Twenty-five years ago, deep inside a Scottish attic, Bradley Thompson discovered eight long-lost books from the early 1900's that were to change his life.
Books that unveiled the true secret of life.
This year, Bradley has worked to bring the books back to the world.
And just this month, he finished.
If you've read The Secret yet still feel unfulfilled... If you'd like to go beyond "Think & Grow Rich"... If you'd like to understand the real secrets of life...
This morning, a very important discussion about procrastination being the thief of fortune.
Enjoy :)
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Decisions
Accurate analysis of over 25,000 men and women who had experienced failure, disclosed the fact that lack of decision was near the head of the list of the 30 major causes of failure. This is no mere statement of a theory - it is a fact.
Procrastination, the opposite of decision, is a common enemy which practically every man must conquer.
You will have an opportunity to test your capacity to reach quick and definite decisions when you finish reading this lesson, and are ready to begin putting into action the principles which it describes.
Analysis of several hundred people who had accumulated fortunes well beyond the million dollar mark, disclosed the fact that every one of them had the habit of reaching decisions promptly, and of changing these decisions slowly, if, and when they were changed. People who fail to accumulate money, without exception, have the habit of reaching decisions, if at all, very slowly, and of changing these decisions quickly and often.
The majority of people who fail to accumulate money sufficient for their needs, are, generally, easily influenced by the "opinions" of others. They permit the newspapers and the "gossiping" neighbors to do their "thinking" for them. "Opinions" are the cheapest commodities on earth. Everyone has a flock of opinions ready to be wished upon anyone who will accept them. If you are influenced by "opinions" when you reach decisions, you will not succeed in any undertaking, much less in that of transmuting your own desire into money.
If you are influenced by the opinions of others, you will have no desire of your own.
What do you do when something you have worked so hard for fails?
Do you give up, or do you try again?
I guess, for most, it depends upon what it is that has failed, and why.
Failure is what gives us experience. It's not very nice when it happens, but it does happen for a reason ... reasons that may only become fully apparent much later down the line.
But failure brings opportunity ... It isn't really as bad as we may think.
Failure gives us the chance to try again but with a different approach. Failure provides us with valuable lessons for next time.
And, significantly, failure tests our resolve ... whether we have the determination to carry on.
There is a quote by John C. Maxwell that really resonates with me...
"Failure is not fatal. Only failure to get back up is."
So, if something in your life has failed, then take time to reflect before picking yourself up, brushing yourself off and trying again with a new outlook!
Success is waiting for you. What are you waiting for?
Today's post is partially a Monday Random Act of Kindness, partially a message of inspiration, partially a greeting for the holidays, and wholly a big dollop of love.
Why?
Because Christmas is here. It's the time for you to open your heart and embrace the world around you.
You see, anyone that knows me... knows one thing.
I love this time of year!
It's magical. People everywhere -- at least those not caught in the crazed, ever-busy last-minute gift rush -- open their hearts and become just a little more loving.
It's the time we can officially be jovial and say "I LOVE YOU!" without feeling like an idiot.
It's rationed happiness.
Of course, you could be like that all year round -- and feel great as a result. But if you don't, AT LEAST do it for Christmas, and live every minute of the holidays to the full!
So, what can you do to get into the Christmas spirit?
They're small acts of kindness, done for the good of some stranger, solely for the purpose of making their like more joyful -- without expecting anything in return!
This week, my mother donated much of her wages to abandoned cat and dog charities here in the North East of England. (And my mum has a lot of big bills to pay!)
On Saturday, I helped an elderly man overloaded with bags up the steep hill to Durham train station.
Last night, I gave a surprise visit to an elderly friend -- and decorated his otherwise-Christmas-free house with bright tinsel and wreaths and "Merry Christmas!" signs. They cost me £7 in total, and changed his mindset completely!
Those are just a few festive Random Act's of Kindness you can use to change someone else's life -- and make yourself feel great at the same time.
A Random Act of Kindness is, after all, simply an act of love.
And what is Christmas if not love?
Before signing off today, I'd like to give you a couple of quick Christmas gifts.
And so, as this glorious day slowly retires and the sound of sleighbells gently ring in the distance, allow me to wish you... a very, very merry Christmas!
With love, with happiness, with a big smile and wide pupils... I wish you all the very, very best.
Whether you're a writer, an artist, or just someone looking for fresh ideas, I thought I'd put together a quick blog post today with ideas for generating fresh, new ideas.
So if you've found your creativity is sticking, then try these to help get your genius juices flowing again...
1. Take a walk. When you're stuck in front of a blank page, frustration can soon block your connection with the muse. A walk in the fresh air will boost your circulation and engage your senses. Ideas will pop into your mind more readily.
2. Visit an art gallery. Look at the stories behind the images and you'll have an endless supply of material to draw upon.
3. Sit in a cafe, drink tea and watch the world go by. Notice people's colours, mannerisms, style and posture. People that come and go may inspire a character or an idea for a painting.
4. Visit a new place. Take your camera and note-book. Endeavour to learn 20 interesting things about this place.
5. Go to a museum. Focus on one item that really takes your interest and learn as much about the object as possible. When you return, write about the item or paint it.
When you have a block, often the best way of dealing with it is to go out and focus on something else for a while. You'll find it easier to return with a fresh outlook, and you may just have a plethora of ideas at your disposal that will boost your creativity.
"- in determining to be vastly happy at some period when they have time. But the present time has one advantage over every other - it is our own.
"Past opportunities are gone, future have not come. We may lay in a stock of pleasures, as we would lay in a stock of wine; but if we defer the tasting of them too long, we shall find that both are soured by age."
Many of us are preoccupied with healthy eating and the right forms of exercise.
But when was the last time you gave your spirit a little TLC?
Our spiritual health can be neglected because of the demands of our busy lifestyles. And that results in depleted energy levels, depression, low self-esteem and general malaise.
If life's been getting you down and the impact of negative stress is draining you of vital energy, try a few of these suggestions to revitalize your spirit...
Create Sacred Space Dedicate an area in your home or garden to establish sacred space where you can meditate, contemplate or simply just "be" at peace.
Feed Your Spirit Allow yourself time to explore your creative impulses. Write, draw, paint, sing, dance or make something that is an expression of your self.
Walk With Nature Going out into the countryside, by the sea or up in the hills will have an instantaneous uplifting effect on the spirit.
Meditate in Motion Tai Chi may have its roots in martial arts but is a wonderful series of slow, gentle movements that will help you improve your health and well-being. Practised consistently, the exercises bring about a balance of subtle energies, thus nurturing mind, body AND spirit.
Get in Touch The power of touch has amazing therapeutic benefits that can bring about healing on all levels. Try a complementary therapy such as reflexology, shiatsu or aromatherapy which primarily uses touch to relax and restore harmony in the individual. And don't forget that a daily hug will do wonders for your soul!
Remember to think MIND, BODY and SPIRIT to achieve optimum well-being!
Spirit is constantly offering us signs and omens in our lives. But, we are often so blind to them. It is not necessary to be a professional "psychic" in order to receive information from Spirit. All of us, all the time are given signs from God, from the world of Spirit. These signs are usually ignored, or thought of as "just a coincidence."
When you ask your Spirit Guides or Angels or God a question or for guidance, you WILL receive an answer. Do not feel that unless you have fantastic visions or hear a booming voice in your head that you plea has not been heard. All questions are heard and all questions are answered. It may not happen immediately, but it will happen. When you ask a question of the Higher Powers, expect that you will receive an answer. But don't sit around waiting for it. Go about your life, and be open to receiving your answer.
Spirit works in many different ways to reach us. If Spirit knows that we are not ready to receive answers in a telepathic or clairvoyant way, they will find other means to reach us.
The signs, the omens, the guidance is all around us, all the time. All we need do is open ourselves to receiving it. Look around your world, really look at it, pay attention. Do not go about your life blindly.
Some examples of the many different ways that Spirit gives us an answer or sign may be:
The first song you hear when you turn on the radio. Or a song that keeps repeating in your head over and over. You know that song that you "can't get out of your head."
You turn on the television and someone is speaking about the same concern that you are having. You overhear a conversation between other people that has meaning to your condition.
You may see or hear something repeatedly. An example is constantly seeing the number "11". You may see "11" on a clock, a label, a license plate. Seeing "11" many times means that something spiritual is happening or about to happen in your life.
You open to a page in a book and your eyes fall upon a paragraph that has meaning to your current situation.
Maybe you are fretting about a situation with another person, and you decide you are going to call them and "have it out". But, every time you dial their number they are not home or the line is busy. This could be Spirit telling you that now is not the right time to talk about the situation. Or, perhaps you are not in the right frame of mind to talk to that person. Possibly you don't know whether or not to talk to someone about an issue and the phone rings and it's the person you were thinking about.
Signs often come from the animal world. Maybe every time you leave the house, a crow flies by and caws, or you constantly see two squirrels chasing each other.
You are about to buy something that you really desire, but don't necessarily need. When you go to pay, your credit card mysteriously won't work or you will have forgotten your checkbook. Spirit could be telling you that the item is not beneficial for you, or it could be that the purchase could put a stress on your finances.
You're in a hurry to get somewhere, you're racing along in your car, and every light you come to is red. You would probably start cursing and driving even faster. But, perhaps Spirit is telling you to slow down. Maybe you are being told to stop and think about your actions. Maybe Spirit is trying to prevent you from having an accident.
Once I was hiking in the woods and got very lost. I could not find a path back to the road. So, I asked Spirit to please guide me out. Moments later, a crow appeared in the sky above me and circled a few times. Then the crow flew in a certain direction. I knew this was a sign, I followed the crow and made it out of the woods quickly and with no problems.
Don't have expectations and don't read into things. Just ask for guidance and allow it to happen. Not everything you see or hear is a sign. But, if you are open and receptive, the signs will be clear. Through practicing the act of asking for guidance and following it, you will soon understand when you are receiving an answer from Spirit and when you are not. The more often you ask for guidance and follow the guidance given, the stronger the connection will be, and the guidance and symbols will become much clearer.
When I go to a bookstore, I ask my Angels and Spirit Guides to show me exactly what book would be best for me at the time. I have always received an answer. You'd be surprised how many times a book will literally fall of the shelf, or someone I don't know recommends a book, or I just feel that I should pick up a certain book and flipping through it I see it contains exactly the knowledge I was seeking.
Many signs from Spirit will come in a way that you will easily relate to and understand. If you receive symbols that don't instantly "click" with you or you are unfamiliar with, then get a good book on symbolism. For example, we often receive signs from the animal world, but if you are not familiar with the character of each animal you may miss the sign or misunderstand it. In this case, you could find a book on animal symbolism and look up the animal that is showing itself to you. After a while, you will develop your own personal symbolism. For example, if you constantly see a squirrel burying food in your yard and soon after you receive a little money, it could be your sign that when you receive extra money you should store it away for the future. Don't always rely on a book to interpret a sign for you. Books on symbolism are good resources, but ultimately it is what the symbol means to you that is most important.
One of the oldest forms of divination or seeking guidance is "bibliomancy." Originally, one would hold the Bible and ask for guidance on a personal issue. Then you would open the Bible at random, and without looking, place your finger on the page. Reading whatever passage you pointed to would provide the guidance you were seeking. You can try this any time and you don't have to use the Bible. Pick any book that is inspirational to you. Hold the book in your hands, ask God, your Spirit Guides, your Angels to guide your hand to the right page and passage to answer your question. When you feel ready, pick a page, point to a passage and read it. See how it relates to your issue. You'll be surprised how often the answer is right there, "at your fingertips."
If you ask for guidance, if you ask for a sign, it will be given. Be patient and be open to receiving the guidance. So often, we ask for a message from Spirit and then are disappointed that we didn't receive guidance in some "fantastic" way like flashing lights or neon signs. Be secure in knowing that if you ask for guidance, it will be given, always. But, you must be open to receiving the message in any form.
Remember that your guides and angels are always around you, ready to assist you. But, they can not and will not interfere with your life. That is not their role. You must invite them in, you must ask for their guidance, then they are more than happy to help you in any way they can.
Start today. Communicate with your Spirit Guides and Angels, even if you cannot see or hear them. Ask them for guidance on an issue that concerns you. Ask them to show you a sign to guide your way, and then be open to receive their guidance.
In today's Friday Factoid, I'd like to chat about a man I'm a huge fan of...
Columbo!
Almost every evening, I settle into my bed and switch on the DVD player, falling to sleep with the lieutenant's catchphrases drowning in my ears.
Well -- here's something I bet you never knew about the classic TV detective series.
In absolutely every episode of Columbo, you'll find the tune from "This Old Man" ... knick knack paddy whack, give the dog a bone... this old man came rolling home...
In his wonderfully short-chaptered autobiography, Falk says the song always gave him a big kick. It was so "crazy." The tune is usually whistled by Columbo -- but if not, it appears playing in the background somewhere, or as the underscore to the episode.
But now, a puzzle... taken straight from the episode "The Bye-Bye Sky High-IQ Murder Case"...
There are four bags of golden coins.
Three of the bags contain REAL, genuine golden coins. The other one contains fake coins.
The real coins weigh 1 pound each. The fake coins weigh 1 pound, 1 ounce.
You're in front of a weighing machine and have just 1 penny, which gives you one reading only.
That's all.
You have everything you need.
How can you tell which bag contains the fake coin?
He's the Yorkshire genius behind the Brain Bullet software tool. And over the past two years, he's worked with brainwave technicians to help produce a fantastic little product I'd like to introduce to you.
The only products I do are tools I've had amazing success with.
And this just happens to be one of them.
I've dealt with Lee a number of times in business, and he's one of the sharpest cookies in the box.
Lee has spent the past couple of years developing a brainwave entrainment system that enables you to think faster, sharper and most astutely -- by progressively listening to a series of six brainwave audio CDs.
Use it to rocket your confidence. Attract the right people into your life. Enjoy more energy. Be more creative. Have greater control over your emotions.
It's an amazing technology.
I've personally found myself feeling much lighter, more joyful, and -- quite simply -- happier as a result of using this CD set.
It really does expand your mind.
And you can get started with the Brain Evolution System at absolutely no cost.
In the book, Luke allows a dice to completely control his life. He makes a list of six suggestions, some good, some bad, some completely unexpected.
Then he rolls the dice - and, without question, follows the outcome.
I find the whole concept crazily exciting. Chaos in action.
It's a brilliant read - and it leads me to ask you a question...
How often dare you do something completely different to the norm?
If you tend to stick to the same routines, the same cafe visits, the same holidays, the same hobbies and so on, you could be really missing out on lots of new and exciting experiences.
So, if you don't have a dice to hand to help randomize your life, here are a few silly suggestions for helping you do something completely different...
• Do you always book a hotel based holiday? Why not try camping for a change ... better still, how about a Tipi holiday? You don't have to visit the wild west to experience tipi living either. There are plenty of choices in the UK and Europe to experience the Native American way of life.
• Try visiting a different restaurant than your usual choice. If you haven't eaten Japanese or Mexican cuisine, give it a try. Don't book with any expectations; you could be pleasantly surprised.
• Have you ever tried writing poetry? Book yourself on a day course, just to explore your creative side.
• Try a complementary therapy that you haven't experienced before. Enjoy the relaxation and pampering of a spa day or book a Shiatsu treatment.
• Break out of your comfort zone. Try a new activity. Ride a horse, go skiing, enjoy mountain biking or scuba-diving. How will you know whether you'll enjoy it if you don't try it!
• How do you spend your weekend? Change your routine completely and introduce some new activities. Drive out to the coast. Take a train journey. Choose a clear night and go star-gazing. Wake early and listen to the dawn chorus.
Have some fun! Shake the dice on these six options and see which you get!
Shaking up your routine brightens your outlook and brings new energy into your life.
It's a fantastic line... both hilarious and full of significance.
What Oscar is saying, at least for me, is that a good friend will tell you the truth, full-on.
Even if it hurts just a little!
A good friendship should be based on truth. We may not necessarily like what a friend tells us but at least we can rely on them to be honest ...
And isn't that more refreshing than being told lies just to make us feel better?
Okay ... Maybe we prefer a little white lie to make us feel better from time-to-time so a bit of tact and diplomacy may be needed ...
But, when it comes to the serious stuff, I'd rather a friend tell me if I look ridiculous or if I'm doing something wrong or if something I've done is no good.
It's the cruel to be kind scenario, and it could just end up saving you.
So, if a friend tells you the truth - bearing in mind that it may only be their opinion and not a definitive one - value their forthrightness. Appreciate their support and friendship.
Recognise that a true friend has your best interests at heart ... even if it does hurt sometimes.
Today, I'm sharing a story that landed in my inbox recently, courtesy of Roberta King.
Maybe it'll inspire you to perform a RAK today?
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Robert writes...
Next, I have a wonderful little story to tell that has restored a little bit of my faith in humanity.
The other day, my mother-in-law left her purse on a city bus. She was quite distraught over the whole thing because she had her credit/bank cards and id (including her passport) in it; not to mention $140.00 (CAD) cash she had earmarked for groceries. She went about cancelling all her cards then decided to make a trip to the bus company's lost and found office; just in case.
The rest of the family didn't hold much hope for the return of the purse because she lives in a city of over 1 million people and I must admit our skepticism about people has increased proportionately to the city's population. At any rate, and to our great surprise, the purse had been turned in completely intact; including all her id, credit cards and (believe it or not) all her cash!!!
I think what makes this story interesting is not only the fact she got EVERYTHING back, but also the level of negativity we've declined to.
I wouldn't suggest our skepticism in the goodness of humanity is an unfortunate consequence of society's evolution away from close knit/family oriented lives and into the world of "strangers" and fast-paced living. For some reason, dealing with strangers appears to have justified a decline in morals/values. I started reading a book called: "The cultural contradictions of capitalism;" though haven't gotten too far into it because it's very heavy reading. I did think the title spoke volumes though; assuming it espouses the contradictions between making money and caring about the welfare of humanity/individuals.
But instead of getting mired under with negativity, I would like to celebrate the fact that there are good souls left in the world; souls that found honesty/integrity to be paramount to $140!
"When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us."
So often in life, people position their own inner centre outside of themselves.
They rely on external approval 24/7. They need friends around them constantly. Their happiness constantly depends on things outside of themselves... rather than relying on the stable centre they have inside.
I have a close female friend who once admitted that she couldn't stand to be left alone.
She hated her own company.
She constantly seeked approval from those around her. Yes, the world revolved around her... but her centre was elsewhere.
Enrich Fromm wrote:
"By alienation is meant a mode of experience in which the person experiences himself as an alien. He has become, one might say, estranged from himself. He does not experience himself as the center of his world, as the creator of his own acts, but his acts and their consequences have become his masters, whom he obeys, or whom he may even worship.
"The alienated person is out of touch with himself as he is out of touch with any other person. He, like the others, is experienced as things are experienced; with the senses and with common sense, but at the same time without being related to oneself and to the world outside positively." Confucius put it more succintly:
"I want you to be everything that's you, deep at the center of your being."
Are YOU centred... grounded... stable?
And if not, could you be -- even if just for today?
Could you learn to rely, trust and love the one thing that will never let you down?
With Christmas in just a few short weeks, it's time to get into the festive spirit!
And a fantastic way to start is with my Christmas screensaver!
I've spent the past few days creating a visual treat for your monitor.
The Karl Blog.com Christmas screensaver displays 100 of the most beautiful festive scenes from across the globe, and then smoothly transitions from one to the next.
It's a great way to begin your celebrations -- and it's not only spyware-free, virus-free and adware-free, it's also completely... free!
