Bankrupt, and Yet Wealthy!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Friday May 22 2009

Hi everyone and welcome to the weeks end.

I know I said I'd be offline for the duration of our transition to the Okanagan Valley, but the awareness's and lesson's keep coming in each and every day and I wanted to share something with you.

I've known about this for many years and here's my opportunity to share it with you.

Bankrupt, and Yet Wealthy

Have an outstanding weekend.

Take care,

~peter~

Our Gift To You.

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday May 11 2009

Hello there everyone and welcome to the start of another brand spanking shiny new week.

As I've been mentioning for a little while, we are moving The Wealthy Attitude, us, our stuff (though much less), our "puter's", and our books to beautiful British Columbia starting today.

I'm going to be "on the road again" for the next week and so that you don't, in any way, feel that I'm not thinking of you, I have a gift for you.

Go to this page and you can download an amazing book that I'm sure will keep you engaged until we get back on stream in about a week.

Subscriber Gift Book

Take care,

~peter~

Anger

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Thursday May 7 2009

Good day there all you good folks and welcome to Thursday.

Let me jump right to the point. Over the past few weeks I've been having a bunch of conversations with people who have great hearts, are genuinely nice folks, but who have been finding themselves feeling downright angry. The diversity of issues that is spurring the anger is as rich as the folks are themselves. The common emotion though is simply that, anger.

As is my way, when I'm faced with issues of this nature, I go to the files. Lo and behold, right on top, is an offering by one of our newest contributors that addresses exactly what I feel will help everyone who ever has to deal with....

Anger

by Edwin Harkness Spina

After fear, anger is probably the next most debilitating emotion that humans must confront. Unlike fear, anger is a complex emotion. And unlike fear, which usually paralyzes, anger can spur you to take action, though not necessarily in a beneficial way. Reacting to anger-provoking events will usually make things worse.

If you analyze why you or anyone else ever gets angry, it's almost always because expectations did not match reality. Here's a simple example: You order butter pecan ice cream from a Baskin Robbins store and they tell you they don't have any. You're angry. Why? Because you expected to get butter pecan ice cream from an ice cream store with 31 flavors, but the reality was they didn't have any.

Now, if you had ordered ice cream from a Starbucks and they told you they didn't have any, you wouldn't be so angry. Why? You still didn't get your ice cream, but since coffee shops don't generally serve ice cream, you wouldn't have expected to get any. Not getting what you want by itself does not make you angry - only when your expectations are not met do you get angry.

Expectation is a quality of the mind. We have built up our expectations based upon our past experiences and how we’ve interpreted them. We then project these expectations into the future. Consequently, anger is a quality of the mind. As such, "folk remedies" such as jumping, running or punching a bag or pillow will be largely ineffective. Following these suggestions will make you tired, but you’ll still be angry. And yelling at people whenever you feel angry is also counterproductive. (Not to mention, increasing the likelihood of receiving a beating from people who don't appreciate getting yelled at.)

The pop psychology "let it out" anger reactions are also mostly unproductive. This is because as a mental quality, you cannot use lower vibrational, physical energy to diffuse your anger. As Einstein said, "No problem can be solved at the same level of consciousness that created it." This means you can't use physical means, or even a mental means, to solve a mental problem. You need to invoke a higher level of consciousness. You need a spiritual approach.

What to do? Immediately accept the reality of the situation and become fully present. Only when you are present can you consciously decide if it's best to take action now or continue to accept the reality. Do not resist the reality. Your only two healthy choices are to act or to accept.

Complaining is nonacceptance, which will perpetuate your anger. It turns you into a victim, which the Law of Attraction tells us will bring you even more of the stuff you're complaining about.

Suppressing your anger is also nonacceptance. You still have your anger; you just buried it. It will still attract more anger, and, most likely, it will resurface when you least expect it. You must act or accept.

Anger has no benefit, other than to tell you that you are acting unconsciously, that is, REACTING, based on habit or past experience. Getting angry is a habit that we all have experienced. If you catch yourself, you have taken a step towards higher consciousness.

Here's a more specific example: You're attending your annual performance review. You did a great job for your company and expect a pay raise. You present all your accomplishments to your boss, pointing out the value you added to your company, and you request a raise. Your boss says "no." What should you do?

Remember, act or accept. Anger has no place in this equation. You've already acted to give yourself the best chance for a raise. Further action, at this time, is not likely to change things. Given this, you must accept the situation completely and totally, without judgment or anger.

Assume that everything is exactly as it's supposed to be. You were not supposed to get a raise. The universe conspired to get you exactly what you and your higher self requested. This could be the stimulus to get you to take enlightened action in another direction. You will want to meditate and figure out what that is. Then you can choose to act consciously to create the preferred reality that matches what you want.

This may involve updating your resume and networking with industry contacts for a new job. Or it may involve working on plans for your own business. In either case, taking conscious action will uplift you. You will be amazed at the amount of abuse you can tolerate, when you know that the situation is only temporary because you are taking action to create the reality that you want.

You don't even have to tell anyone else; all you need to know is that you are taking enlightened action. Your spirit will soar.

The fundamental principle at work here is that you are not your mind. Since expectations are creations of the mind, they are not needed. Your true self is beyond the mind.

In a longer term course of action, you will want to dis-identify from or eliminate the thoughts and emotions lodged in your energy bodies that are framing your expectations. In many cases, these thoughts, feelings and beliefs are not even yours! They were instilled in you by your parents, teachers, religious leaders, peers, co-workers, bosses, the media, etc. You accepted them and they are framing your experience of reality today.

When you recognize this is what's happening, you will more easily release them. One of the best ways to do this is while meditating; by being fully present with the single-minded intention to clear them from your being.

To eliminate lower-vibrational, negative energies that lead to stress, anger, pain and suffering, and infuse yourself with higher-vibrational energies that help you connect to your true self, visit Energy Center Clearing.

Edwin Harkness Spina is an award-winning author and speaker. Ed is dedicated to presenting practical mystical techniques to improve people's lives and expand their minds. His workshops and seminars emphasize the practical application of these techniques to help others manifest their dreams.

A Strong Inner Offense

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Wednesday May 6 2009

Hello there good folks and welcome to the midweek point.

As I mentioned on the weekend, The Wealthy Attitude will be re-locating this month to the lovely Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. The buzz about the move is inspiring some ripples that will have a great impact on The Wealthy Attitude Conference scheduled for the Fall of 2010 in Vancouver.

Some of North America's very best authors, speakers, and presenters in the field of personal growth and business development have been in touch with us expressing interest in the event. In preparation for the main 2010 event, have committed to host a number of smaller seminars where we'll be showcasing a select group of outstanding speakers. We'll keep you all aprised as these events come on line.

Today though, we stick with practices and principles that will help you sustain a winning position in "your" economy. Our contributor today will share why it's very important to have....

A Strong Inner Offense

by Karla Brandau

I grew up playing the piano and trying to be fine and refined. When I fell in love, I fell in love with a man who had played quarterback on the football team. One of the first experiences I had with Steve and football was his choice of a movie: a made for TV show about the Green Bay Packers and the legendary coach, Vince Lombardi.

When Lombardi was hired to be the Packer coach, a press conference was held. Lombardi confidently announced that they would have a winning season in spite of the demoralizing losses the Packers had just experienced.

The reporters began needling Lombardi. After several snide questions, one reporter went too far when he asked: "So when you say you are going to have a winning season, does that mean you will win 2 games next year"?

Lombardi had had enough. He looked at the reporter and in controlled rage blurted out, "Let me tell you what winning is, Mister. Winning is being willing to work harder than the next guy, it is being willing to give more than anyone else. If you are smaller, you better run faster. If you are slower, you better hit harder. That is what winning is and if you'd put that to practice in your life, you'd be winning Pulitzer Prizes instead of sitting here in a snow storm asking stupid questions."

I've never forgotten that scene because even though I didn't know anything about football, I understood perseverance, hard work, and the determination to win.

Lombardi and the Green Bay Packers are legendary: five league championships over a seven-year span that culminated with victories in the first two Super Bowls. One of his winning tactics was a strong offense.

The Lombardi philosophy applies to our lives right now: you might be down on luck but you don't have to stay there. Through desire, drive, and strength of mind your human spirit can find a way out of seemingly impossible situations. Finding your personal answers requires contemplation, research into options, and the ability to listen to your gut feelings and impressions.

One could say that our world today is a football game in the mud... not very pretty. Winning requires an inner offense that can stop believing the entire world is against you. Winning requires the ability to throw off the human feeling of powerlessness and turn your energy toward finding opportunities behind every door that appears to be shut. Winning requires seeking the answer to "What can I do to turn this around?"

When you find that answer, your inner offense will kick in and your "I will not fail" attitude will make you a prize winner as you make it through these economic times with dignity and an increased capacity to win against all odds.

Karla Brandau, Certified Speaking Professional, is a workplace consultant and an expert in leadership and professional development. She works with organizations who want to be competitive in the 21st century global marketplace. Sign up for her monthly newsletter, From the Desk of Karla Brandau by going to Karla Brandau.com. Contact Karla at 770-923-0883 for a free consultation or to check the availability of dates to bring Karla to your organization.

Defining The Principles of Greatness

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Tuesday May 5 2009

Hello there all and welcome to this very fine Tuesday.

All I can say is "wow"! Some very courageous subscribers shared with me that they saw themselves exhibiting one, two, three, or even more of the behaviors mentioned in yesterday's reader. They are courageous for "fessing" up, and for doing so, they have the awareness with which to make the necessary changes. Isn't personal growth an amazing thing?

To establish a counter-balance to yesterday's list we turn to a very favorite contributor, and true to form, he delivers an outstanding perspective. You'll very clearly see why it's important to spend time....

Defining The Principles of Greatness

by Philip Humbert

This past week I read another little book listing the "principles of success," in this case they had twelve of them and I thought they were excellent. But more importantly, it got me thinking that a great life really is built on a remarkably short list of key principles.

You may have your own list--in fact, I strongly believe you SHOULD have your personal list! Every high achiever I've met knew what they believed, where they were going and how they were going to get there. Winners don't win by accident. They have a personal set of "Basics" or "Fundamentals" or "Principles" that guide them.

Unfortunately, I am convinced that most people never decide what they stand for. They never choose their basic beliefs or the central focus of their lives and so, not surprisingly, they are doomed to wander through life, never quite reaching their desired destination.

Remember the old saying that "no wind blows in favor of a ship without a destination?" It's true.

Author Cherie Carter-Scott has a series of books around the theme of "the rules" and in one of them she boils success down to "ten rules for a fulfilling life." In "The Richest Man in Babylon" (one of the best books on financial independence ever written), George Clason boiled financial success down to seven principles that are high-lighted in a box near the front of the book.

In one of his early and most famous presentations, Jim Rohn talked about "the four things" that make all the difference.

We live in such a fast-paced world that it can be difficult to slow down and stay focused, but success requires discipline. Many people have observed that while "success is not easy, it is remarkably simple!"

High achievers know the value of honesty, integrity, and persistence. High achievers have the courage to set goals and make real commitments to completing them. How often do we "commit" to something, only to change our minds when it becomes difficult or inconvenient? The winners in life make commitments that last!

Successful people know the value of time and stay "on task." They stay focused. They are patient and determined.

And successful people work HARD! Yes, they are efficient and use effective strategies, but they also get up early, stay late, and work hard all day long. They know what they want and they WORK to achieve it.

They avoid distractions. I am continually impressed by how relatively simple, even Spartan, the lives of highly successful people can be. They have a small number of priorities, and NOTHING is allowed to distract or interrupt them.

Finally, I would add that unusually effective people have high levels of "Positive Self-Awareness." They know who they are, and are comfortable with themselves. They can stand alone, if necessary, because they like and trust themselves. They are confident because they know their values, their goals, and the principles they live by.

In the busy-ness of life, it is inevitable that we will be "blown off-course." Things happen, we get confused or stressed or distracted and, from time to time, we end up working very hard on meaningless projects. From time to time, we all "major in minor things" and when that happens, it is absolutely critical that we have a clear set of principles to guide us back to the important things in life.

Determine your "basics" and write them down. List your values and your priorities. Keep it simple, and post your list where you will see it every day. Keep it handy, like a life-jacket, and the when storms of life start tossing you around, you'll know where to go for safety and guidance to get back on track.

10 Ways to Fail in Life, Almost Guaranteed!

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday May 4 2009

Hello there all good folks and welcome to the first Monday of May.

Let me start off by thanking everyone who courageously shared thoughts and reflections on last weeks topics. I had a hoot over the weekend re-living your own experiences with you through your sharing, and now I have only one thing to say" "ROCK ON"!

Folks, many of the reflections we received did seriously highlight a whole bunch of single issues that detracted people from their intentions. Our contributor today kind of wraps them all up in.....

10 Ways to Fail in Life, Almost Guaranteed!

by Patrick Chan

So you want to be successful in life? Is that what you want? Then you better stop failing and become aware of these 10 ways to fail in life.

You see, I've been asked many times for how to achieve success and weird enough, seems like nobody's taking that advice seriously. Then I realized one thing - most people are ALREADY failing before they even get started!

This article is slightly controversial compared to the normal goodie-goodie personal development advice because this is the TRUTH. If I want to keep everyone happy and write about the colorful rainbow, birds chirping, flowers blooming, etc then I should just opens up a nursery home and take care of children. I want to tell you the truth straight to your face because I've been there and heard the garbage lies thrown everywhere.

Avoid these and you'll automatically be on the right track (provided you want to be successful)…

1. Mixing With Losers

It's a guaranteed way to fail in life with this. Whatever you like to do, losers will just tell you it won't work and after some time, you will also become a loser. High five, welcome to the losers' club. Something about losers you should know: they like to recruit new people and are very comfortable in their shoes. They don't welcome change. So when you see someone with either of these two characteristics, you know what you should do.

2. Don't Know What You Want
The most common goal I hear all of the time is, "I want to be rich". I mean it's fine with that generic goal but the problem is, how rich do you want to be? Or how rich is rich? Put it this way - the methods used to make a million and $3,000 are different. No wonder some people couldn't experience breakthroughs in life because they are playing small for big goals. If you want to make a million, you better put in that level of commitment, bucko.

3. You Want Everything
It's nice to have a lot of things but if you go chasing everything, you get nothing. Let me tell you why - you only have 24 hours a day and you've got to focus on your priorities. I know, I know, you can hire others and so on but the fact is, you've got to want 'something' first to lead to another 'something', then to everything. Make sense?

4. Watching "The Secret" Way Too Much
I'm not here to criticize Law Of Attractions (LOA) and don't want to receive hate emails. As a matter of fact, I do believe in it and have friends who appeared in the Secrets. But it's a surefire way to fail if you keep on watching "The Secret" and doing ‘attraction' by sitting down on your floor manifesting 3 hours a day. In my point of view, scientifically, Law of Attraction runs on the concept of 'believing'. When you believe you can achieve your goal, you will take actions to actually achieve it but if you don't understand this basic element and think LOA is some sort of miracle remedy, oh boy, you're in for a big surprise for failure.

5. You Don't Truly Know Why You Want Success
Wanting everything is bad enough - but it gets even worse if you don't even know the reason why you're trying to achieve your goal. What's the deal? Without a solid reason, a compelling reason, where are you going to find the motivation and encouragement for you to overcome obstacles? You think it's going to be fun ride to success? Then you haven't been traveling - it's a rocky road, my friend. Most people failed to achieve their goals because they never complete the journey– they give up half way (or at the beginning) because they cannot see the worth of accomplishments.

6. You Don't Remember Your Roots
The thing I get most irritated about is people who achieved success and never felt gratitude towards those who have helped them. Is it so hard to say thank you? The law of reciprocity is simple – you return favors to those who helped you in the past. And maybe, they'll help you again in the future. Remember this - it takes more than just you to achieve success, so don't be a jerk.

7. You Think You're Smart
The day you stop learning is the day you stop improving yourself. If you don't want to fail in life, make you sure you stop acting as though you already know everything. The fact is, all successful people are people who continuously learn to be even more successful. They don't stop. Let me put it in this perspective - you don't know what you don't know, you know?

8. You Listen To The Wrong People
I watched this funny movie called, "He Is Just Not That Into You" and it just reaffirmed what I'm about to tell you. At the beginning of the movie, it shows a clip of a boy pushing a girl in the playground because he somehow doesn't like her. He thinks she smells like dog pooh. She cried and asked her mum why did the boy do that to her. And her mum replied, "It's because boys do that to girls when they like you." Do yourself a favor, don't get wrong advice. It'll stick in your brain and lead you to make stupid interpretations in life.

9. You Think Short Term
You'll hear this happening often in many 'successful' people's stories – make a lot of money to lose it all. This probably because they became too comfortable and the other thing is, once you achieve success, you should ride on the wave when the momentum is there. When you think short term, you're only going after the instant pleasure. You must learn to master ‘delay gratification' so that you can enjoy your today's labor.

10. You're Blind To What Is Important In Life
I believe there are only two things that are important in your life – control of time and experiencing happiness. Money, love, big cars, diamonds, etc are the things that contribute to these two benchmarks of successes. For instance, if you have money, you don't need to work so that you can have more time to do the things you like. It's not the money that you're trying to get but what the money CAN DO FOR YOU. I know this topic is bigger than one sentence explanation but I guess you get the point.

So now you know the 10 ways to fail in life. Question is, are you doing any of these? I'll be BS'ng you if I said I don't. I'm human, flesh and blood - I do mistakes too.

But I was fortunate to experience my fair share of success today because I learn powerful lessons from other successful people…

"It's okay to fail and you should fail as many times as you can. That is how you learn but more importantly, you should never give up – each time you get kick dirt in your face, wash your face and ‘fight' back. Don't go crying like a sissy because Mum's not going to come cleaning your face."

Are you ready? Go get your goals.

Patric Chan is the creator of Success Trace Private Membership

Mankind Is No Island

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Friday May 1 2009

Good day there folks and welcome to May Day.

This month The Wealthy Attitude is re-locating to the beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. This move has been many years in the making and it is the next chapter of our story.

We expect the transition to unfold smoothly and cause the minimum of disruption to the little adventure we share here five days a week. In fact, it should provide some interesting content for our reflection.

*Note* If you communicate directly with me through the glasshammer@mts.com address, you should change it to the one at the top of this note as I will be switching fully to The Wealthy Attitude server.

Now, on with today's usual Friday video offering.

The bright young man who shot this piece did it entirely on a cell phone. His subject matter and message clearly put him in the company of all of you who have The Wealthy Attitude. You'll quickly see that.....

Mankind Is No Island

Have an outstanding weekend and start of this beautiful month.

See you on Monday.

Take care,

~peter~