Every day in every way we are manifesting the reality of the life that we see around us. Whether we know it or not, whether we like it or not, everything in our life is created by what we think, say, and do.
I believe that people can learn to manifest the life of their dreams with ease, I have come to realize that there are 10 keys that consistently make a difference in successfully and joyfully creating in an effortless flow.
An important foundation to becoming a conscious creator is to recognize that it all begins within you. Your thoughts create your emotions, your emotions lead to the actions you take, and the actions you take effect the results that you see in your life.
Another essential idea is to realize that you do NOT have to do this alone! Our lives are designed to work in harmony, like a symphony, with the powerful creative forces of the Universe that are literally standing by to delight and excite us! As you become clear on what you choose, set your intentions, focus your attention, visualize what you choose as if it has already occurred, expect your desires to be full and fulfilled, express gratitude, and move forward to take the appropriate actions in your life, you are forever free from the habits of worry, doubt, and fear.
When you tap into the power of the Universe to support and assist you in creating the life of your dreams, you almost immediately begin to experience the magic and the miracles of life and living!
Make a commitment each day to your great wealth and success, and living a life that is full of rich, wonderful, loving, fun, healthy, abundant experiences!
Here are 10 keys that will support you in consciously creating the life you love to live:
1. Choose a Higher Power that absolutely and completely LOVES and ADORES you, that always has your best interests at heart, and that wants you to enjoy all the riches of this life.
2. Choose powerfully and positively to create a road map for your success. Create a vivid vision of what you choose to move towards, rather than what you want to move away from. Be definite, clear, and specific.
3. Maintain a prosperity consciousness each and every day. Do not allow thoughts of lack, limitation, or competition to enter into your mind. Allow only the truth that there is limitless abundance in the Universe for everyone, including you!
4. Create and reinforce powerful, positive, supportive beliefs every day in what you think, say, and do.
5. Stay focused on your vision of what you know to be the truth. What you focus on expands. Where you place your attention is where you set your intention.
6. When you choose a financial truth, always state “at least” or “or more”. For example, “I am now earning $10,000 or more each month in passive income.” When you choose a material truth, always say “or better”. For example, “I am now driving my cherry red Mercedes-Benz 500SL with cream-colored interior or better”. Stay open to the limitless abundance of the Universe!
7. Be open to receiving in every area of your life. Expect the gifts, the miracles, and the magic. Expand and open more to joy, love and abundance.
8. Indulge yourself in gratitude for every thing in your life.
Every experience, every relationship, every penny in the street is a gift. Acknowledge the gifts and the blessings that are showered on you each and every day.
9. Be generous with yourself and others! What you give is always returned to you multiplied, and this is a confirmation to the Universe that you are ready, willing and able to receive.
10. Be present for the present. When you’re in the past, you’re in guilt and regret. When you’re in the future, you’re in fear. When you’re present in the present, you have the choice to create limitless wealth and abundance.
Showing posts with label positive. Show all posts
Showing posts with label positive. Show all posts
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Your Attitude Is Everything
Would you want to have an employee who is extremely good at his or her job but has a bad attitude or an average employee who has a positive attitude? Experienced CEOs understand that bad attitudes can reduce the effectiveness of their organization. Skills can be taught. Attitude is difficult to change.
People with positive attitudes are winners. They build an environment that values employees, suppliers and customers. They think positively. The words don't and can't are not in their vocabulary.
How do we identify winners? It is hard to tell by casual observation. Winners dress the same as everyone else, eat at the same restaurants and work at the same companies. Successful people come in all personality types, physical characteristics and professions. We identify them by their attitudes, behaviors and results.
Winners don't give up. The sad truth about people who give up is they are just as capable as those who don't. The main difference is their attitude.
Conscious thoughts precede actions. By choosing our thoughts, we act our way into certain circumstances. Positive attitudes help us be more productive. We are who we think we are. If we think we can, we can. If we think we can't, we can't. Attitude Defined
What is an attitude? Some say it's a mindset, a way of thinking, which is partly right. In simple terms, an attitude is a habit of thought. Usually we think of habits as behaviors; the way we do something. Habits can be mental as well. Therefore an attitude is our habitual way of looking at our world.
We develop attitude habits through conditioning. Conditioning begins at a very early age and continues throughout our lives. Sometimes our conditioning is negative, for instance a mother's admonitions to a young child. This negativity may generate many self imposed limitations.
The elephant provides a simple example. An elephant is staked to the ground. As a baby it isn't strong enough to remove the stake. Later when the elephant is full grown and could easily pull the stake, it doesn't because it "knows" it can't.
Our attitudes are the key to our health, relationships, happiness and achievements. They determine how we live and whether we succeed in life.
We control our attitudes. We alone have the responsibility to shape our life. Walt Kelly said: "We have met the enemy and they is us. We are all that is holding us back."
Attitudes of Winners
Winners have many positive attitudes. Three that are particularly important in professional lives are enthusiasm, persistence and desire.
Enthusiasm produces the confidence that announces to the world, "I have what it takes."
Enthusiasm is often misunderstood. It is frequently confused with the temporary exuberance seen at sporting events.
Long lasting enthusiasm is different. It is a confident commitment, a wholehearted action, an ardent belief. When you possess enthusiasm life is more enjoyable and work is always part play no matter how demanding. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Persistence is critical. Faced with difficulties, you can quit or keep pushing on. The choice is yours. But if you want to be a winner you will stay with the task and see it through.
Modern technology has taught us to expect instant gratification. We become discouraged if we have to wait. Many people give up when faced with delay. Time, dedication and commitment are always the minimum price tag we pay to complete projects that are important.
How do we project persistence? Never, never, never give up!
Intense desire creates opportunities and reveals new personal talents. Desire is much more than wishing or wanting. Desire differentiates between mature commitment and unfocused daydreaming.
Those who lack desire are always too busy to do what needs to be done. Desire pushes you to work harder in a positive sense. People with strong desire understand the pure joy of work. Their success comes not at the end of a battle, but as the culmination of a game. Every day they work towards their long range goals, reinforcing their desire to do more and do it better each day.
Desire is the attitude that transforms us from average to outstanding achievers.
Attitude and Work Environment
Many employees believe that their employer is solely responsible for the conditions that lead to job enjoyment. This is only partially true. Both the employer and employees have a shared responsibility for building positive workplace expectations.
Yes, the company and management have responsibility. Effective CEOs build a culture where people want to work and want to excel. They ensure, by leading with a Servant's Heart, that their employees feel appreciated and know the company has their personal best interests in mind.
Employees also have responsibilities. If they have a positive productive attitude they will to be happy. Conversely those who always complain create an environment that drags their coworkers down. Employees are responsible for creating their personal satisfaction on their job.
Employees with positive attitudes make their work environment a positive experience. They strive for an attitude of excellence and exude excellence in the way they work.
They go the extra mile. Instead of thinking "I did my part, someone else dropped the ball," they ensure a positive outcome by refusing to accept the alternative.
We can choose to do the minimum required or we can decide to excel. This decision to make a difference is a personal attitude that desires us to be the best we can be.
Summary
Experienced leaders understand how positive attitudes play an important part in driving the success of their organization. They build a culture where positive people can thrive and reach their personal goals. These leaders understand that when both the organization and employees reach their goals great accomplishments are possible.
People with positive attitudes are winners. They think "I can," not "I can't."
Attitudes are the mental habits through which we view our world. They are key to all the success and happiness we gain in our personal and professional lives.
People with positive attitudes overcome problems. They don't accept mediocrity. They view their work as a game helping them reach their long term goals.
People with positive mental attitudes exhibit personal leadership. Regardless of their professional responsibilities, they live their lives in a manner that inspires others.
James Boehm
People with positive attitudes are winners. They build an environment that values employees, suppliers and customers. They think positively. The words don't and can't are not in their vocabulary.
How do we identify winners? It is hard to tell by casual observation. Winners dress the same as everyone else, eat at the same restaurants and work at the same companies. Successful people come in all personality types, physical characteristics and professions. We identify them by their attitudes, behaviors and results.
Winners don't give up. The sad truth about people who give up is they are just as capable as those who don't. The main difference is their attitude.
Conscious thoughts precede actions. By choosing our thoughts, we act our way into certain circumstances. Positive attitudes help us be more productive. We are who we think we are. If we think we can, we can. If we think we can't, we can't. Attitude Defined
What is an attitude? Some say it's a mindset, a way of thinking, which is partly right. In simple terms, an attitude is a habit of thought. Usually we think of habits as behaviors; the way we do something. Habits can be mental as well. Therefore an attitude is our habitual way of looking at our world.
We develop attitude habits through conditioning. Conditioning begins at a very early age and continues throughout our lives. Sometimes our conditioning is negative, for instance a mother's admonitions to a young child. This negativity may generate many self imposed limitations.
The elephant provides a simple example. An elephant is staked to the ground. As a baby it isn't strong enough to remove the stake. Later when the elephant is full grown and could easily pull the stake, it doesn't because it "knows" it can't.
Our attitudes are the key to our health, relationships, happiness and achievements. They determine how we live and whether we succeed in life.
We control our attitudes. We alone have the responsibility to shape our life. Walt Kelly said: "We have met the enemy and they is us. We are all that is holding us back."
Attitudes of Winners
Winners have many positive attitudes. Three that are particularly important in professional lives are enthusiasm, persistence and desire.
Enthusiasm produces the confidence that announces to the world, "I have what it takes."
Enthusiasm is often misunderstood. It is frequently confused with the temporary exuberance seen at sporting events.
Long lasting enthusiasm is different. It is a confident commitment, a wholehearted action, an ardent belief. When you possess enthusiasm life is more enjoyable and work is always part play no matter how demanding. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Persistence is critical. Faced with difficulties, you can quit or keep pushing on. The choice is yours. But if you want to be a winner you will stay with the task and see it through.
Modern technology has taught us to expect instant gratification. We become discouraged if we have to wait. Many people give up when faced with delay. Time, dedication and commitment are always the minimum price tag we pay to complete projects that are important.
How do we project persistence? Never, never, never give up!
Intense desire creates opportunities and reveals new personal talents. Desire is much more than wishing or wanting. Desire differentiates between mature commitment and unfocused daydreaming.
Those who lack desire are always too busy to do what needs to be done. Desire pushes you to work harder in a positive sense. People with strong desire understand the pure joy of work. Their success comes not at the end of a battle, but as the culmination of a game. Every day they work towards their long range goals, reinforcing their desire to do more and do it better each day.
Desire is the attitude that transforms us from average to outstanding achievers.
Attitude and Work Environment
Many employees believe that their employer is solely responsible for the conditions that lead to job enjoyment. This is only partially true. Both the employer and employees have a shared responsibility for building positive workplace expectations.
Yes, the company and management have responsibility. Effective CEOs build a culture where people want to work and want to excel. They ensure, by leading with a Servant's Heart, that their employees feel appreciated and know the company has their personal best interests in mind.
Employees also have responsibilities. If they have a positive productive attitude they will to be happy. Conversely those who always complain create an environment that drags their coworkers down. Employees are responsible for creating their personal satisfaction on their job.
Employees with positive attitudes make their work environment a positive experience. They strive for an attitude of excellence and exude excellence in the way they work.
They go the extra mile. Instead of thinking "I did my part, someone else dropped the ball," they ensure a positive outcome by refusing to accept the alternative.
We can choose to do the minimum required or we can decide to excel. This decision to make a difference is a personal attitude that desires us to be the best we can be.
Summary
Experienced leaders understand how positive attitudes play an important part in driving the success of their organization. They build a culture where positive people can thrive and reach their personal goals. These leaders understand that when both the organization and employees reach their goals great accomplishments are possible.
People with positive attitudes are winners. They think "I can," not "I can't."
Attitudes are the mental habits through which we view our world. They are key to all the success and happiness we gain in our personal and professional lives.
People with positive attitudes overcome problems. They don't accept mediocrity. They view their work as a game helping them reach their long term goals.
People with positive mental attitudes exhibit personal leadership. Regardless of their professional responsibilities, they live their lives in a manner that inspires others.
James Boehm
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
7 Keys to Having a Positive Attitude
Why do some people have such a great attitude and others a negative one? Well, I wondered the same thing and through my research I found seven keys that those with a positive mental attitude all share. How do you rate?
1) Choose Your Attitude in Advance:
When you wake up, you have a choice. You can be in a good mood or a bad mood. You also choose your attitude. You can wake up and mutter to yourself, "This is gonna be a cruddy day," or you can tell yourself, "This is gonna be a great day!" This choice is the start of a great attitude.
2) Visualize Success:
Runners in the Boston Marathon picture themselves crossing the finish line. Picture yourself having a successful day. Self-visualization is a key factor in having a positive mental attitude. Will it work 100% of the time? I wish it would. However, by visualizing your success, you'll be able to have a better handle on what does happen, and having a better chance of making it happen.
3) Demonstrate Humor, Energy, and Enthusiasm:
We call these three items the magic ingredients. Without them, creating a positive mental attitude will be difficult. There is normally humor in every situation. Finding it is key. Sometimes you'll need to stretch and dig a little deeper to find the humor in a situation. But once you do, you'll feel so much better. Energy is important because without some energy in your attitude, you'll be dragging behind everyone. Energy is closely related to the third ingredient, enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is contagious; let's start an epidemic!
4) Resist Negative Influences:
It's a fact. When we have a negative experience with a company, we'll tell more people about it than if we have a good experience with the same company. Many times, when you hear that someplace wasn't very good, you'll believe the person who told you and choose not to do business with that company. However, you may only be hearing half the story. Check things out for yourself. Especially if the negativity involves a person you work with or know. We've all heard negative things about someone we didn't know and then when we had the opportunity to meet them ourselves, we find that they're not as bad as someone had alluded to. In fact they might be nice, but you need to be the judge. Take negativity out of your life. Steer clear of those who drag you down and say negative things. Being around other positive people is a good start.
5) Be a Whatever-it-Takes Person:
This means, be a problem solver. Life is going to put obstacles in front of all of us. How we go around those obstacles is key. There's normally a good answer to every problem put in front of us. Dale Carnegie said it best. Ask yourself, "What is the worst thing that can happen here?" Then move up from that.
6) Embrace Change:
Expect it and Accept it: Some people are very good at handling change and some resist it. The major key to handling change is to accept it; deal with it. In most cases there's little we can do to stop it anyway.
7) Be Grateful for What You Have:
Many people have so much and yet those same people are often the ones that constantly complain. Why wait for some life-altering experience to be grateful? Be grateful, now.
These are the seven keys to having a positive mental attitude. Put them into practice and you will be amazed at the difference they can make.
James Boehm
1) Choose Your Attitude in Advance:
When you wake up, you have a choice. You can be in a good mood or a bad mood. You also choose your attitude. You can wake up and mutter to yourself, "This is gonna be a cruddy day," or you can tell yourself, "This is gonna be a great day!" This choice is the start of a great attitude.
2) Visualize Success:
Runners in the Boston Marathon picture themselves crossing the finish line. Picture yourself having a successful day. Self-visualization is a key factor in having a positive mental attitude. Will it work 100% of the time? I wish it would. However, by visualizing your success, you'll be able to have a better handle on what does happen, and having a better chance of making it happen.
3) Demonstrate Humor, Energy, and Enthusiasm:
We call these three items the magic ingredients. Without them, creating a positive mental attitude will be difficult. There is normally humor in every situation. Finding it is key. Sometimes you'll need to stretch and dig a little deeper to find the humor in a situation. But once you do, you'll feel so much better. Energy is important because without some energy in your attitude, you'll be dragging behind everyone. Energy is closely related to the third ingredient, enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is contagious; let's start an epidemic!
4) Resist Negative Influences:
It's a fact. When we have a negative experience with a company, we'll tell more people about it than if we have a good experience with the same company. Many times, when you hear that someplace wasn't very good, you'll believe the person who told you and choose not to do business with that company. However, you may only be hearing half the story. Check things out for yourself. Especially if the negativity involves a person you work with or know. We've all heard negative things about someone we didn't know and then when we had the opportunity to meet them ourselves, we find that they're not as bad as someone had alluded to. In fact they might be nice, but you need to be the judge. Take negativity out of your life. Steer clear of those who drag you down and say negative things. Being around other positive people is a good start.
5) Be a Whatever-it-Takes Person:
This means, be a problem solver. Life is going to put obstacles in front of all of us. How we go around those obstacles is key. There's normally a good answer to every problem put in front of us. Dale Carnegie said it best. Ask yourself, "What is the worst thing that can happen here?" Then move up from that.
6) Embrace Change:
Expect it and Accept it: Some people are very good at handling change and some resist it. The major key to handling change is to accept it; deal with it. In most cases there's little we can do to stop it anyway.
7) Be Grateful for What You Have:
Many people have so much and yet those same people are often the ones that constantly complain. Why wait for some life-altering experience to be grateful? Be grateful, now.
These are the seven keys to having a positive mental attitude. Put them into practice and you will be amazed at the difference they can make.
James Boehm
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
USING AFFIRMATIONS: How To Really Make Them Work
Does the practice of saying affirmations really work?
We've all been exposed to the philosophy of using affirmations as part of our personal growth. But have you ever tried them? Most people who have tried using affirmations have done so with mixed results. Some people have trouble with affirmations because affirmations sometimes “feel like a lie”.
And frankly, a lot of people feel that they just don't work at all. But using affirmations is one of those teachings that just doesn't seem to go away. A lot of people still believe in them as I do and many respected speakers still preach the use of them.
But there are still some big questions about using affirmations:
1. If they do work, why don't they work all the time?
2. Is there a proper way to “say” them?
3. How long do I have to wait for what I'm affirming to show up ?
Well, I want to clear away some of the fog about using affirmations.
WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT AFFIRMATIONS?
Affirmations can be used to destroy bad habits and create good ones.
Affirmations can help you get clear and stay focused.
Affirmations can help you speed up the progress on your goals.
Affirmations keep you balanced and calm.
Affirmations can help you live the life you want.
Affirmations can change your life.
The key, is that you really need to know how to use them. It is important to first understand what affirmations are really all about. In a nutshell, affirmations are everything you think, say, believe and feel. So if you've ever recited affirmations that just didn't happen in your life, it's because there is some conflict between what you are saying and who you are.
Once you come to an understanding of what affirmations are, you need to know how they work. I don't have enough room in this article to explain it all, but understand that our affirmations directly relate to our energy. Our energy directly relates to the Universe. The Universe relates back to us. So in other words, our affirmations work, based on, (again), who we are.
Are you starting to notice a common thread? You see, the affirmations really have no power in the Universal scheme of things, it is you that has all the power. Affirmations are simply a tool; a tool for influencing you. And you - by way of your energy (or vibrations) and your actions, influence the Universal flow as it relates to your life.
SO WHAT DO AFFIRMATIONS ACTUALLY DO FOR YOU?
Affirmations are truly the key to getting yourself in line with what you want, need and desire in life. You see, affirmations, when used properly, change the way you think. They change the way you look at things; at yourself, your problems, your hopes and dreams. Once you change the way you think, feel and believe - you can then take the appropriate action to manifest your desires.
BUT THERE IS A FLIPSIDE
Affirmations operate in our lives whether we use them or not. If left unchecked, our affirmations are whatever feelings and thoughts are going on inside us. Those feelings and thoughts become our reality. That explains why we wind up with things in our lives that we don't want, and don't always get the things we do want. So whether you believe in the power of affirmations or not - they are already operating in your life. That's why it is wise to learn to understand and use them properly.
Now, I'm going to help you understand some very important principles about affirmations, so that you can start using them effectively today.
SIX KEY PRINCIPLES FOR USING AFFIRMATIONS EFFECTIVLY
1. Before using affirmations, take time to study how and why they work. Once you come to an understanding of them, your affirmations will become much more effective.
2. Using affirmations out of a book are fine, but the most effective ones are the ones you write yourself. When you write your own affirmations - they are you, from your heart and soul. Even if you see a really great affirmations in a book, change it somewhat so that it becomes yours.
3. Write your affirmations so that they are stated in a positive, powerful way.
4. Have a special time and place for your affirmations. Recite them with energy and conviction. Recite them on a regular basis - at least twice a day. And if an affirmation feels stale - tweak it, change it, or trash it and start over.
5. Develop a strong faith to support your affirmations. Without a strong faith, your affirmations have little chance of success.
6. Live your affirmations. Remember when I said that “you are your affirmations”? You have to embody them - live them. And your affirmations have to reflect who you are, how you feel and what you believe.
Affirmations are extremely powerful yet, they are one of the most overlooked techniques for personal growth. This is because most people do not understand how they work. Do yourself one of the biggest favors of your life, learn about the power of affirmations, and how to use them properly. Put these principles to work in your life. If you do, you will see your life change in ways that will pleasantly suprise and delight you.
James Boehm
We've all been exposed to the philosophy of using affirmations as part of our personal growth. But have you ever tried them? Most people who have tried using affirmations have done so with mixed results. Some people have trouble with affirmations because affirmations sometimes “feel like a lie”.
And frankly, a lot of people feel that they just don't work at all. But using affirmations is one of those teachings that just doesn't seem to go away. A lot of people still believe in them as I do and many respected speakers still preach the use of them.
But there are still some big questions about using affirmations:
1. If they do work, why don't they work all the time?
2. Is there a proper way to “say” them?
3. How long do I have to wait for what I'm affirming to show up ?
Well, I want to clear away some of the fog about using affirmations.
WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT AFFIRMATIONS?
Affirmations can be used to destroy bad habits and create good ones.
Affirmations can help you get clear and stay focused.
Affirmations can help you speed up the progress on your goals.
Affirmations keep you balanced and calm.
Affirmations can help you live the life you want.
Affirmations can change your life.
The key, is that you really need to know how to use them. It is important to first understand what affirmations are really all about. In a nutshell, affirmations are everything you think, say, believe and feel. So if you've ever recited affirmations that just didn't happen in your life, it's because there is some conflict between what you are saying and who you are.
Once you come to an understanding of what affirmations are, you need to know how they work. I don't have enough room in this article to explain it all, but understand that our affirmations directly relate to our energy. Our energy directly relates to the Universe. The Universe relates back to us. So in other words, our affirmations work, based on, (again), who we are.
Are you starting to notice a common thread? You see, the affirmations really have no power in the Universal scheme of things, it is you that has all the power. Affirmations are simply a tool; a tool for influencing you. And you - by way of your energy (or vibrations) and your actions, influence the Universal flow as it relates to your life.
SO WHAT DO AFFIRMATIONS ACTUALLY DO FOR YOU?
Affirmations are truly the key to getting yourself in line with what you want, need and desire in life. You see, affirmations, when used properly, change the way you think. They change the way you look at things; at yourself, your problems, your hopes and dreams. Once you change the way you think, feel and believe - you can then take the appropriate action to manifest your desires.
BUT THERE IS A FLIPSIDE
Affirmations operate in our lives whether we use them or not. If left unchecked, our affirmations are whatever feelings and thoughts are going on inside us. Those feelings and thoughts become our reality. That explains why we wind up with things in our lives that we don't want, and don't always get the things we do want. So whether you believe in the power of affirmations or not - they are already operating in your life. That's why it is wise to learn to understand and use them properly.
Now, I'm going to help you understand some very important principles about affirmations, so that you can start using them effectively today.
SIX KEY PRINCIPLES FOR USING AFFIRMATIONS EFFECTIVLY
1. Before using affirmations, take time to study how and why they work. Once you come to an understanding of them, your affirmations will become much more effective.
2. Using affirmations out of a book are fine, but the most effective ones are the ones you write yourself. When you write your own affirmations - they are you, from your heart and soul. Even if you see a really great affirmations in a book, change it somewhat so that it becomes yours.
3. Write your affirmations so that they are stated in a positive, powerful way.
4. Have a special time and place for your affirmations. Recite them with energy and conviction. Recite them on a regular basis - at least twice a day. And if an affirmation feels stale - tweak it, change it, or trash it and start over.
5. Develop a strong faith to support your affirmations. Without a strong faith, your affirmations have little chance of success.
6. Live your affirmations. Remember when I said that “you are your affirmations”? You have to embody them - live them. And your affirmations have to reflect who you are, how you feel and what you believe.
Affirmations are extremely powerful yet, they are one of the most overlooked techniques for personal growth. This is because most people do not understand how they work. Do yourself one of the biggest favors of your life, learn about the power of affirmations, and how to use them properly. Put these principles to work in your life. If you do, you will see your life change in ways that will pleasantly suprise and delight you.
James Boehm
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Your Attitude is Everything
Have you heard the saying, "Attitude Is Everything"? While attitude might not really be "everything", it is the single most significant determining factor of success in many situations.
Here's how it works:
Change your attitude and you automatically change:
1. your perspective
2. the way you interpret things
3. the decisions you make
4. the actions you take
5. the results you get
Changing your attitude can get you there more quickly, but it can also get you there in style, enjoying the ride more fully. This short cut is for everyone, because even if you have a great attitude already, it could always be better. It doesn't matter if you have a little goal or a massive dream, a small annoyance or a huge problem, shifting your attitude will help, and it might just radically transform your situation.
People tend to think of an attitude as being simply positive or negative. However, there are infinite possibilities such as: warm, friendly, confident, determined, unstoppable, silly, playful, easy-going, outrageous, peaceful, open-minded, compassionate, optimistic, and all of their negative counterparts. You can ultimately become very creative and experiment with different attitudes for different situations, which will lead you to being more powerful and effective.
Here's the problem. We often think it's hard or impossible to change our attitudes, so we don't try. The truth is that it's easy to change your attitude, if you know how.
Another big problem is that we tend to think our attitude is born of the situation. We think our attitude is the right attitude for the way things are. Therefore, our attitude goes unexamined and unquestioned. Almost everybody is guilty of this, however, our attitude is completely optional and flexible. It is possible to have any attitude in any situation, and there are no ultimate "right" attitudes for particular situations.
We also tend to think of our attitudes as part of our identities. We think, "It's just the way I am." We tend to think of our personalities as static things. In fact, when faced with a new challenge or situation, we make split second decisions about how to respond, and what attitude to adopt, based on our idea of "who we think we are". In this way, we perpetually re-create our attitudes, whether they be negative and disempowering or positive and self-empowering. While our personalities, and the attitudes that go with them, may appear to be somewhat static, they only appear that way because we keep making the same choices (often unconsciously) over and over again, moment to moment. The truth is that you can change "who you're being", and you can change your attitude, at any moment.
How To Shift Your Attitude
Intention: Decide what attitude you want to have, then set your intention to adopt that attitude. Frequently, this is all that is necessary to shift your attitude dramatically.
Break Your Pattern: If you catch yourself with a bad attitude, it can be useful to do something radical and surprising to break your pattern: jump up and down, dance in a circle, poor ice water over your head, sing at the top of your lungs, whistle a silly tune, put on some great music, or whatever to break your pattern. Then create a fresh attitude.
Role Models: Find people who are getting the kinds of results you would like to be getting. Watch them carefully to see what kind of attitude they have and how they express that attitude. Copy them.
Surround Yourself With Positive People: Attitudes are contagious. Who you surround yourself with and spend time with is probably influencing your attitudes way more than you are consciously aware. Enough said.
Ask Better Questions: We are constantly asking ourselves questions. Most of the time this is not a very conscious process. For example, something bad happens and we ask ourselves, "Why me?" Our minds start to find answers to that question, effectively building a case for why bad things happen to us, leading to a bad attitude, leading to more bad things happening. Make a list of the most empowering questions you can think of, and ask those instead. The possibilities are infinite.
Here are a few to get you started:
1) How can I turn this problem into an opportunity?
2) What would I do if I was already very successful?
3) Who do I need to be to achieve my dream?
4) What would my future (successful) self do?
Fake It Till You Make It: If adopting a new attitude feels difficult or awkward, just fake it till you make it. It really works. Act as if you have that attitude. Walk like someone with that attitude. Talk like they would talk. Breathe like they would breathe. Make the decisions they would make, etc.
Expose Yourself To Empowering Messages: Feeding your mind positive messages on a regular basis can really impact your attitude. You can read books, listen to recordings, go to seminars, etc.
Meditation: One of the things meditation is great for is supporting you to slow down and notice that your personality is not so static. Your personality, and the attitudes that accompany it, are something that you generate from moment to moment. This is an empowering realization.
Play With Perspectives: If you have a problem or a goal that you're not making enough progress on, it can be useful to play with perspectives. This loosens up your attitude, and helps you discover new possible attitudes. Get creative and try looking at your situation from several different perspectives.
For example, you can ask yourself:
1) What would a child's perspective be?
2) An elders?,
3) How would I approach this if I knew I could not fail,
4) What would Jesus/Buddha do?,
5) What would be the CEO's perspective?,
6) What would an expert think?,
7) What is the customer's perspective,
8) What would be the perspective of a wealthy person?,
9) A poor person,
10) What would (person you admire) do?,
11) What would my future self say?, etc... the possibilities are endless.
Give Up Reasons and Excuses:
This is a big one. We tend to stubbornly hold on to our attitudes. They become habits. We learn to justify them. We have reasons and excuses for them. You can choose to give up all of your reasons and excuses. Just give them up. Would you rather have your reasons and excuses, or would you rather get results?
Reminders: Write the attitude you want to adopt on a post-it note and put it somewhere so that you'll see it regularly. Ask a friend to remind you. Set an alarm that goes off every hour, etc. You get the idea.
Change Your Belief: If the above techniques don't work, you probably have an underlying negative belief that needs changing. For example, imagine a woman who believes all men are lying cheats. She would have a very hard time trying to create a positive attitude about dating. The above techniques will work to change most negative beliefs, but sometimes changing a stubborn belief requires stronger measures. However, that is the topic of a future article.
Exercise - Creating An Empowering Attitude
Step 1: Choose either a goal that you are having trouble achieving, or a stubborn problem that won't seem to go away. Write it down.
Step 2: Write down your current attitude or attitudes about this goal or problem
Step 3: Decide what attitude you want to have. Write it down. If choosing a new attitude is not easy, use the above technique: "Play With Perspective" to explore new possibilities.
Step 4: Set your intention to adopt the new attitude. Choose one or more of the above techniques to support you in adopting the new attitude. Write down the technique(s) you will use.
James Boehm
Daily Dose Of Good
Every Month A Million
8K A Week
Here's how it works:
Change your attitude and you automatically change:
1. your perspective
2. the way you interpret things
3. the decisions you make
4. the actions you take
5. the results you get
Changing your attitude can get you there more quickly, but it can also get you there in style, enjoying the ride more fully. This short cut is for everyone, because even if you have a great attitude already, it could always be better. It doesn't matter if you have a little goal or a massive dream, a small annoyance or a huge problem, shifting your attitude will help, and it might just radically transform your situation.
People tend to think of an attitude as being simply positive or negative. However, there are infinite possibilities such as: warm, friendly, confident, determined, unstoppable, silly, playful, easy-going, outrageous, peaceful, open-minded, compassionate, optimistic, and all of their negative counterparts. You can ultimately become very creative and experiment with different attitudes for different situations, which will lead you to being more powerful and effective.
Here's the problem. We often think it's hard or impossible to change our attitudes, so we don't try. The truth is that it's easy to change your attitude, if you know how.
Another big problem is that we tend to think our attitude is born of the situation. We think our attitude is the right attitude for the way things are. Therefore, our attitude goes unexamined and unquestioned. Almost everybody is guilty of this, however, our attitude is completely optional and flexible. It is possible to have any attitude in any situation, and there are no ultimate "right" attitudes for particular situations.
We also tend to think of our attitudes as part of our identities. We think, "It's just the way I am." We tend to think of our personalities as static things. In fact, when faced with a new challenge or situation, we make split second decisions about how to respond, and what attitude to adopt, based on our idea of "who we think we are". In this way, we perpetually re-create our attitudes, whether they be negative and disempowering or positive and self-empowering. While our personalities, and the attitudes that go with them, may appear to be somewhat static, they only appear that way because we keep making the same choices (often unconsciously) over and over again, moment to moment. The truth is that you can change "who you're being", and you can change your attitude, at any moment.
How To Shift Your Attitude
Intention: Decide what attitude you want to have, then set your intention to adopt that attitude. Frequently, this is all that is necessary to shift your attitude dramatically.
Break Your Pattern: If you catch yourself with a bad attitude, it can be useful to do something radical and surprising to break your pattern: jump up and down, dance in a circle, poor ice water over your head, sing at the top of your lungs, whistle a silly tune, put on some great music, or whatever to break your pattern. Then create a fresh attitude.
Role Models: Find people who are getting the kinds of results you would like to be getting. Watch them carefully to see what kind of attitude they have and how they express that attitude. Copy them.
Surround Yourself With Positive People: Attitudes are contagious. Who you surround yourself with and spend time with is probably influencing your attitudes way more than you are consciously aware. Enough said.
Ask Better Questions: We are constantly asking ourselves questions. Most of the time this is not a very conscious process. For example, something bad happens and we ask ourselves, "Why me?" Our minds start to find answers to that question, effectively building a case for why bad things happen to us, leading to a bad attitude, leading to more bad things happening. Make a list of the most empowering questions you can think of, and ask those instead. The possibilities are infinite.
Here are a few to get you started:
1) How can I turn this problem into an opportunity?
2) What would I do if I was already very successful?
3) Who do I need to be to achieve my dream?
4) What would my future (successful) self do?
Fake It Till You Make It: If adopting a new attitude feels difficult or awkward, just fake it till you make it. It really works. Act as if you have that attitude. Walk like someone with that attitude. Talk like they would talk. Breathe like they would breathe. Make the decisions they would make, etc.
Expose Yourself To Empowering Messages: Feeding your mind positive messages on a regular basis can really impact your attitude. You can read books, listen to recordings, go to seminars, etc.
Meditation: One of the things meditation is great for is supporting you to slow down and notice that your personality is not so static. Your personality, and the attitudes that accompany it, are something that you generate from moment to moment. This is an empowering realization.
Play With Perspectives: If you have a problem or a goal that you're not making enough progress on, it can be useful to play with perspectives. This loosens up your attitude, and helps you discover new possible attitudes. Get creative and try looking at your situation from several different perspectives.
For example, you can ask yourself:
1) What would a child's perspective be?
2) An elders?,
3) How would I approach this if I knew I could not fail,
4) What would Jesus/Buddha do?,
5) What would be the CEO's perspective?,
6) What would an expert think?,
7) What is the customer's perspective,
8) What would be the perspective of a wealthy person?,
9) A poor person,
10) What would (person you admire) do?,
11) What would my future self say?, etc... the possibilities are endless.
Give Up Reasons and Excuses:
This is a big one. We tend to stubbornly hold on to our attitudes. They become habits. We learn to justify them. We have reasons and excuses for them. You can choose to give up all of your reasons and excuses. Just give them up. Would you rather have your reasons and excuses, or would you rather get results?
Reminders: Write the attitude you want to adopt on a post-it note and put it somewhere so that you'll see it regularly. Ask a friend to remind you. Set an alarm that goes off every hour, etc. You get the idea.
Change Your Belief: If the above techniques don't work, you probably have an underlying negative belief that needs changing. For example, imagine a woman who believes all men are lying cheats. She would have a very hard time trying to create a positive attitude about dating. The above techniques will work to change most negative beliefs, but sometimes changing a stubborn belief requires stronger measures. However, that is the topic of a future article.
Exercise - Creating An Empowering Attitude
Step 1: Choose either a goal that you are having trouble achieving, or a stubborn problem that won't seem to go away. Write it down.
Step 2: Write down your current attitude or attitudes about this goal or problem
Step 3: Decide what attitude you want to have. Write it down. If choosing a new attitude is not easy, use the above technique: "Play With Perspective" to explore new possibilities.
Step 4: Set your intention to adopt the new attitude. Choose one or more of the above techniques to support you in adopting the new attitude. Write down the technique(s) you will use.
James Boehm
Daily Dose Of Good
Every Month A Million
8K A Week
Friday, October 30, 2009
Self-Confidence Builders: 6 ways you can start feeling better about yourself, starting now
When your self-confidence soars, everything benefits – your body, your relationships, possibly even your pocketbook.
Here are six simple things you can do today to build your self-confidence.
1. Listen to the way you talk to yourself. Experts say that a full 70 to 80% of our thoughts are negative, and that can eat away at your self-confidence - day in and day out. It may sound corny, but changing your inner monologue can help your self-confidence in untold ways.
Here are some ideas:
Set a timer for random, intermittent periods of time. When the alarm goes off, immediately tune in to find out what you were thinking about. If it’s negative, make a conscious effort to bring your thoughts immediately into something more positive.
Write your own affirmations. Say them twice daily – or record them into a tape recorder and listen to them in your car or while doing daily chores.
Ask a friend to listen for negativity in your conversations. When negativity crops up, immediately say something positive.
Listen to behavior modification audios that target negative self-talk. These can be really effective – and come in both subliminal and non-subliminal varieties.
2. Look your best. Superficial as it may sound, the way you feel about your appearance on a daily basis can really build self-confidence. Go through a stack of magazines and tear out photos of hairstyles and clothing that are appealing to you. How can you incorporate some of those images into your present look? It takes just minutes a day to polish your appearance, and you’ll instantly look and feel more self-confident. When you look and feel more confident, you’ll act more confident. And when you act more confident, you’ll be more confident.
3. Stand up straight. When you are feeling down, you are more likely to slouch and frown, which can make a bad mood even worse. Next time you don’t feel like smiling, pull your shoulders back, stand tall, and smile. Before you know it, your smile will be genuine. And you will be exhibiting a more self-confident you to the world.
4. Examine the energy of your friends. What kind of energy do you emit with friends? What kind of energy do your friends emit? Here’s a good litmus test: How do you feel about yourself and the world immediately after you leave the company of your friend? If you feel down and critical, make an effort to be around more positive, self-confident people. Their energy will rub off on you.
5. Catalog your positives. Make a long list of all the accomplishments that you are proud of, and post it where you can see it every day. Now make a list of the personality characteristics that you are proud of. What makes you unique? Celebrate yourself and all the things that make you, you – without trying to change them.
6. Be grateful. Start your day by jotting down 5 things you are looking forward to. And end your day by writing 5 things you enjoyed. By acknowledging the blessings in our lives, we get a sense for the bigger picture and our larger life purpose, which is much, much more than the day-to-day obstacles of our lives.
I will have much more on building your self-confidence in future post, for now use the six simple steps . They work!
Every Month A Million and your Daily Dose Of Good
Here are six simple things you can do today to build your self-confidence.
1. Listen to the way you talk to yourself. Experts say that a full 70 to 80% of our thoughts are negative, and that can eat away at your self-confidence - day in and day out. It may sound corny, but changing your inner monologue can help your self-confidence in untold ways.
Here are some ideas:
Set a timer for random, intermittent periods of time. When the alarm goes off, immediately tune in to find out what you were thinking about. If it’s negative, make a conscious effort to bring your thoughts immediately into something more positive.
Write your own affirmations. Say them twice daily – or record them into a tape recorder and listen to them in your car or while doing daily chores.
Ask a friend to listen for negativity in your conversations. When negativity crops up, immediately say something positive.
Listen to behavior modification audios that target negative self-talk. These can be really effective – and come in both subliminal and non-subliminal varieties.
2. Look your best. Superficial as it may sound, the way you feel about your appearance on a daily basis can really build self-confidence. Go through a stack of magazines and tear out photos of hairstyles and clothing that are appealing to you. How can you incorporate some of those images into your present look? It takes just minutes a day to polish your appearance, and you’ll instantly look and feel more self-confident. When you look and feel more confident, you’ll act more confident. And when you act more confident, you’ll be more confident.
3. Stand up straight. When you are feeling down, you are more likely to slouch and frown, which can make a bad mood even worse. Next time you don’t feel like smiling, pull your shoulders back, stand tall, and smile. Before you know it, your smile will be genuine. And you will be exhibiting a more self-confident you to the world.
4. Examine the energy of your friends. What kind of energy do you emit with friends? What kind of energy do your friends emit? Here’s a good litmus test: How do you feel about yourself and the world immediately after you leave the company of your friend? If you feel down and critical, make an effort to be around more positive, self-confident people. Their energy will rub off on you.
5. Catalog your positives. Make a long list of all the accomplishments that you are proud of, and post it where you can see it every day. Now make a list of the personality characteristics that you are proud of. What makes you unique? Celebrate yourself and all the things that make you, you – without trying to change them.
6. Be grateful. Start your day by jotting down 5 things you are looking forward to. And end your day by writing 5 things you enjoyed. By acknowledging the blessings in our lives, we get a sense for the bigger picture and our larger life purpose, which is much, much more than the day-to-day obstacles of our lives.
I will have much more on building your self-confidence in future post, for now use the six simple steps . They work!
Every Month A Million and your Daily Dose Of Good
Friday, October 9, 2009
Have Faith in Yourself
How many times have you heard successful people say that one of the most important lessons they learned on their journey to success was having faith in themselves?
Now for many this is not only a tall order it's what blocks them from ever succeeding.
What does it mean to have faith in one's self?
Well basically it means the ability to recognize the value of what it is that you came here to contribute to this planet.
Now many might say that they don't even know what it is that they came here to contribute. If that is you, you are allowing yourself to fall into a state of self doubt that is undermining your connection to your inner wisdom and therefore the awareness of that purpose. You see everyone has a purpose in being here and you simply need to reconnect to it. More on that in another article.
Suppose that you do know what you came here to contribute but are struggling with the value of that contribution here is what you can do.
See yourself making that contribution in some way and then notice what you feel inside yourself and where you feel it.
If you feel any of the following there:
A feeling of lightness, joy, contentment, sense of peace, relief, expansive, open, clear, buoyant, present, energized, radiant, uplifted, inspiration etc.
Then ask yourself whether you like that feeling.
If you do then simply admit that to yourself.
Then notice how you feel.
You should feel even more anchored in the positive experience you were having before.
Let me explain what has just happened.
In this exercise you have reconnected to your inner wisdom and allowed it to verify for you the importance and value of your contribution here.
The value was communicated to you in the feelings you had when you went through the exercise itself. It is in that feeling that lays the desire and inspiration to propel you forward in achieving your goals and your dreams.
Now that you feel it remembers it and revisit it often. It will sustain you. In fact it is the source of all your passion for contribution and for life itself.
Allowing yourself to do this is what I mean by having faith in yourself.
Have Faith and Believe in Yourself
Lack of belief in oneself is a killer. It doesn’t help you at all. And you need no one else but yourself to turn things around. Here are a few encouraging words to help you put a little faith into yourself.
Think of your dream and imagine yourself reaching that. Always thinking that you’re capable of succeeding can help the thought sink into your subconscious. Remember, failure begins with disbelief.
Stop thinking of what you can’t do but begin to be think of the things that you can do. Be a “yes” type of person. At least to yourself.
When grabbing opportunities, place your heart into it. Again, believe that you’ll make things happen this time around.
Think BIG, believe BIG. As that realistic proverb says, “Aim for the roof, you fall on the floor. Aim for the sky and you fall on the roof.” But just concentrate on soaring upwards. At Every Month A Million we will get you there.
As you can see, it’s all in the mind. Start with positive thoughts and the rest will follow.
Now for many this is not only a tall order it's what blocks them from ever succeeding.
What does it mean to have faith in one's self?
Well basically it means the ability to recognize the value of what it is that you came here to contribute to this planet.
Now many might say that they don't even know what it is that they came here to contribute. If that is you, you are allowing yourself to fall into a state of self doubt that is undermining your connection to your inner wisdom and therefore the awareness of that purpose. You see everyone has a purpose in being here and you simply need to reconnect to it. More on that in another article.
Suppose that you do know what you came here to contribute but are struggling with the value of that contribution here is what you can do.
See yourself making that contribution in some way and then notice what you feel inside yourself and where you feel it.
If you feel any of the following there:
A feeling of lightness, joy, contentment, sense of peace, relief, expansive, open, clear, buoyant, present, energized, radiant, uplifted, inspiration etc.
Then ask yourself whether you like that feeling.
If you do then simply admit that to yourself.
Then notice how you feel.
You should feel even more anchored in the positive experience you were having before.
Let me explain what has just happened.
In this exercise you have reconnected to your inner wisdom and allowed it to verify for you the importance and value of your contribution here.
The value was communicated to you in the feelings you had when you went through the exercise itself. It is in that feeling that lays the desire and inspiration to propel you forward in achieving your goals and your dreams.
Now that you feel it remembers it and revisit it often. It will sustain you. In fact it is the source of all your passion for contribution and for life itself.
Allowing yourself to do this is what I mean by having faith in yourself.
Have Faith and Believe in Yourself
Lack of belief in oneself is a killer. It doesn’t help you at all. And you need no one else but yourself to turn things around. Here are a few encouraging words to help you put a little faith into yourself.
Think of your dream and imagine yourself reaching that. Always thinking that you’re capable of succeeding can help the thought sink into your subconscious. Remember, failure begins with disbelief.
Stop thinking of what you can’t do but begin to be think of the things that you can do. Be a “yes” type of person. At least to yourself.
When grabbing opportunities, place your heart into it. Again, believe that you’ll make things happen this time around.
Think BIG, believe BIG. As that realistic proverb says, “Aim for the roof, you fall on the floor. Aim for the sky and you fall on the roof.” But just concentrate on soaring upwards. At Every Month A Million we will get you there.
As you can see, it’s all in the mind. Start with positive thoughts and the rest will follow.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Mastering Your Mind Power
You have decided to make some positive changes in your life to master your mind power with the intention of producing more outcomes that are in alignment with what you desire. You have identified things, conditions, circumstances, and people you no longer want in your life.
You have also identified what things, conditions, circumstances, and people you desire to have in your life, as they are the exact opposite of what you DO NOT WANT. In addition, you have agreed that affirmations are a very powerful (FREE) tool available to you to instill new thoughts, images and beliefs in your mind so you have decided to begin a regimen using them.
Your DO WANT list is probably fairly long. I would strongly urge you to prioritize it and choose the top three items from your newly prioritized list with which to begin. Most credible teachers and authors recommend repeating your affirmations at least three times a day, upon arising, at midday and just before retiring. I concur and I would strongly suggest your repeating them more often if possible.
The question of how many repetitions should be in each set and how does one keep count of them often arises. I have yet to find anyone who offers a definitive, magical number of repetitions. You must choose that number for yourself. You are working with your own mind and it might take a little while to come up with a comfortable number. I personally chose to do 25 repetitions per set.
To keep count, I constructed a rosary-like, bead bracelet. I went to the notion section of a discount store, picked up some inexpensive beads, and a roll of stretch string. I put 25 beads on a section of string, tied a stop-knot at the end of it so as to leave about an inch of slide-space.
I would begin on either side of the slide-space and slide one bead forward as I completed an affirmation. The knot in the string indicated when I reached the 25th bead so I did not have focus on keeping count. The bracelet turned out to be a perfect fit for my wrist so I wore it 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
I can promise you that early on in you affirmation regimen, tail enders will make their appearance. A tail ender, is a term for the negative counter (or a reversal) to your affirmation, and it is one of the most effective tools used by your self image in its attempt to keep you in your DO NOT WANT world and to keep itself in control of your life.
If a tail ender is not addressed immediately, it gradually re-establishes itself as your TRUE affirmation. Thus you are stopped dead in your tracks on your new, life-changing journey. Like a powerful magnet, it will pull you back into the waiting arms of the old self image and your old consistent thoughts.
It is my belief, evidenced by my past experiences, that the lack of knowledge about tail enders and the absence of effective strategies and tools to counter them push most people off their positive, life-changing course and back into their DO NOT WANT world comfort zone soon after even the most promising beginnings.
Overcoming Fear
Most of the fears we experience are irrational. In other words, there is no valid reason that we should be influenced by them because they are not based on any real, physical event, person, or thing. The effect on the vast majority of people in our society, however, is poverty-mindedness and inability to enjoy the wealth that is all around. Fear is the single greatest reason that you and millions of other people have not and are not now living more of the lives you desire.
Irrational fear has become the filters through which your self image directs nearly every decision you make, especially if the decision involves finances. Irrational fear is a major factor that keeps 95% of the population either in poverty or struggling to live on paycheck to paycheck jobs. Since, in a the state of fear, calm, rational thinking is literally pushed aside, any decision you make in this state is generally not going to be in your best interest.
Obviously, in order for you to succeed at mastering your mind power and having more of the life you desire, some of your fears must be faced and overcome. Please do not despair. The overcoming of fear is not as difficult as it might sound, and I am not suggesting that you overcome all of your fears. Remember, some of them may be so deep seated that the services of a qualified, professional therapist might be required.
It is critical that you identify the fear or fears standing between you and your desires. Here is a process that worked for me. I began to consciously observe my reactions and feelings whenever (for example) money issues came up in conversations with my wife or other members of my family.
If something as simple as an extended vacation came up, I would begin to sense those fear feelings in the pit of my stomach that we would need the money that we would spend on the vacation for something more pressing, and I would produce various reasons why an extended vacation was not a good idea. If something as serious as starting a business or investing in capital properties entered our conversation, the fear of the possible loss of our hard-earned money would sometimes become so acute that I would have trouble sleeping at night.
One day it dawned upon me that I had learned from my studies that I needed to focus on my desires more than I focused on fear. Once I began to consistently imagine the joy of seeing and visiting with my family, old friends, and new places, the fear of needing the money for something more pressing faded more and more. There really was nothing more pressing.
As for starting a business, I reasoned that by choosing Every Month A Million I would be able to have all my desires, and dreams. In other words, the imagined gain and joy of achieving my desires became greater than the imagined fear.
You too must go through a process of your choosing to overcome the fear within you. Life on this planet is too short to give it over to fears, most of which do not exist in reality and never will. One of the saddest commentaries on human history is the abundant availability of great wealth but fear all too often succeeds in blinding us to the possibility of having that wealth.
However, this I know for sure. You can claim or re-claim control of your own mind power. You are the most miraculous of all living beings on earth. You are the owner of a mind that is so stupendous, that as you truly begin mastering your mind power and consciously using it, there is no dream that you can dream that you cannot achieve.
You have also identified what things, conditions, circumstances, and people you desire to have in your life, as they are the exact opposite of what you DO NOT WANT. In addition, you have agreed that affirmations are a very powerful (FREE) tool available to you to instill new thoughts, images and beliefs in your mind so you have decided to begin a regimen using them.
Your DO WANT list is probably fairly long. I would strongly urge you to prioritize it and choose the top three items from your newly prioritized list with which to begin. Most credible teachers and authors recommend repeating your affirmations at least three times a day, upon arising, at midday and just before retiring. I concur and I would strongly suggest your repeating them more often if possible.
The question of how many repetitions should be in each set and how does one keep count of them often arises. I have yet to find anyone who offers a definitive, magical number of repetitions. You must choose that number for yourself. You are working with your own mind and it might take a little while to come up with a comfortable number. I personally chose to do 25 repetitions per set.
To keep count, I constructed a rosary-like, bead bracelet. I went to the notion section of a discount store, picked up some inexpensive beads, and a roll of stretch string. I put 25 beads on a section of string, tied a stop-knot at the end of it so as to leave about an inch of slide-space.
I would begin on either side of the slide-space and slide one bead forward as I completed an affirmation. The knot in the string indicated when I reached the 25th bead so I did not have focus on keeping count. The bracelet turned out to be a perfect fit for my wrist so I wore it 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
I can promise you that early on in you affirmation regimen, tail enders will make their appearance. A tail ender, is a term for the negative counter (or a reversal) to your affirmation, and it is one of the most effective tools used by your self image in its attempt to keep you in your DO NOT WANT world and to keep itself in control of your life.
If a tail ender is not addressed immediately, it gradually re-establishes itself as your TRUE affirmation. Thus you are stopped dead in your tracks on your new, life-changing journey. Like a powerful magnet, it will pull you back into the waiting arms of the old self image and your old consistent thoughts.
It is my belief, evidenced by my past experiences, that the lack of knowledge about tail enders and the absence of effective strategies and tools to counter them push most people off their positive, life-changing course and back into their DO NOT WANT world comfort zone soon after even the most promising beginnings.
Overcoming Fear
Most of the fears we experience are irrational. In other words, there is no valid reason that we should be influenced by them because they are not based on any real, physical event, person, or thing. The effect on the vast majority of people in our society, however, is poverty-mindedness and inability to enjoy the wealth that is all around. Fear is the single greatest reason that you and millions of other people have not and are not now living more of the lives you desire.
Irrational fear has become the filters through which your self image directs nearly every decision you make, especially if the decision involves finances. Irrational fear is a major factor that keeps 95% of the population either in poverty or struggling to live on paycheck to paycheck jobs. Since, in a the state of fear, calm, rational thinking is literally pushed aside, any decision you make in this state is generally not going to be in your best interest.
Obviously, in order for you to succeed at mastering your mind power and having more of the life you desire, some of your fears must be faced and overcome. Please do not despair. The overcoming of fear is not as difficult as it might sound, and I am not suggesting that you overcome all of your fears. Remember, some of them may be so deep seated that the services of a qualified, professional therapist might be required.
It is critical that you identify the fear or fears standing between you and your desires. Here is a process that worked for me. I began to consciously observe my reactions and feelings whenever (for example) money issues came up in conversations with my wife or other members of my family.
If something as simple as an extended vacation came up, I would begin to sense those fear feelings in the pit of my stomach that we would need the money that we would spend on the vacation for something more pressing, and I would produce various reasons why an extended vacation was not a good idea. If something as serious as starting a business or investing in capital properties entered our conversation, the fear of the possible loss of our hard-earned money would sometimes become so acute that I would have trouble sleeping at night.
One day it dawned upon me that I had learned from my studies that I needed to focus on my desires more than I focused on fear. Once I began to consistently imagine the joy of seeing and visiting with my family, old friends, and new places, the fear of needing the money for something more pressing faded more and more. There really was nothing more pressing.
As for starting a business, I reasoned that by choosing Every Month A Million I would be able to have all my desires, and dreams. In other words, the imagined gain and joy of achieving my desires became greater than the imagined fear.
You too must go through a process of your choosing to overcome the fear within you. Life on this planet is too short to give it over to fears, most of which do not exist in reality and never will. One of the saddest commentaries on human history is the abundant availability of great wealth but fear all too often succeeds in blinding us to the possibility of having that wealth.
However, this I know for sure. You can claim or re-claim control of your own mind power. You are the most miraculous of all living beings on earth. You are the owner of a mind that is so stupendous, that as you truly begin mastering your mind power and consciously using it, there is no dream that you can dream that you cannot achieve.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Action Steps To Develop Your Attitude Of Gratitude
Ok, now that you have a feel for the importance of expressing gratitude in your day to day outcomes, regardless of what they are, let's explore a few ways to develop an attitude of gratitude that will positively effect what you see manifest in your life everyday.
By focusing on and compiling a list of the things that you are grateful for in your life actually accomplishes a few extremely effective things at the same time.
#1 It allows you to bring into your conscious awareness the good things that are happening in your life on a day to day basis, and with repetition, will take your focus off of what you perceive as the negative aspects of any situation.
It's purpose is to put you more into a mindset of finding that you really do have good, positive things happening to you in all areas of your life, and shifts the focus off of what you perceive to be negative.
In essence it is a conscious choice to focus on gratitude rather than choosing what the mass majority does which is "unconsciously" allowing their thoughts, emotions and focus to run wild all the while believing that their a victim of circumstance rather than a creator of circumstance.
It's no secret that life can deal what "appears" and is often "perceived" to be a bad hand sometimes, but if you will look hard for it, you can find the good in any situation. Sometimes the answer isn't readily available, but just the knowing that all things happen for the greater good, is enough to keep you from falling into resistance, and keep it from getting worse.
#2 By shifting the focus off of only the negative aspect of a situation, you are able to see more clearly the positive things that can come out of this situation, which in turn puts you into more of a vibrational state that will attract the things that you desire.
#3 While you are doing this procedure, it is automatically rewriting the negative script that through repetition, you have allowed to be written in your subconscious and replacing it with positive and productive scripting that will deliver to you, more positive and productive outcomes.
Technique #1 : The Mental Gratitude List
By developing the discipline to practice this technique every day, you will find that it becomes easier and easier to do, and the results, meaning the attraction of more to express gratitude for, will be dramatic.
There are actually several ways that you can do gratitude exercises. Personally I find what works best for me is to mentally go over my list of things to be grateful for as I meditate . The reason this is such an effective method is because during meditation, your brain wave activity is lowered dramatically into an alpha state, which allows the affirmations to penetrate deeper into the subconscious portion of your mind, and has a quicker, deeper, and longer lasting effect with less effort.
If your not into the meditation thing, you can also go over a mental list as you do the things that relax you, such as working in the garden, walking in the park, going fishing, or whatever relaxation activities that you do.
It's not nearly as important precisely how you do your gratitude exercises as it is that you make certain to do them.
You'll find that doing your gratitude work consistently delivers results more quickly, and is much more effective if you can do it while you are in a more relaxed state of mind.
If you are at a place where you are totally unable to quite your mind and anxious most of the time, you may find the next method to be more effective, initially.
Technique #2 : The Written Out Gratitude List
This method is equally as effective and actually accomplishes the same end result as the first technique.
Just take out a piece of paper and make a hand written list of the things that you can think of that you are grateful for. Think deeply about each area of your life and begin to write in detail the good things that come to your mind as you write.
Don't fight it or strain attempting to come up with things, just "allow" them to flow.
Depending on your particular situation, you may find that it's hard to come up with things to be grateful for initially, so dig deep and things will begin to flow. Make sure though that you are finding and writing things that you are sincerely grateful for. If the emotion isn't there, the result won't be either.
To give an example, let's say that your working on a relationship issue. You and your significant other have been at odds for some time and you are feeling really hurt and angry over the situation. Although your state of mind is telling you how angry you are, think about the good that you saw in this person that attracted you to them initially. Begin to write down what comes to mind and more will follow. Write in as much detail as you are able regarding each item on your list. If it is hard initially, that's OK, just do the best you can. It will become easier and easier the more you practice at it.
Utilize this technique in whatever area of your life you are working on, regardless if it's money, health, relationships, or all three. It is extremely powerful and with practice and persistence you will begin to see circumstances begin to change almost magically.
Make a commitment to yourself that you will do this at least once per day and stick to that commitment. It doesn't have to take a long time. Even 5 minutes is better than not at all. Put into it the time that you can spare, but make sure you do it every day.
You'll be pleased with the results.
There are a few quotes that come to mind with regard to gratitude and the power that it has.
One is...
"When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears" -Anthony Robbins
Another is...
When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." - Wayne Dyer
And an even more powerful one that provides VERY specific instruction with regard to gratitude is...
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." -The Bible-Phil 4:6-7 NKJV
Ok...just one more and I'll stop...I PROMISE!!
"Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation." -Brian Tracy
The bottom line is that gratitude plays an extremely important role in beginning to consciously and intentionally create desired outcomes in your life...EXTREMELY important!!
It's my hope that you'll think about this and choose gratitude for yourself. It will make ALL the difference.
I would encourage you to develop your understanding with regard to the importance of gratitude and how from a "deeper perspective" it does serve to mold and shape a far more pleasing quality of life.
By focusing on and compiling a list of the things that you are grateful for in your life actually accomplishes a few extremely effective things at the same time.
#1 It allows you to bring into your conscious awareness the good things that are happening in your life on a day to day basis, and with repetition, will take your focus off of what you perceive as the negative aspects of any situation.
It's purpose is to put you more into a mindset of finding that you really do have good, positive things happening to you in all areas of your life, and shifts the focus off of what you perceive to be negative.
In essence it is a conscious choice to focus on gratitude rather than choosing what the mass majority does which is "unconsciously" allowing their thoughts, emotions and focus to run wild all the while believing that their a victim of circumstance rather than a creator of circumstance.
It's no secret that life can deal what "appears" and is often "perceived" to be a bad hand sometimes, but if you will look hard for it, you can find the good in any situation. Sometimes the answer isn't readily available, but just the knowing that all things happen for the greater good, is enough to keep you from falling into resistance, and keep it from getting worse.
#2 By shifting the focus off of only the negative aspect of a situation, you are able to see more clearly the positive things that can come out of this situation, which in turn puts you into more of a vibrational state that will attract the things that you desire.
#3 While you are doing this procedure, it is automatically rewriting the negative script that through repetition, you have allowed to be written in your subconscious and replacing it with positive and productive scripting that will deliver to you, more positive and productive outcomes.
Technique #1 : The Mental Gratitude List
By developing the discipline to practice this technique every day, you will find that it becomes easier and easier to do, and the results, meaning the attraction of more to express gratitude for, will be dramatic.
There are actually several ways that you can do gratitude exercises. Personally I find what works best for me is to mentally go over my list of things to be grateful for as I meditate . The reason this is such an effective method is because during meditation, your brain wave activity is lowered dramatically into an alpha state, which allows the affirmations to penetrate deeper into the subconscious portion of your mind, and has a quicker, deeper, and longer lasting effect with less effort.
If your not into the meditation thing, you can also go over a mental list as you do the things that relax you, such as working in the garden, walking in the park, going fishing, or whatever relaxation activities that you do.
It's not nearly as important precisely how you do your gratitude exercises as it is that you make certain to do them.
You'll find that doing your gratitude work consistently delivers results more quickly, and is much more effective if you can do it while you are in a more relaxed state of mind.
If you are at a place where you are totally unable to quite your mind and anxious most of the time, you may find the next method to be more effective, initially.
Technique #2 : The Written Out Gratitude List
This method is equally as effective and actually accomplishes the same end result as the first technique.
Just take out a piece of paper and make a hand written list of the things that you can think of that you are grateful for. Think deeply about each area of your life and begin to write in detail the good things that come to your mind as you write.
Don't fight it or strain attempting to come up with things, just "allow" them to flow.
Depending on your particular situation, you may find that it's hard to come up with things to be grateful for initially, so dig deep and things will begin to flow. Make sure though that you are finding and writing things that you are sincerely grateful for. If the emotion isn't there, the result won't be either.
To give an example, let's say that your working on a relationship issue. You and your significant other have been at odds for some time and you are feeling really hurt and angry over the situation. Although your state of mind is telling you how angry you are, think about the good that you saw in this person that attracted you to them initially. Begin to write down what comes to mind and more will follow. Write in as much detail as you are able regarding each item on your list. If it is hard initially, that's OK, just do the best you can. It will become easier and easier the more you practice at it.
Utilize this technique in whatever area of your life you are working on, regardless if it's money, health, relationships, or all three. It is extremely powerful and with practice and persistence you will begin to see circumstances begin to change almost magically.
Make a commitment to yourself that you will do this at least once per day and stick to that commitment. It doesn't have to take a long time. Even 5 minutes is better than not at all. Put into it the time that you can spare, but make sure you do it every day.
You'll be pleased with the results.
There are a few quotes that come to mind with regard to gratitude and the power that it has.
One is...
"When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears" -Anthony Robbins
Another is...
When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." - Wayne Dyer
And an even more powerful one that provides VERY specific instruction with regard to gratitude is...
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." -The Bible-Phil 4:6-7 NKJV
Ok...just one more and I'll stop...I PROMISE!!
"Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation." -Brian Tracy
The bottom line is that gratitude plays an extremely important role in beginning to consciously and intentionally create desired outcomes in your life...EXTREMELY important!!
It's my hope that you'll think about this and choose gratitude for yourself. It will make ALL the difference.
I would encourage you to develop your understanding with regard to the importance of gratitude and how from a "deeper perspective" it does serve to mold and shape a far more pleasing quality of life.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
The Power of Affirmations
Positive affirmations are positive sentences repeated many times in order to impress the subconscious mind and trigger it into action. These sentences describe a situation that we desire to happen, and are repeated many times, with conviction, attention and feelings.
Imagine that you are swimming with your friends in a swimming pool. They swim fifteen rounds, something you have never done before. As you desire the respect of your friends, you want to show them that you can make it too. You start swimming, and at the same time keep repeating in your mind: "I can do it, I can do it...". You keep thinking and believing that you are going to complete the fifteen rounds. What are you actually doing? You are repeating positive affirmations.
More than often people repeat negative sentences and statements, concerning diverse situations in their lives, and consequently bring upon themselves undesirable situations. Affirmations work both ways, to build and to destroy. They are a kind of a neutral power. It is the way we use them that determines whether they are going to bring good or harmful results.
Affirmations are similar to creative visualization. The repeated words build mental images and scenes in the mind. The words help to focus on the aim, object or situation one wants to achieve or create. Frequent repetitions make the subconscious mind accept them, and then it influences and affects the way one thinks, acts and behaves.
The conscious mind, the mind you think with, starts this process, and then the subconscious mind takes charge. This means that the most frequent thoughts that pass through your mind, ultimately affect your life and your destiny.
Affirmations work like commands that are given to a computer. They influence us, other people, events and circumstances. It might seem strange to you, but they do also influence the people we meet, our circumstances and the events we encounter.
Sometimes they work fast, but more often they need time. Repeating positive affirmations a few minutes, and then thinking negatively, neutralizes the effects of the positive words. You have to refuse negative thoughts, otherwise you will not attain positive results.
We often repeat affirmations, without even being aware of the process. We use them when we tell ourselves that we can't do something, that we are too lazy, or when we believe we are going to fail. The subconscious mind always accepts follows what we tell it. It is the same principle at work when we say to ourselves that we can do it, or we cannot, when say we are going to succeed and when we keep saying that we are going to fail. It is the same power working both ways. Why not choose the better way?
How to Repeat Affirmations
It is better to repeat affirmations that are not too long. A short sentence is quite enough. They can be repeated, when your mind is not engaged in something in particular, such as when traveling in a bus or a train, waiting in line, walking etc, but do not affirm while driving yourself or crossing a street. You may also repeat them in special sessions of about ten minutes each, several times a day.
There should be no physical, emotional or mental tension while repeating them. The stronger the concentration, the more faith you have in what you are doing, the more feelings you put into the act, the stronger and faster will be the results.
It is very important to choose only positive affirmations. If for example you desire to lose weight, do not say, "I am not fat, I am losing weight." By saying this sentence you are repeating to your subconscious mind that you are fat. The word "losing" also evokes negative images. It is better to say, "My body has an athletic form, and weighs the right and healthy weight". Such words evoke positive images in the mind. It is important to affirm using in the present tense, not the future tense. Saying: "I will be rich", means that you intend to be rich one day, in the indefinite future. You are actually telling yourself that some day you will be rich, never now. It is better and more effective to say, and also feel, "I am rich now", and the subconscious mind will work overtime to make this happen now, in the present.
As to results, sometimes they may come fast, and at other times may take more time to manifest. Achieving results through the power of affirmations depends on how much time, energy, faith and feelings you invest in your affirmations, on how big or small is your goal, and on how strong is your desire.
By using the power of affirmations you state what you want to be true in your life. You see reality, as you want it to be. For a while, you ignore your current circumstances and your doubts, and concentrate on a different reality.
Positive Affirmations
- I am healthy and happy.
- Wealth is pouring into my life.
- I am flowing on the river of wealth.
- I am getting wealthier each day.
- My body is healthy and functioning in a very good way.
- I have a lot of energy.
- I study and comprehend fast.
- I am getting A's in my exams.
- My mind is calm.
- I am calm and relaxed in every situation.
- My thoughts are under my control.
- I radiate love and happiness.
- I am surrounded by love.
- I have the perfect job for me.
- I am living in the house of my dreams.
- I have good and loving relations with my wife/husband.
- I have a wonderful satisfying job.
- I have the means to travel abroad whenever I want to.
- I am successful in whatever I do.
- Everything is getting better every day.
Imagine that you are swimming with your friends in a swimming pool. They swim fifteen rounds, something you have never done before. As you desire the respect of your friends, you want to show them that you can make it too. You start swimming, and at the same time keep repeating in your mind: "I can do it, I can do it...". You keep thinking and believing that you are going to complete the fifteen rounds. What are you actually doing? You are repeating positive affirmations.
More than often people repeat negative sentences and statements, concerning diverse situations in their lives, and consequently bring upon themselves undesirable situations. Affirmations work both ways, to build and to destroy. They are a kind of a neutral power. It is the way we use them that determines whether they are going to bring good or harmful results.
Affirmations are similar to creative visualization. The repeated words build mental images and scenes in the mind. The words help to focus on the aim, object or situation one wants to achieve or create. Frequent repetitions make the subconscious mind accept them, and then it influences and affects the way one thinks, acts and behaves.
The conscious mind, the mind you think with, starts this process, and then the subconscious mind takes charge. This means that the most frequent thoughts that pass through your mind, ultimately affect your life and your destiny.
Affirmations work like commands that are given to a computer. They influence us, other people, events and circumstances. It might seem strange to you, but they do also influence the people we meet, our circumstances and the events we encounter.
Sometimes they work fast, but more often they need time. Repeating positive affirmations a few minutes, and then thinking negatively, neutralizes the effects of the positive words. You have to refuse negative thoughts, otherwise you will not attain positive results.
We often repeat affirmations, without even being aware of the process. We use them when we tell ourselves that we can't do something, that we are too lazy, or when we believe we are going to fail. The subconscious mind always accepts follows what we tell it. It is the same principle at work when we say to ourselves that we can do it, or we cannot, when say we are going to succeed and when we keep saying that we are going to fail. It is the same power working both ways. Why not choose the better way?
How to Repeat Affirmations
It is better to repeat affirmations that are not too long. A short sentence is quite enough. They can be repeated, when your mind is not engaged in something in particular, such as when traveling in a bus or a train, waiting in line, walking etc, but do not affirm while driving yourself or crossing a street. You may also repeat them in special sessions of about ten minutes each, several times a day.
There should be no physical, emotional or mental tension while repeating them. The stronger the concentration, the more faith you have in what you are doing, the more feelings you put into the act, the stronger and faster will be the results.
It is very important to choose only positive affirmations. If for example you desire to lose weight, do not say, "I am not fat, I am losing weight." By saying this sentence you are repeating to your subconscious mind that you are fat. The word "losing" also evokes negative images. It is better to say, "My body has an athletic form, and weighs the right and healthy weight". Such words evoke positive images in the mind. It is important to affirm using in the present tense, not the future tense. Saying: "I will be rich", means that you intend to be rich one day, in the indefinite future. You are actually telling yourself that some day you will be rich, never now. It is better and more effective to say, and also feel, "I am rich now", and the subconscious mind will work overtime to make this happen now, in the present.
As to results, sometimes they may come fast, and at other times may take more time to manifest. Achieving results through the power of affirmations depends on how much time, energy, faith and feelings you invest in your affirmations, on how big or small is your goal, and on how strong is your desire.
By using the power of affirmations you state what you want to be true in your life. You see reality, as you want it to be. For a while, you ignore your current circumstances and your doubts, and concentrate on a different reality.
Positive Affirmations
- I am healthy and happy.
- Wealth is pouring into my life.
- I am flowing on the river of wealth.
- I am getting wealthier each day.
- My body is healthy and functioning in a very good way.
- I have a lot of energy.
- I study and comprehend fast.
- I am getting A's in my exams.
- My mind is calm.
- I am calm and relaxed in every situation.
- My thoughts are under my control.
- I radiate love and happiness.
- I am surrounded by love.
- I have the perfect job for me.
- I am living in the house of my dreams.
- I have good and loving relations with my wife/husband.
- I have a wonderful satisfying job.
- I have the means to travel abroad whenever I want to.
- I am successful in whatever I do.
- Everything is getting better every day.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Attitude Is Everything
One of the greatest powers in the universe is individual power of choice. And the most powerful choices are positive choices.
The POWER in LIFE is CHOICE.
The following story describes how powerful choosing to keep a positive attitude can impact your life.
Jerry was the kind of guy you love to hate. He was always in a good mood and always had something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"
He was a unique manager because he had several waiters who had followed him around from restaurant to restaurant. The reason the waiters followed Jerry was because of his attitude. He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, Jerry was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.
Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to Jerry and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?" Jerry replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, Jerry, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or you can choose to be in a bad mood.' I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from it.
I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life."
"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested.
"Yes it is," Jerry said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people will affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live life."
I reflected on what Jerry said. Soon thereafter, I left the restaurant industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.
Several years later, I heard that Jerry did something you are never supposed to do in a restaurant business: he left the back door open one morning and was held up at gunpoint by three armed robbers.
While trying to open the safe, his hand, shaking from nervousness, slipped off the combination. The robbers panicked and shot him. Luckily, Jerry was found relatively quickly and rushed to the local trauma center.
After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Jerry was released from the hospital with fragments of the bullets still in his body. I saw Jerry about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied "If I were any better, I'd be twins. Wanna see my scars?"
I declined to see his wounds, but did ask him what had gone through his mind as the robbery took place. "The first thing that went through my mind was that I should have locked the back door," Jerry replied. "Then, as I lay on the floor, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live, or I could choose to die. I chose to live.
"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked.
Jerry continued, "The paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the emergency room and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read, 'He's a dead man.' I knew I needed to take action."
"What did you do?" I asked.
"Well, there was a big, burly nurse shouting questions at me," said Jerry. "She asked if I was allergic to anything. 'Yes,' I replied.
The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply... I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Bullets!' Over their laughter, I told them, 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."
Jerry lived thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude.
I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything.
The POWER in LIFE is CHOICE.
The following story describes how powerful choosing to keep a positive attitude can impact your life.
Jerry was the kind of guy you love to hate. He was always in a good mood and always had something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"
He was a unique manager because he had several waiters who had followed him around from restaurant to restaurant. The reason the waiters followed Jerry was because of his attitude. He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, Jerry was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.
Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to Jerry and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?" Jerry replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, Jerry, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or you can choose to be in a bad mood.' I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from it.
I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life."
"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested.
"Yes it is," Jerry said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people will affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live life."
I reflected on what Jerry said. Soon thereafter, I left the restaurant industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.
Several years later, I heard that Jerry did something you are never supposed to do in a restaurant business: he left the back door open one morning and was held up at gunpoint by three armed robbers.
While trying to open the safe, his hand, shaking from nervousness, slipped off the combination. The robbers panicked and shot him. Luckily, Jerry was found relatively quickly and rushed to the local trauma center.
After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Jerry was released from the hospital with fragments of the bullets still in his body. I saw Jerry about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied "If I were any better, I'd be twins. Wanna see my scars?"
I declined to see his wounds, but did ask him what had gone through his mind as the robbery took place. "The first thing that went through my mind was that I should have locked the back door," Jerry replied. "Then, as I lay on the floor, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live, or I could choose to die. I chose to live.
"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked.
Jerry continued, "The paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the emergency room and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read, 'He's a dead man.' I knew I needed to take action."
"What did you do?" I asked.
"Well, there was a big, burly nurse shouting questions at me," said Jerry. "She asked if I was allergic to anything. 'Yes,' I replied.
The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply... I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Bullets!' Over their laughter, I told them, 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."
Jerry lived thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude.
I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything.
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