3 Keys to Personal Self Help

Personal self help is one of the greatest ways to reach your purpose and achieve your goals in life. The more you grow and increase personally the more you will succeed in your life. However, its not always easy to know where to start or what to do. Here are 3 keys to personal self help.

1. Read.

One of the simplest ways to start your personal self help is to read books, magazines, and articles on the topic that you are wanting to grow in. There are so many books in the world today that you can find a great book that will help you. This is one of the ways that I first started my personal self help. Its not always possible to sit down and get the knowledge and wisdom from someone personally but you can get it first hand in a book that they have written.

2. Get a mentor/coach.

Probably the most powerful way to grow is to get a mentor or a coach. This will allow you to learn directly from someone that you respect as well as get hands on experience. Another great thing that you will get is the gift of accountability. This may not seem like something you want but it will do wonders for your progress in life. If you really want the most personal self help, you need to have a mentor or coach.

3. Be honest with yourself.

I have talk to many people that say all the right things but arent honest with themselves. They deny that they have certain areas that they need to change and are always sidestepping the real issues at hand. For you to truly change and be all that you can you have to be more honest with yourself then with anyone else.

Is there greatness on the inside of you but you don't know how to achieve it? Jason has just completed his brand new 7 part e-course, 'Find Your Greatness'

Get it free here: Find Your Greatness

Do you want to learn how to create successful habits and goals? Download Jasons new FREE ebook here: Goal Setting

Jason Osborn has dedicated himself to changing thousands of lives by helping people find their greatness and true potential through his Find Your Greatness Newsletter.

Dr Success - A Discussion on Achieving Your Highest Success and Shifting Sands by Steve Donahue

As a society, we are trained from our earliest years to approach our lives like mountain climbers. From the time we enter school we are supposedly being taught what to pack for life's journey. By our teens, we have often laid out a detailed map and a kit of tools to our life and we are keenly aware of where our life journey is meant to go and where the summit is. Soon after starting that journey, however, we discover that life has its own paths, surprises and unexpected summits and challenges waiting for us.

The author of Shifting Sands, Steve Donahue, builds on an experience from his youth, where he and a friend seized the moment and unexpectedly drove across the Sahara Desert. Steve uses this as a life metaphor for the long journey of crossing an ever-changing desert when we "expect" to be climbing a well-planned mountain. In this book, the author shares that one evening the group had carefully planned their next step in the journey - it was completely laid out, right down to where the hills and sands and markings were. When they awoke the next morning, there had been a sandstorm and everything was different.

This becomes one of the author's core revelations: Use a compass instead of a map. Rather than following someone else's instructions and roadmap to the summit, Donahue encourages his readers to use our own inner compass and intuitive guideposts to plot our path day by day. Life is ever changing, and no amount of maps and markers can really plot our course - and if we think about it, would we even really want that?

One of Donahue's most poignant chapters is, "When You're Stuck, Deflate." When we get stuck in life, we often tend to dig in our heels (or wheels) and just try harder - the old adage, "If at first you don't succeed," ringing in our ears. But in life, like in the desert, sometimes that only bogs us deeper down into the sand. Being hell-bent to follow the map and do something the way we plan, can literally stop us in our tracks. According to Shifting Sands, sometimes we must simply stop, let go, and shift with the changing scene around us. The question thus becomes: How do I let go of my ideas and my ego and move forward?

As an executive mentor, my role is to uncover why we allow ourselves to get stuck and what we do to shift and rethink our direction and our summits. We know through positive psychology that as human beings we are sometimes stopped by our own experiences and comfort level over and over. Our ego will use this as a benchmark to allow us to feel "accomplished." We are thus compelled to repeat only what we know. By using an inner compass, you can use your own "True North" to overtake that mental goalpost and begin to create a different journey and conquer summits higher than we might have ever dreamed to set. As human beings, we like to assume we "know" how things will turn out and what steps we need to take to get there. We are gratefully reminded in Shifting Sands: A Guidebook for Crossing the Deserts of Change, that each life is an uncharted adventure to be joyously relished.

Dr. Success (aka Andrea Goeglein, Ph.D.)
http://www.ServingSuccess.com
DrSuccess@ServingSuccess.com
(702) 243-4040

Mentor Schmentor

I don't think I could count how many times I've read in Personal Achievement-type books that I must find a mentor, and that I simply can't expect to reach great heights in my life without one.

It seems to be part of a "formula" that also includes other "necessary" prerequisites that in addition to the mentor spiel, include the importance of setting goals and building a "mastermind" group. Another popular ingredient is for an author to mention in one of the initial chapters, about that particularly amazing mid-1900's Harvard study - or is it Yale - where the 3% people who had written their goals, had actually achieved them.

I am not disputing the value of having someone play the role of a mentor, or of writing down your goals, despite the above. However, the millions of readers of these kinds of self-help books will only benefit themselves by thinking with their own mind. Treating advice as gospel merely because the book had been written by a successful businessman can tend to put a damper on one's creativity and/or his or her own individual intuitional urges to take one's own inspired action.

It is primarily the mentor subject I wanted to discuss. You don't need anything except for a willingness to allow supply and abundance (i.e. living in thought and feeling as the version of you that is already living your ideal circumstances), and the trust to listen to your own inner urgings towards action in the right direction.

All you need will be attracted to you - including a "mentor", if in fact your desired objective requires extra knowledge. You will meet this person in exactly the right time and in the right place, and receive what you need from the person. It might even be a Combo deal where this person can both impart knowledge and be a business partner, or a source of funding.

For example, if you have excitement over an objective of producing non-profit events for a particular Cause, but you had never accomplished anything of the sort, there are obviously many directions you could decide to take.

Don't limit yourself by simply reading one of the many books on the business shelf, and arriving at the conclusion that because the author claimed that to stand any chance at success, you must secure a mentor, this means you have this responsibility to find a guru with spare time. This belief can tend to put someone in Seek-Approval mode, which is not attractive.

Instead, adopt a belief system that contains the possibility of a Universal Mind connecting everything, with an unfailing Organizing Principle - simply do what's before you to do, taking calm action. Merely taking action based on information you already have is a powerful way to impress the end objective onto the same Universal Mind that is discussed in either the movie: What The Bleep, or in Wiliiam Walter Atkinson's Thought Vibration, a century prior.

Also, spend just a few minutes a day contemplating what it would feel like having an event completed with success, shaking the hands of those few remaining attendees who are on their way out the door or your first event, and who had donated. Feel the exhilaration.

When you are taking on the identity, this powerfully, of someone "who simply does successful charities", the intensity to which you are Radiating this from just your Presence, will attract exactly the help you need from the woodwork.

Once you've left behind the version of yourself that doubts (shifting the quality of your can-do thoughts over that 50% line), the Infinite Intelligence orchestrates whatever needs orchestrating. (as new-agey as that sounds) to match up the outer and the inner.

Why would we ever try to do everything, related to achieving an objective, all by ourselves including finding some mentor that an author says you must find yourself? The Intelligence that runs the entire Universe has a slightly better access to information, including the ability to send someone stumbling into your life, that is specifically needed in the manifesting of any particular objective.

http://www.scienceofrealitycreation.com
is a place which celebrates the Connection between Ancient Spiritual Literature and Quantum Physics with Resources and Articles on Wealth and Personal Freedom

** Attn Ezine editors / Site owners: Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine provided that all content/links are are left intact.

Reading Feng Shui Books

Quite simply, a different style of living. If you're the kind of person who eats the same food week after week, shops and the same stores and only socializes with a few people, feng shui is probably not something you're going to be interested in. However, if you're someone, who wants to try something different, the Chinese philosophy of feng shui could be something that you, just might be interested in.

Where can you find feng shui books? Of course we all know you can find them at your local bookstores like Barnes & Noble, Amazon and other online sources. Here's something that might be a little new age or something that most people often forget about, how about going down to your local public library. Public libraries are a great source for books and if you don't like them, you never had to pay for them.

Feng shui books have become popular in the last 20 to 40 years and seems to create an environment out of your home. The Chinese have been practicing this for over a thousand years and it almost has a mystical power to it. If you're tired of the same old house and would like a little change in your life, I would suggest using some of the simple methods, suggested in these books.

One $20 book on home building or feng shui, can save you lots of money, if you're willing to do a little research and the labor to complete almost any home building project.

By the way, if you're interested in learning how to repair a roof, build your own house, interior decorating, structural engineering, building a deck, gathering some more information about home painting or even remodeling your bathroom. Our online home building bookstore can save you money if you're willing to do the work.

You can learn a lot by reading feng shui books and I would suggest, that if you're interested in interior design or even spirituality, these books will provide you with the information, you need to create a little change in your life

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry

Does Inner Peace Frighten You?

Does inner peace frighten you? Do you feel more at home, while being nervous, anxious or restless? Do you feel that you will lose something if become more calm and relaxed?

A certain well-known TV celebrity once said in an interview, that though he is aware of the value inner peace, he doesnt want it. He was certain that it will make his life boring and uninteresting, without fun and excitement. This shows lack of understanding of what inner peace is.

What do you think about inner peace? What do you think it can do to your life? Will you become passive and indifferent? Will it make you unpractical and unable to handle your daily affairs of life? Will it take away all the fun and pleasure from your life?

Inner peace is often associated with being impractical, visionary and naive, and unable to take care of oneself. It is also associated with yogis, fakirs and people who meditate all day long, unconcerned about money, relationships, work or ambitions. These are erroneous concepts. On the contrary, you gain inner strength and power, common sense, and a better ability to judge and think. It is quite possible to enjoy true inner peace, and at the same time lead an ordinary life, with family and job, like most people.

Are you afraid to experience inner peace? Are you scared it might make your life boring and uninteresting? Do you think it will prevent you from enjoying life? Are you afraid of being able to quiet the constant, and sometimes tiring, chatter of the mind? Do you think you have to keep up an inner state of tension, restlessness and anxiety to feel alive?

The desire for money, possessions and good relationships are often motivated by the subconscious desire for security. Fun, entertainment and journeys to foreign countries are expected to bring happiness, and temporary forgetfulness of troubles or worries. All of these are expected to bring some sort of relief and freedom, and this is exactly what inner peace brings.

Everyone, albeit unconsciously, seeks ways to alleviate or overcome worries, anxieties and fears. Everyone desires happiness and a feeling of security. All this results from inner peace.

You have a lot to gain and nothing to lose, when you are able to calm down the feverish activity of the mind, and enjoy a growing sense of inner peace and serenity. This state of mind can affect your external life, and also the people you meet.

Here are just a few of the many benefits you might gain:

# Inner peace awakens inner strength and confidence.

# It enhances your common sense.

# It makes you more tactful, tolerant and patient.

# It gives you the ability to handle more efficiently the affairs of your life.

# It helps you overcome anxiety, worries and stress.

# You stop being subject to moods and changeful states of mind.

# You stop being affected by what people think or say about you.

# You remain balanced and poised in difficult and trying situations.

# You learn to look at the bright side of life.

You dont have to be a yogi or a monk to enjoy inner peace. You can live a busy and active life, while your mind is peaceful. You can work and interact with people, while your mind is calm and happy.

For more practical information and tips, read Peace of Mind Tips and Advice.

Remez Sasson teaches and writes on positive thinking, creative visualization, motivation, self-improvement, peace of mind, spiritual growth and meditation. He is the author of several books, among which are "Peace of mind in Daily Life", "Will Power and Self Discipline", "Visualize and Achieve" and "Affirmations - Words of Power".

Visit his website and find articles and books filled with inspiration, motivation and practical advice and guidance. Website: http://www.SuccessConsciousness.com Books: http://www.successconsciousness.com/ebooks_and_books.htm

Multicultural Connections - 3 Tips To Connect People To People With Any Cultural Group

As a personal brand strategy coach, I work with clients helping them unearth their authentic strengths, their unique promise of value and help them connect the dots for their prospects and clients of "the why" in "why do business with me." That authenticity is key to any relationship they are forming, business included. In fact, if you believe that all business is based on relationships. Then understand that the key to all relationships is the relationship you have with yourself.

"Know thyself" stated Shakespeare. And, he is so correct, because it is yourself you bring into every connection. This becomes even more evident in making connections with minority based businesses where even our communication is scrutinized for inclusion, awareness and biases.

"Creating community, awareness and inclusion is our focus" shared Odel Crawford, president of the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce. "Our theme for this month's conference is GROWING BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES IN TEXAS. We realize that there are many issues associated with the development, enhancement and sustainability of minority owned businesses. Of course our focus is on African-American entrepreneurs, however we realize the importance of supporting all minority owned businesses as they are important part of a community's economy."

Mr. Crawford brings out three important points to connecting to any minority business or community and that is to "create community, awareness and inclusion". As a coach, I'm driven to make this into useful, do-able, action oriented activities, so let's go:

• First is AWARENESS. Are you aware of the many communities within your community? Sometimes, diversity trainers will say that we focus too much on the differences. While that might be true, I believe that the differences are their already and to ignore them is not authentic. And don't we know that in connecting with people, that insincerity can be "read" quite quickly? How many cultures are in your community? Make a list and next to each culture identify if there is a group, organization, or association that represents that culture.
• Second is INCLUSION. Time for some self discovery. Do you do anything that "excludes" or "includes" everyone in your connections? Self discovery can be challenging however, we are that common denominator in every business relationship we have so we're a critical factor. Diverse connections come in many packages and sometimes it is easy for us to assume that the outside or external differences are the only ones we should concern ourselves with. Remove questions like "what are you?" or "what's your nationality?" and rather use all the great networking questions that the many fine experts of this publication will teach you. Asking great questions, or yourself and others and then listening will provide all the "skills" you need to make great connections.

Spending time in self discovery will also help reveal any assumptions that you might have or make. Assumptions, as we all know, can be quite damaging to reputations and relationships. Rachel Stone, president, of the Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and active member of the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce, shares the surprised reaction she gets and comments made when she meets them such as "Your last name is Stone? Are you married to an Anglo man? Or, wow, how did you get a last name like that?"

Abraham Maslow, the creator of Maslow's Hierarchy of needs, found that in addition to the basics of food, water, shelter, air, people have a need to "belong and to be valued." Do you fulfill that need for people when you converse with them? Do you do and say things that make them feel that they "belong" or that they are "valued"?

Here's a quick revealing test to see if you do. Have you ever had someone who has to tell you the story in order to relay the facts to you? Have you ever tried to "cut them off" and give you "just the answer" or "the bottom line information"? If you have, you are guilty of making the person who values "detail and information" feel not valued. Truthfully, have you ever done that to anyone?

As in any networking situation, the goal is to learn more about the other person. The more you know the better the connection you can make. The deeper connection you make the more memorable and visible you become (for all the right reasons). The better the connection the more chance they have to sample your character and competence. The more chance they have to sample your character and competence then the faster trust is developed. Trust is foundational to all great relationships - including business relationships.

Dale Carnegie in his book "How To Win Friends and Influence People" speaks of the rules of engagement. One of the rules is, take a genuine interest in what they're interested in. One, cannot take a genuine interest in someone if they do not know what they're true interest is. It's amazing how often I hear people say, "I think this is what he wants. Or, I know that she wants this." Yet, they've 'not asked the person. They are speaking for this person. How do you feel when someone speaks "for you" and does not check in to see if that's really how you feel? Often the feeling is that of assumptions, being judgmental and even to the point of stereotyping.

So, let's get better at asking some good questions. When you ask great questions you get great answers! When do you ask these questions? When you're at a networking event or when you are meeting someone. Steer clear of asking these in "rapid fire" style or like a 20 point oil check. Do weave them into your coffee conversations. They will put more "meat" into your grip, grin and graze. Here are some to put in your connection bag:

1. What organizations do you belong to? Or, enjoy spending time with?
2. What drew you to those organizations? What drew you to this organization?
3. What have you found to be your most successful times with this organization?
4. What are some of the barriers that you've encountered as an organization?
5. What do you enjoy about what you do?
6. What are some of your favorite activities or events with the organizations you're involved in?
7. How do you keep yourself connected with others between networking or social events?

The key to great questions is to be silent and listen to the answers.

Lastly:

• Create COMMUNITY. Bring people together and give them opportunity to feel valued. One of the keys to creating community is to value the people that you are bringing together and that they value you. It is in this "valuing" that you create trust. Trust is a key component to any community and to any team.

Have you ever heard the comment opposites attract? We hear that often especially in the context of couples. And, while in personality style they may be opposites, a closer study reveals that they do share something in common - the same values. Look closely at people in long term relationships and you'll see that they share the same values.

Now, while that is true for marriages and long term relationships there are also some relationships where people do not share the same values but they do share something else in common. They have a shared activity that they enjoy or do together.

As you create community, it can be by discovering and sharing the same VALUES or by having a SHARED ACTIVITY (such as the African American Chambers of Commerce, or the Hispanic Chambers of Commerce) that brings you together.

As this great melting pot world becomes more like the great salad bowl world, you'll see that connecting with minority based networks is more about people relationships that in is about cultural relationships. And, whether their connection is values, generations, experiences or interests, the deepest connections are made people to people.

The true spirit of relationship performance management is to take high performing entrepreneurs and executives from frantic networking to profitable engagement that comes from shedding the limitations of old sales pitches and creating compelling connections. I invite you to discover your personal brand strengths and connect-ability readiness by taking this on-line quiz found at http://www.buzz2bucks.com

If you'd like to learn more about succeeding at your personal brand, visit http://www.buzz2bucks.com You'll learn everything you need to know from what is your personal brand, how to use what makes you best, and engage others in a way that compels others to speak positively on your behalf and influence their contact sphere to your benefit.

Maria Elena Duron, C.P.B.S., C.N.P. PCC, is Chief Buzz Agent, speaker and coach specializing in connecting high performing entrepreneurs and executives and using what makes them best so they can move from their frantic pursuit to success and balance now.

Steps to a Positive Attitude - Self Help Tips

Habitually, life is a grind, don't you think? Ask your friends, "Why do you go to work everyday?" Nine out of ten of them will probably say, "Because everyone else does." How about that for inspiration? It's that painful attitude that we find ourselves subjected to every living day. Therefore, you could ask me, "What makes you think that I can break free from the bonds of conformity?" And I would answer, "Because you can. It's a choice; as your attitude is a choice and not a feeling."

So you wake up this morning still thinking about last night's argument you had with your spouse about the pile of debt you have collectively constructed. You swing your feet off the couch only to feel the cold remnants of the dog relieving his bladder in the middle of the night because you were too depressed to let him out. You ooze into the bathroom to rinse off and take the obligatory shower and there stands your counter-part. With the argument still lingering in the air you both choose to avoid the topic by not speaking at all.

How frustrating can this be since your son has the biggest game of the season tonight and your daughter's performance at her dance recital this evening will make or break her scholarship opportunity. You have a mountain of responsibility riding on a positive attitude today, but your ghastly experience of last night still lingers like a leach; slowly draining your life's energy one little suck at a time. How do you let go? How do you strap on a positive attitude?

Here is a short process that you can put to work right now to brighten you life...for at least a moment. You decide whether to change your life forever. It just takes a little courage.

First, connect yourself with the discomfort that wrecked your attitude. Whatever created this mountain of debt must be recognized. You granted the power to create the situation that brought on this discomfort, so be proud! At some point, this situation you created served you well, didn't it? It just took a quick turn for the worse. So forgive yourself. Express your gratitude towards the ability to have created the mountain of debt to begin with. Express your gratitude towards the ability to pay the bills that support your purchases. Forgive yourself! Now, reclaim your power so that it can be used for a greater purpose. Reflecting on the current example: to support your children in a time when they need your positive attitude the most. Serving the greater purpose with a positive attitude is a choice.

Secondly,allow your reclaimed power to rush through you like you have just leaped into a cool, fresh-water spring in the middle of a hot summer day! Feel it. Really feel it. Then remember this feeling and revisit this place over and over and over again. Indulge in the wonderful feelings it conjures. Smother your children with a positive attitude when they need it most. Serving this greater purpose with a positive attitude is a choice. And be happy you made the choice.

Third, now that you have reclaimed your power, choose your attitude. While experiencing your heightened state of happiness, make the choice that will carry with you an uplifting, positive attitude throughout the rest of the day. And when you begin to feel the intrusion of discomfort, immediately revert back to step two and remember that you have reclaimed your power. Remember the rush of energy that consumed you and brought you to this happy, powerful moment. Smother your children with a positive attitude when they need it most. This is your greater purpose.

Lastly, practice, practice, practice. Once you become even moderately efficient at reclaiming your power, your positive attitude will become a clear choice. Doors will open that will lead to places and dreams that you had only imagined for you and those for which you feel deep affection.

Make the choice to spread the virus of "positive attitude" with everyone you encounter and try to encounter as many people as you possibly can everyday. This epidemic you create will spread faster than you can presently imagine. However, with practice, you will soon realize how commonplace choosing a positive attitude can be.

Be well and know that you are loved...

Published by J.C. Spearry whose goal is to introduced you to ideas that will transform your life, define your purpose, determine your motivation. Discover effective goal setting techniques that will inspire you, your congregation, your charitable organization or your sales staff so that you can take on the day with integrity and passion! Visit http://www.find-your-purpose-for-life.blogspot.com to gather more information!

Achieving Your Objectives Every Time - Goal Setting 101

If you want to achieve your objectives in sports, politics, leadership, career or business then you are going to have to concentrate on the details, just as much as you do the end goal. In fact, you must break your end goal into little tiny goals that you can accomplish along the way and you must treat these little tiny goals as important as the dream or end goal.

Have you ever heard that saying; "The Devil is in the Details? Well, perhaps he really is and thus, if you do not pay attention to the details the devil will and he will destroy all your chances for success. It's not difficult to break your larger goals into smaller ones, you will find this comes quite naturally when you divide up tasks you need to accomplish when you do most anything.

The difference is that when you apply this strategy to your personal goals it will work just as easy as when you apply this technique to your educational or career goals. For instance, you cannot merely get a PhD in one step. You must take tons of classes, attend all the classes get decent grades, and then do your dissertation, which in itself must be broken down into many smaller tasks to complete such an undertaking.

The trick to achieving your Objectives Every Time is to use a strategy that works for you. I recommend that you try my Goal Setting 101Challenge. Take any goal you have big or small and break it into very tiny bite size tasks, assign each task to be completed a drop dead date, a date in which you must complete it.

Then stretch that out to the date you need to complete it by and schedule yourself out a work sheet and complete each little goal as if it were the big goal. Oh and you must reward yourself along the way for staying on target. If you do that you will accomplish your goal and have more confidence for the next important goal you set. Anything is possible.

"Lance Winslow" - Lance Winslow's Bio. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net

Why Smart Goals Don't Work

Each year, I receive at least half a dozen identical articles touting the benefits of SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. SMART goals are increasingly seen as the secret to personal and business success. Unfortunately, it's a pretty safe bet that most of these goals will go the way of the proverbial New Year's resolution. Why? Because none of these articles actually tell you how to make SMART goals work. In fact, most people who try the SMART approach for any but small and relatively easy goals frequently find themselves frustrated and disillusioned.

Well-constructed goals are extremely powerful tools for getting things done, increasing concentration and motivation. Successfully completing a well-constructed goal builds self-confidence. Unfortunately, creating a well-constructed SMART goal is not quite so simple as the average article makes it out to be.

To begin with, a specific goal is only useful if it's something you can control. Although this may seem obvious, the fact is that far too many people set goals that appear to be under their control, but really are not. For example, consider the athlete who sets the goal of winning an upcoming tournament: it's specific, it's measurable, it has a time of completion associated with it. Is it achievable and realistic? Depending on the athlete's level of skill, very possibly. However, the athlete has no control over the difficulty of the competition. He may simply be outplayed by a more skilled opponent.

Furthermore, although the goal is measurable, in that the athlete will know whether or not he accomplishes it, the measurement is not particularly useful. At no time will he know how close he is to accomplishing the goal, where he needs to focus his energies, or what else needs to be accomplished. The athlete is far better served by setting the goal of exercising certain key skills in the competition, skills that have a high probability of leading to a victory. Not only will he gain the self-confidence boost of accomplishing his goal, he may just win the tournament.

Another problem is that a goal is simply too big. If a goal takes years to accomplish, it can be extremely difficult to maintain motivation. Big, ambitious goals are wonderful, but they need to be carefully structured. It is vital to break them down into subgoals that can be accomplished in a much shorter period of time. The perception of progress is critical to maintaining motivation, whether for an individual or a team.

Having too many goals is another common problem. Well constructed goals are great, but if you have too many of them at once, they become a distraction. Many people can focus on three to five unrelated goals without a problem, but not ten or twenty. Keeping in mind that each goal might generate numerous subgoals along the way, it's easy to see how having more than a few key goals can easily balloon out of control.

Is the goal something you really care about? Many people have goals that they don't really care about. Perhaps they've been told it's something they ought to do or they believe they should do, but they don't really care about the outcome. If you don't care whether or not you accomplish a goal, it's hard to find the motivation to do it.

Used properly, SMART goals can be a very powerful and effective tool. Well-constructed goals can increase motivation, improve focus, and build self-confidence. Used improperly, they can decrease motivation, and destroy self-confidence. If you're using SMART goals, here are some questions to ask yourself:

Do I control the outcome?

Can I measure progress in a meaningful way?

Is my goal too big? Can I break it up?

Do I have too many goals? Is there enough time in the day/week/month to work on each one?

Do I really care about my goal? Is this something I genuinely want to accomplish?

Good luck!

Stephen Balzac is the president of 7 Steps Ahead (http://www.7stepsahead.com), a consulting firm based in Stow, MA. He can be contacted at 978-298-5189 or steve@7stepsahead.com

Three Popular Meditation Techniques

In this world we live in, chaos and disorder are parts of our daily lives. All of us are so very busy that we seldom find time for ourselves, let alone for our spiritual enlightenment. Meditation is like a breath of fresh air in this world of ours.

Day by day, people are realizing the benefits of this activity which are enormous, to say the least. There are millions of individuals in the Western world who have received a new lease of life after meditation came into their lives. The different techniques for it have helped individuals get in touch with their inner beings and attain spiritual peace.

The actual art goes back to Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The long and rich history will tell you that thousands of years ago, this was a technique practiced by nearly everyone in order to attain spiritual and psychological well being. Although the activity has definite religious or ritualistic roots, it has evolved into something that can be practiced by anyone, irrespective of religious affiliations. In fact, one can even say that meditation has attained the status of a secular practice with the object of ensuring general well being of individuals.

There are numerous meditation techniques that can be used in combination or independently in order to ensure your overall well being. And while there are many, some of the most popular ones are:

1. The first technique is that of mindfulness. In this technique, you have to keep your mind open. However, the present circumstances and thoughts have to serve as the anchor in your meditation. Things or thoughts, in this state of meditation, have to merely fleet in and fleet out of your mind, regardless of any kind of analysis.

2. Another kind of meditation that is very popular is the concentrative form. This technique is more popular in various kinds of religious practices. In this kind of meditation, you have to erase all kinds of thoughts from your mind. The focus must be on a specific object during this meditation. You have to concentrate on the one thing, and forget about the existence of all else around you.

3. The third technique is combined where you merge the two techniques mentioned above. This technique requires practice and it helps you be more aware of the energies in your own body.

One of the basic things about all kinds of meditation is introspection. You have to meditate amidst quiet surroundings with your inner being at peace with everything. The action brings inner peace and relaxation for everyone. That is one reason why it is being used in relaxation training or for treating stress related disorders. More and more psychologists are learning the new wonders of meditation in the field of healing. Thus, more doctors nowadays are falling back on meditative techniques to ensure the well being of their patients.

Meditation also helps in curing many diseases, including heart diseases. Since meditation makes your mind relaxed and fills your body with a sense of well being from deep within, it has certain healing powers.

Go for meditation and get a new lease of life. Experience life at its fullest and learn about the wonders of meditation through these meditative techniques.

Here's an excellent way to start enjoying the benefits of meditation today. The Deep Zen audio program is easy for anyone wanting to learn how to meditate - offering a free demo, and helps advanced meditators achieve deeper levels of meditation too. Try another free demo here: Totally Tranquil

Best Seller Books on Relationships May Make a Fool of You, Read This Before You Decide

If a break up happened between you and your ex, you may be interested in reading books on relationships. But how do you determine which books are really worthy of your time and money you will spend on them, and there are many books there in the marketplace?

In this article, I will give you some general advice that will help you choose the most suitable books on relationships. So be ready for the facts that few people know about.

First thing you have to do is, not to be fooled by well-chosen words that come in the letter after the author's name. Actually many authors consider school and classrooms as their sanctuaries from the tough life outside. As a result, they end up with a lot of letters after their names when they hit are still young, but they don't have real experience from engaging with people and realize the real situation on the ground. They use the certificate and degrees to make you feel they are real life expert while the truth are they are experts behind the luxurious desks and their range of expertise is highly theoretical. I doubt this kind of expertise will work in a real life situation.

Instead, you should look for books on relationships by authors who have survived their own dilemma and break up situations, or have helped people form their own close circle do the same. Or they just give you a general advice and charge you for their fifty minutes hour as a relationship therapist.

Next, you don't want to find books that simplify the whole situation to "work on yourself for 30 days and leave your relationship aside." This is not a good recipe, although it is popular in the relationship books and reports. Many of the e-books on the market make this as their main idea and they surround it with a 50 pages of fluff and filler, these types of e-books don't deserve your hard earned money to spend nor your precious time to read.

Instead, you should search for a book that will give you fresh ideas, things you had never heard of before, things that will entice the positive change deep in your soul.

For instance, will these books tell you what the woman think of most when you break up with her? Will it give you a simple real life coaching and give you specific things to do and to practice? Will the book show you how to save your own heart and mind after an unsuccessful affair? Will it give you some proven-to-work techniques to end your pain and enjoy peace of mind?

Finally, look at the recommendations of the book. Do the testimonials seem genuine and from the heart?

You want to find books on relationships that helped a wide range of people, from all paths of life, and representing all the social levels if it looks like both a 20 years old guy from South Africa and a 35 years woman from Missouri have used the book and were impressed, chances are this is a useful book.

The marketplace is over-saturated with these kinds of books. Unfortunately, most of them are twaddle because they were not written by someone who has a real life experience.

Finding the best books on relationships is considered as a research and a quest. Actually you will need hard work and determination to maintain a successful relationship. Should not you invest the time and money to find out what is the best of the best from them?

Ayman Dweck has survived a broken relationship and healed his broken heart, he had helped many people around him to do the same, you can read about his experience in this Free Squidoo Report.

And to read more about the best books that can help you survive a break up situation and continue with a successful plan to get your ex back you might want to Check this knol page

Where Did the Bible Come from?

In the year 325A.D the emperor of Rome, Constantine gathered a group of church bishops and other leaders who believes in Christianity. The purpose of the meeting was to define the true God for all Christians and eliminate any confusion within Christ's church.

By the end of this council, Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit were considered one and the same. Before the council, there was confusion about, whether they should believe in one God, two gods or three entities.

Here's a statement from got questions, a popular Christian website, "The Council of Nicea affirmed the deity of Jesus Christ and established an official definition of the Trinity-the deity of The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit under one Godhead, in three co-equal and co-eternal Persons."

This was a pretty interesting article, if you've got time to read it, I would also suggest checking out Wikipedia for more information about the Council of Nicaea.

Here's Some of the Problems I Have with This Small Group of Proclaimed Christians.

If I'm reading this statement correctly, a group of people or religious leaders, 1700 years ago decided that Jesus, God the creator of everything in the universe and the Holy Spirit are the same. What does this mean to you? To me it establishes as a fact that a group of men, at a meeting, under the control of the Roman empire and the Emperor Constantine, made an agreement within the Council of man, not gods, that the Trinity was now a fact.

If this one thing was created by a group of men, doesn't it get you thinking about other things in your religion that might be false or even misleading. These are some of the facts that most Christians tend to either ignore or don't even have a clue that they exist.

I believe more Christians and other organized religions should inspire their followers to learn more about how their religions were formed and where they came from. I cannot verify that the Council of Nicaea ever took place, I'm basing this information on historical writings from man, that I either gather on the Internet or through books. I don't know if any of this is true or false, always use religion responsibly.

I don't need to believe the information, I don't need to believes the information in the Bible, I need to research and gather more information and with this information I can make an educated guess, and be happy with that, I suggest you do the same.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing, marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

A Season For Thankfulness

It's nearly that time of year when Harvest Themes arrive in the stores, so whether you're looking forward to a harvest feast or you're simply thinking about this year's workouts, here are some quotations to provoke your thinking about 'gratitude' and 'self-restraint' to nudge you forward.

At the very least, if you pick one of the following quotes to ponder over the coming few days it will send you into your Thanksgiving celebration with a new attitude, perhaps one of kindness, acceptance, and yes, appreciation. Let go of any mishaps of the past. This is a brand new celebration.

Gratitude

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. Albert Schweitzer

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful. Buddha

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others. Cicero

The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. William James

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul. Henry Ward Beecher

Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more. Brother David Steindl-Rast

Self-Restraint

I have always repented speaking, but never of holding my tongue. Xenocrates Self-control is the chief element in self-respect and the chief element in courage. Thucydides

Remember, there is always a limit to self indulgence, but none to self- restraint. Mahatma Gandhi Some people are molded by their admiration, others by their hostilities. Elizabeth Bowen

There is little that can withstand a man who can conquer himself. Louis XIV

The best executive is one who has sense enough to pick good people to do what he wants them to do, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it. Theodore Roosevelt

I wish you a safe and enjoyable celebration of the rewards you've earned through the 'planting and plowing' you've done all year. Be thankful for your 'harvest' - the results of a year of great work. It's my warmest hope that your own sense of gratitude and of self-restraint have a fuller sense within you also. Enjoy your discoveries!

Keeping your skills fresh for your career will help you accelerate your success. Enjoy Master Certified Coach Ann Golden Egl's weekly Success Thought for the Week as an aid to success. You can sign up here: http://www.GVAsuccess.com or email: info@GVAsuccess.com.

How to Counteract Violence, Anger and Hatred

Counteract Violence with Knowledge... The saying "it's the quiet ones you want to watch" is very accurate, the people who don't instantly recoil to the violence but stop to weigh their options. Profile the aggressor, find the cause of the violence, then react in a cool calculated way by finding collaborative and empowering alternatives. If the reaction comes from keen acuity and not a chemical imbalance the outcome will be far more efficacious. "An eye for an eye makes the whole world go blind"- "Mahatma Gandhi" Wise words from an even wiser man that teaches us one thing. There is no point in fighting fire with fire. Remedies like listening, deducing and giving time to get to the root of violent behaviour is what we need to dissipate it.

Counteract Anger with Understanding... Anger is a significant state of disapprobation and reasoning power is significantly hampered. Often anger can be diffused significantly when given a passive audience or serene location. Communication skills are essential in anger management but it is important not to lose control of your emotions. You do not have to agree with the position to respect the human behind it.

Counteract Hate with Righteousness... Hatred is more difficult, simply because it is not a rational feeling and is not subject to reason. Isolation from the hate mongers, education and psychotherapy should work. Every individual is human (with good traits and not so good traits) applying this ideology inhibits the reciprocation of this hate.

These may be difficult to counteract, especially since they are strong emotions, but with practice and dedication, they can be achieved!

Sashakay Fairclough is a 20 year old final year law student at the University of Huddersfield in England.

Myths of Strengths and Weaknesses

The following is more information that resulted from my good Friend Mr. Jay Niblick's The Genius Project. The findings are pretty astounding. The implications are even greater!

The Myths of Strengths and Weaknesses

There is a myth about strengths and weaknesses, which states that we all possess them naturally. In reality, we don't. No human possesses any single weaknesses. What we do possess are natural talents and non-talents. Now don't get him wrong, he's not one of those that think it is too negative to tell someone they have a weakness and wants to call them "opportunities for development". He actually hates this term because more often than not it supports the incorrect view that one can fix a weakness by developing natural talents. If one of his clients is suffering from a weakness he tells them so straight up, but the key is that this weaknesses isn't natural, it is manufactured. Weaknesses and strengths don't exist naturally, only talents and non-talents do. If, however, one relies on a non-talent, they turn it into a weakness. Likewise, if one doesn't rely on my talents, they are never a strength for them.

In other words, you are ultimately in control of your strengths and weaknesses. Granted you have to work with the potential strengths you have, in the form of what natural talents you possess, but it is totally up to you as to whether you allow yourself to be dependent on a non-talent - or try to rely on a talent. You may be born with talents and non-talents, and there is nothing you can do about that, but you are in charge of whether those talents and non-talents become strengths and weaknesses. If you allow your success to depend on your talents, you create a strength. If you allow your success to depend on your non-talents, you create a weakness.

This might seem like he's talking about some minor difference of semantics, but I assure you that this is much more than a simple play on words. Understanding this concept requires a total change of perspective. Most people buy into the myth that they possess their strengths and weaknesses and fail to understand that they don't actually possess them, they create them. The power is theirs as to whether they exist or not.

The key is how you apply yourself, and the impact of this understanding is incredibly important because once you realize that you create your strengths and weaknesses, you realize that you are in control. You realize that you don't have to suffer from weaknesses which were given to you and about which you can do nothing. You are in control because while you definitely have non-talents, nothing in the universe states that you have to depend on them and if you don't depend on them, then they aren't weaknesses now are they? Make sense? Both talents and non-talents are only "potential". Natural talents are only potential strengths and non-talents are only potential weaknesses. The thing that controls how these potentials turn out is how you apply yourself.

If one fail because of their weaknesses, it is their own fault. Not because they didn't fix their weaknesses, but because they allowed their success to depend on my non-talents. They created a scenario where their weaknesses outweighed their strengths. Either way, the control lies with them and no one else.

Geniuses understand this. Their locus of control lies internally within them. They know that they are the only ones responsible for whether they benefit from strengths or suffer from weaknesses. They manage to turn potential strengths into actual strengths by relying on their natural talents and they manage to leave potential weaknesses as just that - potential weakness. They do not allow their success to become dependent on their non-talents, which would manufacture a weakness. Their primary focus is on maximizing their dependence on talents and minimizing their dependence on non-talents. Peter Drucker said, "your job is to make the strengths of your people effective and their weaknesses irrelevant." While obviously influenced by the industrial era mindset, because he's talking to management not the individual, the message is none-the-less spot on. The key is the focus on minimizing dependence on weaknesses, not eliminating them.

Geniuses don't have more talents than anyone else. They are just as flawed and imperfect in their natural abilities as the next man. Geniuses don't have fewer non-talents, they just have fewer weaknesses because they are very aware of their non-talents and they do a damn good job of not depending on them. To quote Dr. Marshall Goldsmith again, "there are a whole lot of things I stink at Jay. I just make sure I don't have to do them to be successful." The level of success these Geniuses achieve is hard to argue with. They achieve significantly more success with less effort, while finding more passion, satisfaction and happiness.

The Numbers

From a pure statistical perspective, Geniuses are quite rare but they significantly outperform the non-geniuses across the board. The percentage of 5th level performers in the study was only 9% of the total population (n=300,000+) but the difference in their results was astonishing:

The most successful people outperformed the next closest level not by 10 times, nor by 100 times, but by as much as 1,000 times in some cases

The average level of self-awareness for the 5th level performers in the study was 92% compared to 62% for the 4th level performers and less than 47% for the 1st through 3rd level performers

Those who were 5th level performers had levels of authenticity that were 91% versus the levels of authenticity seen in the 4th level performers of 79% and in the 1st through 3rd level performers who were at 63%

The differences between the level of self-awareness and degree of authenticity, and the correlation of these two factors with performance, make a very compelling argument for

The data showed us that there is a direct and positive correlation between the levels of awareness you have for your own abilities, the degree to which you are authentic to them and your overall level of performance. These data showed that those who performed at the lower levels had lower levels of self-awareness and authenticity. The higher people were in performance the greater their level of self-awareness and authenticity became. The great news about this is that self-awareness and authenticity are acquired talents and as things you can develop - you can develop your ability to reach the 5th level of performance AKA The Genius Level.

Mr. Timothy A. McGinty is the published co-author of the highly regarded Wake Up... Live the Life You Love series. This series is a collaborative effort with such inspirational leaders as Tony Robbins, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Brian Tracey, Steven E, and Lee Beard.

Mr. McGinty is also the author of "Your Blissful Life", a book which takes the reader by the hand and walks them through a process for defining their "Blissful Life" and the action plan for achieving it.

Imagine Yourself... is an organization focused on enabling clients "breakthrough" in achieving their success. Mr. McGinty has helped many organizations and individuals discover their passion, define the life balance they seek, develop strategies for achieving that balance, and held them accountable for reaching their goals. His clients have been so successful that Mr. McGinty is known as "The Breakthrough Guy"

Imagine Yourself...
13477 Prospect Rd. Suite 204
Strongsville, Ohio 44149
Telephone: 440-236-6519
Web: http://www.timothymcginty.com
E-mail: tim@timothymcginty.com

Create What you Really Want

Do you have a dream? Or do you just have a nagging feeling that life could better?

Many of us have a life that we know is not what we really want, but perhaps weve become resigned to it, believing that this is all there is for me or its OK, really or even, its too late to change anyway.

The reason for this resignation is usually because of fear. It can be scary to look at what you REALLY want perhaps, once you found it, youd find it was out of your reach and how do you live with that? Perhaps youd find youd have to make difficult sacrifices. Or perhaps you feel you are just not good enough. Is this what you have been told? If so, it was you who chose to believe it. You can also choose to believe otherwise. Most of us have been stopped by fear, lack of confidence, past experience, until we are so hemmed in by our lack of belief, that we accept a life of mediocrity and we decide that there is nothing that we are passionate about, this life is OK for me it will do.

My belief is that everyone everyone has something they are passionate about and getting in touch with that can be an incredibly moving and inspiring experience.

I also believe that EVERYONE can achieve the thing they are passionate about. Whatever it is whether its gardening, climbing mountains, helping people the thing that you love doing most of all is an expression of who you are and that is out there for you.

How, then, do you find that thing THE thing that will bring happiness and fulfilment?

For a moment, forget everything you have been told, or you have told yourself about your inability to succeed. Imagine that there were no obstacles. Imagine that anything is possible.

Do you remember a time, or times, in your life when you were purely happy? Where time became non-existent and you were totally focused on what you were doing? You might have to look right back into your childhood it doesnt matter. It can be something really silly and trivial. Just have a look.

Then, look at what it was about that thing you were doing that made it so wonderful.

When I was little there were two things I really, really loved doing: reading, and climbing trees.

So, how do I transfer climbing trees into my adult life? I have no desire to become a tree surgeon!

Well what I loved about climbing trees was this: every tree was different and its own challenge; there was a definite goal: to get to the top of the tree; and, I could be totally independent no-one could help, I had to do it myself.

Look at these things as a metaphor for life and you can see that I love variety and challenge, I like to be aiming towards something and I love to work for myself. Put this together with what I like about reading: the fascinating characters and the way they develop and you can begin to see why I eventually became a life coach and a writer!

It may not be obvious at first, but if you work on this technique, you may open yourself to the possibilities around you that call to who you are.

And when you have found the thing that you are truly passionate about, what are you going to do to make it happen?

You are going to look all those restricting thoughts that now come to mind those voices in your head that are telling you youre too old, too young, too stupid, not good enough, not brave enough, not clever enough etc, etc - and you are going to put them aside. They are not real they are just thoughts that you have chosen to believe. Then you are going to choose some empowering thoughts you are going to choose to believe in yourself, and you are going to start telling yourself that you are good enough, that you can make it happen. Then you are going to take the first steps towards your goal.

If this seems too difficult at first, you will find it beneficial to work with a coach, who will encourage you every step of the way, and remind you, when things get hard, that anything is possible, that you have the power to make it happen. Your coach will set goals with you, and build your confidence so that your belief in yourself will eventually create the life you are passionate about.

Ros Bott BA (Hons) FAETC is a trained life coach, writer and trainer. She specialises in Career and Confidence coaching, and is passionate about helping people to express their true selves in life. For more details: http://rosbott.com

The Magical Power of Gratitude

I remember when Oprah began encouraging everyone to write their own gratitude journal. I started one but it just felt like one more thing to do. Instead I tried to experience feelings of gratitude by simply thinking about 3 things I felt grateful for every day, either upon awakening or just before bed. Naturally, there were lots of mornings and evenings when I forgot to do this.

Flash forward 7 years and "Wow! What a difference!" Today, I'm surrounded by beauty, space, privacy, and other forms of abundance I couldn't even have imagined before. And now I find my gratitude comes naturally. I can't even open my eyes without feeling an amazing sense of appreciation for all that I've created in my life.

Is there a connection between all that I have and the depth of gratitude I feel?

Obviously, this didn't happen overnight. I wonder, when did gratitude become so effortless? Gradually, for sure. And how did it become such a natural state of being? Profound, genuine, effortless gratitude is so powerful in creating anything your heart desires, it's well worth doing whatever it takes to get to that place in your life.

Like anything else, you start small. You consistently exercise that "muscle." Over time it gets more powerful. As your efforts are rewarded with less and less effort, the use of gratitude becomes second nature.

Sometimes, I still find myself wondering whether such deep and genuine gratitude will be enough to sustain this exquisite lifestyle? Will simply feeling genuinely grateful for all the beauty and abundance that surrounds me now lead to a mindset that thinks differently and acts accordingly?

It's truly a grand experiment at this time. Stay tuned to find out if my happily ever after is self-sustaining. My blog will keep you posted with interesting and inspiring audio clips, video and super short articles to jump start your mind so you too can easily create a life of radiant health, deeply fulfilling relationships and permanent prosperity.

At http://www.stressfreepersonalfinance.com we specialize in inspiring tools to set you financially free. Plus there's free articles and audio to continually inspire you on your path towards financial freedom, radiant health and healthy, fulfilling relationships, because when you have enough money you can easily have all that!

While you're there be sure to download the FREE special report, "The 7 Affirmations That Took Me From $10,000/Year to $10,000/Month and the Powerful Techniques I Used to Synchronize Them with My Body & Mind" when you sign up for our free inspirational newsletter, Pathway2Abundance @ http://www.Pathway2Abundance.com

Five Kinds of Self Improvement CDs

If you have ever considered buying self improvement CDs, you know there are a lot to choose from. It isn't just about different authors though. There are very different types to think about as well. Here is a look at five of them, with some pointers as to which may be best for you.

Subliminal Message CDs

We know that our unconscious mind picks up a lot that we are not consciously aware of. Science and common sense proves this all the time. What is not so clear, though, is whether subliminal messages are easily processed and as effective as the sellers of these things say. Many of the original studies (such as the one where movie-goers had "eat popcorn" flashed on the screen) were flawed.

There may be some validity to the use of subliminal audios for self improvement, but if so, the science hasn't really caught up yet. Questions without clear answers yet include whether your mind really hears the messages that you can't consciously hear, whether they influence you the way you hope, and even whether they are really on that CD (how would we know?). Because of these issues, I recommend only buying those subliminal products that come with a clear money-back guarantee.

Self Hypnosis CDs

Hypnosis makes more sense than subliminal messages (my opinion). We know that we are more susceptible to suggestions at times, and one of those times is when we are in an altered state of consciousness, a hypnotic state. Many people swear by hypnosis audios, and they are generally inexpensive. But given that some problems sometimes resolve themselves without help (not to mention the placebo effect), there is still reason for some skepticism here. You might want to try CDs that offer that guarantee again.

Affirmation CDs

The idea of listening to affirmations also makes more sense to me than subliminal messages. You are at least certain to hear the suggestions. The idea is straight forward enough: You condition your mind with the thought and belief patterns as those who are successful, so you'll feel, act, and get the same results as they do. Repeating the affirmations aloud or in your mind may help.

It is easy to be skeptical of the impact of just repeating things of course. But this is one I have tried, and I can say that it really seems to have worked. My wife and I tried a self improvement CD that was meant to motivate us with affirmations of a sort. We let it play in the background for a week or two earlier this year (we work at home), and we were soon working much more. There could be something to this.

Brainwave Entrainment CDs

This is one of my favorite types of self improvement CDs. They are meant to make meditation easy, and they sure do that. Using "binaural beats," they slow your brainwaves and relax you. All you have to do is put on your headphones and listen. Beats embedded in the background music (or rain, waves, or other sounds) slow your brainwaves into an alpha state or deeper (beta brainwaves, at 14 hertz or above, are the usual in a wide awake state).

They claim to raise your threshold for stress with regular use, and many people say they do just that. They may also help you increase your self awareness. I certainly find them to be a pleasant experience. They clear my mind and take away stress quickly. I also use them to put me to sleep when I need a "power nap." There is no question that they powerfully affect your brain, and I have experienced and heard of only positive results.

Good Ideas Products

I'm not sure what else to call these self improvement CDs, but there are a lot of them. They consist of audio books and other programs that simply enlighten you with good ideas. Some are based on a kind of secular spirituality, others overtly religious, and many just provide great life lessons.

Many address a specific subject, like changing your ideas about money, relationships, goal setting or motivation. The best of them change your perspective and so change your life for the better. Some can introduce you to universal principles which alter your entire approach to life. Those are my favorites, especially if they're not too full of mystical nonsense and when I can test and prove the concepts valid in my own experience.

Whatever self improvement CDs you try, the investment is usually reasonable considering the possible benefits. I have spent a lot of money and time on these things over the years, and I can tell you that even if most of them didn't do much, the one or two that were truly valuable made it all worth it.

Copyright Steve Gillman. For a recommendation on the best Self Improvement CDs of each type, and to get the free Self Help Weekly Newsletter, visit: http://www.selfimprovementnow.com/self-improvement-cds.html

Thich Nhat Hanh

Tools For Leaders to Inspire Their People

As a leader of an organization facing difficult times in this rough economy it is your job to ensure your people do not lose heart. A daunting task to say the least, but that responsibility falls squarely on your shoulders. If you fail to inspire your people your organization will fail as well, without a doubt. This article was written to provide leaders a couple quick quotes to assist in inspiring their organization.

"Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records."

--William Arthur Ward

That quote is a challenge. A challenge to decide which you are, the one who breaks or the one who takes control of adversity and breaks records. This challenge quote is perfect for those with a competitive spirit that may need just a little boost.

"What does not destroy me, makes me strong."
--Friedrich Nietzsche

This quote is an out right boast. It tells the world that even these tough times are only making me stronger. This will, in the end, provide me more strength to succeed. This quote is perfect to spark a sense of defiance to even the idea of defeat or failure.

"We are continually faced by great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems."
--Lee Iococca

That final quote is a fun, yet firm, affirmation of a successful future. An affirmation that lets people know that we have all faced problems and in the end many turned out to be opportunities in disguise, if not none of use would have experienced success-because we all know the road to success is littered with failures. This quote would be perfect for organizations that were on the brink of failure in the past, but turned the situation into a lucrative opportunity.

Geno A Bulzomi
http://www.bulzomi.com
Articles on International Affairs, Leadership and Business.

James Redfield

Bible Scriptures Mirror Prosperity On You

James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. KJV

This Bible scripture shows us that bible scriptures are mirrors we need to be looking into every day and then we will see ourselves in this new life in Christ Jesus. We look differently in these Bible scripture mirrors then sometimes circumstances in our lives; because they reflect a whole new realm, the Kingdom of God, we are living in or should live in and out of as Christians.

Bible scripture prosperity manifests in our lives as we continue to look, not forgetting what Bible scriptures show us. That continual observing of the reflection of Bible scriptures will bring the revelation to our minds and then comes manifestation for all others to see. That is the power of the Word of God. First we have revelation and then we have manifestation. That is why the importance of meditation of Bible scriptures day and night as Joshua 1:8 tells us.

Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. AMP

So lets get started on looking into some Bible scriptures that will show us in the prosperity of God.

3 John 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. KJV

Did you notice Father God wished above all things that we prosper first of all? This is speaking of financial prosperity. Father still wishes that you prospered above all things today.

2 Corinthians 8:9 For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favor and spiritual blessing), [in] that though He was [so very] rich, yet for your sakes He became [so very] poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied). AMP

This scripture is all about financial matters and not spiritual matters. Looking into this Bible scripture, we see Jesus became so very poor coming to this earth from a lavish Heaven so that we could financially become enriched abundantly supplied. So keep looking into this mirror and see yourself becoming enriched abundantly supplied then at the time when Jesus left Heaven for your prosperity.

2 Corinthians 9:6-11 [Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings. 7 Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, "prompt to do it") giver [whose heart is in his giving]. 8 And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].
9 As it is written, He [the benevolent person] scatters abroad; He gives to the poor; His deeds of justice and goodness and kindness and benevolence will go on and endure forever! 10 And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity]. 11 Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, and [your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God. AMP

This is how the Kingdom of God operates, seed time and harvest. This allows the abundance of Gods grace to cause us to experience every favor and earthly blessing, possess enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance to continue to be a giver. Do you see yourself in the mirror of this Bible scripture? If not, then keep looking.

Galatians 3:13-14,29 Christ purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us, for it is written [in the Scriptures], Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified); 14 To the end that through [their receiving] Christ Jesus, the blessing [promised] to Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, so that we through faith might [all] receive [the realization of] the promise of the [Holy] Spirit. 29 And if you belong to Christ [are in Him Who is Abraham's Seed], then you are Abraham's offspring and [spiritual] heirs according to promise. AMP

July 4th of every year the United States of America celebrates its independence from her mother nation. As Christians, we need to continue to look into this mirror of Galatians 3:13 and others that reflect back to us our independence from the law and from the curse of the law because of Jesus fulfilling that law of Moses and taking the curse of the law for our independence.

It might be good for you to go back and look at Deuteronomy 28 where the blessing that came by keeping the law and the curse coming from not doing the law are listed. Dont pay any attention to the curse other than to give thanks to Jesus for fulfilling all of this Law of Moses so that you could experience through Him the blessings. Then your time, meditating on the blessing and see a reflection of yourself walking and living in the blessing. It will come upon you and over take you is the promise. I like to be overtaken by the blessing, dont you?

Now that we are in Christ Jesus, Bible scriptures will reflect back to us being in the blessing of Abraham. We have the spiritual blessing of Jesus Christ and we have the financial blessing of Abraham.

This last Bible scripture mirrors us in prosperity provided for by Heavens blessings.

Ephesians 1:3 May blessing (praise, laudation, and eulogy) be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual (given by the Holy Spirit) blessing in the heavenly realm! AMP

We must not be waiting on our financial prosperity any more. Every spiritual blessing contains your material blessing. All material things came out of spiritual substance. The spiritual blessing of your new birth was waiting on you just to receive it. Your financial blessing is waiting on you to see yourself in it and take it.

Lets make this confession looking into the mirror of these Bible scriptures of prosperity:

I see from these Bible scriptures, I am blessed because I have the blessing of God and the blessing of Abraham, my Father of faith. I have received the spiritual blessings by Jesus and I have received financial blessings by Abraham. I will continue to look into these Bible scriptures, my mirror, reflecting back to me who I am in Christ Jesus, and I will not forget what I see. As a result of this I will be blessed in all I do.

My Father God wishes above every thing else in the earth that I prosper in my finances. My mind is prospering as I continue to look into the mirror of Bible prosperity scriptures. I therefore identify with Jesus sacrifice, leaving lavish Heaven and becoming so very poor so that I now am abundantly supplied in my finances. This is just part of my salvation that Jesus provided for me.

I will continue to remember the operation of the Kingdom of Gods financial increase comes by my generous giving. I do not give out of law but my giving will be as a result of a hearts desire, being prompt, joyous and cheerful. Then I am expecting the results of the Kingdom of Gods guarantee of my Fathers grace and favor bringing earthly blessings to me in abundance. Then in all circumstances, I am assured I will be prospering so that I do not have to get any kind of aid or support, no kind of debt; but I am giving continually out of my abundance to every good work and needs of others. Then Father God provides more seed for me to sow and I get greater harvests. In the process Father provides my every need, and I continue to be generous and this brings thanksgiving to my Father.

Christ Jesus has purchased my freedom from the curse of the Law of Moses by fulfilling the law for me. In this liberty I am experiencing the blessing of Abraham. I also receive the manifestation of financial blessings that come from every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm through Christ Jesus.

These Bible scriptures bring liberty to me in my finances so I continue looking into them, seeing and experiencing the reality of them in my life.

Janie Baer has just produced a CD called Gods Spoken Word and her new website http://www.godswordalive.com offers products to help Christians use Bible scriptures in every day living, finding the secret power of gods word and help find the unconditional love of Father God. Janie also has a blog, http://www.godswordalive.com/blog

Why I Built Spiritualbooks4u

Do You Read The Bible Regularly

Jim Rohn Author Review
Amazing Sai Baba

Putting Up With Organized Religion

Let me explain where I'm coming from in my writing. Organized religion worked good 200 or maybe 500 years ago, but I really don't see a need for it today. We fight wars over religion and even kill people that speak out against organized religion. Religions and governments all over the world control people through fear and pleasure.

I'm tired of people fighting and killing all over the world in the name of some religion. I once heard an Iranian man, through a translator, on our local news say, "if he dies in the name of Allah, he gets to go to heaven." I don't know if I want to be signed up for that program but obviously he believes in it enough and is willing to die for what he believes in, right or wrong. Some people view this man is evil while others view him as a hero, how do you think you would do this person?

What the Romans did to people 2000 years ago is what I would consider a very bad. Was the devil actually providing an evil influence for Roman leaders back then. I've never heard anyone mention that but they did kill Jesus of Nazareth and he seemed like a pretty good person.

If Jesus would have kept his mouth shut, he could have lived to a ripe old age. He chose not to, because he believed in his cause. Some Jews believe that he was under the influence of evil, that's hard to imagine. He believed that some of the ideas and teaching of the Romans and Jews were wrong and he was going to make them better. These leaders were afraid of change and decided to eliminate what they view as they evil problem.

I started writing to influence and educate people in a positive way. I really don't want to upset religious followers, but I would like them to understand, a little more about their religion. What causes people to kill others in the name of their god? Is that evil or an evil influence from other religion's of the world.

I would imagine most of these people choose to accept words from their religious leaders as facts and will never question their faith. If religious followers could understand other religions, maybe they wouldn't persecute them or try to convert them into their own beliefs.

My influence will affect others and will provoke them to think, always question your religion and when they start thinking, this is when I've made a positive influence in a constructive way. If someone starts to think about their religion and it gives them stronger feelings and deeper beliefs, maybe they can answer some of my questions, instead of avoiding them with spiritual scripture or faith.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, The Power of Myth. If you've ever wondered, where religion has evolved from. Check this book out.

Socrates

New Thinking About Noah's Ark and Family

Gregs Videos
Dale Carnegie

The Sacred Feminine in Western Religion

'God', or 'Divinity', however you use these terms, is endless, infinite, and timeless, and as such is inherently indefinable and unknowable.

But the Sacred Feminine aspect of the creation is the vehicle, the 'Vessel', through which the infinite Divine can be expressed in our finite world. And only the Sacred Feminine can lead the soul back to the Divine.

A defining characteristic of the Masculine is the need to think things through in a linear, step-by-step manner, to experience a reality that is limited and finite and therefore straightforward, controllable, and 'knowable'. A defining characteristic of the Feminine, on the other hand, is the ability to experience reality in a holistic, open-ended, all-at-once manner, to take in and accept limitlessness and infinity. Needless to say, we each have a share in both of these characteristic abilities, but the Sacred Feminine in the world (women) and within the individual (the heart) must introduce the Sacred Masculine to the unknowable reality of the Divine. In the sacred stories, for instance, it is the Celestial Aphrodite who must unbind perfected souls and release them into bliss. And this is why Miriam had to die first, before Aaron and Moses: the Shechinah must lead the way.

Another defining characteristic of the Masculine is that it expresses the Active force within the creation, and as such it is always involved in doing, fixing, making, and acting. The Feminine, on the other hand, is the Passive/Receptive force of creation. This quality of passivity has been given a very bad name in our frantically productive society, where it has been saddled with negative and destructive connotations of weakness and submission. But if the truth be told, passivity is the higher quality. Action is the emblem of the realm of Matter and Time: the Masculine 'does'. Passivity is the emblem of the realm of Spirit and Eternity: the Feminine 'is'. It is this ability to be passive, to 'be' without having to 'do', that allows the Sacred Feminine Vessel to receive pure, endless, unknowable Being, without having to limit it or define it through any agenda of her own, and then to bring it to birth as infinite abundance and love in the physical world.

In the Old Testament, the Sacred Feminine is represented by various characters, including Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Leah, and Miriam, who nurture and protect the patriarchs and Moses. In the New Testament, She is represented by the Marys, who nurture and protect Jesus (who represents the Sacred Masculine). But the Feminine power in the scriptures is not some sweet gentle 'goddess', representing all the 'nice' qualities that are missing in men. She is the Shechinah, the 'Presence' of God in the Creation, the force that hovers over the Ark of the Covenant, the 'Mother of All Living' who pours forth all the forms and qualities in the infinite universe. She is Life, from the primordial Chaos, to Eve, to 'Rahab, the harlot of Jericho'. She is the Beauty of Rachel and the Wisdom of Leah. She is Miriam's prophetic power. She embodies the secret of the Red Cow, for she is the mystery of blood, sex, birth, and death. She is the Sea, the boundless power of the Unconscious. She is the Mother and the Whore and the Wife and the Destroyer.

In the Christian story, She first appears to Jesus in the guise of an abundance of women led by a triad of Power, Grace, and Joy, reuniting with the Sacred Masculine so that together they will be capable of completing the journey back to Divinity.

"Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene [which means 'High Tower'], from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna [which means 'Grace'], the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, and Susanna [which means 'Joy'], and many others, who provided for them out of their resources." (Luke.8.1-3)

To say that Mary Magdalene had been 'cured of seven demons' does not mean, as has often been said, that she was a particularly egregious sinner. She was no more a sinner than you or I. But Mary Magdalene had been fully initiated. In scriptural symbolism, 'Seven' signifies complete achievement, and this means that every single level of Mary Magdalene had been purified and perfected. She is the archetype of the soul that drinks in the total experience of life on earth, who has the good sense and humility to ask for God's help (like the Samaritan woman), who pours forth love and attains complete forgiveness (like the woman with the alabaster jar), who completes all of the Great Work and has been healed at every level of her soul, and who will now remain the powerful ally and protectress of the Spirit right to the very end - Mary, unlike the other apostles, will still be present at the Cross. And apart from Jesus himself, there is no indication that anyone else in the New Testament achieves her level of initiation, with the single exception of her male-counterpart, Lazarus.

Was Mary Magdalene the secret wife of Jesus? Was she the 'vessel' of his semen and his children, the mother of a lost line of kings, and thus the authentic 'Holy Grail'? All of this is beside the point. Not because it is unimportant to return the Sacred Feminine to her rightful place in western civilization. On the contrary. It is urgent. But chasing after gossip, scandal, and conspiracy theories, is not the way to do it.

Socrates taught his pupils that only those things which help to perfect one's soul can be called 'moral' or 'good'. If we found a Marriage Certificate with both of their signatures buried in a desert cave, how would this discovery contribute anything to the perfection of one's soul? The search for this kind of 'proof' is fascinating and fun, but it is of no spiritual significance. It is merely a diversion. We should put aside the scientific demand for 'proof' and the academic fascination with textual criticism, and ask ourselves more important, human, and relevant questions: What are these stories trying to tell me? How can these words help me with my life? How can my struggle to unveil their inner meaning help my soul evolve? What are they telling me to do, and how can I do it?

The reason we must restore the Sacred Feminine to her full divine stature in our lives and culture is because without her all spiritual evolution is impossible! Without her all the ancient myths and holy scriptures are useless! We cannot follow Demeter and Persephone back up to Olympus, we cannot obey the Law of Moses, we cannot walk in Christ's footsteps, if we continue to misconstrue everything that is said about the perfect equality, the required harmony, and the absolute inter-dependence of 'Male' and 'Female' at every level of Creation. All of this is in the stories. Nothing is hidden. But the meaning of the words has to be penetrated and understood. As we have seen, only the Sacred Feminine, within the soul of a human being or the soul of a civilization, can receive the pure, endless, unknowable Being of God, without trying to limit or define it, and then bring it to birth as infinite abundance and love in this world. And only the Sacred Feminine, through pure noetic intuition, can reconnect us to that infinite, timeless, Divine Being, and lead us home.

The consequences of her degradation, a crime for which men and women are equally responsible, are constantly and painfully visible in the disintegration of compassion, decency, kindness, and human meaning, that we witness all around us.

Dr. Andrew Cort, D.C., J.D., is a Teacher, Attorney, and Doctor of Chiropractic. His books, including "Return to Meaning: The American Psyche in Search of its Soul", "From Joshua to Jesus", and "The Song of Songs: A Lover's Poetic Dialogue", can be browsed and ordered at http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A2XMNRI4GIYFES. Dr. Cort lives in the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts.

Karen Armstrong

Understanding the Chinese Calendars

Chinese calendars have been around since 2600 BC. This makes the Chinese New Year the longest record of time in history. In fact, it is even the largest chronological record. It began when Emperor Huang Ti first introduced the cycle of the zodiac, which is still in place today. The Chinese calendar is actually quite similar to the Western calendar. Known specifically as the Chinese Lunar Calendar, it is a yearly record of time. As the name suggests, it is based on the cycles of the moon.

One of the main differences between the Chinese and Western calendars is the naming of the years. Under the Lunar calendar, the twelve years are named after an animal. There is a legend which states that, before leaving the earth, Buddha had all of the animals come to them. However, only twelve came to say good bye to him. He rewarded them by naming a year after each one. They were named according to the order in which they arrived.

Thus is the reasoning behind the Chinese zodiac, which is tied in with the calendar. Many Chinese beliefs maintain that the animal names connected to the calendar are hugely influential for the people who were born in those years. It can affect everything from personality to preferences.

Over a quarter of the world's population is Chinese. That is how many people celebrate the Chinese New Year and ascribe to the associated calendar. Mind, they do not solely rely on the Lunar calendar. The Gregorian system a majority of the rest of the world uses is used by the Chinese for civil purposes. At its most basic point, the Chinese calendar determines the timing of the culture's various festivals.

The calendar is also based around certain astronomical factors. Specifically, it is based around the precise longitude of the sun, as well as the phases of the moon. As such, despite the fact that it is the oldest time piece in the world, the Chinese calendar has been impacted by modern science.

On one hand, the Lunar calendar bases its dates on the dates of the cycles of the moon. The cycles for the new moons are used specifically. Whenever the new moon occurs, it indicates a new month. The longitude of the sun is also used. It determines the Principal Terms of the Chinese calendar. Those in turn determine the actual numbers of each month.

In closing, as mentioned, each year corresponds to an animal. 2009 is the year of the Ox. The year of the Ox occurs every twelve years. The same can be said for the Dog, Rat, Snake, et cetera.

Henry Fong
Feng Shui Consultant.
Feng Shui Absolutely

Why I Built Spiritualbooks4u