Live Your Best Life

Living On Lack

For awhile now, our country has been spoon feed a theory--one which has served only to broadcast one single, solitary idea.

Lack.

News about the economy, bailouts, unemployment (and the list goes on) have been so deeply penetrating most everyone I talk to subscribes to the idea of America sliding into the 10th level of hell. And soon.

Lack, lack and more lack.

With that eventually, we will most certainly be drawn into the dark pits along with it ... right?

At least,  it seems to be the story we are told time and time again in newspaper articles and on the daily news. But I'll leave the debate of politics and the media to someone who is far more interested in such tedium than I.

This post is not going to be about conspiracy or about how jaded and corrupt the media may/may not be. Today I want to focus on being response enabled. However, the current situation with an unstable economy presents a good example of how we always focus on the things we lack.

In all things we have a choice, we can focus on the perception of lack or we can be response-able and take action towards the resolution of a problem.

Take the past few years I've spent in network marketing as an example. I'm a strong introvert working successfully in network marketing. As an introvert I didn't have the innate people and communication skills that many possess. After spending a year in network marketing (2006) and not making a penny I could have folded and walked away from it all.

Instead, Tom and I focused on finding something which would accentuate the positives within me, and allow me to find my voice. At the time, I didn't have even an ounce of confidence in me but he noted the passion in the emails I sent him recounting the joys of self discovery.

As a result, I started blogging and within a single month I was getting linkbacks to this very blog from high profile bloggers. Next thing I knew, I had a following and a fantastic group of people who were cheering me on. For the first time in my life, people were telling me I had value and a talent, a talent for writing and inspiring others.

As a lost and confused introvert these were very new and shocking statements. It took me that entire first year to even begin accepting their praises because I was so well versed in the idea of lack.

I don't understand why they are saying these things. I'm just an average joe, sharing some thoughts, experiences, quotes and poems which have inspired me to grow.

I'm not a talented writer.

Why are they describing me as a thought leader? I'm not ready for that (Little did I know...)

Blogging was my first success story.

Keep in mind that up to this point I'm constantly at odds with myself. Resisting the drastic rate of change I was going through, fighting to understand the attention I was receiving and ultimately accepting that everything I've ever needed to attain everything I want in life was planted within me at birth.

After a year of blogging Tom would introduce me to my second mentor, Matt Jamieson, who taught me his method of marketing his networking opportunity online.

The three of us were joining a company together and in that 2 hour conversation with Matt, my eyes were opened.

In less than two weeks, my domains were hitting the first page in Google, then Yahoo and MSN on dozens of relevent keywords. In a matter of a few months I went from making no money to having more leads than I could possibly handle alone.

Soon after I would be making enough to qualify me as a traditional home based travel agent--simply from earning commissions on the sales of the product. This doesn't even take into account the money I earned from building an organization of people beneath me who also wanted to own their own business.

Now, lets go back to the beginning for just a minute. Knowing this about my history and the successes I've had... What would have been different about my life if I had decided to give up and walk away from network marketing after a few months?

Would I be as happy as I am now?

Would I have eventually faced the demons who plagued me for the first 30 years of my life?

Would my tendency to talk myself out of a good thing ever be broken?

Would I ever learn to make use of what God gave me instead of focusing on the things I lacked?

Maybe, but I'll tell you what...

Looking back at where I was and how much pain I was in ... that was a real lack. What I really lacked was a complete life. Because I didn't focus on the skills I lacked, I was able to reclaim my soul. The friends, growth and fun I've experienced was worth every bit of struggle, every tear.

This is why it is so important for you to not focus on the things you don't have. It doesn't matter if you don't have the personality, skills, or money. Focus on and be glad for the things you have and a path will be revealed.

Cold Days, Long Walks

Long, bitter winter days have made me feel their bitter sting at least. We are already in the second month of the new year, had a few months of winter and I have only now begun to ache for warmer days.

I can handle the cold. After all, I'm the guy who used to walk two miles in frigid (below zero) weather to get to work and back home again. All for lack of having a car.

How did I survive without getting pneumonia, flu or even a cough?

Sheer will, determination and a mind set on not letting the weather beat me. Logically it wasn't the smartest thing to do but as I said, I've always possessed a kind of determination which saw me through some pretty rough times.

These days I don't have it so bad. I have a vehicle and I'm no longer forced to brave that kind of cold to keep a job.

But one thing remains.

My long walks.

Work is no longer my destination. I walk to clear my head, generate ideas and to absorb the beauty around me in the outside world. It always amazes me how refreshing it is to go for a brisk walk on a cool summer morning.

For the moment, our winter has given away to a warmer temperment, allowing me to once again venture out and breath the fresh air, enjoy the sun on my face. As always, I feel a kind of renewal, a cleansing.

Have you ever experienced this? One of these moments?

Perhaps yours are not triggered by gong for a walk.

What causes this kind of joy to well up within you?

Do you allow yourself to indulge in these things you enjoy from time to time?

One of the finer things in life are these little moments. When it feels as if God is reaching out to touch your life with a little piece of heaven.

Cherish them.

Remember them.

Allow them to ease your worries and strengthen your spirit. This is why they exist.

Quotes Worth Repeating - Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy

"Superior achievement or making the most of one's capabilities, is to a very considerable degree a matter of habit. This was the reason why Joe used to say to the children, 'We don't want any losers around here. In this family we want winners.' They were encouraged to be winners, leaders and victors in whatever they set their minds to...to develop the habit."  - Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy

Going Three for Three Courtesy of James Ray

Awhile back I talked about attending James Ray's Harmonic Wealth Weekend and because a turn of events, I was unable to go. I was disappointed but it actually turned out to be a good thing.

I share this because one of James' key concepts 'The Three for Three' had an enormous affect on my life. There is no need for me to explain the concept, you only need to watch the video to understand.

What I want you to do is really and truly consider his words. There was a time I didn't thing, feel or believe I would ever accomplish anything--and now, two years after I chose to believe otherwise my life is exploding with change.

Think about it.

Think differently.
Note how you feel when you do.
Then take action.

You know what? You're worth it.

So, get out there and live your best life.

Time, Commitment and Promises All Wrapped Into One

Time passes at an accelerated pace these days, doesn't it?

I've been so busy with all my projects that I've fallen behind with my writing and sharing here with you. It is for that reason that I'm writing to you now. Recently I was tagged (sorta) by Terry concerning a promise to stay connected, and in the community. A commitment to staying active.

I have to admit, everything that has been happening in my life has really had me reeling. When I first started down this road towards having more freedom, working from home and finding my core and being happy in my life I didn't truly expect to see things come to fruition.

As time passed, my views changed and the world around me began to respond to those changes within me. I am still amazed by it all. These days I spend each day working my regular job, several hours are put into marketing my networking business and with the remaining time I've been investing time in books, audios and programs which can help me to grow--but in the mix I've lost sight of the promise above.

I realize that one of the reasons you come here is for the words of inspiration (btw your words of encouragement and thank yous are deeply appreciated) you should know that you also inspire me.

By nature I'm far from being an organized person. This is part of my struggle to keep up with everything and be able to maintain my presence in the blogesphere (As a side note, if anyone can offer advice about being more organized, please share them--email me). Anyone who knows me also knows that when I commit to something I give it my all and my heart goes into it.

Because I've always enjoyed sharing my journey with you all I'm going to join Joe in his promise. I will be sharing more with you, taking part in the conversations and reconnecting with old friends--everyone of you.

Terry's post was a great reminder.

Thank you, Terry.

Get Excited!

I was reading one of Craig Harper's articles recently and once again he made a great point about levels of excitement.

Successful people have a way of building excitement. When they get excited the people around them to and it creates momentum.

I highly recommend reading the article and I dare you not to be excited about possibilities once your through!

I will not die

"I will not die an unlived life. I will not live in fear of falling or catching fire. I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me, to make me less afraid, more accessible, to loosen my heart until it becomes a wing, a torch, a promise. I choose to risk my significance; to live so that which comes to me as seed goes to the next as blossom and that which comes to me as blossom, goes on as fruit." - Dawna Markova, Author of Open Mind

I dare you to try speaking these words each day and NOT see change in your life.
 

Bleached

All things Japanese fascinate me. Always have.

The other night I was up until 7:30AM--couldn't sleep (I have a crazy schedule). Rather than attempting to working on my marketing I was watching Bleach, an anime, to pass the time until I was tired enough to pass out.

This particular episode is focused on Ichigo, the main character and his internal battles. He is forced to look inward and discover something within himself but he doesn't know what that something is. Throughout the battle he has flashes of people from the past.

During one flash, Kenpachi, a former combatant, scolds Ichigo. Kenpachi reminds Ichigo of the facts; Ichigo seeks out conflict, battles and hardship because he seeks power. He wants to get better so he can protect the people he loves.

Those words struck me because they reminded me of my own path--as an entrepreneur and a person. To start down the path of betterment in any area we accept risk, pain and long hours in order to strive for greater skills and a mindset which carries us through. Even if you already possess the skills and a great mindset you must maintain them. And so the journey begins and never ends.

We go from one project to another OR event after event knowing that with each step we are building the character and skills which make us better.

Suddenly the name of the series made sense on a level I had never considered.

I love these moments.

You Have the Power

Serious hiccups or bumps in the road happen. They just do.

We cannot always control when things go crazy in our lives but we have two of the most powerful tools determining the outcome of those events.

You have your mind and the freedom to put it to use.

Throwing in the towel is the easiest path and the one most people walk but there other options--if you open yourself to them.

When I started working in Network Marketing I found myself in the same situation. I didn't know what I was doing, I was coaxed into starting a business and I was soon overwhelmed.

The pressure and fear of failure where getting pretty loud. Even with all of that on my mind I kept pushing forward, I kept trying new things.

I came to recognize the power of my own personal thought process after I began blogging. Writing about positive thinking, growth and the difficulties I was having created clarity. I began to see things differently because I was focusing and writing about positives instead of negatives.

Suddenly things started turning around.

I was introduced to Matt Jamieson, who taught me the SEO techniques to market my business online.

As a result, I have had first page rankings on many search terms, I'm contacted by more people than I can handle in a single day, and my view of my ability to make things happen has changed.

The truth is, all of this was already in me but if I had remained switched off I would have quit. Because I made the choice to engage my mind and feed it positive thoughts.. I myself as a whole have been changed.

You have the power to do so as well.

Craig Harper on Limitations

I was reading an article by Craig Harper this morning and I'd like to share it with you all this morning. Craig always has something humorous to add and this particular article is no different. However, the message is a great one--he's talking about how we limit ourselves.

He's right we always talk ourselves into believing the doubt, self-loathing and fear.

He also made a great point when he said that stepping up to help others, even though you may not have it all together can often be the best personal growth strategy.