How to Make Success Not Just Obtainable but Sustainable

Each of us has a fundamental need to consistently improve our life. Our self satisfaction continues to grow as we feel that we are contributing to the well being of our family members, friends and our community through our influence and actions.

However, it is very easy to become a victim of the materialistic value belief that says the more you own the more power you have to influence others. It is unfortunate that this often becomes the benchmark we use to judge our personal success. Then we become complacent, thinking that once we have everything we our life will be perfect and filled with happiness.

But then there is the “gap effect” part of your subconscious that is always prodding you to strive for the next level. Are you on this “wheel” that that spins on its axle and goes nowhere?

Do I need to add that this is like the computer virus that can bring your computer to a halt? Likewise, this insatiable drive can bring you to a halt both emotionally and/or spiritually.

If you should need further evidence of this, look at the news items relating to the current suicides that take place frequently such as the top fashion models, the immediate family member of international political figures or “fallen” community leaders.

Were you aware that the word “success” comes from Latin and means “to advance” or “to improve”. This implies that success is a continuing process and not a “means to an end”. Stated a different way, success allows you a better quality of life; thus, moving you forward to having a better life experience. This was my lesson for the day.

This brings us to the “sustainable” concept of success.

It is impossible to sustain “inner peace” when you depend on other people or external things to make you happy. The feeling of happiness comes from the enjoyment of external things, things outside of you; and therefore, is temporary. I recommend that you stop and ponder what your feelings would be if other people were suddenly removed from your life and/or you lost your possessions.

Nor can you achieve any level of sustainable success without developing some changes in your attitude. This requires that you honestly examine and listen to your inner feelings. It is imperative that you get acquainted with yourself, i.e., “Know thyself.” And, then, endeavor to accept yourself as you are and to fall in love with that wonderful being.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!

Using Affirmations as a Key to Achieve Self Improvement

Good Morning and Welcome

Part 2 of 2 - Basic Rules to Follow in Using Affirmations

1. Declare Affirmations in “The Now” and with Gratitude

It is essential to state your affirmation in the present tense, with a feeling of gratitude as though you are already experiencing your desire. For example, “I am grateful I am happy right now.” Always begin your affirmation with the words, "I am".


If your affirmation of a future desire presents a “block” for you, revise it by adding. “I choose to be a happy being right now.” Or, “I allow myself to increase my monthly income $xxx by [??? date].”

2. BE POSITIVE!!

Using negative words in your affirmation draws the undesired condition to you. I have heard it said that the mind does not recognize the words “no” and “not”. Thus, in using one of these words in your affirmation, the mind ignores the “no” or “not” words and you end up asking for more of what you don’t want. Ugh!!

3. Use the “KISS” Formula

“Keep it [your affirmation] short and simple.” State your affirmation in concise words which declare your desire using as few words as possible.

Repeat it often and/or make it a mantra. I frequently go to sleep repeating my mantra. And, quite often, I will wake up and be aware that the mantra is echoing in my mind.

4. Take Action

By using your affirmation as a often repeated mantra, it is easy to become so involved in believing your desired goal. Thus, it becomes second nature to select and take the actions to bring it into your experience.

A Word of Caution

Your success in achieving your goals may/may not happen “overnight”.

If you are unsuccessful, more-than-likely, you have some buried subconscious beliefs that are blocking you. These are the multitude of “stickums” that accumulate from childhood, parental, educational, cultural, and other life experiences which are indelibly stored in your memory bank.

Unfortunately, we are limited by these beliefs, whether conscious or unconscious. However, there are many books, ebooks, cassette tapes, CD’s, etc. that will help you to recognize and uncover some of these “blocks”. Some are advertised here; but, there are others as well. My favorite is listed in the bottom section of this blog, Dr. Robert Anthony's "The Dynamic Power of Deliberate Creation".

It is absolutely essential have an open mind, free of pride/ego, approach and analyze all information as it applies to you with complete honesty. Be assured this is your private world and no one else has to be a part of your private journey unless you choose otherwise.

If you follow these rules, affirmations are an excellent way to change your attitude. And, by changing your attitude, you succeed in changing your life.

Take good care!! Make each day a Wonderful and Joyous Thanksgiving Celebration.

Obstacles to Self Improvement-A Review of Parts of 1 and 2 of 6 Obstacles

Good Morning and Welcome Back!

In my previous posts, I have talked about talked about the various aspects of apathy and grief [parts 1 and 2]. What these two emotions have in common is that they concern the past.

You might argue with me that you are feeling overwhelmed and stuck right now. You do have a legitimate observation. However, let me point out, that your current feelings are the result of experiences that have occurred in the past.

Somehow, we have to change our actions and feelings that are based on past experience. It is often said, "Change your attitude [in this case, unconscious habits/recalled experiences] and you will change your life."

You might even ponder this truism as lighted candle in a darkened room. If you accept the truth of this, it might even become one of those "AHAH! moments" that will forever change your life.

To fully understand the "Obstacles to Self Improvement" demands a great deal of determined/passionate "self-searching" and being honest with yourself without being judgmental.

I have spent almost 50 years to acquire the wisdom I am sharing [and attempting to articulate] with you in this blog. Whatever your reactions are; at the very least, you now able to evaluate [or be aware] of your own emotions and how they affect your daily life.

Do Celebrate your Life with Gratitude and Unconditional Love. And, Have a Wondrous and Glorious Week until we meet here again.

Obstacles to Self Improvement-Part 2 of 6

Good Morning and Welcome Back

Last week's blog concerned the feelings of being overwhelmed or stuck and how you can change them into challenges. One emotion that is often the basis of feeling overwhelmed is grief.

Today, I would like to focus this blog on some of the attributes associated with grief. Grief is not just concerning the loss or mourning of a loved one. It is about losing anything you felt that you possessed or enjoyed the experience of having; for example, your job, your house, your girlfriend, your boyfriend, or an unrealized dream.

While I was researching material for this article, I was surprised, almost shocked, to learn that being ashamed and being guilty are also included with feelings of grief. However, when you think about it, this does make sense; you have awakened to a reality of your imperfection.

Grief, including 50+ associated feelings, does not serve you. And what does not serve you is an Untruth.

"How can I stop my grief?" you ask. [At least, I hope you are asking this question.] Grief is holding on to something in your past and through the habit of remembering, you continue to live in the past. There is no way you can move forward in your life while you cling to the past.

I would like for you to take several slow deep breaths and focus on this reality, "I am right here right now."

By ardently practicing this one rule, you can change your thoughts; thereby awakening a change in your attitude, and most importantly, a change in your life.

Take good care and have a Wondrous and Glorious Week until we meet here again.