The New Peoples Almanac » Attraction

Top 5 Areas to Create A Super-Reserve!

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:51 +0000

Last week, I had the privilege of leading a 4-day teleclass about creating reserves that will meet our needs and support our lives, forever! The goal was to create systems that automatically respond to everything that distracts, worries or confuses us, for the rest of our lives! (How's that for thinking big?) When we are secure and our needs are met once and for all, we are free to live large, pursue our dreams and challenge life on our own terms.
While most of us worry about our shortage of time, money, or energy, and too often focus on working harder to get "enough", these 20 people wanted to go beyond enough, and cruise right past "plenty" to create "Super-Reserves" – a lifetime supply – of all the things that are important to them!
In 4 days, we didn't find all the answers, but we made extraordinary progress and I'd like to share some of my notes with you. There are five essential areas where we must create Super-Reserves if we are to get our needs met once and for all:

1. Space. If we don't have enough space for ourselves, and an environment that supports us, we all become claustrophobic. In a "tight corner", we get cranky, we become distracted, and lose efficiency. Most of us are not selfish enough about our space! Clean it up, get cabinets with doors, re-paint the walls and eliminate clutter to make your personal world a brighter place! Open the windows, play better music, get a laptop and work in the park! When we have enough quality space, life is better!

2. Boundaries. Once you've cleaned up and expanded your space, protect it! Put locks on your doors, get an answering machine, let people know where your boundaries are and be sure they respect them. Need a block of time for peaceful reflection? Set it aside and keep your promises to yourself! It is difficult to live well while permitting others to trespass on your time and space! I believe it was Gandhi who said, "Today I have so much to do, I must spend twice as much time in meditation."

3. Self-Care. Vince Lombardi said, "Fatigue makes cowards of us all." When we get enough rest, eat well, exercise for the joy of it (rather than "I HAVE TO DO THIS!"), and spend quality time with inspiring friends, we become far more aware of the opportunities around us. It takes a strong foundation to support a tall building?make sure your personal foundation can support your dreams!

4. Diversification. I used to be impressed with people who set goals and worked until they achieved them. While I appreciate the value of that approach, I am increasingly aware of the freedom and power that comes with variety. At any moment, have enough projects on the table that you can walk away from any one (or even several) of them, and still have wonderful, challenging and productive work to do. Being able to change our minds and respond quickly to a new, more exciting opportunity creates a tremendous sense of Super-Reserve! "Don't put all your eggs in one basket."

5. Have Stuff. One of the quickest ways to simplify your life and expand your Reserve is to buy in quantity, shop efficiently, and plan ahead. Having an extra roll of stamps on hand, a tank full of gas, or a case of toilet paper in the closet can prevent many of life's everyday emergencies! For many of us, a pantry full of food and an extra hour in our daily schedule is a far more critical Reserve than thousands of dollars in our checkbook. Eliminate clutter; make room for plenty of the things you need!

My thanks to all of the participants in the class last week, and may you have a Wonder-FULL week!

c Copyright 2003 by Philip E. Humbert. All Rights Reserved. This article may be copied and used in your own newsletter or on your website as long as you include the following information: "Written by Dr. Philip E. Humbert, writer, speaker and success coach. Dr. Humbert has over 300 free articles, tools and resources for your success, including a great newsletter! It's all on his website at: http://www.philiphumbert.com

Law-of-Attraction Article: Wake Up and Create Something

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:51 +0000

It's time for the "mainstream" to WAKE UP. The alarm clock is ringing, they keep hitting snooze, and in the meantime, the life they could be living is passing them by.
Day after day, millions of people go through their lives wishing and hoping and dreaming that things could be better, with absolutely no knowledge that it is they themselves that perpetuate their own dissatisfaction.
It is not the "gifted few" who create their realities. It's not just for those in the metaphysical community. It is all of us. Every single one. However, there are a few who have awakened to this knowledge, and make creating their reality a daily event…manifesting whatever it is they want in their life with seemingly no effort!

Meanwhile the rest of the world looks on in wonder and disbelief. They assume that these "fortunate few" are among the cosmically lucky.

To be honest, the whole thing generates some anger in me. The problem is that we are "dumbed down" by society throughout our whole lives under the pretense that we are actually being intellectualized. The "scholarly" tell us that metaphysical topics like reality creation are pure fantasy. Science insists on measurable evidence of everything before it will acknowledge such claims as fact.

However, it's really not that difficult to comprehend. Even the most skeptical people should be able to grasp a few simple concepts like:

* Everything in the Universe is composed of Energy, including you and me. Even our thoughts are Energy.

* Through Energy, everything in the Universe is connected.

* The Universe creates without effort, and in abundance. Just look around you. Trees, rocks, air, planets, etc. all were created without stress, effort, or over-analyzation. The Force you choose to believe initiated the creative process doesn't matter. They are all there and were created effortlessly.

* You ARE a part of the Universe and through the power of thought, have the same creative power that manifests everything you see. The only thing that limits your potential is your own belief system!

Everything that occurs in your life is interpreted BY YOU. You add the meaning, you add the emotional response, you add EVERYTHING. It is your thoughts that literally take the energy "data" and transpose it into your reality. What you consider "real" is nothing more than an agreement that you've made with yourself (and no doubt many others in some cases).

This is how our reality has been shaped. This is how we have learned what is possible, and what is impossible. We learned it from OTHER PEOPLE. The problem is, these other people (family and friends perhaps?) have their OWN limiting belief systems which they ALSO consider "real".

So human limitations spread like a virus, and we don't even realize what's happening.

As discouraging as this is, many of us ARE waking up. I personally feel it my sacred duty to shake people out of this "intellectual trance" that limits them and show them what is truly possible.

So what IS the difference between those who cruise through life in a seemingly perpetual state of bliss, with everything they want coming to them with no effort, and the rest of the population working at jobs they hate for the sake of doing the "responsible" thing, hoping that SOME DAY they can live the lives they hope for?

The difference is that these people know their purpose, know WHY they absolutely HAVE to fulfill that purpose, and commit themselves to never stopping until they realize their dream. They may or may not have thrown the accepted definition of "responsibility" out the window. The only thing that matters ultimately is that they now live lives they love, following their passions.

You see it is our PASSIONS in life that tell us precisely what we are to do. When we follow our passions, our life lights up. We give off incredibly powerful energy which attracts our desires to us. That means people, money, objects, careers…whatever we want that is in line with our purpose. The Universe WANTS to provide those things we want most. It is only our own limiting belief systems that stop fulfillment from occurring.

Bob Doyle is the CEO and founder of Boundless Living and the developer of the Wealth Beyond Reason program, which provides a continuing education of the physics of wealth, abundance, and joyous living through the Law of Attraction: http://RadicalWealthFromHome.com

Law of Attraction Article: How to STOP Being a Person Nothing Works For

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:51 +0000

Do you ever wonder why great things happen to some people but not to you?
Do you ever read about people who have tried this or that product and had some incredible result, but when you try it, you don't get the same result?
Have you become a person who NOTHING seems to work for?

Maybe you've thought about trying the some new self- improvement package that sounds great, but you're just so tired of things not working for you.

Let's take a look at how you've gotten where you are and why these things might happen.

First, at some point, you tried something – either based on a recommendation, a testimonial you read, or some other reason. Basically, you tried it based on someone else's positive experience.

However, when you tried it, you did not get the same result so you made the assumption that it didn't work for you. But how true IS this? Often – VERY often – things work differently for different people, and it's a mistake to judge your life by comparing it with others. Perhaps you just needed more time.

Maybe your circumstances are completely different! Regardless, however, you made up – you CREATED a Truth for yourself at that time, that truth being "This didn't work", although remember, that truth is based only on your surface comparison with someone else… and it really doesn't have anything to do with you, and what – in the cosmic scheme of things – is best for you.

Those results you read about for that other person are what was right at that time for them, and that doesn't necessarily mean that NOW is the time for you and that it will happen to you the same way that it happened for them!

From then on, every thing else you try is then compared to that first experience, with the Truth in your mind being "Well, it didn't work that time…let's see if THIS works". So again you're comparing… and not really trying anything "purely" and on it's own merit without preconceived notions or judgements.

You are already working against yourself! You may not yet automatically expect failure, but you have it as an option, and perhaps even a probability based on your previous experiences.

The more things you try with this mindset, the more you fortify this mindset – it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy that "Nothing works for me". Before you know it, that is who you become. The person you are about reaching your specific goals or trying this or that product or technology is "It works for others but never for me." Once you reach that place, it will most certainly become true for you.

So what do you do? How do you break out of this pattern? First, acknowledge how you got here… by comparing yourself or your results with other people who are really on a completely different path then you, although they may have been after similar results. Then create a new idea for yourself – give yourself permission to experience success on your own terms, without judging what happens based on other people or expectations set up by anyone other than yourself.

Once you believe that you deserve to succeed and that you CAN succeed and that you WILL succeed, your life will change. Whatever you try will work for you, because YOU define what "working" is – not somebody else! You set your own timetable, you are relaxed, and non-judgement. Your infinite patience and lack of expectation based externally, will work with you in very powerful ways and you will regain control over your destiny.

Achieving Your Vision of Abundance

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:50 +0000

How can we have more abundance in our lives? It begins by noticing the abundance that we already have.
We cannot experience abundance yesterday or tomorrow. Only in this moment can we be aware of our richest blessings. Only now can we visualize those things that will represent abundance for each of us. The key is to realize that we will get no more and no less than we ask for, work toward, and believe we will receive.
Abundance does not begin with material wealth or treasure, although those things may manifest with faith and action. Abundance is first a state of mind. It arises from feelings of gratitude for all that we have and all that we visualize.

Sarah Ban Breathnach wrote, "Whatever we are waiting for — peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance — it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart."

Neither does abundance occur by chance. Lewis Grizzard (1946-1994), said, "A lot of what we ascribe to luck is not luck at all. It is seizing the day and accepting responsibility for your future. It's seeing what other people don't see and pursuing that vision."

To experience abundance, we must first decide what abundance means for us. Then we must see ourselves as already abundant. Most importantly, we must begin to give to others in whatever capacity we are able. We eventually receive in great multiples the abundance that we bring into the lives of others.

Ask yourself this question: What do I already have in my possession that will contribute to my personal vision of abundance?

Become aware of the abundance all around you – the brilliant autumn sunsets, the sound of a friend's voice, the touch of a child's hand. Treat every breath of air and every act of love as a gift. Take nothing for granted.

The Creator wants you to be abundant. He will reward graciously all who share their faith in an abundant world with others.

c Copyright by Steve Brunkhorst. Reprinted from Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, a popular mini-zine bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve more in your career and personal life. Get the next issue and pick up some great gifts by visiting http://www.AchieveEzine.com

The Likeability Factor – Do You Have It?

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:50 +0000

Growing up, we all had a mental picture of the perfect life partner The person we thought would be our happily-ever-after — a person with a perfect smile, beautiful eyes, and an adorable button nose. Fast forward to reality and who did you wind up with?
Chances are that if your partner of choice happens to be male, you ended up with a guy who is shorter than you expected, has less hair than you anticipated, but overall is a pretty neat fellow. And if you're interested in women, chances are that the woman you ended up with isn't as curvaceous as you dreamed, but overall is a very special person.
The truth is that no matter what you envisioned, you bought into what your partner was offering. Although he or she didn't meet all of your set criteria, they met the most important one — they are good people — and that is why you chose their companionship.

When it comes to hiring decisions, recruiters aren't any different. Realizing that one candidate isn't going to meet all the criteria in the job description, the recruiter buys into the person as a whole — not one characteristic, accomplishment, or degree. After all is said and done, hiring decisions, for the most part, are based on whether or not the candidate is likeable.

What most don't understand is that likeability is more than the knack for getting others to hang out with you after work and share a couple of beers. This is why most interviews are challenging. Not only do you have to demonstrate that you are technically capable of doing the job, you must go a step further and impress the recruiter with your professional makeup — that is, your ability to be assertive, focused, and versatile.

Assertiveness

When done right, assertive behavior is a nice balance between self-assurance and cockiness. This attribute can be a driving force during an interview because the person sitting across from you can't help but be drawn to you, and therefore begins to respond to your ideas, thoughts, and words. Coming across as assertive leaves the listener the impression that you are confident in who you are as a professional; and that attribute wins job offers.

Focus

Believe it or not, most interviewers dislike going through the motions of hiring, just as much as candidates dislike going on interview after interview. For this reason, a huge part of a successful interview is based on your ability to focus your responses on results. In doing so, you bring clarity to the conversation and help connect the dots for the interviewer. This is an important point because there are times when interviewers don't fully understand how your marketable skills can easily transfer to the open position.

When the interviewer begins to buy into your experience, you automatically become more appealing, and — in the eyes of the interviewer — the most qualified candidate.

Versatility

Interviewers seek candidates who have a broad perspective and aren't stuck in their way of doing things. Individuals who are versatile are natural-born achievers and are recognized for being forward thinking, flexible, and resourceful. These attributes interest organizations since the candidates who are adaptable will more than likely flourish in any circumstance.

Too often, job seekers overlook the likeability factor. The reason? It's always easier to lay the blame on a hiring manager than to take a personal inventory of how you are affecting your job search. Though it is true that sometimes hiring decisions are based on factors beyond your control, there are occasions when it comes down to whether or not you made a positive first impression.

About The Author

Recognized as a career expert, Linda Matias brings a wealth of experience to the career services field. She has been sought out for her knowledge of the employment market, outplacement, job search strategies, interview preparation, and resume writing, quoted a number of times in The Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday, Newsweek, and HR-esource.com. She is president of CareerStrides and the National Resume Writers' Association. Visit her website at www.careerstrides.com or email her at linda@careerstrides.com.

Top 10 Ways to Use Attraction To Build Your Business

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:50 +0000

Most business people would rather have customers seek us out based on a strong personal referral from a satisfied customer, than go to the expense of mass advertising. It's called marketing through attraction. It's about offering phenomenal value. It's about being liked, about being respected, about having potential customers wanting to do business with us! It's very efficient, and it's very cool! The problem is that for most business leaders the specifics are often vague or confusing. Here are ten practical steps:
1. Have a Strong Personal Foundation. People who are stressed, worried, tired or not having fun are very unattractive. Keep yourself rested and have some fun every day. Laugh, enjoy your life, and fix or eliminate the things that get in your way. It doesn't cost, it pays!
2. Do Stuff You Enjoy. A huge key to attracting clients is to be in a business you love. If you love it enough, you'll get very good at it. You'll talk about it, connect with other people, and things will happen. Enjoy skiing? Run a ski resort! I've never met a business owner who works as hard as some people do on their golf game. Work with passion!

3. Superb Personal Boundaries. It's very hard to attract flies when you're swatting mosquitoes! Be sure the people in your personal and professional life know what you need in terms of space, privacy, respect and honesty. It makes life easier, and living easy is very attractive!

4. Extraordinary Personal Standards. Understand how you want to live, and settle for nothing less. Even in business, we are attracted to individuals who have chosen their path and are proceeding boldly. Your life is your own; live well, be bold.

5. Extreme Service. Good enough, never is! Even excellent performance is probably not enough to attract the clients you really want. Only extraordinary performance will draw the world to you! Give valuable extras, provide service before your clients ask. Learn from every mistake. Your customers, especially the unhappy ones, are your best R?

6. Delight in the Details. Both heaven and hell are in the details. Even a fabulous gourmet meal, thrown on a paper plate and tossed at the customer would not be attractive. Pay attention to the presentation, the packaging, the delivery. Track the details! Little things count.

7. Avoid the cost of delay. Arrange your business and your life so that you can respond to a great idea immediately! Having reserves of space, time, money, energy and creativity allows you to make that call, sign a contract, form a partnership or start a new venture literally over-night. To attract the world to you door, answer promptly when opportunity knocks!

8. Risk nothing! Or, to put it another way, take no significant risks, and always control the down-side. Having a reserve allows you to launch a website in a few hours' time with a tiny investment. If it doesn't work or you simply change your mind, you walk away with no significant loss. Arrange your business (and your life) so that when a great idea happens, you can respond quickly and easily. And if it goes sour, you simply smile and move forward.

9. Understand the Capillary System. The old way was to network with a hundred people and advertise to as many as you could reach. Now, you can give away thousands of newsletters, a hundred free T-shirts, sponsor a contest or let 100,000 people visit your website! Some will try only the free stuff, some will buy a book or tape or take a class, and some will go for the whole deal. Understand about free samples, introductory specials, and first class presentation!

10. Understand the law of large numbers. It costs no more to have thousands of people see your website every day than to have 6 visitors a month. A great website costs no more than a few newspaper ads, but a billion people can see it! No matter what you're selling, only about 1% of the population is going to buy. But now, that one percent can still add up to millions of people! Understand the "law of large numbers" and use it to attract the customers you want!

You can build a business by selling stuff, or by serving people's needs. Both will work in the short-run, but the really great fortunes, and the really great opportunities have always favored those who serve people. Build a "better mousetrap", and let the world beat a path to your door!

Top 10 Keys to Attracting More Clients!

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:50 +0000

It's always easier to attract the things we want in life than to chase them down and catch them. My grandmother used to say, "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar." I've never understood why I'd want a collection of flies, but there are many other things I do want.
One of the things many professionals and small business owners want is "more clients". While there are lots of strategies for getting clients, from Advertising to Workshops, one of the best (and fastest) is to be the type of person and provide the quality service that draws clients to you like flies to honey!
The following Top 10 Principles for Attracting Great Clients are borrowed from material originally developed by Thomas Leonard for Attraction University. I am a certified instructor at AU, and created the following list especially for readers of TIP's. Enjoy!

1. Become incredibly selfish! Yes, it's ironic, but as you take care of yourself, manage your time, your space and your life well, you have more to give and more to share. If you want more clients, take extremely good care of Client #1.

2. Over-respond to every event! This is the opposite of over-reacting. Respond immediately to phone calls, answer questions in full, take your time and thoughtfully and creatively go the extra mile.

3. Add value just for the joy of it! Do more, provide more, go further than you are paid for. Caution: Don't just give more stuff, give more stuff that people really want and appreciate.

4. Market your talents shamelessly! Have fun with your marketing, be proud of what you do. Laugh and joke and yell and whisper, but tell everybody! If you aren't excited, proud and energized by what you do, find another job!

5. Affect others profoundly. Abandon the roles and job descriptions we all have. Connect with people, question, respond, be silly, get "outside the box". Whatever it takes, make an impact on your world.

6. Eliminate delay. Time is expensive, and wasting it is unattractive and irritating. Think and plan carefully, but in the end, only action counts!

7. Thrive on the details. Pay attention to the subtleties, the small things. It's the little extras that build you up, and little slips that bring you down.

8. Tolerate nothing! Clean up all the irritations, the daily frustrations and predictable annoyances of your life once and for all! Don't just fix the problem, re-design your routine so those predictable irritations never bother you again!

9. Orient life around your values. When you spend your days living in harmony with your values, you become incredibly energized, peaceful, focused and attractive!

10. Develop more character than you need! Beyond being good at your job, and living with integrity, become very good at being YOU! Be a "real character", the unique, gifted, complex and unforgettable individual that you were born to be.

Have fun with this list, poke holes in it, expand it, even criticize it, but think about the idea that your professional relationship with a client must begin with a good personal relationship. When your clients experience you as a balanced, open, excited person who they enjoy being with…they'll tell their friends! Count on it!

Have a great week, and have some fun!

4 Steps To Having the Life You REALLY Want!

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:50 +0000

Over time, the TIP's Letters that receive the most response have dealt with creating and living the life you really want. Many of us are incredibly frustrated at not being able to reach our dreams and have the life we want. I believe there are 4 simple (not easy, but simple) techniques for getting there. You really can achieve your goals and live your dreams!
1. CLARIFY EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT! Many of my clients have never defined what "better" or "happier" really means. How many dollars do you want to earn? How much time together as a family? Working from home doing what? What, precisely, would a better relationship look like? This can be hard work, and it involves tough choices.
One client wanted to stay home with her children, improve her marriage, and make more money, but also wanted to break the "glass ceiling" and be recognized in a profession that is notoriously competitive and involved traveling several times a month. All of these are worthy, wonderful goals, but to some extent they were mutually exclusive and she had avoided the process of choosing and writing down what she wanted most. We worked together (with her family's help and input) to design a clear and attainable balance that she was able to pursue very quickly, ending years of frustration!

2. COMMIT TO PAYING THE COST IN ADVANCE! Any worthwhile project is going to cost a lot. An Olympic medal will require hours of training every day, and that means paying costs in terms of social life, postponing a career or education, and "blood, sweat and tears."

Whatever you most want in life will require that you say "NO!" to other things. Making money means less recreation, writing a book means watching less TV, being closer with your partner or children may mean changes in your work, hobbies or social activities. A few years ago, many people were talking about the frustrations of women who felt that a part of the feminist message was that they could "have it all". Well. None of us get to have it all! A recent client quit coaching when he realized that his dreams of being "the kind of father I never had" and spending time with his wife and children conflicted with pursuing his career the way he had always done it. He "couldn't" turn down a call, and was "out there" developing leads and closing sales seven days a week. Unwilling to choose, we decided coaching wasn't useful for him at this time.

3. RE-COMMIT TO YOUR GOALS EVERY DAY! Every day, remind yourself of your priorities and re-commit to them. For some this means time to meditate or pray. For others, it means a quick call to their coach, a friend, or members of a mastermind group. I encourage clients to start their day by writing a brief statement of where they are going and what they value in life.

Every day, 1001 minor tasks and distractions will interrupt you. The phone will ring, the boss will give you a "special" project, the kids will interrupt. Life will get in your way. Count on it! Plan for it and innoculate yourself. Every pilot and ship's captain knows that winds and currents will take them dangerously off-course. This is a natural process, something they know about, expect and plan for. It is not a surprise or source of frustration! Every day, plot your location, check your direction, and make sure you stay on course! It only takes a few minutes, and it is essential.

4. EVERY DAY, TAKE ACTION! This is perhaps the most difficult step. Rarely, does life give us a "big choice". Most of the transforming moments in life start as a chance meeting, a casual conversation, or an article in a magazine. We all know this, and yet when it comes to pursuing our most important goals we wait for that "big moment", that magical day when the stars are aligned and everything is "just right". For most of us, that means we will never reach our dreams or have the life we want.

To become fit, go for a walk. To create the business of your dreams, call someone today. Want to be a better parent and have a more satisfying family life? Tuck your kid into bed tonight, hold hands with your mate, and tell them how much they mean to you. Want a promotion or a raise? Make that extra contribution today! We've all heard the saying, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step", but no one ever adds that the journey also requires, according to my math, 5 million, two hundred and eighty thousand additional steps after that first one! Every day, take one step closer.

QUICK TOOL: Every morning, get a 3×5 card. On one side, write a brief statement of your biggest goals and most important dreams. Jot it down using whatever words seem right at the moment. Then, on the other side, list one or two specific actions you will take TODAY that will bring you closer to your goal. Make them specific, do-able, and clear. Put the card in your pocket, purse, or on the dash of your car, and go about your day. In 30 days, I promise you will be astonished at the changes in your life!

IN SUMMARY: Life will distract you from achieving your dreams. It will blow you off-course and you will be confused and frustrated at times. So what? Today, and every day, declare your commitment to what you really, REALLY want. Write it down and talk about your dream. Understand, and agree to make the necessary sacrifices – you must pay the costs of developing the life you want – and take action! In the end, only action counts! You can have whatever you want, when you decide to pursue it intelligently, with all your heart and with all your passion. Just do it!

How Do You Attract Opportunity Into Your Life?

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:49 +0000

Someone recently asked me the question: "How can I have more opportunities come into my life?" Good question, but I think my answer surprised them a bit.
I bypassed the obvious (and necessary) points about hard work, persistence and preparation. They actually were very hard workers. And they had the great attribute of being seekers, they were on the outlook. But I felt maybe they were missing this next and most valuable point – attraction.
I always thought opportunities and success were something you went after, then I found out that I needed to turn it around. Opportunities and success are not something you go after necessarily, but something you attract – by becoming an attractive person.

That's why I teach development of skills. If you can develop your skills, keep refining all the parts of your character and yourself, your health, your relationships, etc. so that you become an attractive person to the marketplace – you'll attract opportunity. Opportunity will probably seek you out. Your reputation will probably precede you and someone will want to do business with you. All of the possibilities are there by working on the philosophy that success is something you attract.

The key is to continue making yourself a more attractive person by the skills you have, the disciplines you have, the personality you've acquired, the character and reputation you have established, the language and speech you use – all of that refinement makes you more attractive to the marketplace.

Personal development – the never-ending chance to improve not only yourself, but also to attract opportunities and affect others.

To Your Success,
Jim Rohn

Reproduced with permission from Jim Rohn's Weekly E-zine. Copyright 2005 Jim Rohn International. All rights reserved worldwide. To subscribe to Jim Rohn's Weekly E-zine, go to http://Jim-Rohn.InspiresYOU.com

Attitude Is Everything

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:49 +0000

The process of human change begins within us. We all have tremendous potential. We all desire good results from our efforts. Most of us are willing to work hard and to pay the price that success and happiness demand.
Each of us has the ability to put our unique human potential into action and to acquire a desired result. But the one thing that determines the level of our potential, that produces the intensity of our activity, and predicts the quality of the result we receive is our attitude.
Attitude determines how much of the future we are allowed to see. It decides the size of our dreams and influences our determination when we are faced with new challenges. No other person on earth has dominion over our attitude. People can affect our attitude by teaching us poor thinking habits or unintentionally misinforming us or providing us with negative sources of influence, but no one can control our attitude unless we voluntarily surrender that control.

No one else "makes us angry." We make ourselves angry when we surrender control of our attitude. What someone else may have done is irrelevant. We choose, not they. They merely put our attitude to a test. If we select a volatile attitude by becoming hostile, angry, jealous or suspicious, then we have failed the test. If we condemn ourselves by believing that we are unworthy, then again, we have failed the test.

If we care at all about ourselves, then we must accept full responsibility for our own feelings. We must learn to guard against those feelings that have the capacity to lead our attitude down the wrong path and to strengthen those feelings that can lead us confidently into a better future.

If we want to receive the rewards the future holds in trust for us, then we must exercise the most important choice given to us as members of the human race by maintaining total dominion over our attitude. Our attitude is an asset, a treasure of great value, which must be protected accordingly. Beware of the vandals and thieves among us who would injure our positive attitude or seek to steal it away.

Having the right attitude is one of the basics that success requires. The combination of a sound personal philosophy and a positive attitude about ourselves and the world around us gives us an inner strength and a firm resolve that influences all the other areas of our existence.

To Your Success, Jim Rohn

Closing the Feedback Loop

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:49 +0000

In earlier articles, I've often spoken about the supreme importance of becoming a good listener. I've even gone as far as to suggest that listening might be the most important communication skill of them all.
It should be so simple. Yet, it's not simple.
Before I explain why, let me tell you an enlightening story. Dr. Mort Orman of Stresscure.com conducted a communication seminar for a group of experienced physicians on the staff of a certain hospital. It was held on the hospital premises. One particular doctor was a rather reluctant attendee – he showed up only because his department head had pressured him to do so.

During the seminar, participants were paired up with partners, and one member of each pair was asked to play the role of a patient with a problem. The partner played the role of physician or counselor.

The catch was the "doctors" weren't allowed to do or say anything. Their job was just to sit and listen, while their "patients" described their complaints and thought aloud while trying to work out their own solution.

As Dr Orman notes (and as a veteran physician, he should know!) to tell a doctor to just sit there and listen – without as much as thinking of what to do – is usually asking an awful lot. But the response of our reluctant participant took everyone by surprise.

For the first time, he really understood…

At the end of the experiment, when everyone was sharing their insights and experiences, he raised his hand and announced with unmistakable enthusiasm: "What I learned from this exercise is that I almost never listen to my patients! I'm mostly paying attention to the thoughts in my own head, and I never really appreciated this until today."

Apparently, this man was so excited by this new awareness of self that whenever there was a short break in the remaining seminar proceedings, he would rush upstairs to practice listening to his patients. He would sit on the bed, ask a few questions, and then listen intently. In fact, he was so impressed with his newly-found power – not dawning on him that he had possessed it all along – that he would consistently arrive late for start of the following session. For the first time, he felt he really understood what made his patients tick – or why they weren't ticking, depending which way you look at it.

Now, when you go out your way to try to understand how others are feeling, how they perceive a given situation, what's really bugging them, the process, as a rule, doesn't just end there. Well, at least, it shouldn't.

Most likely, you'll respond. You'll communicate back to the other parties your awareness of their feelings and perceptions, your appreciation of their hopes, doubts and fears. Before you know it, you have created what some writers call a feedback loop.

To close a feedback loop, in short, requires validation of the message your opposite number wants to convey to you, even if you don't agree with it.

Here's a true incident to illustrate what can happen when a feedback loop is not closed. It's a very extreme example, and it's very far from a pretty story. But it does give us something to think about.

During World War Two, one cattle car after another, packed with human cargo, arrived at the Auschwitz death camp. Terrified, naked people were driven with whips into the gas chambers.

But two young men managed to escape under a pile of clothing that was being carted away in a truck. Even more than the desire to save their own lives, they were motivated by the wish to warn their fellow Jews of the incredible scenes they had witnessed with their own eyes.

Unfortunately, hardly any one believed them. The few who did were silenced as being crazy or lacking in faith. Eventually, both young men committed suicide.

As I said, an extreme, most tragic, case. Who knows how we would have reacted had we been the listeners?

But at least we should understand the added pain of a spouse or fellow worker who shares with us something weighing very heavily on their minds, when we respond with a glib, perfunctory: "Don't worry, everything will be OK!"

It's like removing a chair from under their feet.

Azriel Winnett is the creator of Hodu. com – Your Communication Skills Portal. This popular website helps you to improve your communication and relationship skills on all levels, in business and professional life, in the family unit, and on the social scene. New articles added almost daily.

Creating Your Character is Like an Artist Creating a Sculpture

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:49 +0000

(excerpted from the Cultivating an Unshakable Character series)
Could creating your character be likened to an artist creating a sculpture? In my opinion, I believe that character is not something that just happens by itself, any more than a chisel can create a work of art without the hand of an artist guiding it. In both instances, a conscious decision for a specific outcome has been made. A conscious process is at work.
Character is the result of hundreds and hundreds of choices you make that gradually turn who you are, at any given moment, into who you want to be. If that decision-making process is not present, you will still be somebody. You will still be alive, but may have a personality rather than a character.

Character is not something you were born with and can't change like your fingerprint. In fact, because you weren't born with it, it is something that you must take responsibility for creating. I don't believe that adversity by itself builds character and I certainly don't think that success erodes it. Character is built by how you respond to what happens in your life. Whether it's winning every game or losing every game. Getting rich or dealing with hard times. You build character out of certain qualities that you must create and diligently nurture within yourself. Just like you would plant and water a seed or gather wood and build a campfire.

You've got to look for those things in your heart and in your gut. You've got to chisel away in order to find them. Just like chiseling away the rock in order to create the sculpture that has previously existed only in your imagination.

But do you want to know the really amazing thing about character? If you are sincerely committed to making yourself into the person you want to be, you'll not only create those qualities, but you'll continually strengthen them. And you will recreate them in abundance even as you are drawing on them every day of your life. Just like the burning bush in the biblical book of Exodus, the bush burned but the flames did not consume it.

Character sustains itself and nurtures itself even as it is being put to work, tested, and challenged. And once character is formed, it will serve as a solid, lasting foundation upon which to build the life you desire.

To Your Success,

Jim Rohn

The Principle of Abundance

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:49 +0000

One of the first great things I learned when starting my business, is that there are two ways of thinking. You can believe that there is more than enough business to go around or you can have the scarcity mentality. Either way you believe you are probably right.
The principal of abundance promotes the belief that not only is there enough business to go around, and that the universe has room for us all to benefit equally, but also commands us to give away what we have. This means giving referrals, ideas, assistance and any other thing you can think of to help others. It means that we build people, relationships and help others because we know and believe that somehow, some day it will all come back to us. It also promotes win-win situations.
The scarcity mentality advocates holding onto whatever it is you have for fear that someone else may take it. That means holding onto your cash, your ideas, your time and your clients as tightly as you can. It means that when you find a client you do everything within your power to hold onto that client for fear that the 'competition' might take them away. In fact people who operate under the scarcity mentality often base many of their decisions on what their competition and others do. And that is operating out of the fear that someone will get more than you will or will succeed before you do.

I have learned that the only shortages we face are in our own minds. And that the more we give of our approval, our time, our smiles, our energy, our wisdom and our ideas the more accepted, less stressed, happy, energetic, wise and creative we become. Building people and relationships can serve both the 'giver' and the 'getter'. There is enough for everyone!

One of the ways I practice abundance is by sharing leads, and information. I also try my best to promote others who may be in a similar business as I am. Forming alliances and strategies that work for both of us can increase both of our businesses. We may want the same clients, but if we pool our knowledge and resources, everyone benefits. In visiting our site you may begin to notice that there are several people who do similar or the same things. Yes, they know each other, and many of them share business. This helps both of them in that they practice what I call 'co-opetition' instead of competition.

Changing our mindset about the principle of abundance is not always easy. It takes practice. I love the vision that was created through a book that I have read called, "The One Minute Millionaire". It says, 'There is an ocean of abundance and one can tap into it with a teaspoon, a bucket or a tractor trailer. The ocean doesn't care.' Practice the principles of abundance this week. There is enough for everyone!

About The Author

Mandie Crawford is a Business Consultant, Entrepreneur and Expert on Women Entrepreneurs. Her website is www.roaringwomen.com and she can be reached by email – mandie@roaringwomen.com.

How To Improve Your Life Instantly!

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:48 +0000

Your mind power makes what you focus on happen. You create what you think about and then live in that experience. Your attention determines your destiny.
Your mind has enormous creative force. It has, in collusion with everyone else, created a world for you to live in. When you focus on what is wrong in the world, you choose to live in disharmony. And when you focus on what is right in the world, you choose to live in harmony. Either way, you get to choose.
Your choice creates your focus, and your focus creates your experiences. What you focus on comes to be.

Most people do their focusing unconsciously. Events happen to them and they react to them based on how they responded to past experiences. They find themselves in a loop where similar experiences happen to them over and over. They find themselves trapped in a dysfunctional pattern.

They are not choosing with awareness what to focus on.

They allow their brain to focus on what it has been programmed to focus on. They get the result of that focusing, usually negative.

Self awareness, then, is the keystone to change.

Awareness gives you freedom of choice. When you choose, you set your attention in a certain direction. This direction is your focus. And what you focus on expands.

With deliberate, rather than accidental, focus you bring into your world more of what you want.

Here is a simple exercise, suggested by Bob Proctor, a motivational speaker. It is designed to clear confusion and get you to focus on what matters most to you.

Take two sheets of paper.

On one sheet write your current experiences. Pour out your heart. Express your repressed feelings. Write to a point where you are clear on what is wrong with your life, especially the angst you have about it.

Then on the other sheet, write out the exact opposite. For example, if on the first sheet you wrote out about how hard it is for you to earn enough money to meet your needs, on the second sheet write about how easy it is for you to make make a surplus of money.

Now take the first sheet and burn it.

Fold the second sheet and put it in your pocket. Carry it around with you. This is what you have chosen to focus on.

This is what you have chosen to bring into your world. Read it whenever you need to remind yourself what to focus on.

Your brain will now become active in finding ways to fulfill it. It will seek out the people and the information that you need to move you to create the circumstances that you truly want. Isn't it time you put your powerful subconscious mind to work for you rather than against you?

And because the world is large, holding within it the possibility of anything you desire, you will find a path with a heart opening up to you.

Resource Box

Saleem Rana got his masters in psychotherapy from California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, Ca., 15 years ago and now resides in Denver, Colorado. His articles on the internet have inspired over ten thousand people from around the world. Discover how to create a remarkable life

How to Attract Wealth

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:48 +0000

Have you been struggling with making ends meet? Are you tired of not having enough? Then I am sure you will benefit enormously by reading on…
A few months ago, I came across a book that really impacted my life in a very profound way. I have been an avid reader of self-help, personal growth books, tapes, workshops… you name it, I've done most of them. I am truly commited to my self-awareness and self-improvement. But for some reason ( or higher source) this book especially spoke to me, to my soul.
What attracted me to it, other than the wise words, was that it was written by a woman. But what most impressed me was that she wrote these increadibly eye-opening concepts 100 years ago! I just couldn't believe that under such limiting circumstances (married at 14, divorced mother of two by 20, working single mom and without the right to even vote!) she was able to pull herself up and build a loving family (re-married), start a very successful business and tour the country as a lecturer, teacher, and healer.

So, through her difficult experiences she has left us a true understanding of what life is really about: loving, healing, sharing, teaching, embracing, acceptance, living in spiritual abundance, and yes, wealth.

From her writings I have come to understand the true meaning of "wealth". I hope you enjoy and embrace her words into your own life.

"This was really the beginning of my 'demostration' over poverty. I told you how I threw off even the burden of my debts, and said: 'if God wanted them paid he could send the money.' Now I saw he did want them paid and meant to send the money as fast as I attracted it.

Then I set to work with good will to understand the law of wealth and live it! I meant to make of myself a magnet which should draw gold and silver and greenbacks, instead of steel fillings. I meant to let the spirit of me (God), lead me into the ways of wealth – out of the ways of poverty into the ways of plenty and peace and pleasantness.

I had been years making a healthy woman of myself, now I meant to charge myself with real dynamic power for attracting money. I meant to be so right with the kingdom of Good that good money would not only follow me but catch up with me.

I went filling myself up on I-shall-be-wealthy statements. I could see no results, but I kept at it. For hours a day, whilst busy at all sorts of work, I poured in those future tense statements. I kept it up for months inspite of the fact that I could see little results if any. I could have kept my soul and body together on the money I took in, but there were other souls and bodies to be kept, and still those old ends that would not quite meet, even yet.

Then suddenly it came to me one day that I was putting off my wealth to some future time. I must claim wealth NOW. Then I began to say, I AM wealth – I AM. I said it actually millions of times. And I tried to imagine it true, and to live up to it. When I had not money enough to buy a thing needed I consoled myself by calling it mine anyhow – as we used to do when we were children. When we needed something and I did have the dollar for it I imagined that dollar as one of a boundless store, and I spent it willingly, smilingly. I blessed it and bade it good-speed. I took infinite pains to get into the wealthy attitiude of mind over the spending of every five cent piece that went through my purse. You see, I used to squeeze every nickel and hate to part with it, because I saw 100 places where it 'ought' to go. Now I was taking great pains to spend as the truly wealthy spend, with that sense of plenty always in reserve."

I have been in this same mind-set many, many times. And I suspect many of you have as well. So when I started to read this book and to practice what the author did herself, I began to see the same results for myself. Now, when I find myself having "poverty thoughts" I go back and re-read this chapter. Her book sits on my nightstand because I always go back to it!

So if you have been in this position and would like to read more about this author and her eye-opening concepts and practices please visit us at: www.SuccessSecretsforWomen.com where you can learn more about her life and let her be your mentor too!

To your growing success,

Romy Macias
Living Success
P.O. Box 132646
The Woodlands, TX
77393-2646

If you would like to read more about this amazing author and her concepts and practical advice, please visit us at: http://www.SuccessSecretsforWomen.com Sign-up for our free mini-course, I know you will enjoy it and benefit from it.

To your ever growing success,

Romy Macias

* Need content? You may use this article at your website, or in your newsletter. The only requirement is inclusion of the following box:

Article by Romy Macias, publisher of Success Secrets for Women "At Last…A Woman's Success Blueprint for Health, Wealth, and Wisdom written by a Woman for Women!" http://www.SuccessSecretsforWomen.com

You are encouraged to forward it to people (family and friends) whom you feel may benefit from receiving it.

Living Success P.O. Box 132646 The Woodlands, TX 77393-2646

Coping As A Caregiver

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:48 +0000

Few people are prepared for the responsibilities and tasks involved in caring for loved ones who are ill, elderly, or disabled. The success of the relationship between you and your loved one depends on several factors. One of the most important is how well you take care of yourself, empowering yourself to be there for the person you are caring for. Let's look first at what causes the stress in such a relationship, and then we will explore some ways to care for yourself as you care for another.
Sources of Stress
Caring for someone who is sick or disabled causes tremendous stress. This stress comes from several directions and each has a different effect on the caregiver. The following are the main sources of such stress:

1. Being far away: In most families, people are spread out across the country and are not always available to help with caring for a sick or elderly person. This places extra stress on the person nearby, who often must contribute the most in terms of time and money toward the patient's care. The out-of-towners may not realize how much time and money the person close at hand is devoting to the care of their family member.

2. Financial stress is inevitable when someone requires an excessive amount of care. For example:

a. Many caregivers spend their own money to cover expenses that are not covered by insurance or Medicare.

b. The family members who are less involved may not realize how expensive certain items are and may even resist helping to pay for them.

c. The primary caregiver may have to work fewer hours or find less demanding work (which may pay less money). Many caregivers have to stop working completely in order to care for the patient.

3. Cultural expectations: In some cultures, daughters are expected to care for parents, and in others it is not acceptable to place relatives in nursing homes.

4. Relationship stress: In addition to the financial stress, all of these factors create enormous stress on the relationships among family members. This can lead to an additional layer of problems if it is not openly discussed and resolved.

5. Physical stress: Caring for an ailing person can be a physical challenge. Activities like cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, and shopping can be exhausting, especially when they are added to the responsibilities of your own life.

6. Home alterations: If the patient continues to live at home, you may need to make alterations such as building ramps or railings. Everyone in the home will have to adjust.

7. Social stress: Providing personal care 24 hours a day can cut off the primary caregiver from family and friends. You may be too tired to have an evening out, or you may not have anyone else to take over. This can result in your feeling angry and resentful toward the person you are caring for.

8. Emotional stress: As a result of these stresses, it is not unusual to feel a range of emotions, including anger, resentment, anxiety, frustration, sadness, and guilt. These negative emotions may conflict with the love you feel for your family member and the satisfaction you feel from contributing to the quality of his or her life.

With all of these kinds of stress, it is not surprising that many caregivers become overwhelmed and begin to feel burned out.

Signs That a Caregiver Needs Help

How do you know if the stress is becoming too much for you? The following is a list of signs that you need help. Take a moment to look through these and identify those that are now problems for you or may be potential problems.

1. You don't get out much anymore.

2. You argue with the person you care for.

3. You have conflicts with other family members.

4. You abuse drugs, alcohol, or medications.

5. Your appetite has changed.

6. You isolate yourself from others.

7. You behave in a compulsive manner or are overly focused on minor details.

8. You feel listless; you lack energy.

9. You feel more angry, anxious, or worried than usual.

10. You have a difficult time controlling your emotions.

11. You have a hard time concentrating.

12. You have physical symptoms of anxiety, such as an upset stomach, headaches, or a racing heart.

13. You often forget things.

14. You are clumsy or accident-prone.

15. You have self-destructive or suicidal thoughts.

16. You sleep more or less than usual.

17. You never seem to get enough rest.

18. You feel guilty about your situation.

Caregiver Survival Tips

1. Find out about resources before you need them. For example, don't delay researching nursing homes until the patient needs to be placed in one.

2. Seek all the support you can find. Be on the lookout for groups, individuals, and organizations that provide emotional, social, physical, and financial support.

3. Ask your family and friends for help. They may be able to provide you with time, knowledge, or money.

4. Investigate adult day care facilities. They offer therapeutic, rehabilitative, and support services such as nursing, social work services, meals, or transportation.

5. Consider having meals delivered. Many organizations provide nutritional programs.

6. Consider hiring a home health aide. Aides can provide personal care at home such as help with eating, dressing, oral hygiene, bathing, administering medication, and light household tasks.

7. Find out about homemaker services. These services can assist with shopping, laundry, housecleaning, preparing meals, and taking clients to medical appointments.

8. Look into the offerings of hospital and surgical supply services. They rent or sell medical supplies and equipment like hospital beds, canes, walkers, bath chairs, oxygen, and other equipment.

9. Check out respite care services. They provide relief to caregivers.

10. Look into social day care. They provide recreational activities, social work services, hot meals, transportation, and some health services.

11. Find out about transportation services. They provide transportation to and from medical appointments or other care services.

12. Find out about skilled nursing services. They offer professional help with specific medical problems.

13. Maintain your interests. Keep balance in your life.

14. Be realistic about what you can accomplish. Recognize what you can and cannot do.

15. Maintain communication with your family and friends. When tensions and misunderstandings develop (and they will), address them quickly.

16. Take care of yourself. Eat well, exercise, rest, and take time off.

Garrett Coan is a professional therapist,coach and psychotherapist. His two Northern New Jersey office locations are accessible to individuals who reside in Bergen County, Essex County, Passaic County, Rockland County, and Manhattan. Garrett also offers online and telephone coaching and counseling services for those who live at a distance. He can be accessed through http://www.creativecounselors.com or at 201-303-4303.

Success Through a Supercharged Network

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:48 +0000

I have finally come to believe something about myself because so many people have said the same thing to me – I mean the EXACT same sentence – over the past year. It is about something about me that others notice, which quite frankly, just comes so naturally to me that I have never noticed before.
It is a characteristic that, when applied to your life, will enable you to live the life you have always dreamed of because it will put you in the middle of relationships that will literally propel you to success! You see, no one lives their dreams without a lot of help from other people. I know a lot of successful people and all along the way, they all had others you went to bat for them and gave them a helping hand.
So, you are probably wondering what it is that I discovered about my self, aren't you?

Here is what I hear a lot: "Chris, you know more people than anyone I know."

Here are some other variations: "Chris, you are the most connected person I know." "Chris, your network includes almost everyone!"

So I started thinking about it and I realized some things.

In the last year I have put people together, as in "Call this guy. He'll help you. Tell him I told you to call." so many times that I am guessing there will be at least $500,000 worth of business done and maybe that much again in salaries made.

Do you remember the "Six Degrees of Separation" principle? It says that most people on earth are connected by only six people connections – i.e. I know you who knows Joe who knows Sue etc until you get to the other person. Most people can do this with any other person in just six degrees. The more connected you are, the less degrees – and the easier it is to accomplish what you want to accomplish. So I started thinking and I came to the conclusion that most connections for me are two degrees and even the "toughies" are just three. Don't ask me to pass word on to the President though – he's busy!

Now, let me say this: I am not bragging at all (though I am sure it sounds like it, which is why I was a little reluctant to write about this topic). In reality, this is something I had never really thought about until just recently.

And, after thinking about it, I believe ANYONE – yes, even you – can have the same kinds of network! ANYONE! Why do I believe this? Because I started thinking about what has made my network so supercharged and it comes down to a few simple basics that anyone can do. I am no better than anyone else at all. My Supercharged Network has nothing to do whatsoever with me being anymore talented or intelligent than anyone else! It has to do with a basic understanding of human nature and the nature of relationships as well as how to apply some principles that will maximize your relationships so you can live the life you have always dreamed of!

You can have a Supercharged Network too! Here are ten "secrets" to success through a supercharged network.

Be successful. Successful people are sought out. If you succeed at what you put your mind and heart to, you will be sought out by other successful people. Yes, many unsuccessful people will seek you out as well, but that is the high price you pay to put yourself into the rank of those who succeed! Do your best, accomplish much and watch your network grow!

Be nice. If you are a jerk people will write you off and will quit taking your phone calls as well as avoid the people you recommend. I am amazed at how many people will sabotage their own success because they aren't nice to people.

Love to learn. Developing a network is about learning. You need to learn about each person you come in contact with. You need to learn human nature. You need to learn how people work together. And this is fascinating stuff! If you do this simply to network, people will realize you are a phony. And phonies get left outside of the network. I truly love to learn!

Like people. I genuinely like people. There is always a mystery with people, always something new and exciting. Okay, sometimes they burn you, but generally speaking I like people – and that gets noticed. People like to be liked. They like to take phone calls from people who like them. They like to do business with people who are referred by people who like them. Don't pretend to like people – like people!

Listen. Listen to people. Listen to what makes them tick. Listen to their likes and dislikes. Listen to their dreams and fears. Listen to their hobbies. Listen to what they do. I once got a job for a guy who I couldn't even explain what he did. But I knew enough to know that when a guy I was standing in an elevator next to (3000 miles from my home) was talking about something I didn't understand, the two things I didn't understand matched up! I turned to the guy in the elevator and told him I knew just the guy for the job he was talking about. He looked condescendingly at me as though I couldn't possibly understand what he was talking about (give him credit – I didn't), and assured me that I was probably mistaken. This was a very niche job he assured me. I simply asked him for the website address and the position. He told me the website and that the position was for the CEO job. Within an hour my friend sent an email to my "friend" in the elevator. Two weeks later he was the CEO of the company! B-I-N-G-O!

Pursue "big-shots." Face it; big-shots know more people than little-shots! So it helps to know big-shots. Now this takes some chutzpah! First, you have to deal with your own self-esteem. You have to understand that you are more worthy than you think you are. Secondly, you have to deal with your esteem of the big-shot. Big-shots are really just little-shots with a bigger title (And they are usually more interesting. Think about it: Even a pompous blowhard big-shot is more interesting than a pompous blowhard little-shot. One brags about how they sat around and watched reruns while the other sits around bragging how they took over another company, which is definitely more interesting).

Most of the big-shots I know are the nicest people you would want to know. Very few of them are jerks or think too highly of themselves. Once you figure this out, call them and introduce yourself. Go up to them at the meeting and say hello. Note: This doesn't mean bother them at dinner or inappropriate times – I have seen famous people in public and my friends will say, "Let's go talk to him." I NEVER do. They are busy with their families for crying out loud! Bugging them is the best thing you can do to CLOSE your network. What I would do is walk past and nonchalantly nod hello to them. They will appreciate that you knew who they were and left them alone. Then, if you need to, drop them a line or call their office. They will remember you and return the favor for not bugging them like everyone else does!

Be helpful. Help those who you network with. Always be helpful. If someone needs something you can provide for him or her, or someone you know can provide for them, be sure to offer the help. Nothing bonds a friendship (and that is really what we are talking about here – I want as many friends as I can get) like helping someone out. I can't tell you how many times someone has been saying that they needed this or that and I said, "Do you know so and so? He can help you." They got the phone number and usually a few weeks later they call and say thanks. Additionally, this only builds on itself as your network grows.

Help others via those who you network with. Here is what I mean. Give people the opportunity to help other people. For example, one time I knew someone who was going on a medical mission and needed to get some pharmaceutical supplies soon and at cost. I knew virtually no one in the industry but I did know an executive of a large company in a state that has more than it's share of drug companies. I figured he had to know somebody. It was a shot in the dark but it worked and the executive felt great being able to tap his network for the sake of needy kids in another country.

Keep records. Names, dates, phone numbers, addresses. Anything to help you remember people. Harvey Mackay has his "Mackay 66" which I think is too long, but it is the right idea. Take notes and use the information to build your network. Somebody needs tickets to a State U. football game? Call that lady in accounting that graduated there. She can help!

Give more than you ask for. Ultimately you have to be more of a giver than a taker. Otherwise you are more of a leech on the side of a network than you are a part of the network. Give to others any time you can help, have the resources, or know someone who does. This will make you a valuable asset in the network and people will want you around and active in the network.

Be social. The final idea is simply to be social. The more people you know, the wider your network will be. Not everyone will be a big part of your working network, but even those who aren't offer you one of the most cherished things on earth – friendship.

If you want to be successful in this life it will take the help of other people. We pursue relationships for relationships sake, not to use people. But we are wise enough to know that the people we develop friendships with are people who we can help and be helped by – so all of us can achieve our dreams! Take the above to heart and you will surely Supercharge Your Network – which in turn will put you on track to live the life of your dreams!

About The Author:

Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.

To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.

Get a New Attitude

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:48 +0000

One of the first and foremost things to do to change your life is to change your attitude. Attitude is fundamental to the success or failure that we experience in our life.
Are you less successful than you would like to be? Do you have the money you want? Do you have the family you want? Do you have the job that you want?
If you answered "no" to any of the questions above, then you may want to take a look at your attitude, because so much depends on it!

"Life is 10 percent what you make it and 90 percent how you take it," says Irving Berlin. It is true. Now don't get me wrong, that 10 percent is M-A-J-O-R, but even bigger than that is what your attitude is. So, do everything that you can – action wise – to make your life an absolute success. But when you are done acting, you will only have what you have. It may be big and it may be little. But it is what you have to live with. Now the biggest key will be what your attitude is toward what your actions have brought to you. One person will work and be happy with it. Another will work, achieve the same thing and have a terrible attitude about it. Who will achieve the most successful life? My bet is on the one with the best attitude.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said that "To different minds, the same world is a hell, and a heaven." It is all in what value you give to it! You see, you may look at one thing and say "That's terrible," while another person may say, "That's great!" A simple example would be a half a ham sandwich. Now, if you are used to filet mignon, you are going to think, "A measly old ham sandwich? Is that it?" But a starving person would have a very different viewpoint! They would think, "I won the lunch lottery!

Another reason to keep in mind that our attitude is so very important is because often times the attitude we demonstrate is exactly what we will get back to us. The great Earl Nightingale said, "Our attitude toward life determines life's attitude towards us." Think about it. You walk into a store and say to the clerk, "Hey lady, do you think you could get off your duff and tell me where I can find the milk?" What kind of attitude do you think you will get back? Instead, we should go in and say, "Excuse me, but would you be so kind as to tell me where I could find the milk?" You will get a good attitude back from that! The same is true in every area of our lives. Do you find that others have a bad attitude toward you? Then maybe you have a bad attitude toward them. The old saying is true that you reap what you sow. If you are reaping bad attitudes, you are probably sowing bad attitudes. Take a closer look, and you may find the key to turning your life around.

"There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. That little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative." W. Clement Stone

Let's face it, there is little difference in people physically or intellectually. But what does make the difference is the attitude. You can take two people of similar background, education, skill and intelligence and find that one is the kind of person you are looking for because of a positive attitude while the other is a complete dud – the eternal pessimist! Your attitude is the big difference.

What is your attitude? Is it positive or negative? Are you an optimist or a pessimist? I guarantee you, no matter what your attitude is, it is affecting you – and your success. Take this test: Purposefully upgrade your attitude for 90 days and see if life doesn't begin to change for you! Pick a few areas where you can make a change. For example, begin to trust people and believe the best in them and see if your relationships begin to change!

If you're stuck or if you just want to go to the next level of success, it's time to "Get a New Attitude!"

About The Author:

To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.

Success, Opportunity, Carl, and Kenny G

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:48 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I celebrated my anniversary by taking my wife to see one of her favorite musicians – Kenny G.
Now, I have to be honest, I was dreading the event. It was a surprise and I was doing this solely as a gift to my lovely wife. I was willing to suffer and endure anything to make her happy! Okay, so I'm laying it on a little thick here, but suffice it to say, I was thinking about what it would be like to listen to two and a half hours of saxophone! I mean I was seriously considering smuggling in a radio and an earpiece so I could listen to the radio (of course I would have placed the earpiece on the side away from my wife)!
But I didn't. I went and decided to "make the most of it."

Now there are a couple of lessons I learned. First of all, don't judge a book by its cover. Sure enough, we get in there and I'm looking the crowd over and thinking "Yep, this is going to be a tame crowd." You have to understand, this concert was being promoted by a radio station that calls itself (insert deep, breathy voice here) "Smooth Jazz." Wrong! They were whooping and hollering. It was a pretty lively crowd.

The second thing I learned was that this was completely a great concert! I thoroughly enjoyed myself and would highly recommend that you go if he is ever in your area. See, we never stop learning, do we?

Ever the person looking for success lessons, it was easy to get the first one. Kenny G is obviously an extremely talented individual who is reaping the reward of countless hours of diligent practice. That is a lesson for all of us.

But the greatest lesson I learned that night came at a moment most people probably overlooked. I call this lesson the "Success, Opportunity, Carl and Kenny G" lesson of success.

About midway through the concert Kenny G began introducing his band. He started with his piano player who has been with him since high school. Next, he introduces the keyboard player, Carl. Kenny G explains that Carl is the newest member of the band. He has been with them for only two years. Before that, for nine years, he was the guy who set up the piano and keyboards for the piano player! No one even knew that Carl could play the piano. They simply thought he was an electronics and sound wizard.

One day, after everything had been set up at a concert, the rest of the band left to get ready for the show but Kenny G stayed behind to work through some parts for that night. Suddenly he hears the piano and keyboards behind him and assumes it is his piano player so he keeps playing along. When he decides to ask a question, he turns around to find – Carl the sound guy! So Kenny G says, "You know how to play the piano?"

"Every chord of every song you do, all the way through the concert," replies Carl.

So Kenny G auditions him right there and guess what? Carl is now a part of the band! Kenny G also noted that Carl's pay increased 8000 percent! Officially now, Carl is my new hero!

What did I learn from that about successful people? A few things:

One, humbly perform the duties you currently have. Nine years Carl worked at a job that isn't known for its high esteem. Thankless, long hours and low pay come to mind. But with humility, Carl did his job with pride. That is a lesson for all of us.

Two, constantly work hard to increase your ability, even when it isn't being rewarded. While you are going about a low level job, work hard all of the time to get better and smarter. Become more highly skilled. Work at it more than anyone else. If Carl had given up playing because he thought he was as high as he would go, he could have never stepped to the plate and hit that home run that changed his life!

Three, when your door of opportunity opens, walk boldly through it! It will happen. There will be a time when the door of opportunity swings widely open for you. The only question is whether you will be prepared and bold enough to walk through it successfully. You have to be good enough to deliver, and bold enough to try. Are you?

In review, here are the lessons I learned from Carl and Kenny G:

1. Don't judge a book by its cover.

2. Two and a half hours of saxophone isn't so bad.

3. People who listen to "smooth jazz" can holler too!

4. You can find success stories anywhere, even at a Kenny G concert.

5. Humbly perform the duties you currently have

6. Constantly work hard to increase your ability, even when it isn't being rewarded.

7. When your door of opportunity opens, walk boldly through it!

About The Author:

To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.

Respect Is A Four-Letter Word

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:47 +0000

One of the most important needs for every human being is the need to be respected. It doesn't matter if you or anyone else is a corporate executive, host of your own television show, short-order cook, Wal-Mart greeter or stay-at-home parent. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect regardless of occupation, gender or social status.
If you want to succeed in your chosen profession, create a loving family environment, improve a relationship, find your soul mate, or just improve the quality of your personal life, make a conscious commitment to practice showing respect in everything you do and everything you say.
Respect is the by-product of a four-letter word ? L-O-V-E

Love is one emotion, however we express it on different levels for different people. We love our significant others, children, friends, co-workers, and parents in different ways, yet we still love them.

Respect plays a HUGE role in building people's self esteem, increasing energy levels, motivating and promoting well-being. Regardless of who we interact with, it can be expressed on one level alone and does not have to be tailored to suit the relationship.

Respect can be demonstrated in a variety of ways:

- attentive listening

- referring to a person by name

- being courteous and polite

- learning the person's values and beliefs so as not to offend with inappropriate or offensive remarks

- taking the person aside when need be to discuss matters that would offend or demean if handled publicly

- eliminating offensive language and profanity from your vocabulary

By treating others with respect, you will be amazed by how they will go out of their way to support you. Like-minded individuals will be drawn to you and you will be treated with the same respect you show to others.

By showing respect you are silently communicating, "You Matter" and although you may not see an immediate impact, you are making a positive difference and will be rewarded for your kindness through universal reciprocation.

As you start this week, make a conscious effort to show respect to every soul you encounter, even the gnarly lady at the fruit stand and the cranky bus driver. Learn people's names and show a genuine interest in them. Wish them a good day and thank them for their efforts.

Laurie Hayes is one of Canada's leading Life Strategy Coaches and owner of Where the Heart is Life Coaching. Laurie works with people who are committed to creating their ideal lifestyle and living life on purpose. She can be reached at http://www.wheretheheartis-lifecoaching.com

Wayne Dyer – 20 Abundance ?

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:47 +0000

Dr. Wayne Dyer has been an inspiration for me for at least two decades now and below I wanted to share with you my favorite 20 quotes of his that relate to creating abundance and prosperity: "There is no scarcity of opportunity to make a living at what you love; there's only scarcity of resolve to make it happen."
"There is no way to prosperity, prosperity is the way."
"We are Divine enough to ask and we are important enough to receive."
"You are always a valuable, worthwhile human being, not because anybody says so, not because you're successful, not because you make a lot of money, but because you decide to believe it and for no other reason."
"When I chased after money, I never had enough. When I got my life on purpose and focused on giving of myself and everything that arrived into my life, then I was prosperous."
"The measure of your life will not be in what you accumulate, but in what you give away."
"Successful people make money. It's not that people who make money become successful, but that successful people attract money. They bring success to what they do."
"Self-worth comes from one thing — thinking that you are worthy."
"Prosperity in the form of wealth works exactly the same as everything else. You will see it coming into your life when you are unattached to needing it. "
"Our intention creates our reality."
"Love what you do."
"Doing what you love is the cornerstone of having abundance in your life."
"It's never crowded along the extra mile."
"I will grow. I will become something new and grand, but no grander than I now am. Just as the sky will be different in a few hours, its present perfection and completeness is not deficient, so am I presently perfect and not deficient because I will be different tomorrow. I will grow and I am not deficient."
"Heaven on Earth is a choice you must make, not a place we must find."
"A non-doer is very often a critic-that is, someone who sits back and watches doers, and then waxes philosophically about how the doers are doing. It's easy to be a critic, but being a doer requires effort, risk, and change."
"Anything that has been accomplished by any other human being in the physical realm is within the field of possibility."
"Anything you really want, you can attain, if you really go after it."

All of the above excerpts are credited to Dr. Wayne Dyer.

Resource Box:

Chris Knight is the humble moderator of the fan discussion board for Dr. Wayne Dyer: Wayne-Dyer.InspiresYOU.com — He invites you to drop by, register for free, and join the discussion. It's by fans and for fans of Dr. Wayne Dyer, and as such, is not connected directly with Dr. Wayne Dyer.

More about who Dr. Wayne Dyer is: Affectionately called the "father of motivation" by his fans, is one of the most widely known and respected people in the field of self-empowerment. He became a well-known author with his bestselling book, Your Erroneous Zones, and has gone on to write many other self-help classics, including Meditations for Manifesting, Staying on the Path, Your Sacred Self, Everyday Wisdom, and You'll See It When You Believe It.

The Metrosexual Male vs. The Cowboy – What Do Women Want?

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:47 +0000

He always looks perfectly put together. He can be in a t-shirt and jeans or heading out to a black-tie event. His hair never has a bad day. His nails are clean and buffed. His clothes are perfectly pressed and exquisitely coordinated. He smells like flowers and spice. Is he gay? No, he's the new metrosexual man.
As many of you know by now, the term "metrosexual" was coined by a journalist (and gay man) named Mark Simpson, to describe a new kind of urban male who is straight, but in touch with his feminine side and not afraid to show it. Essentially, metrosexuals are guys who take on behaviors and show an interest in things that have traditionally belonged in the female domain.
You may have a metrosexual brother, male friend or boyfriend (ex). These are the guys you can shop till you drop with. They can discuss fashion, will notice your great new shoes, buy their grooming products from the same places you do and have no qualms about having a manicure, pedicure or facial. You can actually TALK to these guys about something other than sports, cars and other traditionally male interests. These are the guys you can take to the opera, symphony and ballet. The perfect man, right? Depends on whom you talk to.

Let's step back a minute and look at the where and how of the existence of the metrosexual man. Simply put, he is a by-product of feminism and the changing roles and related expectations of women. As women have moved into (previously) male dominated environments and roles, it has caused a shift in the male-female balance. Women are now active participants in industry, politics and the professions- to name a few. However, as they have left their old jobs as homemakers and full-time domestic caregivers, they left a lot of empty space to be filled. Childcare providers and the domestic cleaning industry could provide some of this. The problem was all the "other" stuff women had always done.

Men were therefore called upon to contribute more to the raising of children, housework, cooking, shopping, etc. Their sons were being exposed a new role model, a dad who took on jobs and chores that had traditionally belonged to mom. Young boys themselves were also being tapped to do housework and help with siblings, exposing them to a new way of being a male in our society. Women had become more independent and financially and professionally successful. Men had become more domestic and had to soften their style as they moved into more traditionally feminine roles.

A new social order had evolved that worked for everyone, right? Not necessarily. We never take on something new without giving something up. So, what has been discarded? Clearly defined social roles and the expectations that come with them- for starters. Suddenly there was a new blueprint for how men and women should relate- especially in the world of dating. However, it was unclear and depending upon whom you asked, you would get a different answer. Usher in the confusion and frustration surrounding dating in the new millennium.

Women ask questions such as:

* who asks who out
* who calls who
* who pays
* who makes decisions about where to go, etc.
* What are the expectations at the end of the date
* how soon should we become intimate

Women comment on:

* his lack of initiative in calling or asking her out
* his expectation that they will go dutch
* how he never offers to pick her up
* his overall lack of assertiveness
* his saying he will call, but not following through
* his too polished style which lacks a certain spark of masculinity
* his taking longer to get ready than she does
* his crudeness or over aggressive style
* his expectation that they will have sex

Men ask questions such as:

* what do women want
* why should a guy have to ask a girl out
* why should the guy always pay
* why do women say they want sensitivity, etc., but see guys like that as wimps
* why do women give out such mixed signals in general
* why do women seem to reject nice guys and go for jerks
* why can't a woman be the aggressor

Men comment on:

* women acting spoiled
* women wanting their independence, etc. but not wanting equal responsibility and weight
* women expecting a lot from men, but offering little in return
* women not knowing what they want
* women playing games
* women's attraction to "bad boys"

Both women and men verbalize that they are ok with the current roles that have evolved for them in our society, yet I hear both talk wistfully about how it was in previous generations. Back then; everyone KNEW what was expected from him or her. Life was predictable. Dating was much simpler and "safer". Men were men and women were raised to be wives and homemakers. We have gained something and we have lost something. One thing for sure, we can never have it both ways.

What's the answer? It is never simple. However, it does involve better communication in general between men and women. Singles need to clarify for themselves (first), what kind of partner they seek and what their expectations from a relationship really are. Once a person is clear about what they must have and what they can't live with, they need to go out and HONESTLY seek that. Knowing what you want is good. If you turn off someone by your frankness, he/she was not the someone for you.

So, begin with a self-assessment. Then go out and pursue interests and environments, which maximize your chances of meeting compatible singles. And remember, there is no perfect person. He may be overly fussy with his hair, take longer in the bathroom than most women, be less ambitious in his work life than you are and put your cooking to shame. However, if he's sensitive to YOUR needs, easy to talk to and fun to be with, great with kids and very supportive of your goals, he may be the guy of your dreams.

Toni Coleman, MSW is a licensed psychotherapist and relationship coach with over 20 years of experience. As a recognized expert, Toni has been quoted in many local and national publications including: The Chicago Tribune and The Orlando Sentinel newspapers and Family Circle, Woman's Day, and Star magazines. She has been featured on ABC News; Discovery Health Channel and AOL Online. As a weekly contributing commentator on the KTRS Radio Morning Show, (St. Louis, MO), Toni offers dating tips and relationship advice in response to listener feedback. Toni founded Consum-mate.com in 2002 to offer singles the knowledge and tools they need to find and sustain healthy, lasting love relationships. She is a member of The International Coach Federation, and The International Association Of Coaches.

Pheromones Myth or Fact. Do Pheromones Work?

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:47 +0000

I did a quick search on the Internet for pheromones.
Pheromones are chemicals released by an organism into its environment enabling it to communicate with other in its own species. There are many different types I soon learned.
Insect Pheromones

Alarm Pheromone.

When an ant is disturbed, it releases a pheromone that can be detected by other ants several inches away. They are attracted by low concentrations of the pheromone and begin to move toward the region of increasing concentration. As they get nearer to their disturbed ant releasing an alarm pheromone, their response changes to one of emergency and alarm. They run about to try to break up the disturbance that caused the alarm. Unless additional amounts of the alarm pheromone are released, it soon wears off. This ensures that once the emergency is over, the ants return to going about their business. Honey bees also have an alarm pheromone which is why if you get stung near a hive you can expect more bee stings really soon if you are not careful.

Leaving a Trail Pheromone

A trail pheromone is left by hands as they move about once they have found food. This trail attracts and tells other ants where to go to find the food. It is continually renewed as long as the food holds out. When the supply begins to dwindle, The trail Pheromone ceases to exist. The trail pheromone evaporates quickly so other ants stop coming to the site and are not confused by old trails when food is found elsewhere.

Sex Pheromones

Hundreds of pheromones are known with which one sex (usually the female) of an insect species attracts its mates. Many of these sex attractants – or their close chemical relatives – are available commercially. They have proved useful weapons against insect pests as they can be used to attract insects to a trap, and to confuse males so that they won't reproduce. There are spiders that produce a moth sex pheromone to help catch their prey. A lot of animals such as dogs will mark their territory by peeing. It is said that the scent of pheromones is one of the territory markers.

Pheromones for humans.

There are Claims such as Gain MASSIVE Sexual Chemistry on Demand!

Instantly Arouse, Attract, Excite, Intrigue and Seduce Gorgeous Women Whenever You Want, Wherever You Want, As Often As You Want … Any Time YOU Are In the Mood.

If YOU would like to ?

? Become a lot more sexually attractive.

? Meet more beautiful women, MUCH more easily.

? Grab the attention and get approached by women far more often.

? Make a fantastic, memorable, compelling impression , every time.

? Increase your self-confidence and masculinity BIG-time? then this may be the most important news you will read all year.

And other claims that are just as outrageous all over the internet. Human beings do not produce large quantities of natural pheromones. It has been noted that women who live together for awhile tend to sync their cycles. It has been written this is to a primer pheromone that women release.

If you're looking for the man or woman of your dreams, unsuspecting pheromones in your body scent are most likely playing a large and very clever role in mate attraction. According to an article in "Psychology Today," how our body odors are perceived as pleasant and sexy to another person is a highly selective process. We usually smell best to a person whose genetically based immunity to disease differs most from our own. This could benefit you in the long run, making for stronger, healthier children. I watched a show on The Discovery Channel once about sexuality. They did a contest with a male and 5 females who so had very different types of immune systems. The females with similar immune systems to the male were more offensive in odor than the females with very different immune systems. I would imagine this is due to the different in pheromones. The pheromones though are naturally produced by our human bodies. There has been no research to pheromones produced in a lab.

Dating and Pheromones

What if we were to pretend women were a little bit attracted to pheromones produced in a lab. If you go into a club after bathing in these pheromones how is a woman going to be attracted to you ? You are emitting a scent that (supposedly) is turning any girl who smells it on. Well, what about the couple that is dancing next to you? In theory, that girl is getting turned on but who's to say she is getting turned on to you? She's getting turned on to the loser she is dancing with (Which this loser didn't pay anything for pheromones)

So, assuming that they do work they would only benefit you in one-on-one situations.

The fact is that no research mentions synthetic pheromones. The companies selling products are synthetic pheromones. Do these work? Who knows there are much more reliable ways to gain attraction that a scent. I want somebody to be attracted to me for me. Not some pheromone I'm wearing. How is she going to feel when I'm not wearing it. Also what is the effect of a women being exposed to the same pheromone all the time. Wouldn't it trigger her to get used to that scent and therefore no longer react to it?.

My suggestion is to look for other ways to attract somebody that can produce consistent results without relying on some product.

Robert Torrey is one of the instructors for Fidentia. Fidentia is latin for confidence. Fidentia teaches men to be confident with women. They do with different products and a few newsletter. Their best product is a live workshop conducted in various nightclubs teaching men to pick up women. http://www.badboycoaching.com

How To Make Your Dreams Come True

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:46 +0000

Editors Note: Family Circle Interview (2003) with Dr. Wayne Dyer:
Could 2003 be your lucky year – the one in which you fulfill a dream, improve your health, increase prosperity and feel happier?
Absolutely, says bestselling author Wayne Dyer, whose latest book is 10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace (Hay House). Dyer believes that positive thinking and a spiritual connection can lead to dramatic improvements in anyone's life.

He also insists that changing your thoughts and attitudes really can lead to making your most impossible dreams come true. All you need is a burning desire and an unwavering vision of what will eventually materialize.

In a talk with Family Circle, Dyer explains how to create a new contract with yourself that will enable you to make of your life everything you want it to be.

Family Circle: How do you make 2003 the year for a personal transformation?

Dyer: First look at any disharmony or scarcity in your life – your finances, struggles, even some health problems – and say: I created this. My life is the result of the choices I've made. What we think determines what happens to us, so if we want to change our lives, we need to stretch our minds.

Family Circle: Is that New Age psychobabble or does it really work?

Dyer: It may sound like psychobabble, but in fact, we become what we think about. William James, the father of psychology, said that if you form a picture in your mind of what you would like to be, and you hold it there long enough, it will become a reality. I've found that has worked for me.

Family Circle: Give an example.

Dyer: When I wrote my first book, Your Erroneous Zones, there was nothing I wouldn't do to make it a success. I called bookstores to create a demand, then delivered the books to the stores myself! I always say it's never crowded along the extra mile.

Family Circle: But what if your life isn't changing in the ways that you want it to?

Dyer: Realize that insanity is repeating the same thoughts and behaviors again and again, and expecting different results. To get a new outcome, you have to rewrite your agreement with reality, which I do regularly.

Family Circle: What do you mean?

Dyer: You have to compose a brand-new agreement with yourself that says: There is nothing that is not possible for me. I can attract abundance into my life. Connect with that thought. Norman Vincent Peale said, "Change your thoughts and you change your world."

Family Circle: So if you want to lose 10 pounds . . .

Dyer: First visualize yourself looking the way you want to and never let that picture out of your head. Envision yourself eating healthful foods and exercising. If you hold those thoughts in your mind, you'll act on them.

Family Circle: So what happens when you focus on all the things that you don't have?

Dyer: You stay stuck. Every thought you have either makes you stronger or weaker. Thoughts of kindness, hope, forgiveness, and peace are strengthening. Anger, anxiety, worry, and fear weaken you. You must process events in terms of appreciation rather than depreciation. You either feel that the universe is plentiful and providing, or you feel short-changed, that nothing is ever right. That's what I call a scarcity mentality – expecting that things won't work out for you. I was recently on a plane that was running 30 minutes late. The woman sitting next to me said, "With my luck, I won't make my connection." I answered, "With my luck, I will!" I think she may still be in Dallas. Family Circle: How can you reprogram yourself?

Dyer: Before you go to bed, create an image of what you want for yourself; then act as if you are who you want to be. Catch yourself verbalizing self-defeating thoughts, stop labeling yourself, and take time just to be.

Family Circle: And how do you do all that?

Dyer: You quiet your mind. On average, a person has 60,000 separate thoughts a day. We're thinking too much! As an ancient proverb says, "It's the silence between the notes that makes the music." So get quiet. Meditate; go for a walk; listen to the birds, the ocean. Breathe in the fresh air and allow your mind to let go.

Family Circle: can just hear workaholics saying they don't have the time to do that.

Dyer: If you don't take time for being healthy, you'll eventually have to make time for being sick. You can meditate for two minutes at a red light. Just close your eyes, take a deep breath, and clear your mind. The person behind you will let you know when your two minutes are up!

Family Circle: What are the signs of inner peace?

Dyer: People who have a sense of peace tend to smile, feel compassion, and enjoy the moment. They lose interest in conflict, and they don't worry!

Family Circle: You often say, "Stop worrying because there's nothing to worry about." How can that be?

Dyer: It makes no sense to worry about things you have no control over because there's nothing you can do about them, and why worry about things you do control? The activity of worrying keeps you immobilized.

Family Circle: So the next time you're tossing and turning in bed . . . ?

Dyer: My teacher in India always said, "First think of God, whatever God means to you. Think of the universal force that allows an acorn to turn into an oak tree or a blossom to become an orange." The moment you bring spiritual energy to the present, worry and anguish dissolve.

Family Circle: Other than yourself, do you know anyone who has mastered this?

Dyer: I don't know that I have! I've got eight kids and I struggle with the same things most people do. I've dealt with marital problems and addictions. What I've learned is to remind myself that all I have is today. That helps me shift my attention to what's good and right.

Family Circle: You always say that forgiveness is a dramatic way to transform a life. Forgiving your father for abandoning his family was a turning point for you.

Dyer: After he died, I went to my father's grave and told him, I don't know what motivated you to run your life as you did, but I forgive you. Afterward I felt a deep sense of relief and peace. Forgiveness is transforming. I use the metaphor of the snake bite. It is not the bit that kills you; it's the venom. When you hold a grudge, the poisons of anger and blame destroy you. Your heart weakens, your blood pressure rises, you get ulcers. It wrecks your health, makes you miserable.

Family Circle: And when you forgive . . .

Dyer: . . . miracles begin to appear in your life because forgiveness heals. It's the core of every great spiritual teaching – from Jesus and Buddha to Gandhi and Mother Teresa.

Family Circle: You also recommend the art of detachment, calling it "one of life's great lessons." What do you mean?

Dyer: I mean detach from the opinions of others; from the habit of judging or controlling others; from the past; from the need to be right and to win; from an obsession with material things. Follow your passion in life, but detach from the outcome and allow the universe to handle the details.

Family Circle: So, as we usher in 2003, what would you say is the key to achieving happiness?

Dyer: When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It's to enjoy each step along the way. That's what life is. There's no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. It's what you bring to life.

*Excerpted from Family Circle/January 14, 2003 issue

About The Author:

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, affectionately called the "father of motivation" by his fans, is one of the most widely known and respected people in the field of self-empowerment. He became a well-known author with his bestselling book, Your Erroneous Zones, and has gone on to write many other self-help classics, including Meditations for Manifesting, Staying on the Path, Your Sacred Self, Everyday Wisdom, and You'll See It When You Believe It.

How to Be Irresistible to Women

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:46 +0000

You don't need a guitar, rock-hard abs, or even a full head of hair to make a great impression on a woman. Follow these tips, and she'll want to hear from you again real soon:
1. Go out with another woman. If you're going out to a club or a bar, take a female friend or your sister with you. Women are often more amenable to talking to men who are with other women. It gives them the feeling that you actually like women, and that's attractive. If your female friend is outgoing, see if she'll make small talk with somebody you'd like to meet. She can say something along the lines of, "I love your necklace!" and that should do it. After a little back-and-forth, your friend can say, "Oh, how rude of me. This is my friend Andy," and you're in business.
2. Look women in the eye. It seems elementary, but you'd be surprised at how many guys either undress a woman with their eyes or avoid eye contact altogether. Women love it when you look them in the eye.

3. Don't try to "buy" her. If you buy her a drink, she is obligated to say thank you and that's it. If she accepts the drink, the polite thing for her to do would be to spend a little time talking to you, but that's all. On the other hand, if a woman takes the drink and walks away, let her go. You wouldn't want spend time with her, anyway. Trust me.

4. Find out her interests. Get her talking about what she's crazy about, whether it's David Bowie or the New York Mets. If you don't get it, you can say something like, "You know, I'm not too familiar with Bowie. What CD would you recommend?" Or, "I'm more into football than baseball. What is it about baseball that you like?" Ask a woman her opinion, and you'll have her eating out of your hand (we have more in common with guys than you think).

5. Listen more, talk less. Hey, I'm not suggesting that you let her do all the talking, but some guys meet a woman and then never shut up. Don't try to impress her! Don't brag about your GPA at Harvard, the Jag in your driveway, or the fact that you're CEO of a tuna fish conglomerate. You'll get precisely the kind of woman you don't want, the one who's only into you for your achievements and possessions, rather than for who you really are. Instead, ask questions and listen for the answers. Give your opinions. Get to know the woman. Let her get to know you.

6. Be optimistic. In other words, this is no time to discuss how oil prices are going through the roof, what a witch your ex-girlfriend was, or that your parents never gave you enough attention. If you run out of things to talk about, ask her if she's seen the latest hit at the box office.

7. Be chaste. Do not try to go to bed with a woman right away. Sure, there's a chance that if you go for it, she will, but if you're hoping for a lasting relationship, you set up all sorts of weirdness if you "do it" too soon. Crazy as it sounds, if she sleeps with you, she may not respect you in the morning (you didn't know that, did you?). She'll figure that you get into bed with every woman you meet, which pretty much rules you out as boyfriend material. (Or she may be the type who thinks you owe her because she slept with you, which makes her really bad girlfriend material.) Save yourself undue angst and get to know a person before you go to bed with her.

8. Make a great exit. If you want to see her again, ask for her number (preface this with something casual, "Maybe we can get together some time."). Then touch her shoulder (a little restraint is sexier here; don't try to kiss her) and tell her you'll be in touch. Then leave. If your friends aren't ready to go yet, tell her you have to hang out with them. Walk away. The key here is to keep her wanting more.

9. Call her. If you said you were going to call, you can avoid looking desperate by waiting two days, but no longer. A plea on behalf of the female sex: If you're not interested in a woman, do not-I repeat-do not say you'll call. Say, "Nice meeting you," and be on your way. Besides, collecting numbers to feed your ego is kind of sad.

10. Treat women as you'd have them treat you. The media have brainwashed us to believe that men come and women come different planets, but we're all human. Some of the biggest losers in love are women who complain that all men are the same, they all want one thing, and so on. But it's equally sad when a guy assumes all women are like his mother or his psychopathic ex-girlfriend. You'll enjoy astonishing success with women if you understand two simple facts: We're people. We're more like you than you think.

Terry Hernon MacDonald is the host of Romance Talk with Terry on HealthyLife.net Internet radio and the author of the ebook, How to Attract and Marry the Man of Your Dreams. Visit her website http://www.marrysmart.com . Listen to the show anytime at http://www.healthylife.net

Giving Thanks – A Universal Gift

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:46 +0000

In the USA we celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November every year. However, I've come to understand that there is great, POSITIVE power in having an "attitude of gratitude" all year long, that can create measurable differences in your life.
No matter where in the world you call home, and whether you traditionally take a day to celebrate the idea of giving thanks, or not — let this be a reminder to stop and really take the time to count your blessings.
Counting your blessings and taking time to appreciate the special people in your life can be done any time, any place, at no financial expense… and it's truly a gift to yourself, as well as to those you thank.

That's because, simply, what you focus on grows! As a result, you begin to experience even more to be grateful for in your life!

In fact, a daily practice of writing your gratitude lists can literally create miracles for you, as your mood is consistently lifted by the wonderful, energized feelings you generate, by your powerful decision to CHOOSE your own thoughts, concentrating on realizing just how much you already have to feel thankful for!

I would also suggest that you keep these lists in a special notebook or computer file, and not share them with anybody. I've learned that until our dreams are actually manifested, it's best to either keep them and our gratitude lists to ourselves or ONLY shared with those whom we can utterly trust to add SUPPORTIVE energy to our gratitude and dreams. Otherwise we may create an "energy leak" that will deflate our efforts. Keep your gratitude lists sacred, and build up their energy by prizing them as you would a treasure… each day as you add to your "energy bank" of gratitude, the potency of your lists will grow!

Taking the time out of your busy schedule to make your gratitude lists on a regular basis, and making the effort to express your gratitude OFTEN to the special people in your life, is a gift that can be given freely to yourself and to those you care for. And, your heartfelt words of appreciation are often MORE precious and long-cherished by the receiver than even the most expensive purchased gift could ever be!

Laurie Kristensen owns and operates a successful audio transcription and typing business from home, visit http://www.LKTranscription.com (remember to subscribe to "Your Partner in Success Newsletter" and receive THREE valuable free gifts) — also be sure to browse through Laurie's Success Resources at http://www.LKSuccess.com

You have permission to publish this article in its entirety, unchanged, electronically or in print as long as the byline, URL, and copyright are included.

Ten Tips For Setting (And Keeping) Life Changing Resolutions

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:45 +0000

It's time for that annual ritual of making (and breaking) our New Year's resolutions. There is something about the idea of being able to start over that motivates us to pause (at least briefly) and reflect on our lives as they are, as well as how we would like them to be. Yet how many times have you thought back to last year's goals and found that many or most of them were abandoned or just forgotten after a few weeks or months into the year?
Many of us have difficulty following through on our resolutions due to factors such as choosing unrealistic goals, not making them challenging enough and/or lacking the necessary motivation to stick with them. The following tips should help put you on the right course and assist you in staying committed to your most important goals for 2003.
Start with a life vision

If you don't know what you want your future to look like, how can you decide what areas of your life need to be worked on? Spend some quiet time TODAY reflecting on (and writing down) what is good, bad or incomplete. Then try to "see" your life if all of these areas were addressed and had become satisfactory to you.

Get organized

Clear away clutter. Go through paperwork, files, old bills and receipts, closets, drawers and storage containers. Decide what you need and will use and either throw out or give away all the rest. Put aside some time each week for this purpose. After you have cleaned out you can think about your existing systems for management and storage and see if these need reworking or just some fine-tuning. Keep ONE calendar to record all appointments, events, etc. Write down everything- don't rely on memory.

Expand your horizons and make a commitment to learning something new.

Challenging yourself will infuse you with greater energy and sense of purpose. It will help build your self-esteem to realize you really are capable of more than you had previously believed. This new learning can also give you additional resources to assist you in your career, personal or love life.

Set challenging but realistic resolutions

Choose goals that stretch your ability muscles, yet are realistic and therefore less vulnerable to failure. Don't respond to that negative inner voice that says; "oh, I'm not capable of that". Instead, focus on what you truly desire for your life and relationships and let this be your guide.

Write down your resolutions

Write them down and stick them on your bathroom mirror, your fridge, your car dashboard, your desk or wherever you know will be a good place for you to see them. You can also show them to a good friend, family member, your coach or anyone who could provide support and encouragement.

Create action steps for each resolution; write them down, and keep an accounting of your progress for each.

A resolution without planned action is doomed to failure. Break each goal down into small action steps or objectives. Putting a date for completion will help ensure you follow through. Come up with an accountability system that will work for you. Make sure you check off each accomplishment as you go and be flexible and willing to make adjustments in your action steps in order to achieve your desired end results.

Take care of yourself; eat well. Exercise regularly and learn to control and eliminate unhealthy stress.

I know this is an obvious one, so why is it often ignored or overlooked when we are attempting to make important life changes? How many times have you said, "I don't have the time" to eat right, exercise, sleep adequately, etc? Not caring for yourself will guarantee failure. So, why not make this your first and most important resolution for 2003?

Work to eliminate bad habits

Including this as a New Year's resolution would put you on the road to good follow-through. Bad habits will sabotage your efforts and use up your limited resources of time, energy and focus. For each bad habit you decide to eliminate, have a good habit in mind to replace it with.

Set appropriate and healthy limits in all areas of your life

Knowing your limits and enforcing them with yourself and others is a prerequisite to a healthy life and relationship. Learn to say "no" and "enough" and be firm in your resolve that this is a good thing to do. Otherwise, you will also be undermining your resolution to take care of yourself.

Work to be the kind of person you want to be with

Bringing out the best qualities in yourself will help to ensure that you attract people of good quality into your life. You wouldn't want to compromise on the standards you have set for a potential mate. Therefore, it's important to understand that this also holds true for other people in search of relationships.

Now begin this year with the resolve to be the person you know you have the potential to be. You'll be pleased with the wonderful changes that await you!

Women and Bad Boys: What Is The Attraction?

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:45 +0000

"Bad Boys".
If you're a woman, you may be saying "hmmm" as you hear these words. You know you shouldn't, but you just can't help yourself.
There is just SOMETHING about these guys that draws you in, even as your head tells you to "beware"!

So, what exactly is the attraction? It's not necessarily that they are more physically attractive or smarter or more successful than the "nice guys". In fact, they can have fewer of these qualities, yet be harder to resist.

So what is it? Let's begin by defining these guys. This term is generally applied to males who treat women poorly. Do these behaviors ring a bell?

*calling at 8:30 on a Saturday night to ask if you want to get together

*not showing up for a date- followed by no phone call or apology

*never having any money when you are out

* forgetting or ignoring your birthday and other important dates

*flirting openly with other women when you are together

*hitting on your good friend(s)

*making booty calls at 1am, after they've had a night out with others

*is doing time for a serious felony

Instead of asking "what is it about these guys"; let's instead examine what it is about the women who can't resist them. The following are actual statements from women who have a history of attraction to these guys. See if any of these sound familiar.

* "It's never BORING with him. He's unpredictable and exciting."

* "He's strong, aggressive and self-assured; I feel safe with him."

* "It's not his fault; he's trying to get his life together."

* "I haven't met anyone else that makes me feel the way he does."

* "He's so charming and passionate."

* "He tells me how much he likes me, so he must really feel something for me."

* "He needs me."

* "He doesn't come across as needy and desperate."

* "I can't believe I've attracted someone like him."

Now, on the face of these, they seem pretty benign. We all seek at least some of these traits in the men we choose. So, where's the problem?

Essentially it's in his inability to meet the woman's fundamental needs. She is the one doing all (or most) of the giving. The question then lies in; "what's in it for her?"

The answer can be found by exploring three basic issues:

*level of self-esteem

*capacity for intimacy

*roles that she has been in throughout her life

If a woman feels good about herself, she chooses a mate who communicates both verbally and non-verbally to her that she is valued and respected. She won't allow this other person to undermine her positive self-worth. She believes in her ability to participate in a healthy, reciprocal relationship.

If she doesn't feel good about herself, she chooses someone who reinforces her negative self-beliefs.

If a woman is capable of true intimacy, she is open to the true availability of the other person. She wants him to be a full and active participant in the relationship. She can allow herself to be open, vulnerable and able to take as well as to receive all that true intimacy offers.

If intimacy is difficult, she choose someone who is distant, hard to connect with and not emotionally and/or physically available.

If a woman has had a healthy role in her relationships since childhood, she will choose someone with whom she can continue this healthy interaction.

If a woman has been too long in the role of rescuer, caregiver or the one who sacrifices for the good of others, this will probably be the role she will seek out in her relationships.

Fortunately, most women fall somewhere in between on these issues. So the task is to evaluate yourself in each area and decide on a course of action that will help you to choose a "nice guy", who stirs your senses and meets your needs while being truly available for a real relationship.

Begin with an assessment of what you value most in life and cannot live without.

Go to http://www.consum-mate.com/newslets/02oct.htm for an article on "clarifying and living your values".

Once you know what is most important to you and believe that you are worthy of achieving it, you will have taken a giant step towards finding the right partner for you.

The Friend Crush: Is This Love Or Friendship

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:45 +0000

He's your good friend. She's your best confidant. You have known each other for a few years and have shared meals, movies, hobbies and vacations. You have confided to each other about your latest love interest and turned to one another for support when the relationship(s) failed. You can't imagine life without your good friend.
But for a while….
You've felt jealous of his dates. You've been overprotective of her since she has been seeing the jerk. You've been having very strong feelings of attraction and a desire for something more than friendship. Could it be that your feelings for him/her have grown into something more? If so, your relationship may have developed into a "friend crush".

You don't know what to do. You know you want to continue spending time together- more time. But it's getting hard. You fantasize about having more with this person and are beginning to feel like a jealous would-be partner. Do you pretend everything is the same? Do you start distancing yourself- hoping your feelings will go back to the way they were? Do you actually TALK directly and honestly with your friend about how you feel?

What will happen to the relationship if you make the WRONG choice?

Just as all people are unique, so are the characteristics of their relationships with others. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this increasingly common dilemma. So, let's take a look at your options. You can:

* ignore your feelings, keep your boundaries in check and pretend everything is status quo

In order to choose this option, you must be able to deny your feelings so well that even you don't know what they are. You will also have to continue being comfortable on the sidelines while someone else has the relationship with this person that you desire. You will most likely be asked what you think of this or that person and be expected to be happy and supportive of your friend when they meet the right someone for them. In return for all this, you will still have your friend.

* begin to spend less time with your friend (crush) while seeking out new friendships to pursue and strengthen

This option will most likely cause confusion and hurt on the part of your friend who will wonder what happened. They may be understanding and accepting of your need to spread your wings and support you in doing what you need to do. Either way, you will see less of them and your relationship can weaken and perhaps disappear altogether as they move on with new people. If you can distance yourself for a while and no longer feel the romantic butterflies, you can always give them a call and may be able to pick up somewhere near where you left off.

* continue the relationship with your own hidden agendas – a desire for romantic intimacy and the hope that the person will realize that they feel the same way

If they become involved with someone else in the meantime, you can work to sabotage their new relationship or you can leave them wondering where all your anger and hurt feelings are coming from. You can spend a lot of time and energy handling it this way, without anything to show for your efforts but the loss of a good friend.

* have an open and honest discussion with your friend regarding your new feelings for them

This is the choice that seems to be the hardest for folks to make. Often what I hear from people in this position is that they fear "ruining the friendship" if they discuss their feelings honestly. While this is a very understandable concern, it isn't well thought out. It is emotional, not rational. Look again at the other options. Every one will bring about a change in your current friendship.

Why?

Once your feelings have changed, so does the relationship. Ignoring them, hiding them or distancing yourself will lessen your closeness and the positive dynamics that flow between good friends. You can't go back. You need to decide how you want to move forward or if this is an option for you. . It is also possible in choosing this option that you will learn that they have similar feelings for you that they were afraid to reveal. Therefore choosing this option could result in romance and a love relationship based on true friendship.

Intimacy exists in all close relationships. It is the ability to be completely open and vulnerable to another without fear of harm or rejection. So, by definition, we cannot be intimate with another while hiding or denying our true feelings and needs to them.

The choice will always be yours. Choosing wisely is about really knowing the options, the consequences they bring and what will be best for you and your friend.

Toni Coleman is a licensed therapist and relationship coach in private practice in McLean, Virginia. She specializes in working with singles that want to create lasting, intimate relationships. Toni has over 20 years of post-masters experience in relationship counseling and coaching with singles and couples. She is the founder and President of LifeChange Coaching and Consum-mate Relationship Coaching. She developed and teaches the Creating Lasting Relationships Training, a tele-workshop designed to help singles to define, implement and fulfill their life and relationship goals. She has also written numerous email classes for singles on all aspects of meeting, dating and relating. She is the author of the email newsletter, The Art of Intimacy, which goes out to thousands of subscribers monthly. http://www.consum-mate.com

The Law of Attraction in Action

Bob — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:59:45 +0000

Would you like to be able to experience more of what brings you joy in your life? Do you have unmet wants and desires that have left you feeling unfulfilled in some areas of your life? Were you taught that it is our desires that make us unhappy? Whoever taught us that desire is a bad thing was an unempowered person!
Desire is a beautiful thing! It is desire that birthed this world, and it is desire that draws us together to create new life, both physically and metaphysically.
Imagine for a moment that you have a genie in a bottle, or a secret potion or wand that, that gives you the power to zap into being more of what you wish for. The truth is, it doesn't take a genie in a bottle, a magic wand or a secret potion, although these are fun 'reminders' of the awesome power that we hold! We are Divine Beings!

The Bible says we are made "in the image of God" and that "what we reap we sowed." This means we, like God, are creators! I've heard it said that God helps those who help themselves. We must learn how to help ourselves by co-creating, along with God, that which we desire by developing faith and applying focused thought. The best way to pray then is affirmatively, to visualize what we desire as if it is already in our experience, and to give thanks in advance, knowing that what we need and desire is available to us. To pray effectively, we pray affirmatively. A powerful prayer is one of gratitude. The more we count our blessings, the more blessings come to us. Our thoughts and prayers really do create our experiences!

Another way of saying this is to use creative visualization. Creative visualization is the technique of using our imagination to create more of what we want in life. I've heard some people say, "I can't do that, I don't visualize anything!" There is nothing woo woo about it. You are already using visualization techniques every day – every time you think about what to have for lunch or what you might want to do over the weekend, or even while remembering a special person in your life, you are using your creative imagination! Visualization is the basic creative energy of the universe, which we use constantly, whether or not we aware of it. When we aren't aware it is called creating by default. When we are setting conscious intentions, we are deliberately co-creating with God, or the Universe.

You may have heard the saying, "Thoughts are things." Our thoughts, beliefs and feelings are real! They are alive with the spiritual substance that makes up this world. Our thoughts are energized and powerful. Everything we experience in "reality" has its beginnings in the non-physical. Every thought we think is a seed and every time we think the same thought over again, we water that seed. When we think thoughts filled with emotion, we fertilize those thoughts. The more intense our desire, and the degree to which we believe it is possible, the more likely it is to come into our experience and the faster it will manifest. The law of the soil and the law of the mind are the same.

The world is filled with evidence that supports our beliefs. In other words, optimists are confirmed in their optimism, and pessimists are confirmed in their habits of thought also. An optimist expects things to work out somehow, and because they give their attention to what they do want with expectancy, this is what manifests in their experience. The pessimist, on the other hand, generally also creates what they habitually worry about. When pessimists learn how to alter their expectations and beliefs, they too can more deliberately create what they are wanting in life.

I truly believe that everything works towards our highest good, we just need to trust the Universal Laws working through us and use our experiences to expand our consciousness. Let's use the Law of Attraction to make the world a more joyful and loving place!

"If you could begin to feel appreciation for the fact that desire exists and anticipation about its unfolding, rather than disappointment that it has not manifested, your energy would clear up by 95% and your manifestations would begin to flow to you so much more easily." –Abraham-Hicks

Diana Kennedy is the author of Living from Spirit website and free email newsletter. She leads the 9:30am church service at Unity of Tallahassee where she works as Ministerial Assistant. Diana is a licensed massage therapist working at All About You! Massage. She specializes in Relaxation/Deep Tissue massage and spiritual energy balancing. Diana also leads FREE and paid TeleClasses based on the Law of Attraction. To contact her, call 850-878-2130, visit http://www.dianakennedy.com, or email living_from_spirit@yahoo.com.