Back to the Fundamentals.

"Men do not attract that which they want, but which they are. Their whims, fancies, and ambitions are thwarted at every step, but their inmost thoughts and desires are fed with their own food, be it foul or cleans. The "divinity that shapes our ends" is in ourselves; it is our very self. Man is manacled only by himself: thought and action are the jailers of Fate - they imprison, being base; they are also the angels of Freedom - they liberate, being noble. Not what he wishes and prays for does a man get, but what he justly earns. His wishes and prayers are only gratified and answered when they harmonize with his thoughts and actions.

Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound. The man who does not shrink from self-crucifixion can never fail to accomplish the object upon which his heart is set. This is true of earthly as of heavenly things. Even the man whose sole object is to acquire wealth must be prepared to make great personal sacrifices before he can accomplish his object; and how much more so he would realize a strong and well-poised life?

The circumstances which a man encounters with suffering are the result of his own mental inharmony. The circumstances which a man encounters with blessedness are the result of his own mental harmony. Blessedness, not material possessions, is the measure of right thought; wretchedness, not lack of material possessions, is the measure of wrong thought.

A man only begins to be a man when he ceases to whine and revile, and commences to search for the hidden justice which regulates his life. And as he adapts his mind to that regulating factor, he ceases to accuse others as the cause of his condition, and builds himself up in strong and noble thoughts; ceases to kick against circumstances, but begins to use them as aids to his more rapid progress, and as a means of discovering the hidden powers and possibilities within himself.

Let a man radically alter his thoughts, and he will be astonished at the rapid transformation it will effect in the material conditions of his life. Men imagine that thought can be kept secret, but it cannot; it rapidly crystalizes into habit, and habit solidifies into circumstance. Let a man cease from his sinful thoughts, and all the world will soften toward him, and be ready to help him; let him put away his weakly and sickly thoughts, and lo! Opportunities will spring up on every hand to aid his strong resolves; let him encourage good thoughts, and no hard fate shall bind him down to wretchedness and shame. "

From As A Man Thinketh by James Allen

Now, what would've happened if this guy QUIT?

...just one more time.
-Thomas Edison

That's How Winning is Done.

Rocky's famous words-to-live-by to his son.

It ain't how hard you hit; it's
about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward.
How much you can take, and keep moving forward.
THAT'S HOW WINNING IS DONE.

Now, if you know what you're worth,
then go out and get what you're worth.
But you gotta be willing to take the hit,
and not pointing fingers saying
you ain't where you are
because of him, or her, or anybody.
Cowards do that and that ain't you.
You're better that that!
- Rocky Balboa

From one of my favorite books that changed my business and personal life...

NEVER TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE BALL
- Donald Trump

"If you want to become successful and stay successful, you must learn how to focus. Becoming successful is very hard. You are going to run into many problems and obstacles. Instead of dwelling on all the negatives, think about what you want. Think about all the good things you are going to do in life. Keep focused on your goal and never give up. You can never rest no matter how good things are going..." Chapter 8 of Think Big & Kick Ass by Donald Trump

If you do not have a copy of this book and want to take some coaching from Donald Trump, then I highly recommend you get a copy immediately. Click here to get your copy today.

I highly recommend the Millionaire Mind Intensive
by T. Harv Ecker, author of Secrets of the Millionaire Mind

The Entrepreneur is essentially a
VISUALIZER
and an ACTUALIZER...
He can VISUALIZE something and when he
VISUALIZES it he sees exactly how to
MAKE IT HAPPEN.
- Robert L. Schwartz

Because the people who are crazy enough to think

they can change the world

are the ones who do.

- Steve Jobs

There are days when my best friends are BOOKS.

As I continue to reach the goals I set out in 1999...I realize that one of the ways that I am guided are by books that I seem to stumble upon in times when I need clarity, guidance and wisdom.

Words of wisdom...

I've failed over and over and
over again in my life...
That is why I SUCCEED.
- Michael Jordan

Words of wisdom...

First they ignore you,
they they laugh at you,
then they fight you,
then you win.
-Mahatma Gandhi

17 Deadliest Decisions You Can Make

This is a RE-POST from An ARTICLE I FOUND ONLINE:

POST WRITTEN BY: MARC CHERNOFF

When the deepest part of you becomes engaged in what you are doing, when your activities and actions become gratifying and purposeful, when what you do serves both yourself and others, when you do not tire within because you are pursuing the sweet satisfaction of your life and your work, you are living life the way it is meant to be lived.

Sometimes it’s the smallest decisions that can change your life forever.  Here are some small, deadly decisions to avoid on your journey forward.

1. Not loving what is. – Love what you do, until you can do what you love.  Love where you are, until you can be where you love.  Love the people you are with, until you can be with the people you love most.  This is the way we find happiness.  Read The How of Happiness.
2. Waiting and waiting and waiting. – Good things don’t come to those who wait.  Good things come to those who pursue the goals and dreams they believe in.  “Coulda, woulda, shoulda…” stop it!  Don’t blame your past for what you don’t have.  Blame your present.  Ask yourself this:  “What can I do NOW that will bring me closer to where I want to be?”
3. Changing who you are because others have changed. – People change.  Get used to it.  Accept it.  Wish them well anyway.  Be happy anyway.  If you’re being true to yourself and it isn’t enough for the people around you, change the people around you.
4. Letting heartache define you. – Don’t allow your temporary wounds to permanently transform you into someone you aren’t.  A strong person is not the one who doesn’t cry.  A strong person is the one who cries for a moment openly, and then gets up and fights again for what they believe in.
5. Running away from problems. – Running away from your problems is a race you’ll never win.  You may not be proud of all the things you’ve done in the past, but right now is a new beginning.  It’s doesn’t matter who you used to be; what matters is who you are today.  What you do TODAY can improve all of your tomorrows.  So don’t run; instead do something that creates positive change.
6. Being ungrateful. – Even in the most peaceful surroundings, the ungrateful heart finds trouble.  Even in the most troublesome surroundings, the grateful heart finds peace.  Choose to see the world through grateful eyes; it will never look the same again.
7. Allowing long-term anger to occupy your heart. – The best medicine is a strong dose of love, laughter and letting go.  Just like we would never allow even a tiny bit of poison to be in our food, let us not allow even a tiny bit of anger to live in our heart.
8. Believing that beauty looks a certain way. – We’re taught to believe that miniature waists and perfect tans are beautiful.  We’re made to believe that blonde hair with blue eyes will win every time.  But the truth is originality is beautiful.  Big brown eyes, green eyes, blue eyes alike.  Curves, and lots of them.  Your natural skin tone is beautiful.  Your hair color and your smile.  Your voice, your laugh, and your personality.  Every inch of you that shines with your unique essence.  You’re truly beautiful, just like the rest of us.
9. Letting your expectations run rampant. – Everyone has their own challenges, everyone has their own journey.  It is meaningless to compare one with the other.  Always love and accept the real people in front of you, not the fantasy of who you hope and wish these people could become.
10. Disrespecting others. – Treat people the way you want to be treated.  Karma is only unkind if you are.  No matter what happens in life, be good to the people around you.  If you do, you’ll leave a great legacy behind regardless of the dreams and ideals you choose to pursue.
11. Disrespecting yourself. – Being kind to yourself in thoughts, words and actions is just as important as being kind to others.  The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving others, and forgetting that you are special too.  Read Pulling Your Own Strings.
12. Putting up with unfaithful friends and lovers. – The people who want to stay in your life will always find a way.  Real friends and lovers stay faithful.  You shouldn’t have to fight for a spot in someone’s life.  Never force someone to make a space in their life for you, because if they truly care about you, they will create one for you.
13. Rushing love. – It’s not hard to find someone who tells you they love you, it’s hard to find someone who actually means it.  But you will find them eventually.  So don’t rush love – don’t settle.  Find someone that isn’t afraid to admit they miss you.  Someone that knows you’re not perfect, but treats you as you are.  One who gives their heart completely.  Someone who says, “I love you” and then shows it.  Find someone who wouldn’t mind waking up with you in the morning, seeing your wrinkles and grey hair, and then falls in love with you all over again.
14. Neglecting your most important relationships. – Relationships built on a foundation of love and respect can weather many storms and earthquakes.  This foundation can be checked, maintained and kept healthy with generous doses of acceptance, forgiveness, listening, gratitude and considerate actions.
15. Trying to control every last detail about everything. – Sometimes it’s better not to assume, not to wonder, not to imagine, and not to obsess.  Just breathe, do what you can, and have faith that everything will work out for the best.  When you least expect it, something great will come along – something better than you could have ever planned for.
16. Never taking risks. – Life is inherently risky.  There is only one risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing.  Get out there and make something happen, even if it’s just a small step in the right direction.  Strive for progress, not perfection.  Read The 4-Hour Workweek.
17. Giving up on YOU. – Sometimes life doesn’t give you what you want; not because you don’t deserve it, but because you deserve better.  No matter how many times you break down, there should always be a little voice inside you that says, “NO, you’re not done yet!  Get back up!”  That’s the voice of passion and courage.  Life is a journey, often difficult and sometimes incredibly cruel; but you are well equipped for it as long as you tap into your talents and gifts, and allow them to flourish.

http://www.marcandangel.com/2012/07/11/17-deadliest-decisions-you-can-make/

It ain't where I been, but where I'm about to go...

From the infamous words of Sean Carter, "...It ain't where I been, but where I'm about to go..." I sit here contemplating on the past year of my life. A year ago I thought I was going to die...literally. With tremendous support from friends and family, spiritual aid and a lifestyle change, I am excited to say that I don't need surgery anymore.

Friends come and some friends go...but everyone who's ever been in my life knows that my intentions are always  for the good of others. And because of this, I know that I am always guided. Now sometimes, people take it the wrong way, or they'll listen to some negativity from haters but in the end, like Mother Theresa said, "It's between me and God."

It's been a quite a journey these past few months...getting the job done, planning, master-minding, playing, sleeping, dining, meeting(s)...and at the end of the day, it makes me look back with fondness and a sincere gratitude for my life. Thanks to those who have been part of it...May the blessings be.

Never JUDGE a Book by its Cover.

You can never measure the heart of a CHAMPION. As some people like to judge on people's outer appearances, they probably have never experienced what that person has been through. The mediocre mindset likes to judge each other based on clothes, cars, hairstyle, etc... But the true beauty of a person is in their soul. And true strength comes from the inside of a person's heart....from adversity, from facing life's challenges, from overcoming obstacles and fighting for a bigger cause.

YES!!! Anything is possible!

YES!!! You can! Who ever said it was impossible is an idiot. Impossible or I'm Possible! Please, stay focused on your end picture and know that anything is possible! 

ZEAL

The Power of Passion ( or Zeal)
-----------------------------------
Zeal is also called Passion.

The word Passion means Zeal, Fire, Inner-drive, Intensity, Vehement desire.

Only men with great Passion are capable of rising to Greatness.

When you meet or associate with a passionate person they tend to rekindle the fire inside you. Passion like courage is transferable.

Jesus said the greatest commandment is to Passionately LOVE GOD and the second greatest commandment is to Passionately LOVE PEOPLE.

Love is the FUEL of Passion.
If you want more Passion then seek more Love.

"The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire."—Ferdinand Foch

"One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested."
— E. M. Forster

Here are some secrets to rekindling your Passion.........

1. Learn to Love only ONE thing-
----------------------------
Find out what is your ONE great Passion in life then be completely sold out and intensely pursue that passion.
The secret of Passionate people is that they LOVE ONE thing in life.

This is not to say that they don't love other things or pursue other interest . But there will be an overriding and eclipsing passion about ONE thing that they are willing to die for.

Many people are not passionate because they are half hearted in pursuit of things they want. They try to spread thin their passion by getting involved in too many things that they are not even passionate about.

2. Learn to FEED your Passion-
---------------------------------
I do not associate with Wet-blankets who try to put out the little fire I have.
Avoid the negative passion killers out there whose mission in life is to put out the FIRE in other people's heart.

I constantly listen to people who encourage my fire. I am an intensely passionate person and I LOVE to fan the flames of fire in other people's heart. I love to see people BURN with the same FIRE that burns within my soul.

3. Learn to PRAY about your Passion-
------------------------------
Many times through the day I pray for more Fire. I ask God for a single minded passionate heart that will run hard after him. Prayer fans the flames of Passion in your life.

Passion is like wind to the sails of a boat.
Passion is like steam to a steam engine train.
Passion is like water to a swimming fish.

Without Passion you cannot rise to greatness.Learn to keep the Fire burning.

Have a wonderful Sunday:)

(re-post from Biju Joy on http://www.johnmaxwellteam.com)

If its gonna be, its up to me...

I learned a very important lesson this morning while talking to my Dad. He told me, "Son, in this world, the only person you can depend on is yourself. No matter how much you want to help others, and make their dreams come true, you have to make sure you take care of yourself first." And as I ponder on the conversation I had with my Dad, I realized that it is true. I've always felt the need to help others, and sometimes people take my kindness for my weakness... Happens in business too, as I work on moving the team to help us all achieve our goals and dreams, mediocrity sets in and entitlement kills the dream. So while I'm sitting on the beach looking out into the blue ocean, don't hate me for living the life I work so hard for to live and enjoy. May the blessings be.

NRG^ Welcome to physics.

From my mentors and coaches I've learned that everything is Energy. We must protect our energy from the ones who like to suck it out of us and bring us down. Having an "attitude of gratitude" starting from  when waking up in the morning until laying your head down to sleep at night will add LIFE to your living! As we live in a world that is filled with text messages, cell phones, tablets, laptops and facetime conversations, we must not forget the value of "authentic" conversations. Truly speaking from your heart and being able to have a deeper level of conversation is now a rare find, so we must treasure this and pass it on to future generations.

I've seen married couples "live" together for years and not truly know who the person is that they married. And little by little, day by day, they unknowingly drain each others' energy. Until one day, looking back the infamous question comes up..."Where did all the years go?"

So the point of this is to never forget who you are inside, the dream that you were born with to fulfill in this lifetime, and to protect your energy as if your life depended on it, because it really does. And never settle for anything less than "authentic" relationships.

Egg shells weren't made to be walked on

I am so blessed to have the inner guidance to know when someone is irritated or upset. Having friends who can be authentic with you is a key factor when choosing who you surround yourself with. I've learned early in life not to take anyone for granted, but how they treat me is something I can't control. Taking a few minutes out of the day and thinking about the nice things that people have done for you instead of focusing on the negative things is a sure way to live a happy life. It is cyclical, sometimes we are up and sometimes we are down, but how you overcome the down and get back up marks the strength of the soul. Someday when you look back, may the moments with me put a smile in your heart. May the blessings be.

There's something about...

Something's in the air, an excitement, a buzz...about LIFE. As I sit and think about all the things I am thankful for, the vision of my goals and dreams coming into fruition radiates throughout my whole being. Truly grateful. Cheers!

So live your life...

"So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home."
- Chief Tecumseh