Be Better not Bitter
Getting the New Old You Back!
We Boomers and Gen –Xers are getting older and hopefully better, but not always is the case. Life and experiences take their toll on our ability to remain optimistic and not cynical. But getting the new old you back is our goal. While surrounding yourself with better people is a great path to transformation, being able to surround yourself with you is the ultimate first challenge!
So how do you know that the people you’re putting around you are actually better, or richer, smarter or whatever? A journey begins with a single step, so here’s your guide:
#1 Need - needing the company of others is the first barrier to overcome. Be content with yourself and knowing that eventually everything works out in the end. Do not be needy of desperately wanting to be around others.
#2 Envy – we often think other people’s lives are so much better than our own and thus we are secretly jealous of them. Let it go. Everyone has their own issues. If everyone you knew were to come to a large table and all put their problems out in the open, most of us would choose to take back our own issues and struggles than swap for someone else’s.
#3 Judging – tied to envy is the norm to compare you with others and then of course judge their situation and outcome with our own. Cut it out - it doesn’t matter what you’ve completed up to now in life, it matters most what you do next!
#4 Labels – we often want to align ourselves with an icon or label or a certain class. Who cares, really? Especially when perceiving material things. Does it matter if you (or your children) have a Louis Vuitton handbag or drive a Mercedes or wear a Rolex? But if you or your desired peer group do have any of these things, refer to rules #2 and #3…
#5 Ego – Pride is good in small doses, but that is about all. Who cares if you ate at the hot restaurant first or heard the hit song before the band was popular? Who cares if you’re correct or not? You do not like to hang out with ego-centric folks and guess what, neither do other sane people.
#6 Doubt – leave this at the door too. Become as a child and have no concerns or worries about foolish idiosyncrasies. You are as good as the best and no better than the rest, and worry is like a rocking chair - while it gives you something to do, it gets you nowhere. Until you believe that you “belong,” you won’t. And trust me, you belong!
#7 Control – bad things can happen to good people, such is life. Life isn’t fair. But trying to rope the wind is about as successful as trying to control your life and your life experiences. Embrace it! Get outside your comfort zone.
About the Author
Michael Ham
BIO:
The year was 1967 and his Dad was in Vietnam. Since his birthday was September 11th, he wasn't old enough to go into first grade with most of his buddies. Suffering from timid shyness and a distinct stutter, Michael Ham burst into tears of terror at age six, when he learned he was selected as a weekly cast member of television's Romper Room series.
Obviously, Michael overcame these obstacles as he now speaks to thousands, confidently with a natural charisma that entertains and inspires.
From meager beginnings in South Dallas and the "baby and first in his absurdly large family (his mother was the eldest of 13 siblings) to attend and graduate from college. Michael has "wiz-dom" that is remarkably humorous and insightful in today's unique sales environment. After college, Michael Ham trained on Wall Street in 1988 with Smith Barney and built a Million Dollar book of business, while achieving honors, accolades and awards. He was the top new account opener his rookie year and worked the old fashioned way, by "earning" his way up to Executive Director with CIBC Oppenheimer.
His successful system is built around communication skills and simplicity in his marketing approach. The lion's share of his success was gleaned from making cold calls and learning how to use language via voice to disarm, charm and assuage his "audience of one."
Michael paints a flowing picture with visual images and relates how being "conscious" and in the moment when making a presentation; as if you're on a stage, prepare, perform and produce your product to your audience. He makes it simple. His stories of real life sales calls and experiences are hilarious and motivational. Following his instruction, you can't help but be amused, ready to rumble and not afraid to fail...
Michael ventured out after the World Trade terrorist attack and founded a successful business model for his independent practice. Almost ten years later his model is consistently profitable, viable and simple for others to follow. Layered in Michael's presentation are drills for skills in leadership, perseverance, memory retention and assertiveness learned from performing both athletically and musically on field and stage in his youth.
Learning how to "act" to attract is key to Michael's proven method of success. He has invested well over a Quarter of a Billion Dollars for his clients and has written over $150,000,000 in annuity premium in both fixed, variable and equity index annuities. Michael used life insurance as a tax free retirement plan for his own personal pension and has endorsed permanent life insurance for 20 years.
Like he was mentored by athletic coaches, music instructors, stage directors and a Fortune 500 CEO, Michael takes the practice of "paying it forward" to heart and to another level. He has trained and mentored hundreds of successful investment advisors and agents.
In addition to writing a monthly column for The Senior Market Advisor (a national magazine) Michael is also a published Author for the popular book, The Women's Investment Guide, a Member of MENSA since 1986, as well as the top producer at his broker dealer's firm the past two consecutive years.
Since his TV debut as a child, Michael has appeared on the Dallas, TX ABC, CBS and FOX television affiliates. He has been praised for his financial educational work by The Dallas Morning News and was the business reporter for KEWS, (the CNN Dallas radio affiliate.).
Michael's work earned the endorsement of celebrity William Shatner and he received the Keeping America Strong Award, presented by Navy Rear Admiral Kevin F. Delaney. Using his prospecting system for fund raising efforts, Michael earned the Platinum Award presented by the American Cancer Society and was named as one of Texas Monthly Magazine's Five star Wealth Managers in 2009 and 2010. He is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA). Getting people and teams to work together in collaborative ways are truly a gift Michael possesses and passes on to his audience freelyThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | www.mymoneytrack.com
