Denis Waitley has studied, counseled and trained leaders in virtually every field including Apollo astronauts, Olympic gold medalists, Super Bowl champions, returning POW's, heads of state and Fortune 500 top executives.

Denis is recognized as a world class speaker and author and has traveled the globe sharing success ideas and strategies to thousands of companies the past 25 years. To book Dr. Waitley to speak for your company or to be part of your upcoming Regional or National Convention send an email to speaker@deniswaitley.com or call 877-929-0439 and ask for Hilary.

3. Seeds of Greatness by Denis Waitley

Roots and Wings (A Child's Bedtime Song)

If I had two wishes, I know what they would be
I'd wish for Roots to cling to, and Wings to set me free;

Roots of inner values, like rings within a tree, and Wings of independence to seek my destiny.

Roots to hold forever to keep me safe and strong,
To let me know you love me, when I've done something wrong;

To show me by example, and help me learn to choose,
To take those actions every day to win instead of lose.

Just be there when I need you, to tell me it's all right,
To face my fear of falling when I test my wings in flight;

Don't make my life too easy, it's better if I try,
And fail and get back up myself, so I can learn to fly.

If I had two wishes, and two were all I had,
And they could just be granted, by my Mom and Dad;
I wouldn't ask for money or any store-bought things,

The greatest gifts I'd ask for are simply Roots and Wings.



4. The Winner's Edge Coaching Tips

Welcome to the Winner's Edge Coaching Tips. This week we start a new topic and one that directly ties into both my article and Seeds of Greatness quotes for this week -- tips for healthy personal relationships and raising win-win children. The tips are short, so starting this week we'll cover the first three and then two each for the remaining four weeks. Having said that we'll jump right in!

1. Look at yourself through others' eyes. Imagine being married to you. Imagine being your child or your friend.

2. Check to see if you shift roles easily and appropriately from worker/executive and earner to nurturing parent, and from role model to romantic partner.

3. Be empathic in your communications. Knowledge isn't always wisdom, sensitivity isn't always accuracy, sympathy isn't always understanding. Really get inside another person before you pass judgment or offer advice. Ask questions, listen, and discover rather than making assumptions.

This week, work on being more aware of these things and make improvements where you can!

 

5. Featured Product of the Week

 

What every leader needs to teach, what every child needs to learn! Dr. Denis Waitley and Dr. Maryann Rosenthal have created a masterpiece! It is without a doubt, one of the Most Comprehensive, Effective Parenting Programs Ever Created! The instruction manual that should have been delivered with each child.   What are we referring to? The Seeds of Greatness - The Value-Based Family Enrichment Program for 21st Century Leaders! Subjects Include: Your Parenting Style - Money Management for Kids - How to Master Creativity - How to say "No" - Your Children's Learning Styles - The Power of Faith - How Your Children View You - Strength Through Adversity - How to Discover Children's Potential - Seven Steps in Goal Setting - Four Cornerstones of Self-Esteem - Becoming a Win-Win Parent - Internal vs. External Values - Children as Win-Win Leaders - Discipline as the Success Key - Practice Makes Permanent - We Become What We Watch - Dealing with Risky Behavior - Building Healthy Habits - Problem Solving with Kids - How to Instill Self-Determination - Leading in a Blended Family - How to Delay Gratification - Parent/Child Communication - Honesty Begins at Home - Technology and Media Impacts - Effective Anger Management - How to Reduce Family Stress - Methods of Positive Motivation - How to Live the Golden Rule - and Much More! This system is designed to reinforce the best practices of a nurturing leader that you already know and utilize. It will also give you many fresh ideas on making your home a place your kids will want to come back to, rather than get away from. This system also applies to organizations and teams, where the team members learn leadership skills from their own coaches and role models within a company or work group. Researched and Developed by Two of America's Most Talented and Trusted Authorities on High Performance Human Behavior and Achievement!   Dr. Maryann Rosenthal is a national authority on family dynamics and life achievement issues. A highly-regarded clinical psychologist, she is a much sought-after keynote speaker and seminar leader on how to instill self-discipline and self-leadership skills in adults, adolescents, and young children. Maryann is a champion for women, children and the elderly. She is a member of the Domestic Violence Council and a founding member of the Elder Abuse Prevention Project. Dr. Maryann is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Association of Christian Therapists. She is the mother of seven children and five grandchildren.   Dr. Denis Waitley is one of the most respected authors and keynote lecturers in the world. His audio program The Psychology of Winning is the all-time, best-selling program on personal success. He has studied and counseled leaders in every field from top executives to astronauts, from Olympic champions to youth groups. He is the author of 16 non-fiction books including NY Times' best-sellers Seeds of Greatness and Being the Best. A founding member of the National Council on Self-Esteem and the President's Council on Vocational Education, he recently received the "Youth Flame Award" by the National Council on Youth Leadership for his contribution to teen development. As the former chairman of psychology on the US Olympic Sports Medicine Council, Denis is responsible for performance enhancement of all Olympic athletes. He is the father of six children and eleven grandchildren.   "It is far better to give your children your time and nurturing in the form of Roots and Wings instead of trying  to buy their affection with Loot and Things. What do we mean by Roots and Wings? We must have roots in order to grow strong and weather the buffeting winds of unforeseen storms and the challenges of weeds and droughts. These are character traits fundamental to long-term success, regardless of future environmental conditions. By wings, we mean the motivation, goal orientation and optimism to soar and fly, becoming independent, high achieving adults who make a positive difference in life."   Denis has been sharing, for quiet some time, his passion and vision for reaching today's kids and their parents. He and Maryann went into the studio and began filming and recording Roots and Wings back in November of 2004. Then Denis and Maryann created a comprehensive workbook, coaching calendar and several bonus CDs (including Tips for Younger Kids, Tips for Teens and Tips for Blended Families).  "I just listened to Denis' and Maryann's new Roots and Wings program. It is Phenomenal! The CD of music could be marketed on its own. Just after what I have listened to, every parent out there needs to hear this message and every grandparent needs to be buying it for their kids to listen to. You know, I have listened to a lot of our products as well as others, and I think it's the best product I've heard! The message is great, it's specific, the music it has in it breaks it up and gives a great message in another media. It is awesome!" -- Cheryl Gillette-Shaw Here is a sample of what is on just the first CD alone (1 of 19) Knowing Yourself - Your Own Childhood Background, The British Study - Your Natural Gifts, Circle of Multiple Intelligences, Personality & Behavior Assessments - Your Two Most Important Traits as a Parent, Your Parenting Style - Responsiveness vs. Demandingness, The Four Parenting Styles: Authoritarian, Authoritative, Permissive and Uninvolved - Parenting Style Self-Test - How Your Kids See You (The Parent Report Card) - Knowing Your Children - Observation and Interaction - Help Them Discover and Develop Their Natural Talents - Your Children's Learning Style: Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic - Assess Their Learning Styles - Empathy Reality Check Denis Waitley shares - "Nothing shouts so loudly about a society's success as do the lives of our children, and the lives of our children are a reflection of adult values children have learned by observation, imitation and repetition. We are at a critical crossroad in our culture which has become obsessed with immediate gratification, violent entertainment, celebrity status and skin-deep role models. Throughout human history every powerful, wealthy nation at its zenith has abdicated its responsibility to instill the principles and virtues that made it flourish in the generations that followed. As a result, no society has ever survived its own success by staying on top. It has disappeared or lost its position as a global leader. Unless we plant the seeds of greatness in our children, the weeds of apathy and selfishness will take over and the society will wither and decay. To understand other adults requires intelligence, openness and experience. To understand our children requires patience, empathy and effort. To know ourselves requires introspection, honesty and wisdom, and is one of the key roots in effective parenting. One of the most important elements of success is positive self-awareness. Positive Self-Awareness is the ability to step back from the canvas of life and take a good look at yourself as you relate to your environmental, physical and mental worlds. It is the ability to accept yourself as a unique, changing, imperfect, and growing individual. It is the ability to recognize your potential as well as your limitations, and prejudices. It is a vital attribute for an effective parent or leader. And the earlier you can nurture this attribute in your children and others who look to you for guidance, the more they will view their glasses as half-full and filling, rather than half-empty and leaking; and the more they will view the world as offering abundance and opportunity, instead of scarcity and apprehension." The Complete Seeds of Greatness Value-Based Family Enrichment System Includes: Ten CD Modules covering the 10 core Roots and Wings, with 67 subject tracks: CD 1 - Positive Self-Awareness, Knowing Yourself CD 2 - Positive Self-Esteem, Core Values CD 3 - Positive Self-Discipline, Healthy Habits CD 4 - Positive Self-Determination, Personal Responsibility CD 5 - Positive Self-Honesty, Non-Situational Integrity CD 6 - Positive Self-Motivation, Want to/Can do CD 7 - Positive Self-Expectancy, Resilient Optimism CD 8 - Positive Self-Image, Creative Discovery CD 9 - Positive Self-Direction, Focused Goals CD 10 - Positive Self-Dimension, Balanced Living Three Coaching Tips CDs with 15 subject tracks: CD 11 - Tips for Younger Kids (including Communication, Discipline, Technology, Money Management, Creative Goal Setting, Telling the Truth, Problem Resolution and Stress Management) CD 12 - Tips for Teens (including Communication, Risky Behavior, How to say NO, Managing Money, Goal Setting & Decision Making, Stress Management and Problem Resolution) CD 13 - Tips for Blended Families Plus: CD 14 - Journey to Relaxation, a special stress reduction audio CD program by Dr. Maryann Rosenthal. CD 15 - Music for Winners, an audio CD featuring the original inspirational lyrics of Dr. Denis Waitley in 16 different vocal presentations. PLUS the printed Achievement Lifeguide (265 pages with detailed exercises and lessons - it's remarkable!). Plus an easy-to-use 365-day perpetual, Coaching Calendar with daily tips on how to interact and communicate effectively with your kids whether they are entering grammar school, middle school or high school. This will help to internalize the principles and concepts in all family members. Plus, in addition to sequencing original music throughout the program, we also have 4 special, scientifically designed classical music CDs, from Advanced Brain Technologies, to help you and your kids study, concentrate, relax, and be more motivated and inspired to pursue healthy lifestyles. CD 16 - Music for Inspiration - Designed to kindle the imagination and uplift the soul, this classical CD helps you tap into inner wellsprings of creative expression and insight. CD 17 - Music to Relax - An instant remedy for tension and worry, creative arrangements of classical masterworks with gentle improvisations envelop you in a rich tapestry of soothing sound. CD 18 - Music for Concentration - A musical springboard to intellectual achievement, this CD uses streamlined baroque masterpieces to sharpen focus and enhance mental endurance. CD 19 -  Music for Motivation - Inspiring peak performance, this classical CD instills the enthusiasm you need to get the job done and have fun doing it. A Message from Denis and Maryann on Roots and Wings: With solid roots, children are prepared to leave their parents' gardens. The planting of the seeds of greatness in kids takes patience and persistence. Character growth is not always immediate or obvious. If, for example, you were to plant the seed of a Chinese bamboo tree, and water and nurture the seed consistently, you could become frustrated and even discouraged, unless you knew the growth cycle of the tree. There is no visible growth the first, second, third, or fourth year. But during the fifth year, the tree will grow about ninety feet in six weeks! Did the tree really wait five years to begin growing? Of course not. The nurturing of the first four years allowed the tree to develop a strong root system which could accommodate the tremendous, visible growth that fifth year. It is often the same in raising children. Values and character traits are not instilled overnight or by preaching. They are formed over time through modeling and repetition. Values are more often caught, than taught. Although we don't often see the immediate consequences or rewards of the thoughts planted in our children's minds, in due time, they will reap what has been sown. We have identified what we feel are the five most important, underlying roots of healthy family growth, including Positive Self-Awareness, knowing yourself and your children's potential; Positive Self-Esteem, the core values inherent in all enduring winners; and, perhaps, most important, Positive Self-Discipline, which is the development of healthy habits through training and taking positive action to correct behavior, rather than use coercive punishment to stop behavior. Positive Self-Determination, the ability to be responsible for outcomes and to make effective choices in life; and Positive Self-Honesty, the moral compass and integrity that is the cornerstone of authentic leadership, which most often is learned in the home environment. By learning these critical roots, our kids not only believe they are as good as the best, not necessarily better than the rest, they respect every individual as having the equal right to feel worthy of success regardless of status, ethnicity, background, profession or beliefs. Instead of the labels of material success, they will have core values that endure. With these roots, they also can go full circle and overcome any adversity that life or society throws at them. Going full circle is like Lance Armstrong, overcoming cancer, falling off his bike during the Tour de France, and getting back on the bike, and gutting it out up the mountain, to claim the yellow jersey and win over and over again. In addition to giving our children roots, we parents have the additional responsibility of providing the wind beneath our children's wings so they can fly from our nests as confident, optimistic adults. The majestic eagle is the symbol of freedom and determination in America. We can learn much from the lifestyle of the eagle family. The eagle parents know the day is coming when their children must make their own way. They know the real challenge for the eaglet is learning how to fly! Like the eagles, we parents have as our primary role to provide the love and early roots, and then the skills to create the wind beneath our children's wings. We must take care that our homes are not so all-providing and over-indulging that there is no motivation or challenge for self-determination. By keeping our children as dependents, too long, or not providing the leadership skills to help them navigate the currents and storms in life, we are clipping their wings and removing the wind. The five modules that comprise the Wings' character traits include Positive Self-Motivation, or the inner fire of desire; Positive Self-Expectancy, so kids can handle setbacks and problems with resiliency and optimism; Positive Self-Imagination so they tap into their creative imaginations and design their futures; Positive Self-Direction, the focus and stair-step ability of turning dreams into reachable goals, and Positive Self-Dimension, which is living with spiritual depth, joy and harmony. What is the investment? For the first 200 to order, a special price of only $179 plus free shipping* in the US and only $25 International (does not include customs or duties charged by individual countries). At this special price, we know that this new, ground breaking program will quickly make it to market, testimonials will start coming in immediately, and the value of this package will quickly spread! If you would like to be one of the first 200 to take advantage of this special introductory offer go to http://parenting.jimrohn.com or call 800-929-0434. A Final Word from Denis and Maryann: We are excited to offer you our labor of love, The Seeds of Greatness: The Value-based, Family Enrichment System for the 21st Century. You are investing in the most precious natural resources on earth: the lives of your children and those who look to you for guidance. We plan to share with you time-tested principles, and timely tips on how to plant the seeds of greatness at home and raise winning children, regardless of their ages. This system is designed to reinforce the best practices of a nurturing leader that you already know and utilize. It will also give you many fresh ideas on making your home a place your kids will want to come back to, rather than get away from. This system also applies to organizations and teams, where the team members learn leadership skills from their own coaches and role models within a company or work group. You're about to experience the result of 25 years of education, training and field-testing. A value-based learning system and format that will give you maximum benefits and long-term results. This is not a quick-fix, Band-Aid program. It is based on scientific studies and practical applications. Rather than a fad program, it is a fact program you can try and trust with your own family. Parenting is perhaps the only full-time, lifelong profession for which there is no formal education. Parenthood comes naturally. Parenting, however, most often is experienced by trial and error, with many trials and an abundance of errors -- many handed down to us by our own parents. This comprehensive, value-based family enrichment program, The Seeds of Greatness, is dedicated to give you the self-management traits that every leader needs to teach, and every child needs to learn. It has been called, "The instruction manual that should have been delivered with each child." One of our primary goals is to give you guidelines, so you won't have to learn from your own mistakes as often as we did in raising our own families. We have deliberately focused on you as the key role models and leaders of your family, and the specific action steps that you and your kids need to take for success in and away from your home. We are convinced that this is the right program for our society at the right time with the right message, and have designed it to be delivered in several modalities: First, it is a self-study program you can experience in your own home at your own pace, consisting of video and audio lessons and original musical presentations, supported by printed materials and hands-on activities. Next, we have created the system so that it can be taught as a one-day or multiple-session seminar and workshop, presented by the authors or by certified facilitators throughout the nation and in certain international markets. We also have developed the program as an online learning system, which can be enjoyed as a weekly telephone coaching program over several months in your own home, conducted by highly qualified life coaches. If you will give this program a chance, we know that it will give you a positive change in the way you view your role as the primary coach and mentor for your own children. Always remember that what you leave in your children as values and memories is much more important than what you leave to your children as valuables and money in your estate. Rather than overindulging your kids with material gifts in an attempt to compensate for the guilt you feel in not spending enough time with them, make this moment in time your moment of truth. When they leave the nest, your children will rarely, if ever, speak of the money you spent. But at every family reunion throughout your life, they and your grandchildren will laugh, and cry, and reminisce about the precious times you spent together. Be a parent who spends quality and quantity time with your children. Nothing speaks of love so dramatically as being there up close and personal. Give them your love, and your time. Remember, our main job is to teach our kids how to fly from the nest, so they can be the very best according to their own dreams and unique abilities. An ancient Chinese proverb tells us, "A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every passerby leaves a mark." We cannot teach our children the seeds of greatness. We can only help them discover these seeds within themselves by adding positive marks and strokes on their slates. Being a parent is a 24/7 assignment. Every day, in every way, we want to help you plant the seeds of greatness in every family member. Our children are in our care, but are not our clones. Kahlil Gibran is our favorite on the subject: "Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. You may give them your love, but not your thoughts. For they have their own thoughts. You may house their bodies, but not their souls. For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams. You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them be like you. For life goes not backward, nor tarries with yesterday." We hope you will gain from and enjoy this journey into self-discovery with us for the most noble of all causes in human development: that of preparing your children to fulfill their highest aspirations in their own lives. The seeds of greatness are not dependent upon the gifted birth, the inherited bank account, the intellect, the skin-deep beauty, ethnicity, or status. The seeds of greatness are attitudes and beliefs that begin in children as baby talk, as do's and don'ts, as casual family chatter, bedtime stories, and observations - like flimsy cobwebs, at first - then with years of practice, become like unbreakable roots or cables to shackle or strengthen our characters throughout the rest of our adult lives. We are planting shade trees for future generations under which, we ourselves, can never sit. As you and your children experience this program, keep in mind that parenting is like gardening. You plant, and you wait. Some seeds take a long time to sprout and develop. Be patient, be persistent, be there in person, and be proud of the legacy you are creating for your family. Our only mission in this gift to you is to demonstrate that loot and things will never be as valuable to you and your children as roots and wings, and a fulfilled life as the harvest from planting the seeds of greatness. With faith and optimism, Denis Waitley, Ph.D. and Maryann Rosenthal, Ph.D. To take advantage of this special introductory offer go to http://parenting.jimrohn.com or call 800-929-0434. Plus for the first 200 to order, a special price of only $179 plus free shipping* in the US and only $25 International (does not include customs or duties charged by individual countries). To you and your family's success! Kyle Wilson President Denis Waitley International Jim Rohn International YourSuccessStore.com

6. Customer Feedback

Here are some of the testimonials and comments we received over the past week from our Ezine subscribers. We love receiving comments and feedback from our readers - so keep it coming!

Hi, I recently ordered and received the Seeds of Greatness Family Program, which is fantastic. Many Thanks.
-- Colin Campbell

Dear Denis, I came across your article, Procrastination Doesn't Make Perfect, while I was going through some of my thousands of e-mails. This was a wonderful article and one I really needed to hear. Perfect timing. Please put us on you e-mail list. I love everything you do and thank you for all you do.
-- Sonja Yost

Hi, I recently purchased the Seeds of Greatness pack and we are really enjoying the program. My 8 year old daughter loves the Music for Winners CD too. Thanks again for a great program.
-- Lee

Thanks for the continued inspiration. We attended the Winnipeg Celebration and thoroughly enjoyed your presentation. Thanks for sharing inspiring and insightful stories with people and entertaining us with heart and soul. We became Achievers that Thursday night and a few weeks ago became Bronze Directors, which we know is a direct result of the awesome training and support we have received from countless individuals like yourself. We hope that many of our downline also subscribe to this mailing and Life Masters to get the edge they need to rank advance in Usana and learn strategies that will help them take charge of their life and their health in unimaginable ways. Enjoy the convention! We will be there in spirit as our "other JOBS" as educators prevents us from attending this year.
-- Donny & Wayne Wyke

Dear Denis, this is just to let you know that ever since last April when I started receiving your free e-zines, I have never regretted reading them. They are not only informative and educative, but very inspiring for any serious Christian. They are simply 'un-put-down-able!' Please keep it up. May our good Lord keep your anointing aglow for humanity. Shalom, and my compliments to your family, sir.
-- Emman Oduntan, Nigeria


Thank you Ezine readers, for the sincere and kind words of encouragement and appreciation you sent us this week! -- DW
 

7. More Information