If a total stranger came up to you and said: "I've got a map", what would you think?

Would you be intrigued or would you think he was nuts? What if he added: "It's a map to a gold mine." Would that get you interested?

What if he said: "I'll sell you the map."

There are many unknown quantities in the above scenario. In other words, there are a number of things that you need to know about the man and his map. Here are some considerations:

• who is this man?
• does he have credibility?
• why is he offering you his map?
• does the mine still contain gold?
• who else has he offered his map to?

But let's assume that the man, the map and his gold mine are genuine. What else would you need to know?

• where is the mine located?
• how difficult will it be to extract the gold?

• how much does the map cost?

In the back of your mind is there a little voice saying "where's the catch?" Of course there is. However, let's also assume that there is no catch. What would be the only thing holding you back from taking advantage of this fantastic offer?

There is only one part of the equation missing. It's you. Can you make the process work? What do you need to do to mine the gold?

What do you need to know about yourself? If you had the map, could you do anything with it? Would you do anything with it? Would you be prepared to pay the man for his map? Would you be prepared to part with the $20,000 for the map? Is the price too high for you? What if it was $10,000, or $5,000 or $2,500?

On the other hand, would you deny yourself the opportunity because you were concerned that you were giving the man money for just a piece of paper with a few lines and directions on it.

The question I really want you to think about is this - how much are you prepared to pay in time, money and effort for information that can enable you to improve your life?

Studying subjects such as motivation, self esteem and personal development could be just the map you need to find your very own gold mine.

[If you like this article and would like to use it on your own website or ezine you may do so ONLY if the article is not changed in any way and the final paragraph: "About the author", with all links intact, is included.]

Gary Simpson

Gary Simpson lives in Perth, Western Australia.

His passions are writing (of course), reading, karate, body building, investment and growing tropical palms.

His website is devoted to helping people achieve greater success and self esteem through personal development.

Gary is a regular contributor to numerous magazines and newspapers. His articles and short stories appear in many forums. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, they are now being shared worldwide.

He has written eight books:

LARGE VOLUMES:

- "Journey,Life and Destiny" - personal development (2 vols)

- "How to Save $1000's and Increase Your Personal Net Wealth"

- "Brain Training - Affirmations to Strengthen Mind and Body"

- "Strike Back 1" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

- "Strike Back 2" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

SHORT VOLUMES:

- "The Power of Choice" (FREE e-book) - a popular story about a man looking back on his achievements from the hereafter. It is a poignant story that has received accolades from all over the world - from Iceland to Canada to Great Britain to Morocco to New Zealand to the Czech Republic to the USA - and dozens of countries in between.

The Power of Choice is a free resource and can be downloaded directly from Gary's website.

- "Using Motivation and Self Esteem to Excel in Everything You Do" (FREE e-book) - valuable resource to introduce newcomers to the wonders of personal development. This book is available on request. You can secure your copy by leaving your name and email address (no "hotmail" addresses accepted) at his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website.

Gary's unique approach has been shaped by his 35 year pursuit of karate and his 15 year study of the principles of motivation. He has two personal mottos. These are:

"Excellence of Execution."

and

"Imagination is Infinite."

You can learn a great deal about all matters regarding motivation and self esteem at his website. You will find articles, interviews with achievers, motivational messages and other material. You can even opt to receive free material by visiting the "zenspiration" page.

The Motivation and Self Esteem for Success website was constructed by Linda Caroll who Gary has called the "Kyoshi of Website Design" (In karate terminology Kyoshi means "Polished Master"). Visit Gary's website to see for yourself.