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

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!

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

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!

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!

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.

2014 awaits!

It's that lazy time of year i.e. Dec 28.  Christmas has been and gone, and I am looking towards a year with Tony again.  By no means is he the ultimate success guru, but he is a very good coach, using methodologies that are effective.

The past year has been good, but I am starting to feel like good is not enough. With that in mind, I watched the video on his website:

NEW YEAR, NEW LIFE,  where he talks about rituals, standards, and compelling vision.  That has motivated me enough to get up and go for a run.  I also found the following, which is a small workbook and audio track, which can really help you get into gear: New Year, New Life .  I have done this in the past, but I think action (running) will do more for me than anything else right now. More planning tomorrow.

Getting Back into it

Well, it appears that I lost momentum after Feb 23 2012.  I actually have achieved a fair amount, but that will be a different story.

The Financial Year in Australia runs from July 1 - Jun 30.  I tend to look at what has happened, and plan my year ahead in early July.  This once again is happening now.  After taking a week off to decompress, I now am looking ahead to see what outcomes I hold for the year, why I want to achieve them, and how to do it.  I will use the Gap Plan again.

Growing Pains

I know that whenever I need to grow, I will be out of my comfort zone. Whenever I want to achieve something previously out of reach, then it will get scary.

I have been told that it is best for me if I form a company, so that I can reap tax and liability advantages. On top of this, it has been suggested that I form one in the USA. This is so far beyond my imagination that it has left me almost paralysed.

Of course, when I think of being wildly successful financially, it all makes sense, but I am still quite afraid of it all.

I basically have until Saturday to decide upon whether I

1. Form an S corporation in the USA
2. Form a PTY LTD in Australia
3. Do Both
4. Do Neither

Fortunately, eat the end of "Time of Your Life, there is a decision making tool that I can use. I will use that tomorrow, and see what transpires.

Fit & Fat?

Jumped on the scales today - 85kg. Whaat is interesting is that although I have had the usual Christmas Cheer (alcohol, sugar, heaps of food), I have also done an hour's exercise 6 times a week. Goes to prove that what goes in is just as important as how much I burn - as I am not training 20 hours per week, my calorific intake is a factor in it all.

Despite doing the same physical workload, I feel as if my fitness has diminished - I think because I am running around with an extra 5kg. I will be interested to see how my "fitness" improves as I get to my goal weight.

Tomorrow I go on holidays for 10 days, and probably won't be near any internet. Number one is to spend time with the family and friends, number two is to keep physically active. In the down time I will do some planning for the year, making a road map for perfect ten's in every facet of my life. I definitely plan to do "The power of Momentum", a yearly exercise for many Tony Robbins Graduates.

See you on the 21st!

Success By Degrees

The Goals are ambitious, but the actions incremental.

Today was spent doing the Important, if not urgent. It was spent putting everything in its place in my office. Part of this process is means that for some things, there is no place. Books, articles, and various pieces of equipment no longer are of use to me. Luckily there is a salvation army store just down the road, which is a perfect place to put perfectly good things which simply have no more use to me.

As I put things away, I note down things to do on my 'capture' list. Things which need to be noted, so I don't forget, but don't need to be done now. Things which will help me work better on my outcomes.

Once again I did 15 minutes of yoga - a greatly abbreviated ashtanga yoga routine - along with 45 minutes of other exercise.

Managed to celebrate a good mate's birthday tonight. Great opportunity to spend time with friends in a state of gratitude.

The Gap

One of the exercises in Unleash The Power Within is The "Gap Map", whereby you look at 7 aspects of your life, look at where you want to be, and where you are. Yesterday I had a look at where I want to be, and today I thought that it would be a great idea to assess where I am.

Physically: I weigh 84Kg (BMI just under 26), suffer from hearing loss (a hazard of being a professional musician), have slight vision impairment (though not enough to Warrant Glasses), am slightly inflexible, with a shoulder that aches all the time. Having said that, I did pass my work medical assessment with flying colours, so I am not exactly an invalid.

Emotions & Meanings I am easily put out of kilter by challenging circumstances (especially physical), and can focus on what is happening to my, rather than what I can do (and feel) about it.

Relationships: My relationship with my wife is what Robbins terms 3 dimensional (Mind body and spirit), and level 3 (we are both vitally interested in each others needs. Having said that, I believe that there is no such thing as enough passion in any relationship, and also know that there are things that my Wife would love to have (new car, renovations, holidays). We both dearly want more time with just the two of us.

My relationship with my daughter is very close, but what I really want is to be an outstanding example of possibility. I realise that the most important thing I can to is to lead by being a role-model. This means that I really must raise the bar in every facet of my life. Spending time with her, being patient, loving and strong at ALL times (not just when it is easy) is paramount. At the moment I am not the father OR example that I want to be.

My relationships with friends, family and workmate are often hampered by my not listening with the aim of truly hearing their point of view.

Time: Currently when I plan my week, I achieve a lot. I am hamstrung by not planning EVERY week in advance, with my long-term outcomes in mind. I also can burn time by doing things that are neither important or urgent - I'm looking at you Facebook!

Work & Career: Although I am in a satisfying job, I know that I can make a greater contribution towards it being a better, more effective place. On top of this, my band is performing occasionally, but has no recordings out, and no corporate work. I have not yet completed 1 subject from my first year of my Masters.

Finances: Today someone was telling me about "first world problems". My finances would fit into this category. I have a house, and a car, and little debt, and so am in a relatively good place compared to many of my friends. However, my income does not match what I want, I am not solidly investing, and my debts are not being paid off in an orderly fashion.

Contribution & Celebration: My contributions (both monetary and time wise) are haphazard eat best. I do not spend enough time being grateful for what I have.

So tomorrow - what is my plan?

What Do I Want? - My Outcomes

First of all the things I need to have is direction and purpose - I am pretty sure of this at this point in time. The goals all have a deadline go 31/12/2012

What would I look like if I were Magic?

I am a tall, strong, confident man, with a strong supple, energetic body, free of disease and infirmity. I smile warmly, not just with my mouth, but with my eyes as well. I am relaxed and calm, with ears that truly listen, eyes that see things as they are, and a heart that is loving, open and accepting.

As a husband I make sure that my wife knows that she is number one in my life. I am romantic, and keep the lines of communication open at all times. I listen to Lizzie and choose my reactions carefully.

As a Father I am always conscious that my actions will speak louder than my words. Whatever I want from my daughter, I must demonstrate.

As Head of The House I keep my head in any crisis, and calmly guide my family through the storms and rapids to safe waters. I provide utterly and completely, emotionally, spiritually and physically, and with a clear voice, giving space for everyone’s voice to be heard.

Physically I take care of and maintain my body, fully remembering that it is the only one that I have, and that it will serve me well if I serve it. I exercise, eat and rest with this in mind. My body is a wondrous thing, and I must always treat it as such. I have a BMI of 25 (Weigh 85 KG), and have the sight, hearing and energy of someone 1/2 my age.

Emotionally I remember that no matter what the circumstance, I can choose my reaction. I see things for what they are, strive to improve what I can, and accept what I cannot. I know that my thoughts, physiology and language help me manage my emotions, yet I do not suppress them, giving them room to express themselves. I aim to be closer to God in every moment.

My Relationships with all people are empathetic. Any judgment I make is simply a sign that I nee to examine an aspect of my life, and perhaps improve it. I only ever talk about people as if they are in the room with me. When speaking my truth, I acknowledge that it is my truth and no one else’s, and they are under no obligation to agree with me. The most important thing that I can do in any relationship is to act the way that I would like people to act. I listen fully to other people’s points of view. I know that relationships require nurturing, regardless of whether they are at home or in the workplace. My family and friends are irreplaceable and must be treated as such. My relationship with myself is every bit as loving as it is with those around me.

My time is a precious, slowly depleting resource. I remind myself that today will never come again, so I must use it wisely. I plan my time usage, making sure that the important is what I concentrate on, followed by the important and urgent. The rest is merely distracting me from living a truly fulfilled life. Above all, I can get so much more out of life simply by being present.

At work I ask myself “If everyone acted this way, would it make things better or worse?” I do the job to the very best of my ability, managing my time well. I am a proactive cheerful worker, and a visionary leader, allowing everyone to have their voice heard. I am fair and equitable in the workplace, only expecting of others what I expect of myself. I maintain clear outcomes that can easily be explained to those around me. My relationships at work are conducted in the same way as anywhere else in my life – listen with consideration, speak truth courageously, and back this up with actions of integrity.

I will apply "THe 8th Habit" to transform my workplace, My band will have a highly profitable, hit recording, and I will complete my Masters.

Finance I keep specific outcomes in mind. I realize that every life will have financial speed humps for which I had best prepare, and negotiate.

My life is already more abundant that 99% of the world’s population could imagine. Knowing this, I manage and share my wealth prudently and with an attitude of gratitude. As I increase my financial position, I know that I will have more to share. Money comes and money goes, so it is important to act quickly to exponentially increase my wealth.

I will complete my Power Sellers Course, and match my wage with outside income. I will halve the debt in my house, sand ensure that 10% of my wage is invested.

My Celebrations and Contributions

What an abundance of good things I have – my wife, my child, my friends and Family. My job, my possessions, and my talents and knowledge. How much greater is my joy when I acknowledge these gifts! I am thankful for this every day!

I know that contributing to the world rewards me. I am generous with my time, talents, and resources. I also know that one of my greatest contributions is to be the example of how I would like the world to be. I will contribute 10% of my earnings to charity, and an hour a week of my time to someone in the community.

So now I know what to be, do think, and feel. Will I always achieve it? NO! Will I forgive myself and gently steer myself back onto my best path? YES! There is nothing for me but profit by choosing this path today.