You Need Money To Make Money - Really?

“Some people foolishly believe that only money can make money. This is not true! Desire, transmuted into its monetary equivalent through the principles laid down here [“Think And Grow Rich” book], is the agency through which money is “made.” Money, of itself, is nothing but inert matter. It cannot move, think, or talk, but it can “hear” when one who desires it calls it to come!” -Napoleon Hill

We've all heard the phrases "The Rich get Richer" or "It takes money to make money" but that simply isn't true. The rich won't get richer unless they have the desire to do so nor will the poor who lacks the desire. The old saying "When there's a will there's a way" applies here.

While it may be easier for the rich to make more money, since they've learned from acquiring their fortune, it is certainly not out of reach of the poor. The "money" excuses is just that - an excuse. We can all be rich if we want to be, we just have to learn how.

*This post can also be found on my Personal Blog (Student of LIFE).

The Most Powerful Thought I Ever Read

“Today we come across an individual who behaves like an automaton, who does not know or understand himself, and the only person that he knows is the person that he is supposed to be, whose meaningless chatter has replaced communicative speech, whose synthetic smile has replace genuine laughter, and whose sense of dull despair has taken the place of genuine pain. Two statements may be said concerning this individual. One is that he suffers from defects of spontaneity and individuality, which may seem to be incurable. At the same time it may be said of him he does not differ essentially from the millions of the rest of us who walk upon this earth.” -Erich Fromm

The above is the most powerful statement I ever read. I Have worked in the corporate world for almost a decade now and I had first row seats to what Erich Fromm is describing here. People have become but machines to "do" without much thinking. It's a constant fight not to fall into this trap and to be just another mindless drone.

Keep reading, keep being different!

*This post can also be found on my Personal Blog (Student of LIFE).

Be Mindful of Your Association

“We are the average of the five people we spend the most time with.” –Jim Rohn

Income, the way we think, how we live ... etc is, in most cases, very similar to that of our 5 closest friends. Therefor we want to change our life situation, changing some of our associations would be a great place to start. It is important for us to find and rub shoulders with people who have the result that we want so that we, too, can have those results.

In other words, if we want to be financially free; we'll have a better chance of making it by associating with someone who has achieved this than someone who hasn't.

Be mindful of your associations - they're part responsible for the results in your life.

Think Success!

Whether you say you're good or bad at something - you're right. How you think about something is the indicator of how successful you'll be at it. René Descartes once said "I think, therefore I am" which can apply to this as well.

I remember when I played soccer. I wasn't really good at it nor did I think I was. Some of my friends took the game seriously and it showed in their thinking and actions. They knew they were good and they put a lot of effort in it.

When we practice for something, we not only develop the body, we also develop the mind. We're telling ourselves that we're a winner; we worked too hard not to be!

Think success and you will succeed! Think failure and you will fail. It's that simple.

*This post can also be found on my Personal Blog (Student of LIFE).

Character IS Destiny

"Destiny does not consist in what we feel we should like to do; rather it is recognized in its clear features in the consciousness that we must do what we do not feel like doing." -Ortega y Gasset

The definition of character is doing the right thing. Therefor, like Heraclitus said, "Character is destiny."

"Anyone desiring a noble destiny must first develop a noble character." -Orrin Woodward

Burnout

A burnout happens when someone has been doing something he didn't want to do for too long. How can someone have a burnout when he's looking forward to work every morning?

While it's true that too much of a good thing can be bad-too much of a bad thing is worse.

The surest way to have a burnout is when you have to do something vs wanting to do it. If you're passionate about what you do but have to do it to pay the bills then the passion is replaced with stress which will eventually burn you out.

Be debt free and do the things you're passionate about.

Who Are You When Nobody's Looking?

Is the real "you" the same as the "you" you tell others?

During an interview, Basketball player Kobe Bryant said that Michael Jordan gave him the advice of being himself. He said that if he was himself, the world would adapt to him.

If we adapt to the world, then what new things are we bringing to the table? We were created unique and thought how to be a carbon copy of each other!

Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, Micheal Jordan (etc..) were all geniuses in their own rights and they were also themselves. They will forever be remembered for their individuality.

It is time for us to find ourselves so that we, too, can be remembered for our individuality.

To the question "Who are you when nobody's looking?" Dale Carnegie said "I'm the person I really hope and want to be."

What is your answer?

*This post can also be found on my Personal Blog (Student of LIFE).

Knowledge Over Ignorance - A James Madison Quote

"Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives."

-James Madison

Father Forgets

Father Forgets
W. Livingston Larned

Listen, son: I am saying this as you lies asleep, one little paw crumpled under your cheek and the blond curls stickily wet on your damp forehead. I have stolen into your room alone. Just a few minutes ago, as I sat reading my paper in the library, a stifling wave of remorse swept over me. Guiltily I came to your bedside.

There are the things I was thinking, son: I had been cross to you. I scolded you as you were dressing for school because you gave your face merely a dab with a towel. I took you to task for not cleaning your shoes. I called out angrily when you threw some of your things on the floor.

At breakfast I found fault, too. You spilled things. You gulped down your food. You put your elbows on the table. You spread butter too thick on your bread. And as you started off to play and I made for my train, you turned and waved a hand and called, “Goodbye, Daddy!” and I frowned, and said in reply, “Hold your shoulders back!”

Then it began all over again in the late afternoon. As I came up the road I spied you, down on your knees, playing marbles. There were holes in your stockings. I humiliated you before your boyfriends by marching you ahead of me to the house. Stockings were expensive-and if you had to buy them you would be more careful! Imagine that, son, from a father!

Do you remember, later, when I was reading in the library, how you came in timidly, with a sort of hurt look in your eyes? When I glanced up over my paper, impatient at the interruption, you hesitated at the door. “What is it you want?” I snapped.

You said nothing, but ran across in one tempestuous plunge, and threw your arms around my neck and kissed me, and your small arms tightened with an affection that God had set blooming in your heart and which even neglect could not wither. And then you were gone, pattering up the stairs.

Well, son, it was shortly afterwards that my paper slipped from my hands and a terrible sickening fear came over me. What has habit been doing to me? The habit of finding fault, of reprimanding-this was my reward to you for being a boy. It was not that I did not love you; it was that I expected too much of youth. I was measuring you by the yardstick of my own years.

And there was so much that was good and fine and true in your character. The little heart of you was as big as the dawn itself over the wide hills. This was shown by your spontaneous impulse to rush in and kiss me good night. Nothing else matters tonight, son. I have come to your bedside in the darkness, and I have knelt there, ashamed!

It is feeble atonement; I know you would not understand these things if I told them to you during your waking hours. But tomorrow I will be a real daddy! I will chum with you, and suffer when you suffer, and laugh when you laugh. I will bite my tongue when impatient words come. I will keep saying as if it were a ritual: “He is nothing but a boy-a little boy!”

I am afraid I have visualized you as a man. Yet as I see you now, son, crumpled and weary in your cot, I see that you are still a baby. Yesterday you were in your mother’s arms, your head on her shoulder. I have asked too much, too much.

-Page 15-17 of "How to Win Friends & Influence People" book by Dale Carnegie

*This post can also be found on my Personal Blog (Student of LIFE).

The Man Who Wins Is the One Who Thinks He Can - Poem by Walter D. Wintle

If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you'd like to win, but think you can't
It's almost a cinch you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you've lost,
For out in the world we find
Success being with a fellow's will;
It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are:
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the one who thinks he can.

-Poem by Walter D. Wintle found on P. 55 of "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill (Revised & Updated for the 21st century edition)

This poem is a good reminder that success in anything begins with the belief that we can. Belief brings confidence which is necessary for any endeavor.

The Human Experience

“You are not a human being in search of a spiritual experience. You are a spiritual being immersed in a human experience.” -Teilhard de Chardin

When we think in terms of spirit, there's no racism or gender superiority/differences. When we think in terms of human beings, we start to see the physical differences between people and that is where racism, sexism, bullying, stereotypes (etc...) comes from.

Let's try to see things for what they are rather than what they appear to be. We are spirits trapped in a human body having a human experience. On that basis, we should be able to find common grounds and get along.

-Good/Right Vs Bad/Wrong-

"If what you say and do is of God, it doesn't make any difference if every other person on the face of the earth criticizes you. Likewise, if what you are doing is not of God, nothing other people say will make it right." -John Mason

Whether you believe there's a God or not doesn't change the fact that we should all do good. When I was younger, I used to stupidly tell my friends that I will be one of those people that will be remembered-in a good or bad way.
Growing up, I realize that it's harder said then done to be good but that doesn't make "bad" any more attractive. Now that I know more about the world and see evil for what it is, there's no way anyone can purposely want to be remembered for the bad things they've done-not ever Hitler.

"Get to know the right, then you would know the people of right. Right is not measured by its men, but men are measured by their right." -Ali

We all have a deep desire to be good but that's often clouded with layers of dirt and the only way to remove it is to turn to a source of good and follow the examples. For some people, the dirt is so thick that they're blinded to the hurt they're doing to themselves and those around them making "looking for good" a critical step in changing their life around.

If our goal is truly to become better people then we must have a deep understanding of Right and Wrong. We must do what's right and run away from what is wrong. Plug in to the right sources.

How to change the World - A Monk's Wise Words

"When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn't change the nation. I began to focus on my town. I couldn't change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had change myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could have indeed have changed the world."

-Unknown Monk, A. D. 1100


*This post can also be found on my Personal Blog (Student of LIFE).

How to change the World

"If you wanna make the world a better place/Take a look at yourself and then make a change." -Michael Jackson

When most people say they want to change the world, they usually turn to their neighbour and tell them what to do.

We can’t change the world by telling others what they should do. Benjamin Franklin famously said “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still”.

We have to become the change that we want to see. We have to lead the change and become the example for others to follow.

*This post can also be found on my Personal Blog (Student of LIFE).

The No Complaining Rule

Whenever I'm in a new office, I start the day by printing the "No Complaining Rule" taken from the book "The No Complaining Rule" by author Jon Gordon. The rules help me keep things into perspective and are just good rules to live by. See below:

The No Complaining Rule

Employees are not allowed to mindlessly complain to their coworkers. If they have a problem or complaint about their job, their company, their customer, or anything else, they are encouraged to bring the issue to their manager or someone who is in a position to address the complaint. However, the employee(s) must share one or two possible solutions to their complaint as well.

-Page 96 from “The No Complaining Rule” by author Jon Gordon

Five Things To Do Instead Of Complain

1. Practice Gratitude. Research shows that when we count three blessings a day, we get a measurable boost in happiness that uplifts and energizes us. It’s also physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time. Two thoughts cannot occupy our mind at the same time. if you are focusing on gratitude, you can’t be negative. You can also energize and engage your coworkers by letting them know you are grateful for them and their work.

2. Praise Others. Instead of complaining about what others are doing wrong, start focusing on what they are doing right. Praise them and watch as they create more success as a result. Of course, point out their mistakes so they can learn and grow, but make sure you give three times as much praise as criticism.

3. Focus on Success. Start a success journal. Each night before you go to bed, write down the one great thing about your day. The one great conversation, accomplishment, or win that you are most proud of. Focus on your success, and you’ll look forward to creating more success tomorrow.

4. Let Go. Focus on the things that you have the power to change and let go of the things that are beyond your control. you’ll be amazed that when you stop trying to control everything, it all somehow works out.

5. Pray and Meditate. Scientific research shows that these daily practices reduce stress; boost positive energy; and promote health, vitality, and longevity. When you are faced with the urge to complain or you are feeling stressed to the max, stop, be still, plug-in the ultimate power and recharge.

-Page 114 from “The No Complaining Rule” by author Jon Gordon

If you haven't done so already, be sure to pick this book up. Get it here!

Business VS Job

"It's crazy how some people feel that five to ten years being an entrepreneur is a long time to achieve a level of success and wealth but don't feel that 40 years at a 9-5 job is a long time to stay broke!" -Unknown

Commitment or don't Commit at All

"A marriage based on the premise "Well, let's give this a shot, and if we 'grow apart,' we can always get divorced," is doomed before the vows are complete." -Lou Holtz

There's no grey area in life. You either do it or you don't. Maybe means you're not doing it.

If you say you're going to do something but don't plan on backing it up with work-don't say you're going to do it. It is better to have someone know you're not going to do it than to have them expect it and you not delivering on your promise.

*This post can also be found on my Personal Blog (Student of LIFE).

"And Justice For All" book by Orrin Woodward

Orrin Woodward released many books over the years and is considered one of the biggest leaders of the 21st century. His latest work, "And Justice For All", is coming out this month and it looks amazing! See the trailer below:

Multitasking doesn't Work

We don't multitask well. There's a reason why it's illegal to text and drive. We can't focus on 2 things at once.

Multitasking is like having 1L of water to divide into many glasses. We pour a little here, a little there and next thing we know we're out of water and none of the glasses are full.

"Be present wherever you are. Multitasking is a thief, robbing us of joy and stealing our ability to focus and create clear memories. If you're with your kids, be with your kids. If you're at work, be at work. Stop splitting yourself into little worthless pieces." -Chris Brady

Multitasking creates stress when trying to accomplish too many things at once.
To remedy this, make a list of what needs to get done and prioritize it. Don't start the next task until the first one is done. Focus only on the present task.

*This post can also be found on my Personal Blog (Student of LIFE).

Tracking... What’s the Big Deal?

I can’t say I’m a big fan of the tracking progress or monitoring myself with spreadsheets, documents or even the infamous post-it notes. It seems like all the new books on self improvements have a fancy form of self monitoring that consists of writing down some info all in the name of getting to know ourselves. My initial feeling is “If I do every exercise the books advise me to do then I won’t have time for myself at the end of the day but only a bunch of info on how I spent the day.

Do I need to “get to know myself” this much?

I do admit that I’m afraid of several things when it comes to tracking my daily activities. Let’s go through the list and try to give rational and positive answers to fears shall we?

Fear number 1: I’m afraid this will take even more time.

Answer:
Just like everything else in life that we have to learn. Tracking our progress and analyzing ourselves takes time and effort. The Irony is that most people who are gathering information to better know themselves already feel like they don’t have enough time from the start. This really puts a damper on trying out something new. It might be hard at first but remember that this can be temporary up until you have the info then you can have the data necessary to gain time permanently.

Fear number 2: I’m afraid it won’t work.

Answer:
It’s not about “work” or “not work.” it’s about having more info on yourself the results will follow after having the knowledge you need!

Fear Number 3: I’m afraid I won’t remember to right things down when I need to!

Answer:
There are plenty of ways to remember to jot down some info. You can put reminders on your phone. You can find apps that will help with tracking your daily activities. Even ask friends to hold you accountable in some way (Although I’m pretty sure you don’t want your friend to call every hour!). Remember that its not the end of the world if you forget.

In sports they track their progress all the time (I know that sports analogies are used often when it comes to self improvement but it works so) and for good reasons.

Professional athletes know their progress, their limits, habits...you name it! This helps them to achieve better results more quickly. They don’t leave progress to chance and why should you?

It's all about getting some knowledge of yourself in order for you to be empowered.

In my next post I will share some of the self tracking exercises and tools I'm going to try out and in a few weeks we will see the outcome together.