Personal Power Day 3: The power of Associations

3 Associations in my past life that have been empowering.

1. When I train for something, I increase my chance of success.
2. When I show my vulnerability, I allow in love.
3. By enacting plans, I achieve my goals, even if it is differently to the way I though they would be achieved.

3 Associations in my life that are disempowering .

1. I have been overlooked because of my age - therefore I am too old.
2. I have been told I am ugly - therefore I must be not handsome enough to be an actor.
3. If I ask for what I want,  I will be rejected

Personal Power Day 1:The Key to Personal Power: Decision

I started my day with "15 minutes to thrive".  This is a routine that I have done in the past, but I have let fall away.  It was really good to give thanks and to envision - really set my day up well.

The program now swings over to Personal Power, and I need to make 2 decisions now, and take action.

The first one is to commit to doing my eye exercises daily. My near sight is not as good as I would like it to be, and juggling glasses is a bore.  If I can reduce my need for them it cannot be a bad thing!

The second one is to learn how to use Garage Band on my mobile phone - commit to spending some time on it every day.

NB. BOTH of these decisions are in line with outcomes.  To have full sensory acuity, and a hit recording.

So excuse me - I have to do my eye exercises, then tutor myself on garage band!

Tony Robbins Inner Circle - Ultimate edge day one.

 About a year ago I joined Tony Robbins Inner Circle.  This package included access to all of his courses online.  I have only dabbled in it (never a good thing to dabble), but today decided to 'gop for it', do the courses AND the coursework, and see what happens.

Top of the list was Ultimate edge - Day 1 - Decisions & Destiny

1. Name one thing that you are happy about in your life?

My physical fitness.

Why?

Because I am at my ideal weight, and am doing a daily workout that makes me stronger and more flexible every day.  I've been doing it for 5 years, but have really started to focus on it of late.

https://thehappybody.com/

2. Name one thing that you are unhappy about in your life?

My lack of progress in my workplace promotion wise.

Why?

Because I really thought that by now (13 years), I'd have had at least one promotion.  Because I would like more money, more income, more responsibility.

The difference between the two is that I have taken total responsibility for the first one, but not the second. I've blamed others, circumstances and myself for my lack of promotion.

What would your life be like if it was exactly the way you wanted it to be today?

I would be at the 'standard of youth' as defined by The Happy Body Program.

Lizzie and I would have a vibrant romantic marriage.

I would be doing acting jobs in movies and miniseries.

I would be a Leading Seaman

I would be a successful supertrader, able to trade 10 contracts comfortably and profitably,

I would be a best selling composer in a variety of genres.

I would be a successful performer in Las Vegas.

I would have beautiful and legible handwriting.

 

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.

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.

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?

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!

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!

Outcomes for 2014

Had a quiet moment to think about what I wanted out of 2014 - consequently, I will need to plan what I  am willing to put into 2014!  I have always found it better to express things in the present.  I wonder what everyone else wants out of 2014?

In 2014 I am so grateful that I..

• ·      Live in a Safe House and Garden, free of clutter
• ·      Have the financial resources to cover any surprises.
• ·      Have enacted a financial plan to guarantee financial abundance
• ·      Add maximum value to every gig I do.
• ·      Have full sensory acuity.
• ·      Weigh under 78kg
• ·      Have a strong, flexible, energetic, freely moving body.
• ·      Am an elite athlete.
• ·      Live in a 3 dimensional, level three marriage.
• ·      Am guiding my daughter to a wonderful adulthood.
• ·      Use my time to maximum effect, for play and work.
• ·      Am present.
• ·      Am an agent of change in my workplace.
• ·      Contribute to the society around me both financially and practically
• ·      Have effective promotional material for my band.
• ·      Have found the resources to by finance the things I love, whilst growing my capital.
• ·      Have completed my Masters of Music
• ·      Am planning an overseas trip for the family.

The Power of Momentum

Whilst looking through all of the New Year New Life material, I discovered a document that Mimi Peak , a Results Coach had sent me a few years ago.  Entitled "The Power of Momentum", it goes through 7 steps.

1.    Get Clear.

2.    Get Certain.

3.    Get Excited.

4.    Get Focused.

5.    Get Committed.

6.    Get Momentum.

7.    Get Smart.

I found it to be a great experience to look back at my year (the good and the bad), and then look at what I wanted out of this coming year.  The thing is, I must decide what I am willing to put INTO this coming year before I look for greater results!

I did New Year, New Life, and found that my "wheel of life" looked like this:

Two things are interesting:

1. I have done this exercise in the past, and had the same scores, but my general quality of life was much lower than it is today.  
2. The scores are about the same, going from 5 to 7.

Looking at 3 things that I wanted to concentrate on, I settled on Physical, Emotions & Meaning, and Finances.  I figured that if the body is right, then I will have the energy to improve everything else. I believe that if I get mind, body and soul together, then the rest will follow. 

Looking at the Physical, I have made a booking with a running consultant, Keith Bateman, who is someone who I believe is achieving the results that I desire.

I will look more carefully at all aspects of my life before New Year's.  I am hoping that by making my hopes dreams and aspirations public, I will be holding myself accountable to a higher standard.