The Power of Passion

There once was a man, Jack, who worked very hard in his job. He had gone to school in an area of interest and got a job working in a like industry. He found a good wife and they had 3 wonderful children. Life was good in his adult years, but he found himself feeling like he was just on the treadmill of life. He got up every morning, he went to a job that he liked but where he longed for a break, some type of long-awaited vacation. He had lost most of his hobbies, due to the time restraints of working many hours at his job, balanced with trying to take care of and spend time with his family. The dreams Jack had talked about in his youth (travel, starting his own business, becoming an armature golf player, winning fantasy football, etc.) were still in the back of his mind, but only faintly. Jack had a successful life by American standards (income, job, home, family, etc.), but he did not jump out of bed in the morning: he did not have a spring in his step and he seemed to carry a high level of stress. In general, he was happy, but not HAPPY.

This is a story of a man with a great life, but of a man who is lacking PASSION.

What is passion?

Webster defines passion as "a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept."

I define passion as an internal subconscious emotional calling that fuels the perspective, focus and actions you take as you live life and fulfill your purpose in life.

Passion is not obvious, like the ability to throw a football, being a gifted musician or a talented craftsman, or living as an amazing inventor. Passion is not on a conscious level, something that you are thinking about daily and noticing. Passion is more "energetic" in nature and therefore hard to see.

People say they are passionate about their kids, families, hobbies, etc. While these are all admirable, I would say these are interests that bring joy and pleasure. They may also be the tip of your passion or an indicator of your passion. While passion is a common word to describe an emotional state of liking something a lot, the passion we are talking about here is a much bigger concept. Here, it is about the core attributes that drive you and get you excited about life and living.

It is also important to recognize that people often confuse passion with purpose. As I see it, purpose is the vehicle that you ride because of your passion: your purpose is what you do (ex. playing sports, writing music, reading literature, or parenting.). Passion is the fuel and energy that you use to drive: passion is how you are fueled (ex. by creativity, by problem-solving, or by helping people).

Passion is the internal fire burning inside you as a result of using your natural gifts, talents, and purpose here on earth. You have passion before you use it, but it is like a match unlit. Passion gets lit when you use your gifts, talents, and purpose and results in personal fulfillment and "life in the flow," where everything works together and every area of your life is filled with joy, contentment, and synergy.

Why have passion? Is it possible that everyone has a passion or are some people just more "emotional"?

Passion is seen as you look out into the world and selflessly allow yourself to be an instrument, using your gifts and talents. As you do this, you will begin to see your reflection and therefore more readily identify your passion. After you identify your passion, by experiencing the lit fire inside, you are able to focus in and use those gifts and talents more - your purpose and passion are united and drive the most fulfilling adventure of your life!

The reward of living a life of passion is incredible! Once you have tasted it, you will crave for its return. It is an amazing overflowing of your heart, body, mind, and soul. You have energy, direction, purpose, and focus. As humans, we all want this, but sometimes it seems too hard to achieve, so we give up, and decide to just enjoy what life gives us.

"What life gives us?" I ask. Don't be fooled, we are not here on earth to be floating down a river on an inner tube, just passively taking in what life has to offer. You will not find passion in that inner tube. You might hit some rapids and get a little taste of it here and there, however, if you want to know what living a life of passion means and is, you have to go look for it.

Life can dish out some hard knocks, tough lessons, challenges, and adversity. How you handle those are up to you. You see, there is a quote that states, "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% what you do with it." The more you can look at life as a lesson, something to learn from and a gift, the happier you will be. The more you are living in your purpose and passion, the easier it is to see things from this perspective. Do you want to have this synergy in your heart, body, mind, and soul? Do you want to be content, overflowing with joy and being of value to the world?

Jack Finds Passion

Jack became tired of stumbling through life. He did some investigation and found out a few things: he enjoys the outdoors, being invigorated by the fresh air, strategic thinking, and intellection. Earlier, when he was playing golf he was engaging a few of these passions, an appreciation of nature, strategic thinking, and intellection. He had stopped playing golf because of a lack of time. The irony is that after picking the hobby back up, he seems to have more time and energy.

At work, he also noticed that his job had become dull because he was not reading the statistical reports like he did when he had first started his job. Back then, when he read the reports, it motivated him and got him excited about driving strategies that would save the company time and money. So, he started reading the reports again and found himself more engaged at work. The momentum helped him do things faster, be more positive and actually finish up on time many days so that he could get home to his kids.

Since Jack was getting home on time, there was a little break before dinner when he could go outside and play with the kids: he loved throwing the ball and teaching little Jake how to ride his bike! It even inspired him to equip the family to embrace Saturday morning rides on the local park trail.

As Jack realized that his passions were being outside in nature, using his intellectual abilities and creating solutions and strategies, he found that these same things showed up in every area of life. It was exciting and compelling! He was happy, fulfilled and had found a synergy in every area of his life.

You now know what passion is. You now know the benefit of inviting passion into your life. Take the time to explore your personal passions and to integrate them in your life. Passion is a phenomenal gift. If you want to LIVE life to the fullest and enjoy it along the way, take the time to discover your passions. Put them into your daily life. You will find you have time for everything you did before and more.

https://ezinearticles.com/?The-Power-of-Passion&id=10203829

Harness Time And Potential On Purpose

Life's highest aim is getting done what we have been designed, gifted, and called to accomplish! Yet, it seems that time is always racing against our release of full potential.

"The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but a life without a purpose." - Dr. Myles Munroe

Discovering purpose will infinitely accelerate our use of time to release our full potential.

"Time flies. It's up to you to be the navigator." - Robert Orben

How can we fulfill our potential within the scope of the limited time allotted to us?

4 Keys To Harnessing Time & Potential

Time can be harnessed to release our full potential. There are four keys to this process.

1. Trust In Your Unique Potential

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life." - Steve Jobs

Never view another's gifts and talents as your measure for success. Find your scope of brilliance and shine for yourself.

"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." - Albert Einstein

Discover your unique reason for living. When you find your purpose you have a powerful guideline for developing and releasing your full potential.

2. Imagine Your Greatest Life Potential

"The battle is not against who we have been, it is all out war against who we are becoming." - Lisa Bevere

Limited thinking wars against and dwarfs potential. As we engage our imagination we expand our mind to see greater things on the horizon!

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." - Albert Einstein

Imagine the vast scope that your life could accomplish. The purpose of your life is contained in your soul and released in your dreams. Become like a child and dream big!

3. Multiply Your Potential

"Collaboration is multiplication." - Dr. John C. Maxwell

Access every opportunity leading to a successful life. It takes combined experience and desire to spot and capitalize on open doors. By working with others we access combined potential.

A search of the word "synergy" in any dictionary will reveal its meaning as, "The operation of two or more to produce a combined effort greater than the sum of their separate efforts."

Spot and employ the gifts and wisdom of others who have like purpose. As we run alongside others we are energized to fulfill and release our entire potential.

4. Eternal Purpose Releases Full Potential

"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." - Henry Adams

Time cannot restrain purpose. That's why reproduction of potential is essential to longevity past this lifetime. Transfer of wisdom, experience, opportunities, etc., through mentorship is a powerful escape from the limitations of time. Train others!

"Life is just a schoolroom with a glorious opportunity to prepare us for eternity." - Billy Graham

Discovering our eternal purpose will infinitely accelerate our use of time to release our full potential and the full potential of others!

Time Flies Or Time Produces

http://ezinearticles.com/?Harness-Time-And-Potential-On-Purpose&id=9943195

Discover How To Effectively Control Your Anger!

2 Anger Types

For many, anger is difficult to control. However, uncontrolled anger can be very dangerous. Explosive anger is even more difficult to be controlled. Anger is a very normal emotion that everybody handles differently. Everyone experiences anger and it actually has the potential to be healthy. Some use anger as an open door to intense motivation and determination. Some get angry and feel as if their emotion won't change anything and is a waste of time to try, in return, making themselves sad. Some express anger violently towards other people or things around them. Some people even handle anger very calmly and end up harming multiple people. Explosive anger is different, however, from normal anger. Anger builds and has the potential to reach explosive anger, but doesn't start out explosive. Explosive Anger is immediate! It usually results in a violent act quickly done! It may even last hours, becoming a long temper tantrum! Luckily, both anger and explosive anger can be controlled! Here are some ways to help you control your anger and start living a happier, more successful life.

Controlling Your Anger/Temper

Both anger and explosive anger can be controlled! Anger isn't necessarily a bad thing. As mentioned before, anger can be used for motivation and many other positive things. It all depends on how you apply anger to your life. Do you get angry and damage things around you? Or do you get angry and work as hard as you possibly can with no sleep to fix everything and accomplish goals to make the situation either better or irrelevant? There are many methods you can try out to reduce your anger or to transfer your anger into another emotion. Below are a few ways to do both.

Question Yourself

Ask yourself "Why am I even angry in the first place?" Ask yourself "Is the amount of emotion I am feeling even worth it?" Not only will this make you find an answer and see if the situation is, in fact, worth your time or not. But this also allows you to sort of take a timeout. Time-outs aren't just for kids! The entire time you're asking yourself about the situation, you are breathing! Hopefully you're thinking positive thoughts and second guessing your anger. Therefore, after about 15 minutes you aren't as angry and don't have intentions of committing the action you may have when angry. If you are thinking negative thoughts and getting more angry because of the situation, immediately stop! Maybe thinking it is only going to do more harm, instead, try saying it out loud. If that fails to reduce your anger, try writing it! Writing it works wonderfully! It allows you to take your time and write down the situation and what angered you about it. You may find yourself laughing a little at the situation while writing it down. If you have thought it, said it, and wrote it down and are still raging, you may need a legitimate timeout! Go somewhere silent and just relax and try keeping all thoughts out of your head. Just free your mind and enjoy the quiet.

Accept Your Anger

As mentioned before, anger is a perfectly natural emotion! Accept your anger! I'm not suggesting that if you are angry at somebody, to harm them! I am suggesting for you to get somewhere relaxed and let your anger be. If you are viciously angry, get in your room with the door closed and locked and scream a little bit. Control your anger so you're not doing anything you're going to regret later. Hurting someone or yourself is definitely not a good way to tame your anger. If you can accept your anger, you also can transfer your anger into a different emotion. Use your anger as an advantage. When I personally get angry, I get motivated. I'm ready to get things done and get them done now! I use all my energy and put it towards work. I feel much better after and very productive at the same time! I honestly get kind of excited when I get angry, I know I'm about to get a lot of positive productive things done very quickly! On the same note, explosive anger is different then anger. When I experience explosive anger, I usually just take a timeout and think about many life-related topics. I think about wealth, charities, politics, work, school, health, and many other things! I also, most importantly, find my happy place.

Find Your Happy Place

When you get angry, find your happy place. What are you biggest dreams for yourself and your life? Think about them. Think about who you a madly in love with. Think about the time you will spend with them in the future. Personally, when I get angry, I always go to my happy place. My happy place is somewhere warm(like Florida), with my future wife and two kids enjoying every day like its our last. Meanwhile, I'm building my business. I'm building my business and have my two kids here in Indiana right now so it's not my exact dream but all in good time! Regardless, find Your Happy Place and go there! Adults can experiences time-outs and imagination as well, not just children.

Note

These are only a couple ways to reduce your anger or use it to your advantage. Try them all and look for additional sources for even more help and support. Don't give up! Anger can be tamed! It may be a difficult process but try to not let the process itself anger you (joke, but seriously as well)!

https://ezinearticles.com/?Discover-How-To-Effectively-Control-Your-Anger!&id=9100483

5 Habits to Develop NOW to Be Wildly Successful In Life (By Stephanie O'Brien)

Andrea wrote me a question about my daily routines, disciplines and habits that I have in place that has led me to the successful life I have today. I LOVED the question. And today, I want to share with you my top 5 Habits to Develop Right NOW to experience a wildly successful life.

Habit 1: Value the Health of Your Soul: Make Spiritual Development your highest priority. All 7 areas of life (personal development, health, family, career, financial, social, and spiritual) are important. But, I strongly believe that the health of your soul (mind, will, and emotions) dictate the decisions you make and the person you show up to the world as.

Here what I told Andrea about my specific daily routines:

I am a person of faith that values spiritual disciplines so I would say my number ONE daily practice is to spend time in life giving content and time tested wisdom. For me, one of those sources is the Bible- specifically the book of Proverbs (a chapter a day). I also pray daily. So my spiritual health is my number one priority.

Habit 2: Become a DAILY, Life Long Learner: Entrepreneurs tend to have an insatiable appetite for learning. You don't have to be an entrepreneur to love learning, but you find it consistently among successful business leaders, ministers, and entrepreneurs.

I suggest a MINIMUM of an hour a day in learning. This falls under the personal development category in the wheel of life (in the show notes).

To expound on my personal daily learning routine, I told Andrea, I learn 2-3 hours a day. I know that sounds like a ton but its totally possible. I absorb myself in podcasts and audio books which allows me to learn while I cook, fold the laundry, work out, get ready in the morning, and drive or any other mindless task that we find ourselves doing.

Habit 3: Show Up To Serve: You've heard it before, "it's' more blessed to give than to get." Now, you need to be careful that your motive for giving is pure. You should never give out of obligation, with the intent to manipulate and hold it over someone's head, or even to make people like you. You should give out of a joyful and cheerful state of heart- just because you want to. I'm not speaking only on financial giving. I'm speaking on all forms of generosity- a favor, gift, referral, writing a testimonial, giving an encouraging word, etc are all forms of giving and serving.

Here's what I wrote to Andrea: Show up to serve. It was a total game changer for me when I first sought to serve others rather than to have others serve me. When you show up to help others get what they want, you get your socks blessed off. Helping someone succeed when you want the same thing helps you more than it helps them.

Habit 4: Watch the Company You Keep: Be careful with who you allow to be in your circle of influence. Jim Rohn has said "we become the average of the 5 people we hang around most." I have found that to be very true.

Now, this is not to say that you need to cut everyone out of your life who is not supportive and encouraging of you. If you focus on your goals and are faithful in actively and diligently pursuing your dream, you will gain more friends and the other people who don't want to come along with you will stay behind. It happens organically.

Habit 5: Get Accountability: Your strongest circle of influence should love you enough to call you out when you need it. To encourage means "to call out courage" as well as "to put courage in you". We all have blind spots. And I'm so grateful for the people in my life that can see things that hurt or hinder my success that I would not know about, if they never called it out. Find people who are safe, and kind- yet, bold and honest with you.

Those are my top 5 life habits I strongly suggest you develop today, to be wildly successful.

http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Habits-to-Develop-NOW-to-Be-Wildly-Successful-In-Life&id=9478586

How to Manifest Your Wealth - Your Wish Is Your Command

We are making decisions all the time. From the most trivial to the life changing, we all need to decide what to say, how to behave and how to respond to the people and situations that cross our path. Ultimately, our decisions determine what we attract into our lives.

How do you make these decisions? What do you base your decision-making on? For many, it is something external, such as a religious belief system. Most people, however - even those with strong religious beliefs - make decisions based on those around them. When we are still very young, we learned that the approval of our parents was vital for getting what we wanted and, as we got older, our education system reinforced the idea that the approval of other people is important. We were taught that 'making a good impression' and presenting ourselves well in front of others is the key to a successful life.

The sad thing is that we never get over this, and it often turns into a real problem. How other people perceive us becomes so important that our behavior is completely dominated by worrying about what we look like to others. In effect, we are letting other people 'pull our strings.' We allow ourselves to become puppets, dancing to the changing tune of other people's beliefs and moods.

Our tendency to let other people pull our strings means, however, that we lose touch with our connection to what could be called our 'higher self' or our 'inner wisdom.' I believe that we are all connected the same source - we all come from the same place, and a connection to this 'life source' is essential to getting life to work for us. We cannot be in the driving seat unless we are in touch with our source or, if you prefer, our inner guide.

Being in touch with source doesn't mean meditating for hours each day. It isn't esoteric, but it does require a shift in our mentality. Instead of looking outward, to other people, for our guidance, we need to look inward.

... we are all connected the same source - we all come from the same place, and a connection to this 'life source' is essential to getting life to work for us.

It may be hard for us to trust ourselves - maybe we've been told for decades that making decisions without reference to the outside world is selfish or even dangerous. I've even heard someone say that without an external code of conduct such as a religious belief system, she would lie, cheat, steal and do all sorts of other wicked things! I think it is very sad when someone loses sight of his own inner guidance to such an extent, but it is not uncommon.

Regaining a connection to our source, or 'inner wisdom' isn't hard, but it takes a little time and gentle persistence. Try spending a few moments each day, perhaps before you go to sleep, speaking to your inner guide. Share yourself with your guide; share your problems and concerns; ask him or her any questions you have. Over time, your connection to this inner guide will become stronger - you'll get to know who s/he is. Your inner wisdom will, if listened to, become a great friend and will enable you to make good choices.

I guess the Law of Attraction needs no introduction! I'm sure you've heard about it, and maybe you've seen 'The Secret.' Let me clear - I think that a lot of the movies, the books and the products you are bombarded with on the Internet are of little value - hyped up, slick, well marketed and packaged, with one purpose - to relieve you of your money.

But that doesn't mean there's nothing in it at all. Far from it. I was reading about the so called 'Law of Attraction' for many years before 'The Secret,' and I stared using some of the stuff that's now so over-hyped in my own life. Let's go through the basic ideas. This comes from Ester Hicks, the author of a number of books on this subject which I do think are worthwhile.

'Nothing merely shows up in your experience. You attract it - all of it. No exceptions.'

But how do we 'attract' these things? Abraham explains that it's all to do with thought: 'You get what you think about; whether you want it or not.'

Ester goes on to explain that there is a foolproof way you can tell whether what you're thinking about is something you want to experience or not. This is simply the way you feel.

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Manifest-Your-Wealth---Your-Wish-Is-Your-Command&id=9334734

Why Knowing How And When To Be Mean Will Help You Live a Happy, Successful Life

"Still looking for that one person who can change your life? Take a good look in the mirror." Roman Price

Before we discuss "Being Mean" there's one very important point that we must address:

"Love Thyself." "You must place yourself above anyone and everyone... you must come first."

This is the number one fundamental life precept that you must understand, accept and be totally faithful to, if you're going to be happy and successful.

Selfish? No. Prudent and wise? Very!

It's not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself and to make your happiness a priority. It's a necessity.

You don't actually have to be in love with yourself immediately, but you do have to at least like yourself. "Liking" will work fine in the beginning. Loving yourself will come and when it does, it should be met at the front door with arms wide open.

Right now you need to learn how to sustain yourself and remain mentally vigorous as you move forward towards a happy, successful life. Taking care of yourself with effective nurture and self-encouragement will help establish a secure and fortified cerebral and emotionally insulated virtual outpost for you to function from.

You must obstinately bind yourself to the affirmation that the one person who absolutely, positively must be on your side and in your corner at all times, is none other than "You."

Concentrate on "you" first. Get to know the real "you", flaws and all. Build a mutually beneficial and mutually respectful relationship with "you" first. Worry about the rest of "us'" later.

Why is it so important to cultivate self-love and self-respect?

I'm glad you asked...

1 - In my opinion there's only one genuine honest-to-goodness answer and that's: If not you then who?

How can you expect people to like or respect you if you can't find a reason to like or respect yourself?

The people closest to you in your personal life and in your business life are usually a reflection of how you feel about yourself. Like and respect yourself enough and you'll find yourself surrounded by quality like-minded people who like and respect you as well.

2 - "Liking" yourself and "liking" who you are is the spark that ignites the power that generates indomitable strength and an invincible will to succeed in any of life's endeavors.

"Self-like" acts as a catalyst that sets off a chain-reaction whereby urgent messages and updates are deployed to the deepest recesses of your mind. The vital mission of these messages and updates is to advocate for you and reaffirm that you're ready and able to start, or continue, your success quest, and that you deserve to achieve whatever you want to achieve.

Please Note: We're not talking about the egocentric posture where you only think about yourself and always try to manipulate people for your own selfish reasons.

It's about you "liking" yourself enough that it creates an impressive energy source that's able to generate the strength and willingness you need to share your success and for you to be mentally available to others that might need your support and help.

"Liking" yourself and being kind to yourself is not only beneficial to you but it creates a safe and comfortable place for the people around you to come and visit. Knowing and feeling that you're worthy of love will encourage you to reach out to people and to let people reach out to you.

A respected and "well liked" warrior within is a warrior that is untouchable and indefatigable. Your warrior within will cherish your love and self-respect and reward you with an inexhaustible supply of motivation and an abundant amount of endurance.

Some Advice: Don't try to change everything at once. It won't work and trying to will only wear you down and discourage you. Small steps rock. Focus on making one small change at a time. Changes made in small increments is appropriate and definitely the way to go.

The Success Quest Commences:

I laid out what I recognize as the foundation and infrastructure for a happy, successful life. You understand it and accept it.

You're now feeling good about yourself and you decide that you're not going to stay where you are. You want a happier, more interesting, more fulfilling and a more successful life. At this point you'll set down a strategic plan on how to do that. Your priorities should be to build a success support community and a success support arsenal.

Developing and Mastering "Self- like" and "Self-Respect" will also provide you with the strength and fortitude to confront, rebuff and to cope with obstacles. This also includes humans if they represent interference, conflict and they threaten to hinder or impede your progress.

You'll find that your success and setbacks can all be traced back to an interaction or interactions with " a Human or Humans." That's inevitable and "it is what it is."

Speaking of Humans:

I'd like to introduce you to one of the most compelling, commanding tools in your success support arsenal that most people take for granted and waste it by using it aimlessly, non-strategically and worst of all, dangerously.

Being Mean:

Something to Think About: "A moment of patience in a moment of anger saves you a hundred moments of regret" Unknown

This tool that's in your success support arsenal will give you the support that you'll need in order to endure, avert or deflect obstacles and in particular, human obstacles.

Why You Gotta Be Mean:

"Sometimes being too nice is dangerous and you have to show your mean side once in a while to avoid getting hurt." Unknown

"Being Mean" is appropriate and applicable when used for the right reasons. Don't feel bad and don't feel guilty. When used accurately and sparingly "Being Mean" is just an effective tool in life's pushing and pulling.

This is a success support tool that's meant to protect you physically and mentally. The degree of "Meanness" that you use will depend on the kind of protection that you need.

What is "Being Mean" and how do you use it?

There are 3 levels of "Being Mean":

Level 1 Mild: At this level you would be firm, brusque, stoic, forward or rude. You would also be unwilling to give or share things: Especially your money, your clothes, your home, your thoughts or your significant other.

Protection Against: This level is to use on the socially stupid and the narcissists who have no respect for borders and boundaries. In addition, this level is appropriate for annoying, irritating, ungrateful wise guys or gals. Moochers or scroungers are easily repelled with "mild meanness."

"Mild Meanness" is also a prudent initiatory strike level to begin a dispute. Starting off "Mildly Mean" and low key is always prudent and always a safe bet. You could always turn up the heat to the next level if you find that the other person is not being affected at this degree of meanness.

Level 2 Medium: At this level you would be nasty, foul in spirit, verbally foul, spiteful, unkind, hardened, unyielding, contemptible, hateful, rotten or unfair.

Protection Against: This level is to be used for the person who not only "doesn't get it" but they don't care about you and your feelings. This person is totally oblivious to the "shot across the bow" that had your signature on it.

You find yourself on this level when your statement or gesture, intended to frighten this person into changing their course of action, went unheeded. If you moved up to this level, then this person obviously does not deserve your respect or your compassion. Give them what they deserve.

Level 3 Hot: At this level you would be Vicious, cruel, depraved, ferocious, fierce, harsh merciless, ruthless, severe or exhibiting extreme aggression in behavior and words.

Protection Against: This is a stressful level. This is the level where you take no prisoners. This level is where you discern imminent danger to you and your loved ones. There's no negotiating or reasoning at this level. You do and say what's needed to avoid and eliminate danger from your personal space.

Personal Note: Other uses for Level #3

1 - I've gone to this level in cases where someone was "threatening" me financially and in some cases when someone tried to hurt my company, or me and my partners by trying to discredit us.

2 - I'm not proud of it but I even went to this level when I was coaching soccer for my son's team many years ago. The coach from the other team was extremely aggressive and threatening and I had to go straight to "hot."

3 - I've used this "Hot" level in situations where I started at "mild," and had to rapidly move to "medium" to no avail. The "Hot" level had to be used.

4 - Another use of "Being Mean" is for the dramatic effect. It could be used in the old good guy/bad guy routine or the bad guy/good gal routine on the kids or in buying a house or in buying a car.

Here you could choose any level. With the children you and your significant other would obviously select level#1.

In business I used Level #3 to provoke an opposing lawyer so badly that he wanted to physically fight with me.

The opposing side walked in with 4 lawyers and folders with notes 4 feet high. That immediately got me crazy and wound up. I calmed down and knew what I had to do to cut him off at the knees and end this charade. The opposing lawyer started his questions. I went to level #1 and by his third question I was on Level #3 and fiercely stirring the pot.

Eventually the opposing lawyer screamed an obscenity directed at my mother and I returned the favor. I turned my head, winked at my partner and my lawyer and told the opposing side to make a deal or I'll reveal information that will have their client end up in jail. Jail? Obviously I left out a few details here. We ended the negotiations in 45 minutes. We saved tens of thousands of dollars in litigation fees and we saved 7 figures in our settlement.

The Best part of it all.. . The opposing side told my partner and my lawyer that they thought that I was crazy.

Some advice for when you first feel any level of "mean" coming on:

A - There's a big difference between using the "Hot" level for imminently dangerous situations and using it on a human where "mild" and "medium" was just not working. Be careful and try to avoid this level if in a non-threatening situation. The results are usually not very pretty here in the "Hot" level.

It's okay to rip someone apart if they deserve it but you must know that the ripple effect conundrum resulting from your actions could present even bigger challenges and more intense conflict in the days ahead and sometimes, in the years ahead.

A quote I recently read: "Don't do something permanently stupid just because you're temporarily upset"

B - Before you get to "Being Mean" try: "Being strong, but not rude; Being kind, but not weak; Being bold, but not a bully; Being humble,but not timid; Being proud, but not arrogant." Jim Rohn

C - Always start out "Being Mean" in the mild level and mentally retreat for a few moments before you turn up the heat to the next level. You can dial it back but it get's very messy real fast.

D - It's OK to rip into someone and bring them to their knees but always try to do it privately where it's possible for them to "save face" and, only if it's safe for you and it's something that you're comfortable with.

E - It's a good idea when it all calms down, and if you were the one who initiated the verbal attack, to step back, take a moment to pull it together and then "pick them up" and make nice. Being the bigger person in a situation takes humility, restraint and is a sign of a strong character. Use that strength to take control.

F - In life, you'll realize that there is a purpose for every human that you meet. Some are there to test you. Some will use you. Some will teach you. And some will bring out the best in you. The point? Give people the benefit of the doubt at first. If you find that they've crossed your "line" then move into a 'Being Mean" mode and insulate and safeguard you and the people that are important to you.

Of course, if you don't care about them or your future together just walk away if you feel that they got the message.

Final Advice: Like yourself and take charge of your life. Be diligent about it. Be flexible about it. Be open minded about it. Be on the lookout for new opportunities for it. Be open to meeting new people for it. Be happy and be successful. It's your life and you're the boss of that life.

The old tried-and-blue is the perfect advice on how to take charge of your life as much as possible:

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

Courage to change the things I can,

And wisdom to know the difference."

"Don't settle. Don't finish crappy books. If you don't like the menu, leave the restaurant. If you're not on the right path, get off it." Chris Brogan

Good luck. You'll do fine. Stay safe out there. Never give up. Never ever. You cannot fail if you refuse to give up.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Knowing-How-And-When-To-Be-Mean-Will-Help-You-Live-a-Happy,-Successful-Life&id=9437782

Rohn: This Is How You Leave a Legacy

Jim Rohn shares nine principles necessary for a successful life and a lasting legacy.

Jim Rohn, the philosopher who has left an indelible legacy of time-proven principles and wisdom, shares his secret for making an impact.  

"You know me, I am a philosopher. I love principles. Yes, actions are great and I talk about them regularly, but the important stuff is what lies underneath—the principles," Rohn says.

Here are the principles he says we must commit to in order to leave the legacy we desire:

1. Life is best lived in service to others.

This doesn’t mean that we do not strive for the best for ourselves. It does mean that in all things we serve other people, including our family, co-workers and friends.

2. Consider others’ interests as important as your own.

Much of the world suffers simply because people consider only their own interests. People are looking out for number one, but the way to leave a legacy is to also look out for others.

3. Love your neighbor even if you don’t like him.

It is interesting that Jesus told us to love others. But he never tells us to like them. Liking people has to do with emotions. Loving people has to do with actions. And what you will find is that when you love them and do good by them, you will more often than not begin to like them.

4. Maintain integrity at all costs.

There are very few things you take to the grave with you. The number one thing is your reputation and good name. When people remember you, you want them to think, “She was the most honest person I knew. What integrity.” There are always going to be temptations to cut corners and break your integrity. Do not do it. Do what is right all of the time, no matter what the cost.

5. You must risk in order to gain.

In just about every area of life you must risk in order to gain the reward. In love, you must risk rejection in order to ask that person out for the first time. In investing you must place your capital at risk in the market in order to receive the prize of a growing bank account. When we risk, we gain. And when we gain, we have more to leave for others.

6. You reap what you sow.

In fact, you always reap more than you sow—you plant a seed and reap a bushel. What you give you get. What you put into the ground then grows out of the ground. If you give love you will receive love. If you give time, you will gain time. It is one of the truest laws of the universe. Decide what you want out of life and then begin to sow it.

7. Hard work is never a waste.

No one will say, “It is too bad he was such a good, hard worker.” But if you aren’t they will surely say, “It’s too bad he was so lazy—he could have been so much more!” Hard work will leave a grand legacy. Give it your all on your trip around the earth. You will do a lot of good and leave a terrific legacy.

8. Don’t give up when you fail.

Imagine what legacies would have never existed if someone had given up. How many thriving businesses would have been shut down if they quit at their first failure? Everyone fails. It is a fact of life. But those who succeed are those who do not give up when they fail. They keep going and build a successful life—and a legacy.

9. Don’t ever stop in your pursuit of a legacy.

Many people have accomplished tremendous things later on in life. There is never a time to stop in your pursuit of a legacy. Sometimes older people will say, “I am 65. I’ll never change.” That won’t build a great life! No, there is always time to do more and achieve more, to help more and serve more, to teach more and to learn more. Keep going and growing that legacy!

These are core principles to live by if you want to become the kind of person who leaves a lasting legacy.

http://www.success.com/article/rohn-this-is-how-you-leave-a-legacy

Achieving Success Through a State of Tranquillity

"It is neither wealth nor splendour, but tranquility and occupation which gives you happiness.", said Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States of America.

'Tranquility', is it just a word, or an expression or an unachievable state of human being? The questions are many. People believe that it is very easy to gain tranquility and thus claim to be tranquil. Many say it is impossible to achieve tranquility in this present scenario where life is a chaos and time is little. Everything and everybody is in a hurry to achieve something or to get to something. That something is a paved path for success, for which they believe staying serene won't help, they have to keep moving in speed. But they tend to forget that even in a tranquil state, the water of the sea and river moves along with equally calm wind. It is not necessary that in order to have a happy and successful life one has to always be active and keep moving. A calm and composed exposure and behaviour towards the external world is what actually paves way for success.

Stay serene while you decide

The most difficult thing in life is making decisions for oneself and others. In order to do this in the most righteous way, one must be in a state of tranquility to ensure nothing goes wrong. A restful mind is always capable of making the right decisions as it has the power to dig deeper to the roots before making the correct choice. Thus it can never go wrong. A mind which is restless and is always in a hurry, will definitely go wrong while making tough decisions.

Take your time

Never hurry to complete any work. Go slow. With this you will always do the right thing and with perfection. Sit and think before you reach your final judgement. Plan your work out peacefully in a quiet place. Once you are sure about it, start it off.

Never react to negative things

One great method of staying at peace is to not react to things that are pessimistic in nature. If you feel you are being bothered by negative entities, then the best possible way is to not react to it. If you feel still you are being bothered, then either get away with composure or divert your mind through reading, writing or music.

Think before you leap

There are examples of geniuses failing to impress or going down with their work only because they don't think twice before taking their leaps. To achieve success you should always know that an unruffled mind does more logical thinking than a ruffled one. If you carry yourself with poise, you will surely take the lead ahead.

Your face is the true reflection of your soul

It is rightly said that what you have hidden in your heart is visible on your face. It is the same with anxiety and tranquility. If you are anxious or nervous while conducting yourself before someone, it is clearly evident from your face. But if you are calm and confident, you will naturally be composed and have a smile rather than having quirked up eyebrows and regular sweats. Staying tranquil always helps in establishing a strong first impression.

Happiness and tranquility are best friends

If you are still and not in a state of apprehension, then you are most likely to be the happiest of all. It is so because you are not taking yourself for granted. You are handling things with equanimity that is causing you trouble and peacefully enjoying life. And as known, a happy person shines bright and is always successful.

So, with the tranquility in you, conquer the world. Let your calmness speak for you. Let the chaos around not be able to pull you down. Be your own piece of wind that provides relief.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Achieving-Success-Through-a-State-of-Tranquillity&id=9313643

The ONE Skill You Need To Practice For A Successful Life

Think of the word endurance. Do you experience a positive or negative feeling? Although deemed an admirable quality in others, most people think of endurance as having to bear suffering through a challenge, and thus it evokes a feeling of difficulty within.

Yet the yoga sutras extol "Titiksha" (mental endurance or neutrality) as a necessary and beneficial spiritual quality. Titiksha requires self-discipline and applies to all levels of our experiences in life — physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Here's how to practice it:

1. Physical endurance brings you heightened awareness.

On the body level, activities like long-distance running or paddling clearly exemplify how, with consistency and discipline, endurance can be cultivated, and even enjoyed. Athletes routinely rise above discomfort and even pain to get to the proverbial “zone,” which is a transcendent place of heightened awareness and pure presence within the activity.

2. Practicing mental endurance helps you deal with difficulties.

On the mind level, we practice endurance by learning to be non-reactive and self-controlled in challenging circumstances. Practicing even-mindedness enables us to move with greater ease through life’s inevitable trials. Mental concentration benefits us in both our personal and professional lives, encouraging us to act from wise discernment rather than quick temper.

3. Practicing emotional endurance builds a strong character.

Feelings rise and fall like waves in the sea, tossing us around from happy to unhappy, or as the yoga sutras explain, from attachment (Raga) to aversion (Dvesa). By developing strong willpower to resist acting from these emotional storms, we create a stable character, one committed to the highest good regardless of momentary inclination toward gratification.

4. Spiritual endurance will help you find inner peace.

Daily sadhana (spiritual practice) requires the endurance of both discipline and devotion. By showing up day after day to seek and honor the divine, we cultivate a rhythm in which the negative or challenging aspect of endurance ceases, and we enter the zone of pure awareness. Eventually, like the long-distance athlete, we come to a point of surrender within our endurance. Far different from giving up or collapsing, this is the spiritual surrender of the ego self that thinks it can do it all. When released, we find true inner peace.

By holding the trials of endurance more positively in our minds and hearts, we can trust that it will take us where we most want to be. Paramahansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi, writes, “Perseverance is the whole magic of spiritual success.” In the juxtaposition of committed, extreme effort and complete willingness to let go, we experience freedom and bliss.

Next time your endurance wanes and you are tempted to give up, remember these guidelines. With practice they will lead you to peaceful surrender and ultimate success:

• Refuse to hold on to negative or self-defeating thoughts
• Eradicate limiting beliefs of lack, fear, weakness, age, or inability
• Charge the mind through use of dynamic will and concentration
• Practice even-mindedness and non-reactivity in all situations

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-22148/the-one-skill-you-need-to-practice-for-a-successful-life.html

A Free Confidence Building Course - 5 Strategies For Every Day Life

Lots of people go through life with no confidence. And that may include you. You may lack self belief in your ability to create a successful life and business and this will get in the way of you being all you can be.

Here is a step by step confidence building course that will move you forward.

1. Awareness

Start this process by asking yourself some key questions.

"What has brought me to this moment?"

"What makes me feel this lack of confidence?"

"What does it stop me doing?"

For a long time, you have probably not paid attention to the real reasons that you are not getting the results out of your life and your business. When you see things clearly, you are then able to move forward and decide what you want to do next. Going through life passively means you never face up to the facts. It is not enough that people think you have it all together, you need to look inside of yourself and see what is lacking.

2. Be fully responsible

As you grow in awareness, there may be a part of you that wants to blame other people for the results you have not achieved yet. However, it is an important step to take full responsibility for where you are in life. Yes, others may have started this process in you of a lack of confidence but at some point you chose to allow this to continue.

Now, in order to move forward, you must take full responsibility for everything that comes your way.

3. Be a Creator

Now, you are fully responsible, take time to get clear on what you want out of your life and your business. Create your best life in your imagination first, then commit it to paper in your journal and really feel every moment of what you want and who you will need to be in order to start getting the results you want out of your life. As you get clear on what you want, you will start to see how things have held you back and you will finally start to see that you are no longer willing for this to continue.

4. See The Options

When you are stuck in a lack of self confidence and self belief, it is hard to see that you have a lot of opportunities to take part in to create your best life. However, as you start to take full responsibility, you realize that there are options and you can pick and choose little actions to implement each day. In this step, you get clear on what you want to do next.

5. Execute the Action

Take one of the options and move forward. It may be a little step but when you do it, you will start to see that you are capable of a lot more than you have realized to date. Confidence ultimately builds by taking action.

https://ezinearticles.com/?A-Free-Confidence-Building-Course---5-Strategies-For-Every-Day-Life&id=9108998

7 Powerful Happiness Lessons Everyone Needs To Remember

           

I used to think that sustainable happiness and inner peace were a bit of an urban myth — until I discovered a few key happiness lessons that transformed the way I felt about myself, and the way I showed up to the world.

Here are seven key happiness lessons we could all do with remembering.

1. You are your soul, not your ego.

Your ego is the image you have of yourself your ego, , including your social masks, titles and roles. It's easily battered by things not going to plan and bruised by the opinion of others. Your soul is who you really are deep down below all the facades and labels. Your inner spirit doesn't change and can't be harmed — it's strong, wise, loving and joyful.

2. Fear is a one-sided fence.

When you're facing something you fear, it can seem daunting and insurmountable. However, if you move forward anyway and make it past what you feared, you'll look back and realize the fence has disappeared. It was never there — most of your fears were just your imagination; your mind playing tricks on you to keep you in the safety of your comfort zone.

3. Forgiveness sets you free.

Many people find it hard to forgive because they don't believe the "wrongdoer" deserves forgiveness. Instead of focusing on the other person, focus on yourself — forgiveness is about setting yourself free. It releases you from the prison of the past and rids you of toxic emotions that will continue to prevent your future happiness. Try journaling about the memory to release it, or picture the other person involved and repeat the mantra: "I forgive you. I release you. I am free."

4. Unconditional self-love is the key to a successful life.

 

We often love ourselves with strings attached — as soon as we take a misstep, say the wrong thing or succumb to bad habits, we criticize ourselves and feelings of inadequacy start to surface. It's so important to practice unconditional self-love and acceptance. It will give you the courage to take risks, pursue your goals and dreams and show up authentically in life, because your self-worth is not at stake. Regardless of how life unfolds, you know your inherent worth.

5. You can choose again.

So you've made a mistake — you snapped at your loved one, you procrastinated instead of doing work, or you skipped your morning workout. The good news is that you can always choose again. Instead of beating yourself over the head and losing hope in the future, pick yourself back up and choose again. Apologize to your loved one and shift your energy to embody love and gratitude. Get a good night's sleep and give work your full care and attention tomorrow. Go for an evening run or attend a yoga class.

6. Life is meant to be noticed and enjoyed.

Most of our life is spent in a daydream, contemplating the past or trying to control the future. In the meantime, we miss life happening around us, even though it's the only real moment in our lives. Try to bring your mind back to the present throughout the day by noticing the air on your face, the sensation of your clothing against your skin, the weight of your body in the chair, or the sound of your breathing.

7. Emotions don't have to define your entire experience.

When you experience strong emotions like anger, jealousy or pain, it's tempting to get so caught up in the feeling that you allow it to take you over completely — you lose all control. Instead of being consumed by your emotions, try observing them instead. Where can you feel it? What does it feel like?

By observing your emotions, you immediately distance yourself from them, seeing them as a passing visitor rather than letting them become part of your identity. As you're playing the role of observer, ask yourself, What is the lesson here?Often our feelings are trying to teach us something — either that we have important self-work to do, or that we need to make changes to our life situation.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-17382/7-powerful-happiness-lessons-everyone-needs-to-remember.html