In Chinese, the word that represents threat also stands for opportunity.

Anything that challenges you is an opportunity to create change.

Think about it!

What problems have you encountered recently?

Perhaps you experienced a difficult client at work; or found a fault on your new washing machine; or struggled with a project; and so on.

What did you learn from these experiences?

What did you do to resolve them?

By resolving them, how are things different?

More than likely, the problem has presented you with a new direction.

Albert Einstein believed so. He said: "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."

You just have to look a little closer!

Perhaps you have gained a new skill or experience; perhaps you have a better understanding about a situation; maybe you have gained intellectually, financially or spiritually from the experience; or maybe the problem has opened doors to better life choices.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: "When it is dark enough, you can see the stars."

Problems really are an opportunity for positive change.

So, next time you have a problem, immediately think - OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS!

Welcome the problem.

Open the door and let opportunity step right in.

Work efficiently towards a resolution, without complaining, and learn from the outcome.

You have everything to gain!

Labels: inspiration, self-development

A quick update to let you know that the interview with Rebecca Marina went wonderfully - and is now available for download!

Thanks to the hundreds of people that joined us on the teleseminar, or who listened live via the Web.

I'm really, truly, extremely honoured and humbled :)

We discussed everything from spirituality to productivity to single-dom!

We also chatted about my own thoughts on self-development, including the "secret" to true happiness.

(Hint: Every thought is limiting you right now!)

I had a riot, and loved every moment.

You can download an MP3 version of the interview by clicking here:

Download Karl's interview

It won't cost you a penny. Click on the link to grab your copy.

Thank you again!  See you all very soon

Much love - Karlos

(PS. If you're visiting this site for the first time, make sure you subscribe by entering your e-mail address in the box - top-right hand corner of the screen.)

Labels: inspiration, interviews, radio work, self-development

Just a quick reminder that you can tune in to a live interview with myself - in just under *seven hours time*.

Rebecca Marina will be interviewing myself on topics ranging from spirituality to productivity to single-dom!

It all happens tonight at 8pm Eastern, 7pm CST, 6pm Mountain, and 5pm Pacific.

In the UK, you can tune in at 1am in the morning. (Yes, I got the time wrong in my last message. D'OH!)

Rebecca has already received hundreds of signups, and you can listen live by telephone, or via the Web.

You can also submit questions during the interview via the website.

Get the countdown, telephone number, and everything else you need - by clicking here.

So, thanks for your support - and I'll chat to you all this evening!

Labels: fun, inspiration, self-development

Just a quick post today.

On Wednesday evening, the wonderous Rebecca Marina of Celebration Healing will be interviewing myself on spirituality, productivity, single-dom - and will be giving away a whole bundle of free gifts along the way.

If you'd like to hear me live - nervously stuttering and stumbling over my words - then signup here:

http://rebeccamarina.com/2008/06/free-calls/

The call will be on Wednesday at 8pm Eastern, 7pm CST, 6pm Mountain, 5pm Pacific, or midnight Wednesday GMT.

(Yes, as I'm in the UK - it'll be midnight for me!)

Hope to see you all there :)

Labels: blog stuff, inspiration, radio work, self-development

Let's admit it...

We've all wanted approval at some time in our lives.

We want to be liked. We want to be loved. Even in writing this post, there's a part of me that wants you to think I'm a nice guy, and that I'm a good writer.

I'm seeking your approval.

And although wanting any form of approval is restricting, it's still a relatively normal feeling...

... In moderation.

But how many times have you seen people (not you, of course!) that have really wanted a little too much approval? Those individuals for whom approval controls them?

... The overly-eager bar-hawk that drools over the girl - and never impresses.

... The people pleaser that burns out, working for everyone - and eventually explodes.

... The weak-partner who refuses to have a personality - but exists merely to please the spouse.

Now here's the real paradox...

Wanting approval doesn't get you approval. Instead, wanting approval just makes you appear desperate, and loses you respect.

By letting go of wanting approval however, you ironically end up receiving MORE of it - and therefore become much more comfortable living in your own personality.

It's a push for some people. But if you try it, you might discover it's magic.

However, that's not the end.

Here's the true secret to freedom...

Can you let go of wanting your OWN approval?

Completely!

Sounds interesting, eh?

Can you do something without wanting your own approval for it?

This could be the last step toward freedom you need.

Remember, letting go of wanting approval doesn't mean being disrespectful, or not caring for the feelings of others. Rather, it just means that you let go of the "clingy" behaviour that "desperately wanting something" can bring. It means standing up for what you believe, and saying what you think - without worrying how others will judge you.

And I'm sure that's something YOU could do easily.

Give it a go - and have yourself a great day :)

Labels: inspiration, self-development

I stumbled into a fantastic quote just yesterday evening, by Greek philosopher Socrates.

It read:

"The way to gain a good reputation, is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear."

What a fantastic thought.

How many of us really try to appear a particular way?

How often does Karl Moore try to appear all self-developed, and smart, and spiritual?

And how often is it all just a bit fake?

Again, the quote:

"The way to gain a good reputation, is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear."

What do YOU want to be?

And why don't you try to really BE it?

Labels: inspiration, self-development

How many of us beat ourselves up on a daily basis?

Blimey. I certainly do!

"Ohh, why did you say that! Now she thinks you're a total Muppet. Idiot!"

"My nose is definitely out of line. I look terrible!"

"I just can't quit. I constantly fall into the same patterns. I'm a real ass!"

It's crazy, and it's continuous!

Well, today I'd like to suggest something that most people will have never considered.

Just for the moment, can you try giving yourself praise and thanks for beating yourself up so well?

After all, you're incredibly good at it... Right?

Of course you are!

So, congratulate yourself on doing it so well. It really is quite the accomplishment to do it to the extent you do, right?

Of course!

Now, why not try congratulating yourself on being as flawed as you are?

We've all got issues that we let hold us back. So, just for the moment, give yourself praise for being as wonderfully flawed as you are.

You hate all of those flaws, right? Well, just give yourself praise and approval for holding onto that feeling of hatred and resistance for so long.

You've been doing wonderfully so far in your life. Only a really strong person would hold on to a strong feeling like that for so long!

And now, just for the moment, could you give yourself some approval for just being as perfect and as flawed as you are?

Maybe just because it's a very smart thing to do.

Take this exercise seriously.

Most people have never taken the time out to honestly give themselves approval for being both the perfect and flawed being they are.

By praising your negative emotions, rather than attempting to suppress them - we feel so much better, and become more in harmony with the beautiful duality that life provides.

Enjoy your day - and give yourself approval even if you don't!

Labels: inspiration, self-development