Friday, February 27, 2009

The Evolution of Dance 1 & 2

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Friday February 27 2009

Good day folks and welcome to the end of February.

We are now officially 1/6th of the way through 2009, and as is usual with us here, we get to ask the questions.

1. How are you doing with your goals and intentions for the year?

2. Are you right on track with them?

3. If not, why not?

4. Are you a commitment do making sure you fulfill your intentions?

These are for you to ponder over the weekend so that you come out of the gate on Monday to start March off with your goals and intentions firmly fixed in your sights.

To end the week, and the month, we're going to have a bit of fun with you. A while back we shared a fun video called the Evolution of Dance, and it was met with great chuckles. Today we're re-offering the same piece and adding Jason's sequel to the first. It's all going to lioghten your day as you enjoy"

The Evolution of Dance 1 & 2

Have a great weekend.

See you on Monday,

~peter~

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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

The Penalty of Leadership

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday February 26 2009

Good day there folks and welcome to Thursday.

I'm going to get right to the point today. Here at The Wealthy Attitude we are a non-negotiable stand for leadership and responsibility for ones own life. That's our deal.

In these times you, will undoubtedly discover, that many folks take great pride in knocking those who work their best to rise above their circumstances.. It seems that some people can't stand it when someone declares, and then works towards, making their life experience magnificent. It's the penultimate Mexican crab story.

And it's been going on for century's.

I've pulled an old piece out of our files to give solace to those intrepid souls among you . Never, ever give. You deserve to live.

You'll see with today's offering how a brilliant observer dealt with the issue all those years ago.

The Penalty of Leadership

In every field of human endeavor, he that is first must perpetually live in the white light of publicity. Whether the leadership be vested in a man or in a manufactured product, emulation and envy are ever at work.

In art, in literature, in music, in industry, the reward and the punishment are always the same. The reward is widespread recognition; the punishment, fierce denial and detraction.

When a man’s work becomes the standard for the whole world, it becomes a target for the shafts of the envious few. If his work be mere mediocre, he will be left severely alone--if he achieves a masterpiece, it will set a million tongues a-wagging.

Jealousy does not protrude its forked tongue at the artist who produces a commonplace painting. Whatsoever you write, or paint, or play, or sing, or build, no one will strive to surpass or to slander you, unless your work be stamped with the seal of genius. Long, long after a great work or a good work has been done, those who are disappointed or envious continue to cry out that it cannot be done.

Spiteful little voices in the domain of art were raised against our own Whistler as a mountebank, long after the big world had acclaimed him its greatest artistic genius.

Multitudes flocked to Bayreuth to worship at the musical alter of Wagner, while the little group of those whom he had dethroned and displaced argued that he was no musician at all.

The little world continued to protest that Fulton could never build a steamboat, while the big world flocked to the river banks to see his boat steam by.

The leader is assailed because he is a leader, and the effort to equal him is merely added proof of that leadership. Failing to equal or to excel, the follower seeks to depreciate and to destroy—but only confirms once more the superiority of that which he strives to supplant.

There is nothing new in this. It is as old as the world and as old as the human passions—envy, fear, greed, ambition, and the desire to surpass. And it all avails nothing. If the leader truly leads, he remains—the leader.

Master-poet, master-painter, master-workman, each in his turn is assailed, and each holds his laurels through the ages. That which is good or great makes itself known, no matter how loud the clamor of denial.

That which deserves to live—lives!

This text was written by Theodore P. MacManus
It appeared as an advertisement in the Saturday Evening Post---January 2nd 1915 in an ad for Cadillac Motor Company

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Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Fear of Failure: What Does Failure Mean to You?

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Wednesday February 25 2009

Good day all and welcome to the midweek point.

The current economic circumstances have forced many into completely re-evaluating their futures in some very creative ways. Some folks have taken a real leadership position to ensure that their futures are just as rosy as they always have been. Good for them.

However, many folks have taken a more damaging position by looking at themselves as they have personally failed in some way. Folks, it's all a story, so it's worthy of taking another view.

Our offering today may provide a very timely perspective.

Fear of Failure: What Does Failure Mean to You?
by Margaret Paul, Ph.D.

What do you believe about failure?

The ego wounded part of ourselves, the left-brain part of ourselves that has been programmed with many false beliefs, often believes that:

"If I fail, I am a failure."
"If I fail, I am stupid."
"If I fail, no one will like me or value me."
"If I fail, then there is no point in ever trying again."
"If I fail, it brands me for life as incompetent."
"If I fail, then everyone who thought I was smart will now think I am stupid."
"If I fail, I will have made a fool of myself."

On the other hand, the loving adult part of us -- our right brain, open, creative, and learning part of us -- generally believes that:

"If I fail, then I just need to work harder, to put in more effort."
"If I fail, I will have learned valuable lessons that will eventually lead to success."
"Failure is a part of life. No one succeeds without some failure."
"Failure does not at all reflect on my worth as a person. I am intrinsically worthy, regardless of success or failure."
"Failure offers me incredible opportunities to think outside the box, to think creatively. Let's get to work!"
"I love learning, and I love challenges. What I do is not about success or failure -- it is about the joy of creativity, learning, and expressing who I am."

Which way of thinking prevails within you?

What are the consequences to you of allowing yourself to think from your wounded self instead of from your loving adult?

Failure - A Part of Life

The fact is that mistakes and failure ARE a part of life. Instead of fearing them, why not make it okay to make mistakes and to fail? Why not take the onus off of failure? Why not embrace the process of learning and growing instead of only being focused on the outcome of your efforts? Why not focus on enjoying the process of learning and creating something that is important to you?

People who don't worry about success or failure, who instead are excited about their learning and growing process, generally find their way to succeed. The reason for this is that they don't let failure stop them. Instead, failure spurs them on to work harder, to put forth even more effort to learn what they need to learn to succeed.

On the other hand, even very smart people, who are dominated by their ego-wounded selves, generally allow failure to derail them. Believing they ARE a failure if they fail, they become too afraid to make more effort. In addition, they often believe that success or failure is not dependent on effort, but on ability. When this is their belief, they often give up at the first sign of failure, fearing that, if their natural intelligence and ability is not leading to success, then there is no point in trying harder.

Creating Success

Every successful person knows that effort, creativity, openness to learning, and perseverance are what create success, not necessarily high intelligence, talent, or ability. Every truly successful person is someone who has not allowed failure to stop him or her from forging ahead with passion and purpose. I encourage you to tell yourself that it is okay to make mistakes and okay to fail.

I encourage you to see mistakes and failures as wonderful learning opportunities for growth. I encourage you to let go of the outcome and allow yourself to become fully excited about the process of learning, of growth, and of creation. Being fully present and excited for the process is what life is all about!

Margaret Paul, Ph.D. is a best-selling author of eight books and co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding® healing process. Are you are ready to heal your pain and discover your joy? Learn Inner Bonding now! For articles, help, and a FREE Inner Bonding course, visit her website at http://www.innerbonding.com

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Monday, February 23, 2009

What We Think About All Day Long

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday February 24 2009

Good day all and welcome to this fine Tuesday.

So first, let me have a plug about something that is of amazing help to our primary business. We recently discovered an awesome way to enhance not only our family relationships, but every business relationship we have. Send Out Cards has taken the whole concept of "paying it forward" to a whole new level, and I have to say that if you are in a business where relationships are important, you're going to like this company.

Here at The Wealthy Attitude we have clearly demonstrated that sending out good, positive, and grateful thoughts bring incredible returns as it fully engages The Law of Attraction. Send Out Cards fits exactly with our philosophical position.

Do yourself a favor and see how it works by sending out a card on us. You're going to like what it can do. Follow this link for further information.



Now, back to today's offering, with all that is being "thrust" upon us, we turn to one of our very sane voices for a healthy perspective with which to engage the day. You'll see why it's important to consider......
What We Think About All Day Long
by Philip Humbert

There is great wisdom in the idea that "we become what we think about most of the time". The human brain is a goal-seeking, problem-solving machine, and the things we think about, focus on, and worry about inevitably shape our destiny. We all know this, and yet most of us completely fail to see (or seize) the opportunity.

Our world is filled with joy, with glorious literature, endless opportunity and boundless love, and yet too often, our minds are consumed with bad news or the anxieties of life. Recently, it seems I hear about how awful the economy is and how scared we should be! My friends, life is too short for that!

Of course, the economy is down and for some of us that will have significant negative impact. But it also creates opportunity for growth, innovation, and initiative. I love how "necessity becomes the mother of invention" and some people will find reasons for hope and joy (after all, children still play and lovers still hold hands) even in the worst of economic times.

This week I've been contemplating the things most of us "put in" our lives.

As I get older, there does seem to be an amazing amount of garbage in our society. Last week I came across a music "awards show." Sorry, I honestly didn't note which one it was, but I'll say this: the music and off-color jokes were, not to be too harsh, awful! I kept wondering, Do their mother's know what they do for a living? Do real people actually listen to this stuff? And, do we really need more of it in our lives? Yeah, I know, one more old guy grumbling about the music tastes of the young, and yet I come back to the central point:

We are in charge of what we watch, listen to and think about, and for better or worse, every bit of it shapes our lives and predicts our future. We can surround ourselves with the best ideas and the best resources ever created - and we should!

Recently, I've had several conversations with people who inspire me. I talked with a man who is leaving a lucrative law practice to teach high school math. He'll earn less, but as he said, "I can contribute more by teaching than by spending my life in Court." He's pursuing a grand dream, and my guess is he'll have the best (and perhaps some of the worst) days of his life! And every single day, one thing is certain: he'll know he's alive!

This week, I also read Fred Howard's biography of Wilbur and Orville Wright and was struck by his statement that whenever they started a new project, "their natural first step was to research it at the library." They did not invent the airplane by accident. It was the result of focused thought and hard work over several years. Eventually, what they thought about inevitably became reality.

Several years ago, Michael Clark, gave me a wonderful phrase. He said, "When you do what you love, you'll never work another day the rest of your life." I love that, and have usually found it to be true.

Sure, some days I still frustrate myself, but over-all, doing what we love and what we enjoy changes everything!

In my opinion, if you truly desire to live well, to achieve much and (perhaps) make some real money, consider these two propositions:

1. Refuse to fill your time, your life or your brain with garbage. Read the best stuff. Talk with the healthiest, wisest, smartest, most challenging people you can. Attend the seminars and learn from the experts! Listen to great music and to the whisperings of your heart. Laugh a lot. Worship often, and be grateful.

2. Do what you love. You will make your biggest contribution when you passionately pursue your talents and use your strengths. Martin Luther King, Jr. did many great things, but perhaps his greatest moment came in Washington when he proclaimed, "I have a dream!" We all remember that, and millions have been inspired by it. What's your dream?

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Sunday, February 22, 2009

What Kind of Teabag Are You?

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday February 23 2009

I do sincerely hope that each of you had a wonderful weekend.

As you no doubt know, the weekend saw a celebration of 2008's best movies at the Oscar's in California. I readily admit that I was captivated by the sheer diversity of the picks and took the evening to tune into the event. The diversity I talk about is really an entire celebration of great movies, outstanding subject matter, incredible acting, thoughtful story, and most of all, people.

This rich tapestry of personality clearly show each of us that regardless of our dream, we each have the ability, and the locations, to write our own script, design our own set, cast our supporting actors, shoot our own scenes, conduct our own music, direct our own production, and finally, take our own award. Folks this is a great time to be fully alive.

And now turning to another great producer, in the person of our good friend and contributor, Jan Janzen. Jan recently wrote a whole line up of "readers" for Procrastination Week, and just when I thought we would be giving her a well earned rest, she pops up with another piece that we just had to share. You may not be entirely aware, but our buddy Jan is also a ordained minister, and from that perspective has insights that serve us here very well.

You're going to like...

What Kind of Teabag Are You?
by Jan Janzen

I lay on the cold marble floor, too weak to put my head over the toilet to vomit. It was a horrible feeling of complete and utter weakness Something nasty hit me on Monday and I spent my day hugging the porcelain throne.

But as I lay there feeling like death warmed over, I still appreciated that I was sick in a nice clean bed. I was safe and secure. I had friends ready to help at a moment´s notice. I had clean water to drink and medicine if I needed it. As awful as Monday was, I felt so blessed.

My mind went to the suffering that I have seen personally in my travels around the world. Women who live in fear of their abusive husbands. I´ll never forget the night in Ecuador when a village woman showed up at my door with two young children in tow, holding her pregnant belly, crying as her husband had kicked her in the stomach. I´ve seen the children in Cuba and China standing in doorways to hovels they call homes, looking pitifully thin. I´ve given money to the woman who didn´t know what to feed her children their one meal for the day. I´ve wiped more than one child´s runny nose and then gave them their only hug for the day.

Right now, everybody is moaning and groaning about how bad the world is. We´re in financial crisis. You´re right. Loans and credit cards aren´t being handed out like there was no tomorrow. Houses aren´t selling like hotcakes on a cold winter´s day. Jobs are no longer secure. Having a home is no longer a sure thing...guaranteed. Yes, times have changed.

I am sure that many hellfire and damnation ministers are having a heyday with this one. I´m sure that my former religious colleagues think Armaggedon is imminently imminent.

What about you? How are you handling the turmoil? How are you dealing with your fears? Is the uncertainty of it all pushing a few of your buttons? It´s easy to have faith and trust when it´s safe and secure and to speak positively when you´re surrounded by good news. It´s another story when all hell breaks loose.

Eleanor Roosevelt said, "a woman is a lot like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water." Well, most people today feel like they are in hot water. I noticed a feeling come over me the other day that I didn´t like. It was fear. Pure, raw and vicious. It washed over me, enveloped me and was ready to carry me down the same path most of the world is already on. I had to stop, get grounded and centered in my knowingness that I will have NO part in this fear-laden world. When that feeling hits you and if it hasn´t already, it very likely will, REFUSE to be part of it. You won´t feel any better, paralyzed by all the what-ifs of life. Promise.

Today I read a blog by one of my business mentors that talked about our choice in language. Rather than seeing the situation as a financial crisis, why not see it as a financial opportunity. Right now, there are bargains galore to be had. You can buy a house for hundreds of thousands of dollars less than a year ago. I bet a yacht could be had for a steal right now. I know as I am looking for my next rental property, there are deals like I wouldn´t have seen this time last year. What opportunity!

And what a great lesson if you can´t take advantage of the financial windfalls available because you are over your head in debt, or been fiscally irresponsible in the past. This situation isn´t going away anytime soon from what I hear, so you have time to correct and continue. Rather than react and retreat, correct and continue is the spiritual warrior´s path. Look at what you wish you had done differently (like maybe having a rainy day savings account) and make course corrections.

Our own personal Armaggedons arrive frequently. I´ve been through a few "end of the world" times in my life when my marriage ended after 18 years and when my business crashed leaving me almost bankrupt. I realize that this time it may feel more serious because so many people are experiencing hardship or turmoil at once. When so many are in the same boat, it´s harder to see the shores of safety.

I go back to how I started this newsletter. No matter how bad you have it, no matter how serious your personal situation is, no matter how afraid you are, there are people right this moment that are going through something so horrific, so terrifying, so barbarous you would feel ridiculous even worrying about your little problems if you were in their shoes. I do think of the starving child in India who knows only too intimately the stomach pains I was experiencing on Monday. I do think of the woman who lay beaten and kicked and then forced to put in a full day´s work for fear of losing her children.

I do think of the horrible fear of loneliness for the elderly. I don´t think of these things in a depressing way at all. Rather meditating on the reality of how much of this planet lives keeps my own life in perspective. Seriously, no one will have a violin playing for me and my itsy-bitsy little problems compared to the big scheme of things.

Secondly, it helps me remember my responsibility to make the difference in the world I came to make. There is a focus and a determination that I cannot deviate from for the little bumps and bruises along the way.

You and I are here as leaders. We are not normal, average or typical in our reactions or responses to situations. In the very core of your soul, you know that to be true. So look at the situation today as an amazing opportunity to show how strong your faith and trust is. The world needs leaders more than ever. It is time to show up.

Blessings, Jan

P.S. I will be in Vancouver for a very special Sacred Gifts workshop March 28th and 29th. Tickets are selling well. If you would like to attend, take action now and click here for registration information. Go to Events on the website for the details. There is nothing more empowering than spending two days with other amazing men and women who are looking for bigger ways to express their gifts. It will be a truly glorious time.

Visit Jan's website at: www.janjanzenministries.com

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Friday, February 20, 2009

The Beauty of Courage and Commitment

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Friday February 20 2009

Good day all and welcome to the weeks end. It's been an awesome week here and to celebrate we're going to go out on an amazing "note".

We are incredibly privileged here at The Wealthy Attitude to see people who have insight, courage, and commitment, bring their influence to bear in outstandingly positive ways. Our video offerings for you today will warm your heart, and convince you that there is greatness all around, if we but "choose" to see it.

You are going to enjoy:

The Beauty of Courage and Commitment

Have a terrific weekend.

See you on Monday.

~peter~

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Thursday, February 19, 2009

You Are Alive and You Are Learning

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday February 19 2009

Hello there folks and welcome to another fine Thursday.

People, let me be as clear as I can be right here, the current conditions we all find ourselves in right now are entirely mitigated if you would but insert new language into the dialogue. For example, the "financial crisis" can be replaced with the "financial opportunity".

If we choose to stay in the language of the former, we'll be missing many of the solutions that must come as a consequence of engaging langauge that supports where we want to be. If you focus on the "financial opportunity" language, you'll see possibilities that may just lead you exactly to where you desire. Think about that today.

Today's offering comes from our good friend down under Thea Westra, and I do believe you're going to like what she has to share.

You Are Alive and You Are Learning
by Thea Westra

We all know the clichƩs of, life is a learning process and if you are alive you are learning. There is truth in that, naturally. If we are living then we are learning. Yet the next question you may want to ask yourself is, is that learning achieved consciously or subconsciously? Are you choosing what you are learning, and do you have choice in the matter with what you learn?

Personal development, self-growth, self-improvement, self-help and any of those other popular terms used in the realm of expansion of your experience in life, are really all about that second question. Are you conscious of the choices you make?

When we take on specific classes or training programs, read books or articles, listen to audios, or watch videos related to personal development, we may believe that we are learning. Gaining knowledge is not necessarily learning. Yet in our modern times we have come to equate the two.

When I was teaching, at particular intervals during a school year, I would monitor student progress by way of tests. Personally, I felt it very important to truly gauge whether students could practically apply newly learned concepts. A variety of scenarios would be presented to them in a context of problem solving. I could then observe if they had a handle on newly presented material, formulas or methods.

Life throws us tests and it is not until we are in the middle of a personal experience that calls for us to be more, that we can see how far we have truly evolved. If you think you are enlightened then spent a few days living with your parents. There is nothing like going back to the places of your youth to notice how far you have come.

During the time my father was dying and the time after he died, I observed my own strength and how much I had personally grown. Yet recently, during a personal financial challenge, likewise, I was able to observe my complete lack of growth in that. Based on those observations, I see that personal power in one area of life may not automatically transfer to another.

Have you known people who are highly successful in a corporate arena yet their relationships with friends and family are in tatters? Or seen someone with a happy family life, with lots of friends, yet their condition of bodily health leaves a lot to be desired.

There are many tools you can add to your self-improvement toolbox that can be transferred between various experiences. It is sometimes possible to use a screwdriver where really it is more appropriate to use a hammer. However, to live our most fulfilled lives and to achieve outcomes beyond the usual, then nothing beats having the right tools at the ready.

A few transferable skills you could develop in yourself may be things such as, being organized and being open and prepared for the unexpected, remaining flexible with thought and judgment, developing a state of calm and being able to call up that (or any other) state of being in any given situation. Yet the more distinct skills that you might want to develop, in specific areas, might be more aligned with you attaining more particular knowledge sets. For example, which foods bring which nutritional value, what are the most effective places to store your saved money, what kinds of things can you do to best nurture the relationships with your partner or friends?

If your goal is to have wonderful friendships, then look to develop skill sets that can support you with relationship building and with connecting to yourself and other people. Do you have a target of generating a certain amount of money? Then look for what you will want, for expanding yourself to support with financial growth.

My message here is, are you calling the shots with your personal growth or are you being told how to think, how to respond by unwritten agreements, the norms in society or well-meaning people around you? I hear many people around the traps saying they want to be mavericks yet there is no clear evidence of their taking themselves by the scruff, stepping up to the plate and really meaning it. We create our own urgency, our must do, and our deadlines for personal targets.

Personal growth is a conscious choice, and you make the decision to grow, moment by moment. If you are not conscious in action, or response, then it can only be that you are operating from automatic states of being, reacting rather than responding, to situations that show up. When you are genuinely committed to your own development and growth then it is your responsibility to be deliberate with your actions related to improvement of self. You are the one who needs to choose when and how, to step out of your comfort zone.

Thea Westra is thought leader and author at Forward Steps, and resides in Perth Australia. Enjoy her many self-improvement resources at http://www.forwardsteps.com.au

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Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Three Over-Looked Essentials for Success

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Wednesday February 18 2009

Good day to you all and welcome to the midweek point.

Although we live in a frozen part of the continent, today we could get a "whiff" of spring. It was lurking in the air, and it was certainly pleasing to catch a wee bit of what is to come in five or six short weeks. Bring it on!

On Monday we touched on the idea of personal development in relationships, and the feed back certainly told me that there is an awesome number of folks who are out there who are in business together, and in relationship with each other. That's music to my ears.

Let's continue a bit today with a few things that are essential if you are to experience the kind of success you dream of. We turn to our friend Philip Humbert for one of his very relevant perspectives on the issues.

Three Over-Looked Essentials for Success
by Philip Humbert

This week I spoke to a group of professionals about achieving their goals and making more sales despite the recession this year. They wanted to focus on the "missing links" that prevent them from achieving the results they desire in business, and in life.

It was a challenging presentation because these are not "ordinary" people! They know all about written goals. They know about motivational seminars and using competitions to increase performance. And yet, like most people, they were frustrated. Like most of us, they have "tried" and they have "done the right things" and yet often fail to cross the finish line. What are the missing pieces?

After briefly reviewing the fundamentals of written goals, a clear strategy and intermediate benchmarks or "baby-steps" to move yourself forward, I gave them three suggestions to fill in the missing links and achieve their dreams:

1. Focus on Personal Development. I love Jim Rohn's quote that "everything changes when you change!" And I also note the corollary: "nothing changes until you change." To live a different life requires that you become a different person. There is no short-cut or exception to this rule. Our lives always reflect who we are, what we value, what we know (or don't know), and what we do with our time and energy.

If you want different results, it's never enough to focus only on the mechanics! We all know stories of people who win the lottery or have other huge changes in external circumstances, but within a short time their lives look remarkably the same. To achieve your goals, you must first become the person you want to be!

High achievers read different books. They watch different shows. They use time differently. They walk and talk and think differently. And so should you.

2. Change Your Eco-System. To a remarkable degree, we are creatures of our surroundings. It may sound odd, but our lives reflect our furniture! We all know our behavior changes in a fancy restaurant, or when visiting the boss, or our in-law's. We become a different person at a funeral compared to a ball game. Our behaviors are always a perfect reflection of our environment.

To achieve your dreams, create a world that supports you. Whether it's your office, your car or your kitchen, live in a world that reminds you of your priorities, a world that energizes you and pulls you forward. This doesn't necessarily require a major investment, but it does require attention to detail. I've written an entire e-book that you can get at no-cost. (And encourage your friends to get a copy, too.) It's at: http://www.philiphumbert.com/Eco-System.htm

3. Choose the Right Mentors. Over time, we become like our friends. Consciously and unconsciously we model our behavior after the people we admire and respect. Again, I've written an entire book on MasterMind groups and their power to transform our lives. Work with mentors! (Get it at: http://thenewmastermind.com/)

The way to learn new skills is to get around someone who can teach you! Learn from your friends, from colleagues, from competitors. By reading biographies, you can even learn from dead people! Winners hang out with and learn from winners. Surround yourself with wise and accomplished mentors!

Thousands of books have been written on goal-setting, motivation and achievement, but most of them focus on the easy part--developing written goals, setting deadlines and so forth.

Unfortunately, they neglect the "human" components of personal development, supportive environments and the need for mentors. Too often goal-setting becomes an exercise in failure.

Don't do that to yourself!

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Monday, February 16, 2009

Empty Elevators

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday February 17 2009

Good there all and welcome to this very fine Tuesday.

I got a bunch of mail yesterday about Monday's reader from folks who were lamenting that they were not currently in a relationship, and therefore had "no-one" to share their lessons and awareness's with. I mentioned to a couple of them that the whole "relationship" thing can also be an amazing time of growth for them as unique individuals, and for setting in the practices that they will carry with them into new relationships. I got mixed responses! :-)

So, I'll turn to another new contributor for an offering that will undoubtedly speak to almost every single one of you. You like what Chris has to share.

Empty Elevators
by Chris Brandt

I got a call from an old friend this morning, informing me that his aunt passed away. She was a lovely woman -- generous, kind, and funny, and I hadn't seen her in many years. I went to the wake and was transported back into a crowd of people I'd known in my early 20's. I saw gray hair and bald spots, pot bellies and wrinkles, and smiles that hadn't changed one iota.

I ran into "Sue," whose sister and I were best friends in high school. The sister and I had a falling out over 20 years ago, and Sue briefly updated me on her sister's life. When I asked about her brothers, Sue mentioned that she'd had words with one of them, and they don't speak. I saw a guy whom I'd met at a retreat run by a gifted and soon-to-be-troubled man back in the late 80's. Mr. Gifted/Troubled now lives in Arizona and speaks to only one of his five children, after divorcing his wife of many years. I also learned why I hadn't heard from a friend who became more of a "Christmas card acquaintance" in the last few years; she'd died of a sudden aneurysm one morning about two years ago, and her husband hadn't called to tell me.

It was strange, this filling in of blanks I didn't even realize were there. I was given a lot of information about the people of my past, who'd somehow not stayed with me along my journey to where I am today. It was bittersweet; I wondered what it would have been like to have stayed in touch with some of these folks, all the while knowing that I wouldn't have the life I have if I had. And, I was hearing how others and some of the people they'd been close to had gone their separate ways, too.

It reminded me of the "empty elevator," a term coined by Martha Beck. She says, "It's the period when you are climbing from one level of life satisfaction to a higher one, leaving behind any relationship with people who disagree with the change you are making. The good news is that the empty elevator always drops you off in a new place with new people who are living the life you dreamed about."

Sometimes, the elevator-emptying isn't obvious or dramatic. While there's the occasional falling out with someone, where you agree to go your separate ways, it's often more of a drifting away, until only the holiday card is written, or you can't remember the last time you spoke with so-and-so. There have been periods where my life has felt more devoid of good friends than I would like, and there have fortunately been more periods of great abundance. I'm learning to be very grateful for the lonelier times because they have more to teach me.

Elevator-emptying is a necessary part of growth and change. As we become more of who we're meant to be, we often "shed" possessions, stories, wardrobes, beliefs, traditions, behaviors, and yes, even people. While in some cases it might feel sad to think of those we don't see any longer, there's always the opportunity to connect with those who better fit with the people we've become. And, sometimes, we find ways to re-kindle a connection, as I suspect I could do with someone I saw today. Even if it doesn't happen, I'm grateful to have talked with people who were important to me a long time ago, because they reminded me of where I've been and where I'm headed, and I'll hold the memory of their smiles wherever I go.

About the Author:
A Certified Life and Career Coach, Chris is dedicated to connecting people with possibilities -- expanding opportunities for creating a life they love through one-on-one coaching, teleclasses, and workshops.

Having left a successful career as a human resources executive to pursue her heart's desire, Chris has made the journey her clients take. She is their inspiration, supporter, and guide as they step out of their comfort zones, answer the question "What's Next?", and are awakened to new possibilities for bringing satisfaction, purpose, and joy to their personal and professional lives.

To learn more about how Chris can help you, go to
http://www.christinabrandt.com. Your life is waiting....

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Sunday, February 15, 2009

10 Ways to Grow a Relationship of Mutual Personal Development

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday February 16 2009

Good day all and welcome to shiny new week.

I do sincerely anticipate that you had an outstanding Valentine's weekend, and you've started the week with a "quiet grin". :-)

We had an exceptional time here and we're blessed to have a regional holiday here today, so the flavor of the weekend continues. One of the subjects that came up for us over the weekend was our individual, and mutual, personal development, and what is the next part of our journey. We both subscribe to the philosophy that "growth is the only evidence of life" and that our commitment to life-long learning is the stabilizing rudder of our relationship.

So, to share some of that with you, we turn to a new contributor to share with you a perspective we believe will speak loudly to all of you who share your journey with a partner, and to those of you who are working at your primary relationship.


10 Ways to Grow a Relationship of Mutual Personal Development

by Tupelo Kenyon

Personal development happens one person at a time. Nobody can do it for you and you can’t do it for anyone else. Either it’s a fundamental urge springing forth spontaneously from deep inside . . . or not.

If it’s there, it’s irresistible. If it’s not, it’s irrelevant.

Even though the way of discovery and personal growth is a one-lane road, it sure is nice to be able to share stretches of it with someone else.

Naturally, something as intimately personal and private as your own personal evolution of consciousness can’t be comfortably shared with just anyone. With what kind of person could you share something so profound?

That’s the first question that comes to mind. If having this kind of life partner is important to you, maybe a better question is, “How can I be that kind of person?”

1. Do you have your partner’s own best interests in mind? Do you really want to help create what is best for your partner, as well as what is best for you? The real magic happens where your own best interests overlap. You enable your partner to be their best, and they do the same for you. This creates a powerful bond, a rare kind of teamwork that is bigger than the sum of its parts.

2. Can you respect and honor your partner’s direction even if it’s different than yours? Isn’t it amazing how different we all are even though we have so much in common? No two people think the same or feel the same or react the same. It’s important to remember this. If you were both exactly the same, the team would be weaker. One of you would be extraneous.

3. Are you willing to step up to the plate and do the things you are able to do best with the confidence that your partner will do the same? We all have different natural abilities and different learned skills. A good team evolves naturally so that each person uses their talents and knowledge to benefit the team. A good team player on a good team knows if they focus their attention along the lines of their strengths, their teammate will do the same. Again, the team is stronger that the sum of its parts.

4. If you have nothing to offer, stay out of the way. Every choice and every activity will not involve you both. This is a good time to remember the importance of having some “alone time”.

When you work alone, it helps you stay in touch with your inner core. Solo activity strengthens and vitalizes the unique person you are. Then you have something more to offer your partner for the activities that better support your teamwork.

5. Can you allow your partner to be right? Can you walk away from a potential argument in order to preserve the peace? Sometimes, who’s right doesn’t really matter. Why pollute the air and strain relations for some nebulous, irrelevant egotistical reason? It’s not worth it. Would you rather be right, or would you rather be at peace?

6. Can you celebrate your partner’s personal accomplishments even though they don’t involve you? Remember the importance of supporting and encouraging your partner’s endeavors. Personal solo accomplishments are often made possible by this fertile foundation of mutual encouragement. A strong support team often makes it possible for individual team members to do things much easier than if they didn’t have someone cheering them on.

7. Can you celebrate the partnership without clinging? All partnerships are temporary. It may last a year or a hundred years. If it works, it’s beautiful. If it’s stifling and suffocating and getting in the way of your personal development, it may be time for a change. We come into this world one at a time, and we leave one at a time. It’s important to continue to grow your own personal strengths and allow the evolution of your own individual consciousness while celebrating the gift of togetherness.

8. Are you committed to communication? After a while, some couples enjoy unspoken communication that comes from years of experience together. That’s a satisfying experience, but there are still times when old-fashioned talking is best. Your partner needs to know how you feel. They can read your mind and your emotions to a certain extent, but it’s up to you to fill in the gaps with words.

If you are feeling some negative emotion, that’s a sure sign the predominate thoughts you’ve been thinking recently are not in sync with your deepest sense of personal direction. You are drifting off course, and this is your chance to allow your partner to help. Express how you feel. Trust that your partner is dedicated to your mutual goal of personal development and may be able to offer insight you have overlooked.

9. Don’t expect your partner to change their behavior for you to be happy. Your happiness, contentment and joy must come from deep inside rather than from anywhere on the outside. When you both know how to tap into your own inner springs of well-being, the joy is multiplied exponentially by your togetherness.

10. Express gratitude. Of course your partner realizes how much you appreciate everything they do to make your teamwork special. Tell them anyway.

Everyone enjoys feeling appreciated and loved. This is a simple thing with profound effects . . . a little positive reinforcement to help keep you on track together. Why not express this in the most direct way possible? Everyone loves to hear that familiar phrase, those three simple words, “OK, yes dear.” (Just kidding.) “I love you.”

P.S. It’s appropriate that this is #11 in a list of 10. A sense of humor is one of the most important ingredients of any strong relationship. Laugh together. Love together. And grow together to be the best each of you can be.

A perfect relationship may only exist in Hollywood’s romantic comedies, but these points can make a dramatic difference in the quality of your relationship. My wife, Janey, and I have been together since 1978, and we both care about personal growth. We are very different people with different styles, but we are both dedicated to supporting and encouraging each other in our own unique journey of personal discovery. We share what we can where our interests overlap, and we also encourage and support each another’s solo endeavors.

As in any real relationship, there are fabulous victories as well as things that require working out. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely worth the effort. If you feel that deep glow pulling you in the direction of your own personal evolution of consciousness and you’d love to share more of it with someone special, try this: Be the kind of person you would like to share your journey with.

Tupelo Kenyon, is a full-time learner and part-time teacher of personal development. Since the early 70’s most of his “teaching” has been through his original songs with themes of personal growth and discovery. His personal mission is to continue learning while attracting others of like mind, and to offer helpful ideas for their own unique process of personal growth. You can get to know him, his mission, and his music at: http://www.tupelokenyon.com

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Friday, February 13, 2009

A Special Note to our West Coast friends

A special note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Valentine's Weekend.

Hello good folks, I know you're not used to hearing from me on the weekend but this is important for any of you who hail from the Vancouver B.C., Seattle WA, in fact the whole West Coast.

Our friend Jan Janzen just informed me that there is a great event taking place in Vancouver B.C. on the 19th, 20th and 21st of February. Yes, next weekend!

Here's the scoop.

On Thursday Evening (the 19th) four of the planet's distinct "Peace" luminaries are holding a Prayer, Song, Drumming, and Dance event in Jericho Beach Park in Vancouver (See attached Poster). James Twyman, Rev. Michael Beckwith, As-Sayed Nurjan Mirahmadi, and Leonard Howell are going to invoke your deepest love for the planet in an amazing way.

On Friday, Feb. 20, 7:00 pm at The Unity Church 5840 Oak Street, Vancouver, the wonderful James Twyman will hold The Peace Concert.

This is one of James most awe-inspiring activities and one that has been performed all over the world in pursuit of peace:

In 1995, James Twyman traveled through war torn Bosnia and Croatia performing The Peace Concert in refugee camps, on national television, and in the streets of Sarajevo, inspiring thousands of people to begin building a new reality for themselves based upon the ideals of non-violence.

In 1998 he was invited by the government of Iraq and Saddam Hussein himself to perform the prayers of peace at the Iraqi National Theater in Baghdad.

In 1999 he joined with leaders in South Africa, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in celebrating the end of Apartheid. While there Twyman performed a concert for the most infamous and violent gang leaders in Cape Town, initiating a dialogue that helped inspire peace in the townships.

You now have the opportunity to experience the Concert as millions of other people have.

And on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 10:00 am – 6 pm at the Masonic Hall, 1495 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC you can experience an amazing workshop: Fulfill your Soul’s Desire and Learn to Manifest from the Soul with World Renowned Author, Film Maker and Musician, James Twyman.

The Moses Code Workshop, is based on his New York Times Bestselling book and film, and is the way to truly manifest what your soul desires.

Through exercises, chants and group practices you will not only learn the fundamentals of The Code, but will be inspired to serve the world in ways you would never have before imagined.

Just some of what you will take away on this Awe Inspiring Day:

  • Discern the difference between the powers of manifestation present in the ego and the vastly more powerful manifestation process of the soul
  • Learn to Shift Attention from the Ego to the Soul when Manifesting
  • Experience practical tools to attract into your life your soul’s longing for peace, compassion and love
  • Join James in Chants and Song, using the 12 Peace Prayers of Major Religions of the World to Gain Universal Perspective on Peace and Unity
  • Apply all of the above learnings and experiences to become a Powerful Peacemaker in the New World

By registering for The Moses Code Workshop, you receive James’ Peace Concert, performed world wide for millions of people, absolutely FREE!

Reserve your place for the workshop on February 21st and the concert on the evening of the 20th. Register Today at http://www.soulpower.ca/

I strongly recommend that if you are Vancouver next weekend you'll want to attend these events. Have fun all and if you attend share back with us what your experiences are.

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You Say It Best....

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Friday February 13 2009

Hello there good folks and welcome to the end of the typical week, and the beginning of Valentine's weekend.

Whatever you have going on in your celebrations this weekend, our request is quite simple. Celebrate you first, then take that wonder of you and share it with everyone you touch. Take the idea of possibility with you in every action, every step, every touch, in fact, everywhere you venture.

Enjoy our video offering. We appreciate you.

You Say It Best...

See you on Monday.

Take care,

~peter~

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Wednesday, February 11, 2009

How Valentine's Day Started!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday February 12 2009

Hello there good people and welcome to Thursday.

Well, if my e-mail is any indication, my little "personal" note yesterday certainly hit some spots. Fortunately, the "supportive" ones by a country mile, outpaced any "reactionary" ones. What a hoot it all is folks.

So, we're now just two days away from this years Valentine's celebration. As much as I appreciate that you'll be expressing love and adoration for your significant other, It's been my intention this week to have you celebrate "you".

"YOU" my dear friend, is that one that must be celebrated the most. For as you celebrate who "you" are, you quietly give everyone you touch permission to celebrate who "they" are. Now that's magic.

So, I bet you want to know how Valentine's Day started. Read on.

How Valentine's Day Started!

Every February 14th, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday?

We’ve found 2 different legends ... Enjoy!

The first legend, and perhaps the best known, began in Rome, when the Emperor, Claudius II, was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. “Claudius the Cruel” as he was called, was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. So, he cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome!

The good Saint Valentine, who was a priest in Rome, in the year 269 A.D., together with his friend Saint Marius, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.When Valentine's actions were discovered, he was sentenced to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. But while in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl, who may have been his jailor's daughter, who visited him during his confinement. Before his death on the 14th day of February, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed

" From your Valentine"

In 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honor St. Valentine.

Another legend says that Valentine's Day started ...in ancient Rome, on February 14th, a holiday to honor Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. Then, the following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia. In those days, the lives of young boys and girls were strictly separate.

However, on the eve of the festival of Lupercalia, the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl's name from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry.

In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine cards. Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800's and now ... well .. you know the rest....

Grand, yes?

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Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Your Trump Card: Self-Love

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Wednesday February 11 2009

Hello to you fine Valentine folks and welcome to the midweek point.

I've been having a hoot this week preparing for an upcoming speaking engagement, getting new stuff ready for the website, debating with some folks who seem locked to their downward spiral, and I'm still able to look forward to some fun stuff this Valentine's day.

I've been an unswerving advocate for home-based businesses for over three decades, and now this new economy is serving to prove correctly what I've been trumpeting for all this time. The home-based business industry is a safe bastion for what are going to be thousands of people who's "secure" positions have evaporated. This is unquestionably an industry who's "time has come". And for you folks who have "held the space" for honorable home businessess for now over sixty years, you have my heart, my admiration, and my love.

Now, and I know this is personal, but for all you folks who sneered at, diminished, put down, insulted, and generally looked down your nose at the home-based business entrepreneurs, get this ----Pphhhttt.

Now back to our theme of the week. "You"

Your Trump Card: Self-Love
by Hara Estroff Marano
Dig and and honor yourself—self-love is the first step to lasting change.

Having a glowing vision of the future helps you tackle the core beliefs about yourself—such as doubts about your own worthiness for success—that have held you back until now. So as you peel back the curtains around your core self, you become ready to tap the source of all change and success—self-love, and forgiveness for past failures.

Self-love doesn't happen by luck or the grace of God. You have to create it. These are among the most important elements of it.

  • Honoring yourself and who you really are. Love is your birthright. As Teilhard de Chardin said, "We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience."

  • Telling the highest truth, which is that we are powerful beings capable of creating joy and success or pain and suffering in our lives. We are not destined to be victims. We have the power to choose, and this power is both the greatest responsibility we have and the greatest opportunity.

  • Honoring who you are becoming. Self-love involves recognizing that you are constantly evolving and growing to become a more powerful and more loving being.

  • Honoring your feelings and responding to those feelings. Remember, feelings are important signals, and even the so-called negative feelings of anger and fear serve the important purpose of alerting us to the obstacles in our life.

  • Recognizing that the universe is literally made of love. "If we will just open ourselves to receive, like flowers opening to the sun, then everything is possible," says Ti Caine, hypnotherapist and life coach based in Sherman Oaks, California.

When things go wrong or goals don't materialize, most people blame their past, their parents, life in general or God. We are even encouraged to do this by friends and family who are well-meaning. We also devote a great deal of energy to settling for what is, without recognizing what we can become.

All the great wisdom traditions speak of the unlimited power we have within us. Both quantum physics and psychology offer proof that our thoughts create our reality. Yet, Caine points out, many people strenuously object to the truth that we create our own reality.

"They argue that it's not loving to tell a sick person they had anything to do with creating their illness," he says. "Yet, by not owning their power when they are sick, they are consigning themselves to a life of being a victim of any virus or circumstance that comes their way. This powerlessness is the source of most depression, and it leads to more illness and problems such as overeating."

He insists it is more honest and even more loving to gently help people recognize the power they have to create their reality, including failures. Once we do that, then we must forgive ourselves for the painful experiences we have previously chosen in our lives. "I don't know all the parts of me that are creating the failed relationships, but I am willing to learn about them."

Only by seeing how in the past we have allowed problems to control us, and forgiving ourselves, can we really change and be free to go forward in life feeling more powerful, able to create the success and happiness we want.

Forgiveness, says Caine, is not only a form of self-love, it is completely an inside job. First you have to own your mistakes. Here is how.

Imagine a future where you totally love yourself and have totally owned your power.

Reach for an understanding of why you would choose limitations in your life. We are often taught by family and life experiences that being weak, sick or helpless is the way to get attention or help. Look at your own and other peoples attempts to get acceptance, attention and love. Ask yourself, what was I taught about being lovable? About being powerful and responsible for my life?

Then forgive yourself for having made mistakes. Imagine how your future self would forgive you for a mistake.

Then you can consciously create better methods for getting the acceptance, attention, love and success that you want.

And that's a great thought for this midweek day.

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Monday, February 9, 2009

The Path of Authenticity

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday February 10 2009

Hello there folks and welcome to this fine Tuesday of "YOU" week.

And yes, it is all about "you", the real, actual, authentic "you".

To help with that today, I have engaged another new contributor to share an offering that, if you spend time with it, will propel you to a whole new awareness of the delightful "you".

You'll like what Melody has to share with you.

The Path of Authenticity
by Melody Larson

What does it mean to live authentically? Authenticity holds a power that is almost mystical in nature. It's magnetic and we long for it now more than ever. Why? My view is that authenticity opens the doorway to a life of spirit. What does the path of authenticity look like? Let's explore the seven stepping stones that lead to a life of freedom and joy.

FIRST STONE: Be happy for no reason. There's nothing you need to become, nothing that needs to happen, in order for you to be happy. Happiness is simply a choice. Let go of the 'when/then' game: When I lose 10 pounds, then I'll be happy. When I'm in that perfect relationship, then I'll be happy. Here's the deal: Happiness doesn't come when you've achieved your goals--it's what allows you to achieve them. The happiness that you seek is not the reward waiting for you at the end of your journey. It's what makes the journey possible in the first place.

SECOND STONE: End the blame game. Do you blame others for the way your life has unfolded or is unfolding? Is it the fault of your childhood, your spouse, your boss, or the current state of world affairs that you are not happy? Are you giving away your power by seeing yourself as a victim? To become empowered you have to take responsibility for yourself and for the way your life is going. No person or event can determine the shape of your life unless you allow it. You allow it when you choose the safety of powerlessness over the risk of self-determination. The only failure in life is not choosing for yourself how you're going to live it. When you choose responsibility, a glorious thing happens: You stop living life in half measures and your life blooms in all its richness.

THIRD STONE: Simplify. Authenticity has a very hard time flourishing in the weed-strewn soil of complexity. You must pull out the weeds and make space for your soul desires to flourish. Simplifying involves ridding yourself of materials, activities, and people that drain or scatter your energy. Clutter is the most visible sign of an overgrown life. Go through your stuff and clear out everything that you don't use or that doesn't please you emotionally. After you've cleared some physical space, see if you can free up some time. Without time to slow down and connect to your heart, you won't be able to hear its whisperings. Finally, you've got to rid yourself of people who are toxic to you, who weigh you down instead of uplifting you. When you've cleared a clean, fertile space in your life you can plant the seeds of your authenticity and cultivate your passion.

FOURTH STONE: Relish being selfish. Oh no, I used the 'S' word! We've been told for so long that being selfish is bad. If you stop to think about it, anyone who says so is probably saying it out of a selfish desire for you to follow their rules! If you want to live freely you have to become selfish. There is nothing wrong with serving the Self. You have to put your own needs and desires above everyone and everything precisely in order to serve everyone and everything. It's exhausting to try to be all things to all people. You were never meant to apply your energy in this scattering way, but to concentrate your energy into the singular expansion of your own genius and uniqueness. Selfishness in the highest sense of the word is about being yourself so fully that you can share yourself fully with others.

FIFTH STONE: Do your healing work. Healing work is about confronting the habits, hurts, and fears that keep you living small. When you allow the fullness of who you are to step into the light, healing happens. The need for escapism, cures, and self-destructive habits diminishes. When you let go of any guilt, pain, anger, or unworthiness that you're experiencing you open up the channel of effortless being. Universal Energy can flow through and you become the instruments of spirit you were meant to be. There are many practices for doing healing work, from therapy to EFT to prayer. Find what works for you and commit to shifting any beliefs or feelings that are holding you back.

SIXTH STONE: Cultivate compassion. Compassion is a profound human emotion. It pulls us out of egocentrism, enabling us to experience oneness with another and with all things. This is another facet of authenticity because compassion removes the ego's false gods of competition, morality and judgment from their thrones. It allows us an expanded view of the world--as spirit sees it. There is nothing more freeing than allowing others their choices, than supporting them instead of trying to change them, or than honoring their own ability to guide themselves.

SEVENTH STONE: Hand over your keys. We've all heard the adage of surrendering to a higher power, of "letting go and letting God." The key here is to realize that this higher power is not something outside of you, it's within you. Surrender, then, is not powerlessness. Surrender is about turning over the driver's seat of your life to your soul--to the full, intelligent, powerful, creative being that is the true you. It's about freeing yourself from the reckless driving of your personality that keeps crashing you into one dissatisfying conundrum after another or that keeps speeding you right past all those lovely, magical roadside attractions. When you let your soul guide you, you surrender to the need to reach any destination, knowing that wherever you are in the moment is perfect.

The path to an authentic life is a journey inward to our inner being instead of outward into the world. It's about claiming the power within us instead of seeking our power externally. Authenticity means honoring the self, not the self-image. It means listening to soul rather than to ego. It allows our hearts, so long shushed by our intellects, to finally speak.

Melody Larson is an inspiring author, teacher, presenter and Soul Purpose Guide whose mission is to awaken people to the spiritual potential that lies within them. She's the author of 2 books: the newly released Delighting the Soul and the highly popular The Beginner's Guide to Abundance. For free book excerpts, free online learning forums, and more--visit Melody's website at Delighting the Soul.

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Sunday, February 8, 2009

Your 2009 Stimulus Plan is Approved!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday February 9 2009

Good day all and welcome to the start of Valentine's Week, and what a hoot it will be.

Undoubtedly you are going to be inundated with images and hints about what you should be doing for Valentine's Day. Here at The Wealthy Attitude we feel that this should be "your" week. A week where you appreciate yourself, honor yourself, and, may we suggest, love yourself.

To get the week started on a fine note, we go to our friend Philip Humbert as he sets forth an image of leadership in these very weird times that I believe you'll relate with. You may even see yourself within his example. Will you see yourself as a "winner"?

Your 2009 Stimulus Plan is Approved!
by Philip Humbert

I've been fascinated (and a bit disgusted) watching our "leaders" squabble over how much money they'll spend to "stimulate" us. Mary will tell you that as I watch the shenanigans that pass for "debate," I get plenty stimulated! Unfortunately, that sort of stimulation rarely leads to anything productive.

I have a better idea.

I believe the politicians are trying to do the right thing, and I wish them well. But I'm not willing to wait and I'm definitely not going to count on their generosity for my well-being! I've always believed my success is primarily up to me, in good times and in bad.

If you agree with that, let's get to work! Every crisis has winners and losers. Some people look at a crisis and become victims. They wait and wonder and hope for someone to make things betters. Others figure "if it's to be, it's up to me." They take action, find solutions and inevitably they emerge from even severe economic turmoil in a much stronger position.

In a crisis this severe, many things are beyond our individual control and we may all be battered and wounded. We may get kicked around or be knocked down, but I plan to survive and my intention is to thrive!

Here are four things I notice about the winners in life:

1. They Know Their Direction in Life. Winners are rarely lost or confused. They know their core values, they are clear about their priorities. They have found the "north star" that guides them and they keep moving forward. Not everyone takes the time to clarify their values and these people are "blown off-course" or "knocked down" when storms hit. Winners take time to ponder their values and set their priorities. They know their course in life and rarely lose their way.

2. They Have A Plan. Winners never settle for "hope" or even a "vision" of the future. They create blueprints and lists. Personally, I like the word "strategy." They know HOW they will achieve their goals. They know the steps, the resources and time it will take. Too many of us confuse "effort" with "progress." Winners never make that mistake. They have a well-designed plan and they follow it to the top.

3. They Have A Team. Winners know that successful people don't get there by themselves. Winners have coaches and partners, advisors, mentors, teachers and colleagues. At the very least, they have cheerleaders to celebrate their success and comfort them when they stumble. Winners know that bad things happen and they build alliances, networks and teams so they can triumph in tough times.

4. They Take Reasonable Risks. They take action. They invest and they follow-through. While others wonder "if it will work," winners jump in with both feet. They make decisions, they sign contracts, they take action and they "go for it." There are very few sure things in life and the winners know that sometimes you have to take a (reasonable) chance, try something new or be different to achieve more than average success.

If you want a stimulus plan in 2009, write your own! Eventually the politicians will decide what they think will work, and eventually it will get implemented, and eventually it will lift the economy and (hopefully) we'll all benefit. But no government "stimulus plan" will ever compare to using your own ideas and actions to create success RIGHT NOW!

Don't wait for "them" or for "someday!" Create and approve your own stimulus plan. Be sure it reflects your values. Take time to create a plan or blueprint, and check with your team to be sure people are with you. Then, take risks and go for it! I guarantee no government bail-out will ever be half as stimulating as creating the life you truly, always wanted!



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Friday, February 6, 2009

Notes From The Universe

Another note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Friday February 6 2009

Hello again everyone, and as promised in my previous note today, I'm delivering the usual Friday video.

Today's offering will be highly impactful. The wonderful Mike Dooley, creator of Notes From The Universe, is being interviewed in three parts by Lara Berman from USC. This is an ideal opportunity to discover the magic that is Mike Dooley.

Mike's daily reminders of how truly magnificent you are sets a positive note for hundreds of thousands of people. The proof of the pudding is in the trying. When you've spent 20 minutes getting to know this great contributor, you'll want to hear from him every day. I promise.

Have fun with him.

Notes From The Universe

Make this weekend something amazing.

See you on Monday.

Take care.

~peter~

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Thursday, February 5, 2009

How to Let Go of What You Don´t Want and Create What You Do Want!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Friday February 6 2009

Hello there folks and welcome to the end of "Procrastination Week"

Firstly, you are familiar with getting a video offering on Friday, and you certainly will get that later today. I wanted to end the week the way we started.

My deepest thanks and congratulations go to our friend Jan Janzen for her amazing contribution this week. She went above and beyond with her five great readers.

As I mentioned yesterday, if you are part of a team you'll want to make sure you get Jan's offerings into their hands.

Also, now's the ideal time to take an opportunity to get Jan's books into your business library, and get on her mailing lists. You'll be very happy you did. You can get Jan's stuff here:

We wrap up Procrastination Week on a very powerful note.

How to Let Go of What You Don´t Want and Create What You Do Want!

by Jan Janzen

The last reason we are going to cover this week is that your affirmations do not resonate with you. What do I mean by that? Let´s say you are affirming wealth by saying something like, “I am wealthy”, “I have a million dollars in the bank” or “I deserve to have an abundance of money in my life”. What happens then? Every file in the subconscious mind will come forward to either support or reject that comment. So if you have a dominant file around deserving that is not positive, you will notice some resistance in the pit of your stomach when you say that affirmation. It´s like you can hear the voice say, “you don´t deserve a million dollars. Who do you think you are?”

If you want to use affirmations as part of your personal development journey, you need to create affirmations that resonate with you at a cellular level. So how can you do this with an affirmation? If saying, “I am wealthy” brings up a feeling of resistance or you notice negative thoughts popping into your head immediately, then that affirmation is dredging up the conflicting files. Not what you want. No wonder you won´t get what you want! You´re actually affirming the negative or the opposite.

You are looking for an affirmation that feels good to you at a deep soul level. For example, you may say, “I have a million dollars in the bank”, and then immediately hear the voice, “no you don´t” and have the emotion of hypocrisy, doubt or overwhelm sweep over you. Not a very positive charge. But if you say, “I am working on creating a million dollars”, then there may be little to no resistance.

An affirmation is simply a thought expressed either internally or verbally. Whether or not you think you “do affirmations” or not, you are constantly affirming what you are getting in your life just by being alive, thinking and speaking. So you can´t avoid the creation process even if you think you can. You are constantly creating – you just may not be creating what you want.

To let go of beliefs that don´t work, I was given this very easy process. But it comes with a warning. It only works if you use it. So if you are serious about having an amazing life, then know right now this is going to take some effort. However, it is well worth it. I know that personally. I went from homeless, almost bankrupt and lonely to living in Mexico in a beautiful condo, having an amazing career and spending my life with a wonderful partner. It didn´t take me decades to clear the negative programs out of my life although I was brainwashed in negative thinking for the first 38 years of my life. Although there was lots of deprogramming I needed to do, it took me a few short years. So know you can do, be or have what you want. You really can.

To release those negative programs, practice this daily: “I release at a DNA and cellular level the belief that”….and state your belief. Let it flow as it comes out of your mouth. It may be brief or you may find yourself having quite the dump of negative programming. When you feel complete, then say, “I KNOW in every cell of my body that I am”…and state what you know at some level to be the truth for you. I know this sounds silly but in the words of my earliest mentor, T. Harv Eker, you can either be right or you can be rich. So you can either feel silly or you can create an amazing life.

People pay me a lot of money to do this practice with them and then refer their friends to do the same thing with them…so it works. Yes, I can go deeper than you may be able to do at first but this works, plain and simple. I have healed people physically, emotionally, mentally and financially using this simple process. You need to clear out the programs that aren´t working and you need to affirm the ones that you want to be prominent.

Can you really create the life you want? Absolutely! But you may be procrastinating about your New Years Resolution because:

1. You aren´t really passionate about what you said you wanted.
2. You are afraid of getting what you really want.

By going through what I have suggested for you this week, you will have incredible clarity about why you have forgotten about your dreams, buried them in the back of the closet and decided to put up with mediocrity in some area of your life again!

I take the quality of my life very seriously and I suggest you do too. Put some effort into clearing the old negative files and reinforcing the positive ones that will help you manifest what you want. And if that feels like too much work, then that is the first program you need to get rid of. Creating an amazing life is much less work than struggling with a rotten one, being in a toxic relationship, dealing with health issues and being broke. Follow the directions I´ve given you this week. Do whatever it takes. Go ahead and create what you really want for your life. You´ll be very, very glad you did!

Jan is a “classic” entrepreneur, coach, healer and author of two books including her latest release, Getting off the Merry-Go-Round - How to Create the Life You Want Without the Fear, Doubt and Guilt. You can order her book here: www.nomorefeardoubtandguilt.com


Click below to reach Jan's website.
Jan Janzen - Entrepreneur, Author & Coach

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Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Conflicting Files Create Procrastination

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday February 5 2009

Good day there all and welcome to Thursday.

I have to say that I'm pleased as punch with the series that Jan has developed. For all of you "team leaders" who take your leadership seriously, you should be making sure that you get this information in everyone's hands as soon as you can. It'll help everyone get their goals and intentions for the year right on track.

So let's get right into Day 4 of "Procrastination Week".

Conflicting Files Create Procrastination
by Jan Janzen

You´re feeling safe about your goals. You´re talking about them with passion. You´ve got clarity. But it´s still not working for you. What else is stopping you? Another reason you may have procrastinated about your New Years Resolutions is because there are conflicting files in the subconscious mind that are sabotaging you. What exactly does that mean?

In working with hundreds of clients, I discovered that many people assume that the subconscious files have been neatly sorted out like California Closet has been through them. Red shoes are with the red outfits, ties are all color coded and sweaters are perfectly folded. Let me tell you, your subconscious mind looks more like dog food that has been through a blender and now you need to find three grains of rice! So know you are more complicated than you thought. However, you can sort through this and get what you want.

What do I mean by conflicting files? For example, you may have the file that wealth is a good thing that you very much desire. There may also be a file that wealthy people are ostentatious and pompous. Terms like “rich bitch”, “filthy lucre” or “dirty money” may be phrases you regularly use. Perhaps you remember yourself thinking “who does he think he is” as you see someone in an expensive car cut you off on the highway or take up two parking stalls at a crowded parking lot. You may feel resentment that just because the driver has money, he is obnoxious in his behavior. Do you see the conflict? You want money. However, that´s a little file that hasn´t been given any juice or charge. It´s just sitting there minding it´s own business. Then you have the file about money and obnoxiousness. That file brings up the emotions of resentment, anger and fear. There are a truckload of emotions, beliefs and programs attached to each one of those. Just around the emotion of fear, there may be the belief that you can´t be obnoxious, disliked or resented because it´s not safe when you aren´t liked.

Are you starting to see how one positive belief or file can be cancelled out by the emotions, beliefs and files of a conflicting belief? It´s quite fascinating how our subconscious mind really works and to understand why you aren´t getting what you want in your life.

What if you want to be in a relationship and one of your goals was to meet the love of your life in 2009? There are undoubtedly files around love, romance and sex, marriage and companionship that are positive. However, if you were sexually abused as a child, made to feel stupid by your parent of the opposite sex or betrayed by a partner that cheated on you, those files will have a charge that is right off the Richter scale. Remember, you need to feel safe and any one of those events or something equally as devastating in your life will send up red flags and wipe out any little charge that wanting to be in relationship has created.

Imagine that the New Years Resolution that you want to manifest is like a little fish in the ocean. It´s getting some strength but it is obviously not a big fish (or the predominant file in your subconscious mind) because otherwise you would have what you wanted already. So along comes the big fish that has had years to grow and get strong and literally swallows up that little fish that is your New Years Resolution. Many of the programs that will conflict with your goals for the year will have come from childhood and will have had years to be fed by supporting emotions and circumstances that will have strengthened the belief. That little fish doesn´t have a chance of surviving unless you take some specific action to help it grow and become the big fish.

How can you know the conflicting beliefs that are stopping you? It´s impossible to know them all but all you need is to have the heavier charge weighted on what you want. You can do this two ways.

1. Get clear on what you want, give it plenty of emotion and be sure it feels safe for you to have it.

2. Realize that if you aren´t manifesting your goal, you have beliefs that are counteracting it so start to observe your thoughts and words and start to let those beliefs go.

I´ll show you an easy way to let those beliefs go tomorrow. But start today by being aware of the conflicting files in your subconscious mind as you listen to yourself think and speak. Know you can manifest your New Years Resolutions but they will need to feel safe, have lots of emotion around them, be very clear and be the predominant file in your subconscious mind.

Jan is a “classic” entrepreneur, coach, healer and author of two books including her latest release, Getting off the Merry-Go-Round - How to Create the Life You Want Without the Fear, Doubt and Guilt. You can order her book here: www.nomorefeardoubtandguilt.com

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Tuesday, February 3, 2009

What Are You Ordering in the Restaurant of Life

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Wednesday February 4 2009

Good day there all and welcome to the midweek point.

I know you join me in thanking Jan Janzen for her offerings this "Procrastination Week".

Jan really has set a new precedent here with her generous involvement. When you look at the statistics of how many of us have dropped our resolutions and intentions for the new year before Valentine's Day, it is refreshing to have someone compel us to re-visit our goals.. Jan's contribution certainly does that.

A few subscribers chatted with me personally yesterday about what they were learning from Jan's "readers". What they had in common was that they all wanted to share what they read with their friends. So, in response, we've now added a "Tell a Friend" button on the blog where you can now easily share the message with folks you'd like to receive it. Now that's convenient.

So, let's get to Jan's midweek offering.

What Are You Ordering in the Restaurant of Life
by Jan Janzen

How many times have you sat in a restaurant and stared at the menu? You go over it again and again but you just can´t decide what you want to order. You finally decide on the chicken pasta salad but your companion orders steak and lobster. When the meals arrive, the boring chicken pasta salad lacks any pizazz beside the juicy steak and succulent lobster served with garlic butter. You now realize that you really wanted steak and lobster. You just didn't have the clarity to order it.

We do that all the time in life. You really want the first-class plane ticket to Bali and a month´s holiday at a fabulous spa. Instead you take a coach seat to Winnipeg and go visit cousins. You really want to buy the $250 dress at the boutique that makes you feel like a million dollars. Instead you go to the final clearance sale at the mall and pick one up for $39 that fits okay.

Clarity is critical. Many of us were trained from childhood to be vague about what we wanted because we were actually disciplined or punished when we got “too demanding”. It was considered fine to say that we were hungry but if we spelled out exactly what we felt like eating, Mom probably looked at you and yelled something about not being your servant or waiter! When you said that you wanted to be a nurse or a teacher, most parents didn't ask you to get clear about what that looked like for you. Did you want to be a nurse in intensive care or in obstetrics? Did you want to be a Science teacher at a high school or a kindergarten teacher? When we did get clarity, we were often told to not be “so picky, opinionated or demanding”.

Consequently, clarity when it comes to our New Years Resolutions is often lacking. It doesn't mean you need to know all the how-to's because you don´t. But it does mean you need to be clear about what you want as the end result.

Perhaps you made as a New Years Resolution the goal of eating healthier. What does healthier really mean? Some people think that drinking Diet Coke instead of regular Coke is healthier. Other people would take that to mean a completely organic diet and others would clarify that as meaning that they ate 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Are your goals clear enough so that you will know when you have arrived at them?

A good question to ask yourself is: If someone else read my New Years Resolutions, would it be obvious to them what I wanted?

Let´s say that you want to be a millionaire by the time you are 50 years old. Does that mean that you will have $1,000,000 in the bank in cash, assets worth a million dollars or some combination of? Is that goal to be reached by your 50th birthday or in your 50th year?

Does any of this matter? I believe yes. I view the Universe like that restaurant. What would happen if you finally decided on the pork chops but five minutes later you told the waiter that you now really wanted the chicken salad because you know you should be eating healthier? But ten minutes later, you decide that you are only going to feel rich if you act like you´re rich and so you change your mind and order the steak and lobster. However, as it gets closer to the dish being served, you start to worry about how you are really going to pay for it and you quickly order a tuna fish sandwich instead.

What kind of bedlam would you have created in the kitchen of that restaurant? You would probably be asked to leave the restaurant without getting a meal. You´d have wasted a lot of time and energy and come out with nothing except an empty stomach. So now think about the Universe, our partner in co-creation. You start off by saying that you want to lose 25 pounds. But then as it gets harder to stick to the diet, you decide that maybe 10 will be good enough. Then you try on a pair of pants and oh my goodness, they don´t even slide over your hips, never mind being able to do up the zipper. You firmly decide that you really need to lose at least 20 pounds. A few weeks later, you get invited to a party and faced with all that delicious food, losing 15 pounds seems more realistic.

The Universe, your body, and your subconscious mind are now so confused by what you really want and what they need to do to get it for you, everybody throws in the towel and you forget about losing the weight because it just seems so hard to do. No kidding!

Do you see where you do this in your life? Stop it. It won´t get you what you want and it will get you a real messy life full of uncompleted goals and dreams. You can do better than that with some real clarity.

Jan is a “classic” entrepreneur, coach, healer and author of two books including her latest release, Getting off the Merry-Go-Round - How to Create the Life You Want Without the Fear, Doubt and Guilt. You can order her book here: www.nomorefeardoubtandguilt.com

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