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Ten Minutes To Transformation- Mental

Thu, Jun 9, 2011

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Principled Philosophy

Core Values

Core values are important for establishing a compass which will guide the individual in making day to day decisions. They are the predetermined, pre-established, and validated beliefs the individual hold close to the heart. An individual’s core values establish a reference point, like true north, which provides them with consistency of thought, emotion, and behavior. Everyone has established core values, even if they seem to change as a leaf blowing in the wind. Keep in mind, not all core values are constructive, and in fact can be quite destructive. Many values produce conflict and turmoil in both business, and personal affairs. If experience has taught us anything it is the good, positive, and constructive core values which produce consistent fulfillment. It is difficult to enjoy the fruits of your labor, no matter your level of success, if operating under a set of negative and destructive core values. A foundation of positive and constructive core values is able to produce a higher level of satisfaction, and happiness in life.

Capitalizing Potential

  • Doing what is right-Circumstances will often reveal what doing the right thing specifically means. If your core values include doing what is right for all involved under all circumstances you will without question know what is the right thing to do.
  • Doing your best-Living out your core values can be difficult at times, and will require you to do your best. This means doing your best under all circumstances no matter how challenging they may be for being consistently true to your core values.
  • Playing fair-Treating people as you would like to be treated is a good compass for determining personal action. Fairness as a core value will encourage thoughts which will serve to guide your mutually beneficial actions no matter the circumstance.

“Circumstances do not make a person, they reveal him.” James Allen

 

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Ten Minutes To Transformation- Physical

Thu, Jun 9, 2011

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Principled Philosophy

Taming the Beast

Since time immemorial it has been evident that man has a dark side to his nature which must be controlled. This dark side is especially evident when a threat to man’s survival, perceived or real, is at stake. In those cases where danger abounds Freud explains, the “Id” bursts forward with tremendous autonomy and power. None of us is really aware of our capabilities until our life, family, or well being is threatened, and the dark side of our nature dramatically emerges. In our civil society today many of the threats to survival have been negotiated, but this in no way minimizes the responsibility for mastery of the body’s defense mechanisms. Case in point, it is very easy to get confused and interpret situations as life threatening when we are angry or frustrated, even though they may not be a threat to us at all. This is where self-discipline, self-control, and self-determination are most important for effectively taming the beast.

Capitalizing Potential

  • Acknowledge-For the process of self-determination to begin it is important to acknowledge the dark side which is part of each of us. Remember, you can’t address what you don’t acknowledge. Make the determination that taming the beast is essential, and be willing to take the steps necessary for gaining mastery of the body.
  • Cultivate-Taming the beast is a process and requires the cultivation of self-control over time. No one successfully accomplishes mastery overnight, but it comes about day by day, and with experience. Keep in mind, to successfully develop self control will require paying attention to your desires, passions, and fears on a moment to moment basis.
  • Discipline-Mastery of the body is gained through disciplined training so it will do what you desire it to do-nothing less. Even when emotions are running high and chaos is ensuing all around, you must maintain your center of discipline. To give into your primal instincts will only spell sudden disaster, and a loss of control to the dark side.

“He who reigns within himself and rules his passions, desires, and fears is more than a king.” John Milton

 

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Ten Minutes To Transformation- Mental

Wed, Jun 8, 2011

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Principled Philosophy

High Cost of Denial

During any typical moment each of us is bombarded with millions of bits of information taken in through our senses. Luckily for us automatic filters are in place which deletes much of this information and denies it access to consciousness. Imagine the mental chaos which would ensue if it were necessary to evaluate each bit of information which is received by the senses! It would require huge amounts of energy and time. Thankfully most of the filters are subconscious at this point. These filters have been developed over time based on the importance of information. Initially, this was a conscious activity and required consistent decisions, but eventually became a subconscious activity. Active denial on the other hand is a conscious process, and acts as a filter too. The difference is denial pushes out elements which have made their way into consciousness and deprives them of appropriate attention. This process can be disastrous depending on the character and importance of the content. When mistakes, errors, or oversights are consistently denied it can lead to a diminished capacity to reason, and reach trustworthy decisions.

Capitalizing Potential

  • Accept-There are many reasons for practicing denial, such as fear, shame, or guilt but each one of these can be overcome. Instead of repressing your mistakes, or errors accept them as facts of life. To deny them will only allow them to grow in magnitude and out of sight, only to show up later with greater intensity.
  • Attend-Now that you have accepted the reality of an error, or oversight you can give it the proper attention it deserves. Look at the situation and its impact completely from beginning to end. Make the effort to discover how the mistake occurred and learn the details which contributed to it.
  • Address-By accepting your mistakes, and giving them the proper attention you can now take the steps necessary to address them. This is the route to correcting them when they are still small enough to manage. Think about what steps will be necessary to correct the error or oversight, and initiate the proper action.

“An error doesn’t become a mistake until you refuse to correct it.” O. A. Battista

 

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Ten Minutes To Transformation- Spiritual

Tue, Jun 7, 2011

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Principled Philosophy

Blinded by Doubt

When our attention is focused on disbelief it is very easy to ignore reality becoming blinded by doubt. The most subtle aspect of this blindness is the individual who is not aware of its impact. You see, where you put your attention creates the perfect internal state in concert with what you are focusing on. It is seamless and almost undetectable until you shift your attention to something else. In a way, every time you shift your attention you are creating a whole new world which has its own unique internal representation. If you are blinded by doubt now is time to shift your focus to your faith capacity. Keep in mind, faith is a spiritual quality, and will require you to invoke your creator qualities. You must create the future you desire, first in your spirit, then in your mind, and finally in your life. It will be impossible to manifest the future you seek without a sufficient level of faith to move forward toward it. You do have a choice, you can be blinded and paralyzed by doubt, or you can take a leap of faith and move toward the future you desire. It’s up to you!

Capitalizing Potential

  • Visualize your future- The first step necessary to avoid being blinded by doubt is to visualize the future you would like to create. Picture in your mind’s eye what you desire to manifest in the future. Don’t hold back, if you want it, visualize it!
  • Build confidence- To develop faith in what you are doing begins with building confidence. This entails associating positive and pleasurable feelings toward the future you will create. Doing so will make it easier to navigate toward it, and achieve it!
  • Focus & concentrate- It is only going to do you good to focus on that which you want, not on what you don’t. Concentrate daily on what you want, and be willing to take the necessary action steps which will allow you to create the future of your dreams!

“Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is his twin brother.” -Kahlil Gibran

 

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Ten Minutes To Transformation- Financial

Mon, Jun 6, 2011

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Principled Philosophy

Breaking from the Pack

Thousands of products and services enter the market each year, and their level of success is as varied as they are. So why are some destined to enjoy ultimate success while others fall flat?  One variable is the successful companies have learned how to fill a major need of consumers in their markets, while the others do not. Those which fill the biggest need enjoy the largest monetary gains, develop a growing customer base, and find they must expand operations consistently to meet the demand. Others find it difficult to merely stay afloat no matter the amount of resources invested in marketing. Additionally, the successful companies have learned “need creates demand” which in the end equates to sales, and profits. Just because a product or service may seem desirable is no guarantee of success. Identifying the magnitude of need will be an indicator of consumer demand which ultimately will be reflected in bottom line profits. Doing the research, testing markets, and branding will help you to properly introduce your product or service to customers.

Capitalizing Potential

  • Do the Research-If your product or service is unique to the market it will be necessary to do the research, and determine the magnitude of need. The knowledge gained by performing proper research will save a lot of time and money in the long run.
  • Test the Waters-Before investing large amounts of capital into any market it is wise to test the waters. This involves introducing your product or service to focus groups, or small markets and evaluating the response before investing further.
  • Create the Brand-Even if your product or service has competition in certain markets you can brand yours in a way which separates it from the competition. Your brand should reflect and address the need(s) discovered from your research and market testing.

“Before you build a better mousetrap, it helps to know if there are any mice out there.” Mortimer B. Zuckerman

 

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Ten Minutes To Transformation- Social

Fri, Jun 3, 2011

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Principled Philosophy

Likeability Quotient

Not everyone has the same charisma, or ability to get others to like them, and those who find it easier are said to have a higher likeability quotient. The desire to be liked by others is probably hard-wired into humans, and we spend a lot of time trying to get people to like us. But there are things we can do to make liking us more difficult for others, and conversely, there are things which will encourage people to like us. Those who are approachable, agreeable, and emotionally available generally are liked by more people overall. It is generally known those who have a disagreeable demeanor, or are confrontational have a lower likeability quotient. This doesn’t mean those who are agreeable don’t have disagreements with others, they do. But how the charismatic deals with disagreements is much different. In fact, those with a high likeability quotient find others like them even more as a result of disagreements, or differences, not less!

Capitalizing Potential

  • Respect others-Those with a high likeability quotient generally admire people, and because of this admiration an aura of respect is projected to others. The positive energy manifests in their bearing, demeanor, and approachability. To increase your likeability quotient develop a deeply authentic admiration, and respect for others.
  • Validate others-Not everyone thinks, or feels the same way, but that doesn’t mean they are wrong for thinking or feeling the way they do. By confirming the legitimacy of the thoughts, opinions, and feelings of others you will find being agreeable much easier. By validating others you will increase your likeability quotient substantially.
  • Honor others-When others have a place of distinction in your heart the way you talk to them, treat them, and think about them will be dynamic. You will not be able to hide it, as they will sense it on a subconscious level. Honoring others is the gateway toward being emotionally available to others, and will increase your likeability quotient dramatically.

“He who has learned to disagree without being disagreeable has discovered the most valuable secret of a diplomat.”   Robert Estabrook

 

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Ten Minutes To Transformation- Physical

Thu, Jun 2, 2011

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Principled Philosophy

Rubber meets the Road

Once all the brainstorming, assessing, and planning is over it is time to decide where the rubber meets the road. Action is where the rubber meets the road. You may have the best plan for achieving the end result desired, but if you are unwilling or unable to take effective action it has been in vain. Certainly, assessment and planning are important, unfortunately many find themselves paralyzed at this stage by only concentrating on preambles, and not actual mechanics. Consider that man has aspired to travel in outer space for many centuries, but it has only been recently where he has had the mechanics to successfully do it. The reason is dreams and aspirations are only realistic when they can be carried out with effective action in real time. There is always tension between what is ideal and what is currently practical, and being able to release the tension with action is vital.

Capitalizing Potential

  • Get Educated-The first step toward taking effective action is getting educated. You must know what needs to be accomplished to achieve your end result. If you have no idea what must be done how will you design the mechanics? Getting educated so you can take the proper action to achieve is a foundational step towards success.
  • Get Real-One of the mistakes many make is thinking they can accomplish everything without the help of others. No one person has all the talents and abilities to do all things, and so assume it will be team effort. Getting real means gaining the understanding and accepting the fact you will need the help of others to produce meaningful results.
  • Get Going-As the planning stage is completed it will be time to muster up the courage, resources and tenacity to take action. Begin with tasks easily accomplished, and build up to the more challenging ones. Be certain to enlist those who possess abilities or means you don’t, validate their contribution, and cooperate with them.

“It is by acts and not by ideals that people live.”  Anatole France

 

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Ten Minutes To Transformation- Mental

Wed, Jun 1, 2011

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Principled Philosophy

Out of the Blocks

As every successful runner will tell you, how you come out of the blocks is one of the important factors in a race. Coming out of the blocks slowly can mean trying to catch up the entire race, or coming out too fast can deplete your energy too early. When taking steps in a new direction coming out the blocks is jus as important. The main difference between coming out of the blocks of a race and personal achievement is a mental one, or in other words having the proper mental posture. Anxiety, hesitation or fear present in a mental posture at the onset of a challenge can cause you to come out of the blocks too slowly. Conversely, an improper mental posture with hyperactivity, agitation, or frustration can expend your momentum too quickly, and drain your momentum and reserve power.

Capitalizing Potential

  • Think-Creating the proper mental posture begins by thinking. What are the best thoughts you could be thinking which will allow you to overcome the challenge? Once you have identified them it is time to focus on those specific thoughts, and nothing else. Let them get ingrained into your mind, and associated with the challenge you are to overcome.
  • Sync-Timing is just as important to mental posture as thoughts. Is the challenge you are trying to overcome a sprint, or a marathon? Knowing how to sync up your energy with the challenge will let you effectively match your energy. Coming out too quickly or too slowly can spell disaster so determine the timing and sync up your efforts.
  • Act-Once your mental posture is well established it will be time to act. If your efforts fail to materialize in action you have wasted your time. Pay attention to what is really going on and what will help you to reach your goal. Next in importance to coming out of the blocks properly is finishing properly. Taking the proper action will ensure finishing well.

“Good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results; bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results.” James Allen

 

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Ten Minutes To Transformation- Spiritual

Tue, May 31, 2011

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Principled Philosophy

Forged by Fire

Just as a hunk of coal is forged in the earth by heat, pressure, and time produces one of the most cherished gems, a diamond, and so are we in the world. It is very easy to complain about the trials and perhaps set backs in our lives. The fact of the matter though is these experiences make us stronger in the long run. Of course your perspective on these trials will influence whether you see them as coal or a diamond. It is very easy to discount the value of trials, pressure, and adversity in our affairs, but doing so will only block the power they can contribute towards an abundant life. It is not only the thoughts of these trials which you entertain which are influential, but your emotions towards them too. Learning to lead from the heart in a positive and powerful manner can unleash a wealth of personal power which will change the meaning of adversity, producing more harmony and a higher level of fulfillment in your life.

Capitalizing Potential

  • Seek Meaning-Being able to find the optimistic meaning in the events of your life no matter how adverse will keep the power flowing from your heart to your head. Always seek the meaning which promotes your intentions in a positive light.
  • Seek Harmony-To seek harmony is to synchronize your heart with your head. Don’t let the mental critic override the power of your heart-ever! Seeking harmony means allowing the heart to lead your thoughts, and not the other way around.
  • Seek Fulfillment-Too much time is spent on lack rather than seeking fulfillment. Yes, there will be disappointments and failures, but concentrating on them solves nothing. To seek fulfillment is to concentrate on feelings and thoughts of abundance, always!

“Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before.”   James Buckham

 

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Ten Minutes To Transformation- Financial

Mon, May 30, 2011

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Principled Philosophy

Courage to Advance

The courage to advance toward your goals is important for consistent achievement. If unknown factors or risk prevent you from moving forward advancement will be thwarted at every turn. Having the courage to advance is rooted in a changeless sense of who you are, and where you want to progress. The personal strength to express courage is also drawn from who you are, and the direction you have decided to move. It is impossible to consistently achieve your financial goals without this knowledge, but more importantly to express it when it is vital. Additionally, the acknowledgement of your personal success must be internalized if you are to express an adequate level of courage to meet and overcome challenges facing your advancement.

Capitalizing Potential

  • Define Success-Before you can advance in any meaningful direction you should define exactly what success means to you. The more specifically you are able to define success and its manifestation the better. Vague or fuzzy notions of success will simply not invoke the level of courage which will be effective or may be necessary.
  • Effective Focus-Be prepared to shift your focus from “being busy” to “being effective.” If you have been spinning your wheels it could be simply due to ineffective action. Define what the most effective actions are which will lead you to the next step. Many times effective action is the shortest distance from where you are to where you want to go.
  • Courageous Action-It is very easy to get into a comfort zone regarding which actions you normally undertake. Leaning toward the safe side in the past may be affecting the results you are experiencing currently. Dig down deep and be willing to overcome doubt, manage risk, outside of your comfort zone, and instead forge a new path toward success.

“Courage is the mastery of fear, not the absence of fear.”  Mark Twain

 

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