Taking Stock.

Three Months into the year, and time to take stock again.

Most importantly, I have failed to write down my "Signposts", so there is no point in assessing where I am. Without referring to our long range outcomes on a regular basis (at least weekly), there's little point in making them.  As the year and all of it's dramas has sucked me in, I have lived from day to day, and forgotten about the things that I really want to be, do and have.  So my current assessment is:

•     Live in a Safe House and Garden, free of clutter

Currently there is a mass of junk, even if it is hiding in storage.  The Garden is full of uncut lumber, and the fences badly need attention.

• ·      Have the financial resources to cover any surprises.

I am budgeting well, and have the wherewithal to cover any emergencies.

• ·      Have enacted a financial plan to guarantee financial abundance

I know that I will be financially secure in my old age, but now need to work towards abundance.

• ·      Add maximum value to every gig I do.

"Putting in" more at gigs now, especially at work.

• ·      Have full sensory acuity.

My hearing and Sight are compromised - tints and far sightedness.

• ·      Weigh under 78kg

I weigh around 82kg, which is healthy, but I know that being a little lighter will make me faster and less prone to injury

• ·      Have a strong, flexible, energetic, freely moving body.

I have just suffered so much with two(!) abscesses in my mouth, a true indicator of being run down.

• ·      Am an elite athlete.

I have taken a running lesson, and am becoming a faster runner.

• ·      Live in a 3 dimensional, level three marriage.

I am very happy, but would like to improve the physical side, and be more aware of Lizzie's needs in all things. I need to be supportive, without being her coach or manager

• ·      Am guiding my daughter to a wonderful adulthood.

My aim at the moment is to be a good example and acknowledge her emotions, without taking them on.

• ·      Use my time to maximum effect, for play and work.

I have not been planning weeks, or referring to my goals when I do.  Just floating from thing to thing. 

• ·      Am present.

Still let my mind wander - I miss out on so much!

• ·      Am an agent of change in my workplace.

I am doing my very best to be an example of a good way to run my job.

• ·      Contribute to the society around me both financially and practically.

Still donating financially, and now becoming involved in community soccer and Music

• ·      Have effective promotional material for my band.

I want to have a package that explains the band in a matter of moments

• ·      Have found the resources to finance the things I love, whilst growing my capital.

I always seem to use capital to pay for major things, instead of using the income from the capital. Still need to find effective investments for my capital.

• ·      Have completed my Masters of Music

One thesis to go!

• ·      Am planning an overseas trip for the family.

Keep putting this to the bottom of the list.  Time to move it up!

What amazes me is that progress HAS been made, despite being off the rails.  Having said this, with constant referral to my outcome for 2014, I am sure that things can be even better.

Help

I have been trying to finish a 15000 word Thesis as part of a Masters degree for a long time (18 months).  It has been hard trying to get over the line.

Until today.

Today I asked two friends, each with far more experience in academic matters than I would ever have, for help. And the help flowed forth with such generosity.  I sometime forget that even when working on my own, it is as a result of the help of those around me, and those who went before me.  Every word that I type here today was evolved long before I used it.  Almost all of the things I do use techniques developed by others.  

I might as well keep asking for help.

New Start

Today I went to the doctors.  After lots of prodding, poking and testing, plus a procedure under general Anaesthetic, I was given a clean bill of health (finally).  The feeling was overwhelmingly of relief, and excitement that issue which had preoccupied me for so long was over.

Unfortunately, I was given no reason as to how I became unhealthy, but I can guess that demanding high performance from my body, whilst not nourishing it properly, and sometimes even poisoning it might have had something to do with it.

Yesterday I went to the chiropractor that had got me (I believe) onto a line of cure for various physical issues, using a combination of treatments in her rome, plus some supplements.  I told her that I really felt a sense that I needed to make some dietary changes, and wondered whether a detox was in order.  She muscle tested me (check out kinesiology if you want to find out more), and said that a major detox would just make me sicker.

I have always loved the radical detox in the past, such as the 10 day challenge that one does on the back of Unleash The Power Within, or the 10 day reboot recommended in "Fat , Sick & Nearly Dead", but my body was saying that it needed something else.  In the end I was told to forego gluten, sugar (yes, that includes alcohol) and dairy produce until further notice.  Coincidentally, those are the substances that I overindulged in, especially over Christmas.  I look forward to seeing the results.

I have also decided to exercise at a lower intensity for a month, to give my body some recovery time.  Most importantly, I now have the headspace to tackle other things in my life.

Assessments

As it's a month since I made my goals for theyear, I thought it best to check in on how they are going.

•     Live in a Safe House and Garden, free of clutter

Currently there is a mass of junk, even if it is hiding in storage.  The Garden is full of uncut lumber, and the fences badly need attention.

• ·      Have the financial resources to cover any surprises.

I have at this stage not had to use any debt to cover expenses, so far so good

• ·      Have enacted a financial plan to guarantee financial abundance

I have looked at my assets, and observed how they are performing. Now it is time to see how they can perform better.

• ·      Add maximum value to every gig I do.

I have only had a few gigs, but have remained sober, and prepared the best I could.

• ·      Have full sensory acuity.

My hearing and Sight are still compromised - tinitis and far sightedness.

• ·      Weigh under 78kg

I weigh around 83kg, thanks to a long holiday, but look forward to losing the weight

• ·      Have a strong, flexible, energetic, freely moving body.

My body is strong, but not as flexible as I would like.  Still recovering with my Achilles, but many of my ills have seemed to have gone away! Energy could be better - probably goes along with a diet that helps me lose weight.

• ·      Am an elite athlete.

I seem to manage to come last or second last in every event in which I compete!  Howeve, I wanted to compete so that I could see where I stand with other athletes of my age, and can now prepare for this.

• ·      Live in a 3 dimensional, level three marriage.

I am very happy, but would like to improve the physical side, and be more aware of Lizzie's needs in all things.

• ·      Am guiding my daughter to a wonderful adulthood.

My darling daughter is 12, and growing up so quickly.  It is easy for me to overreact when she acts out emotionally, owing to hormones or other reasons.  She has started High School this year, very successfully

• ·      Use my time to maximum effect, for play and work.

I have planned my week, using RPM.  Look forward to seeing the rewards!

• ·      Am present.

Still let my mind wander - but now I am more aware of it, and am aiming to reduce distractions.

• ·      Am an agent of change in my workplace.

I am making sure that I am doing my job as well as I can, and being positive with other people.

• ·      Contribute to the society around me both financially and practically.

I have already started to become more involved in my daughter's school band program as a volunteer.  Looking to make large financial contributions in general.

• ·      Have effective promotional material for my band.

I want to have a package that explains the band in a matter of moments

• ·      Have found the resources to finance the things I love, whilst growing my capital.

I always seem to use capital to pay for major things, instead of using the income from the capital.

• ·      Have completed my Masters of Music

One thesis to go! Work begins tomorrow, with March 31 as my deadline.

• ·      Am planning an overseas trip for the family.

Keep putting this to the bottom of the list.  Will look at my options this week.

Recovery

After 5 weeks off work, my first day was spent at the dentist's.  Whilst being grateful for the technology that will fix the abscess that has plagued me, I have also been keenly aware of the lack of balance in my life with regards to consumption.

I will never judge another person for their habits, whether they smoke, eat junk, couch sit all day - WHATEVER.  It all just takes away from our journey.  The best thing I can do for anyone is to be healthy, be happy, be wealthy, be helpful.  We have all heard the phrase "Be The change you want to see in the world".  It always made sense, but now it makes sense on a cellular level.

It's funny though how opportunities come our way.  As a result of staggering around being unable to run, my achilles has healed 90%.  Unbelievable.

Also, my face aches whenever I think about unhealthy food (processed, sugar etc.)

Nature is taking care of itself!

How to Achieve 10 out of 10 for Health

Without a doubt, the biggest challenge is health.  If you are unwell, and especially if you are in pain, it is extremely hard to concentrate on anything else.

Since Friday night I have had a tooth abscess, which became excruciating on Saturday.  This coincided with having to pack and drive for 3 1/2 hours back to Sydney.  By the time I got home it was straight off to a doctor for antibiotics and pain relief.  The pain was reduced to a dull roar, and I managed to sleep with a few wakeful periods.  Today the swelling is reduced and I am almost sane again.

How did it happen?

Quite simply, things got out of balance.  Holiday food, holiday drinking have taken their toll.  Despite exercising quite a bit, the ratio of good foods to bad was not good.

Lesson Learnt? This has been a lesson that I have needed to learn for quite some time.  Instead of waiting until I'm sick to adjust my behaviour, it would be better to keep my balance of good food and good habits in the black.

Otherwise its like you're a husband who neglects his wife until she thinks of leaving, or a businessman who lets his concern almost go bankrupt before taking action.

Prevention is far better than cure.

Closeness and Peer Goups

One of the things on which I am working is to have a challenging and inspiring peer group - people who inspire me, are honest with me, don't look at me blankly when I share my outrageous dreams, and who are examples of how I should conduct my life.

This task comes with obstacles.  Firstly, Australia is a large, relatively unpopulated continent, throughout which these people are finely spread (let alone throughout the world!).  Secondly, successful people always seem to be very busy leading their very exciting lives.

Then yesterday I came to the realisation that being close to someone had nothing to do with proximity or time.  It is all to do with being in the same mental and emotional sphere as someone else.  Whenever we feel close to someone it is because we are aligned in some way.  Perhaps it is a common goal.  Sometimes it is the honest sharing of feelings.  Often it is simply knowing that they are pursuing their goals with the same passion as you.

After all, you can sit next to someone on a train or a plane, and not feel close to them at all!  You can be sitting on a couch (or lying in bed) with a loved one and feel lonely.

It just means the pair of you are approximate, but not close!

An Hour of Power

In Tony Robbins' program "Get The Edge", there is a thing called the hour of power.  You start with 5 minutes of breath walking (breath in for 4 paces, out for 4 paces), followed by 5 minutes of gratitude (thinking, preferably saying out loud what you are grateful for), 5 minutes of envisioning i.e. talking about the things you plan to achieve, as if it has already happened, and 5 minutes of incantations.

I did this every day for ages, with dramatic results.  I strongly suggest anyone try this for a month, and see the results that unfold.

The Gap Map: Personal Mastery Plan

I have an RPM Planner.  It's a huge filofax style planner, that requires almost an A4 size hole in my suitcase.  It is incredibly inconvenient to carry, and often makes me feel like a wander when I carry it around.

However, it does keep everything in one place, and has pages like The Gap Map: Personal Mastery Plan.

Today I filled it out again, looking at what I reckon refection would be like in different parts of my life:
Physical, Emotional/Spiritual, Relationships, Time management, Career, Finances, and Contribution.  I reckon that most of the things we do in our lives will fit into one or more of those categories.  Firstly you look at what you want, why you want it, how to get there, and possible traps, and then where you are now.  It really works.  I first did it at Unleash The Power Within in 2007, and update it regularly.  It really helps me when planning my days/weeks/years.

Using your time wisely has all to do with making sure that you are heading in the right direction with your actions - Steven Covey said that the compass is more important than the clock.  His Book "First Things First" is a brilliant explanation of this, and Robbins' "Time of Your Life" is further explanation.

Well worth a read (an implementation) for anyone wanting to achieve their dreams.

30 Day Goals

Although the time of 30 days is arbitrary (let's face it January has 31 days), I find it helpful to make specific dates.  Having said that, if something will happen on Feb 2, then avoiding the 30 day milestones seems silly.

By the end of this month I envisage:

Having a BMI of 25,
Being able to run hard on my achilles tendon
Having a healthy Iron level
Having resolved my gastritis issues
Knowing my financial net worth (done)
Knowing My cashflow, and where there might be shortcomings
Having planned my 3, and 12 month milestone goals for all areas of my life.

That Should do it!

Scheduling

So I've decided on outcomes for the year.  Now is the task of breaking them down into 1 month (almost gone), 90 day, and six month milestones.  As Tony says - when you schedule it, it becomes a reality.

In the past I have overestimated how much I can do in a month, especially in a quarter.  I am doing my best to pace myself.  The thing is that I love the adrenaline of a near impossible deadline being reached, when in fact by planning small steps, one can get much further.

The important thing is to have outstanding outcomes with worthy reasons, so the small baby steps have meaning.

Tomorrow I'll pop in the 1 month goals.

Every Moment Precious

Today we went to pick up our daughter, who had been staying with dear friends of ours.  They showed us around Lake Conjola, we had lunch, and all too soon we parted, as they had to get back to Sydney.

The things that I walked away with is that every moment with loved ones is precious.  There is no point in inwardly bemoaning the lack of time we sometimes have - Every Moment is Precious.  Every smile, laugh, touch, is precious.  Our lives are moments, so we might as well enjoy each and every one.  As we know things are considered precious when they are in demand, especially when it outstrips supply.  So now, every time I think of peoples of whom I would like to see more, I just need to remember:

Every Moment Precious

Mixing it Up with 1/2 a loaf

I've had a problem with my achilles heel for the past two months, thanks to som ever-zealous track running.  The Physiotherapist gave me some exercises to do to rehabilitate it, which I have been doing religiously - until I went on Holidays.

What I HAVE been doing is walking in soft sand with my wife - she is shorter than me, so in order for us to walk together easily,she walks in the harder sand near the water, and I walk a metre or so (4 or 5 feet) higher up, where the sand is softer and drier.  It has struck me that this has been working my feet and legs in a different way than normal.

At any rate, I did my normal rehab exercises today, and found that I had exponentially improved in terms of repetitions (20% improvement).  Sometimes getting out of our routine is the best way forward.

On that note, a question: is 1/2 a loaf better than none? I found myself running out of time for my run, but decided to put in a short, really intense workout.  SO pleased that I did - the world is not perfect.  After all, if you wanted to spend an hour with a loved one, but could only find 30 minutes, would you decide NOT to spend time with them?

First Steps

So I've been really wanting to improve my heath and fitness.  Today I went for a 45 minute run, and did 45 minutes of Yoga.

Bottom line was that the idea of doing them excited me, but the reality of starting each of them did not thrill me. Having said that, within 10 minutes of starting each of these activities, I was enjoying them.  The more present or in the moment I was, the more I enjoyed them.  I love the saying that to achieve happiness, you must happily achieve.  Being present really helped make that happen.

I've also been working on finding out more about what is important to my wife.  What I am discovering is that it''s the way in which things are done that is just as important as what it is that is being done.  Lizzie has certain ways of working, and if I take the time to do things in a way in which she feels comfortable, then it has a much higher chance of pleasing her.

Only took 17 years to work that one out!

Acclimatizing

One of the habits (or, as Tony says, rituals) that I have been doing has been to shower with cold water. At first you freeze, shudder, and leap around, and then finally you get used to it, and it feels to all intents and purposes like a warm shower.

It occurs to me so often that when we go out of our comfort zone, it's the initial shock that gets us.  But here's the the thing: once we're out there, we get used to it, and wonder what the fuss is about.  It's the thought of being outside your comfort zone i.e. when you're about to hop into the cold shower, and the initial period.  Afterwards we feel invigorated.

So when was the last time you were out of your comfort zone?

Knowing The Shortcuts

In virtually every get-rich scheme that I have either participated in or had sold to me, the concept of free time comes into it.

The logic goes like this; work your arse off to afford the course, work your arse off doing the course, work your arse off enacting the knowledge, then eventually you don't have to work another day in your life!

The only problem with this logic is that if you are the sort of person who works their arse off, you probably enjoy it, and find it hard to relax with all that hard work!

I'm incredibly wealthy - probably in the top 1% of the world, partly as an accident of birth (being born and living in a fortunate country - Australia), partly through taking advantage of my opportunities( not squandering them).

So if wealth is doing what you like, when you like, wherever you like,  with whomever you like, then I reckon two weeks holiday surfing in summer near Sydney with my family is pretty good.

I get the feeling that learning to relax early, living within your means whilst doing what you love is the way to go.  I could be financially independent tomorrow, and still be doing the same job!

Holy Days

I really understand holidays.  They are Holy! A time to be completely present with the people around you, and with yourself.  The main thing for me has been to remain relaxed no matter what  - everyone has a different idea about what their Holiday should be - how much to pack, when to leave etc.

My aim is to let my wife and my daughter enjoy their holiday the way they would like, and for me to do the same.  May every day be a Holy Day for you!

More Progress

Well it's day before Holidays, so packing is the order of the day.  In my case, it's just laundry, gardening, and making a list - I like to pack at the last possible minute.

I like to pack light, and to pack with some aims in mind.  I want to have fun with my family, be safe, learn something new, increase my fitness, and plan the year.  That's probably enough for the fortnight.  Interesting to see what will actually get done.  Why am I so type A?

WHen I did my first TOny Robbins Program (Get The Edge), I wanted to do it with my wife Lizzie.  About 25 minutes into the first CD, she said "I just want to lie in a hammock and read", and then burst into tears!

Whatever I do in this life, I want Lizzie to be able to do the above.

Happy Wife, Happy Life

What is it really worth?

Yesterday I looked at a balance sheet, toting up assets and Liabilities.  The end result was very encouraging - I have a net worth of about one and a quarter million dollars!

But then I had a look at things more closely.

Most of the things that were of value were not really assets.  I have a house, but it does not earn me any money (although the fact that it is Mortgage Free means that it is saving me rent!).  My car does not earn me money either.  Both in fact COST money for upkeep.

I looked at my various investments - my retirement fund is growing at 10% PA, but is inaccessible for 14 years. I have money in an index fund, and it is growing (and earning franked dividends which I am re-investing). I have money in an online account, which is earning 3.75% PA, and a term deposit, which is earning 3.8% PA.  All in all, I could liquidate everything and have $1.25M, but in its current form, my assets earn me a grand total of $5000 PA (before tax!).

Looking at this in the cold hard light of day, I am getting a return of .4%.

I know that I want to get more out of my assets, and grow them exponentially.

In other news, my body is responding to the training, and my heart rate is staying lower, whilst I am running faster.  The dog is starting to find it a bit harder to stay with me on the run!

Footnote:  After looking at my finances yesterday, a cheque for $95,000 arrived in the mail!  ENergy flows where focus goes.  I have given myself until July to work out what to do with it.

 

Progress

I managed to workout yesterday, and slowly but surely my achilles tendon is healing.  I have been running for 50 minutes preceded by 5BX, which is a great form of calisthenics.   Still running very slowly, but feeling better every day.  I have 4 weeks until my next race, and hope to be running at full speed by then.

Today I plan to look at where I am (and that means we) regarding finances.  It is easy for me to let things slide, because there is no immediate pain - we are financially pretty secure, being free of debt, own our home, and have some money in savings.  I have realised with true certainty that leverage is needed for serious wealth creation, and have not yet come across the formula that fits for me.  I also think that in the past I have always wanted the drama of big wins + losses (futures trading), rather than some (perhaps less thrilling) steadier methods, with less drama.

I have also managed to blow money on things as soon as I get a next egg together - usually courses on how to become wealthy! I get the feeling that learning how to get wealthy, along with the vicarious thrill of the success stories, has more appeal than the hard work (and patience) required.  Wealth creation is simple:

1. Spend less than you earn.
2. Invest The Difference.
3. Reinvest the profits(income).

But simple is often not easy!

Because I;

1. Hate to tell my family I don't have the ready money for anything.
2. Do not invest properly.
3. And usually have very little to reinvest.

I have a study groaning with books on wealth creation - the above message in every one - and am far wealthier than ever before (often from expected and unexpected sources), so some of it must be sticking!

Lowering the Bar

So I weighed myself today - 84kg.  Went for a one hour run, and found that it did not take much to get me out of my aerobic zone.  The weight (and the alcohol of the past month) have taken their toll. Exercise is only part of the battle - it's what goes in that is equally important.  With that in mind I have taken an alcohol free day - let's see what that does!

Tripped at the first Hurdle….

Did my first gig for the year - did not add maximum value.

Disappointed, but not discouraged.

What's Important

I had a telephone call with a dear friend with whom I did Life Mastery.  After rattling off all of my outcomes for 2014, I listened to her tell me her much simpler, yet meaningful list.  Looking at my list of outcomes, I know that most of these won't make me happy (even if I think they will!).  The main one is to be present.

As is so often the case, the Universe has provided me with a book on mindfulness - I seem to have an aunt who buys me the perfect book for me every Christmas.  I reckon that if I can be Here and Now today, then all will be well.

BTW I have started training again, and tonight I ave my first gig for the year, playing at a wedding.  I hope to add maximum value as promised.

The Gap

So now I know the things I want to do , be, and have.  Now to assess where I am with regards to all of my outcomes:

•     Live in a Safe House and Garden, free of clutter

Currently there is a mass of junk, even if it is hiding in storage.  The Garden is full of uncut lumber, and the fences badly need attention.

• ·      Have the financial resources to cover any surprises.

I tend to dig into savings which are reserved for other thing.  I must budget for the unexpected (repairs, appliances, medical)

• ·      Have enacted a financial plan to guarantee financial abundance

I have a financial Plan, which according to The exercise in Wealth Mastery, gives me financial survival until death.

• ·      Add maximum value to every gig I do.

I have a tendency to cut corners on gigs if there are a lot, seeing what I can get away with.

• ·      Have full sensory acuity.

My hearing and Sight are compromised - tints and far sightedness.

• ·      Weigh under 78kg

I weigh around 82kg, which is healthy, but I know that being a little lighter will make me faster and less prone to injury

• ·      Have a strong, flexible, energetic, freely moving body.

My body is strong, but not as flexible as I would like, and I suffer from a fair bit of nerve impingement.

• ·      Am an elite athlete.

I seem to manage to come last or second last in every event in which I compete!

• ·      Live in a 3 dimensional, level three marriage.

I am very happy, but would like to improve the physical side, and be more aware of Lizzie's needs in all things.

• ·      Am guiding my daughter to a wonderful adulthood.

My darling daughter is 12, and growing up so quickly.  It is easy for me to overreact when she acts out emotionally, owing to hormones or other reasons.  She is beginning High School this year.

• ·      Use my time to maximum effect, for play and work.

I have a tendency to only do the urgent at the moment, leaving things to the last minute.

• ·      Am present.

Still let my mind wander - I miss out on so much!

• ·      Am an agent of change in my workplace.

It is all to easy for me to let my level sink, rather than being an outstanding example.

• ·      Contribute to the society around me both financially and practically.

I am a regular financial donor, but need to get more involved with the practical involvement with my community.

• ·      Have effective promotional material for my band.

I want to have a package that explains the band in a matter of moments

• ·      Have found the resources to finance the things I love, whilst growing my capital.

I always seem to use capital to pay for major things, instead of using the income from the capital.

• ·      Have completed my Masters of Music

One thesis to go!

• ·      Am planning an overseas trip for the family.

Keep putting this to the bottom of the list.  Time to move it up!