Everything counts and is counted.  No, there isn’t some eunuch hiding in the bushes with an abacus adding up your naughtiness and good deeds and reporting back to Santa.  There is only you, the genuine or the phony.  There is only you, the honest or the shameless.  There is only you, the server or the perpetual taker.

Where do you stand on these scales?

“Some persons do first, think afterward, and then repent forever.”
~Thomas Secker (former Archbishop of Canterbury)~

Who and what counts?

The people you chose to scorn or scowl at count.

The people you ignore because they are below you count.

The candy wrapper or beer can tossed aimlessly counts.

The children who you were too busy to listen to count.

The projects you put off for hours, days or years count.

The “just one bite of cheesecake” philosophy counts.

Looking the other way counts.

Just getting by counts.

Endless criticizing and its fraternal twin, ridicule, count.

White or bold-faced lies count…equally.

Sugar-coating your language to persuade people counts.

Bad hygiene counts.

Driving the car two blocks to the supermarket counts.

A messy work environment counts.

Keeping no record or diary of life events and finances count.

Crumpling money and throwing it at your unappreciative teen counts.

Neglecting to return correspondences and phone calls count.

Wasting time nitpicking counts.

Having no written goals and strategies count.

Screaming at other drivers from the sealed, air-conditioned comfort of a car counts.

Ignoring the chest pains because you are just too busy counts.

Developing a lifestyle which allows you to avoid exercise and keeps you from eating healthy food counts.

Pigging out at every opportunity counts.

Never apologizing counts.

Consistent and persistent negative self-talk counts.

Failure to prioritize counts.

Lack of appreciation to those whom you live, work and party with counts.

Always living in the past and wrapped in regret counts.

Exaggerating and idly boasting counts.

Constantly glancing at a timepiece while someone is spilling their heart to you counts.

Choosing to hang out with losers, turkeys and lifetime wannabes counts.

You count!!!

Pay attention to your words and your actions.  If they don’t register well, change your strategies.  Learn to become steady, accepting and solution-oriented.  Success will soon follow.

In your marketing business, always – not just when it is convenient – take the high (not higher) road.  Treat people like you would hope to be treated.  Avoid flogging products or services just because they sound good or they are endorsed by a famous person or institution.  Sell quality, service and after service.  Go the extra mile consistently.

If everything counts – which it truly does – then don’t sell snake oil products to dumb suckers.  Only sell products or services which deliver the benefits and features to the customer you intend to attract.  Avoid platitudes in the selling process.  Dissuade people who cannot now benefit from owning your widget or info-product with disclaimers and frank honesty.  The lifetime value of a customer is exponentially greater when you act with integrity, compassion and empathy.

Count your blessings when you meet someone like me.  Success and lots of money are often poignant symbols of service and integrity.  I have no aversion to you or me becoming fabulously wealthy and capable of permanent financial freedom.  The trick is to build an ethical empire that doesn’t stink up the planet and leave trails of bad karma.

It can be done.  Keep tuned to this station.