(and who decides it’s “failure” because really and truly there’s no such thing : )
Even if you said you’d failed I’d say, “Congratulations – you’re moving… many are stuck so far back in fear, they might never move! You’re already further ahead.”
Today I’m emphasizing the advantages of MOVING INTO ACTION, that even if you make mistakes you’re still further ahead.
I’m also giving you an easy technique, to get you moving.
“Courage is being scared to death – and saddling up anyway.”
~~ John Wayne
The great thing about MOVING is it’s easier to change direction.
Imagine a vehicle.
– How hard is it to change direction while standing still? Very hard.
– How hard is it to change direction while moving? Very easy.
Studies show that people who achieve what they want, do it through trial and error.
Yes, a mistake is an indicator of success
How successful can you be if you’re DOING NOTHING?
Today I have some words of wisdom from Dr Maxwell Maltz author of Psycho-Cybernetics and below you’ll see a great technique I use – that you can start using today.
I was intrigued when I first heard that a rocket arrives at its destination through a series of mistakes (it fails its way there?) and that our subconscious mind is a mechanism operating in a similar way.
“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”
~~ Albert Einstein
According to Dr Maltz, our subconscious is in fact a “machine” we use.
We direct this machine using our conscious mind.
So, how is the mechanism in a rocket similar to your subconscious mind?
Have a look at this interesting list of similarities:
They are both goal-striving mechanisms.
They are both impersonal (your subconscious mind does not see things as good or bad it just goes ahead and creates your outside world according to your thinking – whether that serves you or not)
They must both be moving to get to their goal (sounds obvious yet most people don’t move)
They both reach their destination (goal) through trial and error.When they go forward, they make mistakes and correct their course. They are therefore further ahead.
You’ll always find your heart of gold IN YOU first.
“May your heart always be joyful. May your song always be sung.”
~~ Bob Dylan
Sitting outside having breakfast recently, enjoying Neill Young in the background, our discussions quickly moved from music to free thinking, to showing others who we truly are and our willingness (or lack of willingness!) to SHINE.
We often discuss whether our commercial music “industry” of today pales in comparison to the 50’s and 60’s.
Back then, their musical intentions were about sending a valuable message, rather than commercial gain.
As you probably know, the Beatles started by playing in pubs; they did that for two years.
While no history lesson, here are four interesting “notes” about singing:
1. Singing apparently predates the spoken language. I did not know that.
2. Opera apparently developed in the 1590’s
3. Cliff Richard was a 50’s singer. (Right there, the possibility of staying young : )
4. The Bee Gees’ records spanned FIVE decades.
In the 50’s and 60’s they broke the mold.
Not intentionally.
They were spontaneous free thinkers and therefore inspirational.
Some of the biggest names didn’t even have a great voice!
So why do we love them?
Because they inspire us with empowering messages, the messages authentically and uniquely theirs. They were willing to shine.
In essence, they touched our hearts by following their hearts (of gold). The world is thankful they did.
And what about your heart of gold? Yes, yours.
Isn’t it time to reveal it and share it with the world? We all want you to.
Do you follow your heart or is that too much of a risk?
Regrettably most of us do what others do, do what others have already done.
We wonder why life feels so boring – why it seems as if something is missing.
If one analyzed today’s music we’d find it largely contrived, lacking spontaneity. Popular talent programs seem to dictate a certain formula and focus almost exclusively on voice quality.
Freedom and true self-expression are discouraged.
You do know the dangers of a closed mind, don’t you?
Refreshing thoughts from Bob Dylan:
“May you grow up to be righteous,
may you grow up to be true.
May you always know the truth
and see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
stand upright and be strong.
May you stay forever young.”
Echoing my own contemplations:
“Many people still live off the echoes of the sixties.
Those ideas still being passed around with little ingenuity.
Rather than be original (risky), we seek approval (safety).”
Do you sense something is missing?
Perhaps you want to shine, be extraordinary and authentically YOU
I believe you’re already extraordinary. What are the two reasons you doubt that?
i) You’re unaware of your birthright and that it’s your purpose to be extra-ordinary
ii) You’re unaware you were not born to be average, mediocre – you were in fact born rich & abundant. After years immersed in society’s programming, most people eventually forget this.
ii) You’ve forgotten HOW to be YOU.
This needs to be re-awakened in you.
How do you re-awaken the extra-ordinary in you?
You do it by discovering your heart of gold – your unique talent or gift – and boldly taking action to use it. Even if you’re not “ready”!
What if your talent isn’t “popular”?
When searching for your own genius, your own uniqueness, allow it to be whatever it is.
Don’t judge it. Allow it linger.
Don’t try to fit it in with what’s already known.
It’s okay if it is – as long as it’s absolutely truly you.
Contemplate – it’s surprisingly powerful
I encourage you to contemplate. In our entertainment-filled 9-5 world we’ve lost the willingness to contemplate – we’re too busy.
We’d rather phone a friend, send a text, even wash the dishes – anything but go within.
Yet contemplation expands your understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Contemplation is free. It’s awesomely powerful.
When you contemplate, you grow, you expand.
Contemplation has the capacity to rock your world.
7 Ways to Discover Your Heart of Gold
1. Find a quiet, peaceful place. Move yourself into nature, to a bench in a tranquil park, under a shady tree at home, the warm soft sand on a beach, in your garden or curl up on your comfy couch in front of the fire in winter. Find a way to make this a special time – it signals your intention to reveal your special gifts.
2. Contemplate what you LOVE to do and what you’re GOOD at – often they’re the same.
3. Write freely – whatever comes to mind. I often mention writing, but really that’s the greatest way to open yourself up to ideas. If you truly want to discover your talents, passions, then writing causes thinking and it stirs up images as well as beautiful emotions. That’s great! This is your gift to you. Once you start, your body will luxuriate in the attention… this is called love… for you.
4. Ask yourself the following:
What do I enjoy?
What do I do better than others – or just as well?
What do I love to do?
What am I proud of?
How do I help others right now?
What is it about me that no-one knows?
and ask yourself this:
If I had to choose something I love to do – what would it be?
Don’t give up, keep going until you discover your passion.
The life I’m living now was not in any way obvious to me.
Discovering my passion became a journey – perhaps it will be for you too – so you may as well start today. It’s a fun journey!
Sometimes what you’re good at is “so you” you can’t see it.
“All I can do is be me, whoever that is.” ~~ Bob Dylan
5. Select one talent or ability you love to do. Moving forward with just one of your talents will reveal even more. Yes, you have more than one – you’ll be amazed. Resist the temptation to work out where this will lead. Take one step at a time.
6. Then, take action with that one thing you love to do. If you need to, contemplate again HOW to do that. Read more about it, take courses, talk to family and friends, find ways to do more of it, or just to try it – volunteer… whatever.
7. Create an outrageous goal where you’re using your talent, what you love to do. Make it a marvelous fantasy. Don’t worry about HOW you’ll achieve it. Just dare to dream. Imagine it as if you’re already living the fruits of this fantasy. What defines a great goal?
And… what if you’re searching for the love of your life?
…or to be closer to the one you love?
It may sound crazy – but the above 7 steps will take you to that person.
Why is that? 2 Reasons:
1. If your dream is to love another and to receive their love, always start with yourself. Once you’ve allowed your heart of gold to shine, once you cherish you, you’re ready to love another heart of gold and bask in their reflection. It comes from within and you catch each others attention.
2. Being authentic is fascinating. An authentic person is attractive and fascinating. You instantly raise your self-esteem by being authentic. Once you’re being authentically you… once you’ve ditched trying to fit in, craving approval, you start sending out a strong confident message. A message you’re proud of. The company you keep starts to reflect that.
So Remember…
“You don’t need anybody to tell you who you are or what you are.
You are what you are!” ~~ John Lennon
Believe in you.
I facilitate the Thinking into Results program, a world-class personal development program by Bob Proctor for business owners who want to bring out the best in their employees and this is for individuals too. It brings back CHOICE, FREEDOM and OPPORTUNITY to your life.
Contact me here or at janet @ janetpooleconsulting.com … and learn how to think into results and get the results you want.
What others are saying about Thinking into Results:
“Thinking into Results was a huge turning point for me. I used to be someone who’d lost enthusiasm for doing anything – now I’m getting up at 5am thinking of all the things I want to do. In fact, the things I need to do now are the things I WANT to do!
I’d found previous personal growth seminars, clinics, DVDs, CDs and books said a lot, but none of them did a lot. The difference with Thinking into Results is that it does a lot.
I love my new life, I know I’m on track, I know how to go forward and I’ve got the confidence to do anything.”
~~ V. Ford, Orange NSW
“It was very overwhelming to learn that your thoughts have been holding you back from the corporate growth you’ve been trying to experience. Bob helped us change the mindset to make a smooth transition from one plateau to the next.
One equation was able to take us from just over one million to just under 17 million in a matter of three years.”
~~ Christopher Guerriero,
CEO & Founder of the National Metabolic & Longevity Research Center;
It’s true: The best gifts are often free. With the holiday season upon us, I wanted to share with you one of the most moving passages I’ve ever read.
It reappeared in front of me recently as a wonderful surprise when I discovered an inspiring letter from days gone by.
The letter had been sent to me by a team member while I was a manager in the corporate world. We’ll call him Peter. Peter had just completed his contract and was thanking me for the support I’d given him during a rough period of time in the team.
While I’m not including here what Peter wrote, I am including this beautiful passage he attached to the end of his letter:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.”
This is an excerpt from the book Return to Love – A Reflection on the Principles of a Course in Miracles by Marianne Williamson. Nelson Mandela also delivered these words in a speech.
How does that make you feel?
I treasure such letters, most of us do. Someone took time out of their day to express appreciation. Most people don’t do that.
I’d appreciated and loved this letter and passage 16 years ago. I love it even more today. Why? Life experience has made me even more appreciative. While I’ve always loved and cared for people, having children created more of a passion.
There is more to this passage than at first glance; this is a deep message.
It’s both inspiring and a challenge at the same time.
Are you playing small?
I believe Peter wanted in turn, to inspire me. When I read these words now, I realize how prophetic they are.
I’d grappled with playing small for many years, yet didn’t know that’s what I was doing. You may discover that too.
It was no coincidence finding this letter and passage again because I feel that every day I comprehend more fully THE FUTILITY OF PLAYING SMALL.
As it turns out, the core message of my book is to:
“Let your OWN light shine…
Become a LIGHT TO THE WORLD,
leading the way for others to do the same…”
They are on the back of my book.
Inspiration is a gift
If the words in that passage fill you with dreams and possibility, then do these beautiful words justice and allow them to move in your life.
My suggestion is print them and read them aloud for maximum effect. Perhaps share this at dinner to inspire your family and friends especially as they prepare for their new year ahead. Inspiration is an eternal gift.
Share it with at least one friend or colleague. Allow the words to resonate through your being. They are truly moving.
Expressing appreciation is also a beautiful gift
I’m sharing this story for another reason.
When you take the time to thank someone it means so much. You both reap huge rewards.
Start TODAY – Download 3 free chapters
By expressing gratitude you move into even more of the fabulous and your letter of appreciation will in turn inspire – more than you’ll ever know.
If you’re ever moved to send someone a thank you letter, don’t second-guess it or ponder it.
Knowledge is (almost) useless without action. Action is after all how you participate in life and achieve your goals.
“I learn by going where I have to go.”
Theodore Roethke
You only fully understand your knowledge once you use it.
Imagine a surgeon never performing a real life operation. Their theory, their knowledge never unfolds into pure understanding and wisdom unless they take action. Once they do, they truly “get it”.
It is the same for you in your life. Action becomes wisdom.
I am Healthier Through Action
For years, every time a new nutritional concept resonated with me, I tried it out.
I don’t even look for them anymore they just seem to find me!
But only by acting on it did I fully understand the instructions or the book and learn whether it works for me. Taking action also raises new questions for me and I am able to ask even more in-depth questions.
While I’ve never stayed with any one particular way of eating, I retained certain wisdoms from each.
From the Zone Diet, I learned that a way to feel full after a meal is to make sure it has a portion of fat, protein as well as carbohydrate.
But bread is so yum and while I tend to still balance my bread intake, my bigger focus now is thinking:
“everything I eat is good for me”
A far more powerful way of thinking.
While I don’t overload my day with bread, I now digest it more easily (and enjoy it). Your thoughts really do decide your life.
It is an effort to take action, but only initially. The achievement you get gives satisfaction, happiness and that motivation to keep going. Greater discoveries here we come!
“People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.”
When you approve of yourself you approve of everything you think, say and do. And everything you have ever thought, said or done.
Sure, we always learn from what we say and do, but don’t agonize over the past and allow it to spoil your future. Add it to your wisdom and move on with today.
If I’m challenging you today, that’s good, it will help liberate you. Everything you’ve ever thought, said or done is okay.
“The more you like yourself, the less you are like anyone else, which makes you unique.”
Walt Disney
Keep Moving Forward Toward Your Dreams
Additionally, happy people also approve of their abilities and skills, and move forward in their life despite the need to further develop certain areas e.g. confidence, self-esteem, negotiating, interview skills… whatever.
Holding back because of doubt or hiding because of low self-esteem will never take you to more confidence, it just leads to frustration… it leads to unhappiness.
By contrast, it is through engaging in life that your skills develop as does your self-approval.
“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”
~~ E.E. Cummings
My Dream of Working Overseas
In the early stages of my I.T. career, at 22, I moved from South Africa to live and contract in London.
I had a yearning to work in another country, it wasn’t enough for me to travel; I wanted to experience the nitty-gritty of life in another country.
To my delight I discovered my ADABAS/Natural programming skills (… looong time ago!) were in short supply the world over, including England. A friend was heading there to stay in her large family home in Sevenoaks, Kent and invited me to tag along.
The trouble was that although I had experience in Natural programming, it wasn’t recent. But I was going no matter what, so there I was wildly revisiting my programming notes and studying for interviews. A few months later I flew to England, a little nervous.
Choose Your Destiny
This choice of mine completely changed my destiny, not that I knew it then. I now live in Australia instead of South Africa so that’s a clue. My point is that although I recognized the need for more experience, my opportunity to live in England arrived and I took it.
janetpoole.com 