Good Manners and Success

By Michael Masterson

Despite what some pundits have said, making people like you is not the secret to success. In fact, there may be an inverse relationship between affability and accomplishment. If you spend too much time and energy trying to please others, you won’t get your own work done.

There is, however, no reason for arrogance and no possible excuse for rudeness. With a little extra care and attention, you can attain everything you want in life - reach your goals and accomplish all your objectives - without making people dislike you.

How do you get what you want without offending others? The answer is simple: with good manners.

Here’s a quick checkup on your business manners.

. Do you smile and say "hello" to everyone you meet each day?
. Do you listen attentively when others speak?
. Do you refrain from raising your voice or losing your temper?
. Do you say "thank you" every time it’s warranted?
. Do you know the first and last names of all those who work with you?
. Do you criticize carefully and in private?

It’s surprisingly easy to forget your manners as you climb the ladder of success. With each step up in power and prestige, it’s easier to ignore a courtesy or take one without thanks. If you don’t watch yourself, you can turn into someone you wouldn’t like.

[Ed. Note: The above article was excerpted from Michael Masterson’s book Automatic Wealth for Grads… and Anyone Else Just Starting Out.]
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13 Reasons to Avoid Aspartame

By Jon Herring

I recently received the following e-mail from AB, an ETR reader:

"Dear Jon: I like your write-ups about the chemicals in our food. My dad recently discovered that the aspartame in Diet Coke was killing his liver. He did a lot of research and found that the FDA approval of aspartame was dubious, to say the least. I know you’ve written about aspartame before, but I think you’d be doing a great service to all of your readers if you could write a detailed and convincing case about the dangers of aspartame. I believe there is also an appetite stimulant in Diet Coke, but I’m not sure if it’s aspartame or something else. There are millions of Diet Coke drinkers that have no idea how badly they are injuring their bodies."

As I discussed in ETR #1498, it has become fairly well established that the chemical sweetener aspartame is a carcinogen. And in ETR #1464, I explained that it also boosts the appetite, causes carb cravings, and has never been shown to assist weight loss.

Could this chemical also be responsible for AB’s father’s liver condition? I have no way of knowing, but it is certainly a possibility. Whenever your liver is forced to filter and metabolize a poison, it can be damaged. And there is no doubt in my mind that aspartame is just that, a poison.

For many years, the FDA has been aware of the problems with aspartame. In fact, the FDA once actually published a list of 92 (yes, 92!) side effects and reactions to this chemical. Here is just a sampling of the FDA’s list:

. Headache and dizziness
. Abdominal pain and cramps
. Change in vision
. Seizures and convulsions
. Fatigue and weakness
. Change in heart rate
. Difficulty breathing
. Oral sensory changes
. Joint and bone pain
. Blood glucose disorders
. Blood pressure changes
. Difficulties with pregnancy
. Change in sexual function

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: If you crave something sweet, use the all-natural herb stevia. You can buy it at any health food store in a liquid or powder form. It’s sweeter than sugar, has no calories, tastes great… and it’s safe.
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Reader Feedback: "A better idea for responding to the newest FDA proposal."

"Here’s a better idea for responding to the newest FDA regulatory proposal: write to your elected officials.

"The FDA is directly funded by Big Pharma and not easily swayed by public opinion. It is much more likely that you can gain the ear of your elected representative than the FDA.

"Love Jon Herring’s articles. They are topical, well researched, and insightful."

- Connie Gipple

Chicago, IL
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Watch Your Language!

By Virginia Avery

Whether or not people are paying money to hear you speak, they are certainly paying with their valuable time. They are there to be informed, uplifted, and inspired by you… so keep it clean!

Swearing lowers the tone of your entire presentation, and that’s not the only reason it’s a bad idea:

1. It shows a lack of good taste, and may offend some people in your audience.
2. It displays a paucity of thinking.
3. Swear words from the platform still have enough shock value to stop your listeners cold. They miss the next few words you say.
4. It could cause you to lose credibility. Intending to sound informal, you appear merely adolescent.
5. Most of all, it does nothing to inform, uplift, or inspire.

Using swear words may make you memorable, but for all the wrong reasons. If your intention is to be forceful, use your voice for emphasis or repeat the phrase you wish your audience to remember.

[Ed. Note: Virginia Avery is a communications specialist who has trained thousands of individuals to make more dynamic presentations. Become more confident and persuasive in just two days with her Presenting Yourself Professionally workshop.]
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Word to the Wise: Affable

Someone who’s "affable" (AF-uh-bul) - from the Latin for "to speak to" - is friendly, easy to approach and talk to.

Example (as I used it today): "Despite what some pundits have said, making people like you is not the secret to success. In fact, there may be an inverse relationship between affability and accomplishment."

Michael Masterson
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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2048, 05-22-07], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.
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