Weekend Post: One vs. Many

Sorry for the prolonged absense… living life on Life’s terms has a funny habit of making one busy…! However, I appreciate all of your support and emails of concern – nothing wrong, just very busy with work and other distractions!

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Have you every heard anybody say, “The world’s out to get me!” or “They are all conspiring against me!” ? I think at one time or another we’ve all had that feeling that we are alone in our endeavor, battle, plight, or whatever. Sometimes it really can feel like we are taking on The World. Today’s piece hopefully will put a different slant on these feelings…

I don’t wish to get into a theological debate about what you and I believe, but my personal thoughts and feelings about my higher power and all of us in the world, is that at a core, central and higher level are all one: we are all mirrors and extentions of one another. Certainly for me, this helps me keep perspective and balance in my daily interactions with other people and the world at large.

That there is a higher power at work in the universe is indisputable – even the Big Bang theory must have had something light the fuse! Whatever you believe, that entity or ‘being’ is always with you: we are never alone.

Often times when in a confrontation, I like to imagine a sounding-board mirror in front of the other person, and likewise one in front of me. Listen more intently to what is being said by yourself and the other(s)… step back a little and observe what is really going on. “If you could only see things through my eyes…” how often do you try that…? You’ll be quite surprised at what you observe and experience.

If you are everybody else as well as yourself, does it really matter who’s right and who’s wrong, who wins and who loses…? Ultimately we are all participants and are all things, all ways.

Short and sweet this weekend… again, sorry, pressed for time, but if you wanted more, delve deeper into the substance of this post and experience for all of us… notice the difference… Enjoy!

#36 Acknowledge What You Do Have 1% More

Many people moan a great deal – too much, in fact – about what they don’t have, and spend far too little time appreciating and acknowledging how much they actually do have already. Very similar to the first step in getting sane is to acknowledge that one is insane, it is vital to acknowledge that you have much, BEFORE you can get even more.

If you seek to lose weight, rather than bemoan how overweight you are, accept who you are and how you are and be happy. It is a hard habit to break, but if you cannot become happy with how you are right now, there is little or no positive foundation upon which to build a happier, slimmer you.

The same is true, if you wish a better job. Acknowledge and be happy with the job you currently have. Enjoy the fact that you HAVE a job and focus daily on action to bring you closer to the job you want. If you want more money, be thankful for the money you have, the things you have, even the things you have possessed in the past. Allow yourself to be open to receive more based on having received in the past.

If you are fortunate to have already enjoyed what you seek in the past, you have an easier job than most, as you know what you once have had you can have again. We were all slim and healthy once, so we can be again with a little conscientious work and effort. Remember, weight was not put on instantly and it will not be lost instantly. Wealth is generated (for most of us) slowly and cautiously over a period of time.

If we all put our minds to it, we are all (those reading this now) much wealthier – in financial and non-financial terms – that the vast majority of the people in this world. Be thankful and acknowledge how much you truly do have. If you think about what is essential in life, there are not many in the western world that do not have everything they truly need… everything else is just a luxury that makes our lives even more comfortable.

Acknowledging what we have makes us more truthful people. Realize all that you have and make it a strong, positive platform upon which to build more. Acknowledge and truly appreciate all that you already have 1% more today… observe the experience… enjoy!

#33 Be 1% More Humble

Thank goodness ‘humble pie’ isn’t fattening, otherwise I’d be much heavier! Joking aside, though, humility is something we hear tossed around a lot these days, but what does it really mean to ‘be humble’ and how can it benefit us to have more humility?

I like to think of it as putting others before yourself. Yes, certainly, we have to have a personal sense of importance (we don’t want to put others before us in such a way that we are “walked all over”) it’s healthy to have a well-adjusted self-value, but I’m talking about valuing your role with others.

Many of us ask, “Why am I here?” It is usually a personal, somewhat selfish look at ,”what’s in this life for me?” Perhaps, if we all stepped back a pace or two and asked another question first, it might help put everything into perspective: “How am I here to serve others?”

I am grateful for everything I have and everything I have ever had. I am thankful every day and say so each morning. Humbling oneself is to be less ego-driven, to have the simple ability to admit when we are wrong quickly, to interact with our fellows in a more human manner. Being humble doesn’t necessarily mean going around saying you’re sorry to everyone! I think it is actually a sign that you are living a more conscious life, because you are thinking and participating in your interactions.

Do you have to be right all the time in order to be happy? Does life have to always go your way for you to be successful? Listen to your inner voice more and you will know exactly when to practice humility. With time and practice it will be an unconscious action.

Allow humility into your life just 1% more and witness what happens. Enjoy…

Weekend Post: Do As You Would Be Done By

I remember as a child my Mother telling me stories revolving around the concept of “do as you would be done by”. More recently I find myself talking to the young children around me, opening them up to how to live a fruitful and fulfilling life in balance. One exercise I’m having them practice is to pause before they say or do something and ask: “If this was being said or done to me, how would I feel?”

This isn’t just for kids. Try it yourself. Very often Life conditions us to respond automatically – to be almost robotic – in many situations. By pausing first and asking, “How would I feel, if this was being said or done to me?” You can probably think back to a few hasty words or deeds you’ve since regretted, can’t you?

Just imagine a world where more people actually take the time to think of others first. I’m sure also that you’ve been on the receiving end of some ill-thought out actions or loose words, too, right?

By making it a daily practice to pause before acting or speaking can make this world a much more positive place to live in. Give it a try, what have you got to lose…? Notice the remarkable things that chance in your life, by changing just one thing 1%…

#32 Remember People’s Names 1% Better

Our name is something we are all given at birth and it accompanies us our whole lives. Some people are better at remembering names than others, but no matter who you are or what you do, there is nothing better at making a good second impression than remembering somebody’s name. I’m very fortunate, because I have always been very good at remembering the name of somebody new. It is also something I have worked at improving, and I’d like to share some tips I use to help you do the same.

I would say the most critical factor in remembering somebody’s name is making it important. Think about how YOU feel when somebody you’ve only met once or twice comes up to you and says YOUR name. Well, the same is true when you have made an effort and get somebody else’s name right. If it’s of importance to you to really remember their name, the likelihood of you doing so is much higher.

Don’t be in a hurry. When you first meet somebody new, don’t rush the introduction. As you shake their hand, observe their face and repeat their name back to them in your greeting, “Hi John, it’s nice to meet you.” As you look at their face, is there anything striking or particular about their appearance that can help you remember their name? Do they look like another John you know? If other friends are around you, introduce your new friend – repitition is a great tool to memory – “John, I’d like you to meet my friends. John, this is Mandy… Mandy, this is John…” and so forth.

Building upon repitition, if you are at an event with others, test your memory. Ask your friends questions, “Isn’t that John over there by the buffet?” The more you make a practice to remember, the better you will get.

If it’s a business event where you exchange cards, write some notes on the back: Tall, dark hair, big nose, has a Great Dane. In this case, I’d actually categorise this person as “Great Dane John” and picture him with his dog. The more images you can create in your mind associated with the person, the stronger the memory.

Try this simple exercise the next time you wish to remember names and faces. You’ll be surprised with just a little practice how much you’ll improve, AND how much it improves your memory as a whole.

This is a great added bonus to self-improvement, it is almost impossible to improve one area of your life without it improving other areas too! See how quickly all these little 1% improvements can add up to a whole new you very quickly indeed.

Have fun with this exercise and notice the change…

#31 Be 1% More Encouraging

By now, you will most probably realise I like to change and adapt old sayings. In an earlier post, I talked about ‘giving what you lack more’, and this post builds on that idea:

“From tiny acorns great oak forests do grow…”

I enjoy taking most thoughts and ideas to their fullest and greater end. Why stop with an oak tree? One oak tree produces many more acorns, which continues the cycle. Just stop and marvel at the Creator for just a second. You could take a barron field, plant just one acorn, and return in just 100 years and not recognise the field. This is a great, natural law: one small seed that grows will produce many times over.

No matter how successful we are, or wish to be, we can all do with more encouragement along the way. Have you noticed how much better you feel when somebody else encourages you? Have you seen a change in productivity or emotional state when you encourage somebody else? Isn’t any environment better when it is filled with positive, uplifting and encouraging people? Cheerleaders may seem unimportant to a sports game, but can you image how much harder the team would have to play to win, if they didn’t have fans and cheerleaders encouraging them?

Today, as you go about your everyday activities, be more encouraging to those around you. Recognize the good work being done. Don’t focus on the little things that people haven’t done, or have done wrong, focus on what they have done well and right. With your children, congratulate them on getting ready for school, remembering their book bag, having a smile on their faces. The more you encourage those around you, the better you will instantly feel, because you are focussing on the positive, but also you will be surprised at the encouragement you receive as a result.

Encourage as many people as you can today: the bus driver, the road sweeper, the doorman, tell them what a great and important job they are doing. Tell your parents what a great job they are doing at raising a family (whether you realise it or not!) Focus your mind on noticing where you can encourage people rather than criticise them.

Spread the encouragement 1% more today and observe what positive changes happen in your environment. You are planting the seeds of a great oak forrest today… enjoy!

Weekend Post: Tame the Wild Horses

Our thoughts and minds are like wild horses; they naturally wish to roam free. Before they will allow themselves to be ridden and take you where you wish to go, they must first be tamed and controlled. Just like with horse riding, initially as children we are led around by a rope on a small pony by our parents and close friends (this represents their thoughts, opinions, beliefs, etc.) It isn’t the fault of our parents, friends and relatives that they unknowingly give us wrong or false paradigms to follow and believe in – they probably didn’t know any better. The important thing for us to learn is that, if we never take the time to catch, tame and control our own horses (our thoughts and minds) we will forever be led around on that little pony by others that are holding the rope.

Read that again, it’s simple, yet powerful stuff. Is somebody else holding the reigns to your pony still? Have you ever tamed your own wild horses? Perhaps you are wondering how you do that. One of the greatest motivators and self-help practicioners of the last century was Napoleon Hill. There are many videos on YouTube worth watching and acting upon, he has also authored many incredible books, the most popular being, “Think and Grow Rich.”

The best way I have found to begin to take control of your thoughts and mind is to first be aware of your thoughts and mind more. It will take time, practice, and some effort on your part – exactly like taming a horse! – but the rewards are well worth the small price you will have to pay. Our thoughts and the power of our mind are incredible gifts, if used correctly. Everything you see, touch, feel and use around you that was man-made was born out of thought first.

You have the power, once you have tamed the horses of your mind, to take full control of your life and create whatever your heart and mind desires: more money, a bigger house, a better job, better health, anything. Allowing your thoughts to dwell less and less on negative things, and focussing more and more on positive things you want, very quickly you will start to see good things manefest in your reality.

Like everything, it takes practice, time, and a little effort, but one day at a time, one small percent change at a time, you’ll see, you too can move mountains in your world. Enjoy taming your wild horses, enjoy the wonderful changes that you will experience…

#30 Celebrate Your Uniqueness 1% More

Whether people around you tell you that you are or not, you are special, and you are unique.

What a marvel that is. Think about it, there are over FOUR BILLION PEOPLE on this little rock hurtling through space, and every single one of us is different, unique and special in their own individual way…! Isn’t that amazing? Doesn’t that just make you stop in awe of the power, love and energy that masterminded the universe…?

Even “identical” twins, triplets, etc. are different: their atoms are different, their thoughts are unique, and they act independently of each other.

Commodities like gold, diamonds, etc. are given value because of demand, but mostly because of scarcity or rarity.  Did you know there are many, many more diamonds in the world than there are people? Does that mean you are more valuable than a diamond…? De Beers actually holds approximately one third of the diamonds available out of circulation to “artificially” keep up demand and inflate the value!

Likewise with gold, there is more gold already in circulation than there is a tangible need for (most of it is in bullion, and only a tiny fraction of the gold in existence is actually put to any real use!) Does that make you more valuable and useful than gold…?

Perhaps your paradigm of what is valuable, unique and special is now starting to change. In the whole scope of things, you are as special and unique as a tiny snowflake – surely that’s something you should celebrate, and celebrate often! When was the last time you looked yourself in the eye in the mirror and declared, “I love you, because you are unique and special!”

Go do it right now! “I love you, because you are unique and special!”

Feel any different? Today, and every day, remember your uniqueness: there is only one of you, and there are many things that only you can do. You have a very special gift to give to the world. Be your own radiance and bring that glow to your world.

Perhaps you have great eyes… a warming smile… maybe you are a great comforter… or you may have many other special gifts. Whatever it is about you that you know makes you special and unique, be very pleased about it, enjoy it, share it willingly and often.

Celebrate your uniqueness 1% more today… notice what happens…

#29 Focus on the Positive 1% More

As much as many scientists agree that we merely use a tenth of our brain’s true capacity, it is a very simple muscle: it will enhance and manefest what we allow into it and focus our attention on. I’m going to repeat that below, just so you give it the attention it deserves:

Our brains  will enhance and manefest what we allow into it and focus our attention on.

To our brain, there is no positive or negative, it’s all just stuff. If we focus on bad things and negative stuff, guess what, our brain will try to make us happy by helping us focus more on that, and that in turn will help to manefest negative things around us.

On the other hand, if you focus on positive things, your brain will help you focus on more positive things, which will then manefest in more positive things around you. Don’t you think it would be a good idea to practice focussing on the positive, good things in your life – even to the extent of trying to find the good in everything – rather than the negative, especially if you know it will change your physical conditions?

Today, as you go about your regular activities, become more mindful of your thoughts and what you allow into your brain. If negativity starts to arise, nip it in the bud and replace it with something more positive. Over time this will be a natural habit and be second nature for you to do.

Make it your goal today to focus more on the positive in all things just 1% more, be sure to notice the difference as it starts to manefest…

Weekend Post: Turning Up Is Half The Battle

I’m in Dallas, Texas, right now, and I’ve just completed the first week of a very successful training class. I found myself telling the attendees over and over, “You’ve already done 90% of the work: you woke up and you showed up!”

Planning is great… dream-building is great… making strategies is great, but the magic ingredient is the work. If you’ve woken up and shown up ready to be more successful, and are WILLING TO PUT IN THE WORK… you’re already more than half way there. Like most, you’ve probably heard others (or yourself) make statements like, “I’d really love to do…” or “If only I could…” Well, what action are you prepared to put behind that thought or word or wish…? 

Yes, turning up is half the battle, but half is nowhere near the whole. Many people fall down and fail right before the finish line. The only thing that matters is finishing, winning and succeeding. Now, you may have many failures – or learnings – along the way to achieving your goals and dreams, in fact, almost all successful people will tell you that they FAILED their way to success. What separates the successful from the mediocre is their unceasing ability to pick themselves up and go at it with exactly the same energy (or more) time and time and time again UNTIL THEY DO SUCCEED.

Ask yourself, “Are you so passionate and convinced you will get it done that you will do everything and continue onward until you have achieved your goal, dream or ambition?”

However, one thing is for sure, if you don’t show up you are guaranteeing 100% failure. This was one of the driving forces behind this blog, 1% is easy to do. Nobody can’t muster the effort and energy to make 1% change a day, a week, a month, or a year. A tiny change can make all the difference. If you recognize that you talk about a lot, but don’t show up or follow through, make that your goal: turn up 1% more. Take the next step and be happily surprised at the change that happens.

Enjoy your weekend…!