2.  The Champion Within Article

The Safari Called Life by Denis Waitley

Many of my current keynote presentations to major corporations have focused on my recent experiences in Africa and how they can be applied to our individual and collective performance in pursuit of excellence and quality of life. I view life as a way of traveling on a mysterious, ever-challenging safari, where the trail is blazed by our daily choices, actions and responses.

There is an oft-repeated cliché I have heard ever since I was a boy: "It's a jungle out there!" Every television and newspaper headline seems to shout about the perils of existence. Bad news is always the special meal of the day and because of the media's increasing preoccupation with what’s wrong in the world, each generation believes it is living in the most difficult times in history. How are we to face our deepening feelings of apprehension and fear in view of increasing global unrest and insecurity? How can we achieve survival, success and serenity in this savage paradise called life?

What I have learned on my annual pilgrimages to Africa on safari, can be applied to our own daily lives. Life in every environment today is a savage paradise. Savage to the ignorant, uneducated, unskilled, prejudiced and ill-informed. A paradise to those who have learned to adapt to and manage change, remain flexible, unhook prejudices, view failures and mistakes as temporary detours and target corrections, and remain lifelong learners. Our safari guides were comfortable and at ease in the dangerous ecosystem of Africa. We, on the other hand, felt vulnerable, insecure and hesitant. We were the newcomers, the tourists. They were the guides, confident through training and experience.

In my newest book, Safari to the Soul, I mention another book that had made the same parallel as I had, entitled The Jungle is Neutral, written by Col. F. Spencer Chapman, an officer in the British army during World War II. Col. Chapman survived for four years as a guerilla fighter in Malaysia. Cut off from the outside world, which listed him as "missing, believed killed," he was isolated deep in the jungle undergoing ordeals such as few individuals have ever lived to document. He escaped twice from prison camps because, in his own words: "I needed to get back to my assignment!"

When questioned later about his adversaries being expert jungle fighters and the fact that he was up against scorpions, yellow fever, malaria, poisonous snakes, incessant rain, wild tigers, leeches and undergrowth so thick it can take four hours to walk a mile, these were Col Chapman's observations:

"I had my bouts with most of what you mentioned. Some of it I was prepared for. Some of it I learned on the job. I managed to get around by bicycle, dugout canoe, mostly on foot, and some of the time on my belly crawling through the jungle muck. The jungle provides drinking water, fruit and food, shelter and plenty of places to hide. I also made friends with the tribal chiefs and natives who had lived there all their lives and who taught me coping skills."

When it was brought to his attention that others who spent only days or weeks in the jungle swore that the jungle is hostile, cruel and vindictive, Col. Chapman answered resolutely: "To me, the jungle is neutral. It is your knowledge, attitude, skills and habits that see you through. The jungle is what it is. It doesn't think. It is the backdrop for your journey. Your preparation, training, resourcefulness and dedication are what count."

On your own safari in pursuit of your professional and personal goals, as you look forward to a new beginning and the climb to a higher level, where you have never journeyed before, remember that acronym called the "KASH-flow" of life.

K is for Knowledge. Invest fully in your lifelong learning. The shelf-life of your formal education, with any and all of your degrees, is about eighteen months. Every five minutes there is a new scientific or technological breakthrough that upgrades or obsoletes what had gone before. Knowledge is the new power and the greatest tool for combating fear and prejudice.

A is for Attitude. Examine your "why" and compare it with those who are peak performers in every business. View problems as opportunities to grow and understand that virtually every successful entrepreneur has been a problem-solver and risk-taker. Taking the calculated risk is what creates security. Seeking security, provided by others, is the greatest risk to your personal freedom and fulfillment. Your attitude is either the lock on or key to your door of success.

S is for Skills. Attend meetings, conference calls and take advantage of every opportunity to gain insights and experiences from successful role models and mentors. We learn by observation, imitation and repetition. Model yourself after mentors with proven track records of success, whose character traits and personal lives match their professional accomplishments. Behind every world class athlete, there is a world-class coach. The same holds true in every business arena. Surround yourself with winning coaches.

H is for Habits. By the inch, success is a cinch. By the yard, it's hard. Break your major goals down into mini-goals and stair-step your way to the top by establishing a dynamic daily routine that eliminates time-wasting activities and maximizes performance-achieving activities. Remember, the more you train, the more you gain. Habits are like submarines. They run silent and deep. Repetition is the key. Habits grow, over time, from cobwebs into cables to shackle or strengthen our lives. Practice makes permanent. Only perfect practice makes perfect. You don't break habits, you replace them.

By using the KASH formula, you will increase your cash flow and your productivity, giving you more free time to go on safaris when and where you want to. Instead of a tourist, you'll become a tour guide, with a greater awareness of your environment, courage based on skills and training, and an attitude of confidence to turn every stumbling block you face into a stepping stone to success and fulfillment.

Life is a safari into a savage paradise. The quality of your journey will depend on your preparation, choices and responses. Become a guide, instead of a tourist!

-- Denis Waitley
 

This article was excerpted from Denis Waitley's book, Safari to the Soul. To order Safari to the Soul by Denis Waitley or to receive it Free as a Bonus when you purchase Denis Waitley's package, at a special discount this week only, scroll down to #5 below or go to http://waitley.jimrohn.com or call 800-929-0434.
 

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.

5. Featured Product of the Week

Dr. Denis Waitley has inspired, informed, and enlightened millions of individuals (including Apollo astronauts, Fortune 500 top executives, Olympic gold medalists, Super Bowl champions and heads of state) with his fifteen non-fiction books, hundreds of audio programs, and entertaining, penetrating live keynote lectures, seminars and television appearances. (Scroll to the end to read just a handful of the incredible testimonials about Denis from legends such as Stephen Covey, Tom Peters, Pat Riley, Roger Staubach, Harvey Mackay and John Wooden).

Denis teaches the same qualities that have helped athletes shatter world-records and peak performers reach the top positions in their industries. Winning isn't just luck. You need a programmed mindset to become a champion.

If you're looking for more success in your business and family life, Denis Waitley has proven answers and action steps for you. His wit and wisdom have made a difference throughout the world and they can do the same for you.

We are offering 5 individual products by Denis Waitley that focus on helping you Win and Achieve in business and life. You can purchase individually at 30-50% off or you can purchase the entire package at over 60% off - and receive free shipping in the US and only $29 for International shipping on the complete package - International shipping fees do not include customs or duties charged by individual countries.

Also the first 100 to order receive as a bonus Denis' most recent book (hardback edition), Safari To The Soul  ($24 value).

PLUS 2nd Bonus for those order Denis' Complete Package of 5 Products - The first 100 to order The Buy All 5 Package also receive the hardbound edition of Denis Waitley's The Seeds of Greatness Treasury. A collection of some of the best-loved "words to remember" by Denis Waitley. It truly is a priceless gift of poetry, proverbs, and prose from one of America's most respected sages.

This package will not only impact you and your future success with timeless principles and ideas, but is also a must for teenagers, adults just starting out - virtually everyone.

For more information or to order go to http://waitley.jimrohn.com or call 800-929-0434.

*Free bonus for the first 100 to order, receive free a copy of Denis' most recent book (hardback edition), Safari To The Soul

Ezine Archives - To review previous issues of Denis Waitley's Ezine, please go to: Ezine Archives

Printer-Friendly Version - Denis Waitley's Ezine: Issue 55 - Printer-Friendly

How to Subscribe - Subscribe at Denis Waitley International or send an email with JOIN in the subject to subscribe@deniswaitley.com

How to Unsubscribe - Use the automatic unsubscribe link at the bottom of this email, or send an email with Remove in the subject to unsubscribe@deniswaitley.com

Booking Denis Waitley - Send an email to speaker@deniswaitley.com and include your name, company, date and location of event, along with anticipated audience size and composition.

No Spamming or List Sharing! - You can rest assured that your subscription email address will be kept in the strictest confidence. We do not divulge, nor make available to any third party, our subscription list. Your privacy is paramount to us! Therefore, it receives the respect it deserves!

Copyright/Reprint Info - The contents of this Ezine may be copied, reproduced, or freely distributed for all nonprofit purposes without the consent of the author as long as the author's name and contact information are included.

Example: Reproduced with permission from the Denis Waitley Ezine. To subscribe to Denis Waitley's Ezine, go to www.deniswaitley.com or send an email with Join in the subject to subscribe@deniswaitley.com Copyright 2006 Denis Waitley International. All rights reserved worldwide.

All contents Copyright 2006 Denis Waitley International except where indicated otherwise. All rights reserved worldwide. **Duplication or reprints only with express permission or approved Credits (see above). All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contact Information:

Denis Waitley International
2835 Exchange Blvd., Suite 200
Southlake, TX 76092
877-929-0439
International and/or Dallas/Ft Worth - 817-442-5407
Fax 817-442-1390 or visit the website at Denis Waitley International