One Rotten Apple Spoils the Whole Bunch… Baby!
July 23, 2008
One Rotten Apple Spoils the Whole Bunch… Baby!
It seems to me that bad attitudes compound faster than credit card interest. I know from personal interaction that whenever I speak to people and especially when I do a one-on-one consulting job a good attitude spreads very quickly. A few motivational quotes, some positive words, a plan, the method and the means in which to succeed help in spreading the good mood and Ya-ttitudeTM around quickly. People really do want their worlds and their lives to be 
better and will grasp the Ya-ttitudeTM of positive life with both hands or embrace it wide arms wide-spread. I can vouch for it; I have seen it; and I live it every day.
There is still just one thing that is much more contagious than good attitude is and that is a bad attitude and negative attitudes. I really do have trouble understanding it. Is it “fashionable” or “cool” to be negative? My guess is that you can make many more “wise-guy-” or “smart-ass-” style comments while you are trying to show off your cool new negativity. Do they look smart? Do they think they look smart because they can argue the “negative” side of a conversation or drag someone down to their level? I am sure they believe they are - at least in their own eyes and mind. And then the mob-mentality takes over and each negative comment and commentator is busy trying to outdo the other.
I was recently part of a post-submission on Digg.com and it seemed that the submission got so hot that it hit the front page as a very popular piece. In order to get to the front page of Digg.com the piece has to be liked and voted on by quite a few people. So it was quite obvious that the article or the topic or something had the Diggers digging away; and then it went popular and hit the front page. A few people commented and then one or two made what they deemed funny but degrading comments on the topic and the writer and then the mob-mentality took over. And they had a blast with it - each negative comment trying to out do the other, and each time someone questioned the attitude or the reasoning they got blasted as well. Why? Because people with negative attitudes seek to drag you down to their level. They believe that there is no reason you need to be positive because they are sure there is no reason they should be positive. Their problem is that they are so stuck in the negative-rut that they cannot see the bright and beautiful positive light just in front of them.
This is why when we talk about the 4-step plan to success I emphasize the 3rd step: Your mind tightly closed to all negative influence. Those negative influences can come from places you least expect; friends, family and acquaintances. Many others have a three-step plan and do not include this step, but I feel that it is as important if not THE most important of the steps. It is definitely a step that can trip you up most easily, as we have become accustomed to listening to the opinions of others, especially where friends and family are concerned.
So as the Digger and the Writer found out. Take a stand, tell it like it is. Be confident in you and the things you do and never let anyone enter and take control of YOUR mind. It is yours and you are the only person who will or will not allow entry. Choose the information you assimilate and absorb wisely and above all else be YOU!
And because this post was made on such a sad day I will include a Special Estelle Getty Tribute (Sophia on the Golden Girls)
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The Fear of Old Age: Growing Pains!
July 7, 2008
The Fear of Old Age: Growing Pains!
The Fear of Old Age and those Growing Pains is very closely related to and influenced by three or more of the other Great Fears. The Fear of Poverty, the Fear of Illness and the Fear of Death all have a place in the birth of this Fear. All have a place in the manifestation of this fear and all have a great influence on how we feel about growing old. These three fears have the pleasure of calling themselves the parents of the Fear of Old Age, but in our more modern time the Fear of Criticism and Embarrassment as well as the Fear of the Loss of Love and Loved ones also plays a great part in keeping the fear alive and growing. The fear of Old Age is almost like a review of many of the fears we have previously discussed and of the one big universal one that we will be getting to shortly; The Fear from Death.
In essence this fear of Old Age will serve as a great way to review our understanding of some of the topics we have recently covered, as well as a great way to increase our knowledge surrounding these fears and how to understand and handle them in our every day lives.
My perspective on this fear is a bit different than the classic perspective and with that thought in your mind I feel much more comfortable calling the Fear of Old age, The Fear of Growing Older. It is not purely Old Age that is a fear, but growing “Older” that scares most of us. The fear of Growing Older encompasses many smaller fears that finally create the great Big One! Whether we are in our teens or our sixties the fear is almost the same. Though certain aspects of the fear are heightened at different ages, the components of the fear basically remain the same. And the interesting part is that some of the larger parts of the fear (as in the fear of poverty - translated into “paying our bills”) weigh heavy on all age levels in this fear. 
I remember being about seventeen and hanging out with a bunch of my closest friends one night at a park in Brooklyn that we called home. Amazingly enough that conversation skewed its way into wondering how we are going to pay bills and things when we finished High School for some and college for others. It was a deep and wide spread conversation for a bunch of kids that ranged from 15 to 18 years of age. I remember talking about being the accounting major and taking all those classes on how to write checks (remember those) and balancing books and such and being sure that “this is no big deal.” While others wondered where does the money actually come from? The teen mind is active and moving forward, but still wonders how it will be as they grow older and where their wealth and happiness will come from once they have left the cozy nest.
There are two age groups that seem to be the ones I work most with; those in their late twenties and those who have crossed the line at forty and slightly beyond. The interesting thing about those two groups is that they fear much of the same as it involves growing older. The twenty-something’s are afraid that they have reached their creative and work-worthy limits. At this point in their lives, if they are not “set” then they are in trouble is exactly what they fear. Now as for the twenty-something’s that fear is probably one that comes from times gone by. It was not all that long ago that a “future-forward” person was married, had their children and their career in full swing at 28. In today’s ever-changing world it is not a necessary. I work with many people between the ages of 25 and 31 trying to show them that the “great veil of the future” starts to lift itself at around thirty. From that point you can start to see what it was you did and how you need to work on those goals, and what it is you want to do with your life and start setting a focus and plan to attaining it. It seems that at the tender age of thirty life starts to show itself in full transparency to an individual. Your thoughts become more focused and your work ethic hits a much higher note. This is a fantastic point in your life to overcome the issues that make us fear growing old and old age. It is the perfect time to get your plan in place, start to work hard at attaining it, this is a great time to gather that group of like-minded people to work with you and you work with them in the attainment of you goals and this is a sensitive time where negative influences are concerned. It is a sensitive time as many people are now in full career swing and friends and even family can come down hard on you when you want to go for a major change and move forward with your life’s-goals. If it is something you really want and really intend to work at it - then work hard to block out those negatives and keep the positive outlook. It will allow you to be much more comfortable with old age and growing older as it happens each and every day.
When working with the group that is slightly older and in their early to mid forties things are remarkably similar, but in a slightly different aspect. This group seems to find fault with itself more than any other (except teenagers - but that is a whole other book). There is a definite tendency to “slow down” and develop a false inferiority complex solely based on age. They feel they are “slipping or losing touch” which is very strange because at this ripe “young” age (between forty and sixty) the greatest use of our mental and spiritual assets and attributes are available. Many forty-something’s speak apologetically about their age as if age is an excuse; Instead of realizing that reaching the age of forty, fifty and sixty is an advantage and a gift of wisdom and understanding. How many times have you said “if Only I was Younger?” This is a period in your life when you can use all of the knowledge and experience you have gained as well as all of those friends and contacts and build it into your dream. It is a perfect time to apply everything and get everything as you have now entered the age-of-wisdom and can now be exactly that which you have strived for and if you have not yet started - it is a PERFECT time to get that plan down and move forward. 
You must realize though, that if you are to use your skill and wisdom and all the knowledge that being a forty-plus individual has given you, you must also dress and act the part. Do not try to hide behind fashion-forward clothing and try to be 21 when you are 41. The effect is more ridiculous than advantageous. I am not telling you to not be fashion conscious, just be age appropriate. Dress like the expert you now are. When you are trying to project confidence and expertise you need to look the part. You need your potential “customers” realize that they NEED you because YOU are the expert. If you are going to be the expert - play the part well! You are now at a stage in life that affords you the spoils of expertise, do not give it away by trying to be someone or something you are not; take advantage of what you have learned. That is the way to ward off the fear of Old Age.
Remember: You control all that you want to be. You are the master of you ship, so set sail for success. Do not fear old age and do not fear growing old, as both should be embraced and taken advantage of so that you can prosper.
My Good Friend Nicole from Kitchen Table Medicine would also love to help you. Take a look at her Anti-aging Diet.
Do not be embarrassed about your age - no matter what your age is! - You are better today and everyday - in every way!
Do not fear poverty - You are on the track to defining your goals and your future - poverty does not stand a chance against your force of effort!
Do not fear Illness - as at this age - at any age - you are better than you were yesterday and getting better every day!
Do not fear the Loss of Love - You are better and smarter and wiser with age - all attributes that the ones that you love and that love you appreciate!
Do not fear growing older - It is exactly like your plan - it gets better, focused, defined and refined each and every day!
Do not Fear Old Age - Embrace it, as it is coming regardless - so why fear it - use it to your advantage!
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Fear; The Final Frontier
May 21, 2008
Fear; The Final Frontier!
Fear is definitely not the place that “no man has gone before’” but let me take you on this trek. We will seek out the reasons behind those “ten hot-button fears” and see how a deeper exploration and understanding will show you just how easy it is to colonize them; one-by-one!
Let’s start with a simple List of the Ten Fears…
- Fear From Poverty
- Fear of Criticism
- Fear from Embarrassment
- Fear of Illness
- Fear of Disease
- Fear of the Loss of Love
- Fear of the loss of a Loved One
- Fear of Getting Old/Old Age
- Fear of The Loss of Liberty/Freedom
- Fear of/from Death
Remember: You cannot simply announce to yourself that you are going to have faith and “poof” you have faith; if it were only that easy. And, no they haven’t invented a pill for it either.
The best way to develop faith is to find you some quiet place and some quiet time; I really like to do this in bed as I lay down with my eyes closed, fully relaxed and focused. I use what I have learned. The same things you have learned over the previous 4 or 5 posts.
Yes; there is a method to my madness. A Ya-ttitudeTM to the plan.
With my quiet time and place secured I begin my focused-faith. My mind becomes cleared of all the negative thoughts that may have slipped in through the day. I really like doing this starting with a big smile on my face; it is impossible to think negative thoughts with a smile on your face. That is a great way for you to build a negative-thought-blockade - a simple smile…
Give yourself about half an hour and these two simple steps.
In your mind and your minds-eye express your desire for accomplishment of a purpose and create that definite plan for its achievement; see it as you are living it in your mind-written script.
Start acting on your desires backed with desire and enthusiasm building your excitement as a path to your goals.
Now work these out in your mind. See them coming to fruition. Watch as it happens. You are living them out in your mind. All of those accomplishments you want to achieve are being achieved. Success is already a major part of your life. Your greatest goals are all happening right before your very minds-eye. Your dreams and plans your hopes and wishes they are all becoming reality. The ARE reality. Yes! Watch them unfold and enjoy them as they were already a done-deal! Really work it!
Better than a Hollywood Movie
It is a Ya-ttitudeTM-Movie.
This exercise should be done at least three times a week. I actually work this mind magic at least 5 nights a week; as there will be other mind-games to add to our arsenal soon.
Next Time:
Fear; I Ain’t Afraid of No Poverty
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Sleep Deprivation Cured: Sleep Concentration
May 13, 2008
My Last few posts were fairly long, so today I figured I would give something a little shorter to read, but just as important to your success, your life and your Ya-ttitude.
Most of you who have read along over the last few weeks and months or have followed my comments here and elsewhere realize that I preach the division of your day into three equal parts. You need 8-hours for work and 8-hours to enjoy yourself. Enjoying yourself can consist of man things, the betterment of your life, time with the kids, reading writing etc. Today I want to look at those last 8 hours of your day, the hours you should be asleep.
With our hectic schedules and all the pulls and pushes of life I often hear comments like this, “Sleep is over rated” or “I’ll sleep when I am dead, I am too busy now.” Well these comments and the lack of a quality night of sleep are as big a roadblock to your success as not developing a plan or an underdeveloped desire to achieve.
To Sleep; A Chance to Dream…
I am going to show you a simple yet effective and time-tested method to get you mind and body to relax and prepared for a wonderful night of sleep. In turn your subconscious mind will have a chance to drive home a clear path for your success full Ya-ttitude.
The Water Method
Place a full glass of water on a table in your bedroom, (I actually have an aquarium in my room for just such occasions - fish and all) and sit in a chair beside the table. Gaze quietly into the glass; see how calm the water is. Then in your minds-eye see yourself becoming calm, feel your muscles relax and your mind slowing down. Allow this script to write itself in your mind. Write your days end, the time to sleep and regenerate in your personal script. Play it out, feel it happening; you are getting tired and you do so want to sleep now. You can feel your pillow and that soft blanket, the soft edges of your consciousness fading away, as the softness of sleep quickly approaches. You know that ultimate relaxation is here now and play it over in your mind over and over again, feel it and live it as it is actually happening and has happened.
Keep this thought and idea in your mind; “There is nothing to it; there is no problem to fall asleep.”
You are just now starting to understand how important and in how many ways concentration will have an effect on your life, your success and on your Ya-ttitude.
Sleep well…
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Concentration 102: A Ya-ttitude of Desire
May 12, 2008
Concentration 102: Desire
Desire is an important topic where it is related to your success. You will have noticed that I have touched on the subject many times during the writings, starting right from the first post: The 4-Step Plan to Success until this one here; and be sure we will be talking about it many more times. Desire, Your desire is one of the 4 secrets to your success. You really need an emotional desire backing everything you do in order to be successful. This is neither the time nor the place to go at tings half-hearted. Your success will be and is driven by your desire. It does not matter how and what you define your ultimate success; just know that desire is a leading factor in its achievement. Desire is what will bring “it” home for you! Yes, you are correct, there are other major attributes to your success; Desire is one, but of course your written plan, your Master Mind group and your mind shut off of all negative influence are your big four. Persistence in all four of these will get you where you want to be; but your desire to do it, be it and live it will make it happen.
Desire which is one of the hardest emotions to control, as it can bring as much negative into your life as positive if not controlled correctly, is a perfect place to discuss a new exercise for you to work on and perfect on your road to Ya-ttitude.
Concentration on Desire; a Ya-ttitude Adjustment
It is very natural to want to show and tell others all about what you know and what it is you are working on in your everyday life. By working on controlling these urges you will find a fantastic way to concentrate and strengthen your desires into a useful tool for your future.
Remember: You have a full plate of business to take care of in your life, so wasting time on idle gossip or being braggadocio is just not the focus you are looking for if you want to be the best you can be at all times.
The news you gather about others will serve you best locked behind closed doors of the mind. In both your short term and your long term you will be best served with keeping this info to yourself (of course circumstances will change this - but only in rare instances.) If you hear good news, fight the urge there as well - control yourself in both instances. This will really work your ability to control your desires and once you have the ability to control your desires you will attain the ability to focus it to greater use as well; your greater good and greater success.
If you get excited from good news try this. Fight the urge to tell the first person you meet all about the information. I know that this will require all of your will power to fight that desire, but work it, work it and make it happen; especially if this is a habit of yours. Work hard on your will power - I know you can do it and you know you can do it - we both can’t be wrong! Now once you feel you have it under control and the urge has passed and you have gone a while without spreading the news, go ahead and feel free to tell someone. But be sure you have overcome that desire; you have fought those urges and were able to tuck them away and move on! Be sure you have your emotions under control and in check and then go ahead and talk about it. Of course this works the same way with new that is not pleasant. Fight that urge, stow the information away behind those doors of the mind and when you are sure you have complete control then and only then you can share the news.
Say to yourself: “Nothing is going to cause me to lose control; I will tell no one - I am strong of will and desire and I can do this” Make it personal - Add your name in there - Talk to yourself as if you were doing this to someone else. Drive the control home! YOU Can do it! We know you can - don’t we!
You will find these experiences will benefit you in all phases of life. You will be looked upon as the cool-headed under-control leader, or that level-headed person we all need to go to when we need guidance. You will become that go-to guy in your life and in your Master Mind group. You will have taken another step towards your success and your Ya-ttitude.
Of course you must always look at the specific circumstance when you work this control, obviously there are times you need to react quick and move forward with the information; these exercises will make that quite clear to you.
You were given two ears and one mouth for a reason - work that reason to your advantage.
Remember: “He who rules his spirit is greater than he who rules a city.” -
And that is because you cannot rule the outside until the inside is under control.
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Concentration 101.2 and more: Time to Focus
May 7, 2008
Concentration 101.2 (thru .6) Time to Focus
A key element to the entire study of Ya-ttitude is Focus. While running on the treadmill, aren’t we supposed to find a spot to focus on and go-go-go? I remember when I played ball in my recent past. Our batting coach always reminded us about finding a spot on the pitcher and focus on that – watch the ball come out of that focus-spot and get to hacking. In life, knowledge is great, but focused knowledge is power, Desire is essential focused-desire is unbeatable and energy is always needed but focused energy bring home your success!
Today’s exercises are clearly focused on developing your focus!
101.2
Find a straight-back chair to sit in and have you a seat. Sit back in the chair, chin up and shoulders straight with your back resting against the chair. Then point your right arm out and make sure it is level with your shoulder. Turn only your head and look directly at your fingers. Palms should be downward-facing at this point and your eyes locked on the tips of your fingers. Now, work on keeping your arm perfectly still. Focus on your fingers and watch them intently. Your fingers will let you know if you are slipping in your attention and your control. Try this for one minute with the right arm and then one minute with the left arm at first, but eventually I want you to be able to do this for five minutes with no loss in control. Pay tight attention to your fingers and do not let your mind waiver, as once it does, so will those fingers.
101.3
Fill a small glass with water, and again sit in a similar fashion as in exercise 101.2. Hold the glass in your right hand, with your fingers, not centered in your palm. This time point your arm out directly in front of you. Hold steady now and focus on the waterline in the glass. That line will be your signal if there is a change in your focus and control. Hold that arm perfectly still and straight. Start with your right arm and then repeat this with the left. Being able to do this for one minute at first will be fantastic, but eventually I want you to be able to do this for 5 minutes on each arm. Practice this, hold steady your focus as it will allow you to hold steady your control. You can do it!
101.4
Here is one that you can work on all day long. You can and should do this one in all situations, at home and at work. It is time to watch your body. Well time to focus in on the movements of your body that is. Focus in on the movements of your muscles. The real key here is to see that you are not making unnecessary and unneeded extra motions and movements with your body. Be sure to keep all of your muscles at ease during the day and as you work this exercise. Keep your mind on staying relaxed. Control the tension and remain tension-free. Please pay close attention to anything – events, actions, words and people that may cause you to lose focus and tense up. Be sure to pay very close attention to what or who they are – even jotting down some notes if you can. Work on eliminating all useless gestures: eye rolling and hand waving to name but two. Eliminate the wasted energy by focusing your energy on the elimination of needless actions and movements.
This is an incredible skill and once acquired you will notice two amazing things:
1. How you are able to stay relaxed and at ease in all situations (imagine this skill during a job interview or a salary negotiation with your boss) and
2. How ill-at-ease those who cannot control their bodies are around someone who can. This will allow you an amazing advantage in most situations; imagine how much you can learn from others when you can focus in on them and be relaxed, always.
101.5
Sit comfortably in a chair and then slide it up close to a table. Lay your right hand on the table with your palm facing up. Make a fist, curing all of your fingers and wrapping it up with the thumb folded over neatly.
Time to relax and focus your mind.
Focus on your thumb, and slowly unfurl it. Watch it slowly and painstakingly as it moves up and away from the rest of your fingers. Then slowly do the same with your forefinger, watch closely, focus on the movements, pay close attention. Now slowly do it with the rest of your fingers, following the same guides as previous. Once they are all open, reverse the process. Again, slowly, focus in on just the movements of the fingers – focus your attention. Then switch hands and repeat the process. Continue to do this exercise until you have done it 5 times with each hand. Give it time. But over the next few days work on increasing the amount of times until you can comfortably do ten of these.
I bet this exercise will actually make you feel tired; but please continue to train your attention on your movements and your fingers. You must keep your attention at a highly-focused level or the value of this exercise will be lost.
101.6
Place your hand on your knee and fold all fingers except the forefinger into a fist. Your forefinger will basically be pointing out away from your knee. Move your finger up and down, slowly pay attention to only the movement of the finger, nothing else. Up and down at first, then right and left – focusing attentions on the moving finger. This one is much harder than you think as your mind will be looking for much more exciting things to do and think about; how exciting is watching the motion of your finger? This is quite boring for your mind, so you will really need to focus on the finger and work on keeping your concentration locked on the movements.
Make up a bunch of singular-body-movement exercises; Always being sure to focus in on the singularly moving part of your body. It is great training to come up with your own little singular-movement exercises and work on them – always paying attention and focusing in on the moving part only!
Main Point Here is keeping it simple! All your energy and focus must be locked in on that moving part only. You will notice that your mind really does want to wander away from its focus with this one and try to find something more interesting to think about – fight the urge – focus and pay attention!
I know, I know, I know - It sounds too simple and cheesy and corny; much too easy to be effective. Listen to me on this one, you will be absolutely amazed when you will notice (and in a very short amount of time,) that your mind and body control have become remarkable. You will have gained control over all of your muscles and movements and you will have learned incredible focus. Just imagine all the places you can use this to your advantage and all the places this will help you to achieve that ultimate goal and success. Even in simple everyday occurrences these skills will astound you. Next time you are in a bar or a club and you want to walk over to that guy or girl and start a conversation – this is a skill you will thank me for later. Job interviews with no nervousness and uncontrolled hand and body movements, meetings with you in total control even better focus during sex with your lover – Ya! now your thinking.
The person that can concentrate can gain full control over their body with their mind; you become your master not your slave.
Try them – You will be sending me those emails of gratitude shortly!
Note: Many of the excercises are a modernized, easier to use version of excercises originally introduced in 1935 By Dumont Theron. Obviously a man way ahead of his time.
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Concentration 101
May 3, 2008
Concentration 101
There are a multitude of exercises that are designed to help your concentration; and I believe later on we may go into a few of them (Hey we are working our way to the best possible person you can be). In almost all of the books I have read on the subject of concentration, the training of certain parts of your mind and body are explained and refined in and during a series of exercises that are specific to one area at a time each building upon the previous; and that is exactly what we will be doing - eventually.
Concentration to eliminate nervousness, worry, temper and fears of all kinds are tops on the lists and there are many more aspects of life that concentration and the development of concentration are incredibly effective upon. Who could disagree with working on eliminating all of these habits by refining specific concentration methods to do so; it is a great way to redirect the bad habit and working on your concentration will in the end be a fantastic tool you can use to your full advantage.
I am a huge advocate of developing various methods of concentration; and as I said earlier, we are definitely going to go over my top-ten list of concentration tools. But the fundamental flaw I have always thought existed in the teaching of concentration is the order in which exercises are brought about.
No, its not that I want to retool your ability to stop twitching as a nervous habit first before anything else or adjust the level of concentration you have in regards to your temper third of all, though I actually believe that there is a quasi-order, but the order is not so dependant as is the faith in your own concentration.
Ahhh - we have touched the first anchor point. Yes! You need to believe you can do it. What good is all the techniques and training if in the end you do not have faith in your own abilities? So - Before I even start to give you the tools that will drive your concentration levels so high you will amaze yourself, or before I show you ways to use your concentration to do anything - first - its time to work on faith concentration.
Ya-ttitude’ism:
Faith Concentration - A belief in the power to concentrate.
I purposely placed this idea here prior to getting into a series of exercises that would not have done a thing for you, because you would have doubted them and worse you have doubt in yourself and your abilities. I know there are those of you out there, I can see you - shaking your head and rolling your eyes at me, that are so afraid of failure that you have no desire to try any of these ideas. Of course you mask that fear behind some really great “jokes” about the concepts, or you will simply ignore the idea and move on with your less-than-successful life all the while sure that YOU have all the answers and there is nothing out here that can help you.
You need not be afraid of failing in this or in anything else. There are two major points’ right here and right now - so stop shaking your head and rolling your eyes long enough to read the next paragraph (or two). Those of you who are ready to take your lives to the next level help those who are afraid by sitting real close to them now - or giving them positive vibes as you read this next section, your positive vibes will help them eliminate their negative vibes and together we all can get to the next step.
Fear vs. Faith (One)
The beauty about this match is that YOU have full control over the outcome. You see, fear and faith make horrible bedfellows, and cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Now this is quite advantageous. As you increase your faith in you and in what you are doing, about to do, getting ready to do and have done - you automatically have decreased the fear in the same operation.
The greater the faith - the lesser the fear
Complete faith in you and your actions - No more fear at all in you and your actions. It really is as simple as that. There is no secret to it - just believe in you and what you are doing. Of course that belief has to be real and has to be there because you know that there is no way to stop you from getting what it is you want. You know that because you will do whatever it takes to makes your goals and dreams a success and do it to the best of your abilities while always taking the high road. Ya - there is a catch - there is no lying, cheating or stealing allowed. You can do everything and be anything as long as you are doing it the right way.
We are the sum of all we have been (Two)
There is never a need to be afraid of failing. The thing you need to be afraid of is the inability to decide. Of course you are going to fail, and I am willing to bet you have failed a few times prior to reading my stuff too. Hey - we all fail; it is what makes us what we are. The failures are the building blocks, the ingredients to the recipe to our successes. So go for it! - fail a little - even fail a lot - but the only way you will be a failure is when you allow that failure to get in the way of your success.
There are few obstacles in life that will not succumb to consistent, sustained, intelligent, positive action. When you are discouraged after you’ve failed at something, remember some of the greatest inventions in life were born from some of the greatest failures. The average person quits after a failure, which might be exactly why there are so many average people and so few great ones. You’re a great one on the rise - because there is no quit it you!
You need to read this section a few times. I am going to take a pause - just here so you can read and reread this a few times. Think about why you are going to be the best at what you are doing. Why there is nothing that has a chance of stopping you as you move towards your ultimate success and why you are now another step closer.
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Mission Two - The Write Stuff
April 29, 2008
Based on All of the responses I received to the First Mission post it seems clear to me that you are all well on your way to achieving that Ya-ttitude; and with that Positive Ya-ttitude flowing through your creative mind; both conscious and sub conscious; your success has now gotten just a little closer to being attained.
Now, since there were three items that made up the details of the First Mission’s to-do list, why would you think that Mission Two: The Write Stuff would be much different. Yuppers! There are three items on the new Mission for you to get those creative juices flowing and get even closer to being that success you know you want to be.
The first three items that you “added” to your positive Ya-ttitude were very easy to accomplish; and though these will be easy as well – they will require considerably more effort and considerably more consistency on your part. I wonder if that may have been why the previous two posts, A Weekend Cure and Maxim of Effort fell in between Mission One and Mission Two – just another one of those things that make you go hmmm. C’mon, you know that the purpose of all of this is your greater success (defined any way you feel your success should be defined) so any effort put forward to accomplish that is a positive effort and all your results will be positive as well!
Your last Mission was comprised of “reading-based” items. They were designed to and have given you a foundation for your new and exciting positive Ya-ttitude. Here we will start to build upon that foundation. Now that you are in the learning-positive-Ya-ttitude frame-of-mind and your head is chock-full of ideas, thoughts, concepts and goals it is time to get those down so they can do you the most amount of good and really create some positive-personal-power for you!
The Write State of Mind: - A Three-Part Mini Series.
Here are your missions (well the mini missions that comprise of you Mission Number two) and again, there is no turning back, no clicking away and no Procrastination. Time to pay attention and get your Ya-ttitude in gear!
Your Definite Goals:
Boys and Girls, we finally made it here. This is the root of all of your future successes. It is the starting point of where you want to go and will create the groundwork for how you are going to get there. But one of the most important parts of this is making sure you have it all written down. BY HAND! Yes! No computers. Write down your goal, your definite purpose, but make sure you are writing this by hand on a plain piece of paper. You remember how we all learned our multiplication tables, writing them over and over and reading them over and over – well – welcome back to that place, just the Adult version.
Find that “quiet place” and grab your favorite pen or pencil and a nice pad or stack of paper and open your mind so all of that positive energy can start flowing. Allow those deep buried thoughts in your sub conscious mind to float freely to the surface. You are now ready to start putting on paper what has been living and growing deep inside you, your dreams and goals that have been building and growing in your mind. Your definite chief aim/goal is what it is YOU are striving for and for each of us the term “success” is defined so differently. But if you are reading along with the rest of us (and I know you are) I know that it is Success in your life that you are striving for and here is one key to accomplishing it.
Your plan has a few components and as we go along you will learn how to create and develop your specific plan. It really is not difficult at all, you need to be true to yourself and dig deep, real deep to uncover all of the details. It is MORE than fine if this plan of yours shifts, adjusts changes or morphs into an entirely different animal. It is even great if your final plan does not resemble the initial plan in any way, shape or form. The fundamental concept you have to understand is that you need to just decide to go ahead and do it. Deciding is of paramount importance. Again, go back to the previous two exercises if you need more definition and more motivation, but at this point I know you can do it and so do you! So sit back and breathe. Allow the energy inside of you and the ink in that pen you are holding to flow and together you will write down what your goal is!
Click here for a “pop up window” example of someone’s quick-plan. It will give you an idea of what I am looking for in your first written attempt. But remember the most important parts of your plan are…
Make it strong.
Make it Personal.
Make it your own.
Make it important and
Make it happen!
Of course you realize that names, dates and places were all changed to protect the innocent and the ex-procrastinators. This is but an outline of how to get going. Write it like you mean it. Reach higher than you ever dreamt that you could achieve and then get to work.
Note: For this part of the course and Mission I only want you to “write” a plan – get it down and get it ready. We will get to the “action” portion as soon as you are ready and you will know when you are, but be sure I will hint and help you all the way through.
Blog it or Lose it!
It’s a new world with new rules lots of new ways and your brand new Ya-ttitude at the ready. The best way to be sure you reach that success-goal is to make sure you are always working and growing that skill set. So welcome to the great new world of blogging. Yes my friends you are now going to become a blogger; a writing and blogging achiever of Ya-ttitude. I want you to start a blog, and those of you who are already writing on one or at the very least already own one, please follow along. If you do not have a blog and need some information on starting one it is one of the easiest things you can possibly do. Go to www.wordpress.com and sign up and get yourself a blog. There are many other places to use, but since WP is where I started I felt a bit of loyalty. One thing I do recommend is if you really start to love the whole blogging process and feel those juices flow immediately, it would be wise to look into a personal site to move your blog to it as soon as you can, it is a lot of work to get it all moved after you really have written tons of posts have all those links bringing you traffic. You really are going to need your own web site as we continue through the pages here and the sooner you do it the easier the transition will be. I have been working with New Ward Development -Melissa has been Great. She can get things ported over quickly and easily and made my transition simple.
Your Blog can be on anything. Pick a subject or a topic and write and write and write. Your success will come from repetition so please be sure to post up at least once every week. Many people love blogging and you just never know – perhaps this becomes that goal of yours. In either way, your blog will allow you to move your success closer and in time will be a place for you to share your results and even your Ya-ttitude with the rest of the world. When you send me your Blog’s URL I will be more than happy to create a page with all of your blogs and get the word out about how you are on your way to Ya-ttitude.
You will realize that this is a great way for you to develop much of the creativeness inside of you. I know that all of us are not poets or play writes, but this is a personal blog, so make it personal. This is your business blog, so make it about your business. This is a funny blog – so go for the jokes. Maybe this is a photo-blog and you want to share with us the great shots you have in your collection. And if you cannot think of an idea – please send me a note – I will give you some direction. I cannot stress enough how important this step is in your achievement of your goals, there IS a reason why there are millions of blogs out there. But just as in our day-to-day lives 95% of those blogs started get no love, because there is no follow through. Do it!
Journalize and Close your Eyes!
Part three and the final part is the easiest part of your Mission number two. A nightly journal is the last part. All I want you to do and all YOU want to do is write down a few sentences every night before bed, about what you did today to get closer to your goal. What you did today to make someone smile. What you did today to make a difference. Just write a few sentences about your day. Stay away from any negatives. Write about positive occurrences in the day. It really does not matter what they are, just that you list the top two or three every night before bed.
See, I told you it would be easy. What a great way to shut your eyes and sleep – filled with positive energy and your newly developing Ya-ttitude.
Now get to writing!
As always I am available for help with any and all of the work you are doing, so please feel free to email me anytime you need help or have a question.
Benny
| 2.5 |
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Maxim of Effort
April 23, 2008
Maxim of effort!
Here is a little exercise that is a perfect follow-up to the previous one - our good ole cure for abulia! This one is designed to reinforce your will power and designed to help you put out the maximum effort at all times. With the ability to keep the effort-level at its peak at all times, there is nothing you cannot achieve! The more you can exercise the will to do and follow-through to completions the better you can control the habit and the better you can control the habit - the better you will be.
So here is my little exercise for you to do everyday: (Another step to your Ya-TTITUDE!)
Every few days (a 30 day trial - takes about 30 days to get a habit formed) do something for no other reason that the simple fact that it is difficult to do. The more practice you have at doing and accomplishing the difficult tasks, when they are not necessary, the better you will be when the time comes for you to have to perform these feats of controlled will and effort. After practicing this for a while, you will no longer become unnerved at the daunting task - as it will not seem daunting at all. You will no longer procrastinate, because you will be trained to do it, not avoid it!
It does not matter what you select as the difficult task, run a mile or two, or make a gourmet meal from scratch, quit smoking, or stop drinking, go to the gym or paint a room - not important, only thing that is important is that IT IS A DIFFICULT task for you and you do it to completion.
Thoughts everyone?
I really do want to hear your comments or email me your thoughts and results as well as ideas!
Ben
| 2.5 |
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A weekend Cure
April 19, 2008
I think that it is time for a little practical application to our cure for abulia. I received many emails and some interesting thoughts and ideas, but here is my challenge to you. It is a one-to-two week challenge but the results will amaze you. For the next fourteen days (seven days for you non-believers - but you will be a believer) I want you to get out of your norm and try to break your habit of abulia - inability to decide. I want you to make quick decisions. I want you to pay close attention to what you are doing - concentrate - use your will power and work on it every minute of the day. You do not have to go crazy here, but I want you to make your decisions quicker for the next two weeks.
At first this may be a bit tough, but concentrate - keep your mind focused, and use your will power to accomplish this goal. When you feel that you may be losing a bit of concentration - just start to count from 100 backwards - and you will regain your concentration quickly. You are forced to concentrate when you do things out of the norm and counting backwards is out of the norm.
I also want you to make sure you get up at exactly the same time everyday for the next two weeks as well (humor me). Anything you wish to accomplish and everything you will accomplish always make sure you do it ahead of your initially scheduled time.
I live in the real world too, so any decisions that are of greater importance and decisions that may need some research should still get due process, but again, do it quicker!
As you learn to make quick decisions on little things, you will start to understand how to make quick decisions on bigger things. This is a tremendous skill to acquire and one that is a founding-block to your success.
Never procrastinate and please make that decision one way or another - do not worry about making a mistake - just make the decision and go with it!
Note: I would love to hear from you on how this is going and your results after one and two weeks. You can email me - or keep us all informed by commenting here!
Ben
| 2.5 |
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Awarded by Amy to Ya-ttitude
