Destination: Intention

There are no accidents on the road of life.  Everything in our journey is meant to be.  This philosophy has kept me sane especially these past couple of weeks, as I have met challenge after challenge.  The universe tests us, much like if we want to get in shape, we must endure the pain of exercise, among other things.  Tests mold us to become the person to attract what it is that we want.

So now, the million dollar question: what do we really want?  If we don't what we want, how do we expect to ever get it?  Many of us have vague ideas of what we want, but never solidify it in our minds and take methodical action towards its attainment.  Why?  Perhaps it's not feeling worthy enough, the fear of failure or maybe the fear that when we do get it, we will feel unfulfilled.

As for me, I was always baffled at the reason why I would be on my way to achieving success on a particular project, but manage to lose the momentum, revenue, resources and relationships necessary to continue.  I would build marketing teams and establish clientele bases, only to have it almost completely dissolve just as quickly.  This would repeat itself for years.  It was so frustrating.  I was so close to giving up so many times.  Now, I'm glad I didn't.  I see why I went through all those experiences.

It was to lead me to this moment in my life.  In my last blog, I spoke about a book, Secrets of the Millionaire Mind.  I'm very certain that if I came across this book any sooner than I did, I probably would have passed it on the shelf.  It was all my trails and tribulations that helped me to understand the contents in this read.  I was searching for answers, and could identify with the situations and thought processes addressed.

All in all, for the first time, I began to open my eyes to everything I have ever done: my choice of relationships, my money decisions, my emotions, etc.  I began to take inventory and noticed a common theme: opposites in conflict and I was caught in the middle.

On a conscious level, I've always wanted to make massive amounts of money, and to be in a healthy relationship.  I've always wanted to travel the world and to take care of my mom.  What I realize now is that on a subconscious level, it might quite well be the contrary.  I'm now aware that my mind was programmed with mixed feelings about happiness, success, abundance, money and relationships.

The proof was too obvious.  Although I wanted my business to thrive, I made bad decisions with my money and with my interactions with people.  As a result, I would consistently lose both.  I've always wanted to be in a wonderful relationship, but made choices that were the opposite.  Who would want a money draining, drama queen that monopolizes all your time?  I did...unconsciously.

You see, growing up, my parents had a tense relationship.  They would tell me that even though they constantly argued about money, that we were at least good people.  Pardon me, but what the fuck is that suppose to mean?  What correlation is there between having money and being a good or bad person?  While sure, one could point out numerous examples of those who are wealthy because they are good people, but that's not what I'm getting at.

That particular statement means that people that struggle with money are good people, while people with money are the evil ones that make the good struggle (e.g. bosses, owners of credit card companies, etc.).  I realize now that my parents were programmed to live in lack of relationships, money, abundance and happiness.  Also, it comes to no surprise that my parents eventually bitterly separated and haven't spoken to each other for a decade.  They weren't intentionally trying to feed me that type of subconscious programming.  They didn't even know what they were saying!

Now, I love my parents.  I know they didn't mean any harm.  It just gives me great relief to know that I am now aware of the reason I am where I am.  Provided, yes, I am appreciative of all the good that is currently in my life.  However, heaven forbid I go through another ten years of doing what I was doing, only to get what I'm getting, which is nowhere near where I want to be!  I can actually FIX the crazy cycle that kept me wanting to throw in the towel, time and time again!

This book was recommended to me at the right place, the right time and from the right person.  That's why I believe there are no accidents on the road of life.  I am commited to change my subconscious programming and demand of myself to make my life an adventure in achievement.  Obviously, this won't happen overnight.  I understand this will take time.  However, I feel that in the end, even if it takes me years, I know that the effort will result in a shortcut toward where I want to go and who I want to become.

Gem In I

Lately, I've been inspired by so many different energies: change, appreciation, attraction, hope, disgust, tolerance, frustration and anger.  I'm so fortunate that I've made conscious efforts to pull myself in a positive direction.  No matter if my feelings are negative or positive, I am proud that I strive towards bettering myself and those around me.

In fact, I have been reading a phenomenal book called Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker.  Now, I have read many books and attended many trainings pertaining to money matters and personal development.  While all those were great and I don't regret engaging in all those activities, I feel that this book really speaks to me.  I'm now beginning to understand what builds my self-image, my decisions, my feelings and my results.  There's always a reason behind everything we feel and everything we work for.

In the next upcoming weeks, I will continue to read this book and apply its principles.  I am willing to challenge any limiting beliefs I've ever had my entire life.   Sincerely, I have been enlightened by this book and suggest for everyone to get it.  I strongly urge it especially for those who work hard, like myself, but many times feel that the wheels of our life's progress are spinning in place.

A Stitch in Time

Happy Mother's Day, Everyone!

Today, we went to have Sunday Champagne Brunch at a nice community golf resort in Alhambra, CA.  Life seemed slow yet pleasant.  My mind was in the present moment.  Sometimes, I forget, in the constant hustle and bustle of everyday life.  But today was different and I am glad.

I'm so happy and grateful that my mom is still here with me.  Not everyone is this fortunate.  I've been blessed with a wonderful life.  No, it's not perfect and there are many challenges that I face, however, I appreciate all of it.  My mom is my motivation to strive for progress and achievement.

The type of business I'm in allows me to thrive when I grow myself and serve others.  When this happens enough, I will have time freedom, because I will have no money worries.  I want to show my mom the world and experience as much as I can with her while she still can.

Sometimes, I feel sad that one day I will have to say goodbye to her for the last time in this existence.  I want to know, when that day arrives, that in my heart that I did all I could to give her my best.  I have her in my heart when life gets tough and there seems no hope in sight.

There were people in my life that recently have become a grave disappointment, at best.  I still don't have the courage to forgive them.   Of course, this will take time.  In a way, I'm glad it happened, because it gave way for better people to enter into my life and brought my true friends and supportive family closer.  Anger can be a positive emotion when its energy is channeled towards doing good and creating success. After all, isn't that what Frank Sinatra called the best revenge?

I do this for my mom.  I can certainly use all the help I can get, like directing and controlling a powerful emotion, such as anger.  This must be done with caution since anger stems from fear.  Obviously, when I reach the point of time freedom, I will let it all go, for it's the mature thing to do.

Me Against Myself and I

I feel that things are coming together lately.  However, I'm doing my best to make myself aware not to "jinx it".  This unfortunately, has happened in the past.  Before somehow, I've managed to self-sabatoge what could have been a real chance to progress in a very big way.  I'm learning to trust the universe more in my daily action and worry less about the undesired result(s).

Let's illustrate this with an example.  I was at my old school UC Berkeley last year to meet up with the director of the UC Martial Arts Program (UCMAP), Dr. Russell Ahn.  He was interested in checking out my product line.  While I was there, I had him sample the vanilla flavored meal replacement.  He liked it and bought some along with a fat burner and a muscle/joint recovery supplement.  What would have been a real good thing to do, at the time, was take a picture of him and I enjoying the meal replacement.  I would then post it up on my facebook page and add credibility for the taekwondo world to see, thus potentially boosting interest immediately.

I was overconfident that he will simply be a continuing customer right away and that the Cal taekwondo team will get on the regiment.  If that were to happen, then there would be plenty of time to take pictures.  However, it was my overconfidence that led to temporary self-sabbatoge.  I say temporary because I feel I can take a trip up there again soon to make further headway.  It may not be the martial art world.  Perhaps, I'll gain success in the referrals or even old friends and family in the area.  Who knows?

The point is, there are many cases like these and worse where I underestimated the value of the moment, or was blatantly unprepared (no marketing material, for example), due to either an overconfident attitude or a nonchalant one.  I'm doing my best daily not to lose those "inches" of opportunity to advance.  I want to be in a position that will give me more credibility and value in the market place.  I set forth a goal to acquire a promotion that will award me an article in a prestigious magazine.  The deadline is in mid-July and though I'm working hard to attain this goal, I could be still self-sabatoging by having the "poor me" mentality.  

This means feeling sorry for myself, since I've slaved away in an attempt towards a goal but not obtaining it.  I must constantly tell myself I am worthy.  I must constantly tell myself that success is attracted to me like a magnet.  I can't doubt or condemn myself for past mistakes and current shortcomings or weaknesses.  I must focus on the present moment, for that's all I truly know I have for sure.  It's important to know my reason for reaching for this type of undertaking.  Otherwise I will wither like a dying leaf, cowering at the very sight of opposition.  I will only work on thoughts and actions that will override my negative programming.  Let's make it happen!

38/?

Hello.  It's been a while.

I'm so busy these days, though I appreciate it all.  Those that wished me happy birthday, I thank you so much.  Friends come and go...then go forever into the ether.  It is my fondess wish that we all pursue our dreams.  Today, I did a booth for my health and wellness project.  It just seemed so right, whereas when I was younger, I would have thought it an absurd idea.

I learned that until we find and truly embrace our mission, we won't be able to discover where happiness lies for us.  We don't have to pursue it if we are in constant, desired motion by virtue of our mission and great journey called life.

Alignment of action towards progress is what I call true success.  I remember everytime I was in the flow of things, time stood still and I seized to think.  That blissful moment is the gap between thought.  According to a great book I read, The Tibetian Book of Living and Dying, if we prelong that gap, we are in true meditation.

We don't know how long we have on this Earth.  This doesn't mean stop living!  We should do what is right and not worry excessively about tomorrow.  According to another great book, The Bible, "Tomorrow has enough worry in itself".  Strive for greatness.  Let's make life an adventure in achievement!

"It's not over until I win!"
-Les Brown

April Showers Bring May Flowers

In just a few days, I will be 38 years old.  My first instinct was to reflect on all my failures and condemn myself for them.  The reason for that impulse is because many of our negative experiences have a stronger emotional impact than our positive ones.  Unless the positive experience was life changing or extremely intense, it's not etched in our memory like our negative ones.  It's our emotional experiences that are planted deep in our subconscious, and thus shape our philosophy, self esteem and ultimately our experiences.  If we aren't always aware of this, how do I sometimes catch myself?

I would say it's doing my best to observe my reactions and thought process.  Educating myself is really the first step, like viewing the Jack Canfield video at the end of this blog.  It's important to constantly flood ourselves with positive voices, because of our negative programming.  Another great example is listening to Tony Robbins on youtube.  It helps me reaffirm that negative is normal but just not successful.  Also, I must keep the reasons why I do what I do in my consciousness (e.g. using a vision board).  It helps as a constant reminder for obtaining prosperity and abundance.

Another thing is feeling worthy, which each and everyone of us should feel.  I don't always feel this way.  When I don't, I get a hold of something or someone positive to get myself back on track.  This is critical!  As Jim Rohn once said, "After all, you’ve only got one life, at least on this planet. So why not make it an adventure in achievement? Why not discover what all you can do and what all you can have? Why not discover how many others you can help and in the process how that can help you?" 

One thing that most people do as time passes by is to remain the same.  They get comfortable and say to themselves, it's ok.  I'm very glad I've kept limited association with those that choose this for themselves.  In extreme cases, we should even opt for disassociation.  Condemning themselves, constantly complaining, blaming others and dwelling on all the so-called failures (instead of seeing them as learning experiences toward success) are all some of the symptoms of these people. While there are many reasons why a lifetime of mediocrity holds true for most, a main factor is not feeling worthy enough for success.  In fact, the majority fear it.  It's the oddest thing.

However, as strange as it may be, it's in our benefit to study this phenomenon.  If we understand it in ourselves, we can heal others because we are healing ourselves.  If we make our mission inclusive toward the betterment of others, we can never go wrong.  We can't cheat in this department, no matter how discreetly we try.  The minute we are selfish, we are no longer thinking about ourselves.  What do I mean by that?  Ever heard the term, "What comes around, goes around?".  If we harm others by looking after our own interests, the universe is rigged in a way that makes sure the cost gets paid in full.  The same goes true for including others in our mission and vision, in order to see our goals and dreams to fruition.  Abundance and prosperity is sure to follow.


"You can have everything in life that you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."  -Zig Ziglar

Aries Season

Embrace change.  It's the only constant.  I watched a movie that I highly recommend, "Peaceful Warrior".  It's a story about Dan Millman while he was on the Cal gymnastics team.  More than just a sports film, it's a spiritual journey in self discovery.  It also illustrates how to make the most out of every change that comes our way.  I'll probably need to watch it a few more times.  Seeing that couldn't have come at a better time, since I'm starting a new chapter in my life.  I won't ruin the movie, so I attached a trailer at the end of this blog.

The sign Aries symbolizes new beginnings and new changes.  It held true today.  I met up with a powerful friend, Hector Flores.  He gave me suggestions on how to improve my business, and also informed me of exciting changes that definitely work in my favor.  Prayers do get answered!  I was asking for a mentor and now I have one.  I'm so appreciative for his kindness and understanding.  It is true what they say, when the student is ready, the teacher will arrive.  The timing couldn't be more perfect!

As we come to the close of the first quarter of 2011, I reflect on all that I've done.  I am proud that I made a lot of progress in my personal growth, productivity and human relations.  I learned to connect better with the people that I work with by being in the best energy that I can be.  Of course, the best will be different when I'm having a good day vs. a bad one, however, it's now more consistent than ever.

I also learned to ground my emotions better by hanging out with people that bring out the best in me, like Hector Flores and Joe Chui.  Reading and watching youtubes of successful people are also big contributors. We must literally bombard ourselves with positive messages and people, since we have years of negative programming and mind viruses.

Who I will become shall be better than who I am now.  The long and hard journey still lies ahead but I will reach the oasis of financial freedom, that will allow me to fulfill my destiny.  It is our birthright to overflow in giving, prosperity and happiness.

Now with a mentor, I look forward to the upcoming days, weeks and new quarter ahead.  I mustn't stop, because I know there are a lot of people that are counting on me and are going to count on me, as we establish a bigger team.  I'll continue to make a conscious effort to embrace change, for if I do, I will more likely see the good in every situation, even in the face of adversity.  I will attract more opportunities and more great people into the organization, because I will become stronger, work harder and increase my awareness continuously.

Si se puede!

Staying Green

Happy St. Patrick's Day and welcome to blog #11!

Today was a good and productive day.  The more I understand my purpose, the more I find that even mishaps have their place in the order of my life.  Today reminded of a movie I recently watched called "The Adjustment Bureau".  It's a film about destiny and how what is seemingly an act of free will isn't.  Don't want to ruin the movie for anyone who wants to watch it.  I found it entertaining.  

Anyhow, my phone malfunctions this morning and I had to take it to the Verizon store to get it fixed.  Before I left the house, I decided to grab a couple of copies of  a newspaper in which I have an ad.     Turns out, that the customer service guy, who helped me last year, happened to just arrive.  We had lost touch, in which I claim full responsibility.  The strange thing was I had thought about him the day before!

So as we were talking, he askes what I've been up to.  I told him that I'm a member of the chamber of commerce and still working on my health and wellness project.  It seemed that my subconscious planned for me to grab the paper from my house to show him my ad, which I did.  It instantly gave me credibility.  He mentioned that his girlfriend is looking to increase her cashflow and also looking to lose weight.  We exchanged contact information and will be setting up something soon.

Later that day, I wanted to buy some mouthwash.  The store that came to mind was Stater Bros.  When I arrived, outside the entrance was a little girl scout with her mom selling cookies.  As I was leaving, I approached this young entrepeneur, bought a box of tagalongs and began talking to the mom.  Turns out she's been looking for work and claims she's excellent in sales (after all, she got her daughter doing it, right?). We exchanged contact information, and will be setting up something with her close to the end of the month, when she's back in town.

Of course, I had my fun also.  After all, all work and no play makes Owen a dull boy, right?  So I treated myself to a green Stella and corned beef sliders in celebration of the Irish tradition.  I even wore green today.  Everything seemed to fall into place pleasantly and nearly effortlessly.  All my decisions seemed as if it was a part of a bigger design.  The sun was out, everyone was happy and I wasn't stressed a whole lot, though I got a lot done.

I ended the evening with doing a phone strategy with Nick and how to help him expand to Texas and California.  Actually the evening ends with writing this blog.  No, it ends with checking my facebook, twitter and then making revisions on my blog.  Ok, the work doesn't end, but it's enjoyable because it's part of progression.  There's a purpose rather than a mundane routine of simply paying bills until we die.  I continue to learn no matter if it's a good day or bad.  I'm staying green.  Cheers!