Sunday, February 27, 2011

Reflection

News
I've decided to open up Bob Proctor's "Success Puzzle" program for group coaching. Out of all the programs I've done, "Success Puzzle" has had the most profound effect. It completely changed my life.
Here are just a few benefits I received from the program:
-It is because of this program that I gained the deepest insights into myself and what I would like my life to look like.
-It is because of this program that I ventured to Northwestern India on a life changing journey. I'll share the full story during the coaching.
-It is because of this program that I've meditated almost every day for the past year (more about that below).

I am only going to work with five people for this program in order to keep it very personal. Actually one person is already signed up so only four more people can join.
You should only join this coaching if you are seeking serious change and are committed to your own growth.

For more info on the program, please go to www.oneamazinglife.com and click on the "How" section.

Dates: Saturday, March 12th - Saturday, April 30th
Time: 1:00-3:00pm
Number of Sessions: 8

For more information, please email me: bob@oneamazinglife.com

Quote
"Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.”
-Peter F. Drucker

Thoughts
We sometimes get so caught up in work or taking action that we forget to stop and see if we are taking effective action. Simply working hard without regard to effectiveness won't really get you very far.

It's like the fly constantly smashing itself into the window to get outside. It's goal is to get outside, and it's working very hard. However if it stopped and reflected it would notice that there is an open window nearby and without so much hard work it could easily achieve it's goal.

So the point is it's very important to stop and see what impact your action is having. If you find that the action you are taking is ineffective, then you can look at other options. Is there another way you could be doing it? Is there something you have not tried yet?

Another area that has tremendously helped me is meditation. While I was doing the "Success Puzzle" program a little over a year ago, I decided I was going to meditate every day for 90 days. I accomplished that task. Then I wanted to keep going so I decided I was going to meditate every day. What happened?
In the last 13 months I've missed 12 days. Overall not too bad, but room for improvement. I usually meditate for 15 minutes a day, although sometimes I'll go as long as an hour.
It has helped me become much more aware of what thoughts are running through my head and allowed me even greater control over my emotions.
I practice zazen. However, I think almost all forms of meditation are useful.

I encourage all of you to spend some time reflecting, you may be surprised at what you find.

Have an outstanding week.



Monday, February 21, 2011

Judging Others

News
No new updates for this week.

Quote
“We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows only their own pain and renunciation. It's one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it's another to think that yours is the only path.”
-Paulo Coelho

Thoughts
This is not directly related to the quote above, but this week I wanted to share a story with you from Paulo Coelho's blog. I highly recommend checking out his blog when you have time:

http://paulocoelhoblog.com/

Tanzan and Ekido were once travelling together down a muddy road. A heavy rain was still falling. Coming around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unable to cross the intersection.
“Come on, girl,” said Tanzan at once.
Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the mud.
Ekido did not speak again until that night when they reached a lodging temple. Then he no longer could restrain himself.
“We monks can’t be near females,” he told Tanzan, “especially not young and lovely ones. It is dangerous. Why did you do that?”
“I left the girl there,” said Tanzan. “Are you still carrying her?”
---------------------
Have an outstanding week.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Living Life

News
No new updates for this week.

Quote
“There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle.”
-Albert Einstein

Thoughts
I think that we sometimes get so caught up in our daily routine that we often forget about all the truly incredible things around us. We also may start taking things for granted. For any of you that have ever lost someone close to you I am sure you can relate. We often find ourselves wishing we had told them something or wishing we had done something differently.

We forget to be grateful for the seemingly small things. I have pulled my lower back muscle twice in the last three years. I'll tell you the first two days after you pull that muscle is tough. It's hard to even sit up to get out of bed. You become quite thankful when it heals. If any of you have ever been injured or sick, then I think you'll know what I am talking about.

I also think some people are so focused on the problems in their life. They tend to only see what's wrong. If you find yourself in this situation, I would recommend shifting your perception. Ask yourself "What is right?". What is going right in your life? What are you grateful for?

Look for the beauty that is around you all the time.

Have an amazing week.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Criticism

News
The 6-Week Professional speaking course starts on Thursday, February 10th at 7:30pm. This is for anyone that is interested in increasing their ability to stand up and speak in front of any size audience. If you would like to register for the course, please email: bob@oneamazinglife.com

Quote
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
-Theodore Roosevelt

Thoughts
Before I share my thoughts, I would like to update you on my progress from last week since I received some emails asking about that. In total I've visited 20 companies. Out of 20 I was able to sit down and talk with about 10 of them. Two of the companies are looking at starting the coaching program soon. Very nice progress so far. Next week I have two incredibly important meetings with new companies, plus I'll stop by about 10-15.

Regarding criticism, it seems that everyone has an opinion about something regardless if they are actually experienced/qualified in the area they are discussing. There will always be people that tell you that you can't do something, or be something, or have something.

As a matter of fact, even some of the people closest to me have told me to give up what I am doing. I've recently been hearing "Go back and do defense contracting because it's more comfortable for you and you can make a ton of money.". Actually, two weeks ago I was offered $300,000 for one year to go back into my old field and work in a semi-dangerous area. I turned it down. Why? Because I have a vision and I am taking action on that vision.

So how can you handle criticism?

It's important to remember that most times when people criticize you they are often trying to protect you. They don't want to see you get hurt. Of course there may be a few that do it out of jealousy. If you are growing and they are not, then they may feel threatened. Ultimately, the best thing you can do is show them through your action. If someone says you can't be, do, or have something, then instead of arguing that you can do it. Show them. Go out and do it.

Have an awesome week.