Postive Projecting

Yesterday, I wrote about our tendency to project in the worst way possible. Basically, individuals experience an overwhelming fear because of the fact that we tend to look down the road when confronting a situation and consider the worst thing that can happen. Ultimately, this instills fear in us which prevents us from taking action. We see how things will work out in ways that are detrimental to our hopes. In the end, we are paralyzed from doing anything.

My suggestion in that post was to simply stop projecting. If we go negative whenever we look out into the future, then it is best to stop doing that. This will allow us to focus on the present moment and take the action that is in front of us. Fear cannot exist in this environment since the negative thoughts won't be present. Instead, one will act as opposed to being paralyzed.

Now, I am going to go one step further. We will want to use our projecting mechanism again except there is one caveat that I will include. From now on, whenever you look into the future, see everything working out as you planned. Instead of seeing the worst thing possible occurring, picture the best thing. Imagine yourself achieving everything that you want.

What does this outlook do for us? To start, it allows us to visualize the outcome to a situation without experiencing fear. In fact, we ought to get excited about the prospects we are seeing in our minds. Having circumstances resolved in manners that are favorable to us should always get you juiced. Why picture losing money when you can just as easily see yourself gaining? Picturing her saying yes to a date is more appealing then visualizing a 'no'. As you can see, it takes no more effort to focus positively as opposed to negatively.

One thought that often comes to mind is how does one avoid the 'polyanna' thinking which causes one to lose touch with reality? My answer is that anyone who just is starting to put this exercise into practice will not be affected by polyanna thinking since plenty of negativity will still enter into the picture. Changing one's default mindset takes time. This is the last thing that most people need to worry about.

However, thinking about positive outcomes should not cause one to lose focus on reality. You still need to do proper research. Betting on a longshot horse even though you picture it winning might not be the path to success. Neither is throwing money at the stock market without adequate research or asking a married woman out on a date. One needs to still do his or her due diligence in situations before proceeding. However, once you decide what action to take, picture it working out in your favor.
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The Winner's Mindset

A lot is made about the mental outlook people have in regards to success. The reason is because success first starts in the mind. Everything that transpires originated as a thought. Therefore, having the right mental conditioning is of paramount importance. Fortunately, for those who are seeking to get to the top, the competition in this area is limited.

Most seek to be comfortable. This is true no matter what facet of life we are referring to. People simply do not like pain and leaving one's comfort zone can be painful. Rejection, failure, and disapproval are things that we are all taught to avoid. However, they are also the exact qualities which are needed for substantial success. Look at anyone who accomplished any great feat and you will realize that all these were experienced on multiple occasions.

The winner's mindset is what separates him or her from the rest of the crowd. Quite simply, people at the top think differently than others. For example, Warren Buffet doesnt think about making a few dollars in the stock market. His mindset is tuned for billions. Making $10,000 is something that does not interest him. The same is said for Tiger Woods in the field of athletics. He seeks to win every golf tournament that he enters. Many are out there looking to make the cut (the 36 hole cutoff which makes the difference between going home and getting paid) whereas Woods is seeking to put himself in position to win.

As you can see, what you focusing upon at the start directly affects the results you achieve. Those who set their sights low usually achieve that level. However, success can be increased simply by lifting your standards. It is an activity that costs you nothing and anyone can do. Focus intense attention on how you think and you will increase you success substantially even if all other things remain the same.

To illustrate this point, I will use the reverse scenario from what I just mentioned. What happens when the winner loses the mindset that made him or her so successful? As you can guess, performance goes down. Tiger Woods is an example of this here also. His play this year after his off the field developments is abysmal. Some are questioning whether he should even be playing. Woods' confidence is shaken. The invincibility that he had is gone. On the golf course, he is again a mere mortal. The winning edge in his mind is removed.

Some will attribute his poor play on losing his swing coach or some other minor points. The truth is that Woods is beating himself with his mental state. His ability has not dwindled in the least. It is his mind that went south and took his game with it.

If it can happen to a champion like Woods, it can happen to you. On the bright side, however, is that you can also (re)capture the mindset the moment you decide you want to think like a champion. Of all the obstacles in life, the most powerful are those we erect in our minds. Remove them and the path to the top is much easier.

My challenge to you is to stop thinking like everyone else. Most people have aspirations of being comfortable. If you dont believe me, just ask them. Ask 100 people what they want most out of life and that is what most of them will tell you. They want to be comfortable by living a conservative lifestyle. Remaining in their comfort zone is where they view happiness. However, success lies in the discomfort. Stretching your thinking to include all that is possible is the starting point. Expand your world by expanding your mental conditioning. This is how you are going to change your life. I know because I am one that did that exact thing. Follow this prescription and I am certain you will get similar results.
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Being The Best

What is it that separates the great ones from all the rest? Have you ever sat down and thought what exactly started the process? Is it talent? Determination? Blessing from a higher power? Obviously there is something that makes the great ones great. Figuring out what that is can go a long way to helping us to understand how to improve our lives.

Fortunately, I am going to give you some help with the answers to these questions. All success starts in the mind. Even before talent, luck, or environment comes into play, one must succeed in his or her mind. Mankind has proven this truth throughout history. As you think, so you will be.

The simple fact is that those who achieve the ultimate success do so because they believe they are going to be the best. It is that easy. That is where all grand achievement comes from. If you are able to direct your thoughts in this direction, your entire life will change. Instantly, all actions change.

The best behave differently than the average person. These people take the actions that others are unwilling to do. They start their day in a different manner and that carries throughout. Watch how the successful behave and compare that to your life. You will see an immediate difference. Again, the reason this occurs is because the best believe so in their mind.

Tiger Woods, before this season, went out expecting to win every golf tournament. In his mind, he was the best before he ever teed the ball up. What was the "Woods Mystique"? The biggest advantage that Tiger Woods had on his competitors was all mental. He believed he was better and so did they.

The New York Yankees fit into this category also. The past 38 years, when owned by the recently departed George Steinbrenner, saw the expectation of championships. Finishing second was not tolerable. The team was designed to win and that was expected. Every player knew to believe they were the best team in baseball. Thus, all actions were taken with the desire to prove this mindset.

It is time you began to live your life in a similar fashion. Decide today that you are going to be the best in everything that you do. Your were designed to live at the top level of the food chain. Mentally, you can put yourself there in this instance. Remember, all success is preceded by the mind. From there, you simply need to contour your actions with the mindset you create. Mental success followed by directed action leads to physical success. There is no simpler formula than that.

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Making The Best Out Of Everything

In life, there are times when situations are less then we desire them to be. Unfortunately, it is also at these times where there is nothing that we can do to alter the reality of life. Therefore, we need to make the best of it. Often, this is as simple as altering our mindset.

I had such a situation this weekend. A few of use were invited to go on a boat to watch the space shuttle take off. There were 6 of us in all, 2 groups of three. We knew the owners of the boat moderately well and figured it would be a wonderful time. Sadly, we were mistaken.

From the outset, it was obvious this was going to be a strained interaction with 2 groups of three. The hosts and their friend proceeded to ignore the rest of us. Their was limited communication with no social skills shown. In short, we were completely ignored. It even got to the point where we asked ourselves, "why were we invited".

Bear in mind this was an overnight trip since the launch was due to go early the next morning. Around midnight, I determined that all was lost from the social standpoint. That is when I decided to make the best of it. We were going to be within a few miles of the launch of the space shuttle, something that few ever experience in life. I thought that if nothing else we could get some incredible pictured which would offset the other experiences.

Notice how I was "trapped" by the situation yet was determined to make the best of it. Since we were on a boat, there was nowhere for me to go. I was physically trapped by the circumstances. The only way I could alter what was transpiring was to focus my attention on producing some "gain" out of it.

This is where another monkey wrench was thrown into the mix. Due to mechanical issues, the shuttle launch was scrapped. There would be no pictures on this day. Witnessing something from a vantage point few get to see went out the window. Now I was 0 for 2 in my experiences.

Again I had to turn to a different outlook. The couple who owned (and ran) the boat were determined to remain on there until mid-afternoon. Thus we would not be returning for another 6 or 7 hours. I had the choice to sulk about the treatment I was receiving and the missed opportunity with the shuttle or to alter my mood. I chose the later.

How many people get to spend the day on a nice boat experiencing the water and sunshine. It is something that people spend thousands of dollars to do when they are visiting here on vacation. And this was costing me nothing. Therefore, I committed to enjoy the day as a tourist would. Swimming, sunbathing, and throwing the football around filled the remaining time on the boat.

In the end, I worked on my tan a bit more while enjoying a relaxing day at sea. It was not the trip I first envisioned when I received the invite during the week. However, it did turn out positive in spite of the setbacks. Would I put myself in the same position in the future? No I would not. I learned a valuable lesson with these people. Nevertheless, since I was in a situation I could not physically change, I made the best of it. Overall, it was a positive experience because of my mindset.

Try this the next time you find yourself "cornered" in life. You will be amazed how you can turn a negative situation into something positive. This will automatically raise up the quality of your life. Less negativity means more positivity.
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The Opinion of Others

In each Presidential election, there are roughly 90 million people who vote. Even if the winner is clearly decisive, the number of people voting against that person is above 40 million. Certainly that is a lot of people who want him or her to go away. I would imagine that one could get a bit self conscious with so many people having a negative opinion. Of course, politics, especially Presidential, is not for the thin-skinned. There are lots of ill-meaning individuals who will say anything to get under another's skin.

I experience this to a lesser degree myself. There are many instances where people write (or say) things that are negative about me or my work. This can be a real blow to the esteem if I allow it. However, I realized long ago the opinion of others matters little to me. This is how I can survive in an environment like this.

The Internet gives everyone a forum to voice their opinions. Oftentimes, people are unflattering without merit. Unlike true journalism, the facts and truth matter little. People have the ability to state whatever they want without recourse. This too is an arena for those with thick skin.

Why do I bring this all up? The message I want to deliver is that the opinions of most people matters little. There is a saying that "nobody ever erected a statue for a critic". And it is real easy to be find a critic. It seems that everybody today feels qualified to comment on any situation. Again, the Internet provides the forum for that to occur.

We all have people who are important to us: friends, family, etc... These are the ones who are closest to us and who's opinions should matter. Sadly, there are many screwed up families out there. That is why it is best to practice not placing high value on the opinions of others. The only opinion that is important is what you believe about yourself. This is the one outlook we all need to take to heart.

Esteem is something that comes from within. Our worth is derived from ourselves (and whatever your belief is about spiritual matters). We do not get our value from others. Those who look for that from those around him or her are destined to be miserable. People in the world have an agenda. Unfortunately, most would rather tear another down as opposed to lifting themselves up. This is an easier course to follow.

At the end of the day, you are the one who needs to be happy with you. Each of us has incredible talent. At the same time, we are all capable of providing something wonderful to this world. Those who spend their time seeking this outlet find they have little time to worry about opinions of others. Those who are busy doing are too busy to read the viewpoints of the critics. Of course, the critics have the time to create their viewpoints since they fail to take any meaningful action in their lives.

Be mindful of this idea the next time someone says something unkind about you. I remember what a spiritual teacher of mine once said "other's opinions of me is none of my business".
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Take It To Another Level

This is a simple mindset trick that can radically alter the success that you have. Most of us operate at a default level mentally, energetically, and physically. It is most apparent when you watch the pace that people walk at. Most will go at something that is subconsciously comfortable to them.

One of the easiest ways to improve your life is to take everything you do up to another level. We often see this done in sports when champion athletes get "up" for the big game. It seems their talents rise to another level when everything is on the line.

You can do the same thing in your life. Most of what we do is segmented into different compartments. We have our work lives, followed by family, recreation, etc... Apply this mindset to each area will net us substantial results in general.

Let us look at exercise as an example. Most get into a routine and stick with it. Champion athletes chronicle how they often alter their routine to get maximum benefit from their workout. We need to do the same thing. Perhaps it is possible for you to enter the gym and quantify your exercise routine. Let's say that you normally operate at a level 5. You will see drastic results if you concentrate on performing at a level 7. This minor difference in effort will create a success rate that is higher than you were previously enjoying.

We can apply this to all areas. People who are successful operate at a different level. This exercise will help push you to a higher level. Try it for the next week to notice an instant difference.
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In 100 Years...

In 100 years, what will it matter? I heard this line again in a movie I watched the other night. This got me to thinking about all the trivial hangups we all have. Can, adopting this outlook, make a difference in the actions we take in our lives? I believe that it will.

Utilizing this idea allows us to look at the larger picture. Too often we want to focus upon the isolated situations in front of us. Fear, a constant within most people, prevents the taking of action. We are so scared to failed that we resist taking the action. In the end, we live a life of unfulfilled dreams and promises.

If we remembered this simple saying each time we are confronted with a choice, I believe that the chance of moving forward is greatly increased. People are more willing to accept "failure" if they know the outcome really does not matter. Isnt that true for most things in life?

Let me give you an example. What was the last thing that you were really upset about? Can you even remember what it was? Think back a few weeks to the time where you were really angry? What situation caused that anger to dwell within you?

Whenever I ask these questions, most people find out that whatever they were irritated with was not that important. Usually they understand that what seemed crucial in the moment is really inconsequential in the long run. Things such as spilled milk, lost items, or forgotten tasks rarely amount to much. However, what often is of consequence is the reactions we have to those situations. Our exhibition of anger will leave an impact on our loved ones.

Fear is a jailer that knows no mercy. Resist the temptation to give into it by understanding that things will not matter in 100 years. Rejection is something that only hurts in the moment. Long term, it has little impact on our lives. Yet an acceptance of our proposition by another often leads to a breakthrough. There is more gained in life by saying "yes" rather than "no".

This concept is all about taking chances. Realizing that failure means little in the grand scheme enables us to pursue opportunities without limitation. In 100 years, it won't matter. Therefore, how much does it matter now?
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Other People's Programming

Have you ever thought about the difference between a cult and a religion? What is it that separates the two? I believe the only difference is the conditioning we received which leads us to our conclusions. The programming of others is what establishes the beliefs that we carry with us each day.

Cults have the reputation for brainwashing people. Many who lead these enterprises are manipulative people with a self-serving (and sometimes evil) agenda. They are often delusional individuals who prey upon the weak. Those who fit a particular profile are targeted. Many believe that it is the weak who fall prey to this type of manipulation.

However, couldn't we say the same thing about the world's religions? People get their belief system from the "church" which tells them what is going to happen. They are instructed of how they are to live, what to worship, and with whom to interact. All stages of life, and thereafter, are often spelled out. Yet millions of people show up to their places of worship every Sunday.

So what is the difference between Jim Jones and the Pope? A case could be made that they are similar in how they influence the beliefs of others. Obviously Jim Jones was seriously demented in his quest for power and immortality. Having people commit mass suicide is probably not the path that God wants one to travel.

I feel the difference is in how we perceive the institutions we place our trust in. Since most of society readily accepts the major religions as legitimate, they are looked upon favorably. Yet something like the Church of Scientology is frowned upon because it is not the norm. In fact, Western culture carries the viewpoint of some of the Eastern philosophies while extolling the virtues of their own beliefs. Have you noticed how Islam is one of the most popular religions yet Christians feel those believers are barbaric? As if nobody ever died in the name of God.

My purpose in writing this is not to start a religious war. Personally, I have no "dog in this fight". Nevertheless, I do feel it important to show how powerful the conditioning of others is upon us. For those who truly want to live their own lives, it is vital that we make our own choices. Questioning our beliefs is crucial to this process.

Too often people are afraid to stray from the norm. They feel they have to behave in certain ways. Sadly, conformity is often the road to misery. Study the life of any successful person and you will realize that they broke from the masses at some point. Blind followers are like sheep. They are open to the abuse of others. This is something that the powerful in every walk of life prey upon. Cults, religions, government, and major corporations all use methods to program our thinking. Those who fail to question anything are the easy targets they seek.

Start to take control of what you think. Continually check your belief system and ask yourself, "why do I believe this"? How did you come about those conclusions? Is this something that you consciously selected or was it instilled in you by others? Family, friends, and schooling all have a part in this process. That is why people from similar backgrounds often behave in the same manner. The social conditioning can affect all of us.

Freedom starts with the thoughts in your mind. Begin the process of taking back control by looking at all the thoughts you have. If you find yourself defending a particular viewpoint, question why you believe that. It will be an enlightening exercise.
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Thinking About Things Differently

The world is coming to an end. At least that is the impression that one could get by reading the headlines doled out by the media. While not believing that the end is near, I will grant that we are in some trying times. This worldwide debacle has the potential to eclipse the Great Depression in severity. People are going to see things we have not witnessed in a few generations.

For this reason, I feel it important for people to change their mode of thinking. Many in the press made an issue of the fact that all stock profits gained by the bull market run over the last decade were wiped out in the last 6-9 months. This completely destroyed the buy and hold model of stock investing. People who adhered to this philosophy realized major losses recently.

This is just one example of how people's thinking needs to change. Another example is the idea of security in one's job. The days of lifetime employment left us 15 years ago. However, many still clung to the illusion that there is safety in a job. Understand this: there is no security in a job. This is something that can be lost at any time. We are witnessing well over half a million people losing their security each month in the United States alone.

Now is the time to rethink what direction you are going in. What are you going to do different in the near future to protect yourself against the circumstances we are now facing? Are you prepared to start that side business to supplement your income while you still are fortunate to be employed? Will you seek different streams of revenue to prevent a financial collapse if you are let go? Did you consider the opportunity you have under you own roof by renting out the spare bedroom? These are all ideas which are aside from the traditional thinking yet so necessary in this era.

You are capable of far more than you have done. The truth is that most in the Western world have enjoyed a relatively easy ride. We simply have not been pushed. Even those who suffered fail to realize what true poverty is. If you are questioning what it looks like, study the conditions in Africa or areas of Central America. That is true poverty.

Nevertheless, if this situation is prolonged, we might see something similar start to arise in this country. Many will find themselves facing circumstances which will test what they are made of. Fortunately, there is a lot more within you than even you imagine. Success is something that we all can attain regardless of the circumstances. It is only a matter of believing that we can do it. Sadly, few will reveal this to themselves until they are forced into the situation. Think differently about yourself starting this moment; it might be needed in the future.

The world around us is rapidly changing. A different way of thinking is critical to our advancement. What worked just a few years ago is now obsolete. The entire game has changed. Get yourself ahead of the curb by altering the way you look at things. This will uncover avenues which are right under your nose. With every crisis comes monumental opportunities for the person who is looking. Take advantage of it.
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Thoughts Have Power

Have you ever stopped to consider the power of the mind? If not, perhaps it is time that you really pondered how much force exists between your ears. Regardless of who you are, there is enough energy in your mind to create whatever you desire. People just like you developed the atomic bomb, built monasteries, erected skyscrapers, and tore down others. The mind is the most powerful computer in the world.

Sadly, this item is commonly used for destruction. Most of the energy which comes from it is negative. We allow the mind to control us through the use of fear. In turn, it creates a reality for us which is completely different then we desire. One day we wake up only to realize that our life "past us by".

Each thought you have has the power to either create or destroy. The results of your thinking is solely up to you. Mastering this force takes practice yet it is within reach. We learn to think negatively, thus we can reverse this practice. In the end, it will be what changes your life.

Consider the impact that each thought has on your life. If that is too much for you at this time, then just consider how each of these thoughts affects your day (or moment). Our day is quickly ruined if we are consistently having negative thoughts. And, what is a negative thought? One that is driven by fear. When we allow these ideas to marinade in our head, we end up destroying our day. String enough of these days together and you will end up with a ruined life.

This is the power that exists at this moment in your mind. Therefore, it is time to reverse this course. We can do this by implementing positive ideas throughout our day. Mastering this single technique will result in all your dreams coming true.

Let us remember that everyone gets negative thoughts. There is not a person on this planet who does not experience periodic fear. However, the difference is the successful do not allow it to stop them. When the negative pops into their minds, they discard it immediately. The easiest way to do this is to replace it with something positive. I like to think of the exact opposite of what the fear is focusing upon. If it is telling me something is not going to work out, I think of how it will. This reversal gets me moving in the direction that I need to go while taking the action necessary for success.

Use your mind for creative purposes. You were not put here to suffer. There is an old saying "God don't make junk". Do not believe the mindless, negative chatter that goes on between your ears. We all have something to contribute. The world is waiting for you to share your genius with it. There is something specific which you are here to do. It is up to you to find it.

Greatness is not something you are born into. Heroic actions are often performed by average people. Having the belief that you can succeed is the first step in rising to whatever challenges life has to offer. Success is first created in the mind. Everything in this world which was created by man initially was a thought in someone's head. The grandest achievements started as pipe dreams.

The power of the universe is at your hands. Everyone taps into this power on a daily basis. Unfortunately, most are accessing it for negative results. Their outcome is destruction. Only something as forceful as that could completely destroy a life. However, when we harness this power for good, we can achieve incredible ends.

Unleash the power of thought. Choose what you want to concentrate your attention upon. Get away from fear-based thinking. Fill your mind with positive images which will help you to take action. Create a dream board complete with photos of your strongest desires. Look at these each morning so that you start with the proper mindset. This will take effort but it can be done. Controlling your thinking allows you to control your life.

Thoughts do have power. If you are like most, thus far they destroyed. Turn the tide by holding onto those thoughts which make you feel good. See things in your mind working out how you would like them. Use this power for total life creation. This is something that you can unleash anytime you like. Why not start this moment?
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Other Cultures

I like to write about mindset on this blog. One of my favorite pastimes is to learn/study different cultures of the world. It is amazing how much you can learn from this practice.

There is a large world out there. Too often, we get so focused upon our own "little world" that we see in front of us. Realizing that there is so much more removes the mental limitation we often put upon ourselves.

When I read about "far away lands" I find that my mind wanders. The dreaming mechanism is instantly awakened. What would it be like to live in that area for a summer? How would my life differ in that culture? What can I take from them and bring into my daily life? These are all things which run through my mind.

Other cultures make us appreciate our own. Gratitude is a basic component of those who experience regular happiness. There are many cultures we can look at and feel a longing. Nevertheless, there are also many which make us grateful that we grew up in the one we did. For example, study the daily life in Cuba or China the last 40 or 50 years. This will lead to a sense of gratitude for being part of the Western world.

Life is about expanding our horizons. Everyone needs to think on a larger scale. Look at the ways other people live and contrast that with your life. Are there things that you can learn from them? Consider this point as you are reading. It will be to your benefit.
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Perspective

This is one of the fundamental differences between those who succeed versus those who struggle. Successful people have a different perspective than the average person. It is this viewpoint which allows them to take the actions others fail to take.

Einstein said that a problem could not be solved on the same plane that created it. Human beings tend to "pigeonhole" their ideas. We believe that what we perceive is correct. Sadly, this mindset is often the cause of great discomfort in our life.

The stock market offers a wonderful example. Do you believe the stock market going down is a good thing? After all, people tend to make money when stocks increase in value. The answer to this question depends upon one's perspective. To the average person, a declining stock market is a bad thing. However, if someone is betting the market to go down, and took a position that reflected this belief, his or her perspective is different. To that person, a declining stock market is a good thing.

For most matters, there is not really a right or wrong; only perspective. Obviously, this is not referring to fundamentals morays such as murder, lying, etc. We are alluding to those situations which usually get us emotional which truly come down to our outlook.

Here is another example. Do you see catastrophe or do you see opportunity? Many look at the same situation and conclude different things. Some see the potential that are offered out of setbacks. Most tend to focus upon the tragedy of the circumstances.

The majority view getting fired a terrible thing. Here, someone is let go from a place from a job which they hate and were underpaid at, through no fault of their own.. Yet, they take the perspective that it is awful. Another viewpoint is that person is now free to go in any direction with one's career that he or she chooses. You see, it is all perspective.

One of the quickest ways to transform your life is to change how you look at the different situations which you are presently confronted with. Let go of the idea that your viewpoint is the only way to look at something. In every cloud there is a silver lining if you will only look for it. The same is true for circumstances. There is something good which can come out of every situation.

We can always step back to see things differently. Try this for a few days and see how different you life it. You will be amazed.
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Failing Is Not A Bad Thing

We are taught that failure is something that is to be avoided. And, it is for that very reason why people live in a cocoon. The fear of failure, ingrained in us since we were young, is one of the most power motivators (demotivators) that exists. It serves to crush more dreams than anything else.

Failure is a wonderful thing. Here is something that I want you to remember: the most successful person is the one who failed the most. Imprint that idea on your memory. Understanding this single concept will change your life.

Babe Ruth is recognized as one of the greatest homerun hitters of all-time. Did you know that he held the record for strikeouts longer than the homerun title? Warren Buffet, known as the Oracle of Omaha for his stock picking, lost $25 billion last year in the stock market. How many people have that much money to lose? Colonel Sanders was rejected over 1,000 times before someone accepted his recipe for chicken. Who among us is not familiar with his creation, Kentucky Fried Chicken?

It is a myth to believe that successful people do not fail. The path to success is always wrought with failure. This is the mechanism that teaches us the most. In fact, those people who attain success too quickly usually lose it. Take the lottery winners as an example. Here is someone who amasses a massive amount of money without going through the trials and tribulations of amassing it. A few years later, many of them lost everything they won.

Failure is not a bad thing. In reality, there is not even such an animal. There are only results. Sometimes one gets the results he or she is seeking; others times that person gets a lesson. Life has a way of teaching us what to do. It is those who pay attention to the situations which go awry who end us utilizing that knowledge. Those who fail to learn from history are deemed to repeat it.

Let me ask you a simple question: who here walked the first time they tried it? I would guess the answer is "nobody". Every toddler falls down when learning to walk. Yet, not a single parent tells their kids to stop trying. That is why everyone can walk. They stick with it until it is perfected. Failure is not an option in that situation.

Therefore, seek out failure. It is your most valuable teacher. If you are going to fail, fail big. Nobody ever make it to the top without some setbacks. Treasure those moments because they are the insights which will allow you to avoid the pitfalls of the future.
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The Power Of Sharing

I had a friend of mine call me this morning about a personal situation that he is going through. Over the last couple of years, he has turned to me as a "personal" adviser on his life matters. Currently, he is facing job uncertainty in addition to enduring a financial situation that him and his wife created for themselves. In short, he is facing having to go bankrupt over the choices they made.

Today, he was in the ringer over all that is happening. Fear is starting to take control to the point where he is at the end of his rope. Most of us can identify. We all get to that point occasionally. The important thing is what we do when we get there.

My friend is advancing in his growth. Over the last few years, he has learned many of the techniques I write about. Of course, we all need a reminder course periodically. Knowing what to do and remembering what to do are two different things.

We talked for about 40 minutes. One of the most insightful things he said was that just talking about it made him feel better. Sometimes, it is not so much what is said as long as conversation takes place.

When we are confronted with difficulties, either real or imagined, the worst thing to do it to entertain our thoughts. Our minds have a tendency to run freely when we are in this state. It is a dangerous place to be. Sharing with another helps us to get things out on the table. Suddenly, we feel less alone.

Emotions serve as a magnifying force. They cloud sound thought. Whenever we are emotionally charged about something (especially with fear), we really need the clarity that another can provide. It is a simple fact that I can offer solutions easier in those situations that I am not emotionally involved in. This is true for most people. Take a situation, think about it, and add a bit of negative emotion and you have a recipe for disaster.

It takes courage to share with another. Allowing someone else into our thoughts is a scary proposition. We are then vulnerable. There is a risk of that person judging us. We have to swallow our pride and admit that "we cannot handle it all". That is okay. The truth is that nobody can handle all that life serves up alone and anyone who claims they can is a liar. We all need someone we can fall back upon.

So, the next time you are in a bind, find someone to share with. You will be amazed how therapeutic it is.
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Prepare For The Worst

Are you prepared for the worst? Have you even thought about how bad things could get in your life? These are all questions which show how prepared one is to handle the tribulations that could be a daily part of one's life. Are you one who is ready?

Survival experts tell us that a key factor in getting through horrific situations is to "prepare for the worst". When you do this, it allows you to consider different possibilities. Most get stuck in a "boxlike" mindset. In other words, they cannot think outside their normal pattern.

We recently entered into a worldwide recession. Do you really understand how bad things could get? If not, it is suggested that you ponder some of the events which come to pass during major economic downturns.

For example, we all know that crime tends to accelerate when people are starving. Are you ready to deal with a lifestyle where the rule of law does not always prevail? Consider what is occurring in Mexico at the moment. What would happen if that situation was repeated in major cities throughout the U.S.? Could you handle yourself in an environment like that.

Another thing to consider is the world's oil supply. Saudi Arabia is dependent upon oil to sustain it's society. What happens if oil gets to $5 a barrel? The Saudi economy crashes, thus making it open to being taken over. How would you be impacted daily if the largest oil reserves were in the hands of the Iranians? We would see our lifestyle change in an instant.

Are any of these things going to come to pass. Hopefully not. Nevertheless, it is good to exercise your mind to all the possibilities of what can happen and prepare for it. If you are ready to handle the worst, then anything short of that will be easy to handle. Preparation can alleviate a host of problems.

Living in Florida reminds us how important it is to be prepared. We deal with hurricanes on a regular basis. People are trained to prepare as if a category 5 is going to hit. Fortunately, the storms are rarely that powerful. Yet, we saw the inverse situation with Katrina. New Orleans was completely unprepared for what it faced. The people there failed to ready themselves for the worst possible scenario.

Does this mean we are to engage in negative thinking? Absolutely not. Preparing ourselves mentally is not negative thinking. Instead, it is a mental approach design to make us more effective regardless of what occurs. Sticking our head in the sand thinking that bad things will not occur is not practical. That is what many did with Katrina. They ignored the fact that there was a monster storm headed their way.

Prepare for the worst. This will allow you to use all your resources to their maximum potential. As mentioned, rarely does the worst occur in our lives. Yet, being prepared at this level will make handling reality a lot easier.
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Successful Outlook

The last few days, I wrote a lot about thinking. I believe this is the singlemost important factor in success. Everything that we are comes from the thoughts that we consistently hold. In fact, all that we experience is nothing more than what we think about a particular situation.

Focus is what makes the difference. It is what we focus upon that determines the direction that our life goes in. Too many people choose to concentrate upon the fear in their life. They picture how things can go wrong. That is their consistent focus.

Want to make a radical shift in your life? Change what you choose to focus upon. Instead of looking at all the negativity, think continually about good things. I wrote the other day about positive expectations. Successful people concentrate their thoughts on how things are going to turn out in their favor. The rest always look at how things will go wrong.

Is fear running your life? If so, stop focusing upon it. Think of all the successes you had thus far. Everyone, no matter where they presently are, had a great deal of success. We come into this world naked and helpless. As the decades pass, we learn a great deal about the world around us. This is where knowledge comes from. Our life experiences are what makes us smarter, and stronger.

So, if you had a rough go of it, get excited. It means that you are capable of handling so much. Give yourself some credit. There are lots of things that you can do right now that others cannot. We all have had our share of successes.

A successful outlook is the most important trait to maintain. People who are hopeless choose to focus upon all that is wrong in their life. It is sad to witness because it need not be that way. It is a choice that person makes. Be one who takes control of your thoughts.

In my working with others, I have come across people who have endured it all. The fact of life is that bad things often happen to good people. It is not what happens to us that makes the difference; rather it is how we handle it that is important. No matter how bad you have it, someone else has it worse. Remember this the next time you want to engage in the negative thinking.

The bottom line is that you will be alright. Life need not be this overwhelming thing that is made to be endured. You are free to choose how much you choose to enjoy it. Focus your attention on all the good things that are going to come to you in the future. Happiness and success is just around the corner if you believe it. Of course, so is pain and misery if you choose that door. The choice is yours.

Today, choose to have a successful outlook. The rest of your life is going to be a wonderful masterpiece.
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Presupposition

A powerful technique for success is the concept of presupposition. A presupposition is a belief that something will happen before it occurs. One supposes something to be a certain way. This is often prevalent in science when someone makes a presupposition which will influence the results of the experiment. Nevertheless, we can us this technique in our daily life to increase the benefits we receive.

Most of us have some type of "to do" list. This is another tool that many utilize for success. However, what if we have a "to be done" list instead of a "to do" list? Do you notice any different between the two? This is more than just semantics. Using the name "to be done" presupposes that you are going to get the items on that list completed. The word done instills the idea of something being finished. This is how a presupposition works.

Another way of phrasing this idea is "act as if". What do we mean by this? What this saying is telling us is to act as if what we want is already true. If you want to be physically fit, as as if you already were. Someone who is fit will eat certain foods and workout in a certain way. Model that behavior even if you are not already there yet. The same is true for success in business. What does a successful business person do? Act as if you are that person and you will become it.

Cary Grant liked to say that he played Cary Grant so long he became him. Life is one big play. We are free to create whatever character we desire. Presupposing that things are a certain way gives us a shortcut to manifesting what we want.

The truth is everyone uses this technique already. Sadly, most use it for negative results. They presuppose everything is going to go wrong. Their "act as if" is to believe that they will fail. Naturally, what the mind focuses upon expands. Thus, that person manifests more failure. It is a basic fact of nature. If that person would change the thinking, new results would be attained.

Can someone really change their life by changing their thinking. A concept such as this seems really hocky. However, it is the foundation for all great achievement. Thousands of texts have referred to the power of the mind over the years. This concept has stood the test of time. Stop being a disbeliever and change your thinking. Instantaneous results will be achieved.
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The Mindset Breakthrough

I wrote a great deal of late about mindset. Many teach the value of the proper mental outlook. This is not something that I developed. It stretches back many thousands of years. Most of the spiritual texts written deal with this same subject. For example, there is the saying "as you think, so shall you be". No truer words were ever written.

The other day I had an epiphany about what this all means. What is the true difference between successful thinking and unsuccessful thinking? How are they different and what can be a simple way to "see" it? Then it came to me. The major difference is expectations. Successful have positive expectations while others have negative. It is that simple.

Of course, this is something we heard for years. Positive thinking is a long established genre. However, I am talking about something a bit different. What I am referring to is the default mindset we go through life with. Most of us are conditioned to picture things failing. This is the default way we look at things. Our projections all tend to be negative.

If you want to revolutionize your life, change this pattern. Have positive expectations in all that you do. In fact, I want you to be so sure of what visualize that you are completely surprised when things do not go your way. This is the mindset which creates success. Genuine surprise at failing is what shows that you cut off the other possibilities.

It is a long held concept that "what you consistently think about expands". Being surprised at a negative outcome shows that your mind was focusing on things going your way. This is what the successful do. Do you think Donald Trump imagines building a structure and having the units not sell? How about Warren Buffet; does he buy a stock with the intention of it going down? These ideas never enter into their mindset. Of course, they are aware (and prepare for) the downside of things. Yet, their overriding thoughts are of success.

How does this differ from your outlook? Do you expect things to go "your way"? Are you surprised when you reach someone's voice mail or did you expect them not to be there? Are you shocked if a parking spot is available close to the store or is it a pleasant surprise? People who trained their minds have come to expect these things to occur. And why not? The effort required is no different. It takes the same energy to expect negativity as it does positivity.

This seems like a simple concept. It is. However, like most practical matters, it is difficult to implement. Your thinking is a result of years of conditioning. Habits are so powerful because they took hold over so many years. Yet, breaking this one habit while implementing positive expectations will revolutionize your life. It is the one insight that many need to completely change their lives. Begin to use this on a daily basis.
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Seeing What Others Do Not

There was a movie in the 80s called "Night Shift". In it, Michael Keaton played an eccentric character who proclaimed that he was an "idea man". He was continually getting these ideas which he would record on his handheld recorder. Of course, most were loony. However, one, which was totally outrageous, was followed and set the premise for the movie.

Being a person of ideas is a habit that all of us should try and cultivate. Ideas are what change the world. They are also the things that change our lives. Everything that you see around you started as an idea in someone's head. Before anything is manifested in the physical world, it must first be seen in the mental. That is how it works.

Are you in the habit of seeing what others do not? Or, do you get caught up in the prevailing mindset which exists among society? The successful are people who can look at a situation while seeing what it can become. Those who fail to get ahead in life tend to see things exactly how they are.

What is the prevailing attitude in the current environment? According to the press, the world is coming to an end. The economic crisis is the worst in history. People are going to suffer consequences which they will never recover from. Homelessness is going to be a reality for many since unemployment is going through the roof. In short, we are going to be lucky if we survive this ordeal.

That is what I see being promoted everyday. But, this brings up the point "is this reality". For many, it is. Those people are buying into what is said. They partake in the gloom and doom. Their reality is created in the minds of others.

Nevertheless, there are a few out there who realize this is a fabulous time to be alive. In fact, some believe their is never a better time in history to exist. They understand that there are unlimited opportunities out there for people who are able to see them. Those who are adept at seeing what others cannot are the ones who succeed.

What is so wonderful about the economic crisis we are in? What are some of the negatives we hear about? To start, the stock market crash makes headlines. And rightfully so. It is wonderful news. Stocks of some of the finest companies in the world are offered at a huge discount. They are on sale. Yesterday, I purchased a stock which was over $70 last Spring for $8.10 a share. There never was a time to make money in the market if one is able to hold things for a while.

Unemployment is something else that makes the news. That is a wonderful piece of information. Companies that downsize usually come back stronger. They are leaner and meaner. It is a reality of economic cycles. Also, it allows for the best personnel to be retained. My readers here are some of the most knowledgeable on the net. Surely, they will stand out from the crowd.

Yesterday, I wrote about the one survival skill that will get you through this crisis. People who know the sales game will excel in this environment. Fortunes will be made while others are sitting around complaining.

There are lots of opportunities out there. For those who approach each day with the proper mindset, they will materialize easily. However, if you are one who buys into all the negativity that exists, you will go down with everyone else.
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The time to get started is NOW!!!

Okay I got over my sulking. I just got done watching my beloved Giants play like total amateurs and get thoroughly beat by the Philadelphia Eagles. It was disheartening to see it all end like it did. Yesterday, the Carolina Panthers played the same type of game, thus letting their fans down. Regardless, now the off season begins for both those teams.

A week ago I wrote about having the mindset of an "off season". (read article here) Professional sports has a downtime when games are not played. This time is used by teams to make changes in preparation for the next year. Sadly, in life, we do not get an off season. Instead, we live in a way where one week blends into the next. There is little time to catch up, let alone, plan ahead. We tried to give you a clear plan during the Christmas holiday to make this year different. Unfortunately, for many, that is the best they can do.

We are now in the process of utilizing the off season mindset. For those who took the suggestion in the above mentioned article, you are now preparing for kickoff in the fall. The time between now and then is going to be used to radically alter your life. While we acknowledge that it is impossible to "shut life off", we are going to spend the time necessary to create a life that we desire. Just like an athlete trains during the off season, we are going to work on our skills until our "kickoff".

Again, the time to do that is now. For me, my "off season" started an hour ago. While I mentioned this over a week ago, I failed to heed the advice since my team was still playing. Now, I have no excuses. The countdown to opening day is on. I have little time to waste.

Does this seem hokey to you? How can a simple change in mindset alter the results we achieve? This technique works because it creates a destination. Too often, we live life without any "end dates". Life is an endless cycle. One week blends right into the next. It is as if we are always on the treadmill, never getting anywhere. Our off season gives us the time to dedicate ourselves to creating a life that we want. In doing so, we are acquiring the skills necessary to have a better "next season".

So, my beloved Giants are going to start making the changes to try to get back to the Super Bowl in 2010. They have roughly 54 weeks before that time hits. Management will start to appraise each member of the team to determine roster changes that will be made. Opening day is a little more than 7 months away. It will be here before they know it.
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