I am the type of person who spends time evaluating my daily routine. I look at everything that may or may not need improving. For instance just today I found myself dwelling on the setup of the furniture in my home. I asked myself how I could make better use of the space. I didn’t have to look any further than my front living room. My entire living room is dedicated to Baby Grand Piano. No one sits in this room and there is no socializing to be mentioned. In fact the only person who plays piano in the home has gone on to bigger and better things. The evaluation created a simple answer and that answer was that it’s time to move the piano and create more usable space. Some people allow clutter to take up valuable space. I on the other hand have one large obstruction that is hindering my space.

As we deal with some of life’s many issues, there will come a time when you have to “move that piano.” Obstructions hinder progress and create barriers; they are put in place to stop you from doing what you want to do. The only way you can get past them is to either move them or go around them. The piano is a perfect example of such action. For years we have bypassed the living room because of the piano but no more. Today the piano gets moved! I want my space back. Take an evaluation as to how you can better utilize your space, time or efforts. If you find an obstruction, move it out of the way so you can make room for more. Opportunity is waiting all you have to do is “Move that piano.”

I come from a very large family consisting of five sister and two brothers, I am the youngest of the group. I am extremely proud of every last one of my brother’s and sister’s, they have all been great mentors and we all share something very special. That is the gift of getting along with one another, which is a rarity in any state. This story is not about my entire family, instead I would like to focus on just one member and that is my sister Rosiland Savage (Roz). Why did I pick her for a topic? Because she is an example of perseverance and can help you in your quest for success.

Roz started her career like many of us working a mundane job that was very unfulfilling. You see, Roz understood, even at a younger age that working for wages was not going to allow her to fulfill her dreams. With that in mind she gave up her mundane job and decided to pursue a career in direct sales. She started selling Tupperware and various other lines of home and kitchen aids but she found her niche when she decided to sell jewelry. This is where she found true calling. As a direct sales rep for several different jewelry lines Roz helped create a life for herself and her family that would leave most people speechless. (You can read more about that in her forthcoming book).

Today Roz works with (not for) the Lia Sophia jewelry line. She is a well-respected, high-ranking member of this group and continues to amaze onlookers as to how she can create a lifestyle that is only seen by a small percentage of America. Roz is good at what she does and she encourages everyone to take the plunge into direct sales. She stands by the decision she made many years ago when she left her 9 to 5 job. If you are ready to meet success at the door then you should consider direct sales as an avenue. Direct sales gives you an opportunity to start your own business and to become your own boss. The rewards are great and the potential is endless.

If you are ready to go from ordinary to extraordinary, follow the lead of my sister.  Make the move you will not be disappointed, Success is waiting for you.

For the last few months I have been visiting a church that really enjoy, the Pastor is knowledgeable, the people are friendly and the outreach programs are worth the time. But there is one thing that has me looking through my “third eye” and that is the new program the church has started to help them become debt free.

Now before I give my personal opinion, I want to make something perfectly clear. I am all for giving, in fact scripture emphatically encourages giving. Scripture also indicates that our giving should be from the heart, not to be boasted about but to simply honor God. This is where I am having the problem. The church that I am visiting has been on this campaign to help them reduce millions of dollars in debt. I realize that it is important to pay bills and to provide an adequate place to have worship but to force the members into a guilt trip to help reduce debt in my opinion is wrong.

During Sunday morning service the pastor mentioned a family that came to him that wanted to make a “commitment” of 250K! Not to mention that instead of just doing it, they figured it would be better to broadcast it. I am not sure how much money this family has, or how they give in other directions but a 250K commitment to the church could be used (in my opinion) to help a lot of people. Remember this is not a tithe or an offering, which would go to help church operations. This commitment was intended to help the church get out of debt and had no other purpose. 

When I look at situations like this I realize that the practical principles of Christian living remain tainted. The people of the church had nothing to do with the board of directors making the decision to over extend the church but they want the people of the church (including new members such as myself) to bail the church out. This is wrong and I think the focus of this church is wrong. Mega churches are all the rage and it seems like the majority want to belong to one; but at what cost. Once again I like the church and all they are doing but running a “guilt trip” debt free campaign on the people has me thinking twice about making this church my settling place.

Bound by the Debt Demon by Donald G. Payne

I didn’t think it could happen to me, I was a proud credit worthy citizen but today I found out that I am nothing more than a mere mortal, an average Joe and a pawn in my creditor’s need for greed. You may be wondering where I am going with this so let me further explain.

Citibank has said that on Nov. 30 they will be raising the variable interest rates on some cards to 29.99% APR. My card was a standby card that didn’t get used that often, it also had a fixed APR of 3.99%, obviously that is not enough to satisfy the “Fat Cats” that sit in the large corner office to the left. No, what they need is more bailouts, this time however instead of going to the government they decided to take it right to the citizens. Citibank doesn’t want their customers to feel like they have abandoned them all together so they have taught their well rehearsed customer service group to offer a “special.” What they are offering long-term customer such as myself is a slap in the face. Citibank indicates “if you pay on time, they will reduce the interest charged on your balance by 10%. In other words whatever you pay in interest they will match 10% and add it to your account to help you reduce your balance faster. But Wait! There is a catch…Citibank will only match up to $500 and the credit will not appear on your account until sometime in 2010. Ha, thank you so much Citibank. Now to add fuel to the flame I am finding out that, Citibank has been sending out their “change in policy letter” only days before the account can be closed.

My father always taught me to protect my name and to establish a good credit profile. He also told me that cash was king and as long as cash was the acceptable standard that I should always consider it as a first line of my purchasing defense. I hate debt and I try not to keep it a secret, in fact, my very first book was originally entitled “I hate debt and you should too.” My current book “Bound by the debt demon” is an extension of the original. Understand that creditors could care less as to how long of a relationship you have with them, or the fact that you pay on time. Creditors are in the business to make money, and when they can no longer squeeze money from you, they decide that they are better off without you. For many people this could be a serious financial blow. My prayer however is that this will be the wake up call that many of us need. 

I didn’t’ think it could happen to me, I was a proud credit worthy citizen but today I found out that I am nothing more than a mere mortal, an average Joe and a pawn in my creditor’s need for greed. You may be wondering where I am going with this so let me further explain.

Citibank has said that on Nov. 30 they will be raising the variable interest rates on some cards to 29.99% APR. My card was a standby card that didn’t get used that often, it also had a fixed APR of 3.99%, obviously that is not enough to satisfy the “Fat Cats” that sit in the large corner office to the left. No, what they need is more bailouts, this time however instead of going to the government they decided to take it right to the citizens. Citibank doesn’t want their customers to feel like they have abandoned them all together so they have taught their well rehearsed customer service group to offer a “special.” What they are offering long-term customer such as myself is a slap in the face. Citibank indicates “if you pay on time, they will reduce the interest charged on your balance by 10%. In other words whatever you pay in interest they will match 10% and add it to your account to help you reduce your balance faster. But Wait! There is a catch…Citibank will only match up to $500 and the credit will not appear on your account until sometime in 2010. Ha, thank you so much Citibank. Now to add fuel to the flame I am finding out that, Citibank has been sending out their “change in policy letter” only days before the account can be closed.

My father always taught me to protect my name and to establish a good credit profile. He also told me that cash was king and as long as cash was the acceptable standard that I should always consider it as a first line of my purchasing defense. I hate debt and I try not to keep it a secret, in fact, my very first book was originally entitled “I hate debt and you should too.” My current book “Bound by the debt demon” is an extension of the original. Understand that creditors could care less as to how long of a relationship you have with them, or the fact that you pay on time. Creditors are in the business to make money, and when they can no longer squeeze money from you, they decide that they are better off without you. For many people this could be a serious financial blow. My prayer however is that this will be the wake up call that many of us need.

This is what others are saying concerning this subject: http://bit.ly/2iRqTe 

Payneless Life Coaching by Donald Payne
http://www.mrdonaldpayne.com/

     The computer world has changed the way many of us conduct our daily business. The television has gone digital, Twitter, Facebook and Youtube are our daily news sources. We send email instead of letters and you can deliver a package without leaving your living room. This may sound strange but its true, we are moving into a new era. The way of communication and networking through traditional means is gone forever.

This past weekend I attended a www.TechClubCPR.comseminar hosted by Ralph Claxton and Pam Perry. The seminar was dedicated to establishing a media marketing strategy using the many online marketing and networking tools that are available today. The class was intense but informative. As a result I discovered how to create my own Word Press blog that  uses my own URL www.coachdonapayne.com, (that you are currently viewing). This is a really good thing because it adds professionalism to my marketing and network efforts. I also learn how effectively post information through one main source without having to go directly to my social networking sites. This alone was worth my dollar. The world is changing; “social media marketing” is the new way of getting the job done. This is a new beginning, if you are a businessperson, an entrepreneur or an avid online user I would suggest that to get in on the ground before technology passes you by.

Hello friends, family and loved ones. I want to welcome you to my new blog. Nothing has changed except the name. Keep checking back as continue to add what I hope to be valuable content that will help, sooth, and motivate. Once again welcome to www.coachdonaldpayne.com

31.) Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch with them.

32.) Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

33.) Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. God provides remember?!

34.) The best is yet to come. (in Heaven)

35.) No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

36.) Do the right thing!

37.) Call your family often.

38.) Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: ‘I am thankful for __________.’ Today I accomplished _________.

39.) Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

40.) Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don’t want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.
LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH. LIFE’S A GIFT … UNWRAP IT! Have a Blessed day.

21.) You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22.) Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

23.) Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24.) Ladies – Go on and burn those ‘special’ scented candles, use the 600 thread count sheets, the good china and wear our fancy lingerie now. Stop waiting for a special occasion. Everyday is special.

25.) No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26.) Frame every so-called disaster with these words: ‘In five years, will this matter?’

27.) Forgive everyone for everything.

28.) What other people think of you is none of your business.

29.) Time heals almost everything. Give time, time!

30.) However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

11.) Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12.) Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13.) Clear your clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14.) Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15.) Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class …….but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16.) Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

17.) Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.

18.) Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

19.) Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20.) Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.