First Post

2007-08-23T22:33:00.000-06:00

Your Life - 101 Quotes from "The Secret"

The Secret—101 Quotes

1. “We all work with one infinite power”

2. “The Secret is the Law of Attraction (LOA).”

3. “Whatever is going on in your mind is what you are attracting.”

4. “We are like magnets - like attracts like. You become AND attract what you think.”

5. “Every thought has a frequency. Thoughts send out a magnetic energy.”

6. “People think about what they don't desire and attract more of the same.”

7. “Thought = creation. If these thoughts are attached to powerful emotions (good or bad) that speeds the creation.”

8. “You attract your dominant thoughts.”

9. “Those who speak most of illness have illness, those who speak most of prosperity have it, etc.”

10. “It's not "wishful" thinking.”

11. “You can't have a universe without the mind entering into it.”

12. “Choose your thoughts carefully; you are a masterpiece of your life.”

13. “It's OK that thoughts don't manifest into reality immediately (if we saw a picture of an elephant and it instantly appeared, that would be too soon).”

14. “EVERYTHING in your life you have attracted—accept that fact—it's true.”

15. “Your thoughts cause your feelings.”

16. “We don't need to complicate all the "reasons" behind our emotions. It's much simpler than that. Two categories—good feelings and bad feelings.”

17. “Thoughts that bring about good feelings mean you are on the right track. Thoughts that bring about bad feelings means you are not on the right track.”

18. “Whatever it is you are feeling is a perfect reflection of what is in the process of becoming.”

19. “You get exactly what you are FEELING.”

20. “Happy feelings will attract more happy circumstances.”

21. “You can begin feeling whatever you desire (even if it's not there)-the universe will correspond to the nature of your song.”

22. “What you focus on with your thought and feeling is what you attract into your experience.”

23. “What you think and what you feel and what actually manifests is ALWAYS a match - no exception.”

24. “Shift your awareness.”

25. "You create your own universe as you go along" Winston Churchill

26. “It's important to feel good ( ( ( (((good))) ) ) ).”

27. “You can change your emotion immediately-by thinking of something joyful, or singing a song, or remembering a happy experience.”

28. “When you get the hang of this, before you know it you will KNOW you are the creator.”

29. “Life can and should be phenomenal-and it will be when you consciously apply the Law of Attraction.”

30. “Universe will re-arrange itself accordingly.”

31. “Start by using this sentence for all of your desires: "I'm so happy and grateful now that."”

32. “You don't need to know HOW the universe is going to rearrange itself.”

33. “LOA is simply figuring out for yourself what will generate the positive feelings of having it NOW.”

34. “You might get an inspired thought or idea to help you move towards what you desire faster.”

35. “The universe likes SPEED. Don't delay, don't second-guess, don't doubt.”

36. “When the opportunity or impulse is there—ACT.”

37. “You will attract everything you require—money, people, connections—PAY ATTENTION to what's being set in front of you.”

38. “You can start with nothing—and out of nothing or no way—a WAY will be provided.”

39. “HOW LONG??? No rules on time—the more aligned you are with positive feelings the quicker things happen.”

40. “Size is nothing to the universe (unlimited abundance if that's what you wish). We make the rules on size and time.”

41. “No rules according to the universe-you provide the feelings of having it now and the universe will respond.”

42. “Most people offer the majority of their thought in response to what they are observing—bills in the mail, being late, having bad luck, etc.”

43. “You have to find a different approach to what is through a different vantage point.”

44. "All that we are, is a result of what we have thought" - Buddha

45. “What can you do right now to turn your life around?” “Practice Gratitude.”

46. “Gratitude will bring more into our lives immediately.”

47. “What we think about and THANK about is what we bring about.”

48. “What are the things you are grateful for?? Feel the gratitude-focus on what you have right now that you are grateful for.”

49. “Play the picture in your mind—focus on the end result.”

50. “VISUALIZE!!! Rehearse your future.”

51. “VISUALIZE!!! See it, feel it! This is where action begins.”

52. “Feel the joy—feel the happiness!”

53. “An affirmative thought is 100 times more powerful than a negative one.”

54. "What this power is, I cannot say. All I know is that it exists." Alexander Graham Bell.

55. “Our job is not to worry about the "How". The "How" will show up out of the commitment and belief in the "what."”

56. “The 'How's' are the domain of the universe. It always knows the quickest, fastest, most harmonious way between you and your dream.”

57. “If you turn it over to the universe, you will be surprised and dazzled by what is delivered-this is where magic and miracles happen.”

58. “Turn it over to the universe daily—but avoid making it a chore.”

59. “Feel exhilarated by the whole process—high, happy, in tune.”

60. “The only difference between people who are really living this way is they have habituated ways of being.”

61. “They remember to do it all the time.”

62. “Create a Vision Board-pictures of what you desire to attract—every day look at it and get into the feeling state of already having acquired these desires.”

63. "Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions." -Albert Einstein

64. “Decide what you desire-believe you can have it, believe you deserve it, believe it's possible for you.”

65. “Close your eyes and visualize having what you already desire—and the feeling of having it already.”

66. “Focus on being grateful for what you have already-enjoy it!! Then release into the universe. The universe will manifest it.”

67. "Whatever the mind of man can conceive, it can achieve." -W. Clement Stone

68. “Set a goal so big that if you achieved it, it would blow your mind.”

69. “When you have an inspired thought, you need to trust it and act on it.”

70. “How can you become more prosperous? INTEND IT!!”

71. “"Checks are coming in the mail regularly," or change your bank statement to whatever balance you desire, and get behind the feeling of having it.”

72. “Life is meant to be abundant in ALL areas.”

73. “Go for the sense of inner joy and peace, then, all outside things appear.”

74. “We are the creators of our universe.”

75. “Relationships: Treat yourself the way you desire to be treated by others-love yourself and you will be loved.”

76. “Healthy respect for yourself.”

77. “For those you work with or interact with regularly—get a notebook and write down positive aspects of each of those people.”

78. “Write down the things you like most about them (don't expect change from them). Law of attraction will not put you in the same space together if your frequencies don't match.”

79. “When you realize your potential to feel good, you will ask no one to be different in order for you to feel good.”

80. “You will free yourself from the cumbersome impossibilities of needing to control the world, your friends, your mate, your children.”

81. “You are the only one who creates your reality.”

82. “No one else can think or feel for you—Its YOU—ONLY YOU.”

83. “Health: Thank the universe for your own healing. Laugh, stress free happiness will keep you healthy.”

84. “Immune system will heal itself.”

85. “Parts of our bodies are replaced every day, every week-etc. Within a few years we have a brand new body.”

86. “See yourself living in a new body. Hopeful = recovery. Happy = happier biochemistry. Stress degrades the body.”

87. “Remove stress from the body and the body regenerates itself. You can heal yourself.”

88. “Learn to become still-and take your attention away from what you don't desire, and place your attention on what you wish to experience.”

89. “When the voice and vision on the inside become more profound and clear than the opinions on the outside, then you have mastered your life.”

90. “You are not here to get the world to be just as you desire it. You are here to create the world around you that you choose.”

91. Allow the world as others choose to see it, to exist as well.”

92. “People think that if everyone knows the power of the LOA there won't be enough to go around. This is a lie that's been ingrained in us and makes so many greedy.”

93. “The truth is there is more than enough love, creative ideas, power, joy, happiness to go around.”

94. “All of this abundance begins to shine through a mind that is aware of its own infinite nature. There's enough for everyone. See it. Believe it. It will show up for you.”

95. “So let the variety of your reality thrill you as you choose all the things you desire and get behind the good feelings of all your desires.”

96. “Write your script. When you see things you don't desire, don't think about them, write about them, talk about them, push against them, or join groups that focus on them-remove your attention from 'don't desires' and instead place them on 'do desires.’”

97. “We are mass energy. Everything is energy. EVERYTHING!!”

98. “Don't define yourself by your body......it's the infinite being that's connected to everything in the universe.”

99. “One energy field. Our bodies have distracted us from our energy. We are the infinite field of unfolding possibilities—The creative force.”

100. “Are your thoughts worthy of you? If not - NOW is the time to change them. You can begin right where you are right now. Nothing matters but this moment and what you are focusing your attention on.”

101. The Secret is the key to everything - the secret to unlimited joy, health, money, relationships, love, youth: everything you have ever wanted.

from -Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, Lifge Coach, Hypnotherapist, Author, "101 Great Ways To Improve Your LIfe," specializes in: Mind, Body, Spirit healing and Physical/Sexual Abuse Prevention and Recovery. As an inspirational leader, Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. http://www.drdorothy.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dorothy_M._Neddermeyer,_PhD

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Your Life - The GTD Mastery 100

The following is a checklist to measure your success in following the Getting Things Done Processes by David Allen. I have found his ideas and tools very useful.

I found it at: http://gtdmastery100.com/

You can read more about The Getting Thing's Done process at http://www.davidco.com/

You can by the book "Getting Things Done" at Amazon -
http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity/dp/0142000280

The GTD Mastery 100

Checklist for Greatness
Add up your score monthly and track in your GTD journal. Work with a coach to get to 90 or above.

The Basics

I have read Getting Things Done from front to back.
I have a calendar which is always on hand.
I use my calendar for appointments and day-specific items only.
I have a physical inbox which I use daily.
I have an email program, set up the way I want it.
I have voice mail, set up the way I want it.
I always have a way to capture ideas and get them out of my head, in all contexts (notepad, laptop, voice recorder, etc.).
I have a place or places to keep Next Actions lists, accessible in the right context.
I have a Master Projects List.
I have listened to GTD on audiobook.
I have a list for tracking "Waiting For" items.
I have lists for tracking "loaned out stuff" and "stuff I'm borrowing."
I have a folder marked "inbox" on my computer for downloaded files.
I have a tickler file or reminder system in place which is fun and fast to use.
I have a paper file system which is fun and fast to use, perhaps using an automatic labeler.
I only have physical actions on my Next Actions lists--no multi-step projects.
I have a weekly review scheduled for each week.
I maintain a "Someday/Maybe list," and regularly review and update this list during daily and weekly reviews.
I have dedicated physical office space set up.
I have all the office supplies I need (p. 92).
I have mobile office space set up, if needed.
My computer files are set up for maximum productivity.
I attend a weekly productivity group centered around the GTD methods.
For the first 6 months of implementing my GTD system, and often thereafter as needed, I keep a GTD journal in which I write a "how'd I do?" update nightly.
I review my notes from my GTD journal weekly and monthly to keep myself improving and on track.

Intermediate

I have been using the GTD system consistently for 3-6 months.
I have read Getting Things Done twice or more.
I have listened to GTD on audiobook so much I can impersonate David Allen's voice with an eerie accuracy.
I consistently follow up on "waiting for" items.
I consistently follow up on "loaned out stuff" and "stuff I'm borrowing."
I consistently clear out my email inbox to 0 every day by 5pm.
I consistently clear out my physical inbox to empty every day by 5pm.
I consistently clear out my voice mail every day by 5pm.
I consistently clear out my computer folder marked "inbox" daily.
I consistently clear out any other "inboxes" (e.g. voice recorders, notepads, etc. with unsorted "stuff") every day by 5pm.
I always do my weekly review, scheduled for the same time weekly.
I have no unsorted papers anywhere besides my physical inbox, project files, and reference files.
I have a file cleanout day scheduled in my tickler file or calendar for once or twice a year.
I have my other altitudes specified (p. 200), and I update them at least quarterly, with a reminder in my tickler file or calendar.
I reconnect with my higher altitudes at least weekly, usually daily in the morning to keep me inspired.
My Master Projects List is regularly updated at least weekly.
I often do a preview at the start of my day, and a mini-review at the end of my day.
I am familiar with the major GTD online tools and their strengths and weaknesses.
I have found online and/or paper tools that work best for me and my GTD system which I use every day.
When clearing my inboxes, I start at the top and take each item one at a time until it is processed (instead of skipping around to what's easiest).
I am familiar with mind mapping, and either use software or paper to do mind maps when useful.
I know the 5 steps of the Natural Planning Model by heart (p. 56), and use it for personal project planning and for facilitating meetings.
I know the Threefold Model for Evaluating Daily Work by heart (p. 196), and refer to it often during the course of the day, or do so intuitively.
I know the Four-Criteria Model for Choosing Actions in the Moment by heart (p. 192), and actually work that way, or I have found something that works even better.
I have experimented with GTDGmail or some other productivity enhancing email software, and found what works best for me.

Advanced

I have been using the GTD system for 6 months or more, every day.
I am subscribed to GTD Connect and have listened to much of the material there (http://davidco.com/connect/).
I have listened to the 43 Folders podcasts with David Allen (http://odeo.com/show/3351643/view).
I have coached 3 people in successfully implementing GTD into their lives.
I've read David Allen's other book Ready for Anything, and several other books on personal productivity.
I get into a flow state when working about 1/4 to 1/2 of the time now.
I don't ever carry anything in my head that could be put into my system, and many times during the day I download ideas, next actions, and projects to my lists.
I have read Getting Things Done at least twice, and used it so much for reference it is dog-eared and has notes on almost every page.
I always return phone calls within 24 hours, usually within 2-12 hours, with none lost or forgotten.
I respond to all emails within 24 hours (usually much sooner), and none get lost or forgotten.
When I put something into my inbox, I completely trust that it will get done...or I know why it's not getting done and am comfortable with it.
When I commit to doing something for someone, I completely trust that I will do it...or I'll let them know ahead of time why I can't complete it.
That low-level anxiety I used to feel around my "stuff" and my work is completely gone.
My mind is like water, clear and calm, and I never think about anything I don't want to more than once.
My paper filing system is completely up-to-date, always.
I am the most organized person of anyone I know, by far (except other GTD-masters!).
I never drop the ball on any project or task.
I can't remember the last time something "fell through the cracks" in my system.
I get frustrated with people who drop the ball on things, because I honestly can't understand their perspective anymore.
I get regular coaching from someone with at least 4 years experience with GTD.
I am familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of the GTD system because I've read and studied other productivity systems.
My system is automatic and almost never requires discipline or will to follow through.
I can clearly see how my daily work connects all the way up and down my altitudes.
I am so productive and clear that new creative ideas are bursting forth like never before...and I have a way to capture them and make them real, if I choose to.
I can always say no with integrity, because I always know what's on my plate and what's important.

Mastery

I have been using the GTD system for 12 months or more, very consistently.
My system has been squeaky clean for over 6 months.
My system has gone through several evolutions, changing tools as needed to improve productivity, adapting to my life appropriately.
I have coached over 10 people in successfully implementing GTD into their lives, who have sustained their systems for over 6 months.
I easily arrive at all appointments 10 minutes early, well-prepared, with a calm and peaceful mind.
I am usually in a flow state when working.
I never drink caffeine or eat sugar anymore--my work naturally energizes me.
I don't work with people who let things drop through the cracks anymore, unless I absolutely have to, or unless they are my GTD coaching client.
I am known for consistently under-promising and over-delivering on my commitments to others.
I exercise regularly according to an intelligent plan that is best for my body and is leading towards ever-improving health, strength, aerobic capacity, flexibility, and overall fitness.
I get up at the same time early every morning, right when my alarm goes off, and immediately enter the GTD flow, with relaxed focus.
I have a regular spiritual practice, scheduled daily or weekly, which I consistently follow.
I have a list of books for personal/spiritual/career development which I consistently burn through, perhaps by scheduling reading time at regular times of the day or week.
I regularly try out new productivity tools, but only when there is a real need, not for the sake of "productivity pr0n."
When I commit to something, it's as good as done, no matter how hard or how many steps it will take.
Project planning and mind mapping are as easy and automatic as breathing to me.
I've delegated or automatized many of my regular errands, to the point where I rarely do errands anymore.
I'm surrounded by people who are as productive as me.
I have several mentors who are orders of magnitude more productive than me, whom I meet with regularly.
My living space is like a zen temple--everything accounted for, everything purposefully and consciously attended to.
My office space is meditatively state-changing--people regularly comment on how peaceful they feel when they sit at my desk.
I could, if I chose to, make a comfortable living teaching personal productivity--I have people asking me about it constantly, without me saying anything first.
I could write my own book on productivity...or maybe I already have.
I tend to reach my goals earlier and with greater ease than expected.
Work--and life--is ecstasy, bliss, pure joy.

Want expert telephone Life Coaching to get to a perfect 100? Email me for a free session ($50 value, limited number available): andrewmcduffee [at] gmail [dot] com. More info here.

Created by Duff on 30Jan2007.
andrewmcduffee [at] gmail [dot] com

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Your Life - Our Deepest Fear ...

This quote keeps finding it's way into my life. Everytime I read it, I am moved. I thought I'd share it here.

Steve
==========================
Our Deepest Fear
by Marianne Williamson
from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Your Money - College Funding and 529 Plans

College costs are growing rapidly. At an inflation rate of 6%, a college education which currently costs $15,000 per year will cost $43,000 per year. For a newborn baby starting college in 18 years, this means that a 4 year education (at that same school) will cost $187,000.

The same assumptions applied to a school that is currently $25,000 per year result in costs of $72,000 per year and $313,000 for a 4 year education.

This is a lot of money. It would be an excellent idea to start planning well ahead of time.

529 plans offer a great way to help save for that education.

The following is an article that you can also find find at:

http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/PersonalFinance/story?id=2866998&page=1

Saving for college Tax Free

By JOHN BERMAN and ELIZABETH STUART

Feb. 11, 2007 — Wayne and Nori Dempsey of Torrance, Calif., have two children under the age of three and another on the way. They should be thinking about things like kindergarten and playing in the park, but their minds are much further down the road — by about 16 years, in fact.

They are already thinking about college.

They have big dreams of sending all three kids to college, but they know that will come with a hefty price tag.

"We predict that maybe we need about $250,000 per child," says Wayne.

It could cost even more. At the rate costs have increased over the last 20 years, the cost of college for a young child today could be upwards of $300,000 — which has parents like the Dempseys wondering how they'll be able to afford it.

"It's daunting. It's extremely daunting," says Wayne. "It's very difficult to grasp your mind around the fact that it is so much money."

To help reach their goal, Wayne and Nori opened up 529 college savings accounts for both of their children; two-year-old Sean and one-year-old Holly. Among different vehicles that parents can use to save money, the 529 plan is a fairly new option with growing appeal.

Named for a section of the Internal Revenue Service's tax code, 49 states and the District of Columbia have 529 plans, and many offer tax breaks to the people who invest in them. 529s let you put away up to $12,000 per year, per child. The money can be invested in the stock market and grow tax free.

Choose Your Plan Carefully

The plans can seem confusing at first. You can choose a plan from whatever state you wish, no matter where you live. And it doesn't matter where your child decides to go to college.
The funds are also transferable from child to child, and the account owner can switch the beneficiary once every 12 months. Family members can open accounts for nieces and nephews; grandparents can open accounts for their grandchildren.

If you do need to take money out of the account, there's a penalty usually of 10 percent, and you will have to pay taxes on the money you take out, making the transfer option more appealing.

Joseph Hurley is the founder and CEO of Savingforcollege.com, a comprehensive Web site that compiles and analyzes information on 529 plans. Hurley says other than the risk of investing in the market, there really isn't a down side if you have the money.

"It is extremely useful because it is a vehicle that allows you to set aside dollars for college, get that money invested," says Hurley. "Hopefully, it will grow over time and you don't have to pay income taxes, and you might even get a state deduction on your own state's income tax return."

Best-Kept Savings Secret

In fact, 529 plans seem to be the best kept secret of college savings. In a new ABC News poll, two-thirds of parents had never heard of them. And of those who had, only 8 percent are saving for college using 529s.

"There are lots of choices, and sometimes I think there are way too many choices," says financial planner Doug Taylor of Taylor Wealth Management. "It makes it confusing to a lot of people, and therefore some people don't do anything because they're overwhelmed by what to do and afraid of making a wrong choice."

Tuition, fees, room and board for public and private institutions have been rising steadily for decades. For the 2006-2007 school year, the average cost of a public school was $12,796; for private school, a whopping $30,367. Financial planners agree the most important thing for parents is to start saving as soon as possible.

The Dempseys chose Utah's 529 plan because they liked the mutual funds it offered. The plans offer the most advantages to people with a lot of money: They get the most tax savings. But many states are trying to bring in lower-income investors as well.

Wayne and Nori say the 529 plans give them peace of mind as they prepare for their children's future.

"If you have [the money] in the 529 plan, then it's away and out of the way," Wayne says. "It's kind of a mini-retirement plan to pay for your own kids' education."
While $300,000 might not be so mini, it is a plan that could work.

Here are a couple of more links:

The story line about 529 college savings plans was also featured in today's USA Today on the front page of the Money section: http://www.usatoday.com/money/front.htm

Link: 529 plans becoming top savings option -
URL: http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/college/2007-02-12-529-plans-usat_x.htm

Please contact me at steve.martin@mwm3.com if you have any questions.

Steve

Monday, February 12, 2007

Announcement - Cole Andrew Martin

Cole Andrew Martin

Cole was born on January 2nd, 2007. Our first Grandchild. He is healthy, happy and loved.

Your Money - Quote from IFA

I receive a quote each week from IFA regarding investing - specifically passive investment strategies, of which I am a strong proponent. I'll share the ones that are interesting.

Quote of the Week
"One of the most striking and fundamental things about probability theory is that it leads to an understanding of the otherwise strange fact that events which are individually capricious and unpredictable can, when treated en masse, lead to very stable average performances."
- Warren Weaver Lady Luck, the theory of probability

Your Money and Your Life