Where’s Your Focus?…Your Life Depends On It

I have recently had the chance to watch and listen to inspirational speaker Tony Robbins. I’ve always admired and respected the work he’s done, and I’ve read several quotes from him, and articles about him. It’s only recently that I’ve actually spent time watching his messages.

In one of his messages I recently watched, Tony presents an experiment on the topic of focus. I will share it with you and you can play along if you like. I’ll share what it means at the end. Ok, here goes…in the room you’re in right now, observe everything that is brown. After a few seconds, close your eyes. Now try to remember all the brown things you observed. It’s not too diffifcult, right? Now, close your eyes again and try to think of all the things in the room that are red. Is it much more difficult to do? Can you come up with many more brown things?

Here’s the point of the experiment. In our lives, we see much more of the things we focus on than those we don’t. When it came time to recalling the objects, why was it much easier to focus on brown objects? Because that’s what you were focused on. You didn’t focus on red, which is why it was difficult to recall those objects.

What we see in our lives has much to do with what we focus on. When you focus on doubt, worry, poverty, and negative circumstances, guess what you’ll see and experience? It is likely to be the negative. Those that focus on faith, gratitude, abundance, and positive outcomes are much more likely to experience them. It is simply a matter of focus.

What are you focused on? Are you envisioning failure or success? Lack or abundance? Strife or peace? The choice is yours. Regardless of your choice, you will see and experience what you are focused on. So why not focus on the positive? Even if you are not yet seeing the results you want, keep your mind focused on the desired outcome. You will eventually receive it. And if you don’t, it means God has something even better in store for you. You can’t lose!

Focus on the ideal result in your mind, live like you already have it, and have the faith that your goal will be reached. It will happen if you believe and your focus is right. Enjoy it!

A High Percentage Way To Increase Your Personal Power

I was reading a blog the other day. The author was lamenting the fact that, due to their busy schedule and some other things going on, they had very little time to spend in prayer and in the presence of God. I was impressed that this person even calculated it by the hour, saying they were spending an average of 4% of their day in God’s presence.

I was impressed with the detail and careful thought this author provided. That was until I thought of my own life. I realized my percentage wasn’t dramatically higher. I do have specific times that I spend in prayer, and I pay attention to the reminder’s of God’s presence. However, I realized that I don’t do it enough. As I did my own calculations, I realized my daily percentage is only around 10-15%.

We are all busy people, and our lives tend to go in many different directions each day. However, I believe we can all find more time to cherish God’s presence and power in our life. In fact, we are commanded to do so. “Seek first the kingdom and righteousness of God, and all other things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

What exactly is seeking the kingsom? From my own research and study over a period of time, I found a simple definition. It is simply focusing on the Spirit and Power of God. Instead of focusing on our limited knowledge and ability, focus on His all-knowing, all-loving, and ever present power. Do this as much as you can during the entire day. It makes a world of difference. It’s simple. The more you seek Him first, the more power and success you will experience.

I realize that it is not easy to constantly focus our attention on one thing, especially when we have so many different challenges around us. However, focusing first on God and His righteousness will give us the power to not only take on the challenges, but conquer them.

After reading that article, I decided to set a goal. My goal is to take my percentage of God seeking time from 10-15% to 75-80%. I am awake for about 16 hours a day. That would be a strong awareness of His presence for 12 of those 16 hours. That takes into account parts of my day that are non-stop, and when my work is most intense. That takes into account times where my mind is simply out of focus. Also, I am not saying that I need to be in constant awareness for the entire hour. Even if I can say for a good part of that time that I was consciosly aware of God’s power in and around me, I can count that towards my total.

Some may think this system is too artificial and forced. Perhaps it is. However, the more you do it, the more natural it becomes. Soon it will be automatic, and when you begin reaping the benefits, you will strive even more for the constant awareness of God’s presence and power.

Just as I challenge myself to take on this challenge, I also challenge my readers. I know that being aware of God’s presence and power empowers me. That is because I’ve experienced it in my life. My greatest struggles come at the times I realize my focus has been away from the Spritual power within me. Take as much time as you can to experience God’s presence. I’m not talking about hours at a time hidded in a closet praying away from everyone else. Instead, just an acknowledgement of His presence during some down time, thanking Him for your blessings while showering or putting your make-up on, 0r simply cherishing His company as you do your favorite activity. It’s really not complicated.

I really believe you will cherish this time with your Creator and seek more of it. You will be empowered and joyful, and you will see all areas of your life take shape, most likely the way you want them to. Please share your results. I will do the same. Enjoy the blessings : )

Gain Success By Rising Above Your Obstacles

Have you ever been on an airplane on a cloudy day? I always find it fascinating that you begin your journey in the clouds, not able to see anything below. Eventually you get to a point where you rise above the clouds. No matter how bad the weather on the ground is, you are now above it all, surrounded by sunny, blue skies.

I was reminded of this image as I prayed and meditated in church the other day. When you rely on the Godly power within you, you can easily bring yourself to a higher level. Instead of looking up at the cloudy skies and storms around you, rely on this power to bring you above the clouds. Even though storms are still going on, they are now below you. You have risen above into to the clear blue skies. Nothing can stop you now.

It is very important to maintain the attitude that your problems are below you. Yes, they still exist, and yes you need to conquer them. However, when you view your obstacles like you are far above them, the feeling of power and invincibility dominates instead of feeling overwhelmed and defeated. You have a greater confidence, things get done, and goals get accomplished.

Now is your time to fly. Don’t fly through the clouds. Instead, fly into the clear, sunny skies that await you as long as you rely on God’s power to excell. The power is limitless and it’s yours. Take it and fly with it. Enjoy the blessings : )

What Is Your Vision Of Success?

Do you believe you can succeed? The answer may be an obvious yes. Hopefully it is. However, there are many people who truly don’t believe they can reach their goals. It is often suggested to visualize success in the mind in order to develop the faith necessary to make it happen. However, sometimes people just can’t see success or the possibility of it through their own eyes.

How can one change this and enable themselves to visualize success? One excellent way that was suggested to me is to see all situations through God’s eyes instead of your own. Think about it for a minute. In God’s eyes all things are possible. In God’s eyes everything is good. In God’s eyes there is only love. the list can go on.

When we see things through God’s eyes we indeed see the possibility of success instead of our own doubt. We see and take advantage of the goodness in every situation instead of the negative and shortcomings. We see love in everybody and evything. When we do this, we automatically set ourselves up for our own success.

The next time you doubt the possibility of success, think again. Pray and visualize success through God’s eyes of infinite possibility. Visualize only the most ideal scenes and situations. Become so convinced of the achievement of your goal that no one, including yourself, can tell you otherwise. See the good, and love what you have. It’s a gift from God. He can see it, and so can you. Enjoy the blessings : )

An Extremely Helpful Visualization Technique

I have to admit, I have some quirky habits. One is that I am very good at remembering exact months and years that songs were popular. I can hear most songs and pinpoint it almost exactly. Some nights I enjoy listening to songs and deliberately putting myself back to that time in my life. I spend the three minutes or so visualizing the detail…what was I doing, who was I with, what was I watching on tv, where was I working or going to school, what was going on in the world, etc. I am very good at clearly re-living those events, and I actually feel like I went back in time for a few minutes. It definitely elevates my mood as well, and I often wake up the next morning with a smile on my face.

As I return now to 2013, many people talk about how creative visualization can help you accomplish your goals and create the life you are seeking. It’s a great idea, but it’s sometimes difficult for people to envision an event that has never occurred. As a result, they get frustrated, say it doesn’t work, etc. This can bring you further from where you want to be.

Visualization is a very helpful technique, and it has helped me develop the confidence I need and take the action necessary to accomplish goals. As mentioned, it’s not always easy to envision a future event. So how can you make it easier? You can practice by envisioning past events. Go back in time to a pleasant memory. Re-live the details. Where were you? How were you feeling? Who were you with? What were you doing? How did it look, feel, sound, taste, and smell?

It’s much easier to envision a past experience, especially a positive one. The key is to do all of those same things as you visualize a goal that you have for today. See it as if it’s happening. Where are you? How are you feeling? Who are you with? What are you doing? How does it look, feel, sound, taste, and smell?

When you live out your dreams in your mind with vivid details, your subconscious mind begins to believe it. It cannot tell the difference between a real and imagined event, so it’s assuming it’s real. This gives you the confidence you need to take the necessary action. Then you begin seeing results in the real world. It only gets better from there.

People say to avoid living in the past. I believe it’s true, we shouldn’t dwell on the past. However, why not use the same tecnhiques for reliving beautiful memories of the past in detail to create your beautiful life of the future and live the details. After all,,,”It’s a Beautiful Life” (Ace of Bass, December 1995).

Dare To Believe

It’s amazing how I’ve read certain quotes or Bible verses countless times, and then, just once, it stands out so powerfully. One such verse is 2 Corinthians 5:7. it says we walk by faith, not by sight.

I often discuss this concept on this site, yet sometimes forget to follow it myself. When I do follow the advice and walk by faith, great things happen, many of which I didn’t even see coming. The same is true for you or anyone else.

What is walking by faith? It is living by the definition of faith, which is the assurance of things hoped for and the certainty of what we do not see. You can do this in several ways. First, you need to know exactly what you want. Then, you visualize it taking place. Along with visualizing, it is very important to feel success. Enjoy the positive feelings you would feel if your goal was actually being realized. Another important point is to live by the “as if” philosophy. Be and do as if you alredy have what you want.

This is a great way to build your faith. We often don’t believe like we should because we don’t see the results. For example, people want more peaceful relationships, but they still see strife. We want more money, but still see the low bank balance. We want health and energy but still see a higher number on the scale. When you visualize the success you are seeking, you are walking by faith, regardless of what you see. In fact, when you are visualizing, you are seeing your success.

God provides miracles for people who believe. When you walk by faith you are setting yourself up for those miracles. Then you will also see the success you are dreaming about. I dare you to believe : )

A Simple Way To Instantly Increase Positive Results

We’re nine days into the new year. How are doing with your New Years intentions so far? For me…so far, so good. I am paying special attention to one of these intentions. One I listed last week is that I refuse to take no for an answer. When it comes to achieving my goals, I’m only accepting yes. No is not an option.

At this point you may be saying that, as a Christian, I should understand that God sometimes says no. I understand, and I will partially agree. After all, I am in no way trying to play God here and think that I know best. In fact, I have written some articles on this site and provided examples of situations in my life where I am eternally greatful that my prayers were denied. However, I believe it’s time to stop looking at unanswered prayers as a no.

I still believe God has two answers for our prayers. Instead of yes and no, let’s start seeing it this way…the answer is either yes or something better. That’s it. By looking at it that way, nothing less than a yes is an option. If it’s not a yes, it’s something better! By living this way, it will develop your faith, and enable the miracles you are seeking to come forth. Even if it’s not exactly the way you planned it, it’s the way God intended, which is always the best.

There is nothing stronger than belief. When you pray with the knowledge that your prayer will be answered with a yes or something better, you are injecting major faith into your prayers and into your mind. When you act upon that faith, you are doing your part. Your faithful action combined with God’s touch and power in your life can bring nothing but an abundance of miracles. That’s definitely the type of life I want to live.

I am refusing to even consider a no when it comes to achieving my goals. When I pray, I expect a yes or something better. I challenge you to do the same. Please share your blessings. Have an excellent day!

8 Goals To Help Jumpstart Your Success in 2013

I am very fond of lists that help me and others improve the quality of life. I found one such list on the Finer Minds website. I felt the need to share. The link to the full article is provided at the end of this post. Here are the 8 helpful suggestions to jumpstart your success in 2013:

1. Meditate each day.
2. Bring attention to your heart space.
3. Forgive yourself and others.
4. Stretch/Do yoga
5. Drink about 8 cups of water per day.
6. Get to bed by 10pm.
7. Wake up with the sun.
8. Surround yourself with positive people.

The reasoning for some of these is outlined in the article. The bottom line is that following these tips can certainly put your mind and energy in a more positive light.

I recommend you check out the remainder of the article. It has helped me so far, and I believe it can help you too. Here’s the link…..Enjoy the blessings : )

http://www.finerminds.com/manifesting/transition-into-2013/?utm_source=fmnl222&utm_medium=email&utm_content=transition2013&utm_campaign=fmnl222

Subliminal Success

I have recently become intrigued by the concept of subliminal videos. If you are not familiar with subliminal videos, they are videos which show hidden messages. Usually they are positive affirmations that quickly flash on the screen before you can read them or even see them. Some of these messages are also embedded into an audio format, such as ocean waves, thunderstorms, or a fire.

What is the purpose of subliminal videos and audios? And do they work? The purpose of subliminal affirmations is to positively affect the subconscious mind by repeating positive messages over and over again. You may ask, “can’t this be done by self-talk or just reading these messages? Yes, but the problem is this…in many cases your subconscious is so full of negative messages that, when it sees something positive, it doesn’t believe it. For example, suppose you are fully convinced that you are not intelligent. If someone were to tell you that you’re smart, you may think something like, “yeah right”. You don’t believe it, and it doesn’t get through to the subconscious. That’s where subliminal messages are helpful. The positive messages come through and are not stopped by negative thinking. Instead, the positive messages get through to the subconscious. When the subconscious hears and sees something enough, the negative thoughts that embedded are replaced with the positive thoughts you want to have. Eventually, you begin to act on those positive thoughts.

Do subliminal messages work? I am one who believes they do. However, in order to be effective, you need to watch and listen on a regular basis. Once is not enough. Subliminal videos and audios work best when watched on a daily basis for weeks at a time. That allows the positive messages to displace the negative ideas buried deep in the subconscious.

There are many subliminal videos that are available, depending on the area of your life you are trying to change. I choose one in particular to share here  for several reasons. This one is only 8 minutes long, so it doesn’t take a great deal of time. It also provides positive messages about several topics, such as wealth, sales, confidence, and positive thinking. The video messages are subliminal. The audio is not, but it provides very helpful information to back up the visual  messages. I strongly suggest you give it a try. Please let me know what you think. Have an excellent day!

http://youtu.be/uNQy-2uqdN8

2013 New Years Intentions

Wow, can you say deja vu? It seems like I was just discussing intentions for 2012. Now at the blink of an eye, we’re talking about a new year. 2012 was a good year. The disappointing thing is that I set goals for the year last year. Some progress was made, but I didn’t fully accomplish any of those goals. That simply cannot and will not happen this year. I will accept nothing less than full accomplishment of these goals.

I always say how thankful I am that God offers us a new start every 365 days (actually we get a new start each day. But you understand where I’m going with this, right?). This new year represents another opportunity to take life where I want it to go. I understand this may be of no interest to you. However, besides using this space to provide helpful information to others, I also like to occasionally use it as a personal reflection. Perhaps you can relate to some of these intentions. Here are my New Years intentions for 2013:

1. I am generally a good, positive person. However, I am also very self-centered. Going forward, I intend to focus my attention off myself. Instead, I seek God first, and determine ways I can be of service to other people around me, focusing more on their needs instead of mine.
2. Do it NOW!!! – Procrastination has been part of my vocabulary for way too long. Not anymore.
3. Double my income – This was on the list last year as well. I didn’t double my income, but it significantly increased. Let’s pray big and go all the way this year.
4. See and be the best in everything – I’ve accepted mediocrity for far too long. Only the best will be accepted now.
5. Erase doubt and refuse to take no for an answer – Instead, faith and persistence are this year’s buzz words.

I learn more every year that God has given me the ability to control the direction my life goes. Yes, it’s in His hands, but I believe He wants us to use our free will responsibly along with His guidance to live the most abundant, excellent life. With these goals, I am asking for some rapid, drastic changes in my life. I believe these are the prayers God wants to hear from us, and that He is more than willing to help accomplish these goals. If there is something here He doesn’t want me to have, He will only provide something better.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I sincerely hope this information helps or inspires, and that your New Years intentions are realized. Enjoy the blessings : )