You know that day. The day when you will make your dreams a reality. The day when you’ll show everyone what you can do. The day when you’ll finally take a chance.  The day you will stand out from the crowd, stand up to be counted. The day you will break free from those chains holding you back, screaming in triumph and euphoria. That day.

We all have certain goals in life. And we are all guilty of putting them off. Sometimes for years.  Waiting for the right time. Waiting for the motivation to hit you. You’re in a bit of a rut right now. Life is kinda getting in the way.

But (you know this):  there is never a “right time” to start achieving your goals. Why not start today? Right now!

Nothing can stop you from going after what you want except for you. You and you alone control your outcomes. Trust and believe in your ability to create the life you want. That can mean something different to everyone. What is your dream life? For me it’s running my own successful business, and being able to spend quality time with my family and friends

I aim to live each day of my life trying to achieve these goals. The trick is to stay motivated. But how is this done? Here are some tried and tested methods on how to stay motivated and get the life you want

• Get Up and Get Moving Every Morning. Even if you’re between jobs or (like me ) work from home make sure to still get up early, have a shower, do your hair and wear your best every morning. Get in the habit of this. Don’t just sit around in your pyjamas all day. Go and work in another area for a while. For instance, I’m currently in a pub…er… that’s not the best example. But it is quiet. Early morning. And I’m drinking tea .The library is another good place.

•   Make Two Sets of Goals. One set should be the kind that you can complete today, or in the next few days. For example start working out or follow up on a new business lead. The other list should contain longer term goals like complete the website, launch business by January 26^th.  You need to get moving on the short term goals as quickly as possible. You’ll find you will be less stressed at actually taking action. Trust me inaction causes much more angst than positive action.

• Stay Active/Workout. Even if it’s a 20 minute stroll around the block. You will feel better, refreshed. Keep your body in motion as well as your mind.

• Set Deadlines. This is essential to your progress. Without any set deadlines you will lose yourself in a sea of procrastination.  Set realistic deadlines and make sure you hit them. On a regular basis. If you miss one don’t be too hard on yourself though. Don’t become negative. Get back up and strive for the next deadline.

• Set Motivational Calendar Reminders. I like these. Wake up to an inspirational quote form you mobile. Or get one of those calendars that have one for each day. It always brings a little lift to start the day. Here’s mine for today:  “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.  Live the life you have imagined”. –Henry David Thoreau

• Reduce/Eliminate Time Spent with Pessimists. Tough but true. Cut the pessimists out from your life. They do you no good at all.   They will drag you down. They will see problems with everything you do. Step away from that shit. Surround yourself with optimists. You know, those people who just feel amazing to be around.

• Take One Day At a Time. You don’t have to achieve everything at once!  Take every step as it comes. AND REMEMBER TO ENJOY THE JOURNEY! Trust that things will happen as you planned. Trust in your own abilities.

• Sheer Willpower. Never ever give up. You will face adversity. Knocks. Remind yourself, ‘”nothing will stop me, nothing can halt me, I can do this. I’m going to do this. I will win”

.And finally. Here’s a quote to stick to your monitor. To your fridge. To the mirror:

“No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn’t trying.” – Tony Robbins

Which way are you going?

In the infinite wisdom of Ash Ambirge I quote:

• Customer service is not about answering people’s questions.
• It’s not about responding to emails.
• It’s not about “reducing purchasing anxiety.”
• It’s not about “overcoming barriers to the sale”.

Customer service is about the fucking customer, okay?

(Not to be confused with fucking the customer.)

I couldn’t agree more.  I mean the clues in the name:  “Customer Service”. It’s not “I’ll deal with you when I’m good and ready and on my own terms service” is it? It’s not “I’ll give you the shortest service possible so I can get back to playing on the computer” is it?

So what about the customer.

You need to ask yourself this question: Why would a customer choose to spend their hard earned cash with you rather than the guy down the road who offers the same service…you’re not that unique.  The reason is simple. They are not just paying for the product. In fact the product is arguably of secondary importance. They are paying for

• the way you make them become the most important person in the world,
• how you make them thrilled to be spending money with you,
•  how, in some small way, you make them feel VALIDATED.  You completely understand the.

These are by far more powerful sales than nay fancy sales technique you may have been taught. It’s human nature to go to the person whom gives the best customer service.

For example, if you go to a top restaurant you are not only paying for the food but you are paying for the pleasure of the excellent service you expect to receive. You are paying for the ambiance of the place.  You are paying for the stylish decor and comfortable seats.  You are paying for a complete experience.

In nutshell you are paying for the attention the restaurant has given to the customer above anything else.

But is doesn’t end there.  You’ve gotta make notes. You need to know who your customers are. Their hopes, concerns, desires, what they like. What they don’t like. And your whole team of staff need to know this too. So the next time they come in they do not have to explain (again) what they want. You will know. They like that table near the window. They like the hotel room at the top of the house, they like to talk while having their haircut, they prefer to be silent. Knowing all of this makes the customer feel valued. They see you as a friend who understands them. They will miss you when they’re gone and will be eager to return.

They’ll tell their friends about you.  How you really cared about them. As a person.

So, once again,

The best customer service solution isn’t what cost the most, or does the most

The best customer service solution isn’t even the one that gets the job done.

The best customer service solution is the one that helps people feel like people.