Mindful Resolutions

Why is it a Good time to Start a Business?

2009-10-07T07:36:00.001-04:00

Here is the first and best answer that I can give you about why this is a good time to start a business, because the President has said that he can save or create about 3 million jobs, and he probably can, but there are presently upwards of 13 million people unemployed and counting—DO THE MATH! You may need to start a business just to give yourself a job—that’s called being self-employed.

Now in the maze of uncertainty, the thing that has not changed is that you can get paid by solving other people’s problems by providing solutions, or performing a service. A plumber solves the problem of a leaky faucet, a doctor leads you to treatment that solves your medical problem—hopefully—and service providers do many things that you are either not capable of doing, don’t have time to do, don’t want to do, or just won’t do. In each case it is a win-win situation. This is business—adding value to another person’s life!

At the turn of the last century, over 90% of the population was self-employed. What changed was the industrialization of business and today that is changing also. Now we need to be problem-solvers, time savers, and service providers to step into the new paradigm of business. There will always be employees and that’s good because they are absolutely necessary to the growth of a business. Where we need to shift the paradigm is how we value employees. My personal vision is that employees be profit-sharers—again, win-win.

The new frontier of entrepreneurship is about conscious business. Conscious businesses consider their effect on others—they desire is to be a plus and not a minus. Conscious business starts with values, vision, purpose, and mission with compensation as the expected outcome. Conscious business does not put money first, it puts people, values, and service to others, first. When you take a look at the road that led to the current financial debacle, it is easy to see that what was missing was putting people, values, and service first—what was present in most cases was making money above all else. The results show that it was simply not good business. Business is the natural expression of creativity, service, and love for others.

So, what is your divine idea, what types problems do you want to solve, what do you want to create and share, what services do see that needs to be provided to help make life easier for others? Begin now! Start with a business plan. A good business plan helps you to crystallize your thinking, to see if it is viable and if not, it helps you see how to make it viable. A great place to get help with writing a business plan is www.sba.gov and www.bizplans.com. Bizplans.com has templates that are so specific that you can literally just fill in your own numbers and business name and have a good plan. I must caution you to do actual numbers. You have to do the homework—the real numbers are what will either cause you to sink or swim. This is not the time to be lazy, but it is time to be efficient. Time put in before you start goes a long way in helping you to maintain and grow your business.

For those of you who don’t have a divine idea and/or the desire to start a business from scratch, I suggest looking into direct sales, it’s the least expensive franchise you can buy. I am calling it a franchise because everything is there for you, marketing tools, training, and mentoring, all you have to do is get customers. Don’t let that scare you, customers are what is needed for any business and direct sales is a business—even if you work from home—which has it’s own advantages. If you are still employed, having a home-based business can do two very beneficial things for you—add additional income and shelter some of the money that you make from your job by the tax advantages that home-based businesses offers.

Good money strategies include making money, keeping what you make, and keeping your risks low. Direct sales is definitely a low risk business compared to starting a brick and mortar business. There are good ones and not so good ones, but regardless of what you may have heard or even experienced, direct sales can be an excellent opportunity. Most of all, the qualification is very low. You do not need a college education, good credit, and in most of them, you can even have been a felon. Direct sales can level the playing field if you buy into their system. Most direct marketing companies stress personal growth, in fact, you can be trained by some of the best trainers and motivational speakers in the world. As a small business coach, I find that what separates success from failure is not so much what type of business you are in, it’s how you are in the business! Growth is essential.

The Power of Giving Thanks

2008-11-25T14:44:00.000-05:00

As we come upon this Thanksgiving Day, we reflect upon the past year and give thanks for the blessings that we have had in our lives. Some years we seem to have more to be grateful for than others and some years we are simply glad that we made it at all. By all means give thanks for your blessings, but this year, I invite you to also look forward to the promises of Spirit. Everything in nature moves forward, evolving upward, and expressing more fully. Even as nature ebbs and flows, its general tendency is always forward and expansive. When the leaves fall from the trees and appear to die, there is regeneration taking place.
We have been warned of the possibilities of further terrorists’ acts and a woeful economy. People are afraid of losing their jobs, health insurance, and many are feeling a general anxiety. In the best of times, we have never known what tomorrow would bring, but we have lived our lives with the faith that all would be well; we don’t have to change now. God is still being God. Terrorists only win when we have more faith in their will then the Will of God. Fear is only faith turned in a negative direction. Are you giving your faith to a future filled with doom and just hoping for the best? Hope carries no authority. Or, are you strengthening your relationship with Spirit knowing that, this too shall pass? Giving thanks in advance of your blessings is a tremendous act of faith.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

The power of faith is beautifully expressed in Mark 11:23;

“For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”

Saying thank you in advance sets up an expectation of good and the realization that nothing is insurmountable. There are many things going on in our world today that we cannot control, but we can control our selves. We can control what we give our attention to. This is the time to have a life preserver for yourself. A life preserver is a simple statement of truth that resonates with your spirit and which can quickly bring your consciousness back to a place of gratitude or peace. Simply saying thank you is a prefect way to divert your attention toward the positive movement of Spirit.
To give thanks for the unseen is a demonstration of faith. Oprah Winfrey related a story of a time when she was in the throes of despair, crying her eyes out and she called Maya Angelou for comfort. Maya immediately told Oprah to say “thank you.” Oprah, fearing that Maya did not understand the gravity of the situation, began to tell her story, but Maya insisted that Oprah stop and say “thank you.” Finally, Oprah asked, “Why should I say thank you? Maya’s reply was, “because it brings your attention back to Spirit.” I may not have told this story exactly right, but I hope you get the point.

“Whatever gets your attention gets your faith. Whatever you are deeply convinced about, you have faith in. Whatever you expect and prepare for, you have faith in.” (Catherine Ponder, The Healing Secrets of the Ages)

Giving thanks focuses your attention on God/good.
So when you give thanks this Thanksgiving and every other day, give thanks for His Peace, His Love, His Grace, His Forgiveness, His Guidance, His Sustenance.
Regardless of appearances, Give thanks with the faith that, “It is done unto you as you believe.”

Work, Prosperity, and You

2008-11-14T06:59:00.007-05:00

In the current economic times we may need to rethink what the purpose of work is. I am not saying that work is not an avenue of income, what I am saying is that work is much, much, more. Work is intricately entwined with one's self worth--not financial worth--but how you view your worth in service to others through the expression of your God given talents, skills, and affinities. There are amazing opportunities for you to create a life that has meaning and to prosper naturally. There are many problems that need to be solved, joy to be had, health to be re-established, and powerful relationships to be built, all of which serve humanity. Our current economic system has made it complicated for people prosper, which is unnatural and, exactly why it is breaking down, but let's find the silver lining. As jobs disappear, is there another way to look at what's possible? How do you get ahead of the curve? You need a new context out of which to create your work-life. I say you can make your work-life your life's work!

E. V. Ingraham in “Wells of Abundance” said,

“The fact is that most of the supply that we work for only feeds 2% of our nature. That which feeds the other 98% is free for the effort involved in receiving. If this 98% of our nature were habitually fed, the matter of taking care of the other 2% would be simple and easy.”

Now, what constitutes the other 98%? It is the beauty of nature, the sound of music, the joy of laughter, feeling the spray of the ocean on your face, the scent of a stargazer lily. It is the delight of creating and expressing the gifts of life.

Work is an outlet for the expression of Spirit, love, and of the imprisoned splendor of being. Work is natural; it the law of cause and effect in action. What is the effect of your work? Many people’s answer would be “money.” Most people work because they think that it is the only way to “make a living.” But, money does not a living make! You are alive and it is not money that is the source of that life, it is Spirit. So, to “work for a living” would be to work as an expression of Spirit and to work as an expression of Spirit is to live your life’s purpose.
You cannot separate your life’s purpose from your work because it is who you are! Everyone was created to express some aspect of Spirit. The properties of Spirit are Life, Love, Light, Joy, Beauty, Peace, and Power. To express any of these properties you must realize that you are made in the image and likeness of God. You must be a channel through which Spirit can express Itself. What are your gifts? E. V. Ingraham said,

“All living forces move toward expression. Notice all eagerness which impels you to tell what you know, or to express what you feel, or produce what you idealize. The desire for full expression seizes your whole nature whenever creative ideals fill you. The singer longs to sing, the dancer to dance, the artist to paint. The whole process of life in Heaven and earth is a dynamic and irrepressible movement toward manifestation.”

If you feel dissatisfied, a deep longing, or pressure, it is God urging you to express more fully. This is where passion comes from and when passion is brought to any work, it causes one to strive for the highest level of expression. To work with passion is to be in touch with the Divine.

When you realize and live your life’s purpose as an expression of Spirit (not ego), you will have prosperity handled once and for all. Any difficulty you perceive will only be the need to grow into an even greater expression of Spirit, as Spirit is always contemplating Itself as something greater than It has ever been. The channels for expression (i.e. work, investment, etc.) as compensation may change, but the Source is limitless. Within you is the Source of prosperity, fulfillment, and all good. And the degree to which you trust that which is within you, to that extent you are free to prosper.

You were created out of the Divine and are one with the Divine, so therefore the truth of your being is that you embody the same properties as the Divine. Let go of your fears and petty schemes and embrace your divinity. Express your divinity and most of all trust your divinity. Then, you will be free. No one can keep your good away from you but you. What is yours is yours by divine right and it’s waiting for you to grow into your rightful place in the world as that individualized expression of Spirit that you were created to be!

A new paradigm is being ushered in and it might be messy for a while, but you can emerge from this emergency with a life that you love-- a life that purposeful and fulfilling. God's grace always expresses Itself as Fulfillment.

Folks, Let's Get Real!

2008-10-22T14:08:00.004-04:00

Folks, let’s get real! Whether Obama or Mc Cain wins, America is in for a rude awakening. Here's what I see. There are hardened beliefs on both sides. Everyone is talking about change. A movement toward unity means that we cannot get drunk with the idea of change, but we need to actually change. America, as we like to think of it, doesn't exist folks—don’t believe the hype. If Obama is elected, it could be the beginning of the healing that needs to take place and it won’t be easy. If Mc Cain wins, in my opinion, it could have the affect of either people rising up in various sorts or rebellion, or total apathy, neither of which we can afford. In Truth, healing is available in either scenario, one night be easier than the other.

Many scabs have been yanked off and there are more to come. America needs to wake–up to being true to our Constitution and to become participants in our democracy. There has been much talk about Bill Ayres, and nobody can condone his methods, but his motives, in my opinion, where just. In these times we must be mindful of our methods and motives for change. I am tired of hearing that disagreeing with our government is somehow unpatriotic. If you read the Declaration of Independence, you can see what being patriotic really is. Much light can be brought to the dangerous ignorance of many citizens by simply going back to what was intended in the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. At the very least, it gives us a foundation upon which we can agree. Since civics it no longer taught in most schools, we are terribly ignorant about what our rights are and what our responsibility as citizens are. Freedom ain’t free people! But freedom doesn’t cost nearly as much as bondage. Think about it.

We might be in for some very rocky times whether Obama is elected or not. I believe the, or not, is the most discouraging scenario, but whatever the outcome of this race, we must all be more active in our democracy, not just by voting, but daily activity. We must become the change we wish to see, as Gandhi so aptly put it. If ignorance is the problem, we need to learn more. If irresponsibility is the problem, then we need to take more responsibility. If intolerance is the problem, we need to love more. If the economy is a problem, then we need to be better stewards. If war is the problem, we must offer peace. If security is the problems, then stop threatening and engendering fear. Thomas Jefferson said, “The man who would choose security over freedom deserves neither.” We must hold our elected officials, legislators, and the media accountable to speak the highest level of truth that they have available. The fate of our county is not up to Obama or McCain, it is up to us.

We are in another civil war—let this not be a literal description, but only figurative. There are a lot nasty terms being tossed around, and groups being pitted against each other. This figurative civil war didn’t just begin, it has been going on for years, but it is time to STOP. As Barack Obama says, these are the United States, not blue and red states. The fabric of our country is being torn apart from within. As citizens, we must take our power back. There is no greater enemy outside of this country than the enemy within. I am reminded of the Gettysburg Address, which was written in another time when our country needed to heal and remember that this is The United States.

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

These Changing Times Require Increased E.F.F.O.R.T

2008-10-15T20:23:00.001-04:00

Creativity is messy! Try creating an omelet without cracking the eggs. When a woman has a baby the waters have to break. When things are breaking, something new is coming forth. This economy is breaking—crumbling from its foundation—and there is tremendous growth coming through. As ugly and scary as this may seem, and trust me it only seems scary—I’ve had babies, something wonderful is happening. Now, can you grow and prosper in these changing times? Absolutely! All you need is increased E.F.F.O.R.T.

E – Efficiency
F – Forgiveness
F – Fun
O – Opportunity
R – Responsibility
T – Trust

Efficiency is critical now, nothing can be wasted. In fact it’s just being a good steward. You must be diligent with your time, your money, and your attention. Take a clue from nature; everything is used to support something else. We get oxygen from trees, and when we breathe we release carbon dioxide, which they use. Start looking for ways to streamline everything in your life; make it a game and it can save time and money. My personal belief is that time is the gift that is most precious. If you waste time, you cannot get it back. Become a planner. As much as I love a plan, I always leave run for Spirit to give me orders. Stay open for inspired ideas.

Be efficient your money, find ways to save, recycle, but most of all, ways to give. Giving doesn’t have to be monetary, but, I can assure you when you begin to pour, you open yourself to the laws of prosperity. Let go of whatever is no longer serving you, maybe someone else can use it. “Stuff” takes energy to maintain and sustain, you need to have as much energy as possible for the growth that lies ahead—this is a marathon, not a sprint. Get rid of things that are broken or torn, things that you don’t use, or are just plain ugly. Sell some of your “stuff.” One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Use the money to reduce any consumer debt or save it. Don’t use it to consume more “stuff,” this is the time to build reserves.

It is imperative that you be diligent with your attention. Focus on that which is good and life affirming. Don’t let the gloom and doom of the media drag you into fear and worry. Set goals, make a plan and create something new. There are always opportunities when there is a crisis. Focus on solutions. The final tip for becoming more efficient is; mind your business! More time, money and emotional freedom can be your and you will be well on you way to prospering in these changing times.

Forgive. You probably need to forgive yourself and others as you move through this growth period. Forgiveness is a key to prosperity. Forgiveness returns you to a place of having dominion in your life. It releases you from all inner and outer influences that are not consistent with the Truth of God. I say in my book, Opening to God as Source;

“Forgive any and everything that seems to have anything to do with your financial life and, that which doesn’t. This might include the government, creditors, societal injustices, circumstances, God, etc. If it comes to your mind, forgive it!”

I believe in having fun. What I often do is create a game around what I am doing so that I can make it fun. Change can be a drag, but you can find ways to make it fun. When I was relocating to Florida, I wanted to eat what I had in my cabinets, so I had to get creative with my meal planning. Not only was it fun, I came up with some great new recipes. You can make a game of saving money or time and include the whole family. Set up some rewards for achieving your goals. This could be an opportunity to teach your children about finances also. I have some great tips for saving money and time in my free e-book, "Is Your Money Falling Through the Cracks?”

I have spoken of the opportunities that are available in times of crisis. One of the most effective keys to gaining wealth and prospering is to solve problems. The bigger the problem, the greater the compensation. The solution to every problem is inherent in the problem. Many people don’t see opportunities because their vision is so limited. Today, you want to have a world view. Expand your knowledge and your interests. The greatest discoveries usually started with a problem.

Here I go with the “R” word, responsibility. Just the word sounds so heavy and burdensome. The definition that I use is, “ability to respond.” Much I what I written has really been about managing your life and when your life is manageable, your ability to respond increases. Often, the reason people don’t take responsibility, is because they are so bogged down that they can’t. When you get efficient, forgive yourself and others, start having fun, and seizing opportunities, you are at the high level of responsibility. You have the resources and ability to respond appropriately.

The final step is to trust in the goodness of life and, most of all, God. Even our founding fathers realized that God is the Source, they put it on the money—In God We Trust. You are made in the image and likeness of God, thus there is nothing that is impossible. Open your heart and mind to inspired action. Ask for guidance and it shall be given. Ask for wisdom, and it shall be given. Ask for joy and it shall be given. Then, prepare yourself to be lifted to the highest. Scripture says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” Do you know what time it is?

What to Do Before the Bailout Kicks In: Part 3

2008-10-11T19:55:00.001-04:00

Building Reserves

During the current financial mess and really thereafter, you should build your reserves. The problem with the banks and with many people is that they don’t have enough reserves. As you can see, that doesn’t work very well.

Neither a borrower nor a lender be;
For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man. (Shakespeare)

This is good advice. One way to be true to yourself is to operate within your means otherwise you become bankrupt. This does not apply only to money. It is a good strategy for you to pay off all consumer debt and stay out of debt. You can become your own banker and operate the old fashion way by saving for the things that you want. This is better than lay-away, you can actually earn interest on your savings, not much, but some.

You don’t even have to earn more to build reserves, although it’s not a bad idea, but you do need to keep more of what you earn. The obvious way to do that is to spend less, but there are other ways. Many people have the maximum taxes taken out of their earnings banking on the refund. You could, instead forgo the refund and bring the money home and bank it. The IRS does not pay interest, a bank or credit union (A great option if you cannot get a bank account.) will. Another way to keep the money that your have is to start a home-based business, there are some real tax advantages available. Let me warn you that you must keep good records and actually be trying to earn money. This could be your “Plan B.” Of course this requires discipline, but the whole idea is to build reserves. Discipline is a tremendous reserve builder. Just like with exercise, when you build reserves, you last longer. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Building reserves needs to be a lifestyle.

Expanding your knowledge is another way to build reserves, it makes you more valuable. There really is a reason why college grads and people with experience make more money; they have more to offer. This is not the time to do as little as possible; it is time to get involved. Give of yourself, you never know how it may benefit you, but it will benefit you. Your ability to learn and grow is one of the greatest assets you have, stop wasting it with trivia. These are challenging times and you have to have the chops to get through them. This changing world requires new solutions and if you can provide some solutions you will be compensated.

I mention exercise earlier and I don’t have to go into the benefits of exercise, everybody knows it gives you more stamina. But, I also want to mention your health in general. Now is the time to be diligent about getting healthy and maintaining good health. You need a mind and body that can stand up to the rigors of the upcoming challenges. Improved health also saves money. Just staying out of fast-food restaurants can improve your health and bottom-line no pun intended). Pack your lunches and cook your own food, if puts you in control. Most people can benefit from less salt, lower fat, and reduced sugar. Your health is your greatest asset; one’s behavior often makes it a liability. I believe also, that building your reserves will lower your blood pressure. There are a lot of things you won’t have to worry about if you have reserves. Car breaks down, no problem. Time for the kid to go to college, no problem. Being downsized, no big deal. Having reserves gives you options and options relieve pressure.

You can do more than just, make it through, these seemingly rough financial times, you can grow and prosper. It is up to you how you want to play this; Victor or Victim. You make the choice. Put first things first, the party is over for now. Yes, you can party again, but do it on your own dime.

What to Do Before the Bailout Kicks In: Part 2

2008-10-06T10:59:00.003-04:00

Step 2 Economize!

Now that you have a snapshot of where you are now, if you followed step 1 in “What to Do before the Bailout Kicks In,” you are ready to begin making a workable plan. Economize does not mean that you get stingy or miserly; it simple means that you become a good steward. Your put first things first. In my book, “Opening to God as Source" I say, “Stop spending and start investing,” investing means that you have a reasonable expectation of a return. Remember, you are the COO of your life, your bottom-line is as important to the health of you life as it is to any business. If you need a jumpstart on how to use your money more wisely, get my free download “Is Your Money Falling Through the Cracks?” e-book from my web site and design a plan that works for you. Some of you may need to concentrate on getting out of debt and others may be ready to build reserves, but everyone needs a plan.

I would venture to say that the commodity that is most squandered is time. A commodity is something of use and value. I think you would agree with me that every day has 24 hours. That applies to everyone, rich or poor. The biggest difference between the rich and the poor is how they use their time. You might say it’s because they are rich because they are better educated and they probably are. Why? Because they used there time getting educated. 4 years can be spent many ways; collage is just one of them. You might say they know the right people, and they may, because of how they use their social time. Now, I am not going to go into all the dreaded “isms” because we already know that story, and I think you get my drift. What I am talking about here is the things that you can affect in your own life.

Time is one of the most precious commodities that you have. I have been known to say, “I would rather you take my money than waste my time, because I can make more money, but I cannot get my time back.” So the question is how are you using your time? Given the 24 hours that you have, are you investing your time or are you wasting it? It is time to get smart. I personally believe that the best way for me to use my time efficiently is to spend more quiet time. I meditate daily. You are never too busy to meditate; you will be amazed at how 5 minutes of quiet time can be leveraged into more efficiency. Meditation enlists the power of your subconscious mind. If you read my blog, The Inspiration Age, you will begin to understand this, so I won’t go into it now. I will write more about meditation later.

You can instantly begin to invest your time by changing the television channel! I would even venture to say you could turn it off completely, but that is too radical for most people. Many of us have a football day, an American Idol night, a Grey’s Anatomy night, but do you have a financial freedom night? Do you have a night to learn about the political system, which affects every area of your life? Do you have a health night? In the fog of mind-numbing drivel that is on television, there is actually some very good programming. The job of the media, by and large, is to sell you something, which is how we got into this mess in the beginning. So, stop letting television use you and use it! I tell my clients to mute the television during commercials and to program themselves. You can take a new idea and ponder it, instead of thinking about the next new thing that they want you to buy. You must begin to control what you can control. It’s called discipline.

What To Do Before the Bailout Kicks In

2008-10-04T14:24:00.003-04:00

Just yesterday I was having a conversation with a woman who told me that she and her husband had been laid off. Actually, this is the second time in a year for her husband, and her hasn’t found a job yet in over 10 months. All of these lay offs had been due to outsourcing.
Regardless of why they lost their jobs, they are finding themselves in a situation of needing income and now is the time to be creative.

My first thought, as a coach, was to tell her that she might need to re-evaluate her skills and look to see how she could leverage them into something that will make money for her. At this point for many people any amount of money will help. Given her skill level, I could see that she could easily repackage herself, while still looking for employment, and begin to offer her skills as a service on a short term contract basis. Now, aside from the fact that people may need to take a job that might be beneath their skill and experience level, they can start to implement a Plan B. Remember, the holiday season is upon us and there are lot’s of seasonal employment available.

We need to start to thinking like COO’s (Chief Operating Officer) because you are, in fact. the COO of your life. I personally believe that the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) is God. As the COO, it is your job to handle the operations of your life. It’s about being appreciative of the talents and skills that you have and using them in a new way. I think the best way to do this is to clarify your values, vision, purpose, and mission. I call these The 4 Cornerstones of Wealth. Almost every company covers The 4 Cornerstones of Wealth in their business plan. Do you have a plan for your life? Right now I am not even talking about a Plan B. I’m talking about a main plan. Now is the time for you to get serious about coming out of these financial times as a victor and not to be victimized by them. This is also a time to get creative. When you start to think like a business owner, not only do you open new possibilities for yourself as a possible entrepreneur, but you even become a more valuable employee. Why, because your focus shifts into purposeful activity.

Here is the first step to emerging as a victor from this current financial emergency.

1. Get real! Take a snapshot of your life.

a. Get a clear picture of where you are financially. Later you can decided where you want to go. Awareness is the key to growth.
b. Evaluate all of your perceived obstacles to prospering in these changing times. You must be willing to confront your fears and turn them into fuel for growth. Again, awareness is the key.
c. List your valuableness and resources, this includes;
i. Relationships
ii. Skills & Talents
iii. Education and Experiences
iv. Health
v. Money
vi. Ideas: Ideas are the fount out of which wealth flows. Mitch Meyerson says, everyone has at least 4 million dollar ideas a year! Start writing you ideas down without judging them, remember this is a country where people bought “pet rocks.”

More to come…

The Inspiration Age

2008-09-29T10:55:00.000-04:00

The Inspiration Age, which I may call, from time to time, The Spiritual Age, is an idea that I have been teasing out for years. It comes from my vision of the world. I see a world in which everyone is valued for being who they are. They are free to express their God-given talents and to thrive and grow. It is a life filled with joy.

Before you start thinking that I am being like Pollyanna, think about this. In every serious religious teaching there is the existence of something like heaven. I just believe that we can evolve into the experience of heaven without having to physically die. Yet again, before you start to argue about scripture, remember that I said this is what I believe. I present this not to convince you of anything, but am simply sharing my inspired beliefs.

In our current times of turbulence lies a tremendous opportunity to thrive and to grow, which is one of the definitions of prosperity. Problems cannot be solved at the level of consciousness in which they were created, so the answers lie in expanded consciousness. For many years we have been battered with the idea of being educated but, our mode of education is woefully inadequate for the new paradigm. Education comes from the Latin word educare, which means to draw out. Our education system has basically been designed to put information, we are outer directed. Inspiration is inner directed learning. So here’s the exciting part. Nobody need be left out here because, inspiration is personal. You don’t need a teacher, although they may be quite helpful, and there is no degree that you get. All it takes is to begin to release what you think you know and to allow that which is within you to guide you.

What is Your Plan B for These Changing Financial Times?

2008-09-26T11:55:00.000-04:00

This is not the time to panic, this is time to be proactive. There are some small things that you can implement right now which can lead you to a more secure financial future. You can simply take better care of the money that you have. There are many ways to reduce spending and they don’t have to be an extreme lifestyle change. You can go to my web site Mindful Resolutions and download a free copy of my e-book, Is Your Money Falling Through the Cracks?, there are some good ideas there. You can start to look at all the fee based services that you use and see how you can reduce or eliminate the fees. The most profound thing you can do is to change your thinking about money and its use in your life.

Money is simply a means of exchange. Money simplifies the transaction of value exchanged for service or products. Now, here’s where it gets tricky. Our system has been set up where money is about the only thing that is of value. How many times have you heard the expression, “It all comes down to money”? This idea, taken out to its obvious conclusion, comes to, money equals life, or all things that pertain to life. This idea of money allows people to enslave others, deny health-care, deny food, deny housing, deny education, and totally act against what they say are their values Okay, this isn’t money’s fault, so who is responsible? Each individual is responsible and this idea is where the healing begins. When you clarify your values and live from them, you then become the solutions to the economic problems that now exist. Why, because you are then putting money in its proper place. You are entering the Inspiration Age, the new paradigm of business. More tomorrow….