I've been asked from time to time if, as an author, I receive 'fan mail'. In my early days of writing my response was one of - "I'd just love to have a fan!" Yes, I was an unknown in the literary world. Times change though and recognition has come my way from readers of my work appreciative of what I write. Some even on this very site!

     While compliments are nice - who doesn't like being liked? - by far the greater reward lies in the knowledge that what I do benefits people, and in many different ways. An example of one kind came my way recently in the form of a request. It read -

     "Adored your novel, 'Too Early For A Glass Of Wine?', original and compelling. What advice would you give a young person (my son) who wants to be a writer but college did not work out for him. He is a terrible combo of lazy (taking path of least resistance) and perfectionism. How do you overcome? How do you stay motivated?"

     I responded with the following.

     "I could write at great length about this, but neither time nor space allows. Fact is, I have addressed your queries, one way or another, in my many books and articles. But, as regards your son specifically, I recognise him. How? Well he could be me! (as I was in youth) ... so I can give you some, hopefully valuable, pointers.

     In my experience the perfectionism angle is, in part at least, a manifestation of being overly critical of others. It is necessary for your son to focus on himself and his own imperfections and, from that, learn to be forgiving. This is where it ties in with laziness - everyone is lazy regarding matters in which they have little interest. So the key in these respects is that your son must recognise his passion (more about that in a mo) then devote all his energy to it. Believe me, he'll never be lazy! Neither will he lack motivation. The combination of his desire for perfection and pursuing what he loves will see to that.

     If he doesn't already have an over-riding passion, then he must find it. The best way in my view is to seek real world work experience of any and every kind. Learn to get his hands dirty. Mixing the rough and tumble of day to day existence and down to earth working people should increase his wisdom of life (essential in writing), grow his appreciation of 'imperfectionism' and, eventually, point him to his true place in life.

      If that place is as a writer then he should, in his spare time from working as above, work at it, both studying the subject (a great way is simply reading other authors, seeing how they construct their work, their styles etc.) and writing articles on his impassioned topics. Blogging is a good way, and many small articles can add up to major manuscripts.

     Also advertise on places such as Fiverr to ghost write, script sales and promotional copy, edit other writer's efforts etc. Apart from earning a few bucks it is a super way to develop skills. That 'great novel' will take time but writers are builders, we have patience. The skeleton comes first, the perfection later. And the real joy is in the creation not the completion.

     Get your lad on these tracks and he can do well. Take a look at my work. You'll see the simplicity of my approach and my chosen style, light and slightly whimsical but with a meaningful punch. I have also written in different styles to order and done translation work too. So any work of a linguistic nature is valuable training and/or a career direction in itself.

    Oh! ... don't expect to get rich writing. It can happen ... but I made my loot from other enterprises. I started writing at school, kept it up through my career and business days in pretty much the ways I've outlined, then went full time on writing in this present phase of my life. I do earn well from it though, much better than the vast majority. I have in the pipe-line a future book revealing how I do that without following the 'Amazon route' or other costly avenues. It will be an original and an eye-opener! As indeed I hope this note has been for you."

     Now, a question. In my response to my 'fan', how many of the pointers, suggestions, related experiences and nuggets of advice which I have mentioned regarding life as an author do you feel could equally well be applied to anyone pursuing any profession, activity or endeavour in any situation or at any point in their lives? If you've answered, "All of them," go to the top of the class. Writing you see is no exception to the golden rule that attitude and application is everything in life. Get that aspect right and you too may soon receive A Letter From A Fan - or better still, an avalanche of them!

 I am Tom Riach. I live and write in the sunny south of Portugal.

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'LETTER FROM A FAN' is an original copyright Tom Riach feature.
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See you there! Regards, Tom.

     Whenever an author puts pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, what they write will reveal something about themselves. Deliberately or subconsciously they will disclose to readers some of their personal character, ideas and feelings. It's inevitable.

         It matters not if the writer is scripting a precise biography of their life and times or a purely fictional novel in which no reference of any kind is made to the writer's own life, or something in between. In all instances the imprint of the author's inner spirit and worldly existence will be on view in the work. Arguably it is in the latter, fiction and semi-fiction genres, that more of the author's 'who and what' is displayed. This, I suggest, is certainly the case with me and my work.

     I have never set out to write a personal biography, I have no wish to produce a chronological listing of events in my life, albeit coloured with my observations and emotions of the moments. It seems a rather banal prospect to do so while I have an active imagination bristling with ideas competing for the writing time. So I choose to write of my real life experiences, professional insights and personal views in a light-hearted and 'fun story' sort of way which gives readers joy and inspiration. For the keen eye, the 'real me' is on full display.

       It has been said of me that I am secretive. I disagree. I take it as a compliment that I am recognised as a private person and discreet. In keeping with my profession as a business consultant and personal confidante, I value integrity. In reflecting these values in my writing, readers are given a far more graphic perspective of this author than any mere biography. I see myself and my writing as akin to the clue in the mystery which is hidden in full sight of searchers. All of me is right here on view for those prepared to see. How much more delicious to expose myself in this way! How much easier for readers to enjoy and absorb the content.

       That is why I have entitled this article – 'All Of Me'. All of me is here, even in these few paragraphs. My heart and soul, my being, is invested in all of my work. These brief reflections on my life as an author and how I approach writing about my experiences is no exception. My aim in 'talking' of them here is four-fold -

        To entertain - To enlighten - To give cause for thought - And to send you away feeling lighter of spirit.

        Whether or not you find the 'real me' in what I have to say, my hope is that my words help you to connect with the 'real you'.

 I am Tom Riach. I live and write in the sunny south of Portugal.

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'ALL OF ME' is an original copyright Tom Riach feature.
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See you there! Regards, Tom.

     I thoroughly enjoy playing golf. Not least because the game is played in beautiful settings. Be it a seaside links, forest glade or cliff top spectacle, a day on the golf course inevitably comes with breathtaking scenery. Indeed, there are those who say that 'a round of golf is a good walk spoiled'! But I don't subscribe to that view.

     For the game itself is great fun. It can be as demanding or easy a challenge as you wish. Taken seriously, it demands a high level of skill and concentration. Played for fun, it is relaxing and convivial. Either way there is something for everyone.

     One feature of the game is that it is an individual sport. You may play against or with other players, but you essentially play it alone. As such you can play when and where you like. It's entirely up to you. It's a game well-suited to an independent spirit.

     I very much find that not being committed to a time nor place to meet up with team members or others in order to play, suits me very well. I can of course plan to play a round at a particular venue with specific players on a particular day when I wish but I more often just stop off at a country course on a whim when I'm passing. It's a pursuit I can indulge in as the fancy takes me.

     The golf course is a wonderful environment in which to clear the mind. The demands of the game are such that you are unlikely to have other thoughts intrude while concentrating on your play. And, if just enjoying the scenery, fresh air and companionship of playing partners, it is equally refreshing. As an independent spirit I'd call it the ideal pastime.

     Professional tournament golf is quite different. In that realm players are dedicated to seeking perfection in their play. The game is their livelihood. The top tier of millionaire champions apart, success or failure on any given day determines what they'll eat for dinner - or if they'll eat at all! Yet, in spite of the pressure under which they play, I've long been impressed by the stoical personality of many professionals. They conduct themselves around the course in what I'd call an admirable manner. They are mostly good-humoured, polite and even-tempered. They police their own game, calling fouls on themselves at times and very rarely are known to cheat. I believe that they provide a wonderful example to society in general. To you and to me.

     When I first became aware of their impeccable behaviour it occurred to me that the nature of the game attracted individuals of such integrity. Then I thought that perhaps it was playing the game which moulded their personalities in that way. My conclusion now is that it's a bit of both. I don't believe that golfers with wayward temperaments are suited to the game. And those brought up to the game, soon learn that lack of personal discipline will not help them to progress.

     Either way, their professional demeanour provides a superb example on which to base your own approach to life and business. When tackling your own fairways and bunkers of daily existence, what better formula than to emulate the fine champions of golf.

     Set out to win but be gracious in defeat. Select your shots carefully but play them with gusto. Retain a cool head when all around you are losing theirs. Play hard but enjoy the walk too. Be utterly determined, golf favours tryers. How well you 'play', how much you earn and to what extent you enjoy yourself is entirely down to you!

     Lastly, remember the rules of golf. Paricularly the 'play it as it lies' rule. Regardless of how good or bad a shot a golfer plays, how accurate or wayward it might be, the player is required to play his next shot from where the ball comes to rest. It may be a good lie or a bad one, but the ball must be played as it lies. Golfers accept this and play their game accordingly.

     Do likewise in life. Wherever your 'ball of life' lands, good, bad or indifferent, accept it in good spirit and get on with making the next effort. No whining, blaming or self pity. Concentrate on your recovery. It's the next shot that counts. Play it as it lies.  

 I am Tom Riach. I live and write in the sunny south of Portugal.

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'PLAY IT AS IT LIES' is an original copyright Tom Riach feature.
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See you there! Regards, Tom.

     Most people are familiar with the - “Where there's a will, there's a way” - motto. Most people believe it to be true too. They acknowledge that solutions to situations in life or business are most likely to be found when driven by an absolute need. They know that desire, drive and determination, and sometimes desperation, are the necessary catalysts to human change, improvement or invention.

     But where pressing motivation is absent then things are viewed less urgently. In that case, ideas and tasks that could be attended to are less likely to receive attention. They get shelved or put off for 'another day'. Where there's no will, there's no drive to find a way!

     Top entrepreneurs and achievers in all areas of life become successful by having both the will and finding the way to reach their objectives. Their desire to succeed trumps all other considerations. Many start with no idea of how to get to where they want to go - the 'way'. But they have passion and drive – that's the 'will'. With that in place the 'way' soon reveals itself.

     Will Rogers, the iconic American vaudeville performer, fim star, writer, broadcaster and humourist-philosopher, was 'Will' by name and 'will' by nature. He extolled the virtue of hard work and became recognised as the epitomy of the self-made man.

     Born a citizen of the Cherokee nation in Oklahoma, he grew into adult life with scant idea as to a future trade or profession. He dropped out of school after tenth grade, did trick-roping and riding in rodeos and went to work as a rancher in Argentina and then South Africa, then as a circus performer in Australia.

     On a trip to New York in 1905, Rogers was at a vaudeville-come-rodeo show in Madison Square Garden when a wild steer broke out of the arena and began to climb into the viewing stands. Rogers roped the steer to the delight of the crowd. The feat got front page attention from the newspapers, giving him valuable publicity and an audience eager to see more. Will's “way” had found him!

     And your 'way' will find you – provided you have the 'will'.

     As a young man, there were many who said of me that - 'Tom has lost his way'. But, just like Will Rogers, I hadn't lost my way – I just had yet to find it! I did however possess limitless determination. And sure enough I soon found my way. Or rather, true to form, it found me.

     The bar was heaving with drinkers. I pushed my way to the front of the hubbub to call for a beer. Will, the landlord, struggling short-staffed, shouted over to me, “Free drinks if you help me out Tommy!” I crossed to the other side of the bar and was soon pulling pints for the mob.

     A hectic couple of hours later and relaxing after closing time with my well-earned beer, Will revealed that he had another small business he was in the process of disposing of. Would I like to take it on? Two short weeks later I became the proud owner of my first business. It didn't cost me a penny.*

     So I'm the living proof. Where there's a will - or a Will, there's a way! Never forget it.

 I am Tom Riach. I live and write in the sunny south of Portugal.

* Read about my First Business, and many others, in 'Winning Big In Life And Business'. Claim your special copy when you Click on the image below.

'WHERE THERE'S A WILL' is an original copyright Tom Riach feature.
I hope you enjoyed this presentation and found it to be of value.
To learn more please visit me on my Author Page.
See you there! Regards, Tom.

      The question, 'Why Risk Asking The 3 Big Questions?' begs the questions, 'What Are The 3 Big Questions?' and 'Where Does Risk Come Into It?' Good questions. Let me explain.

     I am a risk-taker by nature. I've taken risks of breath-taking extravagance in my life. Outrageous risks which, quite frankly, would confound and dismay most folks.

     In my youth I was headstrong and 'up for' whatever madcap escapades, and worse, were in the offing. That was risk-taking just for the sake of it.

    Later, in early business years, I still took monumental risks - but for a purpose. These inevitably entailed the possibility of substantial loss – financial, repute and physical – and often did result in abject failure. But many did bear fruit.

    Nowadays, and for many years past, I continue to take risks that the majority of people would consider to be of reckless proportions. Yet, and here's the good bit, I mostly don't taken any risks at all!

     What!!??

     The answer is that I learned to precede any potentially risky actions by asking myself 'the 3 big questions' -

               Am I healthy?

              Am I happy?

             Will my proposed action CERTAINLY impact positively on either my health or my happiness?

     Let's analyse, very simply, what I've just stated. The questions and the process of evaluation is, in fact, very simple. It's in its absolute simplicity that the profound effectiveness of 'the 3 big questions' principle lies.

      First, assume that you have perfect health. Why do anything which in any way could adversely affect it? Answer – don't!

      Second, assume that you have perfect happiness. Why do anything which in any way could adversely affect it? Answer – don't!

     And there's your answer to question three. Never do anything which is liable to damage your existing conditions of good health or inner happiness. As your happiness is, in the first instance, dependent on good bodily health, then your physical and spiritual well-beings are inter-related.

     Where your physical or mental health is less than perfect and will certainly be improved by your proposed action, or where your proposed action will in no way impinge on your good health and happiness, then any 'risk' is justified – by me at least!

     So the huge risks others perceive me to be taking in my life and business are anything but. I only embark on those 'high risk' actions which are not high risk to me at all. It's like having the dice always loaded in my favour. Nothing I do puts in jeopardy my good health or my overall happiness. My every risk is a certain winner!

     That is why I always 'Risk Asking The 3 Big Questions'. So too should you.

 I am Tom Riach. I live and write in the sunny south of Portugal.

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'WHY RISK ASKING THE 3 BIG QUESTIONS' is an original copyright Tom Riach feature.
I hope you enjoyed this presentation and found it to be of value.
To learn more please visit me on my Author Page.
See you there! Regards, Tom.

     Was there a pupil in your form at school who the rest of the class laughed at for regularly asking what they perceived to be silly questions? That pupil was me.

     Then in later years at college, night school or adult education was there also that one inevitable student capable of reducing the class to hysterical laughter with what were apparently equally stupid questions? That was me too.

     And had you been a member of my profession in my early years in its ranks, or the proverbial fly on the wall, then there in the front row at conferences, seminars and training schools you'd likewise find me firing off my salvo of questions weird and bizarre, to the perplexion of the speakers and the entertainment of all.

     Being renowned for my, let's call it 'lateral thinking inquisitiveness', had its advantages. It meant that I could show at the last minute to these events because my front row seat was kept for me by those intent on ensuring a good laugh! That, and the fact that venues tend to fill from the back rows forward - why do attendees shy from being in front, near the action? - meant that I was always best placed to easily interrupt presentations and harangue speakers with my apparently crazy questions.

     But as my 'notoriety' spread, over time so did its nature. I had you see grown to become one of the most prolific producers of new business in the industry. So, whereas previously my questions had been greeted with guffaws and the rolling of eyes, now when I interrupted and rose to speak an attentive silence descended. Delegates leaned forward to better hear what was being queried. The mood had become one of - 'what rich wisdom is in the question'?

     Without being fully aware of it, my audiences had themselves become, by association, askers of silly questions! Somewhere in the collective conscious had been seeded the realisation that being bright, educated, intellectual even, wasn't bringing wealth or success. But that an enquiring mind and a desire to know, even to the point of appearing dopey to your peers, was what produced results.

     Inevitably therefore, I found in time a constant stream of inquirers seeking me out, each one primed with the same hopeless question of the inspirationally lame – “What is the secret of your success?”

     Of course I had a ready answer - “Ask a silly question!”  

 I am Tom Riach. I live and write in the sunny south of Portugal.

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'ASK A SILLY QUESTION' is an original copyright Tom Riach feature.
I hope you enjoyed this presentation and found it to be of value.
To learn more please visit me on my Author Page.
See you there! Regards, Tom.

     Learning is a natural process which starts from the moment we are born. We are all throughout life constant learners. But some learn better than others and, as we progress through life, the act of acquiring knowledge and skills becomes a much more pro-active pursuit rather than being just a natural phenomenon. So those who work at being a constant learner and who strive to always add to their learning, their knowledge and their abilities can develop an advantage over those less inclined to work on self improvement in this way. That's why it pays to be a constant learner.

     Yet learning itself is not enough in terms of being successful in life or business. Knowledge is of little value if not put to use. For those who possess the talent to teach, utilising knowledge can entail simply passing on the knowledge learned or acquired to others - and there is value in that. But not if at every turn the student simply becomes a teacher and then passes on the learning to the next student and so on and so on ad infinitum, without ever having applied the knowledge or practised the skill inherent in it. Then clearly nothing of material value is ever produced and the perpetual promotion of the knowledge is purely academic and neither practically nor financially productive.

     This, for example, is what happens with a lot of present day internet marketing. Much of it is akin to a cloud-based chain letter or a pyramid or Ponzi scheme. There is no product and no service other than the endless passing on of the same advice from one person to another, none of whom have any actual experience of doing the thing which the advice pertains too and none of whom ever put the guidance into practice! A totally futile exercise.

     On the other hand, where real knowledge gained through experience is applied in a productive way to an active endeavour or to an enterprise then true value, income and profit can be created. Plus, one who has both learned and then applied the knowledge or skill successfully will in the process have acquired actual experience in the doing of it and that will be of genuine value, theoretical and practical, when later encouraging others. And that's the only really meaningful knowledge worthy of receipt, possession of or transfer to others.

     Working at what you do, gaining experience, is in itself educational and necessary. It is wise too to accelerate and supplement your learning through ongoing professional training, courses and scholastic studies. In both cases, in doing so you may mix with and learn from your peers, those experienced in life generally and in your particular areas of speciality and enterprise.

     The pay off is that it's the surest way to make certain that you always earn, and earn well, in your chosen trade or profession. That is why it pays to be a constant learner. A constant learner is a constant earner!  

 I am Tom Riach. I live and write in the sunny south of Portugal.

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'WHY BE A CONSTANT LEARNER?' is an original copyright Tom Riach feature.
I hope you enjoyed this presentation and found it to be of value.
To learn more please visit me on my Author Page.
See you there! Regards, Tom.

       There are many people in business who are successful at making money but not very good at holding on to it! In other words they lack the ability to control their spending. While creating income is the first requisite of becoming wealthy, you must keep hold of as much of the money that you make as possible in order to stay wealthy. In order to do that it is necessary to create and implement a budget.

     A budget is a forecast of your proposed future spending which you intend to adhere to. Simple in theory, less so in practice. Because the first requirement of good budgeting is self-discipline.

     The second requirement is that you must write down your financial plan, your budget. As with all business plans unless it is first put in writing then there is no plan. Where to start?

     First off, segment the coming financial year into months, weeks and days on your budget chart or spreadsheet. You're going to control your annual spending by reducing it to manageable smaller periods. I work on a daily basis. The next thing is to forecast how much your spending is going to be and exactly when you are going to incur it. There are two ways to calculate this.

     The first is to look at your outgoings over the past and previous years and then, working from that, calculate which expenditures will recur, increase, decrease or not occur in the coming year; what additional expenses might arise and which ones you could actually eliminate.

     The second way to calculate your spending is simply to start with a clean slate and think of every conceivable expense - and then some more - which your business could incur over the coming year. Don't forget taxation (though I'm sure you'd like to)! and include an amount for unforeseen expenses, contingencie. Remember too, one-off annual or semi-regular expenses. This should give you an absolute 'top line' for expenditures.

     I personally calculate using both methods. I compare them and arrive at a projection which is a cross between the two. Then, whatever my conclusion, my aim is always, in operation, for my actual expenditure to come in under budget. Saving money against my budgeted figure is what I strive for. At every turn, on a day to day basis, I try to under-cut my estimated expenditures or not incur them at all. When I save money in this way I am adding to my profits and to my general well-being. It's 'a win' every time.

     As well as working out what you will spend you should take into account when you will spend it. You need to know this so that, in conjunction with the revenue coming in from your sales, you can calculate your cash-flow. Cash-flow simply refers to the money coming into and going out from your operation. To maintain a healthy, positive cash-flow you want more money coming in than is going out - of course - but - You also want it coming in sooner than it goes out. Sounds simple? It is ... but don't be fooled! It's simple only if you are disciplined and make it happen.

     The golden rules are -

     * Create as much sales and income as you can - and then some more

     * Get paid as soon as possible - always before you supply your goods or services

     * Reduce expenses to a bare minimum - none at all wherever you can

     * Pay out as late as possible - and never before cash has come in

     Adhere to these rules and you and your business will be lean, mean and healthy. Sound a bit like a diet? Well it is in a way. Good budgetary management requires discipline and restraint. But that is the art of operating an effective budget. That is how to budget for success. 

 I am Tom Riach. I live and write in the sunny south of Portugal.

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'HOW TO BUDGET FOR SUCCESS' is an original copyright Tom Riach feature.
I hope you enjoyed this presentation and found it to be of value.
To learn more please visit me on my Author Page.
See you there! Regards, Tom.

     We may be spiritual beings but we live in a material world. From our physical bodies to the planet on which we tread, the creatures which inhabit it and all that grows here are tangible entities, material if you like. But to the fabric of the natural world - the rocks, woods, earth and minerals - mankind has added, through ingenuity, invention and sometimes accident, new and wonderful materials.

     Concrete, glass, textiles, metals, silicon and the myriad other human creations are the materials of our civilisation. Our materials are, to a large extent, what allows us to behave like humans. Remove them and we are liable to be quickly confronted by the same basic struggle for survival as wild animals. Our clothes, our homes, our cities and all the other stuff which we animate through our customs, language and humour are not merely a display of our technological wizardry, they are part of who we are.

     From the coffee cup to the camera, stainless steel and paper clips; from ancient technologies of fabrics and ceramics to today's self-healing metals and bionic implants - we invented them and made them. They in turn make us who we are. Don't think so? Visit a war-torn area or disaster zone!

     This fundamental importance of materials to us becomes apparent in the names we have given to the ages of civilisation – eg Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age - with each new era of human existence being brought about by a new material. Will current times be known as the Silcon Age?

     Steel was the defining material of the Victorian era; architects used sheet glass and structural steel to produce skyscrapers that invented city life as we know it; product and fashion designers adopted plastics and used them to transform our homes and dress; polymers were used to produce celluloid and bring about the cinema; aluminium and nickel super-alloys led to jet engines and worldwide cheap flight; and our bodies can be redefined by silicon, ceramics, plastics and tungsten. Yes, materials maketh the man!

     All this should not, however, distract from the reality that we are spiritual beings. Our spiritual wellbeing is far more important than the simply material. Without it we are greatly diminished as human beings. Those who pursue material wealth to the exclusion of all else are without soul. They risk never experiencing the true joys of life, only shallow and short-lived carnal pleasure.

     It pays to make spiritual wealth the bedrock of your existence. First and foremost strive to understand and follow the spiritual laws. These demand that you seek inner peace and serenity through helping others. With that belief in place and functioning, then you are well placed to explore and enjoy things material.

     This perfectly natural marriage of the spiritual with the material, allows for the creation of technology beneficial to mankind which both enhances the general wellbeing, and satisfies the inventive and innovative urges, of the species. When existing in a spiritual world while embracing the material, or living life in a material world conscious of the spiritual, everything is possible.

 I am Tom Riach. I live and write in the sunny south of Portugal.

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'LIFE IN A MATERIAL WORLD' is an original copyright Tom Riach feature.
I hope you enjoyed this presentation and found it to be of value.
To learn more please visit me on my Author Page.
See you there! Regards, Tom.

     “I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth … “, so goes the swearing in oath of witnesses in criminal court proceedings. In most instances those giving evidence probably do relate the truth to the best of their ability and recollection. But the criminal justice system sets a high bar with regard to honesty.

     In day to day life it can be far harder to exercise scrupulous honesty in all that you say and do. That's not to say you shouldn't try to maintain an impeccable standard of integrity in your personal and business life. Being honest with yourself is mandatory. All manner of good flows from that.

     Yet truth, as it is expressed in all its forms around you, can be subject to perception, interpretation and distortion; unwitting, intentional or a confusing mix. So it's well to understand just what constitutes 'truth' in all its guises and to have a strategy as to how you confront the vagaries of its manifestation in the world.

     For most of you your primary concern regarding truth is likely to relates to facts and opinions. Particularly those expressed by family, friends, colleagues or in forums, groups, politics and the media. The critical point regarding these is to first understand that all statements of fact or opinion are provisional. With the best of intention they reflect only the current state of knowledge and experience as recognised by the individual or entity in question. In that respect, little is absolute.

     Knowledge and experience are not closed nor immutable categories. They are inherently liable to change. As an honest individual, or as an entrepreneur, you should know this and keep an open and questioning mind. One prepared to investigate options, accept different views and create alternatives.

     A prime example of conventional truth being shown to be anything but, from the grand stage of human experience, is that once upon a time, the scientific consensus was that the sun moved around the Earth and that blood did not circulate around the body. These propositions were refuted only because the orthodoxy was challenged by people once thought to be dangerous heretics. Knowledge advances by confronting contrary arguments, not by hiding them away.

     Any system for regulating the expression of opinion or the transmission of information inevitably ends up by championing the uncontroversial and privileging the conventional and the officially approved. Censorship is not good for truth. You need to hear all views. Then you can consider and determine your own truths.

     You have to accept the implications of human curiosity. Some of what people say will be mistaken. Some might be propaganda. Some of it may be malicious. But you cannot discover truth without accommodating error. It is the price that you pay for allowing knowledge and understanding to develop and human civilisation to progress. The alternative is a regression to dark, oppressive times where uniformity is demanded and enforced through fear, terror and the repression of free spirit, thought and expression.

     Facing up to truth and your right to express your thoughts and opinions without fear of intimidation is fundamental to your right to exist. Start by being honest with yourself. It can require strong will and character to do so but the pay-off is a handsome one. You sleep easy, gain in self-confidence and can earn the respect of others – even those who may disgree with your 'truths'.

     Imagine yourself as being in that court of law, being sworn in as a witness. Promise to tell yourself the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth to the best of your ability. Allow others to do likewise. Let all express their views. Then let the jury of your conscience weigh up the 'truths' and determine the outcomes.

 I am Tom Riach. I live and write in the sunny south of Portugal.

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'NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH' is an original copyright Tom Riach feature.
I hope you enjoyed this presentation and found it to be of value.
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See you there! Regards, Tom.

     Most people think of assets in a material sense. They value homes, cars, cash and other investments highly. In doing so they overlook their greatest personal asset. It is none of these things mentioned, nor indeed can it be touched, nor is it visible to the naked eye.

     Any person's most valuable asset is in fact themselves – or more specifically, their mindset. Yes, your mindset is your greatest personal asset.

     With the right mindset everything is possible. With it you can indeed acquire whatever material assets you wish; all those listed above and anything else you care to name. But your mindset itself is the 'alpha' asset, the one which drives the accomplishment of all else.

     Once you understand this amazing significance of your prime asset then that in itself opens the door to understanding that there are many other intangible assets tied up in your inner self, any one of which is infinitely more valuable than mere possessions.

     One such asset is 'learning'. You should never stop learning because the world around you, both in the wider sense and the personal, is constantly changing. It's critical to know how little you know and to keep your mind nimble and sharp by working it out with new 'stuff' on a regular and ongoing basis. You'll be a better person for it. The simple fact that you recognise this and work on it will, in itself, promote your own awareness of self as well as the value that others place on you and in being with you. It's self-fulfilling. As regards your brain – use it or lose it!

     You'd be most unhappy to lose those material assets I mentioned at the outset; think how much more devastating it would be to lose a personal asset immeasurably more valuable. Your mindset matters, look after it.

     It must, of course, be the right mindset. A positive, upbeat and progressive one. The mind that is always curious, ever exploring. The kind of mind which lives in the realm of entrepreneurs. Or is it entrepreneurs who live in a positive mindset? Either way, it's an attitude where improvement is always believed in and comfort zones are shunned. It's a world of persistence, 'never-say-die', constant learning, improving and – thinking outside the box!

     Entrepreneurs, more so than any other group, are inclined towards the unconventional, the innovative and the creative. These traits are their outward manifestation of their greatest personal asset, their mindset, at work. They don't recognise conventional limits. This allows them to identify and evaluate opportunities and consider different approaches. It enables them to break free of restrictive thinking, go beyond recognised boundaries and find unique solutions.

     You may find that in reading my words, the assertions I make and the conclusions I arrive at seem remarkably straightforward. They are! And yet, it is in their simplicity that the profound depth of their significance lies. Make no mistake, once you fully grasp and implement the understanding of your greatest personal asset being that which is within you in your mindset, then your evaluation of material assets is put into perspective. Their true worthlessness is revealed.

     Your mindset thus invigourated can drive the fulfillment of any dream you can imagine. It ignites ambitions such as helping others, earning personal respect and a limitless wealth of objectives loftier by far than just acquiring material possessions. Mind you, paradoxically, a properly primed mindset makes the acquisition of worthless materials easy. They'll fall into your lap as if by magic – if you want them.

     Yes, your greatest personal asset is powerful in all ways. Guard it well. 

 I am Tom Riach. I live and write in the sunny south of Portugal.

* SPECIAL OFFER! - Receive a FREE E-version of my 'Yes You Can!' book! Just CLICK HERE. 

Or go to my Amazon store for Paperback or Kindle copies of - 'Yes You Can!' - when you Click on the image below.

'YOUR GREATEST PERSONAL ASSET' is an original copyright Tom Riach feature.
I hope you enjoyed this presentation and found it to be of value.
To learn more please visit me on my Author Page.
See you there! Regards, Tom.