Personal Power:
Belief in one's own ability to take effective action or "make progress" is the simplest way to put it
I'm going to start by asking you a question:
Who's the baddest animal in the jungle? Though some will differ most say the lion without much hesitation, and that's a great answer too. When the lion is coming through, those other animals usually clear space as they darn well should. The lion tends to command the respect of most jungle creatures, as not many will dare to square off against him.
That elephant though, when he (or she) walks through, they ALL move out of the way. And, if something did decide to lunge at the elephant, they'd likely just bounce off as the elephant continued on its path. No response to the hostility, except to remain focused on the destination. Now THAT'S badass. If say, a lion, did happen to attack effectively enough to distract the elephant on his path minding his business, it's safe to say that lion would almost instantly regret that move. And then that elephant would be right back on his way.
So, how do you use that? Just choose to believe that you'll get things done and then work in that belief, "walk your path" in other words and let no one and no circumstance deter your focus. That's all for now, thanks for reading. Talk to you soon...
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Different...
If you're "different," it's likely that you spend a good deal of time alone--at least your free time. That's because even though many claim to be, most aren't all that different.
It's a type of paradox...perhaps an oxymoron even. We want to be different, but we'd still like to feel like we fit in. If we don't, we might end up alone. And you're right, you will. So we have a dilemma. Love ourselves, choose to be different and spend time in "lonely" solitude or think-say-do what the crowd is doing so they don't avoid us. Nobody wants to be a weirdo, right?
The good news is, you're already a weirdo. Everyone is. The more normal you seem, the weirder you are...yes you. So deal with it, and the alone time that comes along with it. It's good for you. It raises your vibration, which means it makes you better. With a higher vibe, higher vibe people like you will come. That's what you want. You also make the whole better--the group, the tribe, the nation, the planet, the whatever. So do it. Bye...
-The Personal Power Coach
It's a type of paradox...perhaps an oxymoron even. We want to be different, but we'd still like to feel like we fit in. If we don't, we might end up alone. And you're right, you will. So we have a dilemma. Love ourselves, choose to be different and spend time in "lonely" solitude or think-say-do what the crowd is doing so they don't avoid us. Nobody wants to be a weirdo, right?
The good news is, you're already a weirdo. Everyone is. The more normal you seem, the weirder you are...yes you. So deal with it, and the alone time that comes along with it. It's good for you. It raises your vibration, which means it makes you better. With a higher vibe, higher vibe people like you will come. That's what you want. You also make the whole better--the group, the tribe, the nation, the planet, the whatever. So do it. Bye...
-The Personal Power Coach
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Still waiting?
So, we're half way through 2014, and if you're like some people you might be thinking, "Hey, 2012 was two years ago now and I don't feel any different!" Why is that? There was all this hype about how things were "never going to be the same" as what we'd come to understand. You might still be waiting, if it ever even concerned you at all. If you feel something like this, the problem could be very simple.
You see, the change from then to now is and always has been, in us... in you. You are what has changed. Your spiritual, emotional, mental, and even physical state of being are all now enhanced. You are much more powerful, much more intelligent, and much more everything you'll ever need to be than you were in times past... and all you have to do is accept and allow it. Once you've done that, the answer and the question sort of merge.
What I mean is, now that this shift is well underway, you must now decide what you are going to do. It is so important to learn to use these abilities because you're already using them, whether you know it (and mean to) or not. What you regularly think about and visualize, make no mistake, you are creating right now. This has never been more "for real" than in these times. So, how do you want these amazing changes in your makeup to apply in your life moving forward? As it's always been, it's up to you. The difference is, you now have far more power to create your vision than you probably realize. So, what is this vision of yours? That, my friend, is the million dollar question.
Talk to you soon...
The Personal Power Coach
You see, the change from then to now is and always has been, in us... in you. You are what has changed. Your spiritual, emotional, mental, and even physical state of being are all now enhanced. You are much more powerful, much more intelligent, and much more everything you'll ever need to be than you were in times past... and all you have to do is accept and allow it. Once you've done that, the answer and the question sort of merge.
What I mean is, now that this shift is well underway, you must now decide what you are going to do. It is so important to learn to use these abilities because you're already using them, whether you know it (and mean to) or not. What you regularly think about and visualize, make no mistake, you are creating right now. This has never been more "for real" than in these times. So, how do you want these amazing changes in your makeup to apply in your life moving forward? As it's always been, it's up to you. The difference is, you now have far more power to create your vision than you probably realize. So, what is this vision of yours? That, my friend, is the million dollar question.
Talk to you soon...
The Personal Power Coach
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Stop Worrying...
No hidden message here. I mean exactly that. Either you've done everything you can, or there's something else you need to do for your own satisfaction. Once you've done all you can do, it's out of your hands.
It's just like in tennis, you hit the ball over the net. That's all you can do, so it's in your best interest to hit the best shot you know how. Once the ball has left your racket you no longer have any control over what it does. Or it's like shooting a basketball. Once the ball has left your hand the outcome is quite literally out of your hands, so it's best to make sure you shoot it correctly. Shoot the shot with confidence, instead of worrying about things outside of your own control.
This is how life works, you give your best effort and wait to see what that produces. If you're not happy with the results from that work, try again but now with what you learned from the last try. Be confident in your actions and intentions and do not worry, because all that does is sabotage your best work. It's impossible to do your best work when you have worry on your mind and in your heart. If you think otherwise, good luck to you.
Lastly, what you focus on expands and manifests, so it's best to picture the outcome you prefer instead of worrying about that thing you don't want to happen. There's a multitude of reasons for this, but I'll cover two: One, what you picture guides your efforts toward that outcome so it's more likely that your actions will produce that outcome. Two, there's still no guarantee that the outcome you hoped not to see won't manifest, but if you remain focused on the positive one then you can see the bad one as just part of the journey to what you're after rather than just giving up. Sure, maybe you've been knocked down, but this doesn't have to be the end. If you focus on the positive outcome rather than your worries, then you're more likely to keep pushing until you achieve what you set out to.
That is all, thanks for reading. Talk to you soon.
The Personal Power Coach
It's just like in tennis, you hit the ball over the net. That's all you can do, so it's in your best interest to hit the best shot you know how. Once the ball has left your racket you no longer have any control over what it does. Or it's like shooting a basketball. Once the ball has left your hand the outcome is quite literally out of your hands, so it's best to make sure you shoot it correctly. Shoot the shot with confidence, instead of worrying about things outside of your own control.
This is how life works, you give your best effort and wait to see what that produces. If you're not happy with the results from that work, try again but now with what you learned from the last try. Be confident in your actions and intentions and do not worry, because all that does is sabotage your best work. It's impossible to do your best work when you have worry on your mind and in your heart. If you think otherwise, good luck to you.
Lastly, what you focus on expands and manifests, so it's best to picture the outcome you prefer instead of worrying about that thing you don't want to happen. There's a multitude of reasons for this, but I'll cover two: One, what you picture guides your efforts toward that outcome so it's more likely that your actions will produce that outcome. Two, there's still no guarantee that the outcome you hoped not to see won't manifest, but if you remain focused on the positive one then you can see the bad one as just part of the journey to what you're after rather than just giving up. Sure, maybe you've been knocked down, but this doesn't have to be the end. If you focus on the positive outcome rather than your worries, then you're more likely to keep pushing until you achieve what you set out to.
That is all, thanks for reading. Talk to you soon.
The Personal Power Coach
Monday, November 11, 2013
You Deserve What You Want...
Yes, you read that right. You deserve what you want. You might think you know this already. Many of us think we already believe this, and yet still wonder why we don't get what we're after in life over and over. Sometimes, secretly, we do have an idea of why we don't think we deserve what we want. We never tell anyone about these doubts though. It could be guilt about something we can't forgive ourselves for (like not working as hard as we think one should). It could also be something more specific like hurting someone we care about in the past, but honestly it doesn't matter. We all deserve what we want with regard to our own happiness and circumstances. That's a fact.
The key is to let go of the idea that happiness is something that needs to be earned. Happiness is not some possibly unattainable, distant goal nor should it be. Your happiness is inside you right now, and the circumstances that go with it are waiting to manifest for you. It's only your own mind that is blocking you from these things. Your own, doubting, fearful, second guessing, guilt-filled mind. Those blocks are just tests. They're there to give you a chance to see that you can be happy anyway, you just have to let those things go. You just have to give yourself permission to be happy, and to allow that which you want to be yours. It's simpler than it sounds, but I do understand that does not mean it's easy. Our minds are stubborn bastards aren't they? They get in the way of our common sense and our wisdom all the time. It's a challenge that we've come into existence to face by learning through the experiences this dynamic creates. Still, just believe you deserve it, and you do. That is all for now, talk to you soon...
The Personal Power Coach
The key is to let go of the idea that happiness is something that needs to be earned. Happiness is not some possibly unattainable, distant goal nor should it be. Your happiness is inside you right now, and the circumstances that go with it are waiting to manifest for you. It's only your own mind that is blocking you from these things. Your own, doubting, fearful, second guessing, guilt-filled mind. Those blocks are just tests. They're there to give you a chance to see that you can be happy anyway, you just have to let those things go. You just have to give yourself permission to be happy, and to allow that which you want to be yours. It's simpler than it sounds, but I do understand that does not mean it's easy. Our minds are stubborn bastards aren't they? They get in the way of our common sense and our wisdom all the time. It's a challenge that we've come into existence to face by learning through the experiences this dynamic creates. Still, just believe you deserve it, and you do. That is all for now, talk to you soon...
The Personal Power Coach
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Speak For Your Anger, Don't Let It Speak For You...
This one is pretty simple. What I'm saying is, don't allow anger to make you say or do things that aren't an expression of your best self. It's OK to get angry from time to time. It is a natural emotional reaction to certain circumstances. It's useful, even helpful to get angry at times. Anger can give us strength, or courage, or even determination to overcome the adversities we might have to face at different times. It can be a good thing, if we can take the time and exercise the self control to use it properly.
Where it can become problematic is if, instead of staying in control...staying focused on our best actions and responses, we choose to lash out in destructive ways. This can be damaging to the life we're trying to build--damaging to relationships, to opportunities, and even to ourselves (mentally, emotionally and yes, even physically). This is what I'm referring to as "letting your anger speak for you." More than likely, it's not going to lead to anything good or productive. Often, the damage done isn't worth trying to repair, if it even can be. And if you can clean it up, the time that takes can set you back and cost you opportunities to come.
Have you ever looked back on how you acted and thought or said, "I only did/said that because I was so angry..."? If you have, this is what I'm talking about. I'm betting if you've done this, looking back you probably wish that you hadn't done it. At the very least I bet you wish that the person or set of circumstances that you give the credit for drawing out that response from you "wouldn't have driven you to do it," right? If so, then you can understand what I'm saying. And if you can understand what I'm saying, good. Perhaps you see the value in what I'm suggesting. Believe me, I've done it both ways, and I like my new way (speaking for my anger, and not letting it speak for me) much better...much, much better. Hopefully, what I've learned can help you too. Talk to you soon.
The Personal Power Coach
Where it can become problematic is if, instead of staying in control...staying focused on our best actions and responses, we choose to lash out in destructive ways. This can be damaging to the life we're trying to build--damaging to relationships, to opportunities, and even to ourselves (mentally, emotionally and yes, even physically). This is what I'm referring to as "letting your anger speak for you." More than likely, it's not going to lead to anything good or productive. Often, the damage done isn't worth trying to repair, if it even can be. And if you can clean it up, the time that takes can set you back and cost you opportunities to come.
Have you ever looked back on how you acted and thought or said, "I only did/said that because I was so angry..."? If you have, this is what I'm talking about. I'm betting if you've done this, looking back you probably wish that you hadn't done it. At the very least I bet you wish that the person or set of circumstances that you give the credit for drawing out that response from you "wouldn't have driven you to do it," right? If so, then you can understand what I'm saying. And if you can understand what I'm saying, good. Perhaps you see the value in what I'm suggesting. Believe me, I've done it both ways, and I like my new way (speaking for my anger, and not letting it speak for me) much better...much, much better. Hopefully, what I've learned can help you too. Talk to you soon.
The Personal Power Coach
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Accept It...
Today, I'm talking about acceptance. Acceptance is the way to get what you're after. If you want success, acceptance is key. You have to know and accept that your success is possible and already in progress, and you have to accept the success you've already created, which is wherever you are in life right now...because you created it. If you want love, you have to accept the love that is already being offered to you, because it is there and your acceptance of it will yield you more. If you want any change in your life, then acceptance of what is of your life this minute is the first step to changing it. Acceptance is your starting point. It's what you can do immediately to make the internal adjustment to point you in your new desired direction.
For some of us, the idea of "getting closure" can hold us back. Some of us need this elusive feeling with regard to some past hurt of one sort or another. Often the closure we'll come to seek will require the action of an individual or occurrence of some circumstance outside of ourselves. We'll go back and forth with others, and often even ourselves, hoping or demanding this seemingly abstract conceptual "thing". It's just an idea. It's just a feeling, and therefore, it really can only be experienced when we give ourselves permission to feel it. Acceptance of the painful experience, meaning just the fact that it happened...without giving it any unnecessary or unpleasant meanings and without judging ourselves or those who we dared to let in only to betray us somehow...yes, acceptance, can give us this closure.
No, at first it's not easy. We want what we want, but how easy is denial? How does that help us to heal? Acceptance is the alternative. With time you'll get better at it and it'll get easier. Trust it, and see. Talk to you soon...
The Personal Power Coach
For some of us, the idea of "getting closure" can hold us back. Some of us need this elusive feeling with regard to some past hurt of one sort or another. Often the closure we'll come to seek will require the action of an individual or occurrence of some circumstance outside of ourselves. We'll go back and forth with others, and often even ourselves, hoping or demanding this seemingly abstract conceptual "thing". It's just an idea. It's just a feeling, and therefore, it really can only be experienced when we give ourselves permission to feel it. Acceptance of the painful experience, meaning just the fact that it happened...without giving it any unnecessary or unpleasant meanings and without judging ourselves or those who we dared to let in only to betray us somehow...yes, acceptance, can give us this closure.
No, at first it's not easy. We want what we want, but how easy is denial? How does that help us to heal? Acceptance is the alternative. With time you'll get better at it and it'll get easier. Trust it, and see. Talk to you soon...
The Personal Power Coach
Monday, June 10, 2013
It's Not Your Fault...
It's not your fault...whatever it is that's holding you back from the life you see yourself living. It's totally not your fault that this obstacle exists (in many if not most cases), but it is your responsibility to fix it and make your life happen. That, my friend, is a fact.
If you play the victim, you're already disputing this fact, but it's still a fact. I get it. Your obstacles are very real to you, I'm aware of this. You're not the only one who's ever had to face those though. You think you are, but it's just not so. It's simple. If you want a better life, you have to face your life as it is. You have to accept that you have created this, although mostly not consciously. It's not the world, it's you. The sooner you say this out loud to yourself and are not embarrassed, ashamed, or frustrated by it, the sooner your life will start to turn in a direction that you like better. That much you can trust.
Your life will change as you start to feel more powerful, more in control. You'll feel that way because you're now working from the place you should have been working all along. You'll be operating from the "driver seat" of your world...of course, now you're going to have to learn to drive, and then you'll have the power to get out of the woods you've drifted into by blaming whatever it was you were blaming for how your life has turned out so far. You'll have the power to make better choices, and the understanding to see the better results. So take the responsibility, because it's yours. Sure, it'll probably feel scary at first. That just means you're doing it right, so don't stop. This is your chance to do something, right now. Trust it. Do it. Talk to you soon...
The Personal Power Coach
If you play the victim, you're already disputing this fact, but it's still a fact. I get it. Your obstacles are very real to you, I'm aware of this. You're not the only one who's ever had to face those though. You think you are, but it's just not so. It's simple. If you want a better life, you have to face your life as it is. You have to accept that you have created this, although mostly not consciously. It's not the world, it's you. The sooner you say this out loud to yourself and are not embarrassed, ashamed, or frustrated by it, the sooner your life will start to turn in a direction that you like better. That much you can trust.
Your life will change as you start to feel more powerful, more in control. You'll feel that way because you're now working from the place you should have been working all along. You'll be operating from the "driver seat" of your world...of course, now you're going to have to learn to drive, and then you'll have the power to get out of the woods you've drifted into by blaming whatever it was you were blaming for how your life has turned out so far. You'll have the power to make better choices, and the understanding to see the better results. So take the responsibility, because it's yours. Sure, it'll probably feel scary at first. That just means you're doing it right, so don't stop. This is your chance to do something, right now. Trust it. Do it. Talk to you soon...
The Personal Power Coach
Sunday, April 7, 2013
From Where You Are...
Most of us can think of how our lives could be better. If we could just get past this or that, everything would be great. Right? I know I've said just that, I still do sometimes. It's part of being human. We often speak of "What we'll do when..." don't we? That is, if we seek improvement in our lives at all, because it's also easy to get complacent.
Well, this is me challenging you to go for it. Whatever it is that would make you a little more excited about your life and happy to be living it, go get it. Whether it's getting in better shape, or going to Law school...at 50...take a step in that direction today.
Believe it or not, I'm talking to myself as much as anyone else, and resuming my regular posts on this here blog is me doing just what I'm thowing at you. It's a small step, but it's something. That's all I ask. So get to it. Talk to you soon...
The Personal Power Coach
Well, this is me challenging you to go for it. Whatever it is that would make you a little more excited about your life and happy to be living it, go get it. Whether it's getting in better shape, or going to Law school...at 50...take a step in that direction today.
Believe it or not, I'm talking to myself as much as anyone else, and resuming my regular posts on this here blog is me doing just what I'm thowing at you. It's a small step, but it's something. That's all I ask. So get to it. Talk to you soon...
The Personal Power Coach
Saturday, April 6, 2013
I'm back!
Hello folks,
I know you've missed me, but I'm back on the job. Yay, right? Right! If you're wondering where I've been, I've been around, but I needed to attend to some important areas of myself and my life. In other words, I had to work on me for a little while. Am I done with that? Of course not, my life is a never-ending project which requires endless tinkering...and sometimes a complete overhaul. However, some recent events were very inspiring and I started getting that urge to share my positivity, or "shine my light again," so to speak. Aren't you glad to have me back? Of course you are! You're welcome hehe...
Well, that's the announcement for the day, and that is all for now. Talk to you soon.
Donovan...
I know you've missed me, but I'm back on the job. Yay, right? Right! If you're wondering where I've been, I've been around, but I needed to attend to some important areas of myself and my life. In other words, I had to work on me for a little while. Am I done with that? Of course not, my life is a never-ending project which requires endless tinkering...and sometimes a complete overhaul. However, some recent events were very inspiring and I started getting that urge to share my positivity, or "shine my light again," so to speak. Aren't you glad to have me back? Of course you are! You're welcome hehe...
Well, that's the announcement for the day, and that is all for now. Talk to you soon.
Donovan...
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The Struggle Is Instrumental
If my older post "Win Anyway" meant anything to you, then I have a feeling this post will speak to you too. I think it will because you're the kind of person who knows that success in life can involve struggle. Actually, it can involve a whole lot of struggle. It can seem, at times, like it's totally not worth it at all. It can hit you from all sides and on a multitude of levels. It's mostly a mental and emotional struggle, but it can even be physically draining and exhausting. You might begin to second guess your decision to take this path, to embark upon this journey towards your dreams. You may have people that care about you, who watch you "suffer" as you continue to struggle along your path. They may suggest that you give up and choose a more conventional path...you know, because it's "easier." However, you know it's not, don't you? You know that giving up on your dream would hurt more than any challenge or setback you encounter on the way to living your dream, because at least this way you're on your way. Well, you know what I'm going to say--win anyway. Don't let the struggle turn you away. You can survive it, you can endure it. And when you do, you'll be rewarded by your dreams now being your reality.
Then you'll be living your dreams. What could be more satisfying than that? Any questions or doubts you had about your abilities have been answered...at least for now. You climbed the mountain and now you're standing atop its peak, enjoying the view. The struggle now all seems worth it, because it's allowed you to enjoy this feeling even more just by mere contrast. Many, in fact, feel they need the struggle for that very reason. At this point with your dream accomplished, the limelight shining on you, you may be asked what the "secret" is. People may want to know how you solved the riddle, so to speak. They don't want the story of your work, they just want your "Aha!" moment so that they can copy just the success part of your dream. What those people fail to realize in that moment is that it was the struggle that is the key to your victory. Your struggle is totally intertwined into the fabric of your goal. The struggle is one with the success, so there's no way to teach them how to avoid the struggle, which is what they'll want. In fact, even if you could give them what they're asking, you probably wouldn't because that would rob them of the euphoria of accomplishing their own dream...through the struggle. It's instrumental to their success, to your success, and to mine. It's nature's way, so enjoy it. That's it for now, talk to you soon...
Donovan Bradley
Then you'll be living your dreams. What could be more satisfying than that? Any questions or doubts you had about your abilities have been answered...at least for now. You climbed the mountain and now you're standing atop its peak, enjoying the view. The struggle now all seems worth it, because it's allowed you to enjoy this feeling even more just by mere contrast. Many, in fact, feel they need the struggle for that very reason. At this point with your dream accomplished, the limelight shining on you, you may be asked what the "secret" is. People may want to know how you solved the riddle, so to speak. They don't want the story of your work, they just want your "Aha!" moment so that they can copy just the success part of your dream. What those people fail to realize in that moment is that it was the struggle that is the key to your victory. Your struggle is totally intertwined into the fabric of your goal. The struggle is one with the success, so there's no way to teach them how to avoid the struggle, which is what they'll want. In fact, even if you could give them what they're asking, you probably wouldn't because that would rob them of the euphoria of accomplishing their own dream...through the struggle. It's instrumental to their success, to your success, and to mine. It's nature's way, so enjoy it. That's it for now, talk to you soon...
Donovan Bradley
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Let's Get One Thing Straight...
You are not flawless. Neither am I. In fact, none of us is flawless. I live in Southern California, not too far from Hollywood, and that means I see quite a few people on a daily basis that come quite close aesthetically (maybe that's why I've always loved it here)--but nope, not a one of them is flawless. Not one, and like I said, neither are you.
I'll tell you what you are, though. You are perfect. I know. That doesn't make any sense, right? How can I say you're not flawless and then call you perfect in the same post? It's easy for me, really. You see, I don't see perfect and flawless as synonyms as most people do. For me, flawless is just that..."without any flaws," but that's not perfect. Perfect, is "just right." Meaning exactly as you are created to be by the all knowing, all seeing intelligence that some call God and that many of us believe does not make mistakes. That intelligence that doesn't make mistakes created you, and since it is perfect, so is everything it creates...including you. In fact, I say especially you. You see, it's my belief that it's our flaws which are the very thing that make each of us...perfect. We have only to learn to see those "imperfections" as assets...even if only by learning life lessons from them. That way we're less apt to want to change "who we are" and more likely to accept ourselves and love what we see in ourselves as we grow from the lessons we can learn from our flaws...and that is the key to happiness. Thanks for reading.
Donovan Bradley
I'll tell you what you are, though. You are perfect. I know. That doesn't make any sense, right? How can I say you're not flawless and then call you perfect in the same post? It's easy for me, really. You see, I don't see perfect and flawless as synonyms as most people do. For me, flawless is just that..."without any flaws," but that's not perfect. Perfect, is "just right." Meaning exactly as you are created to be by the all knowing, all seeing intelligence that some call God and that many of us believe does not make mistakes. That intelligence that doesn't make mistakes created you, and since it is perfect, so is everything it creates...including you. In fact, I say especially you. You see, it's my belief that it's our flaws which are the very thing that make each of us...perfect. We have only to learn to see those "imperfections" as assets...even if only by learning life lessons from them. That way we're less apt to want to change "who we are" and more likely to accept ourselves and love what we see in ourselves as we grow from the lessons we can learn from our flaws...and that is the key to happiness. Thanks for reading.
Donovan Bradley
Monday, March 22, 2010
Just Thought I'd Share...
This comes from a mailgroup I'm a member of called Bob Proctor's "Insight of the Day." I had to share...
There's a nice poem by Valerie Cox circulating on the Internet about a woman who bought some cookies and a book at an airport and sat down to read and nibble while waiting for her plane. She soon noticed a man sitting next to her, who casually took a cookie from the bag.
Although shocked and seething, the woman remained silent as the man, without the slightest sign of shame or gratitude, quietly helped himself, matching her cookie for cookie.
When there was one cookie left, she watched in amazement as he picked it up, smiled at her as if he were being gracious, and broke it in half. He ate one half and gave her the other. Congratulating herself for maintaining her cool, she said nothing to this rude cookie thief, astonished at the nerve of some people.
Later, when she was settling into her seat on the plane, she rummaged through her purse and discovered the bag of cookies she'd purchased, still unopened. The moral message is contained in the poem's closing stanza:
"If mine are here," she moaned with despair,
"Then the others were his, and he tried to share."
Too late to apologize, she realized with grief,
That she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief.
Being sure is not the same as being right. Certainty without humility can lead to self-righteousness that distorts our view and understanding of the world and of people.
Humility doesn't require us to be equivocal or doubtful about our deepest convictions. What it asks is that we hold and advocate our beliefs without dismissing the possibility that others may be right instead.
This is [from] Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
www.charactercounts.org
There's a nice poem by Valerie Cox circulating on the Internet about a woman who bought some cookies and a book at an airport and sat down to read and nibble while waiting for her plane. She soon noticed a man sitting next to her, who casually took a cookie from the bag.
Although shocked and seething, the woman remained silent as the man, without the slightest sign of shame or gratitude, quietly helped himself, matching her cookie for cookie.
When there was one cookie left, she watched in amazement as he picked it up, smiled at her as if he were being gracious, and broke it in half. He ate one half and gave her the other. Congratulating herself for maintaining her cool, she said nothing to this rude cookie thief, astonished at the nerve of some people.
Later, when she was settling into her seat on the plane, she rummaged through her purse and discovered the bag of cookies she'd purchased, still unopened. The moral message is contained in the poem's closing stanza:
"If mine are here," she moaned with despair,
"Then the others were his, and he tried to share."
Too late to apologize, she realized with grief,
That she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief.
Being sure is not the same as being right. Certainty without humility can lead to self-righteousness that distorts our view and understanding of the world and of people.
Humility doesn't require us to be equivocal or doubtful about our deepest convictions. What it asks is that we hold and advocate our beliefs without dismissing the possibility that others may be right instead.
This is [from] Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
www.charactercounts.org
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Always Remember, Anything's Possible...Anything
Whatever you wish was true in your world, can be. It can be exactly the way you want, so long as you're not afraid to believe in your vision. Fear and doubt are the biggest killers in the universe. Don't let them get you. The sign that they're getting to you is that old feeling...we call it "doubt." Don't get me wrong, this is work--real work. We live in a world full to the brim with negative influences. Get this though, it's also full to the brim with positive influences, they're just not always as obvious. The reason for this, if this applies to you is, wait for it...it's you. You see, without fail, you attract what you think about. If you think negative thoughts, you'll attract negative things to think about and more importantly, feel about. It's those negative feelings (fear based) that create the negativity that you see in your world...all of it. So let them go. Just release them. Send love to those feelings, just bask in it.
It may help...no, it'll absolutely help you to get clear about what your vision for your life is. What do you want your experience, your every day life to be. You can have that...in fact, you deserve it, right now. You won't get it until you believe it though. You must literally remove all doubt from your mind. Only then will things start to change. You must be able to maintain and sustain your positivity though. For a while it may seem like nothing's changing. There's a couple of ways to look at why this happens: One way is to take the understanding that your new faith is being tested. The other way is to take the understanding that all of that habitual, subconscious doubt that you've allowed to exist inside you for so long has to remove itself from your system before real change in your outer world, which is only a reflection of your inner world, can take effect. Thanks for listening. Talk to you soon...
Donovan Bradley
It may help...no, it'll absolutely help you to get clear about what your vision for your life is. What do you want your experience, your every day life to be. You can have that...in fact, you deserve it, right now. You won't get it until you believe it though. You must literally remove all doubt from your mind. Only then will things start to change. You must be able to maintain and sustain your positivity though. For a while it may seem like nothing's changing. There's a couple of ways to look at why this happens: One way is to take the understanding that your new faith is being tested. The other way is to take the understanding that all of that habitual, subconscious doubt that you've allowed to exist inside you for so long has to remove itself from your system before real change in your outer world, which is only a reflection of your inner world, can take effect. Thanks for listening. Talk to you soon...
Donovan Bradley
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Win Anyway...(Re-Post)
I posted this one about a year ago exactly. It was the second post I'd ever done, and it's still the most popular one, so I thought it was time to put it up again. Enjoy...
I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "You don't know my struggle. You don't know what I go through. You'll NEVER know what I have to deal with on a day to day basis." And you know what? You're right. I don't know. I know nothing of your "deal". And still I say, "Win ANYWAY". No matter how hard it is, win anyway. No matter what life throws at you, keep coming. You can beat ANYTHING, but you can't give up if you want to win. Maybe you need to change your approach, or the tools (the job, the business venture, the self-talk, the stimuli, your thoughts, your friends, relationship style/partner/whatever), but keep bringing your best no matter what.
Think of it this way: You can let life beat you, and then have a story to tell the world. OR, you can WIN ANYWAY and tell THAT story. Which one sounds like more fun to you? Which one sounds like it's better to LISTEN to? Which one would YOU rather hear? Which one do you think will get you more attention and approval? Isn't that some of the stuff we're all after anyway? So go get it, whatever it is you're after...it's really ALREADY yours. Sure, it's at the top of the mountain and you have to CLIMB it, but once you get there, it's ALL yours. Go on, face the challenge--take it head on! Don't let life get too big to live, because it's not going anywhere. You have to live it anyway, it might as well be one you can be proud of, right? Also, many of us wait for someone to believe in us, but remember this: It starts with YOU believing in you. No one will believe in you until you have a certain degree of belief in yourself. With that I leave you to ponder your next move. I'd say good luck, but I don't think you need it. Go get 'em!
Donovan Bradley
I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "You don't know my struggle. You don't know what I go through. You'll NEVER know what I have to deal with on a day to day basis." And you know what? You're right. I don't know. I know nothing of your "deal". And still I say, "Win ANYWAY". No matter how hard it is, win anyway. No matter what life throws at you, keep coming. You can beat ANYTHING, but you can't give up if you want to win. Maybe you need to change your approach, or the tools (the job, the business venture, the self-talk, the stimuli, your thoughts, your friends, relationship style/partner/whatever), but keep bringing your best no matter what.
Think of it this way: You can let life beat you, and then have a story to tell the world. OR, you can WIN ANYWAY and tell THAT story. Which one sounds like more fun to you? Which one sounds like it's better to LISTEN to? Which one would YOU rather hear? Which one do you think will get you more attention and approval? Isn't that some of the stuff we're all after anyway? So go get it, whatever it is you're after...it's really ALREADY yours. Sure, it's at the top of the mountain and you have to CLIMB it, but once you get there, it's ALL yours. Go on, face the challenge--take it head on! Don't let life get too big to live, because it's not going anywhere. You have to live it anyway, it might as well be one you can be proud of, right? Also, many of us wait for someone to believe in us, but remember this: It starts with YOU believing in you. No one will believe in you until you have a certain degree of belief in yourself. With that I leave you to ponder your next move. I'd say good luck, but I don't think you need it. Go get 'em!
Donovan Bradley
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Watch Your Language!
I want to talk about something that bugs me a whole lot whenever I hear it. It actually hurts my soul. It's the language many of us use. Simply put, it's quite often negative and downright ugly. I don't want to say I hear it all the time, but it's definitely not as rare as I'd like it to be. It's not profanity I'm talking about. Nor is it the language that we use to hurt others that I'm thinking of right now either, though that can be a major problem too. I'm talking about how badly we talk about ourselves.
We have to be careful how we talk about ourselves, because our subconscious minds pick up on it...and make our thoughts (which our words represent) reality. Have you ever made a mistake and said, "I'm such an idiot!"? Like I said, I hear it all the time. I even catch myself almost saying things like this...almost, but that's bad enough. I've made it my responsibility to take a stand on this with my friends, family, and acquaintances. Even with strangers I sometimes find myself saying stuff like, "Hey, don't beat yourself up." It can be easy to think it's harmless, but it's not. It seems like such a small thing, but over time those "inconsequential" thoughts add up...without fail.
Learn to give yourself some credit. Learn to accept that even the best of us make mistakes, and that it's OK that we do, as long as we learn from them. Why not give yourself some (honest) praise? Think of a success, no matter how small, a goal you set and fulfilled...a problem you met head on and solved...anything, and say to yourself, "Yay, me!" Start paying attention to what you say to and about yourself in all aspects of your life. I bet you'll find that the better you think of yourself in any specific area, the more success you'll have in your experience. That's no accident, friend. Use it to your advantage. Focus on your strengths, and praise yourself for them. When it comes to your weaknesses, here's what's important: we all have them. Get help when necessary, and believe in your ability to meet...and beat...any challenge. Thanks for reading. Talk to you soon...
Donovan Bradley
We have to be careful how we talk about ourselves, because our subconscious minds pick up on it...and make our thoughts (which our words represent) reality. Have you ever made a mistake and said, "I'm such an idiot!"? Like I said, I hear it all the time. I even catch myself almost saying things like this...almost, but that's bad enough. I've made it my responsibility to take a stand on this with my friends, family, and acquaintances. Even with strangers I sometimes find myself saying stuff like, "Hey, don't beat yourself up." It can be easy to think it's harmless, but it's not. It seems like such a small thing, but over time those "inconsequential" thoughts add up...without fail.
Learn to give yourself some credit. Learn to accept that even the best of us make mistakes, and that it's OK that we do, as long as we learn from them. Why not give yourself some (honest) praise? Think of a success, no matter how small, a goal you set and fulfilled...a problem you met head on and solved...anything, and say to yourself, "Yay, me!" Start paying attention to what you say to and about yourself in all aspects of your life. I bet you'll find that the better you think of yourself in any specific area, the more success you'll have in your experience. That's no accident, friend. Use it to your advantage. Focus on your strengths, and praise yourself for them. When it comes to your weaknesses, here's what's important: we all have them. Get help when necessary, and believe in your ability to meet...and beat...any challenge. Thanks for reading. Talk to you soon...
Donovan Bradley
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
A Life Changing Experience...
In this post, I thought I'd share with you something that changed my life, for the better, forever. I don't have any better way to describe it in one word than an "experience." It's one of the things I was exposed to in my life that inspired me to do this work and help others with my positivity and insight.
Getting right to the point, it's a group called PSI Seminars (www.psiseminars.com). Let me start by saying that I've barely scratched the surface of my own possibilities with them, but even the brief weekend work I did changed everything for me. Now mind you, I've always been someone who sought personal growth in any and everything I've ever done, so of course I'd feel that way. Just so you know, as I'm not in any formal way affiliated with PSI, I don't get anything for this endorsement, except for the satisfaction that I know I've shared something fantastic with you and potentially opened a door in your life that you've been seeking...whether or not you were previously aware. The people involved, the activities, the heightened sense of emotional and mental awareness they helped to bless me with, all of it I'll forever be thankful for...and I'm going back for more. I'm not sure when, but I will visit them again.
You see, they have a curriculum of courses designed to help anyone succeed at growing to their fullest potential. Of course it's our own responsibility to grow to our full potential (never, ever forget this), but countless people have given testimony (me being one of them) that these guys helped them in ways you can't even place a dollar amount on. The course I took was their entry level course, simply called "The Basic," and taking it was absolutely one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. My advice (which as you already know, is up to you to take or leave) is to check out their website (that link above) and see if they're worth a closer look to you. My guess is, for those of you reading this blog, it will be well worth the time it takes to look into. Bye for now...
Donovan Bradley
Getting right to the point, it's a group called PSI Seminars (www.psiseminars.com). Let me start by saying that I've barely scratched the surface of my own possibilities with them, but even the brief weekend work I did changed everything for me. Now mind you, I've always been someone who sought personal growth in any and everything I've ever done, so of course I'd feel that way. Just so you know, as I'm not in any formal way affiliated with PSI, I don't get anything for this endorsement, except for the satisfaction that I know I've shared something fantastic with you and potentially opened a door in your life that you've been seeking...whether or not you were previously aware. The people involved, the activities, the heightened sense of emotional and mental awareness they helped to bless me with, all of it I'll forever be thankful for...and I'm going back for more. I'm not sure when, but I will visit them again.
You see, they have a curriculum of courses designed to help anyone succeed at growing to their fullest potential. Of course it's our own responsibility to grow to our full potential (never, ever forget this), but countless people have given testimony (me being one of them) that these guys helped them in ways you can't even place a dollar amount on. The course I took was their entry level course, simply called "The Basic," and taking it was absolutely one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. My advice (which as you already know, is up to you to take or leave) is to check out their website (that link above) and see if they're worth a closer look to you. My guess is, for those of you reading this blog, it will be well worth the time it takes to look into. Bye for now...
Donovan Bradley
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Thimbles & Buckets...
This post is about how we approach getting all we want out of life. I've known different types of people...and even been different types myself. With the help of some enlightened and very inspiring people I've had the pleasure of working with and learning from a few years ago, I've come to believe that the different types of people in this regard can be divided into 2 groups. It seems almost like some people go at life with a thimble to get what they want. What I mean by that is that they don't allow themselves to want very much. They say things, to themselves and others, such as "Don't get your hopes up," and other similar quotes. They seem to be not only OK with, but almost to prefer mediocrity from life. It has its advantages, of course. You don't have to work very hard to to not get what you want out of life...or at least, so it seems.
Now, while these types of people are busy making sure they don't aim too high so that they don't fall too far or work too hard, there are others (who I always try to model) that seem to approach life with a bucket so that they can catch more. Think of life as walking through a rainy day in order to picture this analogy. If you wanted to catch the rain, what would be more effective, the thimble or the bucket? Which one catches more, right? That's the question. Then, make a decision to approach life with a bucket from now on. Get more! You deserve more, it's really already yours. Decide for yourself now, that you're going to go out there with a bucket and get more of what you're after...which is success and happiness, I think.
The important thing to remember about making this decision, however, is that you can only make it for yourself. You can't convince another to throw away that thimble and get a bucket, because they're not in a place where they're willing to do the work you are (at least not yet). Even if you're successful getting them to see your point, they'll likely complain about how hard it is to live this way. The bucket "gets too heavy," in a manner of speaking. They want to go back to being comfortable and carrying that light and easy, tiny little thimble full of life...which even it probably isn't all that full. Only you can take the journey, and those who want similar results will look to you as an example...when they're ready to make a change in their own lives. That's it for now, talk to you soon.
Donovan
Now, while these types of people are busy making sure they don't aim too high so that they don't fall too far or work too hard, there are others (who I always try to model) that seem to approach life with a bucket so that they can catch more. Think of life as walking through a rainy day in order to picture this analogy. If you wanted to catch the rain, what would be more effective, the thimble or the bucket? Which one catches more, right? That's the question. Then, make a decision to approach life with a bucket from now on. Get more! You deserve more, it's really already yours. Decide for yourself now, that you're going to go out there with a bucket and get more of what you're after...which is success and happiness, I think.
The important thing to remember about making this decision, however, is that you can only make it for yourself. You can't convince another to throw away that thimble and get a bucket, because they're not in a place where they're willing to do the work you are (at least not yet). Even if you're successful getting them to see your point, they'll likely complain about how hard it is to live this way. The bucket "gets too heavy," in a manner of speaking. They want to go back to being comfortable and carrying that light and easy, tiny little thimble full of life...which even it probably isn't all that full. Only you can take the journey, and those who want similar results will look to you as an example...when they're ready to make a change in their own lives. That's it for now, talk to you soon.
Donovan
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Outside The Maze...
Picture life as one of those mazes in a biology lab study. You know, where some biologist puts rats and mice inside to observe them as they perform tasks and evade a few obstacles to get to their prize, that glorious cheese, as the biologist notes results. Really, sit back and imagine it, and picture that as an analogy of life for a moment. Now in this vision I've asked you to conjure up, what part do you play? Are you a tiny mouse, running frantically one moment down this path, then hesitating the next moment, not sure enough of yourself to make a decision, allowing luck to control your destiny? Many of us proceed through our lives this way, even if only at certain times. I know I do. Or are you the large bullying rat, plowing through the maze, running over everything and everyone in the process to get that cheese? I've done this too. Sometimes it's because I'm feeling myself, and other times it still comes from fear just managed a bit differently (like a fear that someone lesser or weaker is going to get "what's ours" if we don't). As I see it, this is how many, if not most, proceed through life. Maybe it serves some of us in some way. In fact, it has to serve a purpose in some way, or else we'd find a new way.
Now, why not take yourself outside the maze to look at the entire picture, at least from time to time, from the scientist's point of view? Just pull back and look at it from a better position. It gives you perspective and allows you, just maybe, to see certain things in relation to other things in your life. Now circumstances and events may start to make sense, and maybe some things won't seem so bad. I mean pull back and look at everything. Look at all of it, including yourself, and just see it for a moment. Don't judge it, don't try to fix it at this moment, just see it for what it is...whatever it is. That is what's called a "moment of clarity," and when you have one, I bet you'll know what to do next. You won't even need me for your next move. So go do it. Talk to you soon.
Donovan Bradley
Now, why not take yourself outside the maze to look at the entire picture, at least from time to time, from the scientist's point of view? Just pull back and look at it from a better position. It gives you perspective and allows you, just maybe, to see certain things in relation to other things in your life. Now circumstances and events may start to make sense, and maybe some things won't seem so bad. I mean pull back and look at everything. Look at all of it, including yourself, and just see it for a moment. Don't judge it, don't try to fix it at this moment, just see it for what it is...whatever it is. That is what's called a "moment of clarity," and when you have one, I bet you'll know what to do next. You won't even need me for your next move. So go do it. Talk to you soon.
Donovan Bradley
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
SELFLESSNESS: As Bad As Selfishness...
In most ways, this is true. Both traits have their advantages and disadvantages, but neither is the most self-serving, which is what you want to strive for. Being self-serving asks the question, "what serves me best?" Maybe, in a given situation, it serves you best to help someone else get what they want, as the case might be with a dear loved one...or to help someone get what they want first, as with a business partner or friend. Yes, to do this it becomes necessary to trust your fellow man, which isn't always the easiest thing for some of us to do. It is something you have voluntary control over, whether you admit it or not, however. Let's take a closer look.
Selfishness is a "Me first" kind of attitude that most of us agree is probably not the right attitude toward life. However, selflessness isn't exactly the virtue that many give it credit for being. Sure it may make you look good in some scenarios, especially to those who might directly or indirectly benefit from your selflessness, but in the end it's you who will be resentful and/or angry. Why is that? My thoughts are, that it's because when one is selfless it comes from guilt most times. The guilt comes from a deep down desire to be selfish like those folks the selfless person compares herself to, but also an even deeper feeling that they're not worthy and therefore don't deserve to be selfish. It's a defense mechanism which allows her to feel that she's doing the "right thing." She then says to herself, "Well, at least no one can ever say I was selfish," but who's she living for? Is she living for herself, or is she living for those whom she suspects might call her selfish?
Selfishness is easy. Here's a person who thinks that resources, meaning all things we want or need, are limited. Therefore, the mentality is, "I've got to get what's mine before it's all gone." This produces a "Me first" kind of lifestyle. That's all there is to it. If this is you, and it works for you, good for you. My question to you is, what parts of life are you missing out on while you're so busy hording what's "yours?" Make no mistake, you are missing out on something, and maybe that's OK by you.
On to a third option: Being self-serving, or as I like to put it, "Self-Adjusted," is about figuring out what's best for me in a universal sense. I mean by that, not just "Get what I want now..." like a selfish person might say or "My turn will come..." as a selfless person might declare. Self adjusted people look at the whole picture whenever possible and ask, "Is this what's best for all involved?" You see, they have no guilt about including themselves, but have confidence in the universe's abundance such that they won't try to exclude you to keep more for themselves either. They believe in their own value, and they believe in the value of all others as well. This mentality produces more for them than they could ever need, which keeps them happy and generous in the abundance cycle where we are all welcome. It's a wonderful place to be. Talk to you soon.
Donovan Bradley
Selfishness is a "Me first" kind of attitude that most of us agree is probably not the right attitude toward life. However, selflessness isn't exactly the virtue that many give it credit for being. Sure it may make you look good in some scenarios, especially to those who might directly or indirectly benefit from your selflessness, but in the end it's you who will be resentful and/or angry. Why is that? My thoughts are, that it's because when one is selfless it comes from guilt most times. The guilt comes from a deep down desire to be selfish like those folks the selfless person compares herself to, but also an even deeper feeling that they're not worthy and therefore don't deserve to be selfish. It's a defense mechanism which allows her to feel that she's doing the "right thing." She then says to herself, "Well, at least no one can ever say I was selfish," but who's she living for? Is she living for herself, or is she living for those whom she suspects might call her selfish?
Selfishness is easy. Here's a person who thinks that resources, meaning all things we want or need, are limited. Therefore, the mentality is, "I've got to get what's mine before it's all gone." This produces a "Me first" kind of lifestyle. That's all there is to it. If this is you, and it works for you, good for you. My question to you is, what parts of life are you missing out on while you're so busy hording what's "yours?" Make no mistake, you are missing out on something, and maybe that's OK by you.
On to a third option: Being self-serving, or as I like to put it, "Self-Adjusted," is about figuring out what's best for me in a universal sense. I mean by that, not just "Get what I want now..." like a selfish person might say or "My turn will come..." as a selfless person might declare. Self adjusted people look at the whole picture whenever possible and ask, "Is this what's best for all involved?" You see, they have no guilt about including themselves, but have confidence in the universe's abundance such that they won't try to exclude you to keep more for themselves either. They believe in their own value, and they believe in the value of all others as well. This mentality produces more for them than they could ever need, which keeps them happy and generous in the abundance cycle where we are all welcome. It's a wonderful place to be. Talk to you soon.
Donovan Bradley
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