How to Win a Million Bucks!

The Secrets to Winning Big

My mom used to win sweepstakes all the time. I mean that - all the time. A car, a ski boat, a trip for two to Spain, cash, a walk-on part on HBO's "Dream On" (including a trip for two and chauffeured limo service to and from the set)... One year, my dad had to say, "Please stop now" due to the tax implications. (I mean, a free car is nice, and all, but you do still have to pay the taxes on it.) People ask me, "What was her secret? How did she do that?" According to her, it's simple:

• You have to enter. You cannot win if you don't enter. Well, "Duh," you say. But you'd be surprised at how many people say, "Oh, I'm not going to bother with that. I never win, anyway." That, right there, raises your odds.
• You have to believe you're going to win. This is a toughie for most of us. You can't just think you might win. You can't rely on hope alone. You have to believe in yourself and a benevolent universe. "That new car they're giving away? That's mine. They might as well just give me the key now and have done with it. It's mine. I'll be driving it off the lot this coming Sunday."
• Be grateful, no matter what you win - no matter how big or small the prize. My mom used to get just as excited over a canvas tote bag or a six-pack of Coca-Cola (which she didn't drink, by the way - couldn't stand carbonated beverages, but could happily share with me or my dad) as she did over a car, a trip, or a large chunk of change. Always thank the sponsor and support them by buying their products.
• Be generous with those you love. Share your winnings whenever possible. One day, my mom had plans to go bowling with my dad. There was a radio contest running that night, and she'd have to miss out on that or skip out on bowling. She called and asked if I would listen for it - you had to be the ninth caller when they played a certain song, and you'd win $1000. With my mom's track record, I think of that as the $1000 bowling night; she was giving up $1000 to go bowling with my dad. (It never occurred to me that she might not have won it, had she stayed home. Never.) Anyway, I halfheartedly said, "Sure, why not, but no promises." (Wrong mindset right there, but she had enough positive energy for the both of us, right?) The deal was, I'd keep enough to pay the taxes and split the remainder with her (since of course I wouldn't have bothered, if she hadn't told me about the contest). Damned if I didn't win it, too.

So, there you have it - the secret to winning a fortune in sweepstakes. Simple, eh?

Comments

[Something Else]

I signed up for you a couple of days ago.  Not I have a new email friend!  (I left something checked.)  Soon, I plan to actually check out the site, but I didn't want you to go without reading material in the meantime!  (Gonna share the books with your hundred of virtual friends who got you there when you're there? ;~D  )

[Holly]

[this is good] Hey, right now, that's real doable - apparently I only have NINE friends! LOL! Just kidding... And I'm willing to share the books, for sure - my husband's always telling me I need to get rid of some before I bring more into the house (he seems to think they multiply like feral cats, or something).

[beba]

Your mama sounds like the Prizewinner of Defiance, Ohio. :-D

Anyway, I signed up several months ago, but I just used a different email address and signed up again - just for YOU my sweet...

[Holly]

You're so sweet - does Scott know, yet, that he's participating along with you? :) LOL!!