5 Key Elements that can lead to Success by “Thinking Out of the Box.”

What does ”Think Out of The Box” really mean?  As they say “you only know what you know” and “you just don’t know what you don’t know.”  Since you can’t know everything “How do you begin to think differently?”

The first step is researching everything about your subject.  So how much is that, well it’s just enough for you to get to that ‘aha’ moment.  When something you are reading takes your thinking about something in another direction.

Second, talk to someone outside of your business, someone who knows little, or nothing about your business to get a different or unique perspective.  Why?  Because they don’t think like you do.  Your job is to listen intently and not discount everything they say because you believe you have tried that, whatever that is.  It is time to explore, discuss, and dissect their perspective. Looking for another ‘aha’ moment.

Third is to try alternatives until something clicks.  Yes there are experts out there that will tell you to do this or do that, but it may not be exactly right for you. Perhaps using a variation of their suggestion.

Fourth, don’t give up so easily, make sure you have a way to monitor your results and give it enough time… be patient!

Most time we don’t think at all.  What we are doing is reacting to what we believe we perceive and making a decision before we have had the time to think it through.  And thinking it through could be as little as a few minutes, or days, but don’t over analyze, and don’t try to make it perfect.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to All

Did you ring out the old and ring in the new with another New Years Resolution.  Well, this New Year is like any other and is simply the dates on the calendar changing again.

While you may have decided to make a resolution again this year to change some aspect of your life, or your whole life this can be done at any time, and on any day regardless of the date on the calendar.

Somehow we believe that the beginning of a New Year is the time to make the changes necessary to have this year be better than the old year.  It’s a time when we resolve to make minor or major changes, yet you will still need to make adjustments during the year to reach your goals, to make those changes you deem necessary.  So part of your New Years resolution is to know that you will need to make changes during the year, not just at the beginning.

Obviously, in order to make those changes, the first change you must recognize is what you need to change in you.  So often the change you want is for those around you to change, and then your circumstances will change.  However, the change you seek is not external to you it is within you.  It is not about others changing it is about you changing yourself and by doing that your circumstances, and those around you change.

The reason you seek change is because you are desperate to break the cycle that you have been in that is uncomfortable and just not working.  You seem to be pulled into this vortex of reoccurring negativity, because you have become pessimistic and don’t believe that certain changes are possible.  It’s almost like you’re swimming in this vast ocean at night and you can’t get your bearings.  You’re so lost that you can’t decide whether you want to meet your fate of being swallowed alive by the sea, or if you want to see the lights on the distant shore and muster the energy to swim to safety. Are you going to allow your emotions to take over your life, or will you let your logic, experiences, and your intuitive self make those changes necessary to have a fulfilled life.  The fulfilled life I’m speaking of is where you’re healthy and happy, where you have great relationships with everyone, where you’re financially secure, and where you’re connected spiritually to a higher source.

If the New Year is the only time you believe you can make resolutions it’s time to make a resolution to make a plan for the rest of your life, not just for a few weeks or a few months at the beginning of the year, and then to slip off into oblivion again.  It is time to always maintain an optimistic view, to summon the strength and courage to change, and make an effort to remove yourself from that black hole and step into the light.

Your life matters, all life on this planet matters, and it is time for you not only to contribute to your life by making those internal changes to make your life better, but to help lift this planet and its inhabitants from the turmoil, stress, and strife that is around us to a place of love, forgiveness, compassion, and giving.

Remember you do not have to do this alone for there is support all around you if you just ask and that includes asking God. As they say, “Ask and you will receive”, for there are many who will help you make those changes in your life that will produce miracles, if you let them.

If you feel that you cannot get the support you need from those around you I am here to help.  This is what I do, this is my passion to be a resource to anyone and everyone who needs assistance. You know, and you can feel, how life and the energy on this planet is changing.  You know that we must come together as one to live in harmony and prosperity so please join me in being a positive force in everyone’s life. Change your attitude, change your outlook, seek to make peace and to forgive others, smile and be an optimist and give yourself and others the gift of a beautiful life.

With blessings and love and wishing you a very Happy New Year!

The Human Element

Occupy Wall Street

Standing up for our Human rights.

“Of all 117 elements in the universe we are the one element that changes everything, we are “The Human Element”. So says the Dow Chemical co.

Why do I like that statement so much?  Because it is absolutely true.  And while other elements can take on different forms we are the only element that can choose whether we evolve or change.  But are we evolving or changing for the better?  Have we learned anything from our history?  Or are we going to be forced into making the changes necessary to see all Humans not just surviving, but thriving?

Time, after time man has faced the same or similar circumstances, yet we continue to make the same mistakes, travel the same path and then expect a different result.  Or is it that the few, mighty and wealthy individuals seem to chart the course for all of humanity because they possess the power to blatantly exploit others with their need for control and greed?

We continually see those in power, whether politicians or corporate denizens exploiting others to achieve their lone goals with total disregard for how they affect the planet and other humans, as if they could escape all the environmental damages caused by their inconsiderate actions.  Why do they believe that they can getaway with the mistreatment of other humans, and causing physical, and financial difficulties through their greed?

Will it take a total collapse of our systems, infrastructure, and climate to force the changes so the playing field becomes level?  It seems that as smart as the 1% believe they are, they too will become trapped in their own webs, sooner, or later.  It is amazing that even in the face of the dire need for a total revamping of our government, more control of financial institutions, curtailing spending, and overhauling of energy systems to decrease fossil fuel usage we continue to make the same choices.  We continually refuse to step out of the box with new thinking, by exercising new procedures, and with the true understanding that we must be our brother’s keeper.

The question is no longer why are we where we are, but how will we change, now, to avoid the seeming catastrophe that awaits us, and create harmony on the planet.  Until everyone sees that we are made of the same stuff, the same “Elements”, then we will continue to face the same dilemmas, have unrest, and major discord.  And while I may be calling out that 1% that “Occupy Wall Street” and “Occupy Oakland” and other groups speak about, it is more.  The other groups who make up the 99% are the police who blindly follow the orders of the elite to squash their brethren.  Why are they protecting the very people who have been at the root cause of our financial dilemma?

Without morals, without integrity, and without regard for another “Human Element” we are doomed.  The point is that we, each and every one of us, have the opportunity to live within, and in integrity at each and every moment.  It is a choice to be honest, fair, compassionate, and loving.  To want the best for all Humans, to not lie, cheat or steal from your fellow man.  Live your life holding dear to you the messages of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, Jesus Christ, and so many others in creating equality and peace.

You, we, everyone one of us on this planet deserve food, water, shelter, and love at a minimum.  Be a part of “We Are One” and do your part now by living your life with compassion, understanding, and integrity.

Will you do that starting today?  Will you pass this message on to others and show your support for us, “The Human Element”?

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Manifest Destiny

Manifesting Your Destiny

Manifest Destiny

Here’s a concept of how we are influenced and how we can have things come into being.

Manifest Destiny.”  as many history buffs know was a heavily influenced American policy in the 1800s. The idea was the driving force behind the rapid expansion of America into the West from the East, and it was heavily promoted in newspapers, posters, and through other mediums. While this phrase was not itself an official government policy, it led to the passage of legislation such as the Homestead Act, which encouraged Westward colonization and territorial acquisition.  It also played an important role in American thought.

John O’Sullivan, an American newspaper editor who was writing about the proposed annexation of Texas, first used the term Manifest Destiny in 1845.  He stated that it was America’s  “Destiny” to overspread the continent. The editorial suggested that through expansion, the United States could become a recognized political and social superpower.  America had, in fact, O’Sullivan argued, been uniquely chosen for the task of expanding westward, driving out the wilderness and establishing civilization.

The Westward expansion of the United States did not, of course, begin with Manifest Destiny.  The Louisiana Purchase of 1803, was probably the first major step.  The government saw the appeal in acquiring more land, as a result, a policy pursuing aggressive expansion was actively pursued.  The idea of Manifest Destiny was merely a component, and one, which captured people’s imagination.

O’Sullivan’s editorial added fuel to the fire with this catchy phrase. Numerous government campaigns painted the allures of the West for prospective settlers, and promoted programs, which could help people, acquire and hold land in the West.  With the discovery of gold and other valuable minerals, a tide of Easterners started to pour into the West, supported by their belief in their right and duty to expand.

This idea of Manifest Destiny was also behind American political actions overseas. Although the term ceased to be used in a political context in the early twentieth century, the far-reaching impact of it was clear.  A section of the editorial reminded Americans that they were uniquely positioned to spread democracy throughout the world, and this concept clearly played a role in twentieth century American foreign policy.  Many historians use the term “Manifest Destiny” to refer to the period in American history which was marked by rapid expansion “from sea to shining sea” through annexation of the Western half of the continent.

The concept of Manifest Destiny was a creation of John O’Sullivan, and from his creation it became intention, and from that intention people paid attention to it and so it became real.  Yes, you do manifest your own destiny, so why not manifest exactly what you want?

You have the power and the energy to create what you want.  Have you ever heard of the butterfly principle?  Edward Lorenz stated this “A butterfly, flapping its wings in one part of the world, could affect the weather on the other side of the globe.”  May sound silly, however it is true.  Whenever there is any action, no matter how minute, it generates motion and energy, which touches and affects everything and all of us.

Everything in the universe is energy and you and I can use this energy for the good of ourselves.  As we know, what you intend is what you will go about doing and that intention is built into the fabric of life.  It is everything from a blade of grass to a tree to all animal and human life and I do mean everything.

Let’s consider minor things such as an apple seed.  Do you believe that an apple seed has an intention?  Well it must have intention or it wouldn’t become an apple tree and have more apples with seeds.  The intention of these plants never waivers, they become what they are intent on becoming.  An acorn becomes an oak tree; a seed of grass becomes your lawn, and so on as it is for every living thing.  All DNA, your DNA has intention built into it.

So starting today go and Manifest your Destiny!

Get SMART

Get S.M.A.R.T!

Getting Smart

Are you SMART?  I guess we all think we are, but I’m really not talking about your intelligence. What I’m talking about is reaching your goals the SMART way and that usually takes change.  As the Greek philosopher Hippocrates said, “The only permanent thing is change”. Our ability to welcome or accept change is an important ingredient when it comes to achieving our goals, as well as our capacity to grow and learn.

As a Coach I find that although most people start off with sincere intentions, however very often those “sincere” or good intentions fall by the wayside. Why? There’s an old adage: “If you fail to plan, then you have planned to fail”.  Without a solid plan and strategic tools your goals will often fail to materialize.

One of the many tools that I use in my practice – and one that you might find useful in helping you achieve you goals is called S.M.A.R.T. I hope these S.M.A.R.T. tips help you achieve your goals.

Specific – Measurable- Achievable- Realistic – Time limited

Specific – Your goal should be clearly defined. Have a specific date to accomplish it by and know what action you will need to take.  An example would be the desire to be healthier. Is ‘healthier’ specific? Not really. A specific goal would be to join a health club and/or lose 12 lbs. When you are specific, your goal has a much better chance of being accomplished.

Measurable – Ask the question “How will I know when it is accomplished”?  The number of times you plan to visit the Health club or how many pounds you plan on losing are measurable goals.  Measuring your progress helps you to stay on track to reach your goal.  “Wow, “I lost 3 lbs this week” – “I’m right on target!”

Attainable – It is wonderful to set high goals, but be realistic about them.  Setting goals that are difficult to attain can be very disempowering.  Good example: “I will lose 12 lbs within 3 months”.  Bad Example: “I will lose 12 lbs by next week”.

Realistic – To be realistic, you must believe it can be accomplished, because you have done it before, or have the ability and tools, or you have someone who knows how to accomplish what you want to do.  Have you done anything similar in the past?  What components are needed to reach your goal?

Time limited – Without a time frame, your goal enters that nether land of ‘someday’.  Since you’re probably not Peter Pan setting a specific end date prompts your unconscious mind to ‘get to work’.

Now be SMART and put these S.M.A.R.T. tools to work for you.

Making a Quantum Shift in 21 Days

I have recently created a series of videos called “How to Make a Quantum Shift” in your life in just 21 days”.  So what does that mean?  Does it mean better health for you?  Does it mean improving your relationships?  Does it mean learning how to have financial success?  Does it mean having a better understanding of your spirituality?  Does it mean how to use your wisdom for the betterment of mankind?  Well, Yes!  It is all of the above.

My task was to pack into your 21-day challenge as much meaningful and useful information as possible.  So you might ask why did I do this?  I did this because it’s my passion to be a leader in helping others succeed in life. And my definition of succeeding in life is to have harmony and wealth in every facet of your existence.

The series will focus on 5 key areas, they are Your Health, Your relationships, Your Finances, Your Spirituality and Your Mind. For this challenge to be of value to you it is very important that you complete viewing all the videos. Then take the challenge so you can realize results and make that Quantum Shift.

I hope you’re up for the challenge, I mean, really why wouldn’t you be?  Who knows what you’ll learn.  As they say when the student is ready the teacher will come.  So here I am.  I look forward to helping each, and every one of you to grow and find new successes in every area of your life.

To View Video click on the link below:

21 Day Challenge to making a Quantum Shift

Get Fit and Healthy

 

    Click here to play the video

Check out the Snack Healthy Products

 

How We Think – Part II

Everything we think has been learned.  It has been taught to us from our childhood, our friends, our peers, our family, the news, and the workplace.  Things we hold closest to us and very much engrained in us came from how we were treated as a child, what we saw and heard as a child, and what we experienced as a child.  As we grew we experienced changes and formed new opinions and perceptions as to how the world worked and how we expected to be treated, as well as how we treated others.

And while all of these people had an effect as to who you are today this workshop and seminar is not about why you think the way you do, but to help you see and understand that whatever negative emotions, relationships, and problems you have in your life can change, because you have a choice, we all have a choice.

Let’s take something as simple as today.  Today you chose to be here because of some beliefs you have about your relationship(s) that you want help in changing.  Now you didn’t have to come, but something within you is begging for a new start, a fresh start and a change you either haven’t been willing to make or are uncomfortable making.  For some of you the changes will come easily, for others it will be a difficult and long road.  And whether the changes you make are easy or difficult is in your control.  Remember everything is in your control, but you have to begin to believe that.  And I know many of you are here today thinking that you are tired of being controlled by others, but the reality is, as harsh as this may sound, is that you are allowing yourself to be controlled.  My sincere hope and wish for you is that you will discover here today, or in the very near future, those reasons and to allow yourself to be free of those who you believe are controlling you and find lasting happiness.

In your workbook I have left certain areas blank and underlined so you can fill it in as we go along.  I have done this so you don’t fall asleep while I speak, hopefully I’m not that boring, and the information and exercises become more memorable and part of you.

So let’s begin by first understanding a little bit about who we are.

I want you to know that you hold your world together with your             attention                    .  And when you    shift               your attention from the world you created it collapses and a new world emerges.

Let me be clear about this.  Right now whatever you are thinking can change in an instant.  Let’s try something simple.  Think about how uncomfortable you are with a relationship at work or with a family member.  Pick one.  Now think about one specific incident where you felt that he or she was being tough, not physically tough, where they were trying to convince you to do something you didn’t want to do.  So look at your reaction to that.  How did it make you feel?  Did you feel angry?  Did you feel stupid?  Or did you take it as a constructive piece of advice?  So now I want you to think about them, not you and your feelings.  I want you to see them as being genuinely concerned for your welfare.  I want you to smile and see them as a loving person and I want you to think about what they said, knowing that this is their opinion about the best way for you to solving your problem.  See how you think, from how you have been programmed and how you want to see things is totally in your control.

You       create        your own reality based upon two things;

Your       intention                       and your        attention        .

Energy   flows where     attention                 goes.

If you intend to listen with an open heart and mind and you believe that the person giving you their advice or opinion means you well then you listen and hear what is being said.  Your attention is heightened and then you can decide what to do with the information you have received.  And now we get back to control.  You can control what you do with that information and that is to use it or loose it. 

Your Attention is paramount because ‘Only Now exists’.

Being in the present moment requires your full attention so that you are fully awake to experience it.  When you are fully    present             , your mind does not wander.  You are focused on what is going on right now, rather than thinking about what just happened or worrying about what is going to happen next.

Life happens to us when    we happen         to life in the     now      .

Now’s here’s the rub, most of the things you are creating you’re creating from deep within your         unconscious             .

 

Why is it that you’re running out of money all the time?  Why is it that you’re not healthy and fit?  Why is that you’re always in the same relationship?  It’s because your moving to that universe that’s outside of your              awareness                        .   So until you heal those things you will never make a positive and profound quantum leap.  A quantum leap is moving to a new universe.


Wealth, Success & Fulfillment – Part III

It’s not    what     you do but      how   you do it that determines your wealth or success or fulfillment in life.

There are 4 key ingredients:

The First is                         passion                     or an intense desire to accomplish something or have something.

The Second is        excitement                         is when you are powerfully emotionally charged or aroused.

The Third is                       inspiration                          or to be stimulated, to infuse into the mind and to communicate that to your spirit.

The Fourth is        motivation                          , which is a willingness to act or a reason to do something.

 

And what’s so alike about all of these words.  They are all     emotions                 .  It’s the 99% of where you want to be to accomplish everything you want.  So you see it’s these components that determines your wealth, success or fulfillment in this life .

As Emerson said, “Nothing great has ever accomplished without enthusiasm”.

Now a lot of people have great           intentions               but poor follow-up.  So consequently having good intentions just doesn’t move you forward, does it.

Outside, Inside the Box Thinking

Wondering what outside, inside the box is all about? I know you’ve heard the term “think outside the box”, but what does that really mean, and even if you really know the definition do you know how to think outside the box?  I created this term to show you there are other ways to think.  Am I saying the same thing, as “think outside the box”?  Here’s the concept, I am outside the box that I am presently in, looking at myself inside and creating ways to get me out of the box. Creating new paths to remove my self from being inside.  Want to ponder that for a bit?

You see we’re always in a box, perhaps a larger box than before because we have expanded our thinking and ways of getting things done, it’s called growing.  So every time we want to create something new we must step out of the box.  It’s almost like contemplating, “how the universe began”.  Now that will make you crazy.  I can tell you from experience it’s not easy. Even those of us who have practiced this for years get stuck often enough, and have to step back, step out, and think about what we’re trying to achieve.  We have to remove ourselves from ourselves by visualizing everything anew.

The goal of thinking outside the box is to actually do that, which means to think differently from what you know and believe.  To not use all of the same excuses you always use as to why something cannot be done. You must approach this thinking by throwing away all of your preconceived notions about how you will achieve your goal.  Your goal is to create something from nothing, paint your greatest vision on a blank canvas, empty your mind and re-imagine your world.  Do you think Fulton, Bell, DaVinci, Ford, or others could have created what they did by using the same ideas and tools of others?

Whatever the goal, whether it is to gain more customers, build revenue, figure out how to increase profits, construct a new building or design the city of tomorrow.  The magic word is “Create”, to bring into existence, to produce or bring about by a course of action or behavior, to produce through imaginative skill something new, and different.

So you’re probably wondering how you go about “thinking outside the box”?  As I mentioned, you do this by removing yourself from any and all preconceived notions or ideas about how it has been done before.  If you were to re-invent the wheel, so to speak, and you needed to transport an object from point A to point B you would not use the same method of how a wheel operates because you need to invent something better, or completely new.  Let me try and paint another picture for you.  If you mediate this may help.  In meditation the goal is to let all thoughts flow through you, by not expanding on the thought that just entered your mind.  It’s sort of like getting amnesia or having short term memory loss. You want new thoughts and new ideas that can propel you to invent a better wheel, or another completely new method for transportation in this case.

Typically, you or a group of you, will think they are “thinking out of the box”, but you will do the same things you have been doing except do more of it. In other words if you are advertising in a magazine, or on a billboard, or on radio or TV, or through social media, or Google ad words, you will just do more of that in an effort to gain more exposure and more customers. While that strategy can work for you are you really doing anything different?  You must create something new and different.

In football, they are constantly re-thinking plays. The goal of course is to get the ball into the end zone and score points, but they have dozens, maybe hundreds of strategies to accomplish this, don’t they.  And they keep inventing new ones all the time. It’s the same for you.  Easy to think out of the box?  No, but if you want unique solutions and to do things and go places no one has ever gone before (Star Trek, couldn’t resist) then you need to change your way of doing things.

So what is the ‘Key’ to “Thinking Out of The Box”?  A combination of amnesia, creativity, guts, chance and entrepreneurship.  I am reminded of all the job ads I see where they are seeking someone with qualifications having done the same thing as what that company is doing.  They believe that the candidate will be able to hit the ground running using the same methods and contacts to achieve a goal sooner.   While this may be true for the short term, isn’t the goal to differentiate yourself from everyone else.  Isn’t the goal to actually create something new or use a new method?  Many times, I have helped companies just because I didn’t know anything about their industry.  I’m a new perspective, a new way of thinking and a new chance at having bigger successes.  I could go on with stories about why it’s so important to “think out of the box”, but instead I’ll leave you with this… “Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is, yes, “a form of insanity”.

Now go and put on a new hat today and create your greatest dream, or hire someone already outside the box to help you get ahead.  I can tell you that paying a little more for a consultant can be a lot better, and a lot less expensive in the long term,  than paying a little less for an employee, who in the long term may cost a lot more.

MLM’s vs Pyramid Schemes

In my previous blog I talked about how an MLM business is different from a Brick and Mortar company.  I also mentioned how many still believe that MLM’s are a Pyramid scheme. Here are the differences and what you need to do to be successful in an MLM.

First, let me define a Pyramid (yes it looks just like the ones built in Egypt) and how most MLM’s work.  A Pyramid scheme, as it’s called, is a non-sustainable business model that involves promising participants payment, services or ideals, primarily for enrolling other people into the scheme or training them to take part, rather than supplying any real investment or sale of products or services to the public.  Pyramid schemes are a form of fraud.

An MLM is a marketing strategy in which the sales force is compensated not only for sales they personally generate, but also for the sales of others they recruit, creating a down line of distributors and a hierarchy of multiple levels of compensation.  Other terms for MLM include network marketing, pyramid selling,(not to be confused with pyramid scheme) and referral marketing. 

Most commonly, the salespeople are expected to sell products directly to consumers by means of relationship referrals and word of mouth marketing. Some people equate MLM with direct selling, although MLM is only one type of direct selling.

MLM’s are not for everyone and not everyone makes money in an MLM.  There are many reasons, so let me give you some examples of what it takes to be successful.

  1. It takes time!  Most people think you sign up and it’s instant business, it’s not. Be patient.
  2. It’s a business!  Just like any other business you need to advertise it and talk to people.
  3. It takes belief in your product and/or service!  If you wouldn’t eat it, or use it why would anyone else?
  4. It takes money!  Some more than others.  There is the product you purchase for yourself, which is good because you like it and use it.  Then sometimes you need to buy samples, business cards, brochures, and perhaps Internet ads.
  5. It takes a strong team and support!  You need team support and love from your up-line.
  6. It takes a good compensation plan!  There are many ways to construct a comp plan and too many to discuss here.  So do your homework and make sure it’s sensible and you get paid quickly.
  7. It takes discipline! Yes, you must do something everyday to promote your business, just like going to work for someone else, except the rewards can be greater.

Now this Blog isn’t meant to be all-inclusive, so if you’ve never been part of an MLM or in your own business, just know it’s different and you have to work it as you would any other business. Finally talk to those who are successful and find out their secrets before making that decision.

And here’s my plug for JEUNESSE.  As I mentioned in my first blog about MLM’s, there is a reason I chose JEUNESSE.  I am into health and wellness, internal and external, and from my research and discussions with others who are using this product I believe it does what it says. I have been using it a short while and I see small results, and I will continue to use it to get the results others have achieved.

This product is derived from stem cell media and is then formulated with other state-of-the-art ingredients to create a “one of a kind” anti-aging facial serum, called LUMINESCEa cellular rejuvenation serum.  The synergistic combination of the stem cell technology and natural body processes stimulates the production of matrix proteins such as collagen and elastin. This results in the plumping and firming of the skin, which helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

There are many products on the market, as you know, which claim these benefits, however this is a patent pending process from Nathan Newman, M.D. and Vincent C. Giampapa, M.D., F.A.C.S., both world-renowned cosmetic surgeons.  It costs nothing, but a few minutes to check out JEUNESSE, just go to – http://www.skin4life.jeunesseglobal.com/

By the way you don’t have to be in the business if it doesn’t suit you, but you can buy the products and enjoy a more vibrant, youthful appearance.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and if you have questions just email me at arthurjames@thecoffeehousecoach.com

Have a great day and stay healthy!