Men's Brain Women's Brain

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Friday October 31 2008

Welcome once again to the end of an amazing Fall week.

The weather here in the Midwest has been exceptional. As you read this, my wife and I are on our road trip to Western Canada. The SUV is loaded with more than we will ever need. It looks like we are going on a three month safari, but, we do have options of what to wear.

I discovered, once again, that men and women approach the whole issue of packing, and what to pack, quite differently. We’re spending almost two weeks together, doing pretty much the same things, going to the same places, and seeing the same people. I look like I’m going to dude ranch, while my wife looks like she’s going to Paris. It’s going to be a hoot of a time.

Cowboy boots and lace, now that’s a picture.

Our friend Lynette in Winnipeg must have been reading the vibe yesterday. She sent us along a video that captured the whole enchilada in less than six minutes. You’re going to love this short video.

Men's Brain Women's Brain

We'll be working from "on the road" next week.

Have an awesome weekend.

Protection from the Chisels in Life

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday October 30 2008

Welcome to another fine Fall Thursday.

Well folks, today’s the day. My wife and co-founder of The Wealthy Attitude completes her latest University studies. With the delivery of the final report on her latest practicum she’ll be retiring her student name tag, and tomorrow we hit the road for a very well deserved road trip.

For the next two weeks we’ll be journeying through some of the very finest areas of British Columbia as we investigate properties in preparation of our upcoming move to the west.

I let you know this so that you’re aware if there are any glitches delivering the Daily Reader.

We’ll still be reviewing relevant articles and offerings while we’re on the road and will be working to make sure we get them to you. We’ll also keep you apprised of the events on our trip. Should be as hoot.

Now, on with today’s offering.

Protection from the Chisels in Life
By Lori Radun

The other day I was reading a blog post from a mom who had just returned home from a relaxing vacation. She felt refreshed and refueled for about one week. She was telling her readers that she needed a break, but felt guilty because she just had a vacation break. In her words, this mom couldn't figure out what was wrong with her. Personally, I didn't think anything was wrong with her. It doesn't take long for life to start chipping away at our energy and joy.

It's not always the big, stressful events that knock us off guard. It is the combination of one little thing after another. When a woodworker uses a chisel to carve a piece of wood, he chisels away small pieces at a time. That's what normal life can do to us. We start our week with great intentions to be joyful and productive. Monday morning starts out okay, but by evening, for some unexplainable reason, the kids are tired and irritable, and we are challenged to remain patient. On Tuesday, we might wake up with a headache. On Wednesday, our boss throws a last minute project on our desk, with a deadline of ASAP. The next day we are frantically searching for a clean pair of underwear. By Friday, we are ready to crash.

When stress threatens to rob you of the happiness and peace you want, use these tips to protect yourself from the little things that chip and nag at you.

Be Flexible - Don't Fight with Life
In other words, learn to roll with the punches. Life is full of ups and downs. There will be good days, bad days, and everything in between. Our attitude about these events and the way in which we perceive normal life has much to do with how we experience it. If there is a traffic jam on the way to an important meeting or activity, what can you do? Some things in life are out of our control. Since ultimately, we are the only ones we have much control over, that in reality, allows us to emotionally let go of the rest. Life becomes a fight when we try to control. Relax, be flexible, and allow life to unfold the way it is supposed to.

Don't Get Too Caught Up in the Ways of the World
We are bombarded on a daily basis with messages about how to live our lives. Television commercials tell us which products to buy. The internet flashes advertising that we didn't ask for. The newspapers and news programs remind us of all the horrible events that are going on in this world, and especially of all the things we need to be afraid of. As if that is not enough, our neighbors, friends and family members don't hesitate to add their two cents. Information and advice can be good, but there is such thing as overload. You will be happier if you stay true to what's most important to you. For instance, I don't watch the news. Many people think I'm crazy because I am not up to date on everything that is going on in the world, but I don't care. The news doesn't inspire me so I choose to avoid it. Be clear about what works for you and what doesn't, and you won't get caught up in matters that take you off your path in life.

Live a Grace-filled Life
Sometimes it's too easy to focus on mistakes we and others in our life make. We see the shortcomings before we see the strengths. We judge ourselves and those around us. This is what happens when the stresses of life get the best of us. Try sprinkling your life with a little grace. Overlook your spouse's annoying habits. Give your children a hug when they are challenging you. Smile at the unfriendly store clerk. And don't be so hard on yourself. We can all use a little more kindness and love in our lives. When we give grace to others, grace is given to us. It may not be from the same person, but the gift will be returned.

Lighten Up - Life is Not Always So Serious
I can remember when I was a child and my aunt and uncle would tease me. I was a very serious child so I didn't find much humor in their jokes. Looking back, I can respect the lesson they were trying to teach. Although there are certainly matters in life that are serious and not appropriate for laughter, much of life can be approached with a little more humor. By adding a little silliness and play to your life, the stress will melt away. Sometimes it can be helpful to remind ourselves that we are not in a race to have the best or be the best. We can work hard, but we should never forget to enjoy our lives.

Stay Inspired
"What inspires you?" is a question I ask my clients often. Inspiration is what brings us joy and energy in life. It's different for everyone. My husband is refueled and energized when he hangs out with friends; his social life is a source of great inspiration. I love deep conversations with like minded individuals. It is essential for our emotional well being to connect to and engage in sources of inspiration for us on a regular basis. Without inspiration, we get tired and lose our enthusiasm for life.

A joy-filled and peaceful life is within your reach. It just takes a little practice and adjustments to our day to day life. Life will still keep going on, but we can learn to deflect the chisels.

Lori Radun, CEC is a certified life coach for moms. To receive her newsletter, other coaching products, and the special report, "155 Things Moms Can do To Raise Great Children," go to True2You Life Coaching.

Are You Out of Your Mind?

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Wednesday October 29 2008

Welcome to the midweek point, and what a point our contributor presents to us today.

One of our very favorite contributors, the one and only Jan Janzen, continues to strengthen her impact in the personal development world with the release of her new book, “Getting Off The Merry-Go-Round” How To Create the Live You Want Without the Fear, Doubt and Guilt. It’s going to prove to be one of her best creations.

Check out Jan and her books at www.janjanzen.com You’ll be glad you did. And don't forget to check out how our friends at Daily Insight are doing at this midweek point.

Jan offering today is highly worth your attention.

Are You Out of Your Mind?

by Jan Janzen

"You're out of your mind!" There was a time when I would have thought that comment was an insult - today I think of it as a compliment. I need to be "OUT" of my mind if I am going to accomplish what I want to do.

The moment we let our Conscious Mind rule our lives, we are in for problems. It's why you need to be "out of your mind" to create the life you really want. Let me explain.

Your Conscious Mind is like a nagging mother. Have you listened to it? It goes on and on and on like a stuck CD with the same discouraging thoughts. "Who do you think you are? Watch out! You can't do that! You're not good enough. You're bad. Something awful is going to happen. Be careful!" These are just a few of the more popular tracks the Conscious Mind likes to repeat constantly. How successful can you be with those disempowering messages playing repeatedly in your head?

So you need to be out of your mind. You need to go BEYOND the fear that is the dominant emotion of your Conscious Mind. Your Conscious Mind has heard the words, 'NO" and "Don't Do That" ever since you were born. The times you were told something negative has so outweighed the positive that your Conscious Mind automatically goes to the negative as the default. And why wouldn't it? That's been the programming. So to create positive changes in your life, you really need to be out of your mind.

Is it really possible to stop the nagging, the "mind frick" or the monkey mind? Is it possible to move past the fear? Absolutely! With what is going on in the world right now, you are probably very aware of the intensity of this emotion. Fear of what the future holds, fear of how you will manage, fear that it will get worse, fear you will lose everything, and fear that the problems will last much longer than you want are just some of the prevalent fears today. You could make yourself sick with fear and many people are.

The primary objective of your Conscious Mind is to keep you safe...period. It is not to make you rich, abundant, prosperous or even happy. It is to keep you safe. Anything that resonates as "not safe", your Conscious Mind will automatically dismiss as impossible and sabotage you every time.

The problem is that it is operating from programming that came from your parents and all of their issues, programming from your cultural upbringing and from what I call the Tribe. The Tribe is the general mainstream of people who are like cows going to slaughter. They just follow the leader to their death. They don't step out of the box, think for themselves or break the pattern. If the whole world is headed downstream, most people go along for the ride. They wouldn't dare dream of going upstream. But it is going against the current that is your only hope of salvation. It is moving out of the mainstream thinking that is imperative if you are going to create an amazing life for yourself. Otherwise, you will be like cattle headed to the slaughterhouse with all the rest.

So if you are panicking right now, worrying yourself sick, fretting about this and that, or in any way out of a place of peace, love, joy and abundance, stop and become an observer of what is going on in your head. Listen to the noise and start to dissect what is behind the ruckus. I bet that beneath the din of the constant nattering there are some fundamental beliefs that are absolutely false - although your Conscious Mind believes them 100%. But as Lenin stated, "a lie told often enough becomes the truth." That is the case with your Conscious Mind.

So ask yourself these questions and write down the answers which is a critical part of this exercise.

1. What am I most worried about?
2. What is the worst thing that could happen to me?
3. What is my biggest fear?
4. What would happen to me if my biggest fear came true?

Let's say for example you are most worried about money and finances. You write down that the worst thing that could happen to you is you could lose your job. The biggest fear is that you won't find another one. And if that happened, you would have to start your own business, reduce your expenses, look for work in another locale or in a different field of work. Are any of these reasons serious enough for you to be feeling sick, not sleeping at night or completely stressed out?

Problems present themselves and then amazingly enough solutions seem to manifest as well. Problem, solution, problem, solution, problem, solution. That pretty much is the pattern of life from what I can see.

It's when we buy into our Conscious Mind's fear spurred along by the Tribe's addiction to fear, that we can start to believe that THIS TIME around the problems are bigger than ever. Well if they are, then the solutions THIS TIME around will be bigger than ever. How exciting is that! Seriously, I am discovering in my life right now that big problems require big solutions and they manifest just like little solutions occur for little problems.

I am fascinated to see how all of this upheaval in the world is going to shake out. The United States may have a first for their President next month. A generation that has grown up spoilt and living off of credit way beyond their means may soon learn the value of a simple life. People may realize some core values in life that have been long buried. They may discover that a deep spiritual faith goes a long ways to holding them firm in tough times. We are in for some big shifts like we have never seen in our lifetime.

You have an amazing opportunity to be pillars in a potentially very different world. This is a wonderful opportunity to be the leader you are here to be. This is your time to really shine your light for others to see. Here's what you can do starting today.

Encourage others. Share your business opportunity with the financially concerned. Laugh daily. Give lots of hugs. Send positive thoughts out to the world. Focus on love, joy, peace and abundance. Stop watching CNN (Constantly Negative News).

Get out of your mind and into your heart. Move out of a place of fear and into a place of love, hope and faith. When you do that, you will be delighted how amazing your life can be.

To Your Outrageous Success!

Jan

How Empowering Beliefs Shape Successful Entrepreneurs

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday October 28 2008

Welcome to this incredibly fine fall Tuesday.

I can’t hold it in, I’m so very excited. My upbringing, my professional life, and my personal experiences, all were predicated on the philosophy’s taught me by my hero in life, my grandfather. A man of incredible knowledge, deep passionate insights, and a sense of caring that belied his situations in life.

Two of the fundamental tenets drummed into me as a youngster have journeyed with me through all my life’s travels, and still form part of the foundation upon which I stand today. They have never, ever failed me.

Number one of these most basic of laws is, “Never judge the man, only his chosen behaviors”, and number two is, “A man’s actions will speak more volumes than anything that will ever leave his mouth”.

Ralph Waldo Emerson captured the second one even better when he penned: “Your actions speak so loud I can’t hear a word you are saying”.

My week started off with these two foundational stones being re-mortared back into my awareness, and for that I am richly grateful. It evidences for me once again that the Universe provides us all with the lessons we need at exactly the right time we need them. What a hoot it all is.

To celebrate the day, we’re calling on our friend Mohammad to really make the day sing for all you entrepreneurs.

How Empowering Beliefs Shape Successful Entrepreneurs
By Mohammad Latiff

Every business owner wants their business to be a success and perhaps even build an empire from that success. If you really want your business to excel and to achieve every aspiration that you have, do not even think "failure is not an option," because as soon as you let that thought cross your mind you have already opened the door to failure. Your belief must be that "the only option is success," the achievement of what you are after. The way you think and the thoughts that you let into your mind will determine how your life manifests itself. Making sure that you have empowering beliefs will not only change the way you perceive the world around you, but it will also impact the success of your business. Know this: "Always think in the positive."

Some people may argue that "failure is not an option," is a positive affirmation, but is it right to say that not wanting to fail means wanting to succeed and hence it is a positive statement? No it isn't, it is negative and here's why. When you are carrying that belief, your mind is occupied with "not" landing yourself in "failure." This means that you are unlikely to rise beyond the level of "not failing," which is nowhere near the success you want. In more tangible terms, you are settling for anything from 50/100 to 60/100 instead of 90/100 to the perfect 100/100.

"Failure" and "not" carry negative connotations and most mental imageries associated with them are not exactly desirable. Now, the universe works by reading the states of what your thoughts are, so if what you are thinking of is the failure not happening, the universe reads "failure" and you would step right through the door to failure.

Think for one minute which statement makes you feel strong and empowered: "You will not fail!" or "You will succeed!" The second statement should have evoked a more positive feeling because what you are thinking about then is "success." "Success" is the vibration that you are sending out to the world and therefore "success" is what is brought to you by the universe.

Beside holding the correct beliefs for your business, being optimistic about your endeavors are just as important. Having empowering beliefs and being optimistic is a wonderful and highly powerful combination for an entrepreneur. Optimism, together with belief in yourself and your business, will allow the universe to bolster your business. One essential part of the law of attraction is the "Believe" process, and being optimistic that your desire is coming is part of the "believing" process. This isn't just a theory; there are anecdotal evidences that support the fact that optimism is a significant contribution to how successful a person and a business can be. Just think about it, optimism is an ingredient to human evolution and it keeps us going when the tide is against us.

Understand that optimism is not something that you can develop after reading a book or watching a show, it is a habit that we have to pick up. The successful people of the world have not only learned, but mastered it as well.

What does this mean to you, the entrepreneur? It means that your set of beliefs and level of optimism dictates where your business is heading towards. The universe meets the positive vibrations that you are sending out and return more positive things your way. If you don't seize them, you are wasting energy and you will not be successful.

If you are curious to know whether or not you are an entrepreneur that is using empowering thought to its fullest potential, you can answer the following questions:

• Do you have a crystal-clear vision of what you want to achieve and how to do it?
• Do you spend a reasonable amount of time you can afford on working towards those visions?
• Do you recover fast from every failure and celebrate every success that you have?
• Do you remain enthusiastic about your vision after somebody has given you the cold shoulder?
• Do you have an air of confidence around you that lets others know that you are worthy of success?

If you were able to answer yes to all five questions, you are an optimistic person who knows how to use empowering beliefs to take control of your future and get what you want. If there is a question or two that you have answered "no" to, stop for a moment and figure out what made you said "no." The purpose of this exercise is for you to better understand how strong your beliefs are and what could be holding you back.

This process is not easy but it is worth it. Empowering beliefs and optimism are necessary attributes to having the universe work with you for the ultimate success of your business.

Mohamad Latiff is giving away his amazing goal setting and accelerated wealth attraction technology (worth $997) on how you can achieve all your goals and your inherent unlimited potential for wealth, success and happiness in your life: Ultimate Secrets of Success.

The Power to get Stuff Done!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday October 27 2008

Welcome to yet another shiny new week

The end of this week sees 5/6ths of 2008 come to an end. Next week we get to seriously start the process of getting your plans and intentions for the New Year set down so that you can guarantee you’ll fulfill them.

To get this week off to a fine start with the planning season in mind, we call on our good friend Philip Humbert to set the tone. You’re going to like what he has to share.

Also, check in and see how our friends at Daily Insight are kicking off their week. It’s bound to be interesting.

The Power to Get Stuff Done
by Philip Humbert

Consultants and motivational speakers have talked about the importance of written goals at least since Benjamin Franklin. The 19th century Psychologist and philosopher, William James, talked about clear goals, and Napoleon Hill wrote about them in "Think And Grow Rich" in the 1930's. Of course you should choose clear personal goals, write them down, and stay the course!

And that's the rub. The daily grind of "staying the course."

We all have goals of some sort. Some are written, some are vague, some are almost dream-like, but we all have things we long for. The rub is in making them happen.

Almost everyone I talk with--large audiences where I'm the keynote speaker, small corporate trainings, and individual clients--they ALL talk about distractions. They ALL talk about interruptions and daily frustrations.
They ALL talk about how busy they are and how little time they have.

And yet winners find the "secret" of doing first things first.

The winners in life have exactly the same amount of time and the same resources everyone else has. They work hard (like everyone else) and yet there is a huge difference in their RESULTS. In the end, winners come out on top because they have a SYSTEM for choosing their top priorities and sticking to them.

Here are a couple of practical suggestions, starting with the most fundamental truth I know: You must decide what you want in life. Life is full of options, and each of us has the responsibility to clarify our choices and pursue our dreams. No one can do that for you. Decide what you really want in life!

Most people don't think carefully about their most important goals. They have goals that are vague or have never been discussed and coordinated with family members. Be clear. Talk it over with the people in your life and focus on what you truly want.

But then, here are my suggestions for making specific daily progress:

1. REVIEW your goals frequently. Brian Tracy and Napoleon Hill recommended reading them every day, and they were smart people. I do a thoughtful review of my own goals at least once a month, and briefly re-write them every morning. If you aren't making progress on your goals, the first step is to review and commit to them more often.

2. Work with a TEAM. Talk with your family. Review your priorities with your boss, partners, or teammates. Get together with a master-mind group every week. Talk about your goals with people who will support you and who have the resources to help you succeed!

3. PLAN your day and do it each evening so your mind can prepare for the new day while you sleep. What has to be done tomorrow? What problems will come up and how will you deal with them? What is your one major target for tomorrow? Decide the night before.

4. Each MORNING, confirm your daily targets. I write my three most important tasks on a 3x5 card each morning. I do it with my morning coffee. I think it helps.

For most of us, the key to daily action is a SYSTEM that keeps us focused and brings us back to our most important goals. On our own we are too easily distracted. We lose focus and waste time. Instead, use a SYSTEM that gets you back on course like an auto-pilot.

Then, trust the system and get to work!

A Brief Digression On Matters Of Lost Time!

Say hello to another fine Fall weekend

What a fun and enlightening week this has been. We’ve had tons of feedback about the Tony Robbins works we’ve presented, and everyone readily agrees that Tony has delivered big time on his life’s mission.

It is hugely heartwarming for us here to get feedback from folks who are taking 100% responsibility for their entire life experience, and declaring it amazingly empowering language. Way to go you folks, I deeply appreciate you.

To wrap up the week we’re presenting a video by someone you all, or at least most of you, have seen on your T.V. John Hodgman is a face that is instantly recognized, yet very few know the depth and intellect of this delightfully bright fellow.

Enjoy his outstanding TED talk. We’re happy to share it with you.

Also, make sure you click over and see how our friends over at Daily Insight are winding up their week.

John Hodgman: A Brief Digression On Matters Of Lost Time!

Have an awesome weekend.

See you on Monday

~peter~

Highly Effective Strategies for Overcoming Procrastination Part 2

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday October 23 2008

Welcome to Thursday. Today we go directly to Part 2 of Tony’s excellent presentation on overcoming procrastination. Dig in, this is really grand stuff.

Highly Effective Strategies for Overcoming Procrastination Part 2
by Tony Robbins

Who and what you are at this moment in time is nothing but the result of your consistent actions. The same is true for what you will become as a person. Being caught up in the destructive habit of procrastinating will only serve to immobilize you and deprive you of a future that might end up being only a dream. Overcoming procrastination has no magic "cure", but requires of you to truly develop yourself and grow in your capacity to take action. Procrastination truly is a strange behavior, but is definitely there by design as it provides you with the necessary resistance to push against in order to build your inner strength and "emotional muscle."

Procrastination is a call to action. Avoiding the very tasks that will give you the results you are after is not very intelligent. You have to step up and strengthen your resolve. The easiest way to snap yourself into action is by making a decision. Decision is the father of action and all action flows from decisions. The challenge is that we have been using the word decision so loosely that it lost much of it's true meaning. When you make a real decision, a true commitment, you cut off all the possibilities other than that which you are absolutely committed to. Like any other skill you need to get better at making decisions by making more of them and as you develop this ability you will get better at overcoming procrastination until you eventually develop the habit of being decisive.

A truly committed decision will turn your "shoulds" into "musts." In fact, this critical distinction separates procrastinators from action minded and decisive achievers. We all get what we have to have and we only get our "shoulds" when it is convenient. The most common reason why people procrastinate is that they just don't "feel" like doing it. When you don't feel like doing it, it simply means that you associate more pain to taking action than to avoiding it. As human beings we are to a large extent controlled by our emotions and feelings. You will do almost anything to avoid painful emotions and gain pleasurable emotions. Your beliefs about what will lead to pain or pleasure serves as a reference that will guide you in making decisions. Changing your limiting beliefs is a powerful way for overcoming procrastination. The only reason why you can't take action is because of your belief(s) about why you can't.

Beliefs are designed as a short cut for your mind to make decisions quickly. Even if you haven't got exact experiences your mind will make it up based on your beliefs. We all have a built in need for certainty and our beliefs give us that sense of certainty. The most potent beliefs of all are the beliefs you have about yourself and your own abilities and capabilities. If you belief that you are a procrastinator and that you can never follow through and create results, then no matter what technique or strategy you learn or apply, you will always be a procrastinator. Your beliefs about yourself create your identity and one of the strongest need within your character is for your actions to be consistent with your identity. Whatever identity you hold will create your reality.

Your beliefs are mostly formed unconsciously by life experiences and the meaning you take from it. You are the master of meaning and the way you communicate your life experiences to yourself will determine what things mean to you. The way you talk and communicate with yourself is a form of hypnosis and most people give themselves a real hard time when they screw up. They indulge in negative self talk. That installs disempowering beliefs about their abilities and capabilities. Overcoming procrastination requires of you to take control of your internal communication. What you say to yourself about yourself and your life will eventually determine what actions you take.

People who are happy, successful and fulfilled are not lucky or born under the right stars, but are individuals that have learned how to overcome procrastination and take action even when they don't feel like it. When you don't feel like doing it you are simply not in a resourceful emotional state. The quickest way to change this is to change your mental focus; change your concentration and that which you are paying attention to. If you focus on the painful and unpleasant aspects of any task you will eventually start to procrastinate, even if you are incredibly disciplined. Your focus is your experience of life. Learning to control and direct your focus on the pleasurable aspects of taking action will empower you to overcome procrastination. Develop the habit of taking the long view; of focusing on the outcome and not the process and watch yourself move past procrastination.

Summary: Overcoming Procrastination

• Learn to see procrastination not as a curse but as a challenge; as the necessary "weights" to build your emotional muscles.
• Decision is the father of all action. Action flows from decision. Learn to use and utilize the power of a real and congruent decision.
• Human behavior is largely driven by beliefs and this is also true for procrastination.
• If you have disempowering beliefs that will cause you to link pain to certain actions you will avoid it (unconsciously) and procrastinate = you procrastinate to "avoid" the pain.
• Examine the beliefs you hold about yourself, your identity, for it will determine what you are willing do and controls your ability and capability.
• Learn to take the long view by focusing on the pleasurable result and not the painful tasks that will give you the result. Your focus equals your reality.

Highly Effective Strategies for Overcoming Procrastination Part 1

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Wednesday October 22 2008

Welcome to the midweek point.

Thanks to all who shared your insightful musings about yesterday’s offering. Tony would be proud.

To continue the celebration of Tony’s almost 30 years in the personal development industry, we’re going to spend the next couple of days addressing a subject that every one of us must deal with at some time, if not all of the time. You’re going to love what he has to share.

Also, make sure you check out how our buddies over at Daily Insight are doing in the middle of their week.

Highly Effective Strategies for Overcoming Procrastination Part 1
by Tony Robbins

In this day and age we are so inundated with choice and opportunity that you might even say that we are spoiled for choice. There is just so much that we could do that we often end up not doing anything at all. Procrastination is one of the biggest dream killers. In a world where there is so much demand on your attention it is becoming ever more difficult to stay focused and act on the things that would truly give you an extraordinary quality of life. Time is, was and will always be your most valuable asset and the way you use it will determine what you create or fail to create with and for your life. Having an effective strategy for overcoming procrastination is critical if you truly want to push past short term obstacles to create a life of fulfillment.

The abundance that modern life offers us tends to overwhelm us which leads to an emotional overload that will distract you and scatter your effort and concentration. There simply isn't enough time to do everything, but there is always enough time for the most important things in your life. Success at anything in life, whether it be your finances, your relationships or your body, requires an investment of time and effort from you. You need to focus and concentrate your physical and emotional resources on creating a desired result.

The first step in overcoming procrastination it to get really clear on exactly what you want from every area of your life. This clarity will give you the power to look past distractions that may throw you off course. It gives you a direction and a target and will help to build a mental picture for your life. One of the most destructive effects of procrastination is that it makes you feel out of control; like the events of your life is controlling you. If you don't know what you want it is all too easy to jump from the one task to the next. Apart from knowing what you want you should also develop some strong reasons why you want it. This will give you a sense of purpose and motivation that is critical for staying focused long term.

The truth is that most people know what they need to do to create their life the way they want it. The challenge is not with knowing what to do, but in doing what you know. The only way you will create any result in your life is by taking action and procrastination is what prevents you from acting on the very things you know would give you a greater quality of life. The reason why people procrastinate is primarily because of fear, especially fear of failure. By not taking action and postponing important actions you avoid the potential for failing. The only reason why you procrastinate about anything is because at some level you link more pain to taking action than to not taking action. The ridiculous truth is that these "links" are mostly conjured up (by you) in your mind and they are not even real. When you make a task too big in your mind it will overwhelm you and it would seem too difficult and too big and you will end up procrastinating.

One of the most powerful strategies for overcoming procrastination is to learn how to break your tasks up into bite size pieces. Any task, no matter how big can be broken down into small manageable tasks that is easy to do. If you focus on climbing Mount Everest it will probably put you off immediately, but if you focus on climbing seven small mountain sections it becomes more believable. The power of chunking down your "big" tasks empowers you to take back control of any overwhelming situation – you cut it down to size. Your size.

One of the quickest ways to overcoming procrastination is to learn and utilize the power of immediacy. What can you do immediately? What action can you take right now that will move you closer to your goal? Doing something, no matter how small, will immediately break your mental pattern of procrastination and put you back in control. Taking the first step, even if it is small will create momentum and you will almost automatically be driven to take another step. Don't wait for everything to be perfect before you take the first step. Just do it. Just get it going. Often you will only know what to do next after taking that first step.

There are many strategies and skills you can use for overcoming procrastination. You don not have to be stuck or spinning your wheels. Like any skill you need to learn and practise it until you get good at it. Eventually it will become an automatic response and you will develop the habit of taking action despite your fears and apparent limitations.

Summary: Overcoming Procrastination

• Although it might seem like there is too much to do in life, you should know that there is always enough time to do what's most important to you.
• Be clear on exactly what you want from and for your life as this will keep you focused.
• Be clear on why you want it as this will keep you motivated.
• Most of the time you make yourself procrastinate because you make things bigger than they really are. Feeling overwhelmed leads to task aversion and procrastination.
• Whenever you feel overwhelmed you can snap out of it immediately by breaking up the "big" task – chunk it down and cut it down to size.
• Learn to use the power of immediacy by asking "what can I do immediately?" whenever you start procrastinating. Even the smallest action will break the procrastination pattern.

Anthony Robbins' 12 Reasons Why People Don't Get Wealthy

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday October 21 2008

I bid you welcome to this very fine Fall Tuesday. The air is getting crisp, the flannel sheets are on the bed, and the air coming in at night whispers of winter delights. What a hoot.

I have to tell you, the feedback from Tony Robbins video on Friday continues unabated. This delightful guy continues to help folks all over the world his own unique and substantial way.

We honor Tony here at The Wealthy Attitude, and share with you a piece that we feel you should have in your files. I know you’ll enjoy it.

Anthony Robbins' 12 Reasons Why People Don't Get Wealthy
By David Cameron

According to Wallace Wattles, in his popular wealth treatise called the Science of Getting Rich, said that, "There is a science of getting rich, and it is an exact science, like algebra or arithmetic. There are certain laws which govern the process of acquiring riches, and once these laws are learned and obeyed by anyone, that person will get rich with mathematical certainty."

It is true. Those who make wealth know that it comes about by application of simple rules and principles. Those who don't make wealth don't know about these simple things, and so they assume that wealth is a result of luck or pure chance or something just as superstitious or silly.

Anthony Robbins is one of the top success coaches in the world, having coached star sports players, heads of states and Fortune 500 executives. In his Get The Edge program, he listed down 12 specific reasons he has come to observe to be the leading causes for most people's lack of wealth. Here they are:

1. They never decide and really define, very specifically, what wealth means for them. The keyword here is specifically. Can you imagine how hard it would be to build a car or a plane without making a blueprint or sketch drawings of it first? You have to know what your target is before you go chasing after it.

2. They make wealth a moving target instead of a fixed one (this is related to point one above). Once you have your target, fix it. Don't change it until you reach it. You must accomplish each step, celebrate, and then set course for a new step, a new target.

3. They define it in a way that seems unreachable. You only achieve what you believe. No more, no less. So you must make it believable for you. Set goals that will make you move forward and stretch, but not too high that even you yourself don't believe you can. Take the biggest step you believe you can, achieve it, then take the next biggest you believe you can. This will build positive reinforcement in your self-confidence as well.

4. They never start. Ok, this is obvious. If you keep thinking about it forever, it will forever remain in the thought level. You have to act! Start somewhere, anywhere! Only after you start do you begin to get some feedback which will help you plot your course better. The aircraft has to first take off before it starts to adjust course for its destination. You must start, somewhere, anywhere, doesn't matter, just start! Act!

5. They never make it a must. Let me explain what it means to make it a must. It means marshalling all your intent, your will, your direction, into one singular flow that is directed towards your goal. All obstacles are viewed as challenges to be overcome. You will meet obstacles, and so expect it, but also expect to move forward anyways. Use your obstacles to develop strength and skills, don't run away. Find out how to go past them. Find out! There is always a way, always. And if your emotions are acting against your desire, embrace them, learn what they are, know yourself, but keep moving forward. Make it a must, and it will happen. Guaranteed. You don't know in how many steps it will take, but you know it will happen.

6. They don't have a realistic plan. If you want to do something, find out how it is done from someone who has done it before. Make a realistic plan. Copy from those who have succeeded before you. But don't throw away your intuition. Your intuition is extremely powerful once you learn how to listen to it with practice.

7. If they have a realistic plan, they never follow through on the plan. Well, if you don't follow the plan, who will?

8. They give responsibility to others ("experts") instead of to themselves. This way, they never really learn how to do it, and if there are failures they never learn why the failures happened and so they are bound to repeat them. It is a good idea to get advice, but do it yourself. At least understand it yourself even if you will delegate the actual doing.

9. They give up when they face challenges. Going through the challenges is what has made people rich, not giving up. Look, there are always challenges. So get used to that. You will only get where you wish to get to if you are willing to face the challenges along the path. All challenges are opportunities dressed in work clothes, remember that. After the challenge is over, you will discover the amazing fruit it held for you.

10. They fail to conduct their lives as a business; they never ensure that they make a profit year by year. Get a personal finance package like Quicken or Microsoft Money. you need to have budgets and cash flow statements for your personal finances and your businesses. It is easy with those software packages. If you don't keep records and track, you wont know when you are making or losing money until it is embarrassingly too late.

11. They allow other people's ideas to affect their decisions unreasonably. There will always be people who don't believe in your way, or who are pessimistic, who try to pull you down, or whatever. And they will sometimes be your closest friends and family. You cannot change that - they have a right to be who they are. It is OK. Allow them their thoughts, don't judge them for that, but don't feel obligated to accept their thoughts of follow their way. Don't allow other people, now or from the past, unreasonably affect your decisions. Allow them their way, and you live your way.

12. They don't get quality coaching. This is extremely important! Coaching is simply getting mentored by someone who has succeeded wildly in the area of your interest. Get coaching! Our education system hardly equips us for real life, so don't assume that because you went to college you are properly equipped. Hardly. You need to keep learning. The most successful people attend seminars, read books, join mastermind groups and clubs, find mentors, network, and even hire expensive personal coaches to make sure they succeed.

How many of these reasons can you identify with? Well, now that you see the reasons, you now can look at yourself and make sure that you don't follow ways that are known to not lead to wealth. Follow what works and it will work. And don't forget to enjoy yourself along the way.

This reader written by David Cameron, CEO ImagesOfOne.com, author of A Happy Pocket Full of Money, This Book Will Finally And Certainly Get You Rich No Matter Who Or Where You Are, Now Guaranteed, and other titles .

We're Doin' Fine in '09!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday October 20 2008

Welcome to yet another brand spanking new week with which we all get to play.

I almost fell over yesterday. I was shopping in Costco for the usual stuff that I need in bulk, and while musing over a package of batteries big enough to light the block, the sounds of Christmas music wafted through the store. I was stunned. We are not even at Halloween yet and the retailers have started their onslaught already.

I got to thinking, why on earth would they be whisking folks into the Christmas buying mode two and a bit months before the holiday? It all became very clear as I thought about the projected state of the economy. Stores order Christmas stuff back at the beginning of the year when the economy appeared pretty good, and with the recent turn, it looks like they are beginning to panic and are getting it out as early as possible.

What does this mean? It means that there are going to be some amazing bargains to be had for those who are ready to take advantage. The usual bloated holiday stuff is going to be at more reasonable pricing levels. Good time to take the opportunity to retain some of your dollars and get some great deals.

Our friend Philip gets us off to another great start this week as he ponders the turn off the year coming up. His advice is worth noting.

Also, check out how our friends over at Daily Insight are doing to get their week off to a fine start.

We're Doin' Fine in '09!
By Philip Humbert

Every year Mary and I select a slogan or motto for the year. This year it's been "We're GREAT in '08!" For next year we've chosen, "We're Doin' Fine in '09!" I know, many people dismiss this as silliness, but I disagree.

From Socrates to Tony Robbins, many people have observed that "we become what we think about all day long." To a large degree--not entirely, but to a large degree--we DO create our world with our thoughts. I've had ample opportunity to prove that to myself these past weeks.

Many times a day, sometimes it seems like ALL day, I have the opportunity to see our new puppy as "cute" and "creative" and "exploring his world" or in dramatically less positive ways. He chews stuff! He bites! He fights with the cat! Now, objectively, all of the above are true. The key is that I get to choose the ones I focus on.

If I focus on his "cuteness" he becomes cuddly and charming. If I focus on his energy and playfulness, my day is enriched and I laugh and we play and it's wonderful.

If I focus on the chewing and barking, the squeals from the cat and his mistakes...well, you can imagine what happens to my blood pressure. So, which picture of our new puppy is more accurate? Is he a cutie or a devil? IT'S ENTIRELY UP TO ME! (I know, those who are hopelessly addicted to "facts," will say he's a perfectly normal puppy, but what do they know about living with him?)

The reality is that I get to decide where to focus my thoughts, my attention and my attitudes. And so it is for each of us, all day long, every single day.

Is the financial situation on Wall Street (and on Main Street) good or bad? Yes, it is. Many are anxious, fearful, and of course, millions are showing a loss on their investments. But millions of others see this as "the buying opportunity of a lifetime!" Is it good or bad? Yes, and to a large degree--not entirely, but to a large degree--you get to decide!

And so it will be with your success in 2009. I'm spending lots of time with my clients looking at what worked and what didn't work in 2008, and designing strategies to move forward in 2009. I'm convince NOW is the time to design and "blueprint" the reality you want for the year ahead.

First, decide you WILL "do fine in '09!" Know, deep in your heart that you will adapt and adjust, you'll dance with whatever life throws your way, and you will triumph in '09! Sure, there will be clouds and maybe even rain. Occasionally, storms and even hurricanes strike, but through it all, you will "Do Fine in '09!"

Second, decide what "fine" looks like. Will you increase sales, or sell the business, go back to school or move to Montana? Will you adopt a child or retire? How about learning to skydive? What exactly does "doing fine" mean for you and your family? Make a list and be specific.

Third, decide on a strategy. Whether you are buying real estate or learning French or starting a business, you'll need a plan. You'll need to know how much time, money, and help you'll need. You'll need a calendar to plot dates and you'll need a chart to list your benchmarks. How will you know you're on schedule and "doin' FINE" unless you have a plan?

Fourth, decide on key partners. As the Beatles sang years ago, "We get by with a little help from our friends." No matter what "Doin' Fine in '09" looks like, you'll need support from friends and family. You may need financing. You may need a business partner, or someone to teach you. "No man (or woman) is an island." Never be a Lone Ranger! Almost everything goes better "with a little help from our friends."

Fifth, decide on a coach. All peak performers work with a coach, whether the challenge is in athletics or business, whether parenting skills or retirement planning. Sometimes the best coaches are family members or friends but more often the best coach is a professional. Get someone with the training and expertise to keep you on track, focused and productive. I have a coach because I'm serious about my goals and I KNOW that I do better with a coach. I suspect the people who will truly Do Fine in '09 will be those who work with a coach.

Tony Robbins in 22 Minutes

Welcome to the typical weeks end.

This has been an awesome week here at this desk. We've had some great feedback on readers, and some terrific suggestions about content for the winter. We'll be picking up on those suggestions as the season unfolds.

As I mentioned a couple of times, one of the highlights of the week was having Tony Robbins in the city bringing his outstanding message to over four thousand folks. Tony delivered "big time" with his usual candor and directness.

To wrap up this week we have a video presentation Tony did as one of his TED talks. Love him or not, you must give this young man's message some of your attention. When you've watched it you'll know why.

Watch the video here: Tony Robbins in 22 Minutes

Also, don't forget to check out how our friends at Daily Insight are finishing up their week.

This weekend, take some time to enjoy just being you. No stories, no worries, just you. Oh, and dress cool.

See you on Monday.

Take care,

~peter~

WAKE UP and Create Something

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday October 16 2008

Welcome to this very fine Thursday.

Boy oh boy, did yesterday’s offering ever inspire some amazing responses. My hearty thanks to all who shared your very clear perspectives. I thank you.

Well, as I mentioned yesterday, Tony Robbins and a great bunch of speakers were here in town with “The Power Within” Program, and boy did they put on a show. It was for me the fifth time that I’ve been at a Tony Robbins event and he’s just as vibrant as he’s always been. The other thing I noticed about him, as he celebrates his 30th year in his business, is how incredibly relevant he is. His message contained something that had to have touched every single one of the four thousand people in the auditorium.

Almost every person I know has at least one Tony Robbins work in their library, and I’m strongly suggesting that you re-visit yours, you might just be surprised again with what you read.

Today’s offering is presented by a chum of Tony and reflects much of what they both endorse.

WAKE UP and Create Something
By Bob Doyle

It's time for the "mainstream" to WAKE UP. The alarm clock is ringing, they keep hitting snooze, and in the meantime, the life they could be living is passing them by. Day after day, millions of people go through their lives wishing and hoping and dreaming that things could be better, with absolutely no knowledge that it is they themselves that perpetuate their own dissatisfaction.

It is not the "gifted few" who create their realities. It's not just for those in the metaphysical community. It is all of us. Every single one. However, there are a few who have awakened to this knowledge, and make creating their reality a daily event...manifesting whatever it is they want in their life with seemingly no effort! Meanwhile the rest of the world looks on in wonder and disbelief. They assume that these "fortunate few" are among the cosmically lucky.

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

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

• Everything in the Universe is composed of Energy, including you and me. Even our thoughts are Energy.
• Through Energy, everything in the Universe is connected.
• The Universe creates without effort, and in abundance. Just look around you. Trees, rocks, air, planets, etc. all were created without stress, effort, or over-analyzation. The Force you choose to believe initiated the creative process doesn't matter. They are all there and were created effortlessly.
• You ARE a part of the Universe and through the power of thought, have the same creative power that manifests everything you see. The only thing that limits your potential is your own belief system!

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

This is how our reality has been shaped. This is how we have learned what is possible, and what is impossible. We learned it from OTHER PEOPLE. The problem is, these other people (family and friends perhaps?) have their OWN limiting belief systems which they ALSO consider "real." So human limitations spread like a virus, and we don't even realize what's happening.

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

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

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

You see it is our PASSIONS in life that tell us precisely what we are to do. When we follow our passions, our life lights up. We give off incredibly powerful energy which attracts our desires to us. That means people, money, objects, careers...whatever we want that is in line with our purpose.

The Universe WANTS to provide those things we want most. It is only our own limiting belief systems that stop fulfillment from occurring.

Create The Relationships You Want.

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Wednesday October 15 2008

Welcome to the midweek point.

I’m all abuzz here today. I’m off to see one of my very favorite guys present his magic here in town. Mr. Tony Robbins and a bunch of incredible speakers are visiting, and I’m going to be there to hear what they have to say about the conditions we currently find ourselves in, and more importantly, what they believe we can do about them. It’s going to be a hoot.

One of the things that have come up for me of late as I venture back into my coaching world, is the power that we have to determine the quality of all of our relationships. Unquestionably, it is our relationships that are the bedrock of our lives, both personally and professionally.

I asked some of our contributors to address this subject recently, and their response was just fabulous. One that popped right to the top was a new contributor and I’m sure you’ll like what she has to share with you today.

Also, our buddies over at Daily Insight have some neat stuff going in the middle of their week. Check them out.

Create the Relationships You Want
By Betsey McGuire

In your love relationship, what is it exactly that you envision for yourself? Not the physical 'looks' of your mate, but what is the interaction you wish for, the treatment you desire, the way to negotiate the outcome of disagreements, the quiet times, the way you want to 'be' with him?

To create this relationship you want, without giving up an ounce of being yourself, see your goal and work backwards from there in order to achieve the desired results. If you are in an argument, say a very big one, see if you can take a minute to mentally go inside yourself. Check to see if you can answer the question, "What do I actually want here?" You have to be simple and unemotional in your real answer to yourself. Unhelpful answers like, "I want to win!" or "I want to squash him under my heel like a bug," or "I don't know why he won't be nice to me?" do not work and they do not count. Those are statements that don't produce results and they are self-indulgent.

The kind of internal thought process I'm talking about here might go something like this: "What do I really want here?" Answer, "I want peace," or "I want to stop talking about this," or "I just want us to be happy together."

Perhaps you're still answering the "what do I want" question with answers like, "I want him to stay home with me and order pizza and watch movies, instead of going out to fulfill his agenda!" Just imagine the whine already inserted in that sentence cuz I can hear it as I type it. This is a situation in which the end result involves only you and how you feel, not a compromise on the part of your partner (although sometimes that's a happy side effect).

So, say you "just want peace." Now ask yourself, "Am I ready to just have peace and to let go of my own agenda here?" To take the ego out of it, the 'win.' If the answer is yes, then ask, "What's the quickest way to get to that?" And do it. If it means simply going to bed or removing yourself from the company of the other person, just say in a neutral tone that that is what you want, "Y'know, I am all worked up about this right now and it doesn't need to be all tense like this. I love you, but I need a break. I just want peace! I'm gonna (go to bed) (take a walk) (go to Jen's) for a little while. You go ahead and ________ and it's just fine. I'm not mad, I just want to get over it and move on." Keep it short, sweet (must be said as nicely as possible while still being authentic), and then act.

If you can do this honestly with yourself, you will feel:

1. Better about yourself (I am not controlling, I can let go, I can compromise, I can give to others without making them feel crummy about receiving)

2. More in control. Weird, but giving up control of your own volition creates a surge of personal power. It's not giving up control if you choose to do it happily.

3. Wiser, smarter, nicer, happier, more loving, and more lovable.

Hold up your hands, palm against palm, and push them against each other. Now stop pushing with one hand. The other hand falls down. Imagine you and your partner are the palms and you are the one that stops pushing. The argument just collapses. Of course, there will be plenty of times when you're completely justified in your anger and you just can't (or don't want to) reel yourself in. No one can just be Zen-like all the time. I'm just saying that if you can create a moment of mental clarity in the midst of a fog of frustration or anger, you can step away from the whole thing and just kind of say, either to yourself, or to him too, "Y'know, I am stepping away from this. I feel all nasty and ugly and tense, and I don't want to feel that way, I don't want to be that way." If you do it FOR YOU, in order for you to feel good, it works.

If you envision for yourself a loving, considerate, relationship between equals, then ask yourself how to get that with this one you love? If YOU act in that manner, that's halfway to your goal, now it's up to him to provide the other portion the formula. If you push and bulldoze your way through to get what YOU want, that doesn't leave much room for the other person to be loving, considerate, and kind. It creates a "Well, what about me and what I want?" feeling - a feeling of, "I'd better grab what I want right now because otherwise he'll take it and there won't be any left for me!"

I'm thinking more of jockeying for time for special interests right now (I want to take a long bike ride, so I'm gonna say so right now before he can mention the tee time I know he wants to make, then I will win). So, you mention the ride you want to take, he counters with the tee time he's been looking forward to. You can say something along the lines of, "Well, maybe you can go when I get back," knowing that the later in the day he goes out, the worse his chances will be to accomplish his goal. OR you could think, "Hmmmm, maybe I can stay here, bite the bullet, and take the kids on errands for a few hours, then by the time he gets back, I will really appreciate that time on the bike... and I can miss the whiny afternoon time!" and say, "Can I go out when you get back?" Of course, he'll be feeling so pleased that there's not a power struggle that will ruin both of your times spent on your special thing, that he should step right up and say, "Sure, of course," and pay you back for being so big about it by returning right on time.

Sometimes, most of the time, if you can be the giving one first, you will get what you ultimately need and get it with a smile from the one who's giving it. Next time around, when you mention your need to get out, he should remember how giving you were about that tee time, how you put off your agenda simply because you could and perhaps he'll be eager to give you back some of the generosity you gave him.

Many times when I've used the bulldoze method to get what I want when I want it and how I want it, the method I've used to get my way has sucked all the enjoyment right out of the activity OR I spend a lot of the time watching the clock because I feel guilty about "winning." Loosen up, let go, be someone you'd like to hang around or be in love with. Be lovable. Do something nice for no reason. Make something nice happen instead of waiting for something nice to happen. Make something nice happen for someone else. Nice is nicer when it's done for others. It just feels better for YOU, and that's what we mostly want, to just feel good, to feel loved, to feel accepted, to feel like we belong. So go ahead and give of yourself and your heart and give someone what they want, you'll reap the benefits right along side of the recipient.

Betsy is 43 years old, working on her masters in mental health counseling.

Reserves Make Life Easier

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday October 14 2008

I have to say that the Thanksgiving celebration here at our Canadian home was spectacular. The food was outstanding, the giving of “thanks” was fitting, and the company was, dare I say, exceptional.

Much discussion was given to the shifting financial scenarios that we’ll all be dealing with in the next while. Some of the folks we talked with will be taking an “ostrich” approach, some will be assuming a fetal position and shoving their thumb in their mouth, and the intrepid ones will be looking at the new circumstances as just that, “circumstances”.

They will not be involving themselves in dead end conversations that simply perpetuate the problem, nor will they be “heading for the hills” to find tenuous shelter, they will be boldly assessing the reality they face and get down to taking every advantage afforded them. Now that’s living with 100% responsibility.

Our friend Philip presents us an offering today that you should absolutely pay attention too in these times.

And, don't forget to check out what our friends at Daily Insight are doing in their world today.

Reserves Make Life Easier
by Philip Humbert

The recent turmoil in our financial markets has reminded many of us that in times of trouble, "cash is king." Many years ago, one of my mentors, Thomas Leonard, tried to teach me this using the phrase that, "Reserves make everything easy."

Thomas' focus was that even the most difficult things in life are "easy" if we are prepared. I've known two people who have attempted to climb Mt Everest and both say even that extreme challenge is straight-forward and "easily tackled" with good preparation.

The famous football coach, Vince Lombardi, used to say that it wasn't the "will to win" that created championship teams--everyone wants to win!--it was "the will to prepare to win" that made all the difference.

I'm convinced that both Thomas Leonard and Vince Lombardi knew what they were talking about. Thomas preferred the term "reserves." I suspect partly that was because he liked being distinctive and "having reserves" resonates differently than copying the Boy Scout motto, "Be prepared." But both are sound advice.

Thomas talked about having "reserves" in every area of life. I still laugh when I think of him lecturing me on having extra boxes of tissue in the house and insisting I change the oil in my car before it was due. Obviously, he didn't care about tissue or oil changes. His point was that life gets very, very hard (stressful, chaotic, hurried) when we feel squeezed by circumstances. Never do anything at the last minute! Allow time. Schedule in advance. Maintain plenty of "reserve."

Life will inevitably throw problems our way. This week my wireless router quit and our network died. By connecting my computer directly to the modem I could continue working, but far more helpful was my long-standing relationship with our "computer guy." One phone call and on Thursday we were back in business. A problem? Sure. Annoying? Of course. But easily handled and life goes on. That's what Thomas wanted me to "get" about reserves.

Here are a few areas where I recommend you maintain extra reserves:


1. Personal finances. Whether it's $50 in your wallet or a family savings account for the emergencies that will eventually happen (car repairs, unscheduled travel), maintain some "extra." Many people use credit cards for these unplanned expenses, but I prefer knowing cash is on my side.

2. Daily Schedule. Most of us live hectic lives and the thought of "extra time" seems "impossible." But it's not impossible. Schedule time for yourself. Schedule time to meditate, take a walk or a bath, read a book or write in your journal. If unplanned events demand extra time you have it, but most days you get a nice "treat" just for you!

3. Everyday consumables. Reduce the "hassle factor" in life! From extra food in the cupboard to toilet paper in the closet or a stash of office supplies, make sure you never "have to" run an unscheduled errand. Plan ahead. Buy in bulk. You don't need a garage full of stuff, but interrupting your day to chase one or two items is incredibly expensive! Don't do it. Maintain reserves.

4. Personal relationships. Relationships require maintenance. Put some "extra" into your friendships. Extra time. Extra thought. When appropriate send cards, notes, flowers, or have a cup of coffee, go for a walk, watch a movie, play tennis. Quality relationships don't just happen. They must be built. Maintain generous, loving reserves in your most important relationships.

We seem to be entering tough economic times. So prepare. Take care of yourself. The temptation is to run faster and work harder, but don't fall into that trap! In tough times you want to be sharp, alert and quick. Stay focused. Keep your edge. Maintain your reserves! It makes life easier and gives you the resources to seize opportunity when it comes your way.

Gratitude Game: The Movie

Welcome once again to the typical weeks end.

We’ve been having a ton of fun here these past days as we measure all of the things we are in “gratitude” for. The list continues to build and no end is in sight. I do believe that there in lies the “magic” of living.

Here in Canada we get to celebrate our Thanksgiving holiday this weekend. We get to sit in contemplation of the incredible number of blessings that touch our lives each and every day. Take time this weekend, get out your notepad, and jot down every single thing you can imagine in your life that you must be “grateful” for. When it’s
done, you’ll have a whole new perspective on the magnificence of your life experiences.

Our friend Denise Coates created a lovely video to bring the whole issue of “Gratitude” close to home.

You’ll see it here: Gratitude Game: The Movie

No matter where you are situated in the world, this weekend take all the time you need to appreciate the many incredible blessings that touch your life.

Oh, and by the way, I deeply appreciate you, and I'm grateful that you are in my life.

We're taking the Thanksgiving weekend off and I'll see you on Tuesday.

Check in and see how our buddies over at Daily Insight are winding up their week.

Take care and have an outsatnding weekend,

~peter~

Happiness Takes Work - 5 Choices To Create Happiness

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday October 9 2009

Welcome to Thursday.

As you could undoubtedly tell with yesterday’s note, I’m taking these few days before the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday here in Canada to highlight why we are so incredibly wealthy on this continent. Yesterday I got a call from a subscriber who just wanted to let me know that she is really taking the massages of “gratitude” seriously.

She went on to explain that she was consciously “showing up” as a person who is happy, grateful for all she has, and smiling as if she owned the world. The reactions she said she was getting were incredible. People were smiling back, listening when she spoke, more courteous, and she felt were more patient.

When I asked if who was really being different, she choked up just a bit, and went on to acknowledge that it was her who was being different. She said, “Peter, it dawned on me that it was how I was “showing up” that caused the old reactions in people. They were just being themselves.”

Folks, the Universe must always be “mirroring” back to us exactly how we are being. Got it?

Today’s offering ties some things together quite lovely.

Happiness Takes Work - 5 Choices To Create Happiness
by Margaret Paul, Ph.D.

All of us have met people who just seem to be happy most of the time. Perhaps you have assumed that these people are just naturally happy, or that they are the lucky people who have an easy life, or they had really loving parents. Most of the time, nothing could be farther from the truth.

Happy people are making specific choices regarding their thinking and behavior. Happy people CONSCIOUSLY choose to think and behave in ways that result in happiness. Unhappy people are UNCONSCIOUSLY thinking and behaving in ways that create unhappiness.

Following are five of the specific choices that happy people make:

OPTIMISM

Happy people see the glass as half full, while unhappy people choose to be pessimistic - to see the glass as half empty. Optimistic thinking does not just happen - it is a choice regarding how you see life. Optimistic people are optimistic because they CHOOSE to be optimistic. Instead of allowing their ego wounded self to be in charge with all its doom and gloom, happy people put their loving adult self in charge and open to the wonderful possibilities that life has to offer. Happy people realize that their thinking is the beginning of a creative process that leads to manifestation. By thinking in positive ways, they move themselves to act in ways that manifest their dreams.

KINDNESS

Happy people choose to be kind and compassionate toward themselves and others. Happy people have learned that how they treat themselves and others determines much of how they feel. Happy people do not wait to be happy before being kind to themselves and others. They realize that their happiness is the RESULT of their caring behavior, not the CAUSE of it. They are kind, caring and compassionate whether or not they feel like it. They have chosen this way of being, and their happiness is the result.

FORGIVENESS

Happy people do not harbor resentment toward others, even others who have been mean and hurtful toward them. They realize that resentment makes them unhappy, so they choose to allow people their humanness and forgive them their hurtful behavior. Because happy people tend not to take personally others’ uncaring behavior, they don’t get their feelings hurt in the same way that people do who take others’ behavior personally. Happy people recognize that another’s behavior is really about that other person, so they move into compassion toward themselves and others rather than into judgment.

ACCEPTANCE

Happy people realize what they can control and what they can’t. They live by the Serenity Prayer, accepting the things they cannot change and changing the things they can. Unhappy people are constantly trying to change people and circumstances and do not accept their lack of control. As a result, they are constantly frustrated. Happy people realize they cannot control others and outcomes, so they focus on what they can control - their own thinking and behavior. Acceptance of what they can and cannot control leads to happiness and inner peace.

GRATITUDE

Finally, happy people are consistently grateful for what they have, rather than complaining about what they don’t have. They notice the many gifts and blessings that come their way and they frequently express gratitude for the everyday things in their lives - the beauty of nature, the food they eat, the smile on a friend’s face, their ability to see, hear, walk, talk. Even many disabled people who may not have the blessings of eyesight, hearing, speech or legs are often happy people because they focus on what they do have and what they can do, rather than focusing on what they are missing out on.

If you want to be happy, then you need to recognize that happiness is the result of your thinking and behavior, not the cause of it. If you choose to focus on becoming conscious of what thoughts and behavior make you feel happy, you can become a happy person - regardless of your present circumstances.

Happiness does not just happen - it takes work!

Margaret Paul, Ph.D. best-selling author of eight books, and co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding healing process. Visit her web site for a FREE Inner Bonding course: http://www.innerbonding.com or email her at mailto:mailto:margaret@innerbonding.com.