Jack Canfield, co-writer of Chicken Soup for the Soul, always has great practical advice to getting what you want from your life.
It seems we all have some sort of message we’d like to share with others. Here’s a great way to do that whether it be for 5 people or 500 or 5000. The amount you charge can be anything, $25, $50, $500 or $5000 per person. Multiply that rate by the number of attendees and you will earn a nice income in a weekend or any length of workshop. Enjoy this lesson.
I received this in an email this morning. Complaining, whinning, griping are so easy to do, and often it’s our first reaction to a bump in our road. Trouble is, it’s not productive and it sets up a roadblock to the things in life you want and dream about it.
Here’s what the Secret says:
From The Secret Daily Teachings
If you are complaining about things in your life, you are on the complaining frequency, and you are not in a position to attract what you want.
Get on to the frequency of good with your thoughts and words. Firstly you will feel good, and secondly you will be on the frequency of receiving more good.
May the joy be with you,
Rhonda Byrne The Secret and The Power… bringing joy to billions
Our brain is the most powerful computer in the Universe.
The Words we say to ourselves consciously and subconsciously determine our lives. We must have a constant vigil of our words. Use positive, re-enforcing, motivating and passionate words to create the life you want.
When we say, “I knew I couldn’t do it”, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. But, when we say, “I know I can do this”, that too is a self-fulfilling prophecy! It’s the same number of words, it takes the same amount of effort to think or say. Which would you rather use?
This is a great quote to help you remember the power of YOUR WORDs:
“Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.”
-Frank Outlaw
As your mother used to tell you, “Watch your words my dear!”
Your words can make you HAPPY, or sad, it’s your choice!
(A note before we start. I am very happy for the people of Egypt and their new found freedom. Today, I am using their revolution as a metaphor for an unhappy or unfulfilled personal life. I am in no way minimizing the importance of the revolution and comparing my plight to an entire country.)
The people of Egypt have been under the control of a dictator for decades. During that time their lives have been controlled, their freedom denied, their daily options restricted and their hearts became heavy.
Much like the people of Egypt those of us who work in a corporate cubical, we too can feel controlled, living by the leaders rules, with no regard for our own personal needs and wants. Under these circumstances our hearts become heavy and we become frustrated with pent up emotions and soon, our bodies start to show signs of stress and sickness. In Egypt, a revolution released their frustration. In our lives in a cubicle this frustration leads to sickness such as the flu.
During these times we can review our situation, decide what isn’t working for us, and plan a big, sometimes major, adjustment to our lives. This is the time for inner reflection, then develop a long range life plan, gather our strength and take action. Eventually, something “breaks”, in Egypt a revolution occurs, in our lives we get sick.
The flu hit me hard. The cubicle stress finally became more than my body could fight off. While throwing up and nursing my physical pains I used the time to evaluate my diet, my exercise program (or lack of one) and my mental state of mind and compared my current life to the one I’d dreamed of. Was I doing what I’d planned, what I love and was I doing what I needed to in order to have the life and retirement a want and deserve? Apparently, I wasn’t because I was very sick. Something had to change and quickly.
I spent the week taking care of my basic needs with rest, lots of hot tea and soaking in a hot tub with lavender salts. It took a long time but it helped. As I got stronger I began simple yoga moves and poses and meditation. During meditation I relaxed, healed my body and worked on my mind.
Through meditation I evaluated my current work situation and lifestyle. I learned that I was allowing circumstances at work to make me overly stressed. In turn, the stress caused me to come home at night and neglect my exercise and doing things, like photography and writing, that I’m passionate about. In short, I was neglecting my inner spirit. I wondered if I should take the leap, like the duck in the photo and move on to better things and places.
In order to get better and be happier I used meditation and self affirmations to put my job into perspective. I learned there are parts of my job that I like and I’m really good at my job overall. I would no longer let this job define me. I wrote affirmations focusing on the good things in my work and life and read them many times a day. Soon I was able to go to work, feeling good, and knowing this job is a necessary stepping stone to my long term life goals. From that point on, work was a lot easier and I felt better. Then I was able to look deep inside and find the things I’m passionate about. I found that I am most happy when helping others get the lives they want by writing articles like this and talking to people one on one or in small groups. Also, I enjoy worldwide adventure and luxury travel and photography and being creative.
Knowing what motivates me and what I’m passionate about is a great relief, a great breakthrough for me and meant I now have something to build on and work for. While recovering I set up and exercise plan, wrote a flight plan of how I’m going to get to a nice, comfortable retirement, in a great place where I can feed my creative spirit daily and be true to yourself. From now on I’m living my plan daily and know that I will have the live I want.
The Revolution in Egypt and down time due to sickness such as the flu serve similar purposes, they are a chance to make major changes in our lives that puts us in the driver’s seat of our future. In my situation, the flu started my own revolution and freed me from past constraints. I hope you listen to your body because it’s talking to you everyday. Find out what makes you feel good and passionate. Take care of your Mind, Body and Spirit. Make a flight plan for your future and monitor your progress. Be happy and love your life. Be a positive example for others. Live long and love others.
This is a mouse pad found in a supervisor’s office. What message is it sending? In today’s economic conditions smart companies should be praising, motivating and training the employees they haven’t laid off. Not threatening them and managing by fear. Fear and threats are counter productive to your success.
Here are a few examples of poor management that damages morale and productivity and scare away the success you are working for.
Getting the whip out and telling employees if they don’t increase sales, take more calls, produce more product they’ll be punished until they improve. Once person described the situation as, “the floggings will continue until morale improves.”
Focusing on mistakes and poor customer comments and not praising and thanking employees for positive comments. An employee I know said that if they receive a complaint or negative customer comment they are immediately punished and threatened to improve or get out. He explained, in contrast positive customer comments are not acknowleged quickly or even at all some times. He was in a group of peers when another employee told the boss about a good letter he received. The boss took it lightly and didn’t give him the praise he deserved. They employee felt bad the rest of the day, didn’t work at his peak level and will remember this incident for the rest of his career. As the boss was beginning to leave, another employee said that she had received 3 complimentary letters in the passed two weeks. How did the boss respond? He said, “that’s great” and turned and walked away!
At another company a memo was sent to employees saying recent results have shown a continuous positive trend in sales and employee performance. You’d think that would be a good thing, right? Well, it goes on to say that because employees performance is improving and business is improving, the company is going to raise the goals and targets for satisfactory performance and possible bonuses. So, in other words, employees, you’re doing good now, so we’ll raise your goals to make it harder to reach them. Does that make sense?
Are these good ways to praise employees and motivate them to work hard and be loyal to the company. Will these actions help the company meet their goals and be successful? Will they encourage employees to stay with the company? Will employees want to recommend the company to their friends as a good, fun, great place to work?
The www.nielsongroup.com which “coaches organizations for breakthrough performance” explains fear motivation below. I’ve underlined key words.
“There are three types of motivation. The first is FEAR MOTIVATION, a “do it or else we can replace you” approach. This motivation in negotiating is basically the “take it or leave it” approach. Fear motivation is the easiest form of motivation; however, it is a motivation based on intimidation. The person in power is unable to effectively create a climate for other types of beneficial motivation. The person in power resorts to fear tactics for motivation. “Take it or leave it” often gets results because the person will do what you ask for fear of loss. Fear motivation always results in inner anger and resentment against the person using the fear tactics. Sometimes the threat of loss or punishment for motivation must be used, but should only be used when all other methods have failed. Fear motivation is the lowest form of motivation and usually results in “when the cat is away, the mice will play.” (taken from http://www.nielsongroup.com/articles/articles_climateformotivation.shtml). The other types of motivation are Incentive Motivation and Casual Motivation which take a much more positive approach and are much more successful.
So, ask yourself, what kind of motivation are you using with your group, family, kids, employees and those who look to you for leadership? Is your approached working well, giving the results you want? How do these people look at you, do they want to help you be a success, or is every encounter a struggle.
Are you proud of the type of person you are and the way you treat others?
As we look at our lives from the solitude and darkness within, to the sunny landscape around us we realize each of us are very different and unique. We all have our own voice and spirit that is unique to us. No one else is exactly like us. As mentioned in my previous post Now Is The Time For Reflection, it’s important to take time, at least once per year, to take some personal, alone time to reflect on where we are now, if we are being true to ourselves and where we want to go in the future.
Even with this uniqueness there are some things that each of us needs, just like others around us. The Starwood Hotels group describes them as the Five Human Truths. They strive to fulfill them each time you are their guest. What is it that all of us need to feel good?
The 5 Human Truths
1) We need to be understood
2) We want to belong
3) We long to feel special
4) We crave more control over our lives
5) We dream of reaching our potential.
When you’re by yourself, reflecting on the future, be sure these basic needs as well as your unique needs are being met. If they are, life will be easier and feel more fulfilled.
We tend to attach our identity to one part of our lives. It could be work, “I’m an accountant”, “I work for 3M”, or it could be a person, “I’m Mary’s husband”. But aren’t you a whole lot more than that one thing?
Yes you are. As an example, your job does not define you and it shouldn’t consumer all your waking thoughts. Instead, honor all that you are and can be. When you think of yourself as a whole person, your work, your relationships, your artistic side, your love of sports, and your charitable activities you will be happier. That happiness will be projected out into the world and new people and opportunities will come your way.
So, how do you decide who you really are?
One way is to ask yourself the “I am …….” questions.
Get a piece of paper and write down “I am (a good person, happy, a good brother/husband/sister/wife)”.
As you do this it’s important to say the words out loud. Say what you are out loud, then write it down. It sounds simple, most good things are, but keep at it. Fill the page up with your wonderful traits, habits, talents, etc.
When you’re done say them out loud everyday. Soon, you’ll find yourself with more confidence, holding your head up high, being happier, living life with style, and show the world who you are. Then you’ll attract new people into your life and you’ll help each other to live your dreams.
Give it a try, it can’t hurt.
(I’d like to thank Denise Silvernail for introducing me to this technique. When your web site is up I’ll refer readers to you.)
We all need goals to get where we want to go. Sometimes the goal is a simple as getting out of bed, or going to your favorite restaurant even if you are in your 90’s and it’s difficult to climb steps and walk very far. Get up and keep going.
Write down your goals and write affirmations about how you’re going to achieve them.
Goals are best when stated simply with a detailed plan of how and when you’re going to achieve them. Along with goals and affirmations, remember that “whatever you focus your mind on the most, is what you will create”. So notice what you’re thinking about and make sure it’s something you want.
What goals do you have?
Maybe to hike 10 miles, to climb the 7 highest summits, to learn to tie your own shoe, to finish school, to start your own business, to pay off all your debt, to pay cash for everything, to retire comfortably, to have a loving relationship with a family member or friend, to lose weight or to travel the world. Your goal can be as little or big as you want. It’s your life, and they are your goals. Choose wisely.
Here are two powerful statements about goals. Think about them, they might help you achieve your dream.
1) Dreams not written down are merely a wish.
2) Those who do not have goals, will end up working for those who do.
When we become uptight and stressed, meditation can help clear our mind and get us back on the right path. This meditation is to help you improve your work and career. Remember, Life is good today!
Career Stress Meditation
Now we’re going to improve your thoughts and life in relationship to your Career.
Choose and prepare where you will meditate today. Choose a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed. Lower the lights, maybe light a candle. If you want, turn on some quiet, soft music.
Get comfortable and relaxed, laying down or sitting down.
Take a deep breath and close your eyes.
Relax you body, your shoulders, arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, and toes.
Breath deeply, inhaling slowly, holding it for a moment, then exhale through your open mouth as if you’re gently blowing out a candle.
Continue breathing, slowly, breathe in and out.
In and out, In and out.
Keep your mind focused on your breathing, slowly, gently, and deeply. Feel each breath going through your body. Do so for two or three minutes.
Now, feel your whole body going into a deep relaxation. Feel your neck, your shoulders, your lower back, your chest, your heart, your arms, your hands, your fingers. Shake them loose.
Take another deep breath, exhale slowly. Now your hips are relaxed, your legs, your feet and toes. Wiggle your toes.
Now, breathing slowly, visualize yourself at your work. Visualize the physical space you spend your working time in.
Notice how you feel, your muscles, your jaw, your neck and back, your mind and your heart. How do you feel being in the area you work in? Is it a desk, your home office, an assembly line, a retail store, wherever it is, visualize and feel that space.
Look around, there’s your customers, your co-workers, your boss. What do you feel like in your space? Are you happy there, stressed, angry, unhappy, unappreciated?
Is it time for change? Visualize and feel where you would be in your new environment.
Take a deep breath and exhale, relax, and breath again. Feel these negative feelings fading. Feel them flowing out of your fingers, the bottom of your feet and all the pores of your body.
Visualize a blue mist surrounding you. The mist is blue as it is the color of truth, serenity and harmony, and helps to soothe the mind. It is good for cooling, calming, reconstructing and protecting. It calms the body and mind, raising your frequency to attract the perfect people and opportunities for you.
From today on you will feel positive and relaxed about your life and career. Life is good today and you’re starting a wonderful new journey.
Stay relaxed, breath in and out.
Now, in this relaxed state, think about how you want to feel at work and career. What needs to change? In your mind visualize being relaxed and happy. Remember, you are bigger than your job. Your identity is not defined by your job. You are a unique, talented, skilled and complete person with a mission in life only you can complete.
Meditate on what you would be doing and how you will feel when you’re on the right path. Take your time, visualizing every element. Focus on how your want to feel, not every little detail. The universe will fill in the details.
Maybe it’s still at your current job and things have changed for the better? Is it somewhere new? What area, country, city or state are you in? Are you inside or outside, with others or alone, are you working with your hands or your mind? How do you feel there? Feel your happiness and satisfaction. Continue visualizing the perfect place for you and feel as if you are already there.
Continue this process until you have created the complete vision. It may take several meditations before you see it clearly. With deep thought and searching you will be able to create your vision, one that is uniquely yours.
Now, take a very deep breath and release it slowly. Feel your new energy and mental clarity.
Breath in and out. You have begun your journey. Keep this feeling alive in your heart and mind and use it daily.
Take a few more deep breaths and slowly open our eyes. Sit for a minute to adjust to the light and energy in the room.
You create your own energy regardless of the situation you are in physically. Keep your energy strong and stay on your journeys path.
Stand up, shake your body loose, now, take another step towards your new life. Life is good today.
Written and copyrighted by John McFadden, May 2010.
I was reading one of my favorite web sites, the Daily Om, and found this article. It really sums up how powerful our mind and thoughts are and how, whether we are aware of it or not, we are creating our lives with these powerful thoughts.
Hope you enjoy this and that it makes you think about what you are thinking about.
The Creation Ground of Experience
Thoughts
By choosing how to interpret and define each moment with your thoughts, you truly create your reality.
Our thoughts are powerful forces in the creation of our experience of life. You may be able to recall a time when frustration that was based on a misunderstanding completely evaporated when your understanding changed. This is because our interpretation defines our experience, and it can change in an instant. Our only true reality is the present moment, so rather than merely accepting that life is happening to us, we can harness the power of our thoughts to actively create a positive reality. For example, we can choose to appreciate beauty around us rather than focusing on traffic or look for admirable qualities in the people we deal with rather than focusing on the negative. By choosing how to interpret and define each moment with your thoughts, you truly create your reality.
Throughout the day, we can monitor our thoughts to catch ourselves in the middle of investing our energy elsewhere—such as into belief in limitations—and instead pull our focus back to the infinite possibilities of the present. Taking a deep breath will help us center our thoughts on being in our bodies right now. Regular meditation allows us to gain mastery over our minds so that we can still our thoughts to focus on the pureness of being. If we mentally dwell on the past or the future, we may miss the experience of living in the present moment. Setting and visualizing goals is wonderful, but we can bring our thoughts into our current experience by taking steps to create them now.
Our minds are powerful tools that we can harness to create our reality. Through them we move the unformed energy of the universe into form, which gives us direction for our words and actions. Each thought is like a stone dropped into a lake, sending ripples out into our world to affect all they touch. We can choose our focus and how we invest our energy, which gives us the power to design our lives to be whatever we choose in each and every moment.
