Sunday, March 13, 2011

'The highly effective habits of millionaires'



My brother sent me this article earlier today, courtesy CNBC:

These 'highly effective habits of millionaires' are tips that I consistently see when reading about successful people. If so many pieces of advice are repeated, there has to be logical reasoning behind it. And, by the way, reading about successful people is already a start if you are trying to be successful yourself. Whether that means being rich, or happy with your life, your job, the people that surround you, or just being generally satisfied with the world you live in.

Start by paying yourself first. The article states: "The average millionaire household saved over $39,000 last year, and plans to save the same or more this year." The minute that you receive income, put it into a savings account first. Before any other debit orders go off, or before buying anything with that money. Most of us spend the money first, and by the time something is left over, you feel that you don't have enough to save.

The other important discipline is managing your time. In the article it's written: "Millionaires only have 24 hours in a day, just like the rest of us. What separates them from us is time management. While the rest of us go home and flop on the couch in front of the TV, the wealthy are reading and doing things that contribute to their success."
It continues by citing examples of millionaires like Bill Gates (Microsoft), Steve Jobs (Apple) and Warren Buffet (Berkshire Hathaway), who spent hours 'after-work' refining their skills by reading, researching, and doing extra groundwork. Ultimately this resulted in being a cut above the rest.

In the same manner as applying discipline to your health/training routine, or your day-job, the same should be applicable to your wealth. Else, it will never change!

Wishing you a very productive and blessed day!

Friday, March 11, 2011

No Strings Attached

One of my movie screenings last week included the new Ashton Kutcher/Natalie Portman feature called 'No Strings Attached.' (The movie is releasing in South Africa on Friday, 1 April).

I have been in a similar situation as the main characters of the movie. You meet someone and feel physically attracted. Sexually you enjoy each other's company, but refuse to start a relationship.
However, being physically involved with someone creates a shared 'energy' if you like, and falling in love is really unavoidable.
I find it fascinating to hear that some people actually do maintain a 'no-strings-attached' relationship. Perhaps one of the two people in such a 'bond' just ignores the real sensation of loving someone, and chooses not to have a fully fletched relationship. Whether you believe it is truly possible, or not, it's really hard to be sexually involved with someone without feeling 'more.'

In this movie it becomes clear that falling in love is inevitable. One of the messages though is not to change who you are. That being said, it is important to accept someone else for who they are. I think this is almost the most important aspect in a relationship. If you feel comfortable with yourself, you'll also be happy with the person you're with.

Go check the trailer of this movie:

The launch of PLAYBOY South Africa

I will post more images once they are available of what the first-ever South African playmate will look like of Playboy South Africa. The launch party is happening next week Thursday 17 March and we'll be shooting for our TV show 'V-Entertainment' on Vuzu TV (vuzu.tv) and I'll be sure to take some pictures for Twitter and to blog.
*Excited :);)

Thursday, March 10, 2011

'Trend Frenzy' online magazine

The online magazine hosted on "issuu" called 'Trend Frenzy' is currently running an interview with me, featuring some pictures from my portfolio.

Click on the main image on the site, and browse to page 58.

Monday, March 7, 2011

New pictures from shoot



I had a photoshoot with photographer Daniel David last week. More shots to be posted soon. Here are 2 sample shots. Please visit his site here:
http://danieldavid.carbonmade.com/

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Bieber Fever

There was a little frenzy on my Twitter profile when I blurted out that I really enjoyed the Justin Bieber documentary 'Never Say Never.' Also, I have new-found respect for the chap! Which, perhaps implies, that I'm officially a 'JB'-fan, or, popularly referred to (by his fans) as a 'Belieber.'

I compared 'JB' to a young Michael Jackson, because, in the movie you'll clearly see how a baby-Bieber starts to improvise with rhythm to the beat of music. It is the natural, raw, instinctual talent that only a few people have. And Michael Jackson had the same gift - from a young age. Of course, being stimulated musically from the day they were born helped both guys to acquire an appreciation of music. It is rare to have such a gift for music. And it makes sense to me that these kinds of people get discovered, and succeed, when they are still very young! In the Justin Bieber movie you'll clearly learn that he wasn't just another 'pop' product that was 'manufactured' into making more money for the big-boss execs! In fact, it is pointed out that they (the 'bosses') initially showed no interest in signing him, because they believed he should be part of Nickelodeon or the Disney channel-shows. They did not see a "platform" for him. And, again, my argument about raw/real talent is relevant. This dream of being discovered had to much to do with ensuring his 'gift' gets 'delivered' if you will to people of the world.
Ignore the immature, screaming, teenage girls that want to "marry" him and are "in love" with him, etc , and of course, ignore the commercial machine that is hyping his soft-cock pop-crap-music... (I can't help to also remember the screaming girls whenever MJ was around).
I choose to look past this, because he has to make music that will sell to 13-year old pubescent teenagers. However, the documentary showed me the musical genius that he is, and will continue to be. In any case, it seems there are several 'Bieber-haters' who I believe simply don't know his background, or realise what he is really made of. Sure, if his pop-music chords are annoying, that is a matter of taste (not everyone loved Michael Jackson either).
Another striking aspect of the movie - if you are able to read between the lines - is that the kid never hesitated to try and let people hear his music - performing on a street corner, in church, community meetings, a local restaurant, and so on. Point is, most of us sit on our talents. We wait for something to happen. Like the Nedbank TV ad explains - YOU have to make things happen!
Criticise the kid, and his music, all you like. But, at least, go see the movie first. Then, decide what to do. Lol. It's about understanding things that are not directly obvious in what we see/read/hear in the media. And grasping the genius of (some) people.

Cheers to Bieber!! ;)