5 Tracks of Wealth

Principled Philosophy

Self-Fulfilling Truth

Self-fulfilling truth is very important especially in the social realm. If you have been floundering in the social scene, self-fulfilling truth may be the culprit. So what is a self-fulfilling truth anyway? A self-fulfilling truth is any belief which is not based on facts, but what an individual believes to be true. Now don’t get this wrong, a self-fulfilling truth cannot, ever, under any circumstances, ignore the facts. Those truths which ignore facts are doomed to certain disaster and failure. When it comes to truth we have some discretion though, a gray area so to speak, to form beliefs before all the facts are in. When someone believes others like them before others have even met them, this is a positive self-fulfilling truth which promotes assertive sociable behavior. Keep in mind, personal truths are subjective, as they are based on individual perceptions, and are not based on facts, but beliefs. These personal truths help you to bridge gaps or gray areas, and help to deal with the unknown bravely. Just remember, self-fulfilling truths come in both positive and negative varieties. Choosing your self-fulfilling truths carefully makes certain they will promote outcomes you desire.

Capitalizing Potential

• Separate facts from truth-Take some time and consider those beliefs you consider fact, and have acted on. Ask the question: are they really facts, or are they personal truths? If they are facts, great, and if they are truths this is okay too. The important thing is you know the difference and separate facts from personal truths.
• Identify self-fulfilling truths-Through separating facts from truths you should have an idea of your own personal truths. Some of your truths are more than likely positive and supporting your successful efforts, but others are probably negative and working against you. Identifying the negative from the positive truths will enable you to change or completely eliminate them.
• Change unfulfilling truths- By identifying your self-fulfilling truths you will be in a better position to change unfulfilling truths. This means identifying, and minimizing the effects of any negative or destructive truths, and maximizing your positive and constructive self-fulfilling truths. Doing so ensures your self-fulfilling truths are always positive, constructive and support your intentions.

“We have to live today by what truth we can get today, and being ready tomorrow to call it falsehood.” William James

Popularity: 2%

Principled Philosophy

Increasing Capability

Increasing capability is vital for continued success. The path which leads to increasing capability begins by taking ownership of the mind-body-emotion system. Doing so allows one to tap into their personal potentials for developing competence. The mother-load of gold in any performance discipline is the development of a higher level of competence. Sure it is nice to lose weight or get into better shape, but accomplishing these things doesn’t guarantee an increase in competence. To increase capability and develop a higher level of competence requires the coordinated effort of the entire mind-body-emotion system. Using each component, mind/body/emotion, separately, without coordination, limits capability and the subsequent level of competence produced. When the full system is coordinated it opens up a portal which taps into a previously unknown level of capability and energy. The coordinated expression of the mind-body-emotion system is what great talent and performances are made of. Taking ownership for the complete system through coordinated effort will increase the level of energy, intensity, and competence resulting from performance.

Capitalizing Potential

• Prepare the body-First the body must be properly fueled. Fuel the body through proper nutritional habits and give the body what it needs to perform at increased levels of competence. Next, condition the body to meet the demands of the activity in which it will be engaged. Concentrate on attributes such as strength, endurance and flexibility.
• Focus the mind-The development of the mind’s ability to focus and direct the body’s movements must be developed. Removing distractions, coordinating the breath, and visualizing required movements will help the mind to focus better during activity. With practice mere focus will transform into dynamic concentration and improved competence levels.
• Cultivate the emotions-The emotions are a great wellspring of energy which can be channeled at will. Get passionate about what you are doing, be the best you can be, push yourself further. This will effectively elevate the amount of emotional energy available during the activity. It will also increase the level of energy coursing through the entire mind-body-emotional system during activity.

“Information is the booby prize, the real prize is competence.” Larry Wilson

Popularity: 1%

Principled Philosophy

Facing Reality

Facing reality effectively is an acquired skill. The ability is acquired in the same manner as other abilities; it is learned, practiced, and perfected in experience. It is an important ability for those who expect to be high achievers as it allows them to see things as they genuinely are, not how they want them to be. There is no sugar-coating, distorting, or denial, only cold hard details. Of course as you might expect this takes a strong foundation of character which begins in the mind or how an individual thinks. Facing reality is not for the timid or insecure but is the realm of the self-confident, and self-assured. The thoughts of the successful always orient around assertive solution-based strategies based on facing cold hard facts head on. This allows them to have an insight into the exact nature of challenges to be overcome, actions necessary, and to promote performance along effective lines. There is no exaggeration or minimization of details or conditions, but only a true assessment of the situation and circumstances. Consequently, problems are effectively solved, challenges are consistently overcome, and expectations are achieved more consistently.

Capitalizing Potential

• Prepare for Impact-A correct personal perspective will be vital if you are to face reality head on. No matter how difficult circumstances are you should believe you can handle it mentally, and emotionally. Keeping a situation at a controllable mental and emotional distance will allow you to remain in control during even the most intense impact.
• Perform a sober assessment-Rather than trying to project into a situation your personal preferences, try performing a sober assessment. Doing so will promote more level-headed and effective planning. It is best to fully expose all of the grim factors involved and handle the full impact. This approach is best prevent you form being blind-sided, because you sugar-coated or minimized circumstances.
• Progress fearlessly-Once you have decided on the best course of action, not matter how difficult it is time to move forward fearlessly. By facing reality head on with a solution-based focus you have given yourself the best chances for success. Entertain powerful thoughts which define you as an over-comer and achiever without backing down for even a moment.

“Nothing external to you has any power over you.” -Emerson

Popularity: 1%

Principled Philosophy

Infallible Conscience

The power of our minds to make correct decisions in our lives is without question, but its power pales compared to the conscience. Making sound decisions consistently is a matter of knowledge, practice and experience. It is a very fluid process and must take change into account to be effective. Without up-to-date information the accuracy of decisions can be in question, often resulting in very poor conclusions. An intact conscience on the other hand is not plagued with such a high degree of relativity. In fact, conscience is one of the most consistent sources of information available to the individual. Although its conclusions are trustworthy under any circumstance many prefer to ignore it, at their own peril of course. Not only is the conscience able to infallibly calculate lightening fast conclusions, but it has the power to enhance or impede the mind and body’s ability to carry them out efficiently. Anyone who has tried to act contrary to the conscience knows how difficult it can be to carry out even the simplest of activities. The wise person knows it is in their best interest to act in harmony with their conscience at all times.

Capitalizing Potential

• Identify conflicts-If you have been experiencing bouts with the conscience identifying the areas of conflict is the first step towards resolution. As long as a conflict exists, personal power will be dampened and inhibited. Resolving conflict entails paying attention and listening to the substance of what is being communicated to you by the conscience.
• Shift thinking-Obviously, if the conscience is working against you some aspect of your thinking will have to change.  It may be a shift in your motives, feelings, or desired outcomes. If your conscience sees a conflict in any of these in comparison to your values harmony will be disrupted, as it will inhibit flow, and continuity. A shift which promotes alignment with values will alleviate the disharmony.
• Change behavior-Although most see behavior as strictly actions, the conscience sees motives, feelings and actions as links in a single chain. If a single link is out of place, and a value rule has been broken a red flag goes up, and flow is disrupted. Tune into the conscience to discover the source of the conflict, it will tell you where the conflict is, and then change the inappropriate behavior.

“Reason often makes mistakes, but conscience never does.” Josh Billings

Popularity: 3%

Principled Philosophy

Going All In

One of the characteristics which separates winners from the “also ran” is the ability to replicate peak performances consistently. This entails “going all in” during the pursuit of goal accomplishment. High achievers have the ability to put on mental blinders to avoid any distractions which could impede peak performance. As one coach once said “obstacles are those things you see when you take your eye off the goal” which explains the essence of self-direction. The mental blinders allow one to see clearly where they are and where they are headed. An emergence of consistent peak performance is facilitated by a committed immersion or complete absorption into tasks necessary for success. As distractions are effectively eliminated time slows down, details become clearer, and effectiveness increases. Whether you are evaluating financial reports, or checking stock prices, absorption produces a concert of activity where you are engrossed in the present moment. Then suddenly you hit the zenith, and realize you have reached your goal. The mysterious aspect of peak performance is how it transitions you into the zone and produces a flow of achievement which seemed effortless.

Capitalizing Potential

• Find your zone-Getting to your optimum performance zone is important for experiencing peak performance. Some find a busy, noisy, and fast paced environment ideal, but others need a more controlled atmosphere with few distractions. Either is fine as long as you know what atmosphere brings out your best performance.
• Establish priority-Peak performance is rooted in your present actions, not in past experiences or expectations for the future. It is important to leave the past and future to the planning stage, and focus what present tasks needs to be accomplished. Give these tasks your full and undivided attention by “going all in” with a full commitment and flow will emerge.
• Encourage flow-The continued presence of flow is just as dependent on external as internal elements. Consistent timing, rhythm and continuity encourage flow just as distraction, and fragmentation can discourage it. To effectively encourage flow, sync up your internal timing and rhythm with your environment. Once you are in concert internally and externally a continual state of flow will be present.

“Nothing can add more power to your life than concentrating all your energies on a limited set of targets.” -Nido Qubein

Popularity: 1%

Principled Philosophy

Infallible Credibility

There is no doubt everyone would like to possess infallible credibility. Knowing what you have to say is actually believed by others is a great feeling and ego boost. It is always an enlivening compliment when you know others have granted you credibility. A lot of effort is saved when others see you as credible as you don’t have to spend a great deal of your time getting them to believe you. This is probably why so many people expend so much energy trying to establish their credibility rating. Different people have different ideas on how to establish credibility. For some it is based on accomplishments, for others it is knowledge in a particular field. Perhaps both are effective in establishing credibility under some circumstances, but do they really make someone believable. In the social environment believability is more important than knowledge or accomplishment. If one tries to establish credibility by displaying their vast knowledge, they may come off as a know-it-all, and this could back-fire. As well, if a person focuses on their great accomplishments they may come off as a braggart. However, there are a few things one can do which will help establish credibility, and more specifically, believability.

Capitalizing Potential

• Be honest always-Being honest always is a crucial element for establishing believability with others. You may think you are a clever spinner of tales, but people have instincts, and they can tell if you are lying even if they don’t know why. Besides, if you make it a habit of telling lies, know you will eventually be caught. When it comes to believability, honesty is always the best policy.
• Watch body language-It is possible to come off like you are lying even when you are in fact telling the whole truth. This is because lying is accompanied by some very specific body language tells. An itchy nose, hands around the facial area, and shifting eyes to name a few. Avoid these tells unless you want to risk looking like your being less than honest.
• Stay composed-One real credibility killer is the inability to remain composed. If someone poses a direct challenge to your believability and you get all fidgety and begin to sweat profusely this could reflect badly on you. If you need some improvement in this area take a public speaking, or acting class to help you stay composed, especially under pressure.

“You can’t let praise or criticisms get to you. It’s weakness to get caught up in either one.” John Wooden

Popularity: 1%

Principled Philosophy

Rock Solid

The physical body is like a wild mustang and to achieve maximum performance it must be carried with rock solid bearing and active discipline. To give the body control over its own destiny is to flirt with the possibility of ending up on the wrong side of a scale, or scalpel. Just as a wild untamed mustang must be broken through concentration of effort, and discipline so must the physical body. To break the will of a mustang takes power, endurance and bearing. Success will come only when the wild spirit of the horse comes to the conclusion the rider is in control. If you get off the mustang before it is broken you will not have gained rock solid control. The mustang has won, at least for the moment. Your physical body is the same. It must be pushed from your center of power, and realize you are in control. It must understand you decide the what, when, where, and how long to perform. To stop short of this is to concede control back to the body, where performance will suffer.

Capitalizing Potential

• Find your center-To find your center means locating that place inside of yourself which is completely objective. It is the place where you are not your mind, emotions or your body. You are witness to them and they are all outside your awareness. But from your center you wield the power and control over them.
• Initiate your bearing-The ability to initiate your bearing begins with your attitude. It is the attitude to exert maximum control over your body. A powerful bearing will secure the perimeter of your center allowing you to operate from within it, and resist any attempts to undermine your intent.
• Exercise your discipline-Expressing rock solid control requires consistency. This is the core of discipline. Discipline is a habitual pattern, behavior or performance. Working effectively from your center will require successful exercise of your bearing through practice which will produce elevated results and performance.

“Be like the promontory against which the waves continually break, but it stands firm and tames the fury of the water around it;” Marcus Aurelius

Popularity: 1%

Principled Philosophy

Thinking Mastery

With all the venues where no power can be exerted except by a limited few, the realm of thinking is still the kingdom of personal mastery. Thinking mastery is the gateway for the development of character and ultimately individual destiny. To embark on the path of thinking mastery requires full awareness of the present moment. This is one of the most commonly underdeveloped qualities. So much time is spent in autopilot or in a semi-conscious state that most opportunity to master thought slips away. The problem with hypnotic thoughts is they flow right into the sub-conscious mind without any challenge whatsoever. Doesn’t matter if the thought is true or false, fact or fiction, real or bizarre, as all of them slide right in and make themselves at home in the deeper mind. With them they bring their own individual meanings and create the frames of reference which will directly affect your personal power, and expression. Thinking mastery begins with maintaining awareness in the present moment, not in the past or the future.

Capitalizing Potential

• Questioning-When you are in the present moment you can question the validity of any thought which is proposed by the conscious mind. This will prevent it from slipping by the gatekeeper and giving you trouble later. If you just accept a thought on its face value you allow it unchallenged entrance to your long term memory, and this is not a good strategy.
• Framing-To frame a thought or number of thoughts is to give them the most powerful context possible. In other words, what is the most beneficial perspective you can take regarding a thought in relation to your current circumstance or environment. Properly framing thoughts will transform them so they may be expressed in the most powerful manner possible.
• Empowering-The purpose of thinking mastery is to create thoughts in your sub-conscious mind which will have the most meaning and power in your life. There is no useful function for weak or self-defeating thoughts. These thoughts will only compete with your powerful thoughts and undermine progress. Empowering involves giving your most meaningful thoughts maximum power.

“You are the master of your thought, the molder of your character, the maker and shaper of your condition, environment and destiny.” James Allen

Popularity: 2%

Principled Philosophy

Living Free

The art of living free is to live well. Living a life where grief, fear, and anxiety have been minimized is the road to living free. Where fear and its counterparts are abundant is evidence of a life of bondage, enslavement, and restriction. Living free is not a gift granted to us by someone else, but it is in fact the result of personal choice. Embracing the decision for living free changes our relationship with the world, others, and of course, ourselves. The life which is plagued with chronic fear or anxiety creates fragmented and detached relationships with others and disconnects us from our environment. When fear dominates our thinking it thrusts us into a defensive mode which is highly judgmental and reactive. Subsequently, creativity and flow are interrupted and true perspective is lost. No longer are circumstances and people seen with pure eyes, and open hearts. Our motive instead becomes survival, and our intention is to break free from that which threatens our being. Subsequently, a vicious cycle of tension-release is created. Harmony with our surroundings and others is only possible through living above the tension-release cycle created by fear.

Capitalizing Potential

• Soulful reflection-Living free is a life based on knowledge, especially the knowledge of self. Finding your core is essential for discovering who you are so you can make the distinction what you are not. This is possible only through your consistent and honest soulful reflections.
• Housecleaning-A lot of fearful inessentials in life can become attached to your psyche, and create bondage in your life. Identifying them is the first step toward exposing, detaching, and rejecting them. In this way their negative influence over your life can effectively be brought to an end.
• Self-Empowerment- Courage is the foundation of self-empowerment and for effectively living free. All other qualities are only possible when courage is present and is allowed to be expressed. Truly living free begins the moment you give yourself permission to be brave, daring, and strong in your life.

“Is freedom anything else than the power to live as we choose?” Frank Haddock

Popularity: 2%

Principled Philosophy

Monetizing Expression

When you have money and you use it, whether you realize it or not you are monetizing personal expression. Many say that “money is power” and this is true, but its power is only as powerful as the personality utilizing it. Just like an artist with a canvas and paintbrush, money is the medium which materializes form and shape giving birth to ideas. Now it can be a masterpiece or a piece of junk, profitable, or unprofitable, but either way it is the direct expression of the artist. Money is a tool wielded by the possessor. It doesn’t take a genius to produce a painting, children do it all the time, but what will be the quality or value of it? The same goes for someone with money. They can invest their money or open a business, but will it ultimately be profitable? Mega lottery winners consistently find themselves flat broke within 5 years, ending up right back where they started. The bottom line is it takes much more than paint to produce a masterpiece and it takes more than just money to be a successful businessperson. Money doesn’t make you successful until you are able to effectively express yourself successfully through money. How you monetize your expressions distinctly reflects who you are as a person.

Capitalizing Potential

• Motivation-The driving force behind your actions play a key role in forming your intentions and the final outcome. Profit certainly may appear to be your surface motivation, but what deeper incentive lies beneath the veneer? Knowing your true motives will ensure a more direct route to success.
• Intention-A driving purpose will always guide the process of expressing yourself through money more efficiently. Keep in mind, what you intend on accomplishing is merely a projection of some specific aspect of yourself. Have you identified what aspect it is, and the purpose behind it?
• Outcome-Knowing where the trail ends is an important aspect for planning how to get there. It is how you will know you have reached the finish line. Think for a moment; when all has been said and done, and you step back and look at what has been accomplished, what do you want it to say about you?

“Lots of folks confuse bad management with destiny.”  Frank Hubbard

Popularity: 3%