Dear Friend,
I had a nice talk with my mom today. She'll soon be 74 and it's starting to show, tho' I don't let on. She just lost one of her older sisters, and I can see in her look that the prospect of life's end looms in her mind.
Like most parents and kids, there are things that my mom and I don't agree about. And she really does have the power to drive me insane if she is determined to. I could unload a mountain on her of what she loaded on us kids in our lifetimes.
But despite all of that. Despite all of the unfinished business between us. Despite all of the misunderstandings that will never be understood, I know that our time really is short now. So I'm just going to forget all of that and say, "Hi!" when I see her next. I'm just going to be a friend and listen. I think that's what adult children are for. What do you think?
All the best,
Hugh
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Emerging from the Gates of H*ll
Dear Friend,
A little over a week ago my sweet youngest daughter came home from her preschool class with the sniffles. Little did I know at the time that this insignificant event was actually the bloody tip of an influenza Blitzkrieg that would crush my little family like ants at a clogging convention.
Yes, that's right. The flu bug had a Pearl Harbor Day on the DeBurghs. For about five days I couldn't pull myself from bed or even see straight long enough to type a decent post. Of course my youngest is almost over it now, but it is slowly progressing through the rest of the family so I expect this to be a long week!
As my mind slowly awakens I will happily return to my explanation of the Way of the Passionate Warrior as a roadmap to personal peace and success.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!
All the best,
Hugh
A little over a week ago my sweet youngest daughter came home from her preschool class with the sniffles. Little did I know at the time that this insignificant event was actually the bloody tip of an influenza Blitzkrieg that would crush my little family like ants at a clogging convention.
Yes, that's right. The flu bug had a Pearl Harbor Day on the DeBurghs. For about five days I couldn't pull myself from bed or even see straight long enough to type a decent post. Of course my youngest is almost over it now, but it is slowly progressing through the rest of the family so I expect this to be a long week!
As my mind slowly awakens I will happily return to my explanation of the Way of the Passionate Warrior as a roadmap to personal peace and success.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!
All the best,
Hugh
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Doin' It the Hard Way
Dear Friend,
Why do some people always insist on doing things the hard way?
Why do folks intentionally make their lives harder than they ought to be when they don't have to? Why can't people just accept that, sometimes, the shortest distance between two points really is a straight line? Why can't these people just accept that happiness, peace and freedom are easy and cheap? And within anyone's grasp?
People want to believe that what they truly want in life is very hard to get. This helps to justify why they don't have it yet. But the logic is circular. It is because they make it hard to get that it is hard to get.
No one is standing in the way of your happiness, peace and freedom except you. Get out of your own way, and you'll have what you want.
How do you do this in your own life? Right now? Follow me as I introduce to you the Way of the Passionate Warrior. A blend of wisdom and drive that will put you exactly where you want to be in your life. These are skills and wisdom that will make you the director of your own life's play, instead of a mere spectator. You need this knowledge. Everyone does. Yet, historically, only a few have been privy to it. I will share it with you, if you choose.
I'm excited to work with you! I look forward to our time together.
Talk to you soon,
Hugh
Why do some people always insist on doing things the hard way?
Why do folks intentionally make their lives harder than they ought to be when they don't have to? Why can't people just accept that, sometimes, the shortest distance between two points really is a straight line? Why can't these people just accept that happiness, peace and freedom are easy and cheap? And within anyone's grasp?
People want to believe that what they truly want in life is very hard to get. This helps to justify why they don't have it yet. But the logic is circular. It is because they make it hard to get that it is hard to get.
No one is standing in the way of your happiness, peace and freedom except you. Get out of your own way, and you'll have what you want.
How do you do this in your own life? Right now? Follow me as I introduce to you the Way of the Passionate Warrior. A blend of wisdom and drive that will put you exactly where you want to be in your life. These are skills and wisdom that will make you the director of your own life's play, instead of a mere spectator. You need this knowledge. Everyone does. Yet, historically, only a few have been privy to it. I will share it with you, if you choose.
I'm excited to work with you! I look forward to our time together.
Talk to you soon,
Hugh
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Prison Break!
Dear Friend,
My kids, like most kids, are thrilled when they get a day off of school. Today, my youngest had a fever, and my oldest asked to stay home to act as babysitter. He's very good at this and it's cheaper than hiring one. But then he would miss a day of school.
My kids attend a non-traditional school where they advance at their own pace. As a result, most of the kids are way ahead of their public school counterparts. My oldest is several grades ahead of other kids his age, and, because he works at his own pace, missing a day here or there really doesn't matter.
My wife came from a strictly traditional background. She nixed the idea right off the bat. I was open to it. Is either of us right?
Kids are forced to go to school on a strict and routine schedule for several reasons.
First, if they are following a traditional curriculum, they will miss that day's lesson, and the information they miss may be critical to their score on an upcoming test. As I said, this factor does not apply for my son.
Second, they are being taught an important lesson - that you just have to force yourself sometimes to get out of bed and go to school, because if you learn that it's OK to let yourself start missing time whenever you feel like it, such behavior in the future job market will just get you fired.
Third, schools often act as babysitting services for working parents. No one will be home, and the children are too young or too potentially irresponsible to be left home alone. And the parents sure aren't going to spend good money on a babysitter, assuming that they could find one at the last minute which is doubtful, when free babysitting is available at the local public school.
Well, since in this case mom and dad work at home, and others are also here to help, the third reason doesn't hold up.
So it's down to number two.
I think that learning the discipline to get out of bed in the morning is a critical skill for any young person to learn. When they grow, they will set their eyes on a future target that is important to them, and they will need to achieve many intermediate steps along the way, some of which may not be much fun. If they fail to have the discipline to stick to their effort they will never achieve their greater goals.
In my son's case, and I think for most "tweeners" and teens, it is hard to see any greater goal that they are working towards. College seems so far away that it is almost impossible to contemplate. If he were in a traditional school and knew that, no matter what he did, he would probably have to wait until he was at least seventeen before he could get out with a diploma, school would look much more like a prison sentence with a fixed term to serve, rather than a goal to be achieved. The question would be, should I be a Trustee, always on my best behavior, and score points with the guards (get good grades), or just resent the fact that I'm being kept here for the heinous crime of being a kid at the start of the 21st Century?
Anyway, it doesn't matter much, 'cause his mom said he had to go and that's that.
Oh well. I feel for ya kid.
All the best,
Hugh
My kids, like most kids, are thrilled when they get a day off of school. Today, my youngest had a fever, and my oldest asked to stay home to act as babysitter. He's very good at this and it's cheaper than hiring one. But then he would miss a day of school.
My kids attend a non-traditional school where they advance at their own pace. As a result, most of the kids are way ahead of their public school counterparts. My oldest is several grades ahead of other kids his age, and, because he works at his own pace, missing a day here or there really doesn't matter.
My wife came from a strictly traditional background. She nixed the idea right off the bat. I was open to it. Is either of us right?
Kids are forced to go to school on a strict and routine schedule for several reasons.
First, if they are following a traditional curriculum, they will miss that day's lesson, and the information they miss may be critical to their score on an upcoming test. As I said, this factor does not apply for my son.
Second, they are being taught an important lesson - that you just have to force yourself sometimes to get out of bed and go to school, because if you learn that it's OK to let yourself start missing time whenever you feel like it, such behavior in the future job market will just get you fired.
Third, schools often act as babysitting services for working parents. No one will be home, and the children are too young or too potentially irresponsible to be left home alone. And the parents sure aren't going to spend good money on a babysitter, assuming that they could find one at the last minute which is doubtful, when free babysitting is available at the local public school.
Well, since in this case mom and dad work at home, and others are also here to help, the third reason doesn't hold up.
So it's down to number two.
I think that learning the discipline to get out of bed in the morning is a critical skill for any young person to learn. When they grow, they will set their eyes on a future target that is important to them, and they will need to achieve many intermediate steps along the way, some of which may not be much fun. If they fail to have the discipline to stick to their effort they will never achieve their greater goals.
In my son's case, and I think for most "tweeners" and teens, it is hard to see any greater goal that they are working towards. College seems so far away that it is almost impossible to contemplate. If he were in a traditional school and knew that, no matter what he did, he would probably have to wait until he was at least seventeen before he could get out with a diploma, school would look much more like a prison sentence with a fixed term to serve, rather than a goal to be achieved. The question would be, should I be a Trustee, always on my best behavior, and score points with the guards (get good grades), or just resent the fact that I'm being kept here for the heinous crime of being a kid at the start of the 21st Century?
Anyway, it doesn't matter much, 'cause his mom said he had to go and that's that.
Oh well. I feel for ya kid.
All the best,
Hugh
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Getting a Different Perspective, or Napping 101
Dear Friend,
On Sunday my family spent the day enjoying good weather. They walked by the shore, went shopping, and had a delicious dinner. I wasn't with them.
You see, I believe in spending quality time with my loved ones. And I do it as much as I can. But today I chose to be alone, and my wife let me.
Being alone once in a while is important. It can change your perspective on things. And if you are alone all of the time, you should make a special effort to spend time around those you care for. Change of environment is important for perspective. There are times that I form an opinion on something, and I'm confident in that opinion. Then, after an abrupt change of environment, everything looks different, and I am no longer so certain. Or uncertainty turns to confidence.
Changing your surroundings can change the character of the world around you, and you with it. So I try to do this as much as I can.
Being alone in particular is important because it forces you to come face to face with you. It is through being alone that you can begin to accept all aspects of you, the good and the not so good. When you are with others you will tend to emphasize your "public" face. This is those aspects of your persona that you believe others will like the most. But when you are alone, you can, if you choose, dare to begin to examine those aspects of you that you keep hidden from others.
Self-actualization requires that we embrace without judgment all aspects of our true self. A fully actualized person is at peace with the world because they are at peace within themselves. At some point in your life you must introduce yourself to your hidden personas. You must accept them as a part of you even if you don't like them much. You must come to love what you don't like about yourself, if you get my drift.
I could have spent my day on Sunday getting in touch with my "dark side." However, I was sleepy so I just took a long nap. That's good too, don't ya think?
Sometimes it's just good to relax. ;-)
Wishing you and yours a great week!
Hugh
On Sunday my family spent the day enjoying good weather. They walked by the shore, went shopping, and had a delicious dinner. I wasn't with them.
You see, I believe in spending quality time with my loved ones. And I do it as much as I can. But today I chose to be alone, and my wife let me.
Being alone once in a while is important. It can change your perspective on things. And if you are alone all of the time, you should make a special effort to spend time around those you care for. Change of environment is important for perspective. There are times that I form an opinion on something, and I'm confident in that opinion. Then, after an abrupt change of environment, everything looks different, and I am no longer so certain. Or uncertainty turns to confidence.
Changing your surroundings can change the character of the world around you, and you with it. So I try to do this as much as I can.
Being alone in particular is important because it forces you to come face to face with you. It is through being alone that you can begin to accept all aspects of you, the good and the not so good. When you are with others you will tend to emphasize your "public" face. This is those aspects of your persona that you believe others will like the most. But when you are alone, you can, if you choose, dare to begin to examine those aspects of you that you keep hidden from others.
Self-actualization requires that we embrace without judgment all aspects of our true self. A fully actualized person is at peace with the world because they are at peace within themselves. At some point in your life you must introduce yourself to your hidden personas. You must accept them as a part of you even if you don't like them much. You must come to love what you don't like about yourself, if you get my drift.
I could have spent my day on Sunday getting in touch with my "dark side." However, I was sleepy so I just took a long nap. That's good too, don't ya think?
Sometimes it's just good to relax. ;-)
Wishing you and yours a great week!
Hugh
Friday, March 20, 2009
Sign Up For That E-Course!
Dear Friend,
Unless you just landed from Mars you are quite aware of the recent financial insanity that has descended onto the world. A respected financial newsletter I follow stated that about 40% of the world's wealth has disappeared. This is hard to understand unless you are an economist, but needless to say it does not bode well for the average person's immediate future lifestyle.
What actually disappeared was the world's willingness to part with modern currency (money) in exchange for mechanisms that produce more money (investments). Since all of the financial markets on Earth are connected, when confidence in a big one falls (USA), they all fall down like a house of cards.
I'm not going to try and analyze why all of this happened. Plenty of people much more knowledgeable than me do that every day (and they are probably wrong!). But what I do want to talk about is how you can ensure that future financial debacles do not threaten your wealth.
First, you have to understand what wealth really is. Wealth is the degree to which you can persuade others to do what you want them to do, when you want them to do it. And there are three types of wealth, or of tools that you can use to get what you need from people. They are, in ascending degree of value, as follows: 1) force or threat of force (coercion), 2) tangible assets or money, and 3) knowledge and wisdom.
Coercion is the oldest and least powerful way to motivate others to help you. Yet, it continues to be used everyday by thugs and by governments to make people do things. The actions of thugs are obvious. But be aware that any law has meaning only to the degree that behind it, somewhere, is the image of a policeman and a gun. Government is the application of brute force, plain and simple. At least that's how George Washington described it.
The second best way to get what you want from people, and the most commonly used today, is to pay them. Employees and independent contractors work for you in exchange for money. Perhaps you work for others for money. "Money makes the world go around," is the old adage. The big weakness of money is that it has to be "stored" somehow after earning, and maintained. And there are so many ways to lose your money. I like to say that it is ten times harder to hold onto money than it is to earn it. That's why there are so many high-paid people but so few truly wealthy people. Having a lot of money can be a liability of sorts. And once you have it, you may feel the need to spend it on material things that you never really needed anyway. You may even fall under the common spell that material wealth will bring you happiness.
The best way to get people to do what you want them to do is to utilize knowledge and wisdom. For example, you can use your persuasive powers. Or you can utilize a carefully-crafted skill to earn just enough money at just the right moment. You can then use that newly-created money to get what you want. For these folks, there is no money storage issue. There is no loss of assets in a stock market crash or government mismanagement of the economy. With the power of persuasion and the knowledge and skills to make money on demand, you, in effect, become an ATM. You produce what you need. Like a government, you can (metaphorically speaking of course) print your own money.
It is the third method of persuasion that many people running Internet businesses are attempting to harness. Since the technologies are new, nobody really knows how to make it all work. But most of us in this field implicitly already know what I have just written. And, going into the 21st Century, it is more important than ever to convert your old, paper money into persuasive skills and knowledge. You will be investing in an asset that, at least at this point in history, nobody can steal from you.
So, by all means, order that new Internet wealth course. And attend that seminar on how to better persuade others. It will be the best investment that today's money can buy.
Thanks for following and all the best,
Hugh
Unless you just landed from Mars you are quite aware of the recent financial insanity that has descended onto the world. A respected financial newsletter I follow stated that about 40% of the world's wealth has disappeared. This is hard to understand unless you are an economist, but needless to say it does not bode well for the average person's immediate future lifestyle.
What actually disappeared was the world's willingness to part with modern currency (money) in exchange for mechanisms that produce more money (investments). Since all of the financial markets on Earth are connected, when confidence in a big one falls (USA), they all fall down like a house of cards.
I'm not going to try and analyze why all of this happened. Plenty of people much more knowledgeable than me do that every day (and they are probably wrong!). But what I do want to talk about is how you can ensure that future financial debacles do not threaten your wealth.
First, you have to understand what wealth really is. Wealth is the degree to which you can persuade others to do what you want them to do, when you want them to do it. And there are three types of wealth, or of tools that you can use to get what you need from people. They are, in ascending degree of value, as follows: 1) force or threat of force (coercion), 2) tangible assets or money, and 3) knowledge and wisdom.
Coercion is the oldest and least powerful way to motivate others to help you. Yet, it continues to be used everyday by thugs and by governments to make people do things. The actions of thugs are obvious. But be aware that any law has meaning only to the degree that behind it, somewhere, is the image of a policeman and a gun. Government is the application of brute force, plain and simple. At least that's how George Washington described it.
The second best way to get what you want from people, and the most commonly used today, is to pay them. Employees and independent contractors work for you in exchange for money. Perhaps you work for others for money. "Money makes the world go around," is the old adage. The big weakness of money is that it has to be "stored" somehow after earning, and maintained. And there are so many ways to lose your money. I like to say that it is ten times harder to hold onto money than it is to earn it. That's why there are so many high-paid people but so few truly wealthy people. Having a lot of money can be a liability of sorts. And once you have it, you may feel the need to spend it on material things that you never really needed anyway. You may even fall under the common spell that material wealth will bring you happiness.
The best way to get people to do what you want them to do is to utilize knowledge and wisdom. For example, you can use your persuasive powers. Or you can utilize a carefully-crafted skill to earn just enough money at just the right moment. You can then use that newly-created money to get what you want. For these folks, there is no money storage issue. There is no loss of assets in a stock market crash or government mismanagement of the economy. With the power of persuasion and the knowledge and skills to make money on demand, you, in effect, become an ATM. You produce what you need. Like a government, you can (metaphorically speaking of course) print your own money.
It is the third method of persuasion that many people running Internet businesses are attempting to harness. Since the technologies are new, nobody really knows how to make it all work. But most of us in this field implicitly already know what I have just written. And, going into the 21st Century, it is more important than ever to convert your old, paper money into persuasive skills and knowledge. You will be investing in an asset that, at least at this point in history, nobody can steal from you.
So, by all means, order that new Internet wealth course. And attend that seminar on how to better persuade others. It will be the best investment that today's money can buy.
Thanks for following and all the best,
Hugh
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The Great Coffee Heist
Dear Friend,
Yesterday morning, like most every weekday morning, I drove the kids to school and then headed over to a nearby coffee place to pick up a cup of my wife's favorite java. However, this morning was different. Now, I don't know whether I was just zonked out from the previous late night's work or what, but after carefully mixing her favorite formula of hazelnut coffee and Irish cream, I promptly walked out of the door. Yes, that's right, I forgot to pay.
Well, I was oblivious to this until I got about ten minutes down the road, when it hit me. I turned around at the next light and went back. When I got there I just walked up to the counter and paid. I am certain that the lady never knew what had happened.
Look, I know that this isn't exactly the riveting story of a great bank heist or something. It was just a cup of coffee. But me being me, I started to think about why I had done as I did (going back), and what other people might have done, and why. In the end, this silly coffee story addresses one of the most interesting questions that you can ask - "Why do people behave the way they do?"
After thinking on this deep question that grew out of a coffee theft I realized a few simple truths:
People do good either because they are acting on 1) fear, 2) programming (Momma said so) or 3) our deepest personal values. I also realized that society benefits regardless of our motive for doing good, but that we can never be truly happy unless our moral behavior is guided from our own personal core. Even when doing good, if you are doing it because that's what you were taught, you won't feel truly connected to that good act. True fulfillment comes from acting on our inner impulse, tempered with compassion and a steadfast respect for all beings.
So, do not fear challenging your most sacred personal programming. Even if you believe that what you were taught is true and right, only by challenging it can you make it truly your own. In this way you form your inner moral core, from which will spring your greatest sense of personal satisfaction.
Wow! How did that come from a cup of coffee? I need to get a hobby...
All the best,
Hugh
Yesterday morning, like most every weekday morning, I drove the kids to school and then headed over to a nearby coffee place to pick up a cup of my wife's favorite java. However, this morning was different. Now, I don't know whether I was just zonked out from the previous late night's work or what, but after carefully mixing her favorite formula of hazelnut coffee and Irish cream, I promptly walked out of the door. Yes, that's right, I forgot to pay.
Well, I was oblivious to this until I got about ten minutes down the road, when it hit me. I turned around at the next light and went back. When I got there I just walked up to the counter and paid. I am certain that the lady never knew what had happened.
Look, I know that this isn't exactly the riveting story of a great bank heist or something. It was just a cup of coffee. But me being me, I started to think about why I had done as I did (going back), and what other people might have done, and why. In the end, this silly coffee story addresses one of the most interesting questions that you can ask - "Why do people behave the way they do?"
After thinking on this deep question that grew out of a coffee theft I realized a few simple truths:
People do good either because they are acting on 1) fear, 2) programming (Momma said so) or 3) our deepest personal values. I also realized that society benefits regardless of our motive for doing good, but that we can never be truly happy unless our moral behavior is guided from our own personal core. Even when doing good, if you are doing it because that's what you were taught, you won't feel truly connected to that good act. True fulfillment comes from acting on our inner impulse, tempered with compassion and a steadfast respect for all beings.
So, do not fear challenging your most sacred personal programming. Even if you believe that what you were taught is true and right, only by challenging it can you make it truly your own. In this way you form your inner moral core, from which will spring your greatest sense of personal satisfaction.
Wow! How did that come from a cup of coffee? I need to get a hobby...
All the best,
Hugh
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Counting My Blessings
Dear Friend,
Yesterday was my oldest daughter's birthday. She turned nine years old. She said that she was afraid that no one seemed to care that it was her birthday anymore. So I asked her about her day. The text of the interview is below:
Q. "So, what did you do for your birthday?"
A. "Well, I went to school, 'cause it was a schoolday. At school the kids and teacher sang "Happy Birthday" to me in Spanish (they always do it that way) and we ate cookies. That night my family took me out to eat at my favorite Japanese restaurant. They sang happy birthday to me while beating a drum, and made a face carved out of oranges for me for dessert. Then when we got home my aunt brought over a vanilla cake with chocolate icing and everybody (except dad, who was in the bathroom) sang happy birthday to me. That was yesterday. Today, after school and karate practice my great-aunt made me a giant strawberry shortcake - 8 inches tall! Everybody sang "Happy Birthday" to me again. [Hugh's Note: do we have to pay royalties for all of that singing?] Daddy, I'm sad that nobody notices my birthday anymore. Do you think anybody loves me?"
Moral of this story? We all feel sorry for ourselves once in a while. When you do, count your blessings. Be thankful for everything you have. It sounds corny, but it is actually quite profound. I do it. So trust me. You just have to give it a try.
All the best,
Hugh
Yesterday was my oldest daughter's birthday. She turned nine years old. She said that she was afraid that no one seemed to care that it was her birthday anymore. So I asked her about her day. The text of the interview is below:
Q. "So, what did you do for your birthday?"
A. "Well, I went to school, 'cause it was a schoolday. At school the kids and teacher sang "Happy Birthday" to me in Spanish (they always do it that way) and we ate cookies. That night my family took me out to eat at my favorite Japanese restaurant. They sang happy birthday to me while beating a drum, and made a face carved out of oranges for me for dessert. Then when we got home my aunt brought over a vanilla cake with chocolate icing and everybody (except dad, who was in the bathroom) sang happy birthday to me. That was yesterday. Today, after school and karate practice my great-aunt made me a giant strawberry shortcake - 8 inches tall! Everybody sang "Happy Birthday" to me again. [Hugh's Note: do we have to pay royalties for all of that singing?] Daddy, I'm sad that nobody notices my birthday anymore. Do you think anybody loves me?"
Moral of this story? We all feel sorry for ourselves once in a while. When you do, count your blessings. Be thankful for everything you have. It sounds corny, but it is actually quite profound. I do it. So trust me. You just have to give it a try.
All the best,
Hugh
Nagging for Health
Dear Friend,
OK. I admit it. There are some things that we really want to achieve that are not directly connected to the passion in our lives. For me, one of those things is physical fitness.
I have always oscillated between very good fitness and couch potato status. I have gone for years, working out diligently, slimming down and feeling great. Then some big event will happen (a new job, new girl, or a move) and I'll lose my momentum. Then I'll go for years hardly working out at all. Like many people, my weight has done the roller-coaster ride. Scales have never been my friends. And once I get stuck in a rut, I have a hard time getting back on the horse.
The fact is, exercising is something that I'm not passionate about. I love being in great shape. I just am not that crazy about what I have to do to get there.
The problem, of course, is that physical fitness is not an option. If we let go of our bodies, eventually they will let go of us. And I plan to live a long, healthy life.
So recently, my 10 year old son decided that it was time for dad to get back in shape. You see, he's a health nut. I drink diet soda (and get fat) while he sticks to fruit juice. So he sets me up with a pretty decent regimen, and religiously nags me to exercise daily. His program gives me a great workout. I always finish covered in perspiration and breathing deeply (now that's an interesting mental image). I know that it is doing wonders for my health.
My point here (and you notice that I always seem to have a point in there somewhere ;-)), is that, sometimes, discipline and just plain old determination are necessary to achieve things that you have to do, whether you like doing them or not. Another important point is how critical to my success a cheering (and nagging) loved one has been, always nearby, making sure that I keep up what they know I really want to achieve anyway.
I'm a lucky guy. I hope that you are too.
All the best,
Hugh
OK. I admit it. There are some things that we really want to achieve that are not directly connected to the passion in our lives. For me, one of those things is physical fitness.
I have always oscillated between very good fitness and couch potato status. I have gone for years, working out diligently, slimming down and feeling great. Then some big event will happen (a new job, new girl, or a move) and I'll lose my momentum. Then I'll go for years hardly working out at all. Like many people, my weight has done the roller-coaster ride. Scales have never been my friends. And once I get stuck in a rut, I have a hard time getting back on the horse.
The fact is, exercising is something that I'm not passionate about. I love being in great shape. I just am not that crazy about what I have to do to get there.
The problem, of course, is that physical fitness is not an option. If we let go of our bodies, eventually they will let go of us. And I plan to live a long, healthy life.
So recently, my 10 year old son decided that it was time for dad to get back in shape. You see, he's a health nut. I drink diet soda (and get fat) while he sticks to fruit juice. So he sets me up with a pretty decent regimen, and religiously nags me to exercise daily. His program gives me a great workout. I always finish covered in perspiration and breathing deeply (now that's an interesting mental image). I know that it is doing wonders for my health.
My point here (and you notice that I always seem to have a point in there somewhere ;-)), is that, sometimes, discipline and just plain old determination are necessary to achieve things that you have to do, whether you like doing them or not. Another important point is how critical to my success a cheering (and nagging) loved one has been, always nearby, making sure that I keep up what they know I really want to achieve anyway.
I'm a lucky guy. I hope that you are too.
All the best,
Hugh
Monday, March 16, 2009
Kid's Have It, Adults Don't - Why?
Dear Friend,
My wife and I spent last night watching ABC's "Dancing With the Stars." Now, Lord knows I'm no great dancer, but it's fun to watch the amateurs improve, especially those who clearly go into this show without a clue.
What struck me in particular was one competitor who I really don't consider an amateur. She's Shawn Johnson, a 17-year-old 2008 Olympic gold medal gymnast who also sung the national anthem at last years Democratic National Convention. She's also the youngest competitor on the show, ever.
Now, I think that it's kind of unfair to set up other dance competitors like Steve Wozniak, one of Apple Computer's co-founders and basically a hefty and much older geek, against the likes of a 17-year-old Olympian.
Shawn did a fantastic job, and earned high scores for her performance from the dance judges. However, what really hit me was not her dancing, but her demeanor. She was the classic perky teen. Huge, bright smile, incredible energy, and total enthusiasm. I realized at that moment that what she exuded naturally is exactly what I try to get adults to find and experience in themselves everyday. Why is it so hard for most people to find what this young lady has so naturally?
All of us, at some young point in our lives, knew how to have fun. We knew how to take on life without fear or hesitation. And we did what we loved, regardless of opposition.
Then something happened. We "grew up." And, after many years of playing the grown up, many of us are now trying to find those same youthful personality characteristics in ourselves again. We need them!
We read books, work with coaches, and try to learn how to be at our "best." But all we are doing is learning how to "unlearn" all of that serious "grown-up" acting that we took on back then so that we could survive and thrive in a grown-up world.
Well, guess what, we were wrong. We are all wrong. You want to excel? You want to kick a** in life? Don't grow up! Hold onto all of those child-like characteristics that make young people like Shawn a champion at everything she attempts. And if you have already grown up, then it's time to regress.
Get in touch with your childhood. Remember your life as it used to be. Remember what it's like to play! Because living with passion doesn't mean trying to use more energy than you have so that you can push the world in front of you. Passion is the word that describes what naturally exudes from anyone who is playing at what they love. Play at life, and success in whatever you love will come easily. Not easily because it requires no exertion. But easy because having fun is a pleasure.
Talk to you soon,
Hugh
My wife and I spent last night watching ABC's "Dancing With the Stars." Now, Lord knows I'm no great dancer, but it's fun to watch the amateurs improve, especially those who clearly go into this show without a clue.
What struck me in particular was one competitor who I really don't consider an amateur. She's Shawn Johnson, a 17-year-old 2008 Olympic gold medal gymnast who also sung the national anthem at last years Democratic National Convention. She's also the youngest competitor on the show, ever.
Now, I think that it's kind of unfair to set up other dance competitors like Steve Wozniak, one of Apple Computer's co-founders and basically a hefty and much older geek, against the likes of a 17-year-old Olympian.
Shawn did a fantastic job, and earned high scores for her performance from the dance judges. However, what really hit me was not her dancing, but her demeanor. She was the classic perky teen. Huge, bright smile, incredible energy, and total enthusiasm. I realized at that moment that what she exuded naturally is exactly what I try to get adults to find and experience in themselves everyday. Why is it so hard for most people to find what this young lady has so naturally?
All of us, at some young point in our lives, knew how to have fun. We knew how to take on life without fear or hesitation. And we did what we loved, regardless of opposition.
Then something happened. We "grew up." And, after many years of playing the grown up, many of us are now trying to find those same youthful personality characteristics in ourselves again. We need them!
We read books, work with coaches, and try to learn how to be at our "best." But all we are doing is learning how to "unlearn" all of that serious "grown-up" acting that we took on back then so that we could survive and thrive in a grown-up world.
Well, guess what, we were wrong. We are all wrong. You want to excel? You want to kick a** in life? Don't grow up! Hold onto all of those child-like characteristics that make young people like Shawn a champion at everything she attempts. And if you have already grown up, then it's time to regress.
Get in touch with your childhood. Remember your life as it used to be. Remember what it's like to play! Because living with passion doesn't mean trying to use more energy than you have so that you can push the world in front of you. Passion is the word that describes what naturally exudes from anyone who is playing at what they love. Play at life, and success in whatever you love will come easily. Not easily because it requires no exertion. But easy because having fun is a pleasure.
Talk to you soon,
Hugh
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Tweeting on Twitter
Dear Friend,
I've been hanging out on the Twitter online social network lately. If that sounds like Chinese to you, then let me explain.
Twitter.com is like a mini blog website. You can post tiny messages that are immediately broadcast to a group of folks who have chosen to "follow" you.
Honestly, my nature is rather shy. I'm no social butterfly. But I have found Twitter to be quite a good way to link up with other people who have similar views. It has also given me a good chance to try out my ideas on people before committing things to my blog.
Twitter is mentioned as a vehicle for promoting your business, establishing your professional credentials with the general public, and for networking with other people who you might never have met otherwise. It is a worldwide resource. It is also just hitting it's stride in popularity, apparently.
Social networking websites like Twitter are quite a phenomenon. Many of the "Tweeters" as they are called are movie stars and TV personalities. However, others are ordinary people who just seem to be popular with other folks on the network.
I'll keep you informed on my opinions of Twitter and the social networking phenomenon generally. Regardless, you should familiarize yourself with it and consider whether these websites might have a place in your business, personal or special interest life.
All the best,
Hugh
I've been hanging out on the Twitter online social network lately. If that sounds like Chinese to you, then let me explain.
Twitter.com is like a mini blog website. You can post tiny messages that are immediately broadcast to a group of folks who have chosen to "follow" you.
Honestly, my nature is rather shy. I'm no social butterfly. But I have found Twitter to be quite a good way to link up with other people who have similar views. It has also given me a good chance to try out my ideas on people before committing things to my blog.
Twitter is mentioned as a vehicle for promoting your business, establishing your professional credentials with the general public, and for networking with other people who you might never have met otherwise. It is a worldwide resource. It is also just hitting it's stride in popularity, apparently.
Social networking websites like Twitter are quite a phenomenon. Many of the "Tweeters" as they are called are movie stars and TV personalities. However, others are ordinary people who just seem to be popular with other folks on the network.
I'll keep you informed on my opinions of Twitter and the social networking phenomenon generally. Regardless, you should familiarize yourself with it and consider whether these websites might have a place in your business, personal or special interest life.
All the best,
Hugh
Friday, March 13, 2009
The Power of Positive Thinking - Part 2
Dear Friend,
Yesterday, I wrote about the Power of Positive Thinking. Today I'd like to talk a bit about the challenges that you will likely face in bringing that Power into your life.
How many of us have gotten pumped up by powerful ideas, certain that we can implement them in our lives, and yet within days, or even hours, we have nearly forgotten about them? Why does this happen, and how can we make sure that we don't lose focus?
There are a couple of ways to approach this problem, because there are various factors that typically play a large role in preventing us from directing our lives where we really want them to go.
First there is ourselves. Specifically, our bad habits. Unless great effort is made to train ourselves to follow new, positive habits, our old habits will always take hold and guide us back to our old lives. Know that if we are following our true life's purpose, then our natural passion will act as a virtual shot of adrenalin to make it easier to kick-start these changes and make them permanent. Without that passion, only the most disciplined among us are likely to succeed in changing old habits. Anyone who has ever tried to quit smoking or any other bad habit understands what I am talking about.
Second, there are those around us. Regardless of how much positive energy that we carry with us to achieve an important objective, those people who are closest to us have a huge amount of power to deflate that energy at the moment when it is most easily upset and tenuous. Essentially, who you associate with has a great deal to do with how hard it will be for you to achieve your dreams. This point becomes doubly difficult when we consider that most of us are surrounded by people who we cannot easily distance ourselves from. That is, our extended family. If you want to fully achieve your potential, you must intentionally surround yourself with people who support your efforts and who challenge you to grow. If you find yourself in the opposite situation, you may be faced with a difficult and painful decision. Under these circumstances, regardless of your initial excitement and drive, most of us will take the easier, safer route and simply slide back into our old life.
This subject could fill several books, and does. I simply want to communicate how complex initiating a new direction in your life can be, and the areas where you should expect some friction and conflict to arise. When people innocently begin this sort of initiative they are often caught off guard by the degree of opposition and difficulty they run into, and this resistance generally quickly drains folks of whatever positive energy that they started out with.
I'm not trying to deflate your energy or excitement. And by no means am I saying that you cannot achieve anything that you want to if you simply apply yourself consistently, because you can. Rather, I am saying that it is unwise to be naive about what you will likely face when you decide to dump the life of a sleeping robot and seize the life you were meant to live. The life of a Passionate Warrior.
I wish you the best. I know that you will succeed.
Talk to you soon,
Hugh
Yesterday, I wrote about the Power of Positive Thinking. Today I'd like to talk a bit about the challenges that you will likely face in bringing that Power into your life.
How many of us have gotten pumped up by powerful ideas, certain that we can implement them in our lives, and yet within days, or even hours, we have nearly forgotten about them? Why does this happen, and how can we make sure that we don't lose focus?
There are a couple of ways to approach this problem, because there are various factors that typically play a large role in preventing us from directing our lives where we really want them to go.
First there is ourselves. Specifically, our bad habits. Unless great effort is made to train ourselves to follow new, positive habits, our old habits will always take hold and guide us back to our old lives. Know that if we are following our true life's purpose, then our natural passion will act as a virtual shot of adrenalin to make it easier to kick-start these changes and make them permanent. Without that passion, only the most disciplined among us are likely to succeed in changing old habits. Anyone who has ever tried to quit smoking or any other bad habit understands what I am talking about.
Second, there are those around us. Regardless of how much positive energy that we carry with us to achieve an important objective, those people who are closest to us have a huge amount of power to deflate that energy at the moment when it is most easily upset and tenuous. Essentially, who you associate with has a great deal to do with how hard it will be for you to achieve your dreams. This point becomes doubly difficult when we consider that most of us are surrounded by people who we cannot easily distance ourselves from. That is, our extended family. If you want to fully achieve your potential, you must intentionally surround yourself with people who support your efforts and who challenge you to grow. If you find yourself in the opposite situation, you may be faced with a difficult and painful decision. Under these circumstances, regardless of your initial excitement and drive, most of us will take the easier, safer route and simply slide back into our old life.
This subject could fill several books, and does. I simply want to communicate how complex initiating a new direction in your life can be, and the areas where you should expect some friction and conflict to arise. When people innocently begin this sort of initiative they are often caught off guard by the degree of opposition and difficulty they run into, and this resistance generally quickly drains folks of whatever positive energy that they started out with.
I'm not trying to deflate your energy or excitement. And by no means am I saying that you cannot achieve anything that you want to if you simply apply yourself consistently, because you can. Rather, I am saying that it is unwise to be naive about what you will likely face when you decide to dump the life of a sleeping robot and seize the life you were meant to live. The life of a Passionate Warrior.
I wish you the best. I know that you will succeed.
Talk to you soon,
Hugh
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The Power of Positive Thinking
Dear Friend,
Everyone's heard it before. Utilize the "Power of Positive Thinking." It has almost become a cliche. "Have a positive attitude and positive things will happen to you." But is it just a bunch of hooey? And if not, how many people actually practice it successfully?
First and foremost, you need to understand what the Power of Positive Thinking really is. I'm not talking about walking around all day with a goofy smile on your face. I mean, there's nothing wrong with smiling, nothing at all. But for some people it just doesn't come as naturally as for others.
The Power is simply the effect of your own focused wielding of some of the tools that you already have to make your dreams and desires into reality. It is the positive application of the mental and emotional power that you may never have realized was within your grasp.
Your mind and your emotions can be your worst enemies or your best friends. They can be tools to achieve the life you want, or they can be allowed to run wild and become an obsticle to achievement. It's up to you to master them, or they will control you.
The Power of Positive Thinking is really the power of directed thought and emotion. All thoughts and emotions will effect your future. If you want a "positive" future (one that brings you the life you desire), then you will need to regularly imagine yourself and your life as if you have already succeeded. When you start to feel negative thoughts coming on, you must train yourself to ignore them.
You know (or should know) what you want to happen in your life. You can ignore those dreams (and some do), or you can think on them. If you do consider them, you can choose to envision your life as it will be when you succeed, or you can worry about all the things that can happen that would lead to failure.
Worry makes failure more likely. Positive vision makes success more likely. That's the power of positive thinking in a nutshell. If you aren't consciously aware of your thoughts, you are probably worrying, and thus unintentionally sabotaging your own efforts. Once you become conscious of your thoughts and emotions, you are in a position to direct them as tools for the achievement of your dreams.
This Power is huge. Much more so than most people imagine. And it has been consistently utilized by the most successful members of human society for millennia. You simply cannot afford not to put it to work for you.
Think about how you can incorporate the Power of Positive Thinking into your everyday life. For some, this may involve goofy smiling. But just as often it may simply involve consciously focusing your thoughts and emotions on positive outcomes in your life.
Good luck!
Hugh
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
You Can't Do That!
"You can't do that!" Those words make me cringe. They are the wet blanket that has crushed so much greatness before it ever got off the ground. May they die in h*ll.
Strong words. Strong feelings. Those four words are the primary weapon of the ignorant. They are designed to hold you back and sew doubt. They just may be the four most destructive words in existence.
I live in a quiet, rural area. Several years ago, I volunteered to serve on the Board of Directors of a local non-profit. I figured that it would help keep me busy, and I might do some good. Retiring at 40 causes you to consider doing all sorts of good works in your "spare" time.
Anyway, I got on this Board and it quickly became apparent that, though the organization had no money, the community needed what it had to offer and it had the potential to explode in growth. There were passionate people involved. And there was interest from a nearby (and wealthier) region to expand the services of the organization. This expansion could mean the possibility of raising real money and really doing some good in our greater community.
Several of us put together a vision, and, seeing we were on the same path, started to implement it. My wife and I bootstrapped the creation of a new branch in the wealthy neighboring region just by talking it up.
"You can't do that!" Those words slipped out of the mouth of an academic on the Board when we communicated our vision. "So-in-so organization doesn't do that and they are bigger than us," she said. "So what?" I replied.
The goals were ambitious. But we had momentum on our side. Lots of it, it seemed. And a very bright group of people in the new region who could make all of this happen. Yet that academic's corrosive words began to eat into the Boards' confidence. "What if we are being too ambitious?" they said. Other members were just looking for a sign of which way the wind would blow. A few more nay-sayers began mumbling. We were at a critical tipping point. And laziness won out over vision. The opportunity was missed.
Eventually, the Board members left for greener pastures, and were replaced by a new army of real duds. "Huh?" was the best that they could do when presented with the vision. They were lazy. And this might involve some work. "Nah." "Things are just fine," they said.
The activists who anchored the new satellite community group saw this attitude problem in the Board and promptly seceded. They didn't need dead weight holding them back. They had already raised more money in a few weeks than the original organization had ever raised in its existence at one time.
Unfortunately, things weren't "just fine." Now, with a declining economy and the loss of momentum, the original organization has lost most of its participants and funding. It's very existence is at risk.
I failed. And considering the opposition arrayed against growth, I quit. Should I have stayed and fought on? Perhaps. My wife thought so at the time. The truth is that the negative energy of a group of nay-sayers can drain the positive energy right out of you. That negative energy is powerful and highly contagious. Who you associate with can have a big influence on how successful you are in all areas of your life. This group's attitude repulsed me. My emotional instinct was to get away from it. I weighed the chances of success against the energy drain that would effect me in everything I did, and I decided that this was not the place to draw the line. No matter what I did, I was fighting a losing battle. Then again, maybe I just gave up.
You have to pick your battles carefully. And I just didn't expect that kind of reaction. I was blind-sided, and that was that.
At least a new, independent organization rose out of these ashes, in the nearby wealthy community. It seems to be thriving. So some good did come from these efforts.
Sometimes it's grow or die, folks. Those four words, "You Can't Do That," can be just enough, at just the right moment, to tip the scales in favor of death and loss.
Do me a personal favor. Don't use them. If you find yourself using them, catch yourself, and think again. Opportunity is a fragile and fleeting thing. Nurture it. And if you can, defend it better than I did!
All the best,
Hugh
Strong words. Strong feelings. Those four words are the primary weapon of the ignorant. They are designed to hold you back and sew doubt. They just may be the four most destructive words in existence.
I live in a quiet, rural area. Several years ago, I volunteered to serve on the Board of Directors of a local non-profit. I figured that it would help keep me busy, and I might do some good. Retiring at 40 causes you to consider doing all sorts of good works in your "spare" time.
Anyway, I got on this Board and it quickly became apparent that, though the organization had no money, the community needed what it had to offer and it had the potential to explode in growth. There were passionate people involved. And there was interest from a nearby (and wealthier) region to expand the services of the organization. This expansion could mean the possibility of raising real money and really doing some good in our greater community.
Several of us put together a vision, and, seeing we were on the same path, started to implement it. My wife and I bootstrapped the creation of a new branch in the wealthy neighboring region just by talking it up.
"You can't do that!" Those words slipped out of the mouth of an academic on the Board when we communicated our vision. "So-in-so organization doesn't do that and they are bigger than us," she said. "So what?" I replied.
The goals were ambitious. But we had momentum on our side. Lots of it, it seemed. And a very bright group of people in the new region who could make all of this happen. Yet that academic's corrosive words began to eat into the Boards' confidence. "What if we are being too ambitious?" they said. Other members were just looking for a sign of which way the wind would blow. A few more nay-sayers began mumbling. We were at a critical tipping point. And laziness won out over vision. The opportunity was missed.
Eventually, the Board members left for greener pastures, and were replaced by a new army of real duds. "Huh?" was the best that they could do when presented with the vision. They were lazy. And this might involve some work. "Nah." "Things are just fine," they said.
The activists who anchored the new satellite community group saw this attitude problem in the Board and promptly seceded. They didn't need dead weight holding them back. They had already raised more money in a few weeks than the original organization had ever raised in its existence at one time.
Unfortunately, things weren't "just fine." Now, with a declining economy and the loss of momentum, the original organization has lost most of its participants and funding. It's very existence is at risk.
I failed. And considering the opposition arrayed against growth, I quit. Should I have stayed and fought on? Perhaps. My wife thought so at the time. The truth is that the negative energy of a group of nay-sayers can drain the positive energy right out of you. That negative energy is powerful and highly contagious. Who you associate with can have a big influence on how successful you are in all areas of your life. This group's attitude repulsed me. My emotional instinct was to get away from it. I weighed the chances of success against the energy drain that would effect me in everything I did, and I decided that this was not the place to draw the line. No matter what I did, I was fighting a losing battle. Then again, maybe I just gave up.
You have to pick your battles carefully. And I just didn't expect that kind of reaction. I was blind-sided, and that was that.
At least a new, independent organization rose out of these ashes, in the nearby wealthy community. It seems to be thriving. So some good did come from these efforts.
Sometimes it's grow or die, folks. Those four words, "You Can't Do That," can be just enough, at just the right moment, to tip the scales in favor of death and loss.
Do me a personal favor. Don't use them. If you find yourself using them, catch yourself, and think again. Opportunity is a fragile and fleeting thing. Nurture it. And if you can, defend it better than I did!
All the best,
Hugh
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Living Forever
Dear Friend,
Current scientific advancements point to the possibility that many people alive today will live forever.
I recently read in a book that, "the suffering, humiliation, and loneliness of a human being can now be extended for years." Wow! How cynical. Yet this attitude is common in many people today, who fear the prospect of an unusually long (by today's standards) life. First, they likely perceive a long life as just a painful extension of the dying process. They imagine being old and decrepit, living at the doctor's office, always recovering from one surgery or another. But, in the future, there is a very good chance, a likelihood I think, that life spans will not only be extended, but that your body will reverse it's dying process - a process that we today know as "aging."
There is no reason for the human body to age. It does not wear out as most people think. The human body continually renews itself. Cells die, and new cells are born to replace them. The problem seems to be that over time, DNA becomes damaged, and the new replacement cells form with subtle flaws. Over time, these flaws compound, and the result is a dying body. Yet science seems to be quite close (10 to 20 years max) to developing the ability to repair DNA. Even to improve on it. In other words, despite what you see in front of you today, human kind is decades away from a fountain of youth.
This is a seminal moment for all life on this planet. Take care of yourself. Within 10 to 20 years, those who can afford it will be able to extend their life span by one year for each year they live. Aging stops. In subsequent years the life span will be extended faster than you age. Then the reversal of the aging process will take place. In the early years, this science, like all new technologies, will be experimental and imperfect. It will also be incredibly expensive, as all new technologies are. However, within a short time the price for life extension should drop precipitously and the quality should improve at the same rate.
If you are healthy when all of this is going on, perhaps you will be able to wait until the science gets cheap and reliable. However, if you are in bad shape, you will have to dig deep into your pockets. And demand for this technology will be high while availability will be limited. For many who cannot dream to afford such treatments, death in the traditional manner will look them square in the eye. We can expect social unrest from those who feel discriminated against because of their state of "poverty." Nevertheless, you might want to protect your health and squirrel away as much money as you can (though I know not where in these times) in preparation for the miracles that are almost here.
In light of this information, how might you approach your life differently?
All the best,
Hugh
Current scientific advancements point to the possibility that many people alive today will live forever.
I recently read in a book that, "the suffering, humiliation, and loneliness of a human being can now be extended for years." Wow! How cynical. Yet this attitude is common in many people today, who fear the prospect of an unusually long (by today's standards) life. First, they likely perceive a long life as just a painful extension of the dying process. They imagine being old and decrepit, living at the doctor's office, always recovering from one surgery or another. But, in the future, there is a very good chance, a likelihood I think, that life spans will not only be extended, but that your body will reverse it's dying process - a process that we today know as "aging."
There is no reason for the human body to age. It does not wear out as most people think. The human body continually renews itself. Cells die, and new cells are born to replace them. The problem seems to be that over time, DNA becomes damaged, and the new replacement cells form with subtle flaws. Over time, these flaws compound, and the result is a dying body. Yet science seems to be quite close (10 to 20 years max) to developing the ability to repair DNA. Even to improve on it. In other words, despite what you see in front of you today, human kind is decades away from a fountain of youth.
This is a seminal moment for all life on this planet. Take care of yourself. Within 10 to 20 years, those who can afford it will be able to extend their life span by one year for each year they live. Aging stops. In subsequent years the life span will be extended faster than you age. Then the reversal of the aging process will take place. In the early years, this science, like all new technologies, will be experimental and imperfect. It will also be incredibly expensive, as all new technologies are. However, within a short time the price for life extension should drop precipitously and the quality should improve at the same rate.
If you are healthy when all of this is going on, perhaps you will be able to wait until the science gets cheap and reliable. However, if you are in bad shape, you will have to dig deep into your pockets. And demand for this technology will be high while availability will be limited. For many who cannot dream to afford such treatments, death in the traditional manner will look them square in the eye. We can expect social unrest from those who feel discriminated against because of their state of "poverty." Nevertheless, you might want to protect your health and squirrel away as much money as you can (though I know not where in these times) in preparation for the miracles that are almost here.
In light of this information, how might you approach your life differently?
All the best,
Hugh
Monday, March 9, 2009
Enjoy Getting Up in the Morning
Dear Friend,
For those of us in the United States (most of it, anyway), today was our first work day of daylight savings time. For those of you who don't know, when daylight savings time comes into effect, the clocks are set back (in the Fall) or set forward (in the Spring) by one hour. This means that this morning most of us USA folks lost an hour of sleep.
If you didn't like waking up on Monday morning before, you sure hated it today. Just another reason to live a life that pulls you out of bed every day, full of energy and excitement (no, there are no drugs involved). I'm talking about living life with passion, following your unique life path, regardless of what anyone else thinks. I'm talking about no more going to work at a job that bores you. Or worse.
The Way of the Passionate Warrior lifestyle can help you to grab hold of your everyday existence and change it for the better. You won't ever look back.
All the best,
Hugh
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Precocious Four Year Olds
Dear Friend,
I have a four year old who has decided that she doesn't have to behave like the other kids. She is warm, funny and charming, and, unfortunately, she knows it.
I have often told my wife that she (my daughter that is) is a royal pain in my a** to raise, but I am thrilled that she has the brains and personality that she does, as they will serve her well in adulthood.
The fact is, those traits that make for an easy child - quiet, compliant, quick to please - are also unfortunate personality traits for a person who needs to be focusing on self discovery rather than adult pleasing.
I believe that many of today's adults were brow-beaten as children into ignoring their natural love of learning and impulses to curiosity, in favor of behavior that was easier for their parents to manage and more socially acceptable among the neighbors. The result is a generation of compliant adults who often don't stand up for themselves, don't accept responsibility for the natural consequences of their own actions or for their future, and have no idea who they really are or what their central life's purpose is.
It's a shame. No, it's a tragedy. And it's very dangerous in a democracy. Nevertheless, here we are. And any of us as individuals need not accept this state of affairs in our own life. We can break out of our programming and begin to live our true lives, our way. It's the only way to live. And it's the only hope for humanity's future.
Talk to you soon,
Hugh
I have a four year old who has decided that she doesn't have to behave like the other kids. She is warm, funny and charming, and, unfortunately, she knows it.
I have often told my wife that she (my daughter that is) is a royal pain in my a** to raise, but I am thrilled that she has the brains and personality that she does, as they will serve her well in adulthood.
The fact is, those traits that make for an easy child - quiet, compliant, quick to please - are also unfortunate personality traits for a person who needs to be focusing on self discovery rather than adult pleasing.
I believe that many of today's adults were brow-beaten as children into ignoring their natural love of learning and impulses to curiosity, in favor of behavior that was easier for their parents to manage and more socially acceptable among the neighbors. The result is a generation of compliant adults who often don't stand up for themselves, don't accept responsibility for the natural consequences of their own actions or for their future, and have no idea who they really are or what their central life's purpose is.
It's a shame. No, it's a tragedy. And it's very dangerous in a democracy. Nevertheless, here we are. And any of us as individuals need not accept this state of affairs in our own life. We can break out of our programming and begin to live our true lives, our way. It's the only way to live. And it's the only hope for humanity's future.
Talk to you soon,
Hugh
Saturday, March 7, 2009
You Are Designed for Success
Dear Friend,
You may have tried a lot of different ways to achieve what you want in life. And you may have failed many times as well. After a while, it can feel like you just weren't meant to be a success. Well, consider the following:
You are genetically designed for success. You are the last surviving descendant of thousands (or millions or billions) of years of evolutionary growth. Consider how many children were born, but failed to survive, throughout time. Then consider that, in each and every case, you descend from those very few children in each generation who managed to grow to adulthood and reproduce. Each generation there was a chance that your unique family line might die out. Most did. But somehow, your line survived. And here you are.
You have no excuse. The survival of your line means that you carry the genes of survivors, and only survivors, in your blood. And in ancient history, survival was the height of success.
This means that you are designed and predisposed to success. It wouldn't make sense for you to be the first in your line to suddenly screw up. You just need to find that magic that your ancestors used, and put it to work for you.
Remember this fact as you move forward in your efforts to achieve your dreams.
Best of luck,
Hugh
Friday, March 6, 2009
Success Without Passion?
Dear Friend,
One of the key elements of The Way of the Passionate Warrior lifestyle is the discovery and embrace of your life's true purpose. I sincerely believe that if you have not settled on the purpose of your life, you won't feel like a success.
Some folks disagree with me. They argue that, although living life according to your life's purpose breeds passion, a person can "succeed" without that passion if they are sufficiently disciplined.
The problem with this argument is that it carries with it a different definition of success than I use. The Way of the Passionate Warrior encompasses, in fact, a combination of, 1) approaching life with passion and, 2) adopting a life of discipline and positive habits. So I agree that discipline plays a key role in achieving any desired end. However, I define success as more than simply completing a task. My definition of success encompasses the sense of personal fulfillment and satisfaction that I believe most people seek when they pursue "success." I mean, what's the point of making a million dollars if you are miserable nevertheless. And many millionaires are miserable.
With The Way of the Passionate Warrior, an individual can achieve both tangible, material success and live a happier, more fulfilling life. To me, that's the real meaning of success.
All the best,
Hugh
One of the key elements of The Way of the Passionate Warrior lifestyle is the discovery and embrace of your life's true purpose. I sincerely believe that if you have not settled on the purpose of your life, you won't feel like a success.
Some folks disagree with me. They argue that, although living life according to your life's purpose breeds passion, a person can "succeed" without that passion if they are sufficiently disciplined.
The problem with this argument is that it carries with it a different definition of success than I use. The Way of the Passionate Warrior encompasses, in fact, a combination of, 1) approaching life with passion and, 2) adopting a life of discipline and positive habits. So I agree that discipline plays a key role in achieving any desired end. However, I define success as more than simply completing a task. My definition of success encompasses the sense of personal fulfillment and satisfaction that I believe most people seek when they pursue "success." I mean, what's the point of making a million dollars if you are miserable nevertheless. And many millionaires are miserable.
With The Way of the Passionate Warrior, an individual can achieve both tangible, material success and live a happier, more fulfilling life. To me, that's the real meaning of success.
All the best,
Hugh
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Smile for Success!
Dear Friend,
Like most people, I had always assumed that people smile when they are happy. And they frown when and because they are sad, etc.
Now, a relatively new science called Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) has proven through scientific study that the mere act of smiling actually can make people happy, and vice versa. In fact, the science of NLP has been shown to have a substantial effect on personal success, simply as a result of the individual assuming the posture that they might normally assume during a moment of real success. So momma really was right when she told you to "sit up!"
This sounds hard to believe but it is all too true. In my Way of the Passionate Warrior Premium Course, I guide you through the secrets of NLP and how you can harness this new science to supercharge your life.
Talk to you soon,
Hugh
Like most people, I had always assumed that people smile when they are happy. And they frown when and because they are sad, etc.
Now, a relatively new science called Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) has proven through scientific study that the mere act of smiling actually can make people happy, and vice versa. In fact, the science of NLP has been shown to have a substantial effect on personal success, simply as a result of the individual assuming the posture that they might normally assume during a moment of real success. So momma really was right when she told you to "sit up!"
This sounds hard to believe but it is all too true. In my Way of the Passionate Warrior Premium Course, I guide you through the secrets of NLP and how you can harness this new science to supercharge your life.
Talk to you soon,
Hugh
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Live Your Life While You Still Can
Dear Friend
My wife has spent a great portion of this week with her mom. You see, her step dad, a very interesting and delightful man, is dying of a rare disease. In a short period of time he has gone from being a vigorous man to a deteriorated physical and mental state that is difficult to imagine.
This experience brings to mind the temporary nature of life. It is yours as long as you make it so. But none of us have unlimited time to act. Each time I think about putting off something that is important to me, I think of that dying man, and realize that, "there, but for the grace of God go I."
If you want to live a better life, don't assume that you have forever to act. Decide now to change your direction, to face your fears, and take action. And join us! Be a Passionate Warrior and discover how incredible your life can really be.
Talk to you soon,
Hugh
My wife has spent a great portion of this week with her mom. You see, her step dad, a very interesting and delightful man, is dying of a rare disease. In a short period of time he has gone from being a vigorous man to a deteriorated physical and mental state that is difficult to imagine.
This experience brings to mind the temporary nature of life. It is yours as long as you make it so. But none of us have unlimited time to act. Each time I think about putting off something that is important to me, I think of that dying man, and realize that, "there, but for the grace of God go I."
If you want to live a better life, don't assume that you have forever to act. Decide now to change your direction, to face your fears, and take action. And join us! Be a Passionate Warrior and discover how incredible your life can really be.
Talk to you soon,
Hugh
Monday, March 2, 2009
Just Do Something!
Dear Friend,
The biggest challenge most people face after deciding on a new direction for their life is how to take the first step.
The problem is that you know where you want to go but you really don't know how to get there. That's OK. You just have to get comfortable with uncertainty. You will never see the whole route to your destination. Nevertheless, you must take your first steps on faith. Then go step by step until your destination appears ahead of you.
Martin Luther King, Jr. once said "Take the first step in faith; you don't have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step."
Just do something. Anything. Everything comes more easily after that. I promise. ;-)
All the best,
Hugh
The biggest challenge most people face after deciding on a new direction for their life is how to take the first step.
The problem is that you know where you want to go but you really don't know how to get there. That's OK. You just have to get comfortable with uncertainty. You will never see the whole route to your destination. Nevertheless, you must take your first steps on faith. Then go step by step until your destination appears ahead of you.
Martin Luther King, Jr. once said "Take the first step in faith; you don't have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step."
Just do something. Anything. Everything comes more easily after that. I promise. ;-)
All the best,
Hugh
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Success in Love - OR - Women & Cats
Dear Friend,
About a year ago I agreed, after much trepidation, that our family might get a new cat. Now understand, I don't mind cats. I just haven't had much luck with them in the past.
As this new feline family member settled in, I kept a respectful distance. "Don't get in my way, and we'll be just fine", I thought. Funny thing was, the cat kept coming around. It hung out near me when I was working, slept near me, and just seemed to be my best pal. After a while, I warmed up to the cat. I started paying attention to "her". I would scratch her ears, feed her, talk to her, and basically make a fool of myself. My family thought this was hilarious.
Then something funny happened. The cat stopped being interested in me. It switched allegiance from me to my wife! That traitor. I felt bad. I kind of enjoyed our little relationship. What did I do? What happened? And why am I telling you all of this?'
Common sense is not always the best way to understand another intelligence - human or cat. I noticed a cat psychology book on the discount rack at the book store, and learned quite a bit. First, the cat came to me precisely because I ignored her. In the mind of a cat, my lack of interest equated to safety (e.g., I wasn't likely to eat her). When I changed my behavior and started lavishing her with attention, she left me.
These cat behaviors are instinctive. And, like it or not, humans carry a lot of similar instincts into our relationships as well.
If you are a man you need to understand that women are attracted to men who "have it going on." They want a man who has passions, interests, and purpose. They are instinctively repulsed by men who are "too into them." This seems counter intuitive, and it is. Nevertheless, it is true. A man who is too into a woman comes off as desperate. The man who will win her attentions is one who has his own interests. His life's mission takes a precedence over his relationships with women. He likes them but he can live without them. He may come off as "aloof." But he's just focused. This type of man tends to be the most successful, and natural selection has produced an instinctive drive in women to gravitate to success.
So, if you want to win your dream woman, rule number one is to stop trying so hard. Focus on building the life of your dreams, and the women of your dreams will follow.
Talk you you soon,
Hugh
About a year ago I agreed, after much trepidation, that our family might get a new cat. Now understand, I don't mind cats. I just haven't had much luck with them in the past.
As this new feline family member settled in, I kept a respectful distance. "Don't get in my way, and we'll be just fine", I thought. Funny thing was, the cat kept coming around. It hung out near me when I was working, slept near me, and just seemed to be my best pal. After a while, I warmed up to the cat. I started paying attention to "her". I would scratch her ears, feed her, talk to her, and basically make a fool of myself. My family thought this was hilarious.
Then something funny happened. The cat stopped being interested in me. It switched allegiance from me to my wife! That traitor. I felt bad. I kind of enjoyed our little relationship. What did I do? What happened? And why am I telling you all of this?'
Common sense is not always the best way to understand another intelligence - human or cat. I noticed a cat psychology book on the discount rack at the book store, and learned quite a bit. First, the cat came to me precisely because I ignored her. In the mind of a cat, my lack of interest equated to safety (e.g., I wasn't likely to eat her). When I changed my behavior and started lavishing her with attention, she left me.
These cat behaviors are instinctive. And, like it or not, humans carry a lot of similar instincts into our relationships as well.
If you are a man you need to understand that women are attracted to men who "have it going on." They want a man who has passions, interests, and purpose. They are instinctively repulsed by men who are "too into them." This seems counter intuitive, and it is. Nevertheless, it is true. A man who is too into a woman comes off as desperate. The man who will win her attentions is one who has his own interests. His life's mission takes a precedence over his relationships with women. He likes them but he can live without them. He may come off as "aloof." But he's just focused. This type of man tends to be the most successful, and natural selection has produced an instinctive drive in women to gravitate to success.
So, if you want to win your dream woman, rule number one is to stop trying so hard. Focus on building the life of your dreams, and the women of your dreams will follow.
Talk you you soon,
Hugh
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
