and I hope you’ll pop back.

@ Tess – I can see this being an annual thing. The only reason I haven’t put up more (and I still may do so) is because of mailing costs. I must have 250+ books on sales development, sales and marketing and only about 25 or 30 that I’d buy again if I lost.
Comment by Writer Dad on 16 December 2008:

Just wanted to say that you are the original G, Tim.

Your plan is generous and genius.

Writer Dads last blog post..Deja Vuesday 2.0
Comment by Karen Snyder on 16 December 2008:

I guess I better learn to read – that’s one of my resolutions for 2009. I’ll try again Thursday.
Comment by Celes | EmbraceLiving.Net on 16 December 2008:

Tim, you are absolutely hilarious. I first came across your blog from Sean’s WriterDad and I’m quickly becoming your fan!

There are so many quotes that I like that it’s hard to pick one – here’s one that resonated with me while I was writing a recent article:
“Ones best success comes after their greatest disappointments.” Henry Ward Beecher

Not trying to take part in the contest by the way since I live outside of US – Singapore, to be exact! That’s more than 12 hours away :(

Celes | EmbraceLiving.Nets last blog post..Why ‘Earning Money’ or ‘Being Successful’ Is Not Your Real Purpose
Comment by Tim Brownson on 16 December 2008:

@ WD – Thank you very much kind sir!

@ Karen – No problem, see you then.

@ Celes – My ego thanks you for those kind words ;-) Another great quote btw, thanks for that!
Comment by Karl Staib - Work Happy Now on 17 December 2008:

I’m game. I’m at work, but I can try for the morning and nights.

Karl Staib – Work Happy Nows last blog post..Day 16 of 30 – No Complaining
Comment by Mike King on 17 December 2008:

Cool move Tim, but (said in a raspy voice with attitude) “I don’t want your stinking cyber hug!”

Some great content, I have several of those but will add a few new ones now to my list to get my hands on. Thanks for listing the content seeing Canada is just TOO far away for the contest.
Comment by Moonpie on 17 December 2008:

Lovely offer Tim, and with plenty o’ stipulations, which I love, truly.

And hey, here’s a juicy pre-quote for yas: Ahh, Yeah! Like I’m gonna share one before 07:00.0am EST THUSDAY……I don’t THINK so, you know what I’m saying? Which is not to say I’m not a caring, generous, empathetic soul. I totally am. I just really, really like a good competition. Bring it on, all ya blogging grandmas……

I’m kidding: I kid.

See you at 07:00.0am EST THURS…….

8 )

mo~

“I hope nobody asks me to show them the ropes! I don’t even know where the ropes are. Maybe I could pull a few strings.”
—George Carlin
Comment by Tim Brownson on 17 December 2008:

@ Karl – See you tomorrow, don’t get caught at work!

@ Mike – I feel bad now if only the pesky USPS would eliver media mail to Canada. Start a petition Mike and maybe we can get that turned around by tomorrow morning.

@ Moonpie – I’ve actually no idea what you’re saying, but who cares? ;-) See you in the morning bright and breezy.
Comment by Mark McClure on 17 December 2008:

Tim-dude,
Please change that 2nd opening line to read “… what can I do for my lovely readers with a US postal address” :-)

Don’t want to have you done by the Trade Descriptions peeps on your next visit to sunny Mancunia, do we?!

Still, despite the blatant deception, anything by Saint Brian Tracy (born AD 723) is worth a shot IMHO, so you’re partially absolved.

And that Steve Pavlina link in the post completely drew me in, you weasel- thus wasting an hour of my precious business time haha! I should kill, sorry, bill ya ;-)

But I did learn something about being a tad (cad?!) controversial yet genuinely forthright in my online interactions. Domo!

Later!

Mark McClures last blog post..Subject: Pre Great Depression 2 Party
Comment by Kim Woodbridge on 17 December 2008:

Ok – I’m going to give it a try. Nothing like Tim’s used stuff ;-) It’s like being touched by a rock star, I think.

Problem is I get so distracted. Ok – it’s 7:57 … 3 more minutes, 3 more minutes … oh look – Regina knit mittens for everyone – how oddly sweet. And the next thing I know it’s 8:03.

Kim Woodbridges last blog post..7 Secret(ish) Things About Me
Comment by Tim Brownson on 18 December 2008:

@ Mark – You’re absolutely right that opening statement is misleading, poorly written and leaves me wide open for criminal prosecution.

Unfortunately for you though I am bouncing this blog over 3 continents, 11 time zones, 47 separate servers utilizing the kind of encryption that would have the Pink Panther wandering back to the bar for another gin and tonic in despair. Don’t you get it yet? I’m ruling the world here and I can do what I want. The face that you see on this blog doesn’t exists. I am omnipotent, omnipresent, I am he as you are he as you are me
and we are all together. I am a walrus.

@ Kim – Were you another one that got the time wrong? If not, see you in 52 minutes and counting. BTW, don’t read this at 7.30am and think I’ve changed the time to 8.22am.
Comment by Tim Brownson on 18 December 2008:

Just to clear up any lingering doubts.

Books will be sent as packages, so only one winner per hour.

If you KNOW you’ve won, don’t comment because you can’t win again. If you’re not sure because Akismet has caught your post in the spam filer and is awaiting moderation, carry on with pleasure.

I’m toying with adding some more stuff so keep your eyes open.

I really WANT to add the unabridged version of The 4 Hour Work Week on 7cd’s, but I can’t bloody find it. I’m going to call a couple of clients and if I uncover it, it will be on there. Maybe bundled, maybe on it’s own at 9.00pm. No promises though and you’ll need to check back.
Comment by Karen Snyder on 18 December 2008:

I hope I got the day right this time!

“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.”

-M. Kathleen Casey

Thanks again for the chance. I’ve had this book on my list of things to read for awhile now.
Comment by Moonpie on 18 December 2008:

I do have a US mailing address and here is my requsite joke or quote, you decide for yourself which:

Know why Humpty Dumpty had a great fall?

(go on, then…)

To make up for a lousy summer.

8 )
Comment by Brandon Johnston on 18 December 2008:

“Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.”
- Yoda
Comment by Cath Lawson on 18 December 2008:

Great idea Tim – can I still enter from the UK?
Comment by Amy Flynn ~ allaboutenergy on 18 December 2008:

Hi Tim,

Going for the 8:00 AM Eastern hour. I hope my clocks are right!! ;-)

“It’s just a ride and we can change it any time we want. It’s only a choice. No effort, no work, no job, no savings and money, a choice, right now, between fear and love. The eyes of fear want you to put bigger locks on your door, buy guns, close yourself off. The eyes of love instead see all of us as one.” ~ The ONE and ONLY Bill Hicks!

As ONE,

Amy

PS>Thank you for your generous and fun spirit!

Amy Flynn ~ allaboutenergys last blog post..5 Easy Pieces To Piecing Together Your Purpose in Life
Comment by Tim Brownson on 18 December 2008:

@ Karen you got it spot and the first batch are yours. the first 3 comments all came in with 45 seconds. Sorry to the rest of you and hope you take another crack at it. I have cleared the spam so no surprises.

Karen send you mailing address to me tim at a daring adventure dot com.
Comment by Tim Brownson on 18 December 2008:

@ Cath – You didn’t read the rules you little rascal, did you? ;-)
Comment by Moonpie on 18 December 2008:

“To undertake is to achieve.” Emily Dickinson
Comment by Moonpie on 18 December 2008:

Knock Knock

Who’s there?

Wino!

Wino who??

Wino 4pm to 5pm prize, Tim?

8 }

mo~
Comment by Moonpie on 18 December 2008:

“It is wisdom to believe the heart.”
– George Santayana
Comment by Tim Brownson on 18 December 2008:

@ Brandon – You got the Brian Tracy 6 cd’s

@ Moonpie – Nice one, you get the woo-woo stuff ;-)

@ Amy – You were 2 minutes behind Brandon, sorry :’-(

Thanks Moonpie, I’ll add something in as soon as I can for 4.00pm.

E-mail me winners with your mailing address, and I’ll get everything off tomorrow.
Comment by Jay on 18 December 2008:

As if you could kill time without injuring eternity.

-Henry David Thoureau

Jays last blog post..How to Win the Battle With Money
Comment by Stacey / Create a Balance on 18 December 2008:

“Life is an adventure or nothing at all” ~ Helen Keller

Stacey / Create a Balances last blog post..Sluggish to Replenished in 86 Minutes Flat
Comment by Laurie on 18 December 2008:

“I gotta a rock”
Charley Brown
Comment by Laurie on 18 December 2008:

Ok, I thought “I gotta rock went really well with motivation. That came from the Halloween Charlie Brown.
Comment by Dana Slayton on 18 December 2008:

Never, Never, Never Quit. Winston Churchill
Comment by Tim Brownson on 18 December 2008:

@ Jay – You edged it by a kippers dick in front of Stacey. It stopped by disqualifying Stacey for getting the quote wrong too!!!

It’s “Life is a DARING adventure or nothing” If you gonna use the quote that I got my company name from you better get it right ;-)

Hard luck Dana. Laurie I thought you had 8.00pm penciled in anyway.
Comment by Sharon on 18 December 2008:

A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a genie comes out.

The genie says, “I’ll give each of you just one wish.”

“Me first! Me first!” says the administration clerk. “I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.” The genie snapped his fingers and poof, the woman disappeared.

“Me next! Me next!” says the sales rep. “I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.” The genie once again snapped his fingers and poof, the man disappeared.

“OK, you’re up,” the genie says to the manager.

The manager says, “I want those two back in the office after lunch.”
Comment by Tim Brownson on 18 December 2008:

@ Sharon – LOL, I like it and you got the stuff.
Comment by Sharon on 18 December 2008:

Great. My quote was going to be very inspirational:

“Sharon if you don’t get off twitter and the joke sites, I’m going to fire you”. The Boss
Comment by Laurie on 18 December 2008:

What is offered at 8:oo PM NOTHING!
You rascal you!
Comment by Tim Brownson on 18 December 2008:

@ Laurie – I’m trying to get hold of my mint copy of 4HWW. It’s a 7 cd set, but I can’t remember who I lent it to and nobody is owning up!

I may offer something as cool or I may not because I’m going out around 7 for a couple of hours!

@ Sharon – Glad I work for myself I can loiter on Twitter all day ;-)
Comment by Catherine Nelson on 18 December 2008:

“Patience is bitter but its fruits are sweet.” – Aristotle

I find this quote inspiring because I have a tendency to be very impatient and want everything NOW. I’ve recently been seeing a new guy who is very methodical and sometimes it makes me crazy! But his patience with me (I’m pretty type-A, go-go, get-r-done so my anxiety level sometimes gets the best of me) has allowed me to “stretch and grow” my own patience with him as well as others. I found this quote by Aristotle and I think it sums up nicely my own thoughts on patience, that it is hard, especially when you are naturally impatient, but also that the rewards are great.
Comment by Lyman Reed on 18 December 2008:

“You must fail often to succeed only once.” – Og Mandino

I’ve always figured that meant I coming up on some *huge* successes!

Thanks again for doing this, Tim.

Lyman Reeds last blog post..Gratitude, Appreciation, and Giving Thanks
Comment by Stacey / Create a Balance on 18 December 2008:

Ouch. I was under pressure to be the first. That’s what I get for not being able to take the heat.

Stacey / Create a Balances last blog post..Sluggish to Replenished in 86 Minutes Flat
Comment by Kim Wathey on 18 December 2008:

What is Frosty’s favorite cereal?

Snow flakes
Comment by Araceli Esparza on 18 December 2008:

Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don’t, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.
Comment by Jeanne Dasaro on 18 December 2008:

here’s hoping I am the first at 2PM!!

“Be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” – Lao Tzu

Jeanne Dasaros last blog post..A Grant for women business owners – Amber Grant
Comment by Stacey / Create a Balance on 18 December 2008:

Let’s try this one more time…

“A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.” ~ William Shedd

Stacey / Create a Balances last blog post..Sluggish to Replenished in 86 Minutes Flat
Comment by Louis on 18 December 2008:

“Behold the turtle. He makes pogress only when he sticks his neck out.”

-James B. Count
Comment by Tim Brownson on 18 December 2008:

@ Catherine – You get The Psychology of Winning by Dennis Waitley (Audio)Weekend Leadership Sampler – Jim Rohn (2 x DVD) by beating Lyman by 1 minute.

Sorry Lyman, especially as you have supported me so much with this. I’ve gotta be fair though!

Feeling bad for you Stacey! You’re timing is just a tad off.
Comment by Lyman Reed on 18 December 2008:

Congratulations to Catherine! One minute, huh? There’s a lesson in there somewhere. :)

I’m off to work, so I guess that’ll be my one and only entry for the day. Have fun everyone!

Lyman Reeds last blog post..Gratitude, Appreciation, and Giving Thanks
Comment by Tim Brownson on 18 December 2008:

Oops I got that last one wrong that’ll reach me not to pay attention.

@Catherine you get the Sales stuff. Jeanne you get the Brain Tracey and Jim Rohn stuff.

@Stacey I’d like to send you a copy of my own book if you let me have your address. That’s 3 times you have just missed out!

@Louis I like the quote but you were a minute late.

@ Araceli – What were you hoping for?
Comment by Stacey / Create a Balance on 18 December 2008:

Thanks! I’ll send you my address via email.

Stacey / Create a Balances last blog post..Sluggish to Replenished in 86 Minutes Flat
Comment by Louis on 18 December 2008:

To err is human but to really foul things up reqires a compter. :-)

Merry Christmas to all!
Comment by Louis on 18 December 2008:

“Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.”
O.G. Mandino
Comment by Tim Brownson on 18 December 2008:

@ Louis – Nice one, pushing the limits by posting twice. I never said you can’t post twice though, so the Law of Attraction stuff will wing its way to you when you let me have your address.
Comment by Amy Flynn ~ allaboutenergy on 18 December 2008:

Going for the top of the hour! I must pounce on time this time! :-)

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” ~ Walt Disney

oh poop! I’m missing all my hours.. too busy and not a clock watcher!

:-(
Comment by Louis on 18 December 2008:

Great quote Amy!
Comment by Louis on 18 December 2008:

Thanks Tim – I sent you my mailing address to your email.
Comment by Louis on 18 December 2008:

I guess a lot of people gave up.

Not trying to double up, just wanted to make sure we had a quote for the hour.

Here’s one regarding fear:

It’s all right to have butterflies in your stomach. Just get them to fly in formation.

-Dr. Rob Gilbert
Comment by Maarburg on 18 December 2008:

Hold a picture of yourself long and steadily enough in your mind’s eye, and you will be drawn toward it. Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878 – 1969)
Comment by Tim Brownson on 18 December 2008:

@ Louis – Thanks!

No takers on gaining more confidence (there were some cool NLP tips in there too) and beating procrastination. I guess with the latter people just never got round to it.
Comment by Tim Brownson on 18 December 2008:

@ Maarburg – The Gerber audio and Cardell stuff is all yours. BTW, going from memory there is some really good stuff in the Chris Cardell cd’s on growing online. He doe shave a wussy British accent though, so apologies for that ;-)
Comment by Seth Jensen on 18 December 2008:

“The thing about trains… it doesn’t matter where they’re going. What matters is deciding to get on.”

-The Conductor “The Polar Express”

I remember watching that movie the first time and the quote always stuck with me.
Comment by Jordan Pearce on 18 December 2008:

“Life is the bed that was meant to be jumped on.”

It’s 2:59 Pacific. What does that mean?

Jordan Pearces last blog post..How to Get Backlinks – My Way
Comment by Marelisa on 18 December 2008:

Did I win the Steve Pavlina Book? :-)

Marelisas last blog post..Five Ways to Keep Your Spirits Up During the Holidays
Comment by TheAndySan on 18 December 2008:

This is from a conversation between me and my friend Amanda about what I should get for her birthday:

“You can make me something for my birthday instead” – Amanda

“But how do you make love?” – Me
Comment by Tim Brownson on 18 December 2008:

@ Seth – you got it mate, let me have your address.

@ Jordan – I have no idea but according to my time stamp you were less than a minute behind Seth.

@ Marelisa – See above ;-) Anyway you’re not in the US!

@ Andy – The joke was dubious mate and your timing even worse, sorry!
Comment by TheAndySan on 18 December 2008:

Aw man!

It’s all good though. I’ll find another way to get Steve’s book.

TheAndySans last blog post..Deja Vuesday – TSO FTW OMGWTFBBQ!!!1
Comment by Jordan Pearce on 18 December 2008:

Aww shucks. Cool contest. I like it and will pass it along. Let me know when your wife tires of the Coach bags. :)

Jordan Pearces last blog post..How to Get Backlinks – My Way
Comment by Louis on 18 December 2008:

Bottom of the hour quote on Trust…..

I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish he didn’t trust me so much. ~ Mother Teresa
Comment by Tim Brownson on 18 December 2008:

@ Andy – Steve’s book!!!! I thought all you guys wanted MY book. I’m stunned.

@ Jordan – I’ll let you know. If you’d like two mental dobermans I can get them shipped off to you tonight.

@ Louis – Great quote I just re-posted it on Twitter.
Comment by Laurie on 18 December 2008:

Quote:
Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.

From guess who?
Dalia Lama (cleaver ain’t I?)
Comment by Tim Brownson on 18 December 2008:

@ Laurie – And it’s yours, I dug very deep in my spam filter and it was bare!

Get enlightened!
Comment by Louis on 18 December 2008:

Great day Tim! Thanks for all that you do!

To all: Have a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Final quote from me for the 12 hours of Christmas…

Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
~ ~ Thomas Edison ~ ~
Comment by Tim Brownson on 18 December 2008:

Yep we are done and dusted.

Thanks all for taking part. Those of you that won, I’ll be mailing tomorrow and I hope you enjoy the stuff.

A special thanks to Louis for keeping things ticking along!
Comment by Maarburg on 18 December 2008:

Contest over… time to dump the ammo:
*”‘Begin at the beginning,’ the king said gravely, ‘and go ’til you come to the end; then stop.’” -Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland
*A Human Being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. -Robert Heinlein
*A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. – Herm Albright
*A problem well stated is a problem half solved. –Charles Kettering
*A ship in port is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for. Grace Murray Hopper (1906 – 1992)
*Achievement is largely the product of steadily raising one’s levels of aspiration and expectation. -Jack Nicklaus, ‘My Story’
*All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward. –Ellen Glasgow
*An undefined problem has an infinite number of solutions. -Robert A. Humphrey
*Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius – and a lot of courage – to move in the opposite direction. E. F. Schumacher
*Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.-Arthur C. Clarke (RIP!)
*Any transition serious enough to alter your definition of self will require not just small adjustments in your way of living and thinking but a full-on metamorphosis. -Martha Beck
*As I see it every day you do one of two things: build health or produce disease in yourself. -Adelle Davis
*As long as you seek for something, you will get the shadow of reality and not reality itself. -Shunryu Suzuki
*As you grow older, you’ll find the only things you regret are the things you didn’t do. Zachary Scott
*Attentiveness is the natural prayer of the soul. -Nicolas Malebranche, French priest, theologian, and philosopher, 17th century
*Aut inveniam viam aut faciam. (look it up)
.. hmm. maybe you’re not ready for the whole quote file…
Thanks for the contest.
M

Maarburgs last blog post..Dog or Hydrant?
Comment by Amy Flynn ~ allaboutenergy on 18 December 2008:

I missed all but enjoy this anyway!

A little girl said, ‘I know all about adoption, I was adopted..’
‘What does it mean to be adopted?’, asked another child.
‘It means’, said the girl, ‘that you grew in your mommy’s heart instead of her tummy!’

~Wow~

@allaboutenergy

Amy Flynn ~ allaboutenergys last blog post..5 Easy Pieces To Piecing Together Your Purpose in Life
Comment by sandra on 18 December 2008:

A quote which inspires me is: …by their fruits ye shall know them…Although it is biblical I think it spans across the universe. Often we want to really understand what a person is about. Just look around and you will see what is manifested in their space. This also holds true for your own space.
Thank you for the contest!
Comment by Cath Lawson on 20 December 2008:

Fuck – that’s not fair. You could have fetched my prize when you were visiting your mum.
Comment by Laura on 23 December 2008:

“Chris Cardell is the Seth Godin of the UK”. I take it this is a joke! Chris regurgitates the same old marketing tips any small business can get from Business Link. I use Jon Dean who is original, up to the minute, and who actually is accessible (unlike Cardell). Get his free email at http://www.jondean.co.uk
Comment by Tim Brownson on 23 December 2008:

@ Laura – I had a number of his cd’s and also subscribed to his stuff for about 3 months. I have to say there was some great material in there imho. Some of it was basic and some of it not, certainly his series on PPC was very thorough.

Maybe Seth Godin was a poor comparison because Seths approach comes from a very specific world view, one that I and many other subscribe to.

BTW, there isn’t much that’s new in marketing any more than in self-development. It comes down to who can present the information more clearly and who can tweak it more subtly to make it more accessible most of the time. It’s all out there for free if you’re prepared to look hard enough.