Surrender to Wonder.

As you know, a fundamental premise of my work is that the key to understanding is in the questions that you ask, not the answers that you seek.  The answers may change as you change, grow and evolve.  The world is not static; the great questions remain the same.

Look at a toddler.  They are filled with wonder and take great joy in the investigation process. It is a gift that we trade to some extent once we begin to experience the fear that results from choice and consequence. We begin to worry and assess to determine whether our choice will achieve the results that we desire.  Strategic thinking has its benefits, but sometimes the best strategy is not to have one and to be open to allow things to unfold. Can you be clear about what you want without trying to master and control the way it appears?

Today, I want you to consider two things. What is the question that begs an answer? Pick one. Now, let go.  You heard me. Let go. Allow the answer to come to you.  Know that it is coming, but allow it to show up in any way that it wishes. Pay attention because you are about to be astounded.

Success or sabotage?  Ask the questions and be willing to revisit them. Become comfortable with the unknown. Enjoy the adventure.

Is this going to be an incredible day?  Surrender to the wonder and you will experience how "incredible" life can be.

Place your Order.

The quality of your life is, in large part, a result of the story that you continue to tell yourself. Each day you awaken to a blank page awaiting your "order." What is your expectation? What kind of day do you want to have today? Have you thought about it? What would you like to say at the end of the day as you are preparing for bed?

Take some time this morning to "place your order." Focus your thoughts on your dreams for today. What would make this the best possible day?  Allow yourself to feel it.  Do not become overly invested with how it is going to happen. Simply be clear about what you want and a couple of steps (however small) that will bring it closer to coming to fruition. Now, let it go and watch what happens!

Success or sabotage?  Success is only produced when you know what it is for you. Doesn't it change its meaning every day?

Is this going to be an incredible day? Have you made up your mind?

Entertain the Impossible.

Consciousness is the plain on which our lives are created. As you think, so shall ye be.  If you conclude that something is impossible for you, then it shall be so.  In order to make the impossible, possible, you must reach a point of knowing that resonates with your very being.  You must be willing to reject the "good opinion" of others, disregard the tribal logic and be the exception rather than the rule.

It does not serve you or the world to live below your power and potential. What is the question that you were born to answer? What is it that makes your soul sing?

Today, entertain the impossible as being possible for you. Imagine your life without lack or limitation. Who would you be then? How would that person be different than the person that you are today? What would that person do to be effective?

Success or sabotage?  Success is shaped by the boundaries of your mind; you are its creator as well as the creation.

Is this going to be an incredible day? What if you were to change your idea about today and think of it as the best day of your life?

Experience the Pain.

The challenges that you face now are not as great as those which you have already overcome. It is important when you are experiencing pain to know that it is not only acceptable; it is part of the process. Rather than attempting to escape the discomfort and "fix" the situation, we must sit in the unknowing and feel the emotions that seem to hold us captive. It is only then that we can be free. You cannot surrender that which you refuse to acknowledge.

As the caterpillar is making its transition to butterfly, the body fights the evolution. In the early stages, the "imagine cells" are killed off.  Then, more cells are produced. Rather than working individually, they begin to team with one another until they succeed in their mission. The butterfly is eventually born. 

Let go, knowing from the deepest part of your heart, soul, and experience that something greater and even more beautiful is unfolding. Hold on.  Hold on. Hold on. There is something greater at work than we may ever fully understand.

Success or sabotage?  Sabotage is fueled by our resistance to what "is." change is uncomfortable and growth is often painful. It is as it is and simply feeds our soul.

Is this going to be an incredible day? Yes. yes. yes.

Engage the Laughter.

When is the last time that you had a good laugh? I mean the kind of laugh that makes your sides hurt, your drink exit through your nose and tears form in your eyes? When is the last time that you laughed on a Monday? We are surrounded by examples of the absurdity of what it is to be human, yet we often take it all too seriously.  We often act as if the rotation of the earth and the preservation of the universe is based on the minute decisions that we make every day. 

If we are able to step back and witness the behavior around us--the eccentricities and the misconceptions--we can appreciate the richness of the dramas that shape our lives. If we choose to engage in drama, it is important to remember its place in comparison to the universe as a whole. Remember, the sun WILL come out tomorrow.

Why not begin your week with unbridled joy? What is it that makes you laugh? What brings your spirit to life? How will you feed your soul today?

Success or sabotage?  If your definition of success is absent joy or laughter, what is the point?

Is this going to be an incredible day? This day is yours in the making; don't put off the "incredible" for tomorrow when today is resting at your feet.

Walk your Talk.

Your life lived is a declaration of who you are....Every thought, word, and action are evidence of your relationship with lack, limitation, and possibility. If your existence was a course in life lessons, how would you summarize the lesson? Would we learn more from your example or from the negative consequences of your actions?

If you wish to live in integrity, you must walk your talk and stand in your full truth. At some point, you must be willing to cross the bridge between what you believe and what you do. It is a journey often filled with fear, anxiety, and regret, but the rewards are infinitely rewarding.

What are the beliefs that you hold that are not fully expressed in your life? What are the obstacles that seem to inhibit you from living up to your full potential? If you were to choose one area of your life that you would like to transform today, what would it be? Take the time to consider three steps that you could take beginning today to move in the direction of complete transformation. Are you willing to move forward?

Success or sabotage?  Are you willing to speak the truth without apology, regret or judgment? Are you willing to step into the discomfort long enough to create a more effective life?

Is this going to be an incredible day? Are you conscious of what you are creating or are you living on "auto-pilot"?

Move into Action.

Dreams may be a pastime, an escape or a revelation.  The truth is demonstrated in one's willingness and ability to translate the dream into reality. The world cannot afford your weariness; you have slept long enough. Rise up and awaken! Move into action, knowing that the luxury of today is the greatest gift that you will ever be given. 

The temptation to fall back asleep and into your old habits is an opportunity. You may postpone your greatness until another day when it is more comfortable or convenient, but realize that day of comfort may never come.  Your responsibility to yourself and to the world is to stop denying your gifts, talents, and abilities. Stand up, turn off the television and move into effective action.  At a deep level beyond your resistance and the rantings of the ego, you know what to do. Stop pretending that the answers belong to another or that things must be in the right order before you take a step. The time and order have never been more "right" than it is today.  Live in your highest power and walk without apology into a new world that you are creating for yourself. Refuse to accept mediocrity, criticism or limitation as part of your creed. The world will change when you change. Are you ready to live your truth?

Success or sabotage?  Success is reserved for those who have the courage to stop talking and begin acting. Stop allowing fear in the guise of reason and logic to become the foundation of a life not worth living.

Is this going to be an incredible day? You are the only one who has the answer; your thoughts, words, and actions are already dictating the answer.

Risk the Disappointment.

Your life is a result of your choices. When considering who you want to be or the kind of life that you want to create, one is often tempted by the two 'P's...procrastination and perfection. You may wish to wait until you have more time or until things are in better order before you move forward on your dream.  Remind yourself of the truth: there may not be a tomorrow, and perfection does not exist in the human condition (no matter how smart, talented and intelligent you may be).  Any idea that you refuse to deal with consciously will eventually deal with you subconsciously.  Not making a choice IS A CHOICE!  If you are not willing to risk disappointment, why waste your energy on dreams?  Limiting and non-limiting beliefs are incompatible.

What dream have you been storing in the back of your mind? It is time to bring it out of the closet.  Don't wait for things to be "right" before you act.  As Emerson stated, "Do the thing, and you will have the power."  Today is the day! This is the week! No more waiting! No more excuses! Your life is waiting!

Success or sabotage?  Do your challenges have more power than you do? If the answer is "no," then prove it.

Is this going to be an incredible day?  The day is ripe with potential and possibility. It is at your feet awaiting your command.

Lead your Life.

Begin with a blank page. You do have that luxury. Start to consider how you would like for your life to fill the page.  You may either follow the followers (don't we have enough of them?) or you may live your life as a leader.  Since you are the best manager of your life and the only one truly capable of this job, how can you best lead?  How can your life lived serve as an example of truth and integrity for others? 

Here are a few questions for you to consider:

• Who do you want to be as you walk in the world?

• How will your definition above be demonstrated?

• What are the challenges and obstacles that seem to hinder or delay your success?

• How will you overcome these challenges/obstacles?

• We all have leadership qualities; what are yours?

• In what areas are you a leader now?

• In what areas do you wish to be a leader?

• How are you going to make it happen?

• What is the cost of NOT assuming a conscious leadership role?

Many of you have been waiting for the promotion or position that will make you a "leader." Many await the sanction of another before they feel comfortable moving forward.  Wait no longer! Your invitation is here! Step up and assume the role that you were destined to play.  WE ARE ALL LEADERS.  If your life isn't working well and you don't feel effective, respected or joyful, change it.  Change it TODAY! It sounds simple and we all know it.  The question still remains, what is the cost of NOT being a leader?

Success or sabotage? Do not wait for another to define your success; contributors are nice, but the bottom-line is your own.

Is this going to be an incredible day?  Follow your own lead and appreciate the power that you have to create on a daily basis.

Invest your Energy.

What is the source of your desires? Why is it that one will wish to be a chef while another will dream of being an architect? Do you believe that your inclinations are only accidental or intentional yearnings of your soul?  Is there a connection between who you are and what you want? If so, what is the relationship?

If you are one that believes that there is validity to the concept of callings or an orderly universe, then it stands to reason that you will get what you want, IF YOU GET OUT OF THE WAY.  Otherwise, why would you have the desire? 

Think of your energy and focus as your currency for daily living. You are given an allowance to spend to make it effectively through each day.  You have the option to spend the energy in whatever way you desire, but you will not be given additional energy to spend until tomorrow. If you make a savvy investment, you will get more energy in return. If you invest unwisely, you will lose power and may end up operating on a deficit.

Now, let's take your "allowance" of energy and apply it to your vision.  Are you investing your energy in a way that feeds your vision--bringing it closer to reality through your thoughts, words, and action? Or, are you investing in cynicism, doubt, anger or fear?  Picture yourself as a vision. Do you like to go where you are not respected or loved? 

Where is your focus? Are you ready to receive your dream if it were to arrive at this very moment?  If not, what can you do to shift it so that you are ready and waiting?

Success or sabotage?  You must believe in success BEFORE you SEE it.

Is this going to be an incredible day? What opportunities will this day provide for bringing your dreams to fruition?

Create the Time.

Time is a scapegoat of convenience. It is one of our most effective excuses; it provides a solid foundation for self-sabotage in a world of competing priorities. If you really want something, you CREATE the time to make it happen.  It is simply stated, but challenging to execute.  Since we have all resigned ourselves to the concept of time and how it is utilized, we have to balance our desires with our responsibilities as well as the desires and responsibilities of others.  Easier said than done.

Is there something that you have wished to do that you have delayed or denied due to a lack of time? Is it something that you REALLY WANT?  If so, is it really so impossible to create the time to make it happen?  Don't judge yourself in response to your answer; simply be clear about your conclusion.  If it is not something that you want badly enough to fit into your busy life, then don't fool yourself.  Be honest with yourself and let go of the desire.  This act alone will create the space for greater energy in your life.  You will no longer be carrying a repressed guilt for "that thing that you should/could/would be doing if only you had the time."  It is not about more time; it is about managing your time more effectively (in relation to your intentions for your life).

Success or sabotage?  Take the time to create greater success in your life; if you don't, what's the point?

Is this going to be an incredible day?  Take the time to enjoy EVERYTHING that this day has to offer. You will never revisit this day again.

Fill it Up.

Who has ever heard of "extreme self-care" on a weekday?  Shouldn't that be reserved for the weekend or for a much-needed vacation in your distant future?  The greatest responsibility that we have is to ourselves.  There is merit to that which we often label as "selfishness."  If you have a desire to be a giving person--to be loving, compassionate and empathetic--you must give to yourself FIRST, so that you will have more to give.  You cannot give from an empty vessel.  You must first fill yourself so that you are overflowing, rich in abundance, love and passion.  Go withIN or go withOUT.

Today is about you.  Despite the chaos, frustration and stress that often arises at the end of a work week, take the time to "fill yourself."  Do something for yourself today that is out of the ordinary.  Take a hot bath by candlelight.  Go out for an expensive lunch.  Buy yourself some flowers.  Get a manicure or a massage.  Eat some expensive chocolate.  Step out of your comfort zone and become your own best medicine.  Follow your inner voice and intuition about what you have been denying and deny it no longer!

Success or sabotage?  You can either live or exist.  Every moment you are making a choice.  Why not choose to make this an exceptional weekend by beginning with a different intention?

Is this going to be an incredible day?  The day is ripe with possibility; are you willing to create opportunities where they already exist?

Dare to Live.

If you had awish granted that you could transform yourself into anything that you wanted to be today--who would you like to be?   If you were fearless and there was no possibility of failure--if you were brave, what would you do today?

What is life without adventure? Do you find yourself living on the straight and narrow path because you fear the unknown?  Is that truly who you are? Are you expressing your heart's desire or are you wearing an invisible mask every day?

Dare to live TODAY! Step out of existence and into life!  What is one thing that you can and WILL DO TODAY to move out of your comfort zone and into that place of mystery where your heart beats a little faster? Scare yourself with your courage and act with conviction.  This is NOT a dress rehearsal!

Success or sabotage?  Life is precious; are you managing your life or is it managing you?

Is this going to be an incredible day?  Dare to live in the realm of possibility rather than the limitations of probability.

Focus on Heart.

Are you living by default? Do you find yourself functioning on automatic pilot? Are you walking in a fog of your own creation? What is the cost of sleeping your life away?

Consciousness is a skill--a muscle that must be flexed on a moment by moment basis. You will never become completely competent in this area. Circumstances are forever changing and your personal growth is in direct correlation to the choices that you make along the way.  As sure as you think you have mastered one area of your life, a variable may be introduced that puts a hole in your "formula." There is no easy fix.  You simply must stay awake!

In addition to your other objectives today, I invite you to focus on the messages of your heart.  That's right....not your head, your heart. In each situation that you encounter today, focus on your heart. How do you feel? Do you feel anxious, uneasy? Is your heart beating fast or slow? If you find yourself not feeling anything, find a quiet moment to close your eyes and place your focus on the center of your chest...on your heart.  What is it trying to tell you?

Success or sabotage?  Do you find more comfort in sleep than in consciousness?

Is this going to be an incredible day?  Are you open to receiving new good in your life at any moment?

Notice your Filters.

We see life through a filter.  The filter is invisible in nature, like a glass lens.  It is made up of our values, beliefs, and life experiences.  The focus of the lens is how we see the world.  Most of the time we are not conscious of these filters, so we define what we see as "reality" (and often wonder what is wrong with those "other people" who don't seem to be walking on the same planet!).

I was raised by a military man. I was brought up to value time in a way that dictated that "on-time" means that you are not walking in the door at the time of a scheduled appointment, but are ready and waiting for the task at hand.  One might suggest that this is a positive value, but one must be careful not to live as if this is the definitive value of "timeliness."  For many, walking in the door at the moment that a meeting is scheduled is fine.  I have a filter around what it means to be "on-time."

Take a moment to consider filters (values) that you may have that might influence the way that you interact and react to others.  Do these filters serve you or do they inhibit your success?

Walk through the day with fresh eyes.  Notice how challenging it is to quiet the editorial commentary and assumptions that litter your mind.

Success or sabotage?  Success requires a level of consciousness that is nothing short of work. Are you willing to do what it takes to achieve true success?

Is this going to be an incredible day?  Through what lens are you viewing the day?

Make a Choice.

There is a moment in everyone's life (sometimes, several moments) when "the rubber hits the road," and one is required to make a choice in relation to the yearnings of the soul. It is a moment when one is invited to step outside of the comfort of the routine and risk complete failure in order to experience pure passion.

As you begin another week, think about your choices as they are evidenced in your life TODAY.  Are you listening to your soul or becoming a creature of the commonplace? Are you living with passion and purpose or contributing to a society that has fallen dangerously asleep?

Success or sabotage?  Choose consciously and you will never fail.

Is this going to be an incredible day?  Dare to think, speak and live a day that exceeds your own definition of "incredible."

Use the Adversity.

So much of our time is spent awaiting "better times." We exert a great deal of energy resisting the present because it is not the circumstance that we truly desire.  If you take the time to examine these times in your life, however, you will see that it is those moments that truly define who you really are.  Look at a person in the midst of adversity and you will see the truth of their being.  The essence that is YOU at the core, comes screaming forward.

Often, we forget what we have already endured (the storms we have already survived).  The obstacles that we have previously faced are often much larger than those that we face today.  All of the gifts, skills, and genii that we used in the past to overcome obstacles are still present; if anything, we have become stronger and more skillful because we have flexed the muscles in our previous "workout."

Take some time today to remember one of the greatest obstacles of your past. What challenges did you face? How did you overcome the obstacles? Apply the skills that you used to overcome your obstacles of the past to the ones that you face today. How can you use these gifts/skills to be even more effective?

Success or sabotage?  Are you able to acknowledge and take note of the power of adversity in your life?

Is this going to be an incredible day?  Remember who you are as defined by your successes. How could this day be anything but incredible?

Lighten up Today.

Sometimes we simply take ourselves too seriously. As you move through the day, LIGHTEN UP! As bad as things may seem from time to time, things probably seem less optimistic for another. Take time to be grateful for all that you have and to laugh. Laugh with abandon because you have the privilege and opportunity, knowing that this day will never come again.

Some things to considertoday:

• Speak with an accent from a land not yet discovered simply to make yourself more interesting
• Announce your arrival when you enter a room and ask for applause just for showing up
• Buy a disposable camera and have strangers take pictures of you (tell them that you're an aspiring fashion model and need to practice)
• Stand backward on the elevator
• Pretend that you have an imaginary friend and speak to him/her throughout the day (out loud!)
• Dance for five minutes to the music in your head and ask others if they can hear it
• Invite three co-workers for friends on a scavenger hunt at lunch; the winner is treated to lunch by the other two
• Wearing your hair in an obviously ridiculous fashion and tell people about "this great new salon"

Success or sabotage?  Do you burden yourself by focusing on things that don't really matter?

Is this going to be an incredible day?  The choice, my friend, is yours. I dare you!

Assimilate the Joy.

There are people in life that are so joyful that you WANT to be around them; you are attracted to their energy in a way that you cannot necessarily explain.  Are you one of those people? Would you like to be one of them?

You have probably heard about the old customer service trick for telephone professionals--smile (even if you don't feel it) and the customer will hear the smile in your voice.  There is a technique in acting (an "outside-in" approach) where you allow the physicalization to produce the emotion (if you hit a table over and over, you will eventually feel anger). These techniques can be helpful in life.  If you don't feel joyful, assimilate joy.  Play it to the extreme. Relax and allow it to fill your body. Notice what happens.

Success or sabotage? What is standing in the way of you and your joy? Is there a better time than today to find out?

Is this going to be an incredible day?  Let go; just be and ENJOY!

Know your Story.

There is no enemy greater than one's self.  We are all living a story.  Its structure is comprised of our values, life experiences, and beliefs.  If the story is unexamined, it becomes the filter through which we view the world.

Your mind is the canvas on which your reality is created. Before you can successfully create the life that you want, you must first be clear about the reality that you have already created.

What is the story that you are living?  What has the story been?  What is your story today? What would you like your story to be in the future?  If you were to summarize your life as the plot summary on the back of a best-seller, what would it say?  Given the information that you have received at this point in the story, how will it end? 

Success or sabotage? You are the author and co-creator of your life. Is this story one of victory or defeat?

Is this going to be an incredible day?  How will you write it for yourself?