10 Questions To Change Your Life

Scott Andrews, Founder of AspireNow, announces a new webinar series from AspireNow, entitled "10 Questions to Change Your Life"

10 Questions to Change Your Life Webinar/Teleseminar Description:
Questions affect the way we process, think, learn, act, listen, speak, and relate to others. Questions we ask ourselves and each other drive every action we make. Questions can push us to learn more, be more, do more, have more, and love our life far more... to explore, adventure, and learn.

The future begins right now – it starts with the questions we ask ourselves.

In this powerful 1 hour free webinar you will learn the 10 Questions to Change Your Life, along with exciting ways to implement these questions to full impact:

* Receive secrets from Scott's "Life Purpose" program and decade of coaching!
* Learn ways people sabotage success...find out what not to do!
* Gain insights from masters...grow wisdom to learn how to really know your self and live your dreams.
* Discover the differences between surviving and THRIVING... what do the happiest people do different?
* Why NOW?...Discover how you can begin right now from wherever you are to improve your life.
* Maximize success... Find out how the richest people make more in far less time than you might think!
* And more!
Make sure to SIGN UP NOW to RESERVE YOUR SEAT ON THE WEBINAR and MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

Date: February 14, 2011
Time: 11:00 a.m. - Noon PST.
Cost: No Cost - Limited Time Only!*

NOTE: SPACE LIMITED ON THIS WEBINAR TO 25 SEATS, FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED:
SIGN-UP HERE FOR THE WEBINAR INVITATION CODE:

http://www.aspirenow.com/10_questions_webinar_signup_page.htm

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Common Blocks To Success

Often in my business coaching I inevitably come across problems in the client's personal life that block their business success. Today, while sharing a few of these blocks, a friend suggested I post a few to help you overcome your own blocks to success through my advice at AspireNow. So, here they are:

Common blocks to success:

1. Time Wasters. People waste time with many activities. The biggest time wasters include the following:

• Gabby friends. Some friends will literally expect you to talk to them for an hour every day. Why do that? It is a huge time suck. If you have four such friends, you'll literally spend FOUR hours a DAY just talking about stuff with these friends. It's good to share with friends, but limit the time you spend to time face to face, if at all possible, as much as possible - especially when you're launching something new or exciting that requires extended effort.
• Television. Watching television is one of the biggest time wasters. You don't learn very much from watching television. You can learn much more surfing the net or visiting a bookstore. If you start timing your television watching, you might be alarmed. The average number of hours college students in America watch television is between two to three hours a day. Elementary kids often spend up to five or six hours a DAY watching television! How do you find time for homework when the television is on? Just asking! Try turning off the television. I went so far as to cancel television ENTIRELY. I do miss it when I want to watch Dancing With the Stars and select sports games. Now I have a reason to go to a sports bar. Usually, I'll connect with a friend or two, watch the last half of the game, but I avoid watching an entire day of football on Sunday. I just don't have time for that much television watching anymore!
• Commutes. This is mostly true in a big city, but also true for those who live outside their city but work in town further away from home. If you have a commute longer than twenty minutes each way, you're wasting up to five to ten hours a week just driving around! Try to select jobs near where you live, or live closer to where you work. Save yourself the time wasted on a commute and you'll be more productive.
• Internet. The Internet is powerful. You can keep in touch with thousands of people all around the Globe in instant time through IM, Facebook, Twitter, and other tools. I strongly encourage people to use social networks; however, I also encourage you to limit the time spend on each of these each day. Schedule Internet time, so that it doesn't dominate your life. In America, college students are now spending over twelve hours a week on the Internet. That's more than television! Consider how much time you spend online. Some of the people I know are online as much as twelve hours a day. Back down your Internet time to between one to two hours a day and watch your productivity skyrocket.

2. Attitude. The state of attitude can determine many things influencing success, including:

• State of mind. If you are in a positive frame of mind, you can do more.
• Negative talk v. Postive self-talk. Studies I've read indicate that those who are most successful use positive self-talk over 80% of the time, while those who do not succeed use negative talk about the same ratio. If you can switch your self-talk to talk that supports your activities, you'll succeed more often.
• Proactive v. Reactive. Have a perspective of doing it versus perspective of allowing things to be done to you. Control your life to the extent you can.

3. Clutter. The state of being of clutter can block your success, though:

• Tools. If it is harder to find your tools, you are less effective. Just as good website design is a sign of an easy to navigate site, your own office, house, garage, computer, and phone ought to be organized, tidy, and ready for work. (As I write this note, I make note to schedule organizing my own garage and computer!)
• Work space. If you cannot find what you need, what are you doing about it?
• Mental clutter. Worrying about things you cannot control is a block I see. Stop worrying about those things. Instead, focus on what you CAN do, right now, to make a difference.

4. Productivity Plan. Many people have simple task lists each day. But you can remove these blocks to productivity through a better plan:

• Power of Three. Focus on no more than three projects at any given time.
• Top 5. Make a list of the top five things you must to do to move that project forward.
• Who:
• Make a list of who you must talk to today who can help you move a project forward.
• Make a lit of who you need to follow-up with who can help move projects forward.
• Top 10: Then have your next "top ten" tasks after these lists. If you follow this plan, you will get more done on your core projects and not feel "stagnated" or "stuck" nearly as often.

I'm a big believer in clearing out messy stuff, getting things organized, then working hard on what you must do now to succeed. I am currently putting in a plan for #5 in my own life. My goal? Better health, optimum weight. We can succeed if we make the effort. Try following each of these steps and see if some of your own common blocks aren't removed so you succeed more often.

Do you have an idea of your own on how to remove a block to success and improve productivity? Share it here on our comments for the benefit of our readers. Thanks!
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Worship and Gratitude: The Alpha and Omega of Happiness

If you examine how the most successful people in the world become successful and how those the most happy people find their happiness, you may notice these people are those who maintain a rich and deep connection to their creator and express gratitude each and every day.

Now, I know some of you who read AspireNow are probably Atheist. And, you know, what? That's okay with me. You may say you don't believe and that is your choice. And, as you know, I rarely get on a soapbox and preach. Today is no exception. But I will ask you: "Do you want to be happy?" Because if you want happiness, everything I've studied leads me to these two qualities: worship and gratitude.

I am not on a soapbox. I will simply state what I, myself, believe to be true. I believe that Worship and Gratitude are the Alpha and Omega of HAPPINESS.

My parents have a plaque on their wall that always struck me as especially wise. It reads:

"A family that prays together, stays together."

The state of prayer is one of communication with our God. To me, our God is one. The "Christ-consciousness" is only shone to us through the angel those with near death experiences report - the white light. But works of nature and the Universe abound all around us. I love both the simple and elegantly complex nature of life. I am in awe of things like: a sunrise... the birth of a baby... a sunset... the stars... our sun... and the power of prayer.

In my book I am publishing about "Using Solomon's Wisdom to Build a Kingdom," I maintain 10 basic tenets that Solomon created and followed to build a kingdom. He started by asking God for WISDOM. He aligned himself with his maker and started from that place. He maintained worship as a vital part of his rulership and was considered the wisest man who ever lived. Could this be connected? I believe it is. Solomon's kingdom and influence ended up the largest his people ever experienced.

A path to abundance is one that begins in service, and one that begins by submitting our will to God's will. Because God has greater plans for us than we can imagine! My own path and my will focused my efforts on being a salesperson for a large corporation, then a manager for corporations. This influenced a few dozen people directly, and perhaps more indirectly. God's will has me writing books and speaking in ways that influence the lives of MILLIONS. Can you see what I mean? It isn't all about money, but when you influence millions you usually have more value in the world than if you influence dozens, would you not agree?

Worship of GOD begins by submitting to God. Worship and Wisdom, therefore, are uniquely linked as the paradoxical moment when we begin to manifest a larger vision for life.

In addition, you will notice people who are amazingly successful are very GRATEFUL. They express their gratitude to people they love, and those they just meet.

I am so GRATEFUL for YOU, right now!

See, because it is one thing to become "empowered" with the wisdom and vision that we may manifest God inside us. It is another thing to realize that FEAR and RESENTMENT block LOVE and hold us back, and even more to realize that FORGIVENESS and LOVE propel and lift our plane of life energy into the clouds. But it is another thing altogether to recognize that GRATITUDE is the key to BLAST OFF into the stratosphere of realizing our dreams! And this, my friend, is true.

Are you ready to blast off? Start showing gratitude everywhere you go! Laugh, smile, and let people know you love them and are grateful for their presence in your life.

Just as worship is the alpha; or, the beginning, gratitude is the omega; where it ends: the missing link to discover happiness.

Think about it.... if you can live a life filled with wisdom, filled with love, where fear has no place, and let go of all resentment through forgiveness and acceptance, and then are grateful for the blessings that come your way... is that not a life of abundance?

This is what AspireNow is all about. I encourage you to live that life of abundance. I can show you what I learn on my own journey. It is up to you if you wish to pick up the seeds of life sprinkled throughout these pages and say, "Yes, I want to plant these seeds in my garden." If you do, hopefully my articles will help, along with wisdom you receive from other friends, and other people and events will come your way to guide you and help water that garden, so these seeds turn into strong and powerful plants, trees, and eventually new life that you share with those around you.

I encourage it, I pray for it, I am grateful for the opportunity to help make it so for you.

May you integrate worship and gratitude as a regular part of your life activity and see if the beginning and end of happiness are not present for each and every day.

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Don't Just Sit There - GOYA!

Some of the best advice I ever received about success is this:

GOYA = Get Off Your Ass!

Is it ironic that Jerry Rice, the best wide receiver of all-time in the NFL, also maintained the most focused and intense workout ethic? For example, every time Jerry Rice caught a football, he would run it to the end zone. Why? "Because that is my objective every time I catch the ball," Jerry explained. Most receivers don't do that because you have to exert energy to run that much during practice.

This concept runs parallel to this statement:

"Do what others won't do and you will become more successful than the others."

So, in your endeavors, what are you doing? What are you NOT doing that you COULD do?

Charlie Parker became the best saxophonist in the world by playing 14 hours a day. Most saxophonists I've known will practice for 30 to 60 minutes and call it good. I find that when I rehearse more than 2 hours something shifts in me... I go into a different creative zone... and I start to CREATE new ways to PLAY MUSIC. If I only rehearsed or played for 30 minutes, I would never discover this zone! So, practice in ways others do not practice.

If you're sitting there every day talking about a dream, writing about a dream, and trying to think of how to make it perfect, guess what: someone else is out there making mistakes and just DOING IT - and perfecting their mistakes as they go along. In other words, while you're sitting there thinking about it they are DOING IT! GOYA!

I propose you consider doing those things today, this week, this month, this quarter, and this year, to make a difference. Stand out by doing things that make you stand out! Do what others say is impossible. Be the POSSIBILITY you wish to see!

Don't just sit there. GOYA and do something GREAT! You can do it!

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What Is Your Favorite Mantra?

John Assaraf, one of the authors and business leaders from the astonishingly popular movie, The Secret, recent asked "What is your favorite mantra?" on his Facebook wall.

I thought it was a valid question. My favorite mantra is "My higher self loves this."

Why?

Because, you see, if your higher self is not in alignment with the thing you look at or talk about when you say "My higher self loves this" you will be moved to CHANGE or REMOVE IT. Whatever you discuss, if you are not in alignment, you cannot say that for long. And, you most certainly cannot look yourself in the eye and say it repeatedly, day in and day out.

Usually, you will notice exactly how your body feels when you say "My higher self loves this."

If your body feels pain, or any discomfort, you may have an issue with that topic.

Now, on the other hand, if your higher self truly DOES love what you describe, look at, or discuss, then you will resonate happiness. I recently put every thing I am doing with my time through a "my higher self loves this" test. Fortunately, I only needed to make one major change (my band). But, I acted, and now everything is aligned in a healthy way.

Try using "my higher self loves this" with the activities, people, and items surrounding you. See if you gain clarity in focus, purpose, and love through this mantra.

What is YOUR favorite mantra? Please comment and share!
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Success Leaves Clues - 20 Questions to Help You Find Success

I just heard this quote while listening to a teleconference about the top five mistakes people make online and how to avoid them:

"Success leaves clues."

I believe the first person I heard say this was Tony Robbins. It's an interesting quote. The point is to look at how people or companies become successful and see if there are techniques used in their line of business that might be used in your line of business.

Some of the best ways to ensure success is to master techniques of those who win.

For example, to succeed online, you don't start and stop. You keep going no matter what. It is not easy to do when the rent is due and the bank account is low. SO, figure out your plan to ensure your success before you ever launch.

If you want to be successful, you've got to DO it. You can't just TRY it, you have to DO it. Remember Yoda (Star Wars) said "there is no try; there is only do or not do."

Commit! Don't start and stop. Get in and stay in.

What are you doing? Are you following the clues of those who blazed a trail before you? Even if you're blazing a new trail (a good idea) are you taking techniques used by people who succeeded in similar businesses?

I'm a sucker for documentaries, but especially documentaries about how great people, bands, companies, and leaders became great. What did they do? What challenges did they face? How did they overcome their struggles to succeed?

So, now, let's apply this right now in our own life.

Pick a mentor, say, Amelia Earhart. Or a leader of a company you admire, such as Steve Jobs and Apple. Now, start looking at what that person did when they succeeded.

Ask these 20 questions to identify the clues to your mentor's success:

1. Challenges: what challenge or need were they trying to fill or meet?
   
2. Commitment: when did they commit to meet the challenge and how did that decision impact their success?
   
3. Obstacles: what obstacles to success stood in their path?
4. Tools: what tools did they use to succeed?
5. Values: what were their values?
6. Differentiators: what made them different? How did they use their uniqueness to their advantage? What did they do that was NEW in their industry?
   
7. Copy/Creation: what did they copy or need to learn in order to create their solution?
   
8. Coaching: who were THEIR mentors?
9. Money: how did they finance their project or pay their bills when times were rough? How did they use money or create systems to fund their operations?
   
10. Value: what value did they give? At what standard did it match - 2x? 5x? 10x?
11. Public Relations: how were they unique in the way they spun their story?
12. Timing: in what ways did they put themselves in position to win?
    
13. Team: what type of team did they build? What made it unique or particularly adept at meeting the challenge? Who coached them?
14. Network: what type of network were they leveraging?
15. Competition: who were their primary competitors? How did competitors impact their ability to succeed?
16. Product (or service): in what ways was their product superior to any other product?
17. Failures: in what ways did they fail?
18. Coping: how did they cope with failure? What did they learn from their failures? How did they remain persistent when things looked bleak?
    
19. Wins: in what ways did they win? How did they capitalize on that success?
    
20. Gratitude: how did they express gratitude? How did they celebrate their wins?

Go back and study your leader and plug in the answers to each of these questions as you find them. See what I mean? These questions will help you succeed by identifying the key aspects of performance exhibited by WINNERS.

Take any great leader, team, group, company, or organization, and you can break down their success by asking these questions. Within the answers to these questions lie the clues for your own success.

Now, you'll be armed with INFORMATION to succeed.

But information is not enough. You must ACT.

When we don't just look for clues but actually use them, we're likely to find new success. So DO. Commit. Be who you want to be.

Bonus tip: look at ANY world class performer, leader, or player. Look at what they do to be successful. Look at who makes the least money. Look at who makes the most money. In almost every case, the person who makes the most money HAS A COACH.

Do you have a coach? I offer coaching, on a very limited basis one to one, but mostly in groups these days. Contact me through scott [at] aspirenow (dot) com to discuss coaching. Find someone who can mentor and coach you. Make sure that coach is someone who has been there and done that successfully. Get that person on board with you and start to use their pearls of wisdom.

P.S. this is NOT the way people should write articles!
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Living Life My Way

The first part of living our life purpose is to know what we want to do with our own lives.

After we've figured that out, we sometimes are left asking the question, "Now what?"

Can you relate?

Well, I think this problem has to do with living life on our terms; or, living life my way. That's the song Frank Sinatra used to sing, My Way. For example, you may have already decided the next step for your life. You know what actions you will take. You know what you need to do to be successful. And at least you have a grip on the daily things you feel will best take you there.

Then, the voice of a friend, a parent, an authority figure, or even a random stranger enters the picture and says the dreaded: "You should do this...(fill in the blank)"

Do you let this comment confuse you? It is hard when people who we've trusted to raise us, protect us, have fun with us, or even help us make money in the past offer advice counter to that which we believe best for our own life.

If we're going to be successful in living our own purpose, then we need to listen to OUR voice. We need to listen to the voice of SPIRIT (God) in our life. We need to listen to nature. But listening to these other people is actually to live according to THEIR AGENDA for us. Perhaps you owe someone money. Or, someone else struggles to imagine the risks you take. Or, they just don't understand what you're trying to do.

In any event, I encourage you to put your full resources into your life purpose. Do not go about this bashfully. Do the things you must do to earn money to provide for your family. And, if that is this new purpose, you've got to figure out how to bring in money as quickly as possible, or risk putting the ones you love in jeopardy. I don't recommend doing that. It is best to moonlight until you have enough money saved up to launch, or until the second business is proving it can sustain more than the first. Otherwise, you may have to downsize expenses to make sure you can make ends meet. Whatever the case, do whatever you have to do to take care of business.

In the case of many people, they choose a path and then struggle to figure out ways to earn money. Look at the people who are most successful in this business you are entering. Examine how they succeed. Copy those things that help them succeed. Then be different in the ways you must to provide your own unique services.

Focus on living life YOUR WAY. In career, hobby, relationships, and family, the actions we take in how we manage our daily affairs determine much of our success. So set up your schedule and take action in such a way to create immense success in your endeavor(s). Don't be your own worst enemy; instead, be your own best ally. Then, ally others to your cause!

Living life my way is an extraordinary feeling. It is much more satisfying than living life for others, or according to the agenda of others. So, do it YOUR WAY. And enjoy the journey!
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Manifest Your Dream In Eight Words

Do you remember the television show called "Name that tune?" I used to love watching it and trying to guess the song in even fewer notes than the contestants could guess!

Well, this article is kind of like that show, but I'm calling it "Manifest Your Dream In Eight Words." This is the shortest article I'll ever write on MANIFESTING your DREAMS. In fact, I can say all that really needs to be said about manifesting in just eight words!

How to Manifest Any Dream In EIGHT words:

Focus and Act Only Upon What You Want

There. That's it. It's all you need to know. Just go do that, do only that, and do it to the best of your ability. You will manifest many more dreams following the advice of these eight words than any other words I could give you.

It is almost like Nike's saying: "Just do it" except this is more specific - exactly what you want the most, there is where you must focus. Only upon what you want is how and where you must act. Now, go focus and act accordingly!!

Happy manifesting!
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Astounding Book Gets BURNED

What would you do if the #1 book in the world that could help you live your dreams was getting BANNED from all libraries? Well, it's not quite that severe, but there's only two days left to get your hands on a simple & easy to use book, filled with exercises to help you life the life of your dreams!

Are you in college trying to figure out what to do with your life? Or an "empty nester" facing changing home lifestyle? Or perhaps you're staring down the barrel of a career change? Whatever your situation, let's face it: you'll either win or succumb to failure. Do you want help?

You still have a chance:

I'm pulling my best-selling: "Methods To Discover Your Purpose" e-workbook off aspirenow.com in two days...I've been told that the information in this book is ASTOUNDING. One friend (albeit, a little biased) told me it was better than Tony Robbins' best-seller. Hey - their words, not mine.

I've had a goal to pull this off the site once it got close to selling out and there are only ELEVEN copies left.

So, if you're at that spot where you're just not sure about your future, well, don't waste time! It costs less than a tank of gas to get your very own copy and make sure you're on the path that reaps the rewards you deserve.

Just thought I'd give you all a heads-up!

Here's the link for you:
http://www.aspirenow.com/products_aspirenow_lifepurpose_workbooks.htm

(just click the buy now button)

Aspirationally,
Scott
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Life In The Craziest Places

Have you ever found life in a place that surrounds you?

As I write this question, I remember this photo my brother took in the California desert, where he illustrated this one yellow flower, shooting up from the desert floor, somehow finding a unique and barren position to proudly spring forth a lovely bloom of yellowish white petals. No other flowers competed for attention. This one flower not only survived, but apparently flourished in such an odd place!

Well, last week, I noticed the swallows seeking out the eaves and rafters (in lieu of trees) for their nests. They build nests in the same places annually. My condo resides right where they like to lay their eggs to hatch in the nests. They make nests out of sticks, leaves, dirt, and water (they make a mud-pack using the water from the pool). For a look at what their nest is like, check out this video:



Pretty funny, huh?

Anyway, I encourage you to seek out life and interact with it. I talk to my swallows every day when I come and go. Every part of life is there for us to enjoy, if we merely take the time. It is a valuable aspect of "life purpose" to interact with other creatures in nature. Enjoy!
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Life Ends Now - Are You Happy?

I watched a very inspiring movie last night called The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. Good movie with an interesting perspective about life (no, I won't spoil it here). My favorite part is when the character of Brad Pitt asked "If your life ended now, would you be happy?" He then followed that up with "If the answer to that question is 'yes', then okay, keep living the way you want!" and then "But if the answer to the question is 'no', then start over."

So, how is your life, right now? If you were to die and transition from this Earth right now, would you be happy?

Yes ________ No ________.

If your answer is YES - RIGHT ON! I love empowered people!

If your answer is NO - I'd like to ask you to immediately write down the three things you feel are missing from your life. Or, if the list is longer, take as long as you need to write your list. But do it now. Do not delay.

After you KNOW for SURE what is MISSING or NOT RIGHT I'm going to encourage you to CHANGE IT RIGHT NOW. Start a new direction towards what you want, right now. That's right, DON'T WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW or HOPE for a BETTER TIME. The time to make change when you don't like what is happening is right now. *

*The only exception to this is if your job sucks, you might want to make sure you get another job before leaving your existing job - especially if you're supporting a family.

Okay, now, if you've made a decision to make a difference, but you're still SCARED, I want you to email me your list. Send it to Scott [at] AspireNow (com) take out the brackets and spaces, and your email will reach me. If you're interested in coaching, let me know, and I'll hook you up. If you just want to share, indicate that. If you want feedback, please indicate that, too.

WHAT DOES LIVING HAPPILY RIGHT NOW REALLY MEAN?

If life ends now, how do we live within our truth to live on purpose and be happy with our life?

The answer is comprised between two words: perception and choices.

How we perceive our situation (predicament) and our attitude (based upon perception) may dictate how we see our possibilities and how we choose to act.

What we choose to do with our time also is what dictates our life path and happiness.

The truth comes when we follow our path and take action towards our dreams, every day. Whether your dream is to be a good golfer or swimmer, take action now towards that goal and sign up for golf lessons, buy a Jack Nicklaus golf video (helped me), or start swimming at your pool or a local pool nearest you. Or whether it is to share more joy with each person we meet, take action with each new person you meet towards that goal. Or whether that truth is to start that hobby or turn that hobby into a career, then take steps towards that, right now. Perhaps your dream is to start a new business, then take action towards starting that business (one way I recommend is to contact www.ARRiiVE.com, a company I created out of AspireNow who helps you launch your product or service).

Whatever is not yet decided, whatever is not a "done deal" -- that is what we've got to go after, if it truly is what we want.

Last, I want to examine our perception more closely. What is blocking you? Is your internal and external language you speak SUPPORTING your dream or BLOCKING it? Tape record a conversation with a coach and/or a friend and pay attention to things you say. If you use words like "I feel stagnated with... " or "I hate..." or "I would if only..." whatever follows those types of negative statements is what is blocking you. Or, at least, your PERCEPTION of those things is blocking you.

If you then notice when you say "I love..." and "I enjoy doing..." and "I'm most happy when..." and ".... makes me smile and feel good..." those types of statements are the things you MOST WANT TO DO and MAKE YOU HAPPY. Pay attention to these, do them more often, and make sure you prioritize these things.

If you do not know what you truly want from life I suggest you hire a coach to help you out.

You can also start with a workbook on discovering your purpose.

The good news about life is that we are always seeing life from INSIDE OUR EYES so we truly CAN start a new life from where we are, at whatever age, when we believe and take action towards that dream. I encourage you to start immediately. Your happiness depends upon it.

Credit Repair Magic Will Fix Your Credit Faster than Any Other Credit Repair System at Any Price. . . Guaranteed
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Overcoming A Bump In The Road

For people aspiring to live their life on purpose, we often reach the mountain-tops and live life large, full of gusto, supreme satisfaction, and happiness.

However, even those living an "empowered" life occasionally hit bumps in the road.

People who are "experts" on relationships break-up with their partner. People known as the richest people file bankruptcy when business takes a bad turn. The healthiest fitness coach slows down after a heart attack. Case in point: Barbara De Angelis went through a divorce. Paul Sterling and Kristen Denton, fellow relationship coaches went through a break-up this past year. Heck, I went through one, myself, last year, with my own girlfriend. Donald Trump once filed bankruptcy. In fact, many members of congress have filed bankruptcy. Think about it - if you fail at a campaign, how do you pay back the debts? It is a challenge many politicians face. And, I'll never forget the story of how Lance Armstrong won the Tour de France AFTER his testicular cancer diagnosis.


Things like this happen to people. It's part of life. The amazing Lance Armstrong (pictured above, courtesy Wikipedia) is currently in the middle of a comeback to win the 2009 Tour de France and raise awareness for cancer. If he wins, it will be his 8th victory in that bicycle race.

When life seems to deal us a bump in the road the biggest question isn't whether we're affected by it, but rather how we adjust and grow in spite of the challenge.

If you're currently in a bump situation, remember that you can handle it. You're strong. You're here for a good reason! Go back to what makes you happy, what makes you feel fulfilled, what makes you feel you've added the most value to the world or to others. Embrace that purpose and do it better than ever.

Remember: when we focus on our strongest purpose we're always able to weather the bumps in the road.
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New Year's Resolutions: The Two Lists

I was fortunate to spend time with an enigmatic man named Robert during a very special period of my life. Robert taught me many things during our days together, and this time of year reminds me of one particular interaction we had.

"Now that you are becoming more aware," Robert said, "you need to begin to set goals for yourself so you don't lose the momentum you have built."

"Like New Year's resolutions?" I asked.

"That's an interesting idea," he smirked. "Let's do that."

"By then I was used to his cryptic responses, so I knew something was up because of the way his eyes sparkled as he let out an impish laugh.

"Tonight's assignment is to make two lists," Robert continued. "The first is a list of all the New Year's resolutions you WANT to keep, and the second is a list of all the New Year's resolutions you WILL keep. Write the WANT List first, and when you have exhausted all of your ideas, then write the second list on another sheet of paper."

That night I went home and spent several hours working on the two lists. The WANT List felt overwhelming at first, but after a while I got into writing all the things I had always wanted to do if the burdens of life hadn't gotten in the way. After nearly an hour, the list swelled to fill the entire page and contained nearly all of my ideas of an ideal life. The second list was much easier, and I was able to quickly commit ten practical resolutions that I felt would be both realistic and helpful.

The next day, I met Robert in front of the local food Co-op, where we seemed to have most of our enlightening conversations. "Tell me about your two lists," Robert said as the familiar smirk crept onto his face.

"The first list contains all the things I SHOULD do if I completely changed my life to be the person I always wanted to be. And the second list contains all the things I COULD do by accepting my current life, and taking realistic steps towards the life I want to lead."

Let me see the second list," he said.

I handed him the second list, and without even looking at it, he ripped the paper into tiny pieces and threw it in the nearby garbage can. His disregard for the effort I had put into the list annoyed me at first, but after I calmed down I began to think about the first list in a different light. In my heart, I knew the second list was a cop out, and the first list was the only one that really mattered.

"And now, the first list." Robert bowed his head and held out both of his hands.

I purposefully handed him the first list and held his gaze for several seconds, waiting for him to begin reading the page. After an unusually long silence, he began to crumple the paper into a ball and once again tossed it into the can without looking at it.

"What did you do that for?!" I couldn't hide my anger any longer.

Robert began to speak in a quiet and assured voice. "What you SHOULD or COULD do with your life no longer matters. The only thing that matters, from this day forward, is what you MUST do."

He then drew a folded piece of paper from his back pocket and handed it to me.

I opened it carefully, and found a single word floating in the middle of the white page:

"Love."

###

This story is reprinted with permission from Scott Blum Co-Founder of the DailyOM. If you're interested in more information from Scott Blum, visit scottblum.net and download the free e-book "Summer's Path". It is in the same vein as this article.

And, as always, I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

- Scott Andrews, Founder of AspireNow
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Adventures and Your Dreams

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do... sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sales. Explore. Dream. Discover." ~ Mark Twain

Life an adventure. Or, at least, your life CAN be an adventure.

What dreams are you living? What dreams have you allowed to die?

If you're not living your life fully -- with all gusto -- my question to you, today, is WHY NOT? What are you waiting for?

My father used to travel quite a bit. But last year, he started using oxygen at night. Now, it is harder for him to travel. He skipped Mom's trip to Greece last year. He'll probably skip doing anything exotic, like going to the Galapagos Islands. And, most certainly, he's not going hiking in Antarctica now!

See, if you wait to live your dreams, they'll just slip away. Not only will you not be living them, but then you'll hear of someone else who did and you'll realize "Oh, I'd always thought I'd do that!"

My life is an adventure!

I'm currently going for it full-on with music. I play with a couple of different bands, and pretty much ANY and EVERY time I'm invited to play, whether for pay or not, I go! Why? Because I love playing music, first of all, but second because playing music in front of thousands of people is a dream I will not let die. It is a dream I will explore. Each time I play, with different musicians or my regular band(s) with whom I play, I discover new sounds, new grooves, and enjoy the moment.

Last year, for the first time since I was a child, I created a painting. My friend painted over it, much to my chagrin; however, it was the experience of going for it. This year, I aim to start painting more seriously. This last year, I also embarked on a dream to start Salsa dancing. It is so much fun. I'm still not Intermediate level, but definitely no longer a beginner!

Are you expressing yourself artfully?

In business, I've launched a couple of companies, including AspireNow. They're growing. It's exciting to be part of a business launch. Right now, I'm helping a company called Elements launch their sales. I love it! Are you living your business dreams? If not, what can you envision that would be the best fit for your skills? Go do that! Make sure to negotiate the money you need to not only survive but thrive and you'll be even happier. It helps to have money in the bank, you know. Not only that, but money in the bank can help pay for the next adventure.

What are you doing with your career to live your dream?

If your job is just a job, consider taking a new approach. How can a job be a dream-come-true? Is this in the cards for you? Perhaps you need to stack your own deck so the dream of living your dream job is TRUE for YOU!

Where will you go next?

I have many adventures and places I still wish to travel: Brazil, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Colombia, France, England, Austria, Italy (especially Italy), and more. The list seems to grow! This year, I'm going to go to one of these, at least. I'm thinking Cuba may be the place...

Where will you go this year? Write me a note and share your own journey!

Want an easier way to manifest your dreams? Use Dream Board (Vision Board) software by Orange Peel:


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You Are Called To Be Your Highest Purpose

What business are you in? People sometimes ask me this question. Of course, depending upon the moment, I suppose I could answer "Author, Businessman, Entrepreneur, Speaker, Salesperson, Musician, Song-writer, Blogger, or a host of other things" but I really think I'm in the business of LOVE.

That's because everything I do, I do to help bring more LOVE into the world. Whether it be through more success, ways to be proactive, ideas on launching products, playing the sax, hosting my radio show, and so on... all of these things bring more LOVE into the world in one way or another.

Do you know why you are here, reading this, right now?

The reason is because you are CALLED! You are CHOSEN to a higher purpose.

There is a very important reason why you are alive at this point in time. Do you know what it is? The answer is within you. What are people saying about you? Is there a voice inside you, urging you to DO SOMETHING BIG?

My guess is you feel and hear that voice, right now.

Are you trying to stifle that voice? Or let it out?

Because, whatever you're feeling called to do, it is time RIGHT NOW to do it! It is time to LIVE YOUR PURPOSE and DO what you are CALLED TO DO. Do not delay.



If there is a "counter-voice" to that little voice of your soul crying out for you to live your most powerful life, that voice must not be given power over you. Whether you've been telling yourself "I'm not educated enough" you ARE educated. Whether you've been saying "I don't have the talent" well, people with perhaps more talent won't do as much as you. Whether you're saying "I'm too old" well, NOAH and JOB in the Bible realized more success in their elder years than all the years before that. In our more modern era, President Lincoln had his greatest success the last five years of his life. President Kennedy's father made more money during his latter years than all the years he was in Hollywood or a bootlegger.

You might be surprised, but the answer is within you as to why you are called and ONLY YOU can answer that call.

Today is the time. NOW IS THE DAY. Start now. Do not delay.

I'll share a quote from the wonderful Marianne Williamson:

"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, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are 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." ~ Marianne Williamson, from Return to Love (hardcover p. 165, paperback pp. 190-191): http://www.marianne.com/index.php

Let your light shine. Do not shrink from the greatness within your own being. You are a beautiful being and nobody can take that from you. It is your calling. Live it today. Begin now.

Are you ready to take a QUANTUM LEAP FORWARD?



I encourage you to take more steps. If you'd like coaching from me or one of my wonderful AspireNow Advocates and other coaches, contact me and I'll help you get the right coach to ask the questions and guide you on your path to success.

Be your best self! Be the miracle you wish to see happen in the world!

Editor's Note: Since writing this article I've received 10 emails thanking me for the timeliness of this information. If you find this a benefit, feel free to donate to AspireNow (see above) but one way you can also donate is to SHARE YOUR STORY with us! I love success stories, or stories of how people are moved by articles. Thanks and all the peace, joy, love, hope, and success to you!
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Why You Do What You Do

I'll be discussing how to discover what drives you with "Why You Do What You Do" on the AspireNow: Seriously Fun Self-Help Show this Tuesday evening at 5:00 PM PST 8:00 PM EST (show airing August 19, 2008).

To Call the show, dial (724) 444-7444 enter 37792 # 1 #

OR

Listen online at http://www.AspireNow.com. You can also listen here at the player:

Success Does Not Come in a Box at AspireNow: Seriously Fun Self-Help Radio Show

Check it out: Dr. Michelle L. Casto, Author and Life Coach talks with Scott on the AspireNow: Seriously Fun Self-Help Show this week.

Topic: "Success Does Not Come In A Box: Go from Job Stress to Career Bliss"

When: Tuesday, August 12, 2008, at 5:00 PM PST / 8:00 PM EST

Where: Call (724)444-7444 Enter 37792 # 1 # or visit http://www.AspireNow.com or http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/37792 to visit online and/or text-chat questions for Michelle.

Details: Tired of the "Get-rich-quick" offers flooding your email? Does an e-mail degree really mean you're ready for a new career? Get a better plan with Michelle Casto, who offers an enlightened approach to career transition in this week's AspireNow: Seriously Fun Self-Help Show. Why perform work that makes you sick and feels like you are selling your soul for money?

In this thought-provoking show where Scott Andrews, Founder of AspireNow.com, interviews Dr. Michelle L. Casto, the Soul coach, you will learn how to:

Break the cycle of chaos and confusion.... make this your "Turning Point Moment" towards the success and happiness you desire and deserve.

Discover how MEANING AND MONEY can go together...find out how to do it and why this combo makes your heart sing with joy.

Start living your dreams... realize the passion and balance of living your best, true self.

Find out the simple, fast, and easy way to make a SPIRITUALLY SMART career change.

Learn many more tips towards a successful career transition...determine a method to select a career coach who understands you.

And, as always on the AspireNow Show... be inspired to reach your higher aspirations!

What's great about Michelle is that she's led over 200 courses on career change the past 10 years. She's literally a MASTER at the process. Why fumble along on your own when a wise coach, with empathy and understanding, can help guide you on your path.



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Weathering Life's Storms

(Guest post by Dr. Michelle Casto)

Hurricane Dolly came to Texas yesterday.

Storms can be very scary, with all that wild wind, rain, lightning, thunder, and destruction. Weather storms serve to wake us up to the reality that there is something bigger than human beings and our little list of needs, wants and desires.

Storms remind us that we really are not as in control as we think we are! (Maybe that is why they can frighten us so much).

Storms are also symbolic of life….things like divorce, bankruptcy, getting fired, having accidents, family feuds, etc., happen to each and every one of us. The good thing about storms, stress and challenges is that they come and they go.

And if we are fortunate, they come one right after another, like the dark night experience. (Hey if they are going to come anyway, may as well get as many out of the way at one time, right? That is what I told myself over the last few years, when I was challenged with literally one thing after another).

What would good fortune have to do it with it?

Well when we are living through our own version of hell….on the other side is our personal version of heaven. And those willing to walk through the fire, do get to the other side, and soon find that everything is quite amazing and delightful.

I would like to point out that it is not a dark night of the soul----that is a misnomer---it is a dark night of the ego…..because it is the ego that keeps us circling in chaos and confusion, when the soul just wants to sing and dance and party!

Ms. Big Wind Dolly gave me some extra reflection time and guess what? The sun really does come out tomorrow! In fact, it is peeking through clouds right now as I am writing this to you.

In times of the STORM: Fear Not.

There really is nothing that can harm the part of you that matters anyway.

I like what Deepak Chopra said, "One thing we can do is make the choice to view the world in a healthy way. We can choose to see the world as safe with only moments of danger rather than seeing the world as dangerous with only moments of safety."

You know, Einstein said something similar: one of the biggest decisions we can make is if the world is a friendly or hostile place.

My family sometimes wonder why I live in a place that is actually “due for a hurricane” and I just tell them it is where I am called to be, and more importantly, I choose to believe I am safe, secure, and protected at all times. If I can walk away from three major car accidents, I have cause to believe in something else besides little 'ole me….such angels or the Divine Spirit!

I want to send a big hug out to all of you who were sending South loving thoughts, and I am happy to report, our little island (the North side anyway) did not receive much from Hurricane Dolly except some fairly heavy wind and rains. The only thing I lost were the car magnets on my convertible!

So, watch the horizon for your next storm, and be calm, knowing that ALL IS WELL.

More information about your soul's evolution by Dr. Michelle:

Dr. Michelle
The Soul Coach, Speaker, Author, & Modern Philosopher

Soul Coaching http://www.brightlightcoach.com
Personal Transformation http://www.smartlifechanges.com
Smart Products http://www.getsmartseries.com
Enlightened Moments http://www.youtube.com/brightmichelle

Editor's Note: Yes, we were sending loving thoughts South to Michelle and to other friends in the area around the Gulf. Glad you came through it unscathed!
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Join AspireNow's Self Help Lounge at Gaia

AspireNow recently created a new group (forum, or lounge) for self help discussion over at the social network, Gaia. If you aren't a member, sign-up and join our group:


Click here to join AspireNow's Self-Help Group at Gaia!

The AspireNow Group at Gaia is an online lounge (forum) where you can discuss, learn, share, and get involved with topics ranging from:

Career, Dating, Dreams, Finance, Goals, Health, Inspiration, Journey, Law of Attraction, Lifestyle, Marriage, Money, New Thought, Perspectives, Relationships, Secret to Success, and more!

Of course, while you're at it, you might also want to sign up for AspireNow's Newsletter, too:

Join AspireNow's Newsletter.

Join Aspirenow Group Lounge at Gaia.
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When Life Feels Like Failure

Ever have a bad day?

Sometimes, we all have days that could go better than others. During those days, it sometimes seems that life feels like failure. Can you relate?

Whether it be loss of a friend, being "under the weather", a break-up, loss of a job, or just people or life not quite working out the way we'd hoped, sometimes we are apt to experience "down" days. If you're human, it will happen.

The best thing to do when you're having one of those "bummer" days is to follow this process:

1. Allow yourself to feel your emotions and process what that means to you.
2. Give yourself a moment to breathe and remember you're alive now and alive for good reason!
3. Start moving, creating, building, and doing something again as soon as possible.
4. Be grateful for the opportunity in front of you!

Each step of this process to pull yourself from a bad day and change it to a good day is important. When we give our self permission to experience emotion, we give our self a chance to process and move forward, rather than stay stuck in the past or the present moment. When we take a fresh stock and remember life is an opportunity, not a bummer, we can start to re-frame our hopes for a brighter tomorrow. By moving, creating, building, and/or taking action we give new energy to our body, our being, and the natural chemicals this releases will boost our mood. When we express gratitude for this opportunity we gain insight into the spiritual underbelly of our mission.

Here is a perspective on FAILURE by Michael Jordan, the famous Chicago Bulls' basketball player:



If you're feeling a bit like life is a bummer today, go through the process. It's okay to fail, as long as we fail successfully! Don't worry - it won't last forever. Usually, a down mood lasts just a few hours or a day. Tomorrow is a new day! Embrace each day with the fullness of life in front of you and you'll live a more happy and fulfilled life.

See, if we are not failing, we aren't LIVING enough. So, embrace the failure! Learn from it. Then succeed next time you take the court, so to speak.

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