Focus In Life, How to Focus Your Mind to Get More of What You Want – Step Three of Three!

Jul 162012

P1050042 Focus In Life, How to Focus Your Mind to Get More of What You Want – Step Three of Three!

“When you fall down, get back up”

I tell this to my three year old daughter. She does repeat this now and there are many times when she is still simply upset.

This is ok.

In this three post thread on how to focus in life and get more what you want we first talked about finding your target. In the second post we discussed setting and using intentions. Once we have our target and our intentions we are left with only one thing to do–take action. When we take action we most certainly will begin to stumble. Just like a toddler does when they walk or run, we too are learning and growing and we should expect to fall. This is trial and error learning.

Trial and error gives us experiences. If we have a system for living in place, learning by trial and error is truly the best and only way to learn. Of course, we can gain information by studying people, reading books, and taking classes–yet none of these take away the real trial and error learning we must go through to understand and “know” something.

Babies trial and error walking–even though I can ‘tell’ them how to do it.

In pulling out our greatness, the idea here is NOT to get overwhelmed with upset when we fall. Instead we gain more information and incorporate this into our life. Sounds easy enough–though it is not.

Our ego hates to fail, fall down, or in any way get uncomfortable.

When we follow the clues of success though we trail along failures, mistakes, and lots of falls. I heard this story once and I will do my best to summarize it here.

Two skiers sat at the gates on top of the hill. They were waiting for the buzzer to begin the race. Both ladies were wheel chair users and were in a sit down ski called a monoski. One lady was experienced, the other was a novice.

The buzzer sounds and they head into their first turns. A few more turns and the novice skier falls. She slides a bit and digs in her outrigger (a specialized pole) to push herself back onto her ski and head again downhill. Meanwhile, the expert skier fell too. She also popped herself back up to complete the race and finish in a close second place.

This race was for a national championship and the novice won.

In the interview, the experienced skier was asked about the novice skier’s speed and skills. She was asked what really happened on the slopes and all she could reply was, “It is simple. She got up faster.”

And just as the skiers illustrate, it is simple for us too. We simply need to get back up after a fall. The person who gets up fastest will win.

Let’s make it great.

signature Focus In Life, How to Focus Your Mind to Get More of What You Want – Step Three of Three!

Focus In Life–How to Focus Your Mind to Get More of What You Want–Step Two of Three

Jul 092012

Posted by Matthew Scott K No Responses »

521606y691mqpjj 300x204 Focus In Life How to Focus Your Mind to Get More of What You Want Step Two of Three

Focus your mind with the power of intention!

Today we will learn Step two of three—Focus in Life—How to focus your mind to get more of what you want.

In my last written post we learned about finding our target. This is incredibly important to focus in life. Once we get our target it is time to go within and create our intentions.

An intention is something which you wish to experience forever. When we get our minds quiet enough, and as we develop our intentions overtime, beautiful sentences will arise from us which will help steer us down the road of life. For example, one of my favorite intentions which I borrow from Dr. Demartini is “I am a genius and I apply my wisdom.” This intention speaks to me now and it will mean just as much if not more as I grow and age. Intentions are timeless. Other great examples are:

I control 100% of my mind 100% of the time
I am a master (insert your passion) and I inspire others to achieve (what your passion is directed towards).

If you are just beginning to develop your intentions find some to borrow. You can also grab a friend or coach to help you develop intentions that are just right for you. Using intentions, whether borrowed or not, you will begin to find new ways to tweak them and make them work for you. Eventually you will have several powerful intentions to serve you every day.

Here is how we use them. Supplant them in your mind at every chance you can. In other words, repeat your intentions over and over throughout your day. After a few days you will notice your mind calls them up whenever there is a quiet moment.

“We do not have to pull every weed, we simply plant more flowers.”
Intentions are flowers. Plant them through practicing multiple times a day and you will grow only flowers over time. Write them down daily and carry them with you to refer to many times over.
Here is how it works in life.

Tom is ready for something new. He wants to gain a new job with higher pay. After some research, both online, and within himself, he learns he wants to be a teacher for high school aged people. This is much different than the county tax job he currently holds and while not a ton more money, the benefits are an improvement and the opportunity in the summers has him getting excited.

He begins to work on his intentions. After several days and weeks he is committed to a few which are:

I am a master educator and I inspire others to achieve greatness
I am open to unlimited open doors of opportunity
I love learning from great educators within our public schools

Now think about this; as Tom plants these into his mind, would he be more likely to see teaching opportunities or less likely than if he did not do this work? Even while he is doing his county tax work, if he is beginning to tell himself, “I am a master educator and I inspire others to achieve greatness,” might he begin to see his current job as an opportunity to teach?

There is a lot of talk about intentions and the power of intention. So much so that confusion can set in. Some people view intentions as thinking about that which they want. Such as, “I intend to get a new car.” However, intentions are more about who we are being which allows that which we want.

Create your intentions today and evolve them overtime to who you want to be.
signature Focus In Life How to Focus Your Mind to Get More of What You Want Step Two of Three

Focus In Life, How to Focus Your Mind to Get More of What You Want – Step One of Three

Jul 052012

Posted by Matthew Scott K 3 Responses »

target1 751 300x300 Focus In Life, How to Focus Your Mind to Get More of What You Want Step One of Three

Brady Ellison is currently the number one ranked archer in the world. And I can beat him.

You give me anytime of day and I will beat Brady in an archery contest…as long as he cannot see his target. I guarantee it.

Sound silly?

Think about this, how many people are trying to land their arrows in the target without true focus on what they are shooting at?

In other words, without focusing our minds on our targets, we will never get what we want. So let’s put life in focus.

To sharpen our mental focus the first task is to determine what it is we want. This can be difficult at times as there is SO much opportunity once our minds begin to see it. How in the world can we decide what to shoot for?

To help clarify our target we can utilize thinking time and some powerful questions. Thinking time is incredibly important and it combines meditation practices with a clear intention from one or two questions. People, like Keith Cunningham, who really promote thinking time ritualize this time in their lives. A guy like Keith has a specific chair, pen, journal, and time which he uses for his thinking. You can choose to do this or to begin simply, simply begin. Clear out an hour of your time and use these questions to guide you. Then be sure to take notes and use ‘~’ marks. Each time we write an answer, make another hash mark and allow your mind to fill it in. Alright, here we go.

How can I use my skills, talents, and passions to serve people?

If I could create anything in the world, with no hesitation, what would it be?

Answers to these two questions will help you focus in on your target. Once we can see our target, we can attain it. Your greatness is waiting–aim and fire now.
signature Focus In Life, How to Focus Your Mind to Get More of What You Want Step One of Three

Knowing vs. Dreaming

May 292012

Posted by Matthew Scott K 2 Responses »

I have been a dreamer. Still am a bit though something shifted for me in the last two years.

dream content analysis 300x225 Knowing vs. Dreaming

Dreamer’s are everywhere. Knowers calmly observe the Dreamers and say “I have been there too.”

I dreamed about hitting it big. I would dream about winning the lottery, developing an insanely successful business that grew overnight while I was dreaming, and about falling in love with that perfect person who loved me everyday just as I was.

Most dreamers get so excited about their dreams they tend to tell everyone about them. I was not different from any other dreamer in this sense. I shouted my dreams to anyone within one city block. Many people close to me heard about my dreams over and over. Then, just so I was protected, when I realized one dream was not coming, I found another one that was even more exciting! This allowed me to dump the first (or fourth) one and grab onto a new and even better dream.

I have a friend with a favorite saying. It goes, “You can wish in one hand and #*@& in the other and see which one fills up faster.”

Life went on while I was doing all this dreaming though I now know that there is no traction with simply dreaming. Nothing can happen with dreaming alone. In other words, I cannot dream and then meditate on a rock for days only to realize my dreams are fulfilled. I executed on nothing while I dreamed.

For me, I then began to dream even harder. Keith Cunningham told me once, “If you find yourself going in the wrong direction, stop.” I tended to press harder and go faster.

Of course this created a spectacular crash and burn type of scenario. It was through the flames and ashes that real knowing began to show itself to me.

Knowing is much deeper than dreaming. To dream is a process of our mind and primarily our ego. To know is something that comes from within–much deeper than the superficial thoughts racing in our heads. This is why knowing feels like a rock.

Once you get around someone who is a knower there is no forgetting it. The energy and presence is powerful and can fill a room.

To know is to transcend one’s ego mind and centers on their presence which lasts a lifetime.

How do you become a knower?

You can fail a bunch of times over and over until you get some knowing.
You can meditate and open your mind up to the knowledge of the Universe.
You can work with mentors and masters of life–other people who know.

Bottom line though, to know–to truly become a knower–one must experience life fully and constantly be a learner and seek greater awareness. This begins to define a true master.

What do you know?

Success in Network Marketing? Is it really possible?

May 252012

Posted by Matthew Scott K No Responses »

I was first introduced to network marketing in 1989. I was 13 years old at the time and I was brought to a home meeting–I believe it was with Amway.

At the meeting I felt I was being preached to and I was told that “this was the only way” to do things. I was repulsed. It was here I learned about the ‘model’ and I had plenty of people around me at the time to let me know this was a scam. I left the meeting not feeling really great.

It was a number of years later when I read some of what Robert Kiyosaki wrote about network marketing. He supports the business model–as do many other people. I learned more about the business model; I learned it was legal, easy to use, and powerful. Yet, I could not find success.

I did get into businesses and I attended high energy ‘trainings,’ had mentors get on three way calls with me, and I pushed into my warm markets. I failed miserably, over and over.

Now when I approach my warm market, everyone runs.

What is it about network marketing that keeps me coming back again and again?

I will tell you it is not necessarily the product. Nor is it really the leadership. Though both of these are important considerations. Compensation plans are nice too, though, again, this is not the end all factor for me.

I keep coming back because it is a business model that works, that is legal, and that focuses on building relationships. I finally “got” what I was missing and now I enjoy success in my business.

There is little to sell–except for yourself. There are a few determinate characteristics among successful network marketers. The top few are:

They know what they want and why.
They are great communicators or have the ability and desire to learn.
They can think for themselves and control their minds.

It is this last characteristic that is worth talking about. Without self mastery, people will fail in network marketing. This is exactly where I failed, time and time again, in the past. I did not ave self-mastery and therefore I could not follow through with what I said I would do.

See, people have been selling products for eons from the backs of trailers to online website systems. And throughout the centuries it is only the people that choose to think for themselves that create success. This one skill (and it is learn-able) allows people to hold their dreams, even while facing challenges and criticism, long enough to get what they want.

There is no “get rich” scheme in network marketing. If you hear this from someone you need to run. Network marketing businesses simply take time, persistence, and a clear vision of what you want and who you are.

The great thing about this fact is people who create vision and define their values learn to do it. It is a teachable skill!

All that is needed to begin is the desire. Interested in learning more about network marketing coaching?

It is not for everyone. Though it may be for you.

Mind Control Techniques? How to take control of your mind and thus your life.

May 212012

Posted by Matthew Scott K 2 Responses »

Here is what I know. People who cannot control their mind are prone to overeating, overspending, beating themselves up, and drifting (to use a Napolean Hill term).

brain 300x249 Mind Control Techniques? How to take control of your mind and thus your life. No one teaches mind control techniques to children in school and this is primarily because few people know how to control their own mind.

Those who have learned how to control their mind have found more joy in life, the ability to save, eat healthy, love fully and more. Are you ready to control your mind?

The ability to grasp the reigns of our minds are open for everyone to take. We will discuss three incredibly powerful mind control techniques and first we will discuss two of the main reason why so few people choose to control their minds.

The first reason people choose not to control their own mind is because of conditioning. Our brains are mold-able and most of us, if you are like me, go through school, listen to our parents, and every other large influence in our lives, and we get “brain-washed” and conditioned. The connections in our minds are formed early on and these connections become grooves. It is these grooves that form our habits and the way we associate experiences. Therefore, if we learn that “money is the root of all evil” from a parent when young, we will have this condition and groove set for a long time. We have grooves set (if we are a teenager or older) and they form our habits. Habits are how we think and respond to circumstances in our life. Think of walking down the street in the evening and seeing a big man walking toward you, wearing a hoodie, shoulders forward, and strutting as if to say “don’t mess with me.” What comes to your mind? This is conditioning.

Some of us may get scared, anxious, or excited and thrilled, all depending on our mind’s grooves. To break a groove is difficult–and we will get there soon. The point is, we all have our habits and grooves and the longer we have been doing something the same way, the deeper our groove is and the harder it is to regain complete mind control.

The second big reason why people do not control their own mind is out of fear. While related to the initial habit and grooves we highlighted above, fear keeps people from establishing new grooves. People fear rejection, poverty, and death the most. Should someone begin to exercise control of their mind, fear usually snaps them back into the old grooves they have set because it is comfortable, it is what they know, and it is what other people expect.

There is one more thing to cover before we get to the three mind control techniques. Knowing that people’s conditioning and their fear of rejection, poverty and death keep them away from controlling their own mind what is needed to begin the venture of mind control?

A “why” is needed.

Some people choose to hit rock bottom before they identify with their old conditioning and fears. Others can draw up a list that has the benefits of change outweighing the costs of that change two to one. If you are truly wanting more mind control I encourage you to ponder the benefits and the costs of this change.

What is your why? As you begin to control your mind you will be hit with every sort of challenge imaginable. These challenges are sent in an effort to deter you from your goals. They are truly sent to help you though many people get derailed and choose the easy route of not thinking for themselves. Within every challenge is the seed of opportunity.

This is the first mind control technique. The buffalo would face the north when the winter winds came down while the domesticated cow will face south. Buffalo had control of their mind while the cow did not. The buffalo knew the cold winter winds would push the seed further into the ground which would positively affect the grass come spring. The lesson here is to face your challenges knowing that the seeds of opportunity are being planted. When challenges come, say to your self what great marathon runners and athletes have told themselves when they hit their walls; “This is why I am doing this.” Welcome the challenges as this is truly the time when greatness is born into life. Face the cold winter winds of your life.

As you face into your challenges know why you are doing this. Those who face challenge without a reason are called masochists. Those who have a reason and hold this with them are referred to as being alive. If your reason and purpose is big enough and sincere enough you will know how to control your mind. Those people who do not control their minds waiver on making decisions until the last moment and they will usually flip flop on their decisions as soon as they can.

The second mind control technique is to be determined. By making decisions quickly and decisively we can gain control over our mind. Those who do not decide for themselves have others pushing them around. To practice this, if just beginning, you can start small. Choose not to have coffee if you usually have coffee, or choose not to have a cigarette if that is a better fit. This will bring challenge towards you and you face it if you wish to control your mind. Taking small steps decisively will lead to taking larger steps overtime. Know your why, face your challenges, and decide to move forward.

Anytime we move forward in life, we will have a head wind.

Finally, the third mind control technique is this, brainwash yourself. That is right, we need to brainwash ourselves in the way we wish to be brainwashed. Consider this; you are already brainwashed by the years of schooling, parents, and other big influences of your life. Why not control the way you now get brainwashed? I guarantee, if you choose not to brainwash yourself, others will do it for you. Marketing is a multi-trillion dollar industry to do just this. Choose to brainwash yourself and you will have one of the most powerful mind control techniques working for you. Here are a three tips.

Self-mentor yourself. Record, in your own voice, intentions, sayings, and more, then load them onto your music player and listen to them daily. Having positive words, in your voice, playing in your ear, is a powerful brainwasher.
Post messages to yourself on your computer screen, mirrors, wallet, and anywhere you will run into them consistently. Everytime you read a message it is a form of brainwashing. Place the poems, prayers, words, or statements that you really enjoy and that make you feel good around your environment everywhere.
Use a journal or the 90 Days to Excellence to keep yourself focused day after day and write down your intentions, gratitude, and goals. This will help you stay strong when facing the winds of challenge.

Mind control techniques are learn-able. Learn how to control your mind today–the world is depending on you to do just this more than ever.

How will you choose to control your mind?

Your values–defined by your life.

May 082012

Posted by Matthew Scott K 2 Responses »

I have been thinking much about values. I have also been thinking about your values.

Values are what guide all of us. We each have our own specific and unique values which compliment one another so beautifully.

However, there are times where we can become clouded by other people’s values, such as appeasing a boss or parent, or we become too in love with our own values and forget the values of others–think of the stereo typical pushy salesman.

When we truly care, we know our values and we are able to learn what other people value. Then in communication we communicate what we value through the other person’s values. Get it?

Before a story about Tom, here are four questions to use when drilling into what we or others value.

How do you fill your space?
How do you spend your money?
What do you think about and talk to yourself about?
What do you talk to other people about?

Each of these questions helps to identify what it is you, or someone else, values. When we learn what people value we have a clear picture of how to relate to them and speak to them.

I would like to introduce Tom. SCAN0006 219x300 Your values defined by your life.

Tom is your average guy living your average life. As a friend of Tom’s, I wish to help him see a bigger picture. I want him to realize how doing one daily action every morning (writing his gratitudes) can help him get what he wants out of life. So I begin by asking Tom some questions.

As I am in Tom’s home on occasion I noticed he has some bicycles hanging in his garage. He also has some old medals from when he was a kid stashed in the corner of his kitchen. I see he has a photo of his parents in the living room, his first puppy in his bathroom, and he obviously loves movies or music or both as his entertainment center is pretty large. I take all of this in as I then ask Tom, “How do you spend your money?”

Tom replies, “well first I pay my bills. I try to save a little money here and there but usually it gets spent. I love buying music and I am always checking out the bicycle shops for some new parts to my collections. I generally by a bike or two every year. The next one I want to pick up is a 29″ wheeled single speed racer. I am super psyched, I just saw the one I wanted on Ebay!” (Tom and I already have great rapport which allows him to open up so easily)

I noticed how he lights up when speaking about his bicycles. He gets animated and his eyes shine. I then ask, “what is it you think about everyday?”

Tom answers, “I think about my parents quite a bit. They are getting older and they live a few states away. I also dream about how to make my current bikes better. I think about new paint jobs and decals I could add and yesterday, I thought I would start a Facebook group to bring other bike geeks together. Then we could trade out parts and help create new ideas.”

I am beginning to pick up on Tom’s love for his family, relationships, and his bikes. He values these as priority. I could lead him into this next question:

How might writing down what you are grateful for everyday, help you be closer to your family and improve the bike collection you have in your garage?

Tom could answer, “well I don’t see how it would. My mornings are pretty busy as they are just getting ready to go.”

Then I would ask, “Tom could you play with this just to humor me? How might it help you? I am not saying it would, but how might it?”

As Tom plays with this he might come up with some answers. “Well, being grateful for all the bikes and bike parts I have allows me to see them new again. And without the great tools I have I would not be able to wrench on any of my projects. If I was grateful every morning for my parents I might call them and write them more which would help me not feel like a neglectful son. And if I wake up being grateful maybe my job would be more fun and interesting. I guess there could be more things I would enjoy by being grateful for what I have.”

In running this scenario, my objective is to attach what Tom values, his bikes, family and relationships, to the simple, yet powerful, act of writing down what he is grateful for everyday. There is an accountability piece to add to this process. It is likely that Tom would begin this process if he was able to attach this action to his values, though he might need assistance to maintain this action long enough for it to become habit.

This can be used for any actions. Attaching new actions to what people value will bring new importance to them.

What do you value and how has this played out in your life?

Seedlings Require Support and Challenge–Just as People Do

May 022012

Posted by Matthew Scott K 1 Response »

I have begun to garden. The mountains where I live, tend to stay cold late into the “Spring” months. I built a few cold frames and a green house to help extend our already short growing season. Experiencing ninety frost-free days, consecutively, can be considered abnormal.

seedling bgk 300x220 Seedlings Require Support and Challenge Just as People Do

As seedlings begin to sprout in my home and green house I have noticed some correlations with the work I do. I educate and mentor people and therefore I am planting seeds and helping them grow.

In a seed there is objective. The objective is the act of planting a seed–by planting the seed I have a very clear objective of growing a flower or a vegetable. Otherwise I would not plant the seed. Having a very clear objective with whomever you are working with is critical. Whether you are a boss, teacher, or sales person, get clear on your objective. Too many people are planting seeds that they are unaware they are planting.

Get Clear on Your Objective

Second, I water my plants. I water them, care for them, sometimes talk to them, and I will do this for as long as it takes. Sometimes I have no idea how long it will take for my flower to grow. Though I have intention that sustains my actions until something does sprout and provide beauty. This is true with people, yes? We plant seeds with thoughts and experiences and we may be waiting for years while this germinates. In fact, we may not be around to see it grow. How tough can this be? We all really want to see immediate impact, to measure this impact on assessments and tests within a year to attract funding or whatever, and our seeds may not germinate for years. Though with a clear objective (seed) and strong intention (water) something will grow.

Keep Intention For As Long As It Takes

Lastly, though not least, I do not go out and uncover my seedlings, maintain consistent temperatures, and help alleviate any pull of gravity or harsh winds that may irritate my seedlings growth. Plants need challenge to grow and so do people. It is here where I introduce love. Love is not a euphoric emotion. It is a grounded intention that provides both challenges and supports. While working with people, I love and support them all. And at times I must bring challenges to them to ensure they grow. Things grow at the meeting of challenge and support–Love.

LOVE

Love also qualifies us as people and coming from a state of love we can help and serve people the best. Here is the formula in review:

Get clear on your objective(seeds) and plant them
Add consistent purpose or intention (water) and maintain this for as long as it takes
Come from a state of love and bring both support and challenge to ensure growth

This is the formula for helping people transform and grow. It can happen right before your eyes.

Inspiring people–in classrooms, business and family–it is all about Context

Apr 242012

Posted by Matthew Scott K No Responses »

When people are inspired they have motivation that comes from within. Inspired people tend to learn more and they learn more quickly. Inspired people have discipline to do whatever it takes to get the task on hand taken care of. As leaders and teachers, we want to inspire people. Students who are inspired learn on their own and within a company, inspired employees, or downlines, produce more–and this is a good thing.

So, how do we inspire those we lead?

Introducing Context

Context is derived from the word contexere which means “to weave together.”

When we are discussing context we are discussing the weaving together of two or more things.

In order to inspire someone on a task at hand we must weave together how this task serves their values. People are inspired by what they consider are their highest prioritized values. For example, you do not have to motivate a mother to wake up at all hours of the night to care for her new born. That child is her highest value. You also do not have to motivate a teenager to play his video games. He will play at all hours of the day–he is inspired.

The trick is to attached whatever it is on hand–math homework, closing a sale–to whatever that person values most. How can closing a sale or generating a lead serve to care for a new born child? How can completing math homework serve a young man in his video games?

Great leaders will attach tasks to other people’s values. Then we communicate in their values and if we do a good job, people get inspired. They see how taking action serves what they value the most. Motivation comes from within.

As leaders and educators, it is all about the other people. How can we serve them?

Brewing Root Beer and why we need more materialism in the world today.

Apr 132012

Posted by Matthew Scott K 2 Responses »

I have a friend whose is adamant about materialism. In the popular voice of “we are too materialistic today” JoeBob says “No, we are not materialistic enough.”

He may agree that we are too “consumeristic” today. Here is a story to illuminate this.

I love root beer. In July of 2011 I committed to never drink alcohol again. That was when I began to explore root beers with the same passion as I used to explore single malts or micro-brewed beer. I was curious to learn about the different flavors, the history, and the different ways of brewing them together to bring root beer into existence.

What I saw was that there is no magic to root beer. It is a thousand year old process–an eternal process–of flavoring water and setting up yeast and sugars. That is it.

When the mask was lifted I saw how I could make my own root beer from scratch.

This is not much different from an iPhone or automobile. The scale is different though. When you look deep enough, everything that goes into building that iPhone comes from scratch. Somewhere on this planet, the ingredients are grown, formed, and we combine the “flavors” and chemical processes into an iPhone. A grain of sand, if placed under immense pressure and heat, forms silicone–which is not the leading material for ultra fast silicone conductors.

What my JoeBob teaches is “materialism.” Matter is rooted in the term of mother. Mother is the one that gives life to everything. When he says that we are not materialistic enough he means that most of us do not know the mother of our things. We forget the blood, sweat, tears, death, and birth that happens for us to make a phone call. Check out JoeBob’s website to see more of his work.

When we learn the root of our equipment and physical tools and such, we gain a deeper respect and understanding for our world. This roots us and grounds us in our own integrity. Therefore, we become more powerful in our leadership. We may even move away from mindless materialism and into mindful materialism.

Get material.

Where does your computer screen come from anyway?

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