As the song goes: “Money makes the world go round…” Well, let’s think about that for a minute.

When you are engaged in meaningful work it has a tendency to pay you more than just money. There are some things in life that are priceless. Here are a few types of currency that you might seek in addition to a good pay check.

• Knowledge and growth
• Relationships that give you energy & power
• Fun
• Life choices you want
• Legacy
• Reputation and brand

One study found that of 100 high achievers, 92 percent rated themselves with some degree of unhappiness. High achievers are typically: Driven, Responsible, Confident and Saddled with shaky self-esteem according to The High Achiever’s Guide to Happiness by Vance & Carol Ann Caesar, www.vancecaesar.com.

Is that your story? Hopefully not; however, if it does ring a chord you might consider investing some time working on YOU.

Years ago I heard a great simple story that I’d like to share.

“Build a better world!” said God.

“What can I do?” I said. “I am such a small part of this world, I don’t have any power or influence.”

And God in all His wisdom said: “David, you just build a better YOU!”

Yesterday I was on a conference call with Zig Ziglar, www.ziglar.com. One of the most important points he made was that to have a fulfilling life you have to figure out how to help others. He coined the phrase: “You can get everything you want in life if you will just help enough other people to get what they want.”

An affirmation that is very useful for me is: “Every day in every way I’m getting better and better.” Work on YOU and figure out how you will help others and you will find happiness and rewards far more valuable than just money.

New for 2007 is a revised and updated course that I first developed in 1992. This training course has consistently been one of my client’s favorite. Primarily because it provides lasting change in behavior and it’s a lot of fun.

We focus on five specific areas of behavior: goal clarification, personal organization, improved communication, team building and increased productivity. Imagine how your life could change if you improved in each and every one of these areas. What continually impresses me is that invariably the most successful and achievement oriented people enjoy it the most. We help successful people get better.

To get more information on this course read the flyer under “About DGR” in the column on the right or call me and I’d be happy to review it with you. I trust your year is off and running well. Let’s chat when you have a minute, 714.771.7043, www.MoreThanTalent.com.

Want to work on getting a little bit better? Why not come to the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of National Speaker’s Association this coming Saturday in the City of Commerce? www.GLACNSA.org 

I’ll be there early in the morning 7-8:30 am and then I’m going to a special seminar in Los Angeles by Patrick Horton, PhD on Story Telling. www.thestorycoach.com With a URL like that you know he has to be good. He will be one of our presenters at the GLAC 23rd Summer Symposium to be held in September 2007 in Indian Wells, CA.

Over the years I have learned that there are usually two areas of fundamental problems in most companies and in most personal relationships. The first is “communication” and the second is “money.”

Effective communication requires more than talent. It involves trust, respect, understanding, empathy and resolution. It is an art.

As time goes by there will be continual information on this blog as to how to deal effectively with communication issues, money issues as well as many more topics and it will all be in the context of creating and appreciating an artistic approach to handling life.