What a Beautiful Mind!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Friday May 30 2008

Welcome to the typical week’s end.

The fun of this week’s theme has continued unabated with notes flying in from all over our subscribers world. My thanks go to all of you who felt inspired to share your “personal responsibility” messages.

To wind up the week we present a short video that I suspect will truly amaze you. I have long appreciated that those blessed individuals who live with autism vibrate with a resonance that most of us will never completely understand.

The young man featured in this week’s offering demonstrates a gift that should tell us all that there are things going on inside of us that transcends all consciousness. We’ll be talking more about this.

Enjoy this delightful presentation.

What A Beautiful Mind!

Just imagine what's in your very special mind over this weekend!

See you on Monday.

Take Over - Personal Responsibility For Your Life

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday May 29 2008

Welcome to Thursday.

I have definitely decided to continue this week’s theme right through next week also. The fun I’m having at this desk with some of your responses has me often rolling on the floor.

I’ll get all of the information I can into your hands by the end of next week, and then I’ll do a special wrap-up and put a really nice, and visual, bow on the whole thing.

Now, let’s get on to today’s offering.

Take Over - Personal Responsibility For Your Life

By Trevor Adheen

You must be grateful for all the things you have in life and was born with. But you should not stop there and be contented. You can use these assets to bring more, much more in your life by applying some diligent thought and dedication and enthusiasm to get there. You must be ready to maximize your life to the fullest by taking over personal responsibility of your life the way it is now and make it a thousand times better. And, the good thing is that you have the ability and capability to achieve this. It is in all of us.

Some call this new attitude the: Attitude of Gratitude which activates a universal principle called the Law of Attraction. The law of attraction states that by focusing the attention on the abundance you now posses in your life draw more abundance to you. We all have that gift. But, you must make it happen. Do not just wish it. You must use the assets you have and build on it.
The assets inside you are not things like family, friends, home, food etc. These are external to you. What you need to focus on is the internal assets deep inside. These are powerful forces to achieve more than you can imagine. It is sometimes called: Gratitude from the Inside-Out.

Do not beat yourself upside the head.

After you have taken over personal responsibility for where you are now, you must identify the abundant qualities you have within that are lying dormant that can address your self worth and awareness. We hate ourselves for not having the right mix of things to get going and we give up by not trying. Some call this the "The Voice, The Internal Critic" Do not look down upon yourself harshly when you want to make a better change. Look at the situation as someone giving you a bunch of seeds to plant but in the lot there are small ones, big ones, half rotted ones, but all in all, the seeds have germination capabilities which you later plant on fertile ground at various locations. Similarly, you approach this task of revamping yourself to move up to a higher level of achievement by sifting out the good things you have accomplished from a whole bunch of things that you have already accomplished and build upon them. In other words, you must look at the qualities that lie within you and re-visit them to see how you can make them more useful to improve your life, just the way you would take the seeds and replant them in fertile ground to get trees the bear plenty of top quality fruits.

This inside Search brings out the abundance in your life.

When you take this action it is sometimes called: Gratitude from the Inside-Out. It will strengthen you and motivate you with full enthusiasm to accomplish your desires, hopes and dreams that are hidden within you. If you do it passionately, it will manifest itself inside you that will make you grow beyond your wildest dreams. You rise above and get direct benefits over personal responsibility you have taken.

Here are some inherent gratitude components from the: “Gratitude from the Inside Out” category for which I take full responsibility but need to be revamped and improved upon:

You can rank these from 1 through 10 so you know the effort you must put in to get them to a higher level.

• My compassion for others
• A good listener
• I am caring
•Grateful for a strong mind and body.
• Thankful for being a good provider for my family

You need to manifest this list of personal attributes into your whole being using transformative energy so that this gratitude list can take root in your life and you prosper.

So, go ahead and make up your list and recite them aloud preferably in front of a mirror. Make a pledge to do this daily until you find you become one with each item on the list. This exercise can be very revealing of who you really are, not to mention, very moving and healing.

Here is what this Gratitude from the Inside Out List will do for you:

• Make the Law of Attraction work in your favor
• Bring Abundantly More in your life
• Removes and archives all Negative Internal Voices
• Reinforces your self esteem and capabilities
• Get to like yourself much better as you take over personal responsibility for your life.

The author is a Personal Development Counselor, PDC., and researcher in human behavior and herbal medicine. He has been helping people for over 30 years to maximize their true potential by conducting personal, and family counseling to those in need. He also promotes this service by making information products available on the internet through e-books, DVD's, CD's email courses, etc. You can visit his website at: http://www.primealife.com to learn more about the "Ten Commandments of Self Improvement"

Responsibility and the Law of Attraction

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Wednesady May 27 2008

Say hello to the midweek point.

Boy, did the floodgates open yesterday or what? It seems that this week’s topic is really going to push the temperature up with some folks. In fact, I’m seriously considering keeping the theme right through next week if it’s going to be this much fun.

I had a couple of notes yesterday from some people who adamantly wanted me to acknowledge that the circumstances they are currently in were not their responsibility. For one, it was the war, another, the housing crisis, another, the economy, and yet another, the government.

You can only imagine my response.

Other notes clearly indicated that folks were living large in the understanding that if they indeed were responsible for their entire life experience, they were going to live it greatly, and out loud. I suggested to everyone that they play close attention to what our contributors on this topic have to say.

We have a great offering today from our buddy Steve.

Responsibility and the Law of Attraction

by Steve Pavlina

Responsibility for our lives is something we never lose but which we often deny. As I’ve said many times before, you can give away control but never responsibility. The ultimate responsibility for how your life turns out rests with you and you alone… not with your parents, your boss, your ex, your society, God, or anyone else. You can blame whomever you wish, but you’re the one who must experience (or endure) the results.

I sometimes receive feedback from people stuck in the pattern of thinking about what they don’t want. They claim to be focusing on their desires religiously, and they ask me why their goals don’t seem to be manifesting. Then they explain all the reasons they believe they’re having so much trouble.

If I were to write a template for such emails, it would look something like this:

I don’t understand…
I’m frustrated that…
I hate my…
I can’t figure out …
I’m stressed about…
I’m worried that…
I should be able to… but I can’t…
Why am I having so much trouble?

That’s quite a list of intentions, isn’t it? And of course this is exactly what the person is manifesting. What’s missing, however, is that s/he hasn’t accepted responsibility for these results.

The Law of Attraction brings you what you think about. To think is to ask. Every thought is an intention. The Law of Attraction is totally neutral — it doesn’t filter what you ask for. If you think about what you want, you get it. If you think about what you don’t want, you get that too.

If you want to manifest your desires, then it makes no sense to write statements like the above. Even when your desires haven’t yet manifested, remain hopeful and optimistic. Pour on the positive intent, and allow the Law of Attraction to work with you. Stay in the present moment. Be on the lookout for synchronicities. If you start getting frustrated, take a walk or do a meditation to nip it in the bud. Otherwise you’ll negate your desires by intending their opposite.

The key to mastering the Law of Attraction is responsibility. You must accept personal responsibility for everything in your life. And I do mean everything. If you perceive it, you’ve manifested it. Whatever you give your attention to will expand.

How do you learn to stop thinking about what you don’t want? Accept responsibility for attracting it. This raises your consciousness and makes you more capable of successfully applying the Law of Attraction to get what you do want.

Suppose I go on an outing with my kids, and they misbehave like crazy. They pick fights with each other, and I get frustrated with them. Afterwards I have to admit that I attracted this situation by my thoughts. I unconsciously intended it. Perhaps I remembered a previous unpleasant outing as we were leaving. Maybe I was noticing the first sign of conflict and worrying it might escalate. If I gave it any thought, I activated the Law of Attraction.

By assuming responsibility for creating my reality, I also assume the power to change it. I can consciously put more energy into thinking about what I do want. Some of those negative thoughts will still pop into my mind, but I can drown them out with positive alternatives. I can imagine a pleasant outing with the kids even when there’s no external evidence to support it. I don’t need to see proof “out there” when I’m the one creating the proof in the first place. As I keep my intentions positive, I notice almost magically that the kids’ behavior improves. When I’m alone with them, they’re usually well behaved. But their behavior changes to align with the expectations of whomever they’re with. Erin is beginning to understand this too.

What if I deny responsibility for what I experience? What if I say, “Something out there is causing these problems, and I’m only noticing what is happening”? Then I’m powerless to change my reality. If I focus my thoughts on what I’m already getting, I’ll unknowingly activate the Law of Attraction to continue bringing me more of the same. My situation will never fundamentally change. And how can it change? If I’m thinking about what I’m already getting, then I’m manifesting a loop. It’s stable. If my life is filled with the manifestation of my desires, I’m in heaven. If my life is filled with what I don’t want, I’m in hell.

If you’re determined to think about what you don’t want, I certainly can’t stop you. The best I can do is to hold you accountable for your results, which can help you become more aware of what you’re doing to yourself. But if you really want to beat yourself up, go for it. Just note that I won’t be joining you for the subsequent pity parties down the road. I’m not coming to save you, nor is anyone else. Only you can save you.

Personal testing is the only reason I accept the Law of Attraction. It’s proven itself to me beyond a reasonable doubt. I’ve been working with it consciously for a few years now, and it still freaks me out sometimes. Who’d have thought we could attract what we want just by thinking about it? Does reality really work that way? If it seems impossible, the thought of its impossibility will manifest like any other. If you don’t believe in the Law of Attraction, you’re actually using it to negate itself, which is a perfectly valid application, albeit one that will bring you lots of frustration.

One of the reasons I’m so happy and passionate about my life is that I’m getting better at aligning myself with the Law of Attraction. I’m having a wonderful time experimenting with it. As I think about what I want, I keep wondering when it’s going to show up. When I try to control how it comes to me, I usually block it. But when I relax and allow it to happen, that’s when it finally begins showing up. The right people, resources, and opportunities somehow find me, usually through unexpected synchronicities.

The skeptical part of my brain has trouble believing reality could actually work like this. It requires a new model of reality in which the Law of Attraction makes sense. Consequently, I’ve had to make major adjustments to my beliefs to compensate for the Law of Attraction. This led me towards a more subjective view of reality, which eventually became my default way of thinking.

After relaxing my preconceptions about what’s possible, I experienced many things I previously thought impossible. The skeptic in me is much less resistant because he has a new context for explaining how such things might be possible. And each new validation makes it easier to open up to even more possibilities.

It all begins with accepting 100% responsibility for your reality. You’re the one who’s creating it right now. Are you creating what you want or what you don’t want?

Change your dominant thoughts, and you’ll see reality change as well.

Taking Responsibility - the Biggest Freedom

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday May 27 2008

Welcome to this fine Tuesday.

The topic for this week came clear to me yesterday. I read some articles about how some entrepreneurial folks are turning the economic downturn, the highest ever gas prices, and the devastated real estate market into outstanding opportunities.

The one single thing that these entrepreneurs have in common is, they all took 100% responsibility for “everything”. And from that stance they clearly saw what to do to thrive while most folks cower in panic.

The theme of “personal responsibility” is going to ring some bells this week. Let’s get started.

Taking Responsibility - The Biggest Freedom

by Nisandeh Neta

Let's go for a bus ride, shall we? You've actually been traveling in this bus for quite some time already. This bus is called your life.

It has a destination plate on the front. You have simply never read it before, as you're not accustomed to being on the outside of your bus.

You choose who's driving, while you're hanging around and enjoying the ride. Some choose their mother or father (or both) to drive their bus; others nominate a social, political or spiritual figure to drive their bus, whilst others choose a significant other. In fact, most people I know nominate another to drive THEIR bus.

The driver may change over the years or as a result of different events. For a while, you may even nominate your physician or therapist to be the driver of your bus, perhaps even your lawyer or accountant.

In most instances, you choose experienced drivers. They know how to shift the gears, use the blinkers and operate the radio.

Since you don't know your destination, they'll take you where they think you ought to be going. It will ultimately be their choice of destination.

And while your designated driver drives, you can enjoy the ride. Walking from the first row to the last one, living happily (or not) in your little bus, called life.

Since you have nothing of significance to do, you may get a little bored. Most people do.Some fall asleep, hoping to fall into an interesting dream. Some fill the emptiness with anything they can find in the mini-bar of the bus. Others still, turn on the little blue box at the rear of the bus, staring at the moving pictures, describing other people and their bus journeys.

It's not until many years and as many miles down the road that the realization dawns upon them, "Hey, I'm missing my journey". I see it everyday.

Some wake up 5 or 10 years too late only to discover that while their spouse drove their bus, they missed their children's early years. Others wake up with a bang, usually around their forties to realize that while their boss was driving their bus, they forgot what youth, playfulness and joy were.

Most people are afraid to drive their own bus.They believe that they're not capable. Not good enough.They were conditioned to believe that others know better.Some think that they have no choice. They were born with a driver and that's life.

For many it's comforting to know, that there's always someone else to blame for any bump in the road or a turn that leads to a dead-end.

However, there are also consequences and costs for not driving your bus... You feel powerlessness as a direct result of not having control over your life. You are traveling in a direction that in reality has nothing to do with where you really wish to be... your destination.

Usually your driver chooses the radio station he or she likes. And this constant background music might not be to your liking. And most of all, traveling as a passenger in your own bus is infinitely boring and unfulfilling.

So, how about taking the steering wheel in your own hands? Give your driver a 15-second-notice and then throw him or her off your bus. See what happens.

When you sit in front, you'll see the road ahead of you. You're not that busy with all that surround you from the sides. You don't spend valuable time, looking back through the rear window. Everything is new, fresh and exciting. The bumps on the way are still there, but this time you choose how to handle them. You can even choose your favorite radio station.

I can hear some of you screaming from the back, "God is my shepherd, God is my designated driver!" Well folks, here's a newsflash: if God is your shepherd, then his job is to navigate, not to drive! Make friends with God, Spirit, the Universe, your Higher-Self - whatever you want to name it. Invite him (her) to sit next to you and ask him what's your destination. He knows it.

Then, along the way, you can ask him what's the best turn here and there... and listen carefully. When you get the answer - it is still YOU who choose to follow the directions, or turn the other way.

Remember, the destination is only an excuse for the journey. So, enjoy the ride.

PS. Wanna know what is written on the destination plate of YOUR bus?

It says... freedom!

The Memorial Days of Your Life

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday May 26 2008

Welcome to a shiny new week.

For our U.S. friends, we wish you a happy Memorial Day holiday today.

Now, down to business.

The “reader” came out later today as we wanted to reserve the space until our friend Philip sent us his Memorial Day message. He always delivers a great one.

The Memorial Days of Your Life

by Philip Humbert

This is our Memorial Day Weekend, a time traditionally set aside to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom.

Liberty and democracy are fragile things and they do not flourish by themselves. They require loving care and, too often, costly sacrifice by those who cherish them. Every day, liberty is under attack by those who would censor our words, our thoughts and our prayers. Every day, freedom is challenged by those--often good, well-intentioned people--who want "order" at the expense of chaotic, inefficient democracy.

We are free people and we can disagree about where, and when, and how we should defend freedom, but we are only free because brave men and women have resisted tyranny. In honor of those who died on 9/11, and to those who have sacrificed in the past and are continuing to sacrifice every single day so we can enjoy our holidays, have our picnics, and have our debates: Thank you.

And now I want to make a tricky intellectual "pivot" and turn from talking about honoring those who fought for our freedoms, and talk about how we build our own lives, and the "Memorial Days" that signify our progress. Clearly, we must first acknowledge Memorial Day the way it was intended and honor those who have given their lives for our freedom, but we honor them most by USING our freedom, not merely luxuriating in it.

I'm going to make a strong, blunt statement that may offend some, but here goes: I believe too many of us (around the world, not only in the U.S.) have grown flabby and lazy. We enjoy our freedoms, our wealth and our opportunities, but we also squander them.Too often we use our freedom to become consummate consumers, rather that expert builders. Too often we use our freedom to complain rather than to create.

Too often we use our wealth and our power to become couch potatoes and channel-surfers rather than pursuing our potential and exploring the limits of possibility.As you celebrate this national Memorial Day, I encourage you to note the key Memorial Dates in your own life.

As you look back, do you mark the date you graduated, or the date you launched your business? Do you mark the date you set your own course, perhaps the day you risked it all for your dreams?

On a warm, sunny day in July, 1984, a friend and I reached the summit of Mt. Blanca, a 14,110-foot mountain in Colorado and as we enjoyed the view, I knew we would climb many mountains together. I didn't ask Mary to become my life partner for two more years, but that day on that mountain is one of my "Memorial Days." I remember it well. The view, the struggle to the summit and the partnership we forged that day changed my life forever.

I remember a blustery, rainy day on December 12, 1997. That was the day I turned in my keys and walked away from the clinic I had built. I'd sold it earlier, but agreed to stay until the end of the year, and on that Friday afternoon, I launched a new direction. It is one of my Memorial Days.

How about you? What are your personal Memorial Days? Have you used your freedoms, your talent, your dreams and abilities to create the life you want? Some dates are specific and easy to recall, others may not have seemed special but in retrospect, we know they were turning points. We all have these Memorial Days and they are important.

Honor them. Honor yourself! Freedom and opportunity only exist if they are used! And more than that, one of the ways we fuel our dreams and empower the future is by "borrowing" confidence, courage and momentum from the past. Celebrate your achievements and use them to know, deep inside, that you can boldly go wherever your wish in the future.

Go climb some big mountains!

What Seeds Are You Planting?

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Friday May 23 2008

Welcome to the typical week's end.

It's been a ton of fun dealing with "enthusiasm" as a theme this week. It continues to hold that absolutely nothing of significance is ever accomplished without major doses of sustained "enthusiasm".

My thanks to everyone who shared your reflections and observations about the effects you saw as you were watching closely for "enthusiasm" in all of your dealings this week. There certainly were some eye openers.

In selecting this week's video offering I went to one of our favorite projects, and it's amazing patron. Dave Deppner is one of the most enthusiastic people we have ever encountered about a project that has massive impact on people, community's, and the planet.

Dave's vision, and the "enthusiasm" it generates is the most relevant way we could wrap up this week's theme. He clearly is someone with "The Wealthy Attitude".

You're going to enjoy this.

What Are You Planting?

Set about "tasting" enthusiasm this weekend.

See you on Monday.

An Ultimate Lifestyle Secret - The Power Of Enthusiasm

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday May 21 2008

Welcome to this fine Thursday.

It was really fun yesterday as folks who saw my note and who had to call me, certainly made sure they brought a conscious level of “enthusiasm” to the conversation. Amazing what a little suggestion brings forth.

Quite a while ago, a traveling salesperson was transferred into a small rural town. He was met at the bus station by Ralph, the only other person working in the same town. Ralph had had his bags packed for weeks, hoping that he would be transferred out. "I can't believe they're keeping me here even one more day, it's a terrible place to work," he complained, "the people are rude and skeptical and no one will let you in their house."

Yet, in the first week, the new salesperson had put on more successful demonstrations than Ralph had in the previous two months combined! What made the difference? Did the new guy have more product knowledge than Ralph? No, in fact he had just started with the company four months earlier. Was he a harder worker? No, in fact Ralph sometimes worked extra hours late into the night. The real difference was Enthusiasm. The new guy was just excited about the product and the opportunity.

While Ralph dragged himself from house to house, putting in his time with a martyr's attitude, the new guy went at it with an enthusiastic flair. He quickly assembled a group of excited customers who helped him spread the word about his product.

In no time, that small town was one of the most productive areas in the company. And Ralph? He got transferred out all right -- straight to the unemployment line.

David Schwartz once made this profound observation: "Results come in proportion to enthusiasm applied." That statement is just as true today as it was when he wrote it in 1959 in his timeless book, The Magic of Thinking Big. Do you have a project that is not progressing as rapidly as you would like? Are you sometimes frustrated when a really great idea only produces mediocre results? Just apply a little more enthusiasm! Soon it will become catchy and infect everyone around you. A little extra enthusiasm can mean the difference between success and failure.

As the old saying goes ... the only difference between try and triumph is just a little "umph!"

Enjoy today’s offering by our friend Gilbert.

An Ultimate Lifestyle Secret - The Power Of Enthusiasm

by Gilbert Griffiths

The power of enthusiasm is born when your thinking is fixed firmly on your goal and your imagination and desire work together as teammates. Enthusiasm is an incredibly powerful tool to create momentum in anything that you are doing.

I have found that when I am enthusiastic about something it is much easier to accomplish it than when I have a task that I do not like. I believe that enthusiasm is a force coming from deep inside you that lifts you up and takes you along. Enthusiasm is more than just jumping up and down or shouting your lungs out. It is bringing joy into your task.

It is claimed that very little of value is completed if enthusiasm is missing. Most of the greatest inventions, masterpieces and accomplishments of all times were possible because the creator was enthusiastic about his or her task. Some even claim that enthusiasm for a task makes up for a lack of skill. I think that we have all seen sports teams fired up by enthusiasm beat teams that, on paper, were more talented.

Enthusiasm is the self-raising force that lifts your dreams up to the stars. All of us have dreams, however, only those people that are extremely enthusiastic about their dreams ever take the action necessary to bring them to completion. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes and the speed of your stride. Everything in your life seems better, brighter and easier when you approach it with unbridled enthusiasm. Remember, when you were little, everything was as bright and shiny as a new penny and you just could not wait to get your hands on it? Well, the world has not changed that much, but you have. Sure, there is more technology today, but life is just about the same, maybe a little faster, but only because you make it that way.

I am sure that if you approach everything with enthusiasm today, you will find that things are done more quickly and that your days will be as enjoyable as they were when you were a child. You see, enthusiasm is the wondrous engine of life that adds fun and excitement to everything you do. It is the underlying force that is at the bottom of all progress. Enthusiasm is a powerful tool and when used properly, it can be a superb catalyst toward progress. Enthusiasm is the mark of sincerity and, truth wins no victories without it. Enthusiasm is the power that lurks within each of us waiting to release our hidden genius, enabling us to produce fantastic results that no one dreamed we could ever do.

In conclusion, enthusiasm is the spark that will take the mundane and turn it into the creation of a lifetime. If you approach all of your tasks with true enthusiasm, you will find that you have unleashed the power and the passion that will ensure success in all of your ventures. It will be a success that will lead you to an ultimate lifestyle, a future full of happiness and the culmination of all your dreams and desires.

Enthusiasm

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Wednesday may 21 2008

Welcome to the midweek point.

Boy, are we having some fun with the whole “enthusiasm” theme.

Here at this desk, we get tons of calls every day. With this week’s theme, we are assessing every call on a scale of 1 to 10 for “enthusiasm”. I have to say that it’s been quite an eye opener.

From service folks, friends, teammates, and telemarketers, it’s really interesting who gets our attention. I’m aware it’s also a two street. If we answer the phone with “enthusiasm”, we get a higher level of response. It confirms the old adage, “you get back what you put out”.

Our buddy David puts out an offering today that touches on the point.

Enthusiasm

by David DeFord

In my small Indiana hometown basketball was king. If you have seen the movie “Hoosiers”, you can begin to understand the importance of high school basketball in rural Indiana.

While in grade school, my friends and I dreamed of the day that we could don our school colors and go to battle for truth and our mothers. During recess we always played basketball. On hot summer days, when our friends were playing in the creek or fishing, we could be found on "the slab" doing battle. Sometimes we literally did battle.

We played on grade school, junior high and freshman teams. We even played for the Boys Club on weekends--always dreaming of our shot at the high school team. Even though we hated cross country, we joined the team every year for the strength and conditioning program. We also organized games against the kids in nearby towns, just for the fresh competition.

Finally our junior year came. As usual, we joined the cross country team and we were in top shape by the beginning of basketball season. As practices began, forty-some kids vied for the twelve spots on the varsity team. After a few practices I realized that I wasn't as gifted as many of the other players trying out for the team. I knew in my heart that if I didn't do something special, I wouldn't realize my long-held dream. But what talent did I have that would set me apart from the others?

Enthusiasm!

Even though my athletic ability did not separate me from the rest, I practiced good fundamentals and played consistently. I became the kid who yelled the loudest for the other players. I congratulated good plays, offered sincere encouragement to those who were struggling and I played very enthusiastically.

When the coach posted the names of those who made the varsity team, my name was listed! Unfortunately none of my friends, who had worked so hard for so long, were listed. While I was saddened for my friends, I had realized my dream.

Though I reached my goal, the most important part of this story is what I learned about life--enthusiasm can compensate for other weaknesses. Everyone likes to be around an enthusiast. Life and its challenges can be joyful when approached enthusiastically.

Henry Ford said: “You can do anything if you have enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait, the grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas. Enthusiasts are fighters. The have fortitude.”

"They have staying qualities. Enthusiasm is at the bottom of all progress. With it, there is accomplishment. Without it, there are only alibis."

The Main Thing Is To Keep The Main Thing, The Main Thing

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday May 20 2008

Welcome to this fine Tuesday.

This week’s theme certainly inspired some terrific comments yesterday. It appears that with Monday being a holiday, that some folks really took the subject to heart and looked closely at what they were “enthused” about. More importantly though, was how they expressed that “enthusiasm”.

One of the things that kept repeating was that, while folks say they felt “enthusiastic” about their chosen activities, it wasn’t expressed clearly in their actions. Interesting eh?

Universally, it was clearly agreed that “enthusiasm” was unquestionably one of the “main things” that must get our attention.

Our friend Thea provides an offering that might just be the ticket for today.

The Main Thing Is To Keep The Main Thing, The Main Thing

by Thea Westra

“Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit” (Conrad Hilton)

“Time cools, time clarifies; no mood can be maintained quite unaltered through the course of hours” (Mark Twain)

“It is wise to keep in mind that no success or failure is necessarily final” (Anon.)

“Successful people aren't supermen and women. They fail, but fail forward. Success is not about perfection, it's about progression” (Simon Reynolds - advertising wiz.)

When you create or design something new for your future e.g. a new goal or enterprise, then you can be assured that there will be ups and downs.

Initially there may be very few, if any “flat times” because of all the associated novelties and the learning curve. The excitement and passion may last days, weeks and even months.

If your goal or new enterprise involves a 3 or 5 year plan, then chances are that you will experience many highs and lows. We do “know” this, yet when the flat times arrive we behave as though “it should not be that way” and lose momentum.

Here are some tips for staying on the road if you are crystal clear that you are using the most effective “vehicle” of your choice to fulfill specific outcomes.

1. Be very clear and maintain your clarity of purpose for wanting to accomplish your goal/intended outcome.

Have at hand a minimum of five terrific reasons for why you “have to” and absolutely “must” accomplish your chosen goal. Continue to update that list and occasionally rewrite the list. Over time your initial reasons may lose their spur quality.

2. Create an environment that consistently reminds you of your original purpose and of your intended, ultimate outcome.

The following are a few basic ideas for this:

Surround yourself with physical displays such as computer screen-savers, wall boards, a piece of jewellery, markers/images in your diary, a house/garden plant that you watch grow as your enterprise does.

Choose with whom you spend most time and use regular meetings or calls with a buddy, coach, mentor or supportive partner.

The more people you tell about your goal, the more often you will be taken back to that time of your original excitement because of their questions about how you’re coming along.

Play pieces of music while working to inspire you and keep you “in the moment” of what you are creating.

Make it a weekly practice to listen to motivating teleseminars or CD recordings of other successful and inspiring people.

Spend regular moments of time visualising your intended future. Really work on getting your “picture” (of the ultimate point of final accomplishment) more and more clear for yourself so that you can almost touch, smell, see the colours and hear the sounds of all that's around you.

3. Set up physical spaces that fully support your designed future. Have your home office fitted with tools that really work for you. Have simple and clear filing and storage systems so there’s a place for everything and you don’t arrive at a desk each morning with numerous piles of tasks – putting you in a ‘space’ of overwhelm before you even begin the day. Begin to list and start putting together your necessary resources. For example, there is no sense offering hard-copy information to others if you do not have sufficient materials at your finger tips, should many opportunities show up all at once. Create email or hard-copy templates for standard replies to common requests.

4. Learn to control and manage the 'little voice' in your head. Thank it for sharing. Create an imaginary buddy for this ‘voice’, a buddy who tells you something to encourage and empower. You can even “tap” on your negative self-talk to gradually peel away the “onion-layers”!

5. Chart your progress and have your chart(s) on display. Know that you are moving and that you have made progress. Set specific milestones at preset dates that you can celebrate along the way.

A wide angled view of success is: being fulfilled, self-expressed, authentic and joyful. You cannot experience these without 100% congruence between you and your environment. Your environment either calls forth your authentic-self or keeps you locked in a cycle of frustration.

Resourceful sites: http://www.lifeexcellence.com/index.shtml; http://www.ecomhelp.com/KB/inspiration/kb_motivating-yourself-when-you-dont.htm; AND; http://www.coping.org/growth/success.htm

© Thea Westra is the senior thought leader, at her Forward Steps site. She resides in Perth, Australia with her ultra-supportive partner Greg. Thea publishes a monthly ezine (among many other publications and products) at http://www.forwardsteps.com.au Enjoy her life success blogs at http://www.timeformylife.com/blogs.htm and get personally connected here, http://www.ask-thea-about.com

Enthusiasm: The Magic Recipe of Success

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday May 19 2008

Welcome to brand spanking shining new week.

Last week’s theme of “happiness” most certainly hit the spot with many subscribers and I want to thank everyone for their feedback. Awesome stuff.

This week we’re going to be focusing on the theme of “enthusiasm”. This most necessary element to all successes is often the most elusive. We’re going to touch your senses with it.

We get started with a piece to set the tone for the week.

Enthusiasm: The Magic Recipe of Success

Ralph Waldo Emerson was right when he said, “Nothing great has been achieved without enthusiasm.”

A lot of people confuse enthusiasm with excitement. Enthusiasm is more than just jumping up and down or shouting your lungs out. That is excitement. Nobody could sustain such feeling of excitement for an extended length of time. Enthusiasm is bringing joy into your task.

However, some people could remain to be enthusiastic for long periods of time. Being enthusiastic involves openly expressing your deepest desires and feelings. You can show this by just a simple smile or maybe several shouts of joy. You don’t have to be boisterous to be enthusiastic; you just have to be willing to show your positive feelings.

The first step to improving your enthusiasm is awareness. It is logical not being enthusiastic about things we don’t know much about. If you know the cause, reason or purpose of these activities, it will be easier to develop a sense of enthusiasm towards them. More knowledge also eliminates fear, worry and doubt which are considered the great immobilizers.

Of course, to be enthusiastic, you need to act. True, you may have to discuss, argue, plan, rationalize and do other things which could delay taking action. However, once you work on it, you’ll see that things start to happen, which can keep your enthusiasm level up.

If you find yourself losing enthusiasm in doing repetitive tasks, just ask yourself the same questions why you started those tasks in the first place. Why do I have to do this? Will this help me get to where I want to go five years from now?

Sometimes, you might find it necessary to be involved in less interesting activities. To be enthusiastic even in these situations, just associate yourself with enthusiastic people. Enthusiasm, like optimism, is contagious.

People who show positive feelings on that activity will develop your desire to learn more about that specific task. You’ll soon find yourself reading enthusiastic books and engaging on interesting conversations about that activity.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you think the activity is getting more tedious. Tiring out yourself is not the best way to maintain an enthusiastic outlook. Don’t rush. Take your time to develop an interest in what you do, and don’t forget to accept a helping hand.

Whenever you do something, it would also be helpful if you have some sort of enthusiasm index to monitor each activity. For example, you may rate your level of enthusiasm on this particular activity today and then rate it again tomorrow. You could use a scale of 1 to 10 in rating.

By monitoring your level of enthusiasm, it will be easy for you to improve your enthusiasm level. You will be able to see when you enthusiasm level is going low, and thus, you can immediately correct it. And whenever you’ve noticed that your enthusiasm level is increasing, then you just need to figure out what caused it so you can do it again and again.

Developing an enthusiastic attitude is important to be able to reach your goals. Even if others have long given up on that task or activity, if you are enthusiastic enough, you’ll still have the inner spark that encourages you to continue what you are doing. Through enthusiasm, you can turn your life into an exciting journey.

The Three Words That Bring Happiness!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Friday May 16 2008

Welcome to the end of this “happiness” theme week.

Although we change themes next week, the subject of ‘happiness” never really ends for us. Frankly, it’s the only reason we are here.

In thinking of ways to wind up the week, I did a quick survey (totally unscientific) among some of our subscribers. I asked them what “words” made them feel the very happiest?

The responses covered the entire spectrum of language, however, three little words kept cropping up over and over and over. The words that make most people happiest are “I Love You”.

So, on that note, we offer a short video piece that adequately portrays the sentiment. Enjoy The Video Here (Turn up your speakers loud)

You should have "happied up" to level five today.

Take care

Have a "five fun" weekend.

See you on Monday

Hike Your Way to Happiness

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday May 15 2008

Welcome to this fine Thursday.

I’ve been having some interesting feedback this week from folks who are really taking to heart the whole subject of “happiness”. It tells me that we could spend months dealing with factors that lead to genuine “happiness”. We’ll come back to that.

We all strive for happiness in life. Like many, you probably think achievements such as education, marriage, family and social/financial status make you happy.

However, studies of happiness in several countries have found that these achievements have little to do with your happiness. For millions of people, happiness has remained a rather elusive goal. They've tried to buy happiness.

They've sought it through materialistic and pleasurable activities such as buying a new SUV or going on vacation. But nothing has seemed to work. For most people these changes, new possessions or temporary pleasures, might work for a while but will eventually become part of your status quo, and their power to deliver happiness will fade.

Much of my mail though, clearly shows that many folks have got the theme mixed up somewhat. The only quote I could think of that covered the entire spectrum is:

“But what is happiness except the simple harmony between a man and the life he leads?” Albert Camus

Today’s offering is a reflection from one of our U.K. contributors on the theme of the week.

Hike Your Way to Happiness

by Roger Elliot

(or why deliberate discomfort is good for you)

The other day a friend and myself spent 3 hours preparing to do an overnight hike. We packed a huge range of things into two large backpacks – things to keep us warm, to cook with, to keep us dry, to stop us from getting lost. In fact, all things that I would already have if I stayed at home.

We then had my wife's father drive us 20 miles from my house and we walked back. And not the shortest route either, or the flattest. In fact, we went out of our way to make the walk as arduous as possible.

So why did we do it?

It’s a question we pondered as we labored along under 40 pounds of load, peering bleary-eyed through sweat at the magnificent scenery around us. Why would two grown men, both reasonably sensible at other times, load themselves up like pack mules and ask to be abandoned miles from home?

And as we mulled it over, we started discussing the fact that much of modern life is geared towards making things easier. And there are many benefits to that:

1. hot water straight from the tap, no campfire required
2. heat on demand, no shivering necessary
3. light at the flick of a switch to extend your day as long as you want
4. food all in one place so you don’t have to hunt all over

No-one would argue that these are advances that have left us able to conduct more comfortable, fulfilling and hopefully useful lives. But what happens when we take it to extremes? We must remember that human beings have developed to struggle and overcome. Nature/God/evolution has enabled us to progress this far by ensuring we feel good when we reach a goal or solve a problem.

Our brains and bodies have evolved a wonderfully subtle built-in reward system to keep us achieving. Be it climbing a mountain or cleaning the house, our biology makes us feel good in order to keep us trying.

A vacuum of effort, meaning - and happiness?

So what happens when people stop making effort? When they stop stretching themselves? Take lottery winners for example; a year after their win, their happiness levels are the same as before it. Happiness does not come from having lots of money. Happiness comes from leading a satisfying life despite the fact that you have lots of money and can afford to sit around and do nothing.

In fact, with a little thought it is obvious that happiness does not come from the things that many of us in the West focus on every day. There are millions of happy people around the World who have little in material terms.

Why did we put ourselves through all that suffering?

So why go through step after step, mile after mile of burning muscles and aching backs? Because it made us feel good. And it made us feel good because:

1. we set and achieved a goal
2. we completed something arduous enough to stretch us and expand our perceptions of our own capabilities
3. the exercise released serotonin, and that combined with the exhaustion made us sleep better
4. we ached for days, reminding us of just how hard we had worked

Of course our friends and family have stopped talking to us because we won’t shut up about how tough we are, but that’s a small price to pay. ;-)

What Makes Me Happy? My 10 Habits

Welcome to the midweek point.

I’m having a whole bunch of fun here this week as I work my way through a ton on material on this week theme. Luckily for me, many of our contributors have a stock of writings on the subject, and part of my day is spent perusing some really neat stuff.

Today we send you and offering from a lady who does some very imaginative work. Her personal style may just assist you in bringing balance to some of your own day.

What Makes Me Happy? My 10 Habits
By Alvah Parker

What makes you happy? We are responsible for our own happiness so I want to insure that I do whatever is necessary to keep me happy and healthy. People are often focused on their goals. Instead these are habits I love to do and want to make sure I make time for them in my busy schedule. Writing them down helps me keep them in the top of my mind. For the most part they are activities I've been doing in previous years and I know they do a lot for my well being. What activities make you happy? I encourage you to make your own Happy Habit List!

1. 2 weeks of vacation time - This is something I instituted 3 years ago when I noticed that some years went by with no real vacation. I try to find something early in the year to put on my calendar for July. Sometimes I split the vacation time so there is some left for later in the year. Knowing it is on my calendar in January gives me something to look forward to.

2. Meditation time each day - This is a practice I am developing with the help of a coach friend. I love doing it but get so involved in my work taking time for this is often challenging. I've set up a special quiet place in my home to do this that is inviting and restful. It helps having a coach remind me too.

3. Exercise 3 times a week - Ok I said these are habits I love to do but not this one. I just love the way I feel after I am done! Amazingly even though I don't love it I am very good about doing this regularly.

4. Read at least one book a month that is non work related - I have a book club that keeps me honest on this one. I've been doing this for about 5 years now and have read a variety of books both fiction and non fiction. This month was the autobiography of Sidney Poitier and last month In the Heart of the Sea, a book about the whaling ship, Essex, that sank in the 1800s.

5. One concert or play each month - Since I love music this one isn't difficult either. During the month of December I went to two different Christmas Concerts. I love religious music of all types. (I sing in a Gospel Choir) December is a really good month for hearing this kind of music.

6. One totally free day each month with no agenda - Not so long ago Massachusetts had blue laws that kept all stores closed on Sunday. That meant Sunday was a really quiet day. I love the peace and quiet of having nothing scheduled. You probably can tell I am a planner so not planning is hard for me but when I do it I love it.

7. Have pedicure, facial or massage at least 6 times during the year. Another way to relax is to get away from it all for an hour or so. I enjoy it when I do it but unless I put it on my calendar I forget about it.

8. Try something I've never done - I try to do something new every year. Last year I went to the opera in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the year before I sang a solo at a workshop in Italy and another year I learned Yoga. This year who knows maybe I'll take up painting, do an improv class, or try ball room dancing.

9. More flowers in the house - I love gardening and in the summer bring lots of flowers into the house. This winter I picked up some winter evergreens to spread throughout my home but there is nothing like a beautiful flower to lift my spirits. In December I bought a beautiful rose for my kitchen table and today I bought a lovely flowering primrose plant that sits on my kitchen window.

10. Grandchildren Time - Nothing is more fun for me than spending time with my grandchildren. Last year I took my granddaughter to her first ballet. It was special performance of Cinderella for young children. She loved it and I loved watching her enjoy it. The same day I took my grandson out for an ice cream cone and scooter ride (He rode it not me). He likes his ice cream in a dish and eats it very slowly (to make it last!). Lots of time for a nice chat and very special! Seeing the world through a child's eyes is wonderful in the true sense of the word. (full of wonder)

Alvah Parker is a Practice Advisor and Career Coach as well as publisher of Parker's Points, an email tip list and Road to Success, an ezine. To subscribe send an email to join-roadtosuccess@go.netatlantic.com

Parker works with successful attorneys who feel overwhelmed by their work and are willing to take action to create a more profitable practice and a more fulfilling life.

The Highway To Happiness!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday May 13 2008

Welcome to Tuesday.

Thank you all who wrote about your reflections on Philip’s piece yesterday.

Today we are going to continue the theme with the second of the offerings from our friend Philip Humbert.

The Highway To Happiness!

by Philip Humbert

Yesterday I wrote about the "pursuit" of happiness. This week, want to talk about not just "pursuing" it but actually being happy! I think there's a big difference.

Based on the feedback, two things stood out in yesterday’s “reader”. First, readers reacted to my statement that happiness might be a "skill" to be learned rather than a feeling that occasionally happens to us. Second, there was reaction to my separating "happiness" from material possessions or success.

For our purposes, I'm not convinced that happiness is primarily an emotion, and I'm not convinced that happiness is directly related to "success" in the usual sense. I've known too many miserable millionaires! I prefer to think that happiness is a "way of being."

For Thomas Jefferson and the signers of the Declaration of Independence, the "pursuit of happiness" meant primarily the right to pursue wealth. They were concerned about life, liberty, and the freedom to pursue their interests as farmers or merchants. Today, we think of happiness very differently.

For most of us happiness is either an emotion ("I feel happy") or an on-going sense of fulfillment and satisfaction with our lives. I'm more interested in the longer-term. I want a lifetime of happiness! Sure, I enjoy moments of happiness during a party or on a roller coaster, but it's so short-lived! I want the long-lasting variety!

For me, the bigger and more interesting question is, "Can I achieve a life-time of happiness and personal fulfillment? Is that possible?" I believe the answer is a resounding YES! You CAN be happy most of the time, for the rest of your life.

How?

First, decide to be happy. Abraham Lincoln, who struggled with depression his entire life said, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Happiness seems to begin with a desire to BE HAPPY! Most people focus their time and thoughts on getting things done, on achieving various goals or avoiding failure. And, there's nothing wrong with that, but in the process they forget to focus on being happy. Choose happiness as a project or goal or value, and focus on it. Take time to be happy every day.

Second, notice what makes you happy. Most of us know what makes us laugh or feel giddy for an evening, but we're not as certain about what brings long-term happiness.
What fills you with pride or satisfaction? What gives your life meaning and purpose? What people, places, activities and values bring peace of mind, contentment or fulfillment? Note these and see if they could play a larger role in your life.

Third, happiness is active, not passive. Happiness seems to come from living our values and priorities. Happiness comes from doing valuable and worthwhile things, from making a positive difference in our world. We all know the frustration of spending a hectic day being frantic over trivial things. Don't spend your life that way! Every day, invest some time doing things of ultimate value. Do things that reflect who you are and what you stand for.

Finally, happiness is more about giving than receiving. I've been blessed to have many things, and there are even more things I want in life. And of course, in small ways, many of these things do "make me happy." I enjoy them! But few of my "things" actually seem connected to my long-term happiness. I suspect we focus too much on the things we want, and not enough on the things we have to share. Many years ago, Jesus said, "It is better to give than to receive." Based on many observations, from the Dalai Lama to Mother Theresa and my own "best moments," I think there is truth in that.

If you want happiness, give more of yourself.

Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday May 11 2008

Welcome to another shiny new week.

I hope that Mother’s Day for you was an outstanding day.

I saw a lot of folks around and about in various stages of preparation for celebrating the one very important person without whom this note would not be being read. The one thing that stuck out most was, that they all looked very happy indeed to be doing what they were doing.

It got me thinking a fair bit about the whole subject of “happiness”. So, I decided to dedicate this week to that subject.

I got to chatting with our buddy Philip Humbert, and he has provided us with a couple of readers that reflect his views on the issue. Yes, as an American, Philip focuses on research from the U.S. Frankly though his sentiments serve every one of us.

You’ll enjoy his offerings today and tomorrow.

Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness

by Philip Humbert

This week I read about a huge survey (over 100,000 participants) that said only 47% of Americans describe themselves as truly "happy." This is the biggest survey ever on the topic, and it amazes me that more than half of us (think of that!) are not fulfilled, satisfied or "happy" with our lives. How can that be?

In the past couple of centuries, we've done well on two of the three freedoms proclaimed in our Declaration of Independence. We've more than doubled life expectancy. Progress in medicine, sanitation, and safety give us more years than ever before. And we certainly have more liberty!

We can say, think, travel, learn, buy, do or experience more variety than ever before. Even our parents never dreamed of the freedoms we take for granted every day.

And yet when asked closely about our lives, we are no happier (and perhaps not as happy) as past generations. Headlines proclaim that we are anxious, stressed, cranky or depressed. We take more pills than any people in history. We worry. We feel less safe than our ancestors who faced famine, war and pestilence. What's going on? How can this be and what can we do about it?

Partly, I don't think we actively seek "happiness" as much as we might. We are so busy pursuing things and taking care of business that we forget to enjoy our lives. Sometimes I'm not sure we even expect to be happy! In part, I blame our work ethic for this. We are so focused on a better tomorrow that we forget the wonders of today.

I'd like to propose that happiness be considered a kind of skill. There are keys or steps to increasing happiness, and they can be learned. Here are five suggestions:

1. Happiness Requires Safety. When Abraham Maslow introduced his "Hierarchy" in 1947 he began with security. I suspect happiness begins with locking the doors at night, with some money in the bank, with a belief that we and our loved ones are safe. Yes, we could be hit by a bus and we lost Cody suddenly last week, but to increase your level of happiness, take security seriously. Take care of your environment. Nurture a sense of personal control. Save money and invest wisely. For most of us, basic safety is attainable. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.

2. Happiness Requires Community. People are happier when they have caring, loving relationships. Spend time with family and friends. Invest in your neighbors and co-workers. Remember that we are "tribal" creatures and we need our friends. Whether it's an extended family, your golfing buddies or girlfriends, nurture your community. As I wrote recently, I love the Beatles' observation that we "get by with a little help from our friends." Happiness is found in community.

3. Happiness Requires Contribution. This means doing work that gives you fulfillment and satisfaction. Happy people make a difference! Most of us do our work through our jobs, but it can also come from volunteering or in some other way. You have talent and ability! Share it. Make a positive impact in your world. Contribute. It will make you happy.

4. Happiness Requires Fun. Happy people have fun! Whether it's playing catch, making love, watching a movie or flying a kite, we don't laugh as much as we could. We take our fun too seriously. Too often, we define "fun" as flying to Vegas or hosting an elaborate party. Why not grill hot-dogs and be done with it? Pillow fights are fun. Watching a sunset or washing the dog can be fun. I like Jimmy Buffet's observation that "having fun is about as good a hobby as there is."

5. Happiness Requires the X-Factor. We each find happiness in our own ways. For some, it's the excitement of discovery. Others are happiest climbing mountains. Franklin Roosevelt enjoyed his stamp collection.

Whatever makes you happy, do more of it.

Somewhere in Time!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Friday may 9 2008

Welcome to the week’s end.

In a couple of days the world will be celebrating Mother’s Day. I poured through my files to find a video that I felt adequately expressed what should be portrayed on that special day.

The more I viewed pieces that certainly fit the bill, the more I was drawn back to movies and music that most impacted me personally.

One of my most favorite pieces of music is Rachmaninov’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini”. This amazing work was interpreted by John Mills for the movie “Somewhere in Time” in which I have a very small and personal interest.

To celebrate Mother’s day, I present to you some highlights from the movie, and the music that makes it so very special.

To all you special “Mothers”, I send my love.

You’ll see it here: Somewhere in Time

See you on Monday.

How to Avoid Making a Decision!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday May 8 2008

Say a big “aloha” to Thursday.

I just don’t know what was happening yesterday. It seems the decision making had “left the building”. Almost every single person I had to deal with had seemingly forgotten that “power” goes to the decisive.

I learned for my grandfather many years ago, that if we wait until all the ducks get in a row before we make a decision, it never happens. What we have to do is, make a decision, and then all the ducks get in a row. Seems pretty clear to me.

So, I thought I’d send out a guide showing how to avoid making a decision. I know you’ll all be sending this one around.

How to Avoid Making a Decision!

● Fail to recognize the need to make one.

● Resist change (seek security in sameness).

● Fail to adequately weigh the potential positive benefits.

● Create distractions (or situational chaos).

● Create conflict (or interpersonal chaos).

● Get lost in detail (compulsive control).

● Get lost in routine (structural control).

● Dump responsibility on others (actively shift the locus of control).

● Wait for permission (passively shift the locus of control).

● Hide in depression, i.e., “nothing will work” (deny locus of control).

● Escape into fantasy (avoid the limits of earthly existence).

● Wait for the perfect time (deny the shortness of life).

● Wait to perfect yourself (obsess on winning approval).

● Wait for all the possible information and alternatives to be considered.

● Deny your capacity to handle the consequences and demands of your decision (deny your abilities).

Looking Forward To A Brand New Day

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Wednesday May 6 2008

Welcome to the midweek point.

Thank you all who wrote yesterday reflecting on adjusting your practices to make sure you reach your goals and intentions for 2008. Good for you folks.

We’ll continue the theme today with an offering that causes us to look at how we choose to function each and every day.

Looking Forward To A Brand New Day

How would you like to wake up and be able to shout, “Fantastic!”

Here is the ticket. You can do it. It is a matter of choice.

Every day, thousands of people choose to wake up to “another dull day.” Are you one of them? Or are you one of the few who looks forward to waking up on a brand new day?

Your choice will determine how your whole day will run. Under this circumstance, whichever you choose will make your day. Your choice will rebound to you until it is bedtime, and it might even go beyond.

In this case, wouldn’t it be logical and wise to choose every day as a day that you’d look forward to? Upon waking up, imagine that this is the day when you will welcome a guest you can’t wait to see and talk to.

How would you react if I tell you to treat each day as the day when you get to meet the world’s wealthiest person and learn all his secrets?

How about if this is the day you will meet a long lost friend, or partner whom you expect to be your soul mate?

How about if this is the date when you get to spend the whole day with somebody whom you admire in the whole wide world? Perhaps, meet Oprah, the Pope, Donald Trump, Madonna, Bill Gates, pick your choice!

Just the mere thought sounds exciting, isn’t it? That is just for starters. Here are other suggestions to keep you looking forward to a brand new day:

1. Relax and get a good night’s sleep. You cannot expect to have sun shiny day if you wake up grouchy, feeling tired, and beat as though you worked overtime without pay.

2. Ensure that you are physically comfortable. Be kind to yourself. This is a lifetime job for you. Proper diet and exercise are the basics and these are non-negotiable. Aspire for the ideal weight. Avoid lugging around extra pounds that rob you of well-rested back and feet.

3. Aspire for balance. Make the day challenging and enjoyable for yourself. Make your goals for the day achievable. Never write impossible goals. Do not spoil yourself or be comfortable with an unproductive day. Aim for fulfillment at the end of the day. Mini doses of fulfillment build confidence.

4. Somewhere along the day, there may be a task or two that you hate to do which forces you to procrastinate. Do not let these tasks ruin your day. Look at the tasks on a positive angle. Concentrate on the benefits you will enjoy if you complete these tasks early enough.

As a writer, there are days when I am not in the right mood to finish my articles. What motivates me is the thought of enjoying plenty of “play time” that I can spend after finishing several articles. Play times are spent with my loved ones, going to the movies, browsing through rows and rows of books, and so on.

5. Seek outside help when necessary. When a task is alien to you, it would be advisable to ask or hire someone familiar with it. This saves you time and eliminates frustration.

Knowing that you have friends whom you can rely on makes you look forward to another cheerful day.

When the day is through, savor the satisfaction of having accomplished the goals set for the day. Celebrate it by rewarding yourself with a nice modest dinner and a good night’s rest.

Before you doze off to slumber land, consider whom you would like to meet the following day and the things you would be doing for the next day. This sure beats dullness and boredom, and makes you look forward to a better day!

Goal Setting For Success!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday May 6 2008

Welcome to this fine Tuesday.

As I mentioned yesterday, and as we have just entered the final 2/3rds of 2008, I felt it would be appropriate to focus our attention on “goal-setting”, and manifestation for this week.

It’s often easy to drop the disciplines, especially if we feel that we are not on schedule with what we set “in stone” at the start of the year. However, with 2/3rds of the year left, it is absolutely possible to get everything on track.

Today’s offering is worth spending some time on.

Goal Setting For Success

Goal setting is one technique that directs your subconscious and conscious decisions to succeed. Goal setting strengthens your motivation to attain your business or personal goals. In general, this technique emerged from numerous practical experiences as well as psychology research.

Goal setting helps you decide or prioritize your desires. By knowing exactly what you desire to accomplish, you will have a better focus and concentrate your efforts. Furthermore, proper setting of goals can be extremely motivating. As it becomes a habit, you will discover that your self-esteem is turbo-charged.

Actually, people set goals when they plan what they want to achieve for the day, week or month. These include simple goals like clean the house, do the laundry, finish homework, etc. You make a decision on what you want to do, then discover what is needed to accomplish your goal. From there, you move into complex goals leading to your future.

Here are some goal setting guidelines:

1. Be accurate. You need to set an accurate goal and indicate specific time frame and resources required. Having measurable goals helps in measuring levels of achievement. Doing this will enable you to discover exactly when the goal has been achieved. Furthermore, this will motivate you on setting another goal.

2. Write down your goals. This ties them together and provides reinforcement.

3. Set only goals that are realistic. Take note that you only want to set achievable goals. Disappointment sets in if you set a very high goal and fail to reach it.

4. Set priorities. If you have numerous goals, then you need to number them according to importance. This will help you from feeling overwhelmed, direct your concentration to the most significant ones, and achieve goals one by one.

5. Keep goals manageable. Work on achievable and small goals. If your goal is too big, then it may appear daunting and difficult to achieve. Small and incremental goals provide more reward opportunities. Derive smaller goals from huge ones.

6. Set performance-type goals rather than outcome goals. Set goals wherein you have complete control of the situation.

It is very frustrating to be in situations not within your control. These include bad business surroundings, bad weather, poor judgments, or injury.

When you establish goals based on your personal capability, you can maintain control over your achievement.

7. Never set “low” goals. As it is vital not to establish unrealistic goals, also never set your goals “too low”.

People are inclined to set easy goals because they often fear failure. You must achieve balance in setting your goals. It should not be too low that it would not present a challenge or too high that it becomes unreachable.

Remember this: Goal setting is an important element in achieving success. Also, flexibility and persistence are needed in setting your goals.

When faced with unexpected problems and difficulties, use your determination and persistence to stick with your goals. However, you should also become flexible with your activities and objectives. If your strategies do not work, then try another means and keep on trying until you discover one that really works for you!

Tools to Help You Focus and Concentrate on Your Goal

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday May 5 2008

Welcome to yet another brand spanking new week in which to play.

I want to thank everyone who wrote over the weekend about the impact that Ben Dunlap’s had on you. I certainly contained an amazing message.

Now, here we are at the first full week of May, and with 2/3rds of the year left there isn’t time to dally. If you are going to fulfill the promises you made in January, you need to make sure that all is clearly in place to make them manifest.

We’re going to get started this week with a few personal tweaks that should assist you in staying focused.

Tools to Help You Focus and Concentrate on Your Goal

Even with the right mindset, there’s every chance that you still won’t be able to focus and concentrate on the matter at hand. If you wish to attain your objectives quickly and efficiently, you should consider getting a little outside help in a manner of speaking.

The Atmosphere Speaks for Itself

The best place to work depends on your mood, your personality, and the type of project you’re tasked to accomplish. In most cases, adequate space, clean surroundings, and peace and quiet are enough to get brain cells to work. Some people however may wish to work outdoors in order to obtain more inspiration. The right answer will always depend on what you want!

The Sound of Music

Music – regardless of whatever genre you prefer to listen to – has the power to make all distractions fade and allow you to focus and concentrate more on your intentions. Of course, your need for music may not be something that you could and should share to other people.

To avoid irritating other people, use earphones when listening to your favorite tunes.

Attend Workshops

There are lots of workshops and seminars being offered to help individuals improve their focus and concentration. If you have time and money to spare, this is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss as developing the ability to focus and concentrate in an instant will do wonders for your career!

Self-Study through Books

Of course, if you don’t have enough time to attend lectures about focus and concentration, you can always learn from books instead. There are lots of books, and e-books, out in the market today to help you better understand the mechanics of focus and concentration.

Taking a Bath

Soaking yourself in a soothing warm bath will not only refresh your body but your mind as well. It’s even more helpful if you do this a short time before you work. No matter what time you intend to work on your goal, as long as you take a bath prior to working, you’re sure to feel refreshed and energetic!

Don’t Work on an Empty Stomach

Sticking to your diet and keeping yourself half-starved is not an option when you have a goal to reach and a deadline to beat. Eat plenty and healthily before you start working and you’ll find it significantly easier to memorize things and analyze and solve problems.

Don’t Be Shy to Use Self-Affirmations

Self-affirmation sentences are sadly underestimated by many. Positive thinking can go a long way in helping your brain work better and longer. Don’t be shy of saying what you want and what you intend to be through self-affirmations. As you say these words to yourself repeatedly, your mind will unconsciously absorb it more and more until it becomes the truth for you!

Use Breathing Exercises

Lastly, learn how to breathe properly as this can help relax your mind and body better. Breathing exercises, when done properly, can get the stress and pressure out of your system in an instant, enabling you to focus on the issues at hand immediately.

Of course, having all the tools you need to improve your focus and concentration won’t be enough either if you don’t have the right mindset. It goes both ways so make sure that you’ve got the right tools and the right attitude before tackling any Herculean task at work!

The Story of a Passionate Life!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for friday May 2 2008

I welcome you to the first weekend of May. Bring on Spring.

I’m so darned excited about today’s offering, and I expect you will play it a number of times over the weekend.

I could write mountains on how I feel about public speaking, passion, shared expression, and lifelong learning. But I won’t.

In today’s offering you are about to witness it all.

Ben Dunlap tells the story of Sandor Teszler, a Hungarian man he met at Wofford College. In telling Teszler's dramatic life story, which arcs from the Holocaust to the American Deep South of the 1950s, Dunlap shares some deep and, ultimately, moving lessons about justice -- and the power of lifelong learning. Sit back, witness, and listen.

The Story of a Passionate Life!

Have yourself an incredible weekend.

See you on Monday.