I have just finished reading Napoleon Hill's book, You can work your own Miracles. Written in 1971, this book is the foundation for many of the modern personal development practitioners thinking. Not as well known as his best seller, Think and Grow Rich, nontheless it has great messages within.
His philosophy on PMA is built around the following factors;
1. Have a burning desire for the attainment of a definite purpose.
2. Condition the mind to automatically choose to carry out definite positive objectives.
3. Having close association with people who inspire and actively engage in positive goals.
4. By constant auto-suggestion (affirmations) that reinforce positive directives.
5. By recognising our ability to control our thoughts.
He hightlights figures from the past who overcame major obstacles to achieve their goals and dreams. People such as;
Thomas Edison who had over 1000 failures before perfecting the electric light.
Ghandi who with passive resistance freed a nation from Colonial rule.
Helen Keller who overcame being blind & deaf to teach herself to communicate.
All these and many others have one thing in common. Belief.
For it is belief in oursleves, our dreams and our future that builds the roadway to success in whatever endeavour we undertake.
First and foremost is belief in ourselves.
How can we have happy relationships if we dont belief we are worthy of happiness?
How can we gain great wealth if we dont believe we deserve financial independence?
How can we contribute to our community if we dont believe we are of value to others?
How can we attain any goal if we dont believe we can?
Take a look at your current circumstances and determine if anything is lacking. Do you believe it can change for the better. That you can change the way things are.
If you dont believe your circumstances can change then they wont.
I have a sign above my office do that has one word on it; BELIEF
I know nothing will change in my world unless I have uncondtional belief in my ability to acheive my goals and dreams.
B Better
E Enthusiastic
L Loving
I Inspired
E Energetic
F Focussed
Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
When an event makes you reassess your life
Have you had a wake-up call?
I don’t mean the alarm going off in the morning but a dramatic event that shatters your life creating moments of soul searching and the reassessing of priorities.
Recently my son was involved in a car accident where his vehicle was totally wrecked but thankfully he escaped with minor injuries. A routine drive was transformed, in the blink of an eye, into a life threatening event.
Days later reflecting on the accident he made the comment, “This was a wake-up call. I need to get my act together and start setting some meaningful goals. Quit smoking, cut down on the drinking and start a savings plan.”
At the age of 31 and being single he really was coasting through life. Every attempt and focusing on the future was sidetracked by the need to party, collect ‘toys’ and live life with little thought to consequences.
Whilst he expressed his goal to change his habits and lifestyle, his language and thinking didn’t change. The phone call to join his mates in a night of drinking wasn’t met with any new found caution but the habitual response. “I’ll be there and let’s get smashed.”
Smoking would stop when he got past the party season as it made no sense to quit now!
He had his wake-up call but the sound of the alarm faded as he habitual lifestyle took hold.
How many times have you decided on a course of action but fell at the first hurdle because it was easier to stay in the comfort zone of your current mode of living?
Sometimes for us to be able to move forward we need to take a sledge hammer to the barriers that surround us. It may mean leaving ‘friends’ behind if they can’s support you on your journey. A lifetime of bad habits have to be examined to be replaced my more positive ones. What we need to do is take a stock take. Where I am now and what do I need to do to achieve the outcomes needed to change my life.
Above all we need to be honest with ourselves. Negatives need to be objectively identified and laid bare to enable realistic goals to be set and pursued. Without an honest assessment of who you are and what are your values and motives, any effort to change no matter to what degree is just smoke that will drift away with time.
Make sure your ‘wake-up’ call isn’t wasted!
If you want things you have never had, you will have to do things you have never done.
I don’t mean the alarm going off in the morning but a dramatic event that shatters your life creating moments of soul searching and the reassessing of priorities.
Recently my son was involved in a car accident where his vehicle was totally wrecked but thankfully he escaped with minor injuries. A routine drive was transformed, in the blink of an eye, into a life threatening event.
Days later reflecting on the accident he made the comment, “This was a wake-up call. I need to get my act together and start setting some meaningful goals. Quit smoking, cut down on the drinking and start a savings plan.”
At the age of 31 and being single he really was coasting through life. Every attempt and focusing on the future was sidetracked by the need to party, collect ‘toys’ and live life with little thought to consequences.
Whilst he expressed his goal to change his habits and lifestyle, his language and thinking didn’t change. The phone call to join his mates in a night of drinking wasn’t met with any new found caution but the habitual response. “I’ll be there and let’s get smashed.”
Smoking would stop when he got past the party season as it made no sense to quit now!
He had his wake-up call but the sound of the alarm faded as he habitual lifestyle took hold.
How many times have you decided on a course of action but fell at the first hurdle because it was easier to stay in the comfort zone of your current mode of living?
Sometimes for us to be able to move forward we need to take a sledge hammer to the barriers that surround us. It may mean leaving ‘friends’ behind if they can’s support you on your journey. A lifetime of bad habits have to be examined to be replaced my more positive ones. What we need to do is take a stock take. Where I am now and what do I need to do to achieve the outcomes needed to change my life.
Above all we need to be honest with ourselves. Negatives need to be objectively identified and laid bare to enable realistic goals to be set and pursued. Without an honest assessment of who you are and what are your values and motives, any effort to change no matter to what degree is just smoke that will drift away with time.
Make sure your ‘wake-up’ call isn’t wasted!
If you want things you have never had, you will have to do things you have never done.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Achieving goals for 2009
As you are busy setting goals for 2009 there are two key issues to take note of.
1. How have you packed for your journey?
Look yourself in the mirror and ask the question; “Am I carrying too much baggage?” All too often we get excited about the prospect of achieving goals that have been in our heart and mind but we start the journey with a bag full of past doubts, failures and frustrations.
Spend time to look closely at yourself and make sure there are no self-destruction bombs lurking in your psyche. Forgive all past misdeeds and embrace others with a clear heart and mind before you start writing the ‘to do’ list.
For often it is the past, not the present that prevents us achieving our goals. If you don’t feel worthy of success then no matter how many goals that are set, success won't come your way. Carrying the guilt of previous relationship failures is not a recipe for a new healthy partnership.
2. Will you be a player or a spectator?
Are you going to get your hands dirty or are you writing goals, tasks and to-do’s that will never be tackled?
To achieve what you want, get out of the stands onto the playing field. No matter how much you prepare, no goals will be scored from the outer. Sometimes you will get a little bloodied and bruised but a least you are part of the action which may well bring about the dreams and desires you harbor.
Remember, if you want things you have never had, you will have to do things you have never done.
This year make your major goal to be a better YOU!
1. How have you packed for your journey?
Look yourself in the mirror and ask the question; “Am I carrying too much baggage?” All too often we get excited about the prospect of achieving goals that have been in our heart and mind but we start the journey with a bag full of past doubts, failures and frustrations.
Spend time to look closely at yourself and make sure there are no self-destruction bombs lurking in your psyche. Forgive all past misdeeds and embrace others with a clear heart and mind before you start writing the ‘to do’ list.
For often it is the past, not the present that prevents us achieving our goals. If you don’t feel worthy of success then no matter how many goals that are set, success won't come your way. Carrying the guilt of previous relationship failures is not a recipe for a new healthy partnership.
2. Will you be a player or a spectator?
Are you going to get your hands dirty or are you writing goals, tasks and to-do’s that will never be tackled?
To achieve what you want, get out of the stands onto the playing field. No matter how much you prepare, no goals will be scored from the outer. Sometimes you will get a little bloodied and bruised but a least you are part of the action which may well bring about the dreams and desires you harbor.
Remember, if you want things you have never had, you will have to do things you have never done.
This year make your major goal to be a better YOU!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Are you lost
Do you wake up some mornings with no purpose or direction?
How is it, that at times in our lives we lose where we are and where we are going?
There is no end of ‘experts’ telling us to set goals, stay positive, repeat affirmations, create dream walls, read books and listen to audios of the Masters of Personal Development.
Most of us follow these actions in one form or another.
So why do we fall into the black hole of self-doubt and lack of motivation?
Because we are Human!
Unless you hide in a cave with no human interaction, Life is full of light and shade, positive and negative, joy and sorrow.
Part of our journey is to experience all that Life has to offer. Sometimes we will be scarred by the encounter which can force us into our shells wary of venturing out again. Unfortunately for many, hurt and negativity can reside around them for too long regardless of their age, social status or gender. But Life also delivers the wonders of creation that surrounds us all. We are never cut off from theses wonders as our subconscious is a treasure trove of glittering images and sensations. Even when in a slump of negative emotions and thoughts, unlocking your memory to these gems will help fill your soul and heart with fire needed to move forward.
Acceptance of the circumstances we find ourselves in is a key to maintaining your balance. I don’t mean submission if things are going wrong but accept what is and choose to act in a way to move on or learn from the experience. For as we make choices we become more empowered. Some will be the wrong choice but we have acted. We have planted the seed in our subconscious that grows into a vine strangling the weeds of doubt and negativity.
When you are lost, access something that will stimulate an inner glow. Whether that is a picture of a loved one, a certain piece of music, the love of a pet or the wonder of Nature. Feed your heart and soul. Accept that you are in a place that is only temporary and have faith in yourself to move on and find the spark to light your way again.
Regardless of our circumstances, there is one thing all of us have in common, the right to choose.
We can choose to be crushed, submit, give up or hack a way through the jungle that is in front of us. Sometimes we have to accept the direction we are going has too many obstacles so we need to cut a new path.
It is our choice.
Hanging onto baggage from the past with labels attached that blame others for your circumstances is not only avoiding responsibility for your choices but will create hurdles that will continue to trip you up. How can you move in the direction of your goals and dreams when you are looking in the rear view mirror?
Sometimes things happen which are out of your control. But how did you react to the event? For it is how we events affecting us determine the outcome.
Not the event. Your choices.
It wasn’t the government, your neighbors, the boss or the weather, it was you.
Acceptance of the results from the choices you made will help you grow and cope with further challenges that may come your way.
We all make lousy choices through life but that is just being human. Recognize the mistake and change it by changing how you react to it.
If you are dissatisfied with your life, then make a decision to change your circumstance. It may take days or even years but make a choice!
The very fact you make a decision to change empowers you to achieve more.
Build your toolkit of empowering ‘things’ to draw on when the road gets overgrown and the light dims. For there is nothing surer, Life will throw up challenges that you can’t anticipate so build that suit of armour to survive whatever battles lay ahead.
There is one thing you can guarantee, the more you act the more you will grow. The more you grow the easier it will be to achieve your dreams.
The choice is yours.
How is it, that at times in our lives we lose where we are and where we are going?
There is no end of ‘experts’ telling us to set goals, stay positive, repeat affirmations, create dream walls, read books and listen to audios of the Masters of Personal Development.
Most of us follow these actions in one form or another.
So why do we fall into the black hole of self-doubt and lack of motivation?
Because we are Human!
Unless you hide in a cave with no human interaction, Life is full of light and shade, positive and negative, joy and sorrow.
Part of our journey is to experience all that Life has to offer. Sometimes we will be scarred by the encounter which can force us into our shells wary of venturing out again. Unfortunately for many, hurt and negativity can reside around them for too long regardless of their age, social status or gender. But Life also delivers the wonders of creation that surrounds us all. We are never cut off from theses wonders as our subconscious is a treasure trove of glittering images and sensations. Even when in a slump of negative emotions and thoughts, unlocking your memory to these gems will help fill your soul and heart with fire needed to move forward.
Acceptance of the circumstances we find ourselves in is a key to maintaining your balance. I don’t mean submission if things are going wrong but accept what is and choose to act in a way to move on or learn from the experience. For as we make choices we become more empowered. Some will be the wrong choice but we have acted. We have planted the seed in our subconscious that grows into a vine strangling the weeds of doubt and negativity.
When you are lost, access something that will stimulate an inner glow. Whether that is a picture of a loved one, a certain piece of music, the love of a pet or the wonder of Nature. Feed your heart and soul. Accept that you are in a place that is only temporary and have faith in yourself to move on and find the spark to light your way again.
Regardless of our circumstances, there is one thing all of us have in common, the right to choose.
We can choose to be crushed, submit, give up or hack a way through the jungle that is in front of us. Sometimes we have to accept the direction we are going has too many obstacles so we need to cut a new path.
It is our choice.
Hanging onto baggage from the past with labels attached that blame others for your circumstances is not only avoiding responsibility for your choices but will create hurdles that will continue to trip you up. How can you move in the direction of your goals and dreams when you are looking in the rear view mirror?
Sometimes things happen which are out of your control. But how did you react to the event? For it is how we events affecting us determine the outcome.
Not the event. Your choices.
It wasn’t the government, your neighbors, the boss or the weather, it was you.
Acceptance of the results from the choices you made will help you grow and cope with further challenges that may come your way.
We all make lousy choices through life but that is just being human. Recognize the mistake and change it by changing how you react to it.
If you are dissatisfied with your life, then make a decision to change your circumstance. It may take days or even years but make a choice!
The very fact you make a decision to change empowers you to achieve more.
Build your toolkit of empowering ‘things’ to draw on when the road gets overgrown and the light dims. For there is nothing surer, Life will throw up challenges that you can’t anticipate so build that suit of armour to survive whatever battles lay ahead.
There is one thing you can guarantee, the more you act the more you will grow. The more you grow the easier it will be to achieve your dreams.
The choice is yours.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Surrender equals Gratitude
On my last show I interviewed Duncan Bridgeman the co-creator of the new film 'What about me?'. This film, which took five years to make, explores the common thread mankind has regardless of the geography or social circumstances of the individual. Interwoven with unique music it is truly a magnificient experience.
I asked Duncan what he had learned from this epic project. He responded with the simple word, "surrender."
To surrender yourself to what the Universe is delivering at any given time. He now sees anyone coming into his life as a gift to be appreciated no matter under what circumstances. The little and big frustrations in his life don't phase him anymore and he is more at peace with himself. This came to him through his encounters with locals in some of the most impovished areas of the world. Although they had little or nothing in the way of possessions, invariably they were happy and welcoming.
They don't carry the baggage, we in the Western world seem to accumulate.
How often do we fight against the tide of events in our lives?
Too often reacting negatively out of instinct instead of letting the trivial wash away or opening our hearts to better cope with the bigger 'challenges'.
To surrender doesn't mean to become subservient but to take control.
Control of who you are.
By focussing on things we can't change or positively influence we close our eyes and minds the beauty and wonder that surrounds us. It is often the small incidents; being cut off in traffic, waiting in a queue, a perceived insult, bad service, bad weather or whatever our overworked subconcious creates that has us overlook the other 'small' things in our life. The wonders of Nature, the smile from a stranger, love of a pet, a word of encouragement or the gift of friendship.
To embrace all these gifts with a sense of Gratitude will help heal the wounds, both mental and physical, that may have been inflicted on you.
Sadly too many in the modernised society rely on 'things' for fulfilment instead of living a life where they are true to themselves which will deliver all the gifts the Universe has to offer.
Each day take the time to do a stocktake on all the things you should be grateful for.
Make a habit of looking for a positive in any situation. Ask yourself "what is the lesson from this?"
The arrows may still come your way but as you evolve into a place of surrender and gratitude, you will the magnet the repels the negative and attracts the positive.
I asked Duncan what he had learned from this epic project. He responded with the simple word, "surrender."
To surrender yourself to what the Universe is delivering at any given time. He now sees anyone coming into his life as a gift to be appreciated no matter under what circumstances. The little and big frustrations in his life don't phase him anymore and he is more at peace with himself. This came to him through his encounters with locals in some of the most impovished areas of the world. Although they had little or nothing in the way of possessions, invariably they were happy and welcoming.
They don't carry the baggage, we in the Western world seem to accumulate.
How often do we fight against the tide of events in our lives?
Too often reacting negatively out of instinct instead of letting the trivial wash away or opening our hearts to better cope with the bigger 'challenges'.
To surrender doesn't mean to become subservient but to take control.
Control of who you are.
By focussing on things we can't change or positively influence we close our eyes and minds the beauty and wonder that surrounds us. It is often the small incidents; being cut off in traffic, waiting in a queue, a perceived insult, bad service, bad weather or whatever our overworked subconcious creates that has us overlook the other 'small' things in our life. The wonders of Nature, the smile from a stranger, love of a pet, a word of encouragement or the gift of friendship.
To embrace all these gifts with a sense of Gratitude will help heal the wounds, both mental and physical, that may have been inflicted on you.
Sadly too many in the modernised society rely on 'things' for fulfilment instead of living a life where they are true to themselves which will deliver all the gifts the Universe has to offer.
Each day take the time to do a stocktake on all the things you should be grateful for.
Make a habit of looking for a positive in any situation. Ask yourself "what is the lesson from this?"
The arrows may still come your way but as you evolve into a place of surrender and gratitude, you will the magnet the repels the negative and attracts the positive.
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Power of Inspiration
We have witnessed massive positive reaction around the world to the election of Barack Obama to the Presidency of the USA.
During his campaign many commentators asked what are his policies and agendas. All his talk was just rhetoric.
Whilst he may not have articulated policies, via his words he deliverd hope. Hope for the future.
The power of his message resonated with people from all walks and life and across the world.
There are times where we need someone to stand up and lead. Not by only by deeds but by words. Words that we can absorb and use to feed our soul and heart.
For when we are inspired, often the way forward is revealed by our own thinking. New ideas spring forward and calls to action are created.
Having excitement and passion for an idea or dream will energise not only you but those you choose to share with.
History has shown great leaders to be great orators. Their words lifted spirits, engergised minds, filled hearts and empowered people to act.
There are times when we need great speeches to lift us up and inspire confidence that there is a future worth embracing.
Whether it is the nation, the workplace or the family, inspirational messages are the spark that ignite postiive actions and change for the better.
During his campaign many commentators asked what are his policies and agendas. All his talk was just rhetoric.
Whilst he may not have articulated policies, via his words he deliverd hope. Hope for the future.
The power of his message resonated with people from all walks and life and across the world.
There are times where we need someone to stand up and lead. Not by only by deeds but by words. Words that we can absorb and use to feed our soul and heart.
For when we are inspired, often the way forward is revealed by our own thinking. New ideas spring forward and calls to action are created.
Having excitement and passion for an idea or dream will energise not only you but those you choose to share with.
History has shown great leaders to be great orators. Their words lifted spirits, engergised minds, filled hearts and empowered people to act.
There are times when we need great speeches to lift us up and inspire confidence that there is a future worth embracing.
Whether it is the nation, the workplace or the family, inspirational messages are the spark that ignite postiive actions and change for the better.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The Law of Attraction
I have been thinking about how the airwaves have been filled with discussion and opinion on the Law of Attraction since the release of The Secret. I have heard many give the view that to achieve or get what you want just put the thought out to the Universe and it will happen.
Does this work?
What is this mystical 'universe' that it can deliver our dreams and goals?
I have a theory.
The universe is your brain. Through our journey in Life, we encounter millions of sights, sounds, smells, touches, emotions and sensations many of which we are unconscious of. All of these are stored in our sub conscious.
When you focus on a dream or goal that message does the rounds of your brain and without you knowing, connects to the past and lights a fuse. This fuse connects the dots that starts the process of you becoming conscious of ideas, emotions and desire that respond to your message.
You become aware without releasing what has but that thought in your head. Your hear and sense events that before would slide by. Conversations take on a new meaning and words ignite new thought.
This is why it is so important to continually feed the mind with knowledge coupled with the response delivered from your senses. It is this wonderful 'machine' that will deliver the answers to your dreams not a nebulas entity.
The Universe is within you.
Does this work?
What is this mystical 'universe' that it can deliver our dreams and goals?
I have a theory.
The universe is your brain. Through our journey in Life, we encounter millions of sights, sounds, smells, touches, emotions and sensations many of which we are unconscious of. All of these are stored in our sub conscious.
When you focus on a dream or goal that message does the rounds of your brain and without you knowing, connects to the past and lights a fuse. This fuse connects the dots that starts the process of you becoming conscious of ideas, emotions and desire that respond to your message.
You become aware without releasing what has but that thought in your head. Your hear and sense events that before would slide by. Conversations take on a new meaning and words ignite new thought.
This is why it is so important to continually feed the mind with knowledge coupled with the response delivered from your senses. It is this wonderful 'machine' that will deliver the answers to your dreams not a nebulas entity.
The Universe is within you.
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