What an amazing day!! It started out visiting Tiananmen Square, a place of many historical moments in China’s history. The square, in the heart of the city, holds one million people. While walking the temperate was a very cool three degrees. But I totally loved every shivering moment.

From there it was onto the Forbidden City. If you have seen the movie ‘The Last Emperor’ then you would be very familiar with this place. Constructed in 1407 and with 9,999 rooms inside, 14 emperors of the Ming dynasty and 10 emperors of the Qing dynasty had reigned here. The self-contained city is massive (almost 1 kilometres long and 750 metres wide) making it the world largest palace. Click on the pics to see close ups.

Having worked up a major appetite it was off to a great restaurant to enjoy one of the most famous Beijing delicacies - Peking Duck. Ummo!!

In 1974 some humble farmers, while digging a well, unearthed an unusual piece of clay - little did they know it was going to be one of the most important and biggest archaeological finds in the world. Excavation revealed nearly 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors and horses, made to guard the tomb of the first emperor (Qin Shihuangdi) and protect him in the after life. Even more incredible was the fact that no two warrior faces were made the same and they were found holding weapons and lined up facing east in battle array. It is estimated that some 720,000 workers were involved in this undertaking that lasted several decades until the emperor died in 210 BC.

Now that you’d had a quick history lesson let me just say that this place is absolutely incredible and if you ever come to China this is a must see.

I am writing to you today from the 58th floor of the Grand Hyatt Shanghai - the world’s tallest hotel. The hotel actually starts on the 54th floor and goes all the way up to the 84th floor. Also it lays claim to the title of having the world’s highest pool, the world’s highest gymnasium and the world’s highest bar. Now can you believe that right now I am looking out my hotel room and all I can see is clouds - not ones off in the distance, I mean we are so high that right now we are in the clouds!!

Last night we had a very yummy six course Chinese meal, while at the same time we watched some of the most amazing Shanghai acrobats and kung-fu performers. Check out the pictures - can you image holding up a person who is up-side-down with your mouth, while at the same time spinning eight plates on some sticks?? Well that is what these incredible girls can do. (Click on the photos to enlarge).

Katherine and I are off on a tour of the city in 20 minutes so stay tuned for more updates!!

Last week, along with 75,000 other raving fans, I went along to the much anticipated U2 concert. All would agree that it was an amazing night with great music, mind blowing visual affects and above all it had an important message to share. I discovered that every single day 30,000 children die as a result of extreme poverty - a reality that sometimes we don’t want to hear but one that we can’t ignore! To take a stand and register your support visit: http://www.makepovertyhistory.com.au

And in the words of U2, I’ll sign off on this:

“As you enter this life… I pray you depart… With a wrinkled face… And a brand new heart.”

WHEN YOU NEED TO FIGHT:
6 helpful hints for overcoming obstacles… Army Style

There was once a digger called Tommy, who when he first joined the Army was forced to stand toe-to-toe with challenges he would rather have avoided. When he had to stand at attention for three hours during recruit school, his instructor stood one-inch from his face and told him to HARDEN UP!

When he found himself in a cold, muddy foxhole for over a month, his mate next to him told him to HARDEN UP!

And when he got shot in his right leg in Gallipoli, Tommy continued fighting after telling himself to HARDEN UP!

Tommy went on to live to the extraordinary age of 93. While some people may suggest that he was lucky, perhaps it had more to do with his ability to work through adversaries. Can this army style philosophy teach us how to confront challenges and overcome the obstacles that impede our path to success? Here are 6 hints we can all benefit from.

1. Recruit instructors don’t just scream and yell, they motivate

Find people who will motivate you and bring out your better qualities. Seek advice from people who are not afraid to be honest with you, regardless of how you feel at the time. They may offer another perspective that will help you overcome obstacles.

2. Boost yourself over that wall

Books, CDs, tapes and seminars are knowledgeable and easily-accessible resources that recount the successes and failures of other people. Learn from other people’s mistakes and take note of their successes.

Siimon Reynolds, Director of Photon Group, believes that these resources, especially books, will help you get ahead quicker. He says, “Books are very important in getting ahead, otherwise it is going to take you 50 years. Get advice from people at the top, and read what they have written.” Resources such as these will help fill in knowledge gaps and provide another insight into possible problems you are facing.

3. Obstacle courses are one challenge after another

Challenge yourself on a regular basis and ensure that you do not become too comfortable. Keep on pushing the perimeters of your comfort zone in order to surpass your fears, experience growth and achieve success.

As Jeremy Lim, Young Ambassador of the National Kidney Foundation Children’s Medical Fund, says “…a smooth sea never made a skilled mariner.” Jeremy, who suffers from ‘brittle bones’ disease believes “…I can gain strength, courage and confidence if I look fear in the face by doing the thing which I think I cannot.”

4. Make sure your uniform is immaculate

Take pride in your work and remain passionate about what you do. Your positive thinking and belief that you are making a difference will not only help you remain optimistic, but will also consolidate your faith in your ability to overcome challenges.

5. Chow time…eat now, taste later

It is true: there is not enough time in one day. So don’t waste it! Don’t spend your time thinking about how a challenge makes you feel - you can do that later. Use your time wisely and think about how you’re going to overcome the obstacles before you. This will also free up time for other things. Property investor, John Fitzgerald, values time as a means to consider what obstacles may be preventing him from achieving his goals.

6. Look after the person next you

Respect your staff and they’ll respect you. For Suzi Dafnis, founder of Pow Wow Events, managing staff has been her biggest challenge, but she believes in helping them grow and learn. So should you! They will not only be more productive but will help you overcome obstacles.

In Summary

When approached correctly, obstacles can be an opportunity to grow. By arming yourself with the right knowledge and surrounding yourself with the right people, obstacles don’t have to be extremely challenging. However, the more you challenge yourself, the easier overcoming obstacles becomes. You’ll not only gain a sense of pride in your accomplishments but it will also assist in adopting a positive outlook towards future obstacles.

So when faced with obstacles, one should not hesitate but rather approach it with a hard-hitting assault.

* All of the people mentioned in this Feature Article are contributors in the ‘Secrets Exposed’ Series.

Like most businesses yesterday, we went out to watch the Melbourne Cup and have a break from work. Congratulations to Bianca who won our work sweepstake. Here are a couple of pics from our day. Bianca, Matt, Ryan, myself and Brent and the girls, Emma and Bianca. Hope you had more luck than I did!