Unleash Your Inner Child For Success in Life...

As we grow older and dare I say mature, the connection with our inner child fades. It's no secret that as American adults, we are overworked, overstressed and overwhelmed. Between the hectic schedule of work, chores, social groups and other commitments, it's difficult to remember our childhood dreams.

Can you remember when you wanted to be an astronaut, firefighter or president? I guess, being an insurance adjuster was accidentally left off the list. When you're young, the sky's the limit. As we grow older, we develop tunnel vision and see only what's directly in front of us. We can easily lose sight of what's truly important in life...the childlike hope, passion and creativity.

When we were children, our schedules were completely laid out for us. In grade school, we were told when to play, sleep, eat and even what to say. Yet, that didn't keep us from letting our imagination run wild and enjoying each moment. This country was built on the imagination and possibility of our forefathers. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are penned in the Declaration of Independence. You need to connect both your rational mind and childlike creative mind to see what's really possible, instead of only what is. Whatever it is, find your bliss.

Wishing You Wealth in all its Greatest Forms,


Alex

Living in the Moment

There have been thousands of books and articles written on living in the moment. It has been a spiritual concept based on developing a greater awareness or consciousness. In a fast-paced world that is focused on activity, achievement and results, it's easy to lose the present and get lost in the concerns of tomorrow. Humans are social creatures by nature, but many still have a fundamental need for silence and reflection.

By living "fully out," you can not only experience reduced stress, but much more. Studies have shown that you can improve your health as the link between our state of mind and physical health increases. You can better control your thoughts, which can allow you achieve more with focused energy. And most importantly, you may find your purpose in life. It was a quiet moment in meditation, when I gained a greater understanding of my life's purpose to improve the lives of those around me.

Most of us let the present slip away, allowing precious time to pass by and instead worry about the future or punishing ourselves for the past. It's time to live in the moment and be mindful.

Wishing You Wealth in all its Greatest Forms,

Alex

Can You Be Honest and Successful?

I recently was sent a blog post from the Zen Habits that absolutely captivated me. The title was “How to do what you love, without selling your soul.” It piqued my interest since I have wondered how to do that in my own financial practice. In today’s age, there are advertisements everywhere…from television, to buses, on buildings, the internet and even in the bathroom stalls. They are selling a product that purportedly will solve all of my problems. I am a bit embarrassed, but I admit that I bought the “Flowbee” hair cutting system way back…only to find that it was completely worthless. So this begs the question of whether or not you can be both honest and successful in a world where fine print is written by attorneys for attorneys with little concern for the American people.

In a perfect world, you would just need to do what you enjoy and people would start calling you up asking for you to provide your product or service. The world is not perfect, far from it. You have to give people a good reason to buy what you have to sell. Maybe you have expertise in an area or you have stumbled upon a solution to a common problem. One thing is certain; many “overnight successes” took a lifetime to happen.

There is almost a certainty that if what you love doing is providing value in the lives of others, you will be successful. Those that have committed to helping mankind overcome obstacles have been rewarded handsomely since their concern is genuine and their heart is pure. I would use the word karma, but I fear that word has been abused and misused all too many times. I have taken the oath to help others. Many others already have and this is the only real way to create a “sustainable community.”

To read the Zen Habits article, click here.

Wishing You Wealth in all its Greatest Forms

Alex

Make Do With Less…

The number of job losses since January of 2008 has totaled more than 1.2 million. According to the Labor Department’s monthly jobs report, the unemployment rate rose to 6.5% from 6.1%. This signifies the highest unemployment rate since March 1994 and exceeded the economist’s forecasts of 6.3%.

The rate of inflation is typically between 3-4%, but for the month of September it was announced at 5.9%. Few in Generation X and Y, who have grown up on iPods, X-Boxes, and Plasma TV’s have lived through these difficult times.

It’s a great time to lower expenses and pass these good habits onto children. When I was a kid, I got grounded, for wasting electricity, water and food. That’s what happens when you have a dad that’s a member of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Make sure to turn off the lights when leaving a room, take baths instead of showers, and only buy as much food as you can eat. We must each look around and see how we can conserve.

We can now learn the difference between our needs and wants. During times of economic expansion, your wants may seem like necessity. Your needs include food, clothing and shelter. Your wants are fancy dinners out, Couture clothing, and a Beach house. This is a time to tighten our financial belts and focus on needs. The economy has a cycle and it’s certain that there will be a time again where we can indulge our wants.

Wishing You Wealth in all its Greatest Forms

Alex