Create #51 Set Awesome Goals for 2008

COMING SOON

California Sues Federal Goverment over emissions

As Bush seems to stand in the way of environmental responsibility, California sues! Go Arnold.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-me-epa3jan03,1,6968553.story

MM #90: Global Warming: The Results are IN! (Special Issue)

Note: This edition is a 'Special Issue' because it's not on the topic of building your coaching or other professional practice. And, it's going to both the 'Mentor Monthly' and the 'Create a Life You Love' subscribers.

I mostly quote from Time Magazine - as it's a bit more credible than me ;-) Anything not in quotes is from me.

“Our current respons to global warming is like jumping
out a 20 story window and counting each floor as you go saying
'so far, so good' ...." - Anonymous

Conclusions

The Earth is heating up. Humans are contributing to it. Projections are bad to catastrophic. We're seeing scary effects already. If we stopped all CO2 emissions today, we're still probably screwed. Yet we're making it worse. Any serious debate is largely over. Even in the face of uncertainty, it's smart for us to take BIG action steps. The U.S. - as the biggest offender - must take action, instead of blocking action.

Is Global Warming really happening?

In 2007 the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has finally stopped hedging: "Warming of the climate system is unequivocal".

These findings have been endorsed by the Royal Society of Canada, the Royal Society (UK), the Russian Academy of Sciences, and a dozen other leading scientific bodies.

But are humans really causing it?

The above U.N. report stated there is "very high confidence" that humans have played a significant role by overloading the atmosphere with carbon dioxide (CO2). The report concluded that while the long-term solution is to reduce CO2 levels, for now we're going to have to dig in and prepare, building better levees, moving to higher ground and abandoning vulnerable floodplains altogether.

Hang on...don't ancient examples of global warming suggest that it's occurrence in our time may be natural as well?

"Although this is certainly possible, it appears unlikely. While the causes...in earlier instances...remain unknown, scientists agree that the current rise in levels of greenhouse gases is largely of human origin." - Time Magazine

But isn't there a lot of debate?

"For years, popular skepticism about climatological science stood in the way of addressing the problem, but the naysayers - many of whom were on the payroll of energy companies - have become an increasingly marginalized breed." - Time Magazine

And again, there are dozens of leading scientific bodies which have finally reached a consensus - not an easy thing in any field!

But if I have any doubt, I shouldn't do anything yet, right?

As above, there is no serious debate anymore. But even if there was, wouldn't just the chance that thousands of credible scientists are right, be reason to act - just to be safe? Call it an insurance policy. Here's an 8 minute argument for acting that has had 3 million views on Youtube!

Well, OK. But will the effects be that bad?

Well let's see. Floods. Droughts. Fires. Hurricanes. Sea level rising 20 feet. War. Species becoming extinct. More disease. Yes, it looks like they will be that bad.

But won't it take hundreds of years for it to get serious?

Ummm....Hurricane Katrina?

We've been hoping that "the glacial pace of nature would give us decades ore even centuries to sort out the problem. But [nature] can move with surprising speed....global climate systems are booby-trapped with tipping points and feedback loops.....the slow creep of environmental decay gives way to sudden and self-perpetuating collapse." - Time Magazine

But what if we take a bunch of action, and it turns out thousands of leading scientists were wrong? Or it was a plot by thousands of greenies to make money from scare tactics?

Then we might feel pretty silly. And the economy might take a hit. Oh no! Compare this to the option of not taking action because you're waiting for everyone to agree, and the entire Greenland ice shelf melts.

Which course of action seems the most responsible to you?

The U.S., Asia, and the Rest of the World

"The U.S. is home to less than 5% of the world's people,

yet it produces 25% of the CO2 emissions on the planet"

- Time Magazine

174 nations have ratified the Kyoto treaty to reduce carbon emissions. (And I'm a little teary that the second-last developed nation to hold out, Australia, finally ratified it December 3, 2007).

The U.S. has not ratified the treaty, along with Afghanistan, Iraq, Brunei, and Tajikistan.

The explosive growth in China and India is scary - way scary - and in 50 years they'll be the ones with the biggest impact. China and India seem willing to make moves, but Time Magazine says "they feel Washington must take the lead."

"Bush has called for a new international accord to fight climate change to be in place by the end of 2008. But most of the measures he supports involve voluntary , not mandatory, emissions controls, rather than the laws with teeth scientists are calling for. ...Bush explicitly rejected mandatory caps on emissions." - Time Magazine

This breaks his 2000 campaign promise: "We will require all power plants to meet clean-air standards in order to reduce emissions of...carbon dioxide within a reasonable period of time." George W. Bush

What can you do? 5 easy things:

1. Change all your light bulbs to energy savers (CFL's) - you'll save money over the long run. Order them today.


2. Move your thermostat down 3° in winter (wear a sweater!) and up 3° in summer.


3. Call your utility company and ask for a free or low-cost energy audit.


4. Turn off electronic devices you're not using them, and unplug devices from the wall (yep - standby power accounts for


5. Take public transport (and trade your car for a hybrid)

Conclusions

The Earth is heating up. Humans are contributing to it. Projections are bad to catastrophic. We're seeing scary effects already. If we stopped all CO2 emissions today, we're still probably screwed. Yet we're making it worse. Any serious debate is largely over. Even in the face of uncertainty, it's smart for us to take BIG action steps. The U.S. - as the biggest offender - must take action, instead of blocking action.

ACTION

If you're not yet convinced that action is required:

1. Watch 'The Most Terrifying Video You'll Ever See' (8 min)


2. Read 'How to Talk to a Climate Skeptic', and The Royal Society's guide, to get your biggest questions answered.


3. Post your conclusion (or remaining questions) on the blog here. (Hint: If you like to debate - that's the place to do it)

If you believe action is required:

1. What can we, as a 70,000 strong SolutionBox community, do to impact the issue? Post - in bullet point form - the top 5 actions you think we should or could take. Post on the blog.


2. Invite everyone you know to participate in this discussion by forwarding this newsletter with a personal note, or inviting them to the blog.

Cheers,

P.S. Got a comment on this article? Please add it to the blog.

Announcements/Offers

How Did This New Coach Make 6 Figures in ONE YEAR?

"I can't think of a better investment or more profitable long term step for an aspiring coach to take other than purchase and devour the CoachStart Manual. I used this guide as my Bible when commencing my coaching business and my first 12 months generated revenues over 6 figures....well in excess of my plans and expectations. For a fast start to your business I strongly recommend its use, you'll gain confidence and turn your dreams into reality."
Ken Wright, US
www.TheWrightCoaching.com

You can save yourself the hundreds or thousands of dollars you may have paid a mentor coach or training school. After personally mentoring sixty coaches and founding a coach training school, I've compiled everything I know about starting a successful coaching practice in one easy-to-follow Manual.

And it's wonderful to see such huge results like this:

"I've already recouped the cost of the CoachStart Manual in coaching fees in 3 weeks."
Eddie Smith
Houston, Texas
www.lifecoachingtoday.com

So, let's get started! Get your CoachStart Manual in the next 5 minutes at http://www.coachstart.com/, and start building!

Is Global Warming really happening?

If you like to debate, this is the place to do it.

Respectfully. If you feel anger, be responsible for it, OK?

'Flames' will be deleted.

And your posts will have MUCH more meaning if you're already read the arguments here. No use re-inventing the wheel, right?

Look forward to your comments.

David

MM #88: How Far Did You Come in 2007?

1. Announcements/Offers

Is it time to upgrade or create your keynote speech?

Internationally renowned speaker Marcia Reynolds is holding her keynote retreat on January 24-26 in Phoenix. She holds this retreat only once a year for 6-8 participants.

She says, "I guarantee that if you attend the retreat, you will walk away with a speech that you are passionate about, that includes a powerful opening and closing and is structured as a keynote (not a mini seminar). You will get individual coaching and chance to practice and develop your stories."

For more information, call Marcia at 602-954-9030 or email her at Marcia@covisioning.com.

What People are Saying About '10 Super Coaches'

To find out how 10 ordinary coaches are earning $30,000 to $1.4 million per year, and how you can do it too, click here:

10 Super Coaches

"I was working on a marketing strategy that was going to cost quite a bit of money when I bought the ebook. It made me realise there is a MUCH more direct, and less expensive method. Saved me several hundred pounds and gave me a kick up the rear end to do something else. Thanks!"

Neil Gilbranch, United Kingdom

"Why re-invent the wheel when you can see how successful people are already producing results you want? Don't hesitate, buy it today. The '10 Super Coaches' ebook has given me the confidence and inner strength I needed to build my business, I have been able to fine-tune my fees, and I have offered sample sessions with success."

Denise Simons, New Zealand

RELATE Coaching

Visit 10 SuperCoaches

---

2. FEATURE: How far did you come in 2007?

Before you go on to conquer the world in 2008, don't you think it's important to celebrate how far you have come this year.

Look back.

What have you accomplished?

What are you proud of?

And so importantly - what are you grateful for? (Because gratitude not only feels good - it generates growth.)

I'll start. Below I'll share what I'm proud to have accomplished this year, and what I'm grateful for.

But don't read it passively. Oh no.

At the bottom I'm going to ask you to write YOUR Celebratory.

As you read mine, ideas will spark for what you can celebrate this year.

I'll ask you to go straight to the blog and post for the world to see.

And I'll ask you to forward to everyone you care about, so they can join you in the process; you can read their celebratory, and congratulate them.

* * *

DAVID'S CELBRATORY FOR 2007

Health & Lifestyle

• Huge personal breakthrough in which I felt feelings so intense I thought I might die, instead of using sleeping pills to send them away.


• Body is lean and healthy; rarely do I get sick


• Dipped my toe in the 'global warming' waters, and set to take action in 2008. No longer a rebel without a cause ;-)


• Nominated to Transformational Leadership Council

Relationships

• Made some wonderful new, close friends (Ezra, Nicole, Reese, Racheli, Magalie, Alex - to name a few)


• Am well supported by my old friends (Jon, Bron, Sonja, Reid, Beth, Kye, Flaven, Cindy, Gerry, Maria - to name a few)


• Celebrated one year with my partner Kristina!


• Began new business relationships - and in some cases friendships, with Alex Mandossian (who has been invaluable on the business and personal front), John Gray (valuable support and introductions), Harv Eker, Chet Holmes, Joel Comm, Donna Steinhorn and Michael Gerber.


• Incredibly fortunate to have the support of Beth Dargis, Kimberly Marlow, and Terri Carey, - without whom you wouldn't even get to read this newsletter.

Finance & Business & Career

• Contributed to two anthologies, one with foreword by Mark Victor Hansen


• Completed book proposal and sent to agent


• Increased combined subscribers to 70,000


• Increased revenue 70% over previous year


• Landed on the national speaking stage with a bang, speaking to audiences of 1,000 and selling products in the mid-six-figures range.


• Learned 105 things that don't work

* * *

Action - now it's time for YOU

Don't just read my Celebratory, make this valuable for you.

Post your Celebratory where we can all acknowledge you, here.

Whether you spend 1 minute or 1 day on it doesn't matter.

Just post it.

Remember, where there is gratitude and appreciation, there is growth. It's critical to chew and swallow what you've received this year, before asking for more.

If you find yourself judging your achievements - good! This is an opportunity to look deeper at what you can be grateful for. AND - to light the fire in your belly to really make 2008 count.

Go ahead - post your Celebratory now.

Your Friends

I really want to read what my friends are celebrating this year. So I'm going to forward this invitation to them and ask them all to post as well.

If you really want to start a gratitude movement, I invite you to do the same.


(Hint: be sure and tell them to add their name to the post, so you can find it on the blog!)

Love and gratitude,

Stop Global Warming - what's our move?

I'm a newbie to the global warming issue, and committed to making a BIG impact by HELPING people to change mass behaviour.

My question is: HOW CAN WE BEST SUPPORT THE MOVEMENT?

Here's my current thinking. Would appreciate you adding to it:

PERSONAL GOALS FOR ALL PEOPLE
a) watch one key video (call it THE VIDEO)
b) reduce their own carbon imprint to zero
c) contact their lawmaker on a piece of key legislation

LEADERSHIP GOALS FOR PEOPLE
a) have 100 friends watch THE VIDEO
b) have 100 of their friends to reduce imprint to zero
c) have 100 of their friends contact their lawmaker

I figure THEN we'll have a movement, with integrity. Perhaps when people can check off the above list they can call themselves a 'climate champion' or whatever label we come up with.

HOW TO MAKE ALL THIS HAPPEN
Rather than start our own, or my own charity, I'm thinking to find an existing charity that:
a) uses publicity and email communication effectively
b) motivates people to take the above actions
c) is open to help re: strategy, internet marketing, etc (i.e. will listen)

...and then we can support that charity as much as possible, driving traffic to their site and email capture.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Craziness? Please post your comment below.

As I said, I'm new, and could use all your help as I clarify my thinking - and before we ask the 70,000 people on my list to act.

Thanks,

David

I quit!

I just quit my job.

Which might sound strange since I work for myself.

I'm burned out - been working too hard, to the point where every waking and sleeping moment was about work. Everything blurred to the point that I forget what a day off looks like.

The results got too important - I got attached to the outcome, and started to feel a lot of pressure to make things happen. (Which is ridiculous!)

So I quit. At least for the next four days I'm only going to do what I want to do. As my good friend Nicole Daedone said: "It just has to feel good".

If I don't want to speak to groups - I won't speak. If it feels like too much pressure to put the pitch and sales stuff together, I won't worry whether I sell anything at the end of the speech. I'm done going for book endorsements unless they feel natural and fun. And I've chilled out about selling it to a publisher. (In my mind it's already sold and published, and it will do how it's going to do).

I don't have to earn any money in the next 12 months. I don't have to sell one product. I don't have to travel anywhere I don't want to, or for longer than I want. I don't have to hang out with anyone I don't want to - regardless of the business opportunity they might bring. I don't ~need~ to write a book, and if I do, I don't need anyone to buy it.

Being hyperfocused can be a gift. I get enormous things done in a short period of time. And...there's balance.

Will this last past Dec 27? I don't know. But it's feeling good right now, and I'm enjoying LOST and reading up on the environment.

So I quit.

I quit my own job.

David