From the authors of Success magazine:

Your brain contains some powerful drugs. That’s according to Joseph McClendon III, author of Get Happy Now: Get Happy in 10 Minutes, Feel Happy in 10 Days, Be Happy for Life (SUCCESS Books, May 2012). These chemicals in your brain can create feelings of happiness and euphoria, like dopamine or endorphins, while others can contribute to feelings of anxiety or depression. Sometimes people modify their body chemistry with drugs, alcohol or other chemicals in an attempt to get happy. Maybe you know someone who solves stress that way, or maybe that’s been you. The scientific truth is the body manufactures chemicals that mimic the way drugs like opium or valium affect your mood.

Just like morphine is a powerful pain medication that alters the way your brain perceives pain, your brain has naturally occurring chemicals that do the same thing and more, modulating your energy, emotions, ability to interact with others and ultimately, your happiness.

Inside your brain, you have a powerful drug that’s available free of charge, with no prescription and accessible any time day or night—it’s called happiness.

“Everyone wants to be happy,” McClendon says. “They seek it, buy it, chase it, medicate it and do everything possible to get it. I’ve spoken in more than 50 countries around the world and met all kinds of people in various cultures. I’ve seen people with every reason to be happy who are not, and I’ve met people with every conceivable reason to be miserable who are happy and content.”

But, he emphasizes, happiness isn’t complex. “It’s not distorted, a 12-step plan, or years of agony in counseling with some self-help guru. Happiness is the feeling of joy and excitement you get when you have hope, and move with positive expectation toward that positive dream, expectation, or goal.”

McClendon says, “Happiness is just an emotion.”

Read more about SUCCESS Books’ newest release, Get Happy Now by Joseph McClendon at SUCCESS.com.

I've been following Ken Davis and the excellent work he is doing to help everyday folk like you and me become better communicators. NOT just public speakers, but anyone who does any form of communication can get better. Here's a recent post from Ken:

Being a communicator isn’t easy. And getting the message “out there” to those who need it is half the problem. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce a new resource by our friend and partner, Michael Hyatt.

Today is the official launch day for his amazing new book for anyone with something to say or sell. It’s called Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World. This holds huge possibilities for communicators of every kind. After all, we have something to say!

“I have watched Michael Hyatt build his own platform from the ground up to become one of the largest in the world. And he has done so with the strategies and tips he outlines in this very practical book. Any author, speaker, or business owner who wants a blueprint for getting the attention and visibility they want, needs to read this book.” —JOHN C. MAXWELL

To be successful in the market today, you must possess two strategic assets: a compelling product (a message) and a meaningful platform. It has never been easier, less expensive, or more possible than right now to build your platform and Michael Hyatt will show you how.

Platform offers a step-by-step guide with proven strategies, practical tips and easy-to-replicate formulas. Whether you are an author, pastor, public speaker, entrepreneur, musician, or small business owner… developing your platform is critical for your success.

BONUS OFFER: To celebrate the launch of the book this week, Michael is giving away $375.98 worth of free bonus content for those who purchase the book between May 21 and May 25. Complete details are available at http://michaelhyatt.com/platform

Bonuses include: Platform Video Jumpstart Program (six sessions), How to Write a Winning Book Proposal (two e-books and two audio sessions), Why NOW is the Best Time Ever to Be an Author (hour-long video), Digital Versions of Platform (audio and eBook), and more!

Do yourself and your future a favor, get this book today. Take advantage of Michael’s bonus content and start building or expanding your platform right away!

I'm friends with a couple who own a local business that they've grown to be one of the best in their very competitive industry. And they've done so by focusing on what they do, not what they don't, and doing those few things really, really well while at the same time offering top-notch customer service.

Over the years, I've asked why they don't expand to offer other products and/or services. Their reply is nearly always the same, "You know, John, we just don't want to go there. We want to be the best at what we do."

What a simple way of doing business. Yet it really works! Too often I've seen other businesses attempting to be everything to everybody and they remain mediocre. But by remaining laser-focused on a few things, and doing them exceptionally well you can also grow your business, your church, your non-profit to be a world-class organization. And with proper financial management, you can have a "nice life."

Just as my dad taught me about investing to "Keep It Simple, Son." These successful business owners follow the same rule about their business. And by keeping it simple, they rock their share of their business.

Many people I talk to tell me about how they are into leadership and leadership principles. But John Maxwell, famed leadership guru, once said, "If you think you're a leader and no one is following you, you're just out for a walk."

That's a fairly accurate statement, but I tend to align more closely with this one from Jack Welch, former CEO of GE: "Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others."

So let me ask you - are you "all about growing others"? If not, what's the hold up, hang up or hurdle you need to get past  to do so?

Just asking . . .