Feed: Health and Wealth 101 - AggScore: 52.1

An Easy Recipe For Building Wealth

Most people never achieve their goals or their desired level of wealth, so I have been researching personal accountability and success, how they are interrelated and what keeps someone from becoming a wealth builder. Then, yesterday, I was at an outdoors store, on one of the aisles, I saw an orange target like the one pictured here. I’d never seen a rubber shooting target before, so I asked my husband about it. He said it’s a Reactive Ground Bouncing Target, when you shoot and hit it, the target bounces, flies, and rolls making each shot more evasive. That reminded me of how most people go after their goals; one shot at a time never knowing what their next direction will be. Their goals become an unobtainable moving target.  Then over time, the look of their goals change as they see them from different distances and angles. Soon their one big dream becomes a pipe dream and they just give up. Its such as shame. It doesn’t have to be the way it happens for you.

You see, it is not money or health that keeps people from achieving their goals. It’s mental, physical and emotional clarity that are the potent missing ingredients.  To get what you want in life, follow this recipe for your success: Start by sitting quietly with a pen and paper. Take 3 deep breaths. Relax, close your eyes and find that place in your heart where only you and God go. For a moment sit quietly until your mind remembers that God gives you access to every opportunity in life. Then begin to write in elaborate detail the life you want. Be specific and DO NOT HOLD BACK. Write who you want to be with, where you want to live and what you want in your life. Include who you will help on the way to meeting your goals and dreams. Then read it to yourself. Make sure you have included everything. Feel the happiness that this kind of achievement will give you. Seal that feeling in your heart. Then read your goal story daily. Make yourself an actor in the story, as you are reading, really feel the part.  Each time you feel like your goals are bouncing away from you grab your story and get secure in your roll and your goal.

When would clarity of outcome have helped you with achieving a goal?

How Do I Manifest?

Are you one of the millions searching google for How do I Manifest? I’ll  help you understand how. Here’s a true story to illustrate the power of Manifestation.

My husband and I wanted a cabin on a local lake. Property values there are high and there’s not many for sale.

Last year, we looked at a small ugly cabin with 12 feet of shoreline selling for $330 grand.  At the same time, there was another one across the lake with 40 feet of shore line that was going to auction. It had been on the market for 100 thousand.  We thought it would go for more than that so we decided not go.

When the auction rolled around, though, I couldn’t get it out of my gut.

So, we went.

When we arrived, to our surprise, we really liked the cabin. Even though it needed to be updated, it had a million dollar view of the lake and great bones. We really wanted it and agreed that we’d go to the bank for a loan, something we did NOT want to do.

A view of summer solstice from our cabin.

That morning, the auctioneer started at $55000, expecting to go up in price quickly, but no one bid. He then called out $40,000, no one bid. He said “okay folks lets get this started $25,000”, again no bids. He continued down until he said 25 hundred dollars. I was getting frustrated, I wanted to get the party started. So, to keep me happy, my husband – did something he had never done and placed the first bid. He bid $2500.00 and NO ONE ELSE BID the rest of the auction. I wrote the auctioneer a check and we owned the cabin for less than our last vacation!

That is Manifestation!

So how’d we do it?

First, we asked the Higher Power for a cabin on that lake. We looked at every place that came up for sale.

We visualized sitting out, having coffee and watching the sun rise over the lake. We camped on that lake every weekend and kept our boat there too.

From our camp spot, we could see that side of the lake clearly and felt it in our hearts that we would have a cabin on the water. In essence, we Believed it into our lives.

That is how you manifest. Clearly state what you want, believe it in your heart and soul and take action to get what you want.

Do you have questions about how you can begin using the powers of manifestation? Contact me today for help.

5 Time Management Tips for Busy Moms

Here are the top 5 time management and personal success techniques I use to keep me grounded and smiling while I am on warp speed:

1. “Schedule your priorities do not prioritize your schedule” –Stephen Covey.                                   
   • My husband, Chip, says if you want to make sure you get something done in a day, you’ve got to get up and do it. So we wake up early and get our meditation and exercise done for the day first, then have a good breakfast and everything else seems to fall  in place after that
2. Love your leftovers – an eating action plan. 
   • Sit down for 15 minutes on Sunday night and plan the meals for the rest of the week. Look to see what you have at home and then make a list of what extras you’ll need for the next 3 meals. You are going to take the time to cook so make it worth your while; if you are frying up ground beef for lasagna then make a few more pounds and freeze for later. Also make a double batch of lasagna and freeze one of those too. Now back to the 3 meals, they will feed your family for 5 days if prepared correctly and proportionately.
3. Ask for help from all of your family members – Delegate age and time appropriate projects. 
   • People have developed distaste for chores, so try to spin it in their favor.  Our son likes to have list of the things I want him to get done in a week so he can decide when to do them.  We also schedule “Project Days” were we sit down as a team and discuss what all needs to be done and how each of us will help in each area. This is a great bonding skill and has been highly effective for our family.
4. Arrange your errands.
   • Look at what you have to get done this week and map out your to-do’s in geographic and time demand order. You will be so much more effective if you do this one thing.
5. Do something for Y-O-U every week to celebrate your supermom successes.
   • Meet a girlfriend for a glass of wine, hide away in a bubble bath, get mani or pedi (or both), you know what you like, so do it, just for you.

3 Life Lessons to Change Your Life

Personal development is all about your wellness and spirituality.

Have you ever asked yourself what is really important in your life? If you consistently do things that are REALLY important, then you will be well in your mind, body and soul, experiencing true development.

This is my life manta, but even so, I have been spending a lot of time lately working on financial wellness for myself and others. I know my focus should be balanced, but I dialed in on money anyway and focused on my work first the last couple days.

I needed a personal development bump fast so I grabbed a book, The Richest Man in Town by V.J. Smith. Well, I’m sure you’ve  heard the old saying “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear”, that was exactly my situation this morning.

Luckily, I read the Forward by Mac Anderson (founder of Successories and Simple Truths) who disclosed, “when I finished, I just sat there with tears running down my cheeks”[1] or I might have thought I lost my mind. Halfway through, I was crying. Before I finished the book, I had to put it down three times to clear my tears. I didn’t know a book could hit me this hard. But nevertheless, I was touched.

It’s a true story about an elderly man, “Marty”, who ran a cash register for a living. He was so happy and visibly good to others, V.J. Smith had to know what made him tick. Over a period of time the two men developed a close bond. Smith learned 3 primary lessons from Marty:

1. Relationships matter most in life – Live by the golden rule treating others the way you want to be treated and relish the benefits
2. Try to do a little more – Act first and give more to those around you
3. Only YOU can make YOU happy – This realization alone could change lives

If only we could keep it that simple. Do yourself a favor and read this book, find out why I was crying and why Mac Anderson said “This book touched my heart like nothing I have ever read before. Marty’s story, By V.J. Smith, can change your life forever.”[2]

What books have you read that have touched your heart or changed your life?

[1] The Richest Man in Town by VJ Smith © 2007 Simple Truths, LLC

[2] The Richest Man in Town by VJ Smith © 2007 Simple Truths, LLC

Reduce Your Stress Now: 8 Ways to Unplug

If you are looking for personal success tips, start with eliminating stress and improving spirituality. It’s vital that you relax and allow your Higher Power to guide you. This world gets chaotic and as a spiritual being, you need to remove yourself from the chaos to receive your guidance. Since this seems like an impossibility, I have a simple idea that has worked for me for many years.

Unplug – really take yourself off the grid, turn off all things electrical and notice the quiet. You might have to start with 5 minutes at first, but I bet you’ll benefit from it so much that you will do it longer each time.

Here are some places and ways that I have done this in the past:

1. Light candles, turn off the lights and sit in a hot bath for up to a half hour (this works for 5-10 minutes too). Remember “Calgone take me away”? If I have them, I put some essential oils or fragrance in the water.
2. Find a peaceful place for 5 minutes in the middle of the day. I have a meditation room at work with a salt lamp and candles. I escape there a few times a week for about 15 minutes and it gives me great stress relief and time for me to listen to God. I also like my 3 season room for this anytime of day.
3. I get to school or sports practice to pick up my son 10 minutes before he gets out. I turn off my car (unless it’s frigid outside) and sit quietly enjoying the peace.
4. Wake up early to see the sunrise for 5 minutes – feeling my gratitude for a great day ahead.
5. Watch the sunset – thanking God for all of the blessings I have had today.
6. In bed, take 3 deep breaths, list out the things that I appreciate in my life and feel the gratitude when thinking about them.
7. My first sip of coffee in the morning, I sit, close my eyes and appreciate the aroma and the warmth filling my body. I savor it for just a moment and give thanks.
8. Anytime of day I can take a few seconds when the sun is shining I close my eyes and feel the warmth on my face with all the gratitude I can muster for the natural gifts God gives us.

Relax and try some of these to improve your personal success.

Do you have any quick fixes that let you relax? Can you share them with us?

Social Security Problems: Wake Up & Be Informed!

It is time to get real about personal financial planning. If you live in the US, this will be the best personal finance advice you can get.

PAY ATTENTION to what is happening right now with Social Security. I have been tracking this closely for over 10 years; the system is in a world of hurt!

USA Today said last week that, “Social Security will post $600 billion in deficits in the next decade”.[i] The Associated Press – Washington states: “Social Security is projected to collect $45 billion less this year than it pays out in benefits.[ii] The headline in my local paper read, “Social Security fund slides into permanent deficit.”[iii] Read those words again, permanent deficit, in the billions.

Here are some numbers you need to know:

If you work in this country and receive a W-2, then both you and the company you work for have each paid in 6.2% into Social Security (SS) on your behalf, every paycheck, for basically your entire working life.

That’s more than most people contribute to their 401k’s ( and, don’t even get me started on you agreeing to invest in something that is a product of the Internal Revenue Code and expect to come out ahead– yes, code section 401 subsection k – check it out for yourself www.irs.gov).

This 12.4% was to keep the SS system going for your retirement and it was in the black for a long time. But, since it had surplus, the government  decided to spend it again and again to fund different programs.

Nice, huh?

Well, just like you spending more than you make, eventually it has to turn upside down, right?

Right!

Put on your big boy pants, it’s time to take matters into your own hands!

Obviously, we can’t take financial tips from the political leaders of this country who like to work with TRILLLIONS of dollars of D-E-B-T; we know the IRS has one mission – to get more of our taxes dollars; and Wall Street is a roller coaster, unreliable and downright risky.

If you are concerned and looking for a solution that’ll work for your family, do what I did years ago: Go to http://www.findoutmorenow.com, put in this 4 digit passcode: WW89 and get a free report. Take matters into your own hands and don’t let your retirement turn into a “permanent” failure.

What have you read about the impending doom of Social Security?

[i] USA TODAY, Money section B page 1 January 28, 2011

[ii] Associated Press Washington as published in the Daily Times Herald, Carroll, IA January 27, 2011

[iii] Daily Times Herald, Carroll, IA January 27, 2011

What Makes a Great Networker (GN)?

Recently, I have been involved in some large meetings where I discovered effective network marketing and personal success tips. After observing over 500 people perform their peak networking skills over the last couple weeks, it occurred to me that all great networkers (GNs) have common practices:

They focus with confidence on the target – locking the person in their line of site and looking directly in their eyes when approaching (walking with purpose, shoulders back and chin up).

With a sincere smile, they put out their hand first, give a heartfelt compliment to the other person and introduce themselves during the handshake. It goes something like this:

“Great outfit, the color is perfect for you, I’m Renee Wittrock, it’s nice to meet you, what’s your name?” Or “Your suit caught my eye, it looks great on you, I am George Smith, glad to meet you (pause for their name)”

Immediately the GN begins asking questions about the other person:

• “Kathy, are you enjoying the meeting?” yes or no either way a GN keeps the conversation positive.
• “What have you liked best so far?” or if early in the meeting, “ what are you most looking forward to?”
• The GN inquires about their job and if they like it. If they do, why, and, if not, what would they rather be doing?
• They ask about hometown, family and hobbies.

Watching a GN operate is like watching a master speed dater. In just a couple minutes, they have a ton of info and their target feels appreciated.

They just have to know what the GN does for a living; this opens up the door for the networker’s elevator pitch. After a quick explanation, though, the GN immediately changes the conversation to something that can benefit their new acquaintance, it might sound like this:

“Kathy, since you’re looking for a job change and like real estate, let me to introduce you to Ron, he’s here today and I know that he’s is expanding his team” If the GN has a network marketing opportunity they would offer, it at this point saying, “If what Ron offers doesn’t resonate with you, let me know, I would love talk to you more about what I do.”

This process is successful for the GN because each target is grateful for the GN’s concern, sincerity and willingness to help others. They like the GN. People do business with (and refer) people who they like. It’s that simple.

Can you share a time when a GN helped you make a connection and how that worked out for both of you?

6 Steps to Create Abundance in Your Life

I received a schooling on personal wealth management this weekend that really tied together money and spirituality.

On Sunday mornings, I love to catch Jesse Duplantis’ services on TV, he is always right on for me and funny too. This week, the show was on goal setting.

He said that you have to:

1. Talk to God about your goals.
2. Have a vision: one that you see clearly and get excited about.
3. Form a team – it is never a sign of weakness to ask for help. You need to be open to asking or allowing others to help you with your goals once they see your vision clearly.
4. Never quit when you suffer loss. You must press on to victory – you must be passionate about your dreams.
5. Have a plan, see the BIG picture – see the end result. Plan your work, then work your plan.
6. Triumph over reason and laugh at impossibilities – he said you will definitely have people try to reason you out of your goals. Tell yourself you don’t want sense (cents), you want dollars and remember that many people have done what others say is impossible. (Think of Jesus, Christopher Columbus, Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison and Einstein.) Jesse tells himself that nothing is impossible because he is a child of God. He repeats to himself “I am a spiritual being, housed in a soul, clothed in a body”. He preached that you must believe that God is a reward-er; then you will be convinced of a Truth not seen, and then you must cherish that Truth with all confidence.

When you are talking to God, you must also listen to ideas he brings to you during your time of prayer. When an idea keeps popping into your head, Jesse said you need to take it seriously. He believes, “Revelation without manifestation is a missed opportunity.”

God is abundant and wants abundant lives for us. It is not His intention for us to be poor or broke. In the sermon, Jesse said to remember that God has overflowing abundance. He jokingly said, “Can you imagine asking God for something and He answers that He is a little short this month, that Gabrielle broke his wing?” We laughed out loud.

It is unimaginable to think that God of the Universe is not abundant. So remember that He made you in His image and likeness. Go be that.

A Prescription to Release Stress & Cultivate Spirituality

It is not always about money: stress and spirituality are big issues in personal wealth management.

In both of these areas, you must be laser-focused on your needs to get what you want, how you want it in your life. You have to prepare, then take action. There is a proven action formula that I have used for years to hone in on cultivating spirituality and relieving stress:

Here’s the steps in the prescription:

1. Write down things you will do to improve your spirituality.

Here are some of mine:

• Daily prayer and meditation. I need to stay right with God and the Universe.
• Integrity – do what I say and tell the truth.
• Giving of myself – even if it is just a sincere smile to each person I make eye contact with during my day. Lending a helping hand to those in need or time given to charitable efforts also fall into this value in my life.
• Tithing – give the first fruits of my labor (10% OFF THE TOP).
• Sharing my love with my friends and family, my clients and other people who enter the circle of my life. I always strive to lead with love.

2. Write down a preventive plan for dealing with stress in your life.

My list includes:

• Daily prayer and meditation (yes, I double dip).
• Daily exercise, including yoga a few times a week (or more).
• Drinking more than 8 glasses of water a day.
• Thinking before I speak – it’s challenging, but helps to avoid stress. It does take practice and persistency to conquer this one, so I suggest you also practice self-forgiveness.
• Check my goals daily and make sure I am doing something for the big picture each day.
• Prioritized daily and weekly To-Do List. It helps to look ahead to the next week and month each time you create this list.
• Manage my money. You can learn an easy and effective money management system from T. Harv Eker by attending his Millionaire Mind Intensive. If you want to go for free,  then follow this link.

3. TAKE ACTION: DO what is on your spirituality and stress prevention lists; the more you do it the easier it gets.

Having a plan greatly reduces stress and gives you self-control, self-accountability and freedom of mind. I think you will enjoy this freedom formula– I do.

What do you do to prevent stress before it happens?

Financial Questions to Ask to Simplify Your Life

It’s been said, you get wiser with age and this life experience lets you dish out some great the personal success tips. Each year, I am gaining self-control and I feel more liberated. As it turns out, there is a certain age that you are no longer in the accumulation phase; you begin to rid your life of the “things” you thought were so important.

This is the simplicity stage. When you hit it, you will know.

Immediately, you will want to purge your life of clutter. More quality time and more cash flow become your main goals. You will ask yourself different questions when spending money. You’ll ask, “Will this give me freedom or quality time?”

Some purchases that can really help out with this are efficiency electronics, like smart phones and faster computers. If these are out of your price range,  with productivity as your main goal, take some time to find out how to optimize what you have now.

Quality time purchases include a well-deserved family vacation. If you can, take 10 days and go somewhere that meets the recreation needs of each of your family members.

If that is unaffordable right now, then do inexpensive outings with your family all together at one time. It is fun to pack a lunch, go to the park and play Frisbee or touch football. It is nice also just to sit and talk. I find my family really communicates the best when we are in a relaxed atmosphere. We just chat and talk about what is going on in each other’s life.

Another question about spending money I recently learned from T Harv Eker at his Millionaire Mind Intensive program is to ask yourself, “Is this purchase more important than my financial freedom?”

I tried this out this morning and it worked. I saw a cute  jacket that I had been wanting, but not needing, and I walked into the store, picked it up, then remembered the question. I put it back on the hanger, and decided that it would not do anything for my financial freedom. Try asking  yourself this question and see if you can train your mind to ask them of all  your purchases.

If you can, then you will be applying the wisdom of the ages to your life and, who knows, you might just simplify, gain more self-control and feel liberated.

What can you do now, to simplify your life?