Getting Up the Day After

There can’t be anything more annoying than having to work the day after. After what? It doesn’t matter. Could’ve been a wedding, a family get-together, a party, a show, a big meeting, a product launch, a Grand Opening, all that does is the nagging pain in your head and the desire to get more sleep.

But, when we concede to our desire to relax, we make a fatal mistake, break the antique dish. You’ll soon see what I mean…

After the retreat from Stoney Creek a week or so previous, the American forces met up with Major General Morgan Lewis’s reinforcements. But they didn’t have time to make use of them. British commander Captain Sir James Lucas Yeo of the Royal Navy started bombarding the American forces and, with the help of native allies and Canadian militiamen, pushed the Americans back to Fort George. Over 230 Americans were captured, injured or killed.

The big lesson from this is the Americans, who’d suffered a devastating and unnecessary defeat a week previous, nearly reassembled as if nothing had happened. Only the British follow-up really pushed them back.

Many times we get complacent after something works out. We say, “we did it! Hooray!” And though there’s nothing wrong with that, complacency is where we mess up.

When you’ve done something well, be like Captain Yeo. Follow up. You won’t want to; you’ll want to party and enjoying your success. But your victory will turn to a frustrating loss if you’re not careful. The art of getting things done is only bettered by the art of making sure they’re ACTUALLY done afterwards. Results and endings are all that people remember and, therefore, all that matter.

Make sure you make yours a good one.

Alex H.

If you like this Graceland Ontario post, you might also like these other updates:

• Why You're Missing Out if You Don't Believe in Teamwork
• Elvis, Sir Isaac Brock and the Success Constant ...
• Elvis Presley Would've Made a Poor President
• Holding Grudges is for Idiots
• They Gave Then, Now It's Your Turn

And THIS is What Happens!

Lost.

We’ve all been there. When someone tell’s you to do something but not how and you get completely lost. You try your best but you might as well be speaking Jupiterian.

Such is the case with bad leadership. It makes you feel foolish and it messes the overall project up, too.

But none so much as what happened at the Battle of Stonycreek in 1813.

The War of 1812 was in full swing − the U.S. invading what would become Canada, a series of British Colonies. The Anglo-Canadians were losing. The U.S. forces had burned York, the capital, a month before on April 27^th, then Newark, the old capital, on May 27^th. Only weeks later, on July 6^th, British/Canadian forces under General Vincent stood outnumbered and on the retreat. But, they still had an opportunity. Followed by a couple thousand Americans, the British planned a surprise attack to make up for their meagre 700 troops.

The battle started at 2 in the morning and after a short time it became clear the British were going to lose. They had too little men and couldn’t break the American centre. Then something happened…

General Vincent, the British commander, was thrown from his horse. Unable to lead, Major Charles Plenderleath took command. Realizing the bad situation they were in, he created a small force to take out the American cannons and hopefully turn the battle around.

The small force did that − and more. They captured the American commander Brigadier General John Chandler when he went to check on his artillery. Then, they captured Brigadier General William H. Winder, the American second-in-command when he made the same mistake. Without any leadership, the winning American army retreated, leaving the outnumbered Anglo-Canadian forces on the field.

Canada was saved to everyone’s great surprise… once again.

Leadership means so much. The British won because they had someone telling them what to do. When there’s no vision, no plan to follow, things go to hell quickly. Even when everything should be in your favour, if it’s clumsily executed, you’ll lose just as the American’s did exactly 200 years ago.

Many people are scared to walk up to the platform and take charge. They’re scared they’ll make a mistake and things will go badly. Ironically, even if they do poorly, they’ll still lead better than no leader would. Someone has to be the one to make the plan. If no one else does it, it might as well be you.

Because, sure as eggs scramble, if it’s nobody, you’re in for a ridiculous loss.

History rhymes, as Mark Twain said. Make sure you only mimic the parts you like.

Alex H.

If you like this Graceland Ontario update, you might also like these posts:
 

• Graceland, Ontario: Only Leaders Enjoy the Drink of Ice Cold Success
• Graceland Ontario: Arnold Schwarzenegger: The Six Rules of Success
• Graceland, Ontario: The Ides of Success
• Graceland, Ontario: Who Wants to Be Called "Fat"?
• Graceland, Ontario: Words of Wisdom: Vince King

Great Leaders are Hated

Helloo0O Ladies and Gentlemen!

Welcome to Graceland Ontario, your one stop location for success advice from the greats. Today we’re going to talk about standing for what you believe in.

Now, as many of you know, Margaret Thatcher, once Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, passed away yesterday. But, though I will not venture to say whether I liked or disliked her political positions (I doubt whether I have the expertise to say anyways), the news of her death’s struck me rather strangely.

Here we have a woman who was the first female prime minister of the U.K. (and, at present, the only), a woman who led her country for eleven and a half years with an iron fist, who stood tall through a war and tough economic times, who brought her nation to the level of respect it had long since enjoyed in world politics. And what did she get for it?

Some respect… but an equal amount of criticism and hate.

Margaret Thatcher was a true leader. She stood up for her ideals, did what she thought was right, took the bananas as they were thrown at her and ultimately was backstabbed by her own party. Even then she earned herself a baronessies and a comfortable place as a national icon. Yet, I’d say little of what she attained has been acknowledged by the people she led with news of her death, at least in comparison to what you’d think given her accomplishments.

Sometimes we need to do what we think is right. Sure not everyone will agree with us. I might not even agree with everything Thatcher did, but I sure do respect her. Anyone who can take that kind of hammering from those you’re trying to help is worthy of all the esteem they can garner.

Now, contrary to the title of this post, great leaders aren’t hated, not always. But you’ve got to be willing to be hated, willing to be like Margaret Thatcher, the “Iron Lady”. Because she got things done and she got them done her way and she lost no dignity doing so. She was the greatest ally and the most revered enemy. When you need to get things done, she’s the one to model.

Because people without the strength to stand by themselves don’t achieve great levels of success. Sometimes you can be liked or you can do what needs to be done. Successful people choose the latter, however painful it may be.

It’s up to you whether you’re capable of that level of excellence.

Alex H.

 
If you liked this post, you might also like these other Graceland Ontario updates:

• Graceland, Ontario: Step in the Fresh Snow
• Graceland, Ontario: The Elvisian Diamond Jubilee Special
• Graceland, Ontario: Words of Wisdom: Vince King
• Graceland, Ontario: "Image Scrimmage"
• Graceland, Ontario: Elvis Presley meets Usain Bolt: Do You Use Their SECRET?
  

Arnold Schwarzenegger: The Six Rules of Success

Helloo0O Ladies and Gentlemen!

Now, I've never posted a video directly onto my blog before so this is a bit of a test. I hope you're as excited as I am!

This is one of my all-time favourite videos - Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Six Rules" speech, taken from his University of Southern California (USC) Commencement speech in 2009.

In it, the Austrian Oak talks about his personal rules to achieving in life. And for a man who was premier bodybuilder in the world, highest-paid actor in Hollywood and Governor of one of the richest states in the Union at different times, his advice might be worth a cent or two.

The rules are:

1. Trust yourself
2. Break some rules
3. Don't be afraid to fail
4. Ignore the Naysayers
5. Work like hell
6. Give something back

I could say more but the Governator can explain as easily as I can... enjoy!

Alex H.

If you liked this update, you might also like these posts:

• Graceland, Ontario: The Ides of Success
• Graceland, Ontario: Step in the Fresh Snow
• Graceland, Ontario: So, When You Say Growth, You Mean Height, Right?
• Graceland, Ontario: Move On When It's Time
• Graceland, Ontario: Words of Wisdom: Vince King

If They Don't Agree, Laugh At Them

 

Helloo0O Ladies and Gentlemen!

Welcome back to Graceland Ontario, your one stop location to learn the success lessons of the greats. Today, we're going to talk about the importance of keeping a sense of humour.

As most of you know, it's April 1st today – April Fool's Day. And, despite my best intentions to the contrary, I'm going to be nice to you and not attempt to fool you (umm... seriously).

April Fool's Day (celebrated in some countries by people playin “April Fish” on others – sneaking up on them and putting a paper fish on their back) had interesting origins – when January 1st was becoming the new-fangled official day of the New Year (believe it or not, the beginning of April used to be the start of the new year), the adopters of the new tradition would laugh at those who hadn't caught on. There was little doubt that they would eventually – why else laugh at them?

To me, it shows a great lesson – when someone or some group doesn't agree with you, take a good laugh at them. Not the people – they may be as smart or smarter than you – but at what they stand for.

It gives you perspective.

You, see many times we feel like we're the ostrich in the life boat, the only person believing in our idea, scared others will rip us apart and not agree.

But when we take the opposite viewpoint – that we're right and everyone else's view points aren't more than a joke, it give us fortitude to keep pushing on, whatever the obstacle, whatever the opposition.

Laugh a lot and see you next week!

Alex H.

If you enjoyed this update, you might also appreciate these posts:

• Graceland, Ontario: Words of Wisdom: Vince King 
• Graceland, Ontario: Bruno Mars Learnt from Elvis... Why Wouldn't You?
• Graceland, Ontario: They Were There When You Were Born
• Elvis meets Cary Grant: It's all About Who You Associate With
• Graceland, Ontario: They Gave Then, Now It's Your Turn

Step in the Fresh Snow

 

How’s it going Ladies and Gentlemen?

 

Welcome back to Graceland Ontario, your one stop location for success advice from the greats. Today we’re going to talk about being a leader.

Now I don’t know how it is on your side of the world, but in Canada, where I live anyways, it’s pretty white − you know, a “Winter Wonderland”?

Anyways, one of the cool things about snow is that you can see the footprints of every person who’s stepped in it (providing the wind hasn’t blown it, it’s melted, or more snow’s fallen on top of it). For the continued quality of the footprints imprinted in it, few ground-covers can compete − I mean, grass certainly can’t, mud gets too messy and sand gets disgruntled too easily.

Well, there’s something else you can tell about snow − a lot of people walk in the same steps of those before them.

Why?

Well, my theory is it’s easier, and doesn’t get your shoes as snowed up. You see, with snow being so capable of keeping an impression it also makes it harder to make the impression − you know, you get what you step for, or something along those lines.

So sometimes there’re areas of sidewalk that turn into ice so much snow has been compounded while other areas are untouched.

Now, before you have me set as nature-obsessed, here’s my point: true leaders are the ones who step in the snowy areas. They know it might take more effort but they also know they get the benefit of seeing only their print in the snow (the more specialized your knowledge or skill is, the more people are willing to recognise and pay you). As Arnold Schwarzenegger says (in that awesome Austrian accent), “high risk, high gain”. And, as a plus, leaders avoid the ice, those areas that look well-worn and safe but hide heartbreak (a boring lifestyle, high debt, an unsatisfying relationship).

Take the jump, step in the fresh snow!

Alex H.

If you like this Graceland Ontario post, you might also like these other updates:

• Graceland, Ontario: Storm of the Century
• Graceland, Ontario: A Lesson from Steve Jobs
• Graceland, Ontario: Mean What You Say
• Graceland, Ontario: Elvis's Olympic Team
• Graceland, Ontario: Life's a Haunted House and We're all In It

Check out my latest writing project at inspirehalton.blogspot.com

The Ides of Success

Helloo0O Ladies and Gentlemen!

Welcome back to Graceland Ontario, your one stop location for success advice from the greats. Since today is the legendary Ides of March, the day Julius Caesar, general and dictator, was murdered by the Roman Senate, we’re going to do a post in his favour all about having faith.

Back in 50 BC, Caesar, a Roman war hero and conqueror of Gaul, had made a couple enemies in the Senate, including his once ally and fellow general, Pompeii. Caesar was ordered to disband his legion and come back to Rome by himself to meet his fate.

But Caesar wasn’t a huge fan of people choosing his fate for him. Against the odds, he went with his Thirteenth Legion, crossed the Rubicon River and headed towards Rome, completely outnumbered.

But Pompeii and the Senate didn’t want to fight the illustrious Caesar. And, against all probabilities, Caesar went from fugitive to dictator of Rome.

Now, there were still political issues − you don’t get assassinated when there aren’t any. But, the point remains, Caesar had faith.

You see, he didn’t care that the chances were against him. He knew if he went back by himself, gave up without a fight, chances are he would’ve been killed. His actions to the contrary won him control of one of the most powerful civilization’s in our history.

More, it bought him years of life he wouldn’t have had, despite his unfortunate demise.

Be like Caesar (well, don’t get murdered). Even when the odds are cast against you, even when the situation looks bleak, if there’s a chance your pushing a little harder for a little longer will bring victory, any possibility, give it a try. Have faith, even when the situation is moving against you.

Who knows, you might win out and become next dictator of "Rome", wherever that may be for you, now and in the future.

Talk to you next week!

Alex H.

• Graceland, Ontario: They Gave Then, Now It's Your Turn
• Graceland, Ontario: Elvis, Sir Isaac Brock and the Success Constant
• Graceland, Ontario: What's Your Lucky Number?
• Graceland, Ontario: The Elvisian Diamond Jubilee Special
• Graceland, Ontario: Give Back
• Graceland, Ontario: Getting Others to Believe in You (the Elvis Way)

Love Will Teach You Persistence

Helloo0O Ladies and Gentlemen!

Welcome back to Graceland Ontario − your one stop location for success advice and tips to take your life to the next level. This week, we’ll talk more on persistence.

I figured I’d bring up the old Elvis story again, because it’s good − and most people, when they think of Elvis, discount it.

Elvis was persistent, contrary to what people may say. Sure, his manager, Colonel Parker was good (and sometimes pushed him around). Sure he had a lot of fans, but not originally.

Elvis worked a lot of shows under the Blue Moon Boys title back in ’54 with Scotty Moore on guitar and Bill Black on bass. He kept performing even when people told him he should go back to trucking (his previous career), like the talent producer on the Grand Ole’ Oprey (then the largest country music show in the U.S.). But he kept chugging along with his routines just the same.

Because he loved it. Listen to him live, or even after singing a take in the studio. When you love what you do, you’ll keep doing it. Even when people insult you. Even when you’re not certain you can become great yourself, your love of what you do will pull you through.

That’s the key to persistence guys… love it or lose it − a motto to work by.

See you next week!

Alex H.

If you  like this post, you might also like these:

• Graceland, Ontario: Failing is Not a Reason to Give Up
• Graceland, Ontario: Getting Into It
• Graceland, Ontario: A Lesson from Steve Jobs
• Graceland, Ontario: Your Life Is a Jagged Line
• Graceland, Ontario: Doing All You Can
• Graceland, Ontario: Elvis Presley meets Usain Bolt

A Great Way to Take Your Life to the Next Level

Welcome back to Graceland Ontario, ladies and gentlemen! Today we're going to be talking about exploiting the similarities between you and others.

So, it’s that’s time of year again − when the radio stations that usually play soft rock and pop switch to the classics… carols.

There’s a long tradition of carols being played in our society around the Christmas season. From the wassailers, originally peasants who’d gather around the door of the lord of the manor and sing until someone came out and gave them money or food. Later these troupes came from churches, or groups of friends out for a laugh. Regardless, it was a fun seasonal activity and a way of spreading cheer (one that’s sadly died in many cases today).

 

The thing about Christmas carols is there’re only so many − annoying, isn’t it? So, when the traditional ones get old, others contribute to the stock − Handel wrote “Joy to the World”, Mendelssohn “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”, Berlin “White Christmas”, Leiber and Stoller “Santa Claus is Back in Town” and on to the present.

But, unlike most modern songs in our society, these songs were not relegated to just symphonies or the original artist. They became standards sung by everyone with a Christmas song in mind − the wassailers, now the family singing ‘round the Christmas table; The radio stations, the schools, the churches − everyone pushed their popularity.

So, unless you’ve had your head in a snail’s shell the better part of your life, you’ve heard all the big Christmas carols. You could probably name them if you had the time and when they play on the radio, you could probably mouth at least a few of the lyrics.

They became common knowledge, if not public domain so often paid for that people forgot there was a copyright on them. And because everyone knew them, you could go out to a carol sing with complete strangers. Doesn’t matter what they listen to the rest of the year − at Christmas, you all sing the same songs. They became a way of uniting, a commonality among much of the Western world.

Then Elvis Presley came along. Given that he was the latest hot thing and everyone loved Christmas to start with, his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, he and the RCA big guys got together to make an album for the season. It came out in 1957 and was the last piece of work Elvis did with his traditional band, Scotty Moore on guitar, D. J. Fontana on drums and Bill Black on bass. They had a pay disagreement and parted ways with Elvis after the album’s completion.

 

The album was a huge success − sure, Elvis hadn’t turned into Bing Crosby over night, but he did rack up some more sales − the album is certified 3X platinum. Hardly surprising − it had “Blue Christmas” on it…

Then, in between a bunch of movies and gospel songs, Elvis finally did another album of Christmas stuff in 1971, Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas. RCA thought the original stuff was getting a little old (after fourteen years, you can’t blame them). So, among the new tracks were rearrangements of “The First Noel” and “Oh Come all Ye Faithful”. Good stuff, and an end of it.

But was it? The singles off those albums have somehow worked their way up with the classics versions sung by Nat King Cole, Sinatra and, of course, Crosby. So much so that when I was at my community tree lighting, what did I hear but Elvis singing “Winter Wonderland”.

 

The thing is, people don’t listen to it necessarily because it’s Elvis. I mean, sure he has a ton of fans, but some people don’t like him. And however weak and flawed their arguments are, it’s hard to tell someone they like the wrong type of music.

But when Elvis (or anyone, for that matter) sings Christmas stuff, they lighten up and listen, because they’re listening to Christmas music. It’s something they know, a commonality, and not some ol’ rock ‘n’ roll singer they wouldn’t dare listen to because he’s not hip enough for their school friends.

So, here’s how this benefits you:

Commonalities are great ways to hook up with others. At Christmas, it’s a way of sharing the spirit and having a laugh. It’s also a way to succeed with friends and in business.

Going back to something I said in an Independence Day post: when you’re on the band wagon for Independence Day and are supporting the partying (which is probably going to happen anyways), people will go to you because you’re “the fun guy” who “understands”. In other words, you exploited a commonality you have with the customer (Independence Day), they feel a likeness to you and give you business as a result.

 

Another example − back when I was trying to get better with woman (and yes, ladies and gentlemen, it happened) I read something David Deangelo, the dating coach, said. In essence, learn about popular culture. What’s Lady Gaga doing, did Will Smith’s marriage break up, what’s the latest movie?

Crap? You bet. Until it gets you into a conversation with a girl − it happened to me yesterday when I was talking to this hot bird about the latest Batman film, “The Dark Knight Rises”. Wait, you haven’t seen that? Better get on it.

 

The more commonalities you can find with others, like the one’s present in Elvis’s Christmas music, the more people are going to be able to see the similarities between you and them rather than the differences. And people think a person similar to them will act like them, and therefore they feel they can trust them. And you know what happens to people others trust? They make friends, money and are successful. Now, do you see why it’s worth living through two and a half hours of Batman?

 

Elvis’s Lessons:

Christmas carols are more than just music − they’re a way of bonding together at a magical time of year. Elvis used carols to unite people: his band, his fans, even lovers of Christmas music who wouldn’t usually listen to him. Using common songs and knowledge, like carols, to your advantage can bring you different crowds you wouldn’t usually have access to. And, new crowds mean new friends, new connections, new business partners, new customers, new lovers. Finding common ground through things like Christmas carols can bring your social and business lives to the next level.

P.S. If you're interested in seeing Elvis sing one of his Christmas favourites, here he is with "Oh Come All Ye Faithful". 

Other Graceland Ontario posts you might be interested in:

•  The Independence Day Special 
• Make Good Friends
• What You Have in Common With a Teenage Girl
• It's All About Who You Associate With
• Your Life's a Jagged Line

So, I Suppose We're Talking About Legacy: Remembering Sir Patrick Moore

 

Hey Guys!

Today’s a kinda special post on Graceland Ontario. For me, it might be one of the saddest ones. One of my childhood heroes, the British astronomer, Sir Patrick Moore, died today at the age of 89. His program, The Sky at Night’s been running since 1957. His last episode was Monday.

So, what I suppose I’m writing to you about today is legacy.

The focus of this blog is, of course, Elvis’s success lessons −the ones you can learn from to take and improve your life.

Well, legacy’s as proven by Elvis as it was by Sir Patrick Moore, even if in a different way.

Elvis had roughly a twenty three year career, from 1954 to 1977. You might be able to add a bit to the beginning there… in short, for a man who died in his early forties, he’d already compiled nearly a quarter century’s worth of work.

Elvis recorded somewhere between 665 and 988 songs in his life.

Those aren’t the rough drafts, the unheard tapes, the live performances. Those are just the different songs he put out. Compared with the complete output of the Beatles (at about 213 and 288), it’s a large number for a musician to put out.

And, even now, those songs are still heard − some like the early Sun recordings stuff, others prefer when his voice became all big and operatic. But one things for sure, there’s a legacy for people to listen to.

Same thing with Patrick Moore − there are hundreds of episodes of his show out there (over 700). Even with his passing, he, like Elvis, will never really pass. Not for a long time. There’s just too much he’s left behind for people to forget him.

 

God knows when you go the way of Sir Patrick or Elvis. God knows how much or how little time you have left. But you better get moving. People remember others for their output. Sure, some people are better thought of during their life than others, but if you have a product to sell, books to be read, songs to be heard, then you’re a heck of a lot better off than those who haven’t started. And those objects can continue to sell long after you die, giving you a sort of immortality.

 

Those who don’t do any work out of fear, stand no chance of being remembered.

And, even if you think you don’t care about being remembered, there is a financial aspect to be considered − the work you do now will be rewarded, if marketed properly, for financial compensation on your part. And when you’re gone, it’s the best death insurance policy you can by for your friends and family.

Sometimes it takes someone to kick you before you get moving. Now it’s my turn − for me, nothing’s more rewarding than a reader telling me they were inspired by something I said to action. I’d like to hear your success stories. But you gotta give it your all to earn that success. Otherwise, there’ll be no legacy, and you will fade to obscurity. Action or inertia: it’s your choice.

 

Elvis’s Lessons:

Sir Patrick Moore passed away today. He had a show on British television, The Sky at Night, for over fifty years. He left a legacy, like Elvis with his hundreds of recordings. Legacies give you a kind of immortality −your work will last even after you pass. And people’ll remember you. Plus, it’ll make you money now and for your estate when you’re gone. But you’ve gotta get started somewhere. If you don’t know how, let this post kick you to action. I want to see you be successful, but it’s your choice whether you decide to give it a shot.

P.S. If you want to read one of Sir Patrick's Obituaries, here's the one off CTV.

P.P.S. If you'd like to see an episode of The Sky at Night, here's one off Youtube.

If you enjoyed this post, here are other Graceland Ontario updates you might like:

• It's Time to Decide...
• Elvis's Olympic Team
• Elvis, Sir Isaac Brock and the Success Constant
• Give Back
• Alice Cooper Knows How to Live Life Better Than Most Celebrities: Know Why?

Three Tips to Show Gratitude During the Holiday Season

Welcome back to Graceland Ontario!

Here, we link the success lessons of Elvis Presley back to your life. Today we’re going to talk about gratitude and three ways to show it to those you love at this festive time of year.

Elvis Presley was all about gratitude. Sure he had faults − we all do. But lack of thanks was not one of them. The stories of the Cadillacs he gave away to strangers are legendary. And, while in the army, the King paid thousands to refurbish his company's day room. And that's not mentioning the parties...

Gratitude is a way to show others that you are thankful for having them. And you are… aren’t you? I mean, those people are on your team and have helped you get this far. You do want their help in the future don’t you?

Is that a yes I’m hearing?

Ok, gratitude.

God knows why the Holiday season's a great time to be thankful. Perhaps because of all the presents that get circulated to family members these days. Perhaps because everyone’s celebrating the world exists and they’re on it − alive.

Regardless, if you want an excuse to be grateful (or gasp! aren’t usually grateful and, like Dicken’s Scrooge, want to clean up your act), here’s your chance.

So, let’s start with the number one holiday way to be grateful.

Cards

Knew I was going to say that one, didn’t you? Well, so what if it’s predictable. It works. And it’s becoming a lost art. Because of email and Facebook and Twitter, everyone is only interested in cyber "thank you's". Well, sure that’s nice. But it lacks the personality of a hand signed card, sent through the mail with a stamp in the upper right-hand corner. Cards are the easiest way to thank those important people in your life without having your house foreclosed on in the process.

Small Gifts

Notice the ‘small’ on front of that? Sure, Elvis gave away Cadillacs, but he also had a larger gross income than you probably do. I didn’t want to put this in because the holidays are meant to be a spiritual time, even if they're highly commercialized. But, heck, in our society, people do tend to appreciate gifts, especially if it’s something they’ll use. Now, watch what I’m going to say carefully: you don’t have to give out expensive things to make people’s day. I know you should know this, but you might forget it. If everytime you go to your friend’s place they can’t find a pen, give them a pack of pens (or a cup to store pens in). If they read a lot but complain they can’t read in bed, give them a booklight. If you’ve got the means, record them a version of you singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”. I use the free recording program Audacity (Here's a link to their site, if you're interested). Buy a cheap mic and you're set (give me an email at alexghilson@gmail.com if you want to take that on but aren't sure how).

The point is people, the good ones who’ve saved your thumbs the last year or ten, will appreciate the thought out gifts you give them. Even if it wasn’t from American Eagle and cost under $100.

Meeting Up/ Parties

My personal favourite. Now look, this doesn’t have to be hard. You write an email, or pick up a phone or whatever and ask the guy on the other end if they’re available at this place and time and whether they’d like to meet up and chat. They say yes or no. If they say no, you offer a different date. If they say yes, you look both ways and do a happy dance.

Alternatively, you ask a bunch of friends over to your house (or a booked, outside place) at this date and time, the same way you’d ask them if they were by themselves. If they can’t make it, you wish them a Merry Christmas and move on to the next person. If they all can’t make it, you change the date.

When you've got people coming, you buy a cake, some biscuits, vegetables and coffee. If you can get someone to play some Christmas guitar (or other musical instrument), you get them. You can also add a board game if you have one you want to try. Then, you get together and have a ball.

The greatest asset you have is time. You lose all your money, you can earn it back. You get to the end of your life, you’re done. No pleading out of that one. Busy people with meaningful lives realize this. They realize putting your time aside to make them happy is the greatest show of gratitude there is. And they return the favour by giving their time to see you.

 

Elvis’s Lessons:

Gratitude is important, and Elvis Presley showed it magnificently. When people realize how much they’re appreciated in your life, they’ll want to help you again the next time. And I’m sure you won’t complain about that. My top three ways for make people feel the love at this time of year is by giving cards, small presents, or meeting up/ holding a party. Good luck with the results; I can’t wait to hear your success stories!

P.S. If you’d like to hear Elvis singing If Everyday Was Like Christmas, here’s a Youtube video of it.

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like these other FR.EE posts:

• Elvis's Olympic Team
• The Respectful Parting
• Elvis and the Photographer
• Here's To Thanksgiving Day
• Life's a Haunted House

Elvis Presley Would've Made a Poor President

Helloo0O Ladies and Gentlemen!

Welcome back to Graceland Ontario, your one stop location for linking the life lessons of the King back to your own future. Today we're going to talk about the other week’s American election. And by the end, even you'll be saying how Elvis, despite his popularity and royal status, could never have made a good president.

So, as most of you probably know (especially you American readers), President Barack Obama made a successful return to office, defeating Republican challenger Mitt Romney. Here comes another fours years of stability.

 

And given the hugeness of the American elections, I couldn’t help link the hype up to my favourite American. That's right - Elvis.

Elvis is an American icon. He stood for what American's pride themselves on - sexual energy, charm, fun, strength, a nice smile. He's one of the U.S.'s best beloved citizens.

 

Bu the more I think about it, the more I think he would've sucked as a President.

"But why? If he's the perfect American and the presidency is the summit for a citizen trying to shape his country, surely Elvis would've made a great President."

Well maybe, at first. But after a while it would've all turned sour. I mean, besides the bad press politicians tend to get (which just sucks in selling records and movies), Elvis would've been penne pasta in a bowl of horseshoes.

You see, Elvis was all about change. You can look at any part of his 23 year long career and it would've looked different to the rest. Sure, there are some similarities between certain years, say 1957 and 1958. But take a good look and you'll realise Elvis wasn't the same. He'd augmented his look, his hair, his music, his clothes. He was a constantly changing kaleidoscope of a person. He never did something exactly the same way twice, and that applied to just about everything in his life.

 

Who knows why he was like this. Maybe it was because he was a bit hyperactive (I mean, have you seen him dance?!) and maybe it was because his manager Colonel Parker was always there to push him in a different direction. But, he certainly never sat in the same spot too long.

From a glance, one would think that Elvis's love of change would've made him perfectly suited to the presidency. Heck, isn't change the point of being the country's CEO? Seeing what’s wrong with things and trying to change them for the better?

 

But the more I look at the election and government in general (unless you live in Sierra Leone), the more I see the point of the presidency and government is to create consistency rather than unpredictably, smoothness rather than insanity.

Whatever the new Obama administration does, it will likely not be radical compared to past changes. I mean, the government of the U.S. does move a little - they never used to have healthcare until the last couple years (though, even that was heavily opposed). But most of the time, you'll hear the same things about presidents - some people love 'em for doing one thing or standing for another and the rest hate 'em for not doing something or opposing something else. There will be wars, there will be suffering and who gets blamed? The guy at the top. The CEO. The President.

 

This lack of change to me seems a reflection of the government's role - to represent the people. Most people don't like change; they're set in their ways. They wonder why change is necessary and are scared when it occurs. And, even when it would be in their interest to do something differently, they'll hide from the idea because they're worried about what the end will bring about.

You notice the other thing about most people - they're not rich, they're not famous, they're not happy and they're not successful.

Now, maybe change didn't get Elvis where he was but it helped. Had he not changed, he would've found himself kicked out by his competition long ago. I mean, not too many fifties stars kept charting hits after the Beatles and the British Invasion came along. That is, except the King. He'd changed so drastically between what he had been a decade before and what he was then he was still able to create interest in his name. And, therefore, his career survived.

So, the government is static, Elvis changed. The government represents a largely unhappy group of people, Elvis was successful. Barack Obama may or may not be a good president, Elvis likely wouldn't have.

 

But, whatever the government does, you still have a choice. You can change like Elvis, given the benefits it offered him, or be like an average Joe - and take all that comes with that, too. You can keep reinventing yourself, living your life on the line so whenever people talk to you, you always sparkle like new, or you can do the same thing day in and day out and take the mediocrity that can bring.

You can be a good President, acting similarly term after term, accepting what is, or you can be like Elvis, like the King. And surf the wave of change that he did, the wage of success.

 

Elvis's Lessons:

Elvis Presley probably wouldn't have made a good President. Presidents maintain the status quo, Elvis was constantly in change. But the President reflects the will of the people and most people don't like change either. Neither are they successful. Elvis took change, reinventing himself so his career could survive even when the British Invasion influenced the musical landscape forever.  You can be a good President and stay the same or you can be like the King and change - staying the same is easier but you've got to pay a price for inertia. And those dollars are made of success. The choice is yours.

P.S. Remember to leave a comment below this post or email me at alexghilson@gmail.com to talk about this post. I'd be glad to discuss its content with you.

P.P.S. If you're interested in listening to Elvis from one of his most different movies, here's a Youtube video of him singing “Change of Habit”.

If you like this update, you might also like these other FR.EE Graceland Ontario posts:

• The Elvisian Diamond Jubilee Special 
• Move On When It's Time
• 35 Years Without Elvis (And Why He's So Popular Today) 
• High Expectations
• Elvis, Sir Isaac Brock and the Success Constant 
• He Who Does Not Sympathize, Loses...