The treadmill of success

"I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward." -Thomas Edison

Helloooooooooo!!!  I'm back.


That is right after a far to long of a break I am back. Back on the Jack!


I am not going to dwell on the time I took away from the plan.  I would love to tell you I had some great reason or at least a halfway decent excuse.  I do not. I simply just fell of the plan.  


It is kind of like when you are following an exercise program, you are working out every day, feeling great, and look forward to your daily work out.  Then something happens life gets a little busy and you miss a workout, then you miss the next one and before you know it you haven't worked out for weeks then  months.  Now you have no desire to workout, yes it made you feel good but now it seems like work again. But you know that once you get back into the habit of working out again you will be feeling better and looking forward to your workouts soon enough.


Well, it is the same with the Success Principles.  I hit the treadmill of success today and will get back in the routine. 


AA
:0)

Dream Big and have Goals!

As many of you know, I've set a personal goal to lose 15 pounds AND run 13 miles on May 2nd 2010.

Both these goals were definitively set as a direct result of reading Canfield.  I always had vague ideas of wanting to lose weight or do something really physically challenging but reading the SP's book gives you suggestions on getting specific.

Deep down I always thought, "gee it would be cool to run a marathon, someday."  After reading some J-Can, it occurred to me that the thought "someday" really meant, "probably never."  I was never going to wake up one day and suddenly be in marathon-running shape.  That's something that takes work.

Which comes back to losing weight and running a marathon.  Jack says, you shouldn't just say, "I want to lose weight."  It's best to be as specific as possible:  "I'll weigh 150 pounds on June 3, 2010 at 10 AM."  Or, "I will run 13.1 miles on May 2, 2010."

The other thing that Jack suggests is to set goals high and a little out of your comfort zone.  This is where we really grow and change as people.

(Or in my case of running - really, really outside your comfort zone!)

Let me tell you first hand - these concepts while simple, when put into practice really seem to work.

By having the pressure of a ticking clock of a specific date for this marathon chasing me - it's truly forcing me to "change my ways" in order to accomplish this goal.  It's more than just believing in the possibility -it's hard work. It's knowing that, the run is going to happen, I'm signed up and I will be there.  I put this goal on my head and now I'm doing everything that I need to in order to get there.  I'm taking my nutrition and training seriously, no excuses.

I will admit, that many times I failed to set goals because I was afraid to fail.  Even with this marathon thing, there's no guarantee.  It could rain the day of, I could have a cold, I could be running with an injury - there's the possibility of outside obstacles that could prevent me from crossing the finish line in the time limit they've put out there... but, trust me, this experience is a winner no matter what happens.  Nothing about it is a failure - it's a far bigger failure to not try at all.

The book suggests that you write down all of your goals as specifically as possible.  Put them on 3x5 index  cards and read them 3x's a day.  I am yet to write them all out and do that - but I will.  I am setting the goal here!

I will write out at least 10 major life goals on index cards by 10:30 PM February 18th, 2010!

What are some of your goals?  Are there any you've been afraid to set because you're afraid of failing?  Consider pushing yourself outside of your own comfort zone and surprise yourself at what you are capable of or learn a little bit more about what you would need to grow to that next step.

xo
Jen

I don't believe it...

The whole believing in yourself is so important that I thought I'd part deux it.


Sometimes, you just don't believe in yourself, it's something that you've gotta constantly work at.  I struggle with it everyday.  I'm trying to really work on it.  


There's the mantra's, the affirmations, the victory logs - all kinds of tools to help you find the inner voice to find that belief but even sometimes those things aren't enough.


Jack says, "It's often easier to have someone else believe in you first."


I cannot tell you how many times and how many people have helped me by believing in me, even when I didn't believe in myself.  


I'm  a writer and I firmly believe that I'm still writing thanks to people like Amy and Angela.  When I thought to give up, or didn't think I was all that good - these were friends that would "out of the blue" compliment something I'd had written or ask my what I was working on or I'd overhear them praising my work to someone else.  It was like the universe conspiring to find a way to get me back on some sort of belief track.  And I'm not even sure they know how much that kind of belief in me means to me... it means a ton - I'm pretty sure that I wouldn't be where I am now without a ton of people believing in me along the way.


So, I guess my last word on this is, if you are struggling with the whole belief thing - look around I bet you can find a whole lot of people who believe in you.  Maybe, just maybe, that's all you'll need to start to once again believe in yourself.


xo
Jen

I believe!

So in the Principles, I'm reading about the importance of believing in yourself.  This is probably one of the most important points that could be stressed.

Look, it's not the first time you or I have heard it.  "yeah, yeah... I believe in myself..."  "believe it and you can achieve it..." blah. blah. blah.

But seriously.  How many of us really, really truly believe in ourselves.  If you're like me, doubt, fear, a bitchy little negative voice often comes into play - urging, yelling, nagging - "no you can't."

Well, I have had that voice for too long and I'm really working at making it shut the F up.  I've always wanted to run a marathon but the doubt that I could do it has always plagued me.  But not any more.  I signed up for a 1/2 marathon yesterday and I have not one shred of doubt that I can do it, because I believe I can.  so I will.  And that's that.  I think that it might take a little work but with practice, that little inner voice of doubt can be replaced with a strong voice of belief.

I started another blog about that journey towards training for the marathon - as I've found that writing about these experiences are both motivating for me and supplies me with great accountability.

If you wanna read that, it's here:  www.seejerroerun.blogspot.com

I fully believe that both this emotional Canfield journey and my physical marathon journey goes hand in hand - I would've never chose to try to do that if it wasn't for reading this book.

I believe there's a great future ahead!

xo
Jen

PS:  For those wondering where Amy is at, she's currently in Vancouver and bringing her Style Studio to the Olympics!  She's got limited computer access and is working hard.  She'll be back soon!

I have a vision!!

So finally, I sat down and tackled the "Your Vision" section of The Principles. The vision, as Amy has demonstrated in an earlier set of blogs basically encompasses your biggest desires/goals in life - kind of like your dream everything, however, unlike most dreams, your vision should be something that you plan on making come true. A vision is: I'll direct and produce a Golden Globe/Oscar worthy screenplay... where as (for this purpose) a dream might be I'll win the lottery.

By the way, winning the lottery and doing the Golden Globe thing... both equally as tough :) but I will win a Golden Globe... oh yes. I will.

Anyway, I am not going to list my entire vision exercise as it's ridiculously long and probably pretty dull to anyone but me and Amy... Amy I'll send you a copy! ;) If you'd like to read the whole Vision, feel free to leave a comment and I'll email it to you.

Jack breaks down the exercise into seven parts. You are to vividly envision with as much detail as possible, your ideal home(s), relationships, career, spiritual/community realm, financial situation, what you are doing in your free time, how your health and weight is, etc... Jack says that when you visualize these things, write them down and look at these ideas daily, your internal "GPS" will guide you towards your vision.

This was an interesting exercise. First off, my ideal home is in Southern California. Tried as I might to envision a dream home here in Jersey, I kept coming back to orange trees and So Cal landscaping... also, most of my career highlights would take place there... luckily, my vision also included quite enough money to be able to freely travel to spend time with my East coast friends and family, so we are OK on that front.

Also, I discovered that really allowing yourself to "shoot for the stars" can be challenging. It's fun to dream big but somehow the realist keeps trying to "tone it down." Eh, I don't need to have a private jet or 10 million dollars, a nice car and a million bucks is enough... even when dreaming we (at least I) tend to limit myself. That's very un-jack. So I had to rethink it. In this section, there's a sub-section called, "High Achievers Have Bigger Visions." It's true.

There was also this quote from Michelangelo: "The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it but that it is too low and we reach it."

WOW! Right on Michelangelo! I have sooo many friends who have Ok'ish jobs that they kind of hate but they don't even know how to dream of anything bigger anymore. They have kids, they are late 30's, mid-40's and basically they are "content" with their 3 weeks vacation, modest homes and weekend dinners out. That's OK, no judgement on that... but how many of us, "aim too low?" I am surely guilty of this up to this very minute in my life.

From now on, I'm going to raise the bar - I'd rather miss something a little too high than reach something too low.

No more limits -- Private Jets, Golden Globes, Beverly Hills Mansions, perfect health - it all exists, someone is living that life - why not me?

Why not you?

XOXO

JEN

PS: After writing this blog, and rereading the section in the book, I decided to actually "up the ante" on my vision... I did add access to a private plane and a second home in Jersey... WHY NOT! :)

Make room for great!!

Hi world...

OK, so I'm not gonna lie, I've not been on top of my "Jack Canfield" reading lately. You know how it goes - work, commitments, GRAMMY awards to attend... ;) so much to do, so little time! Since I've decided that perseverance is going to be my theme this year, I'm posting even if I'm not entirely on point with the book and I'm checking in because I'm not giving up and I don't want you to think that I have!!

I have some good things going on right now - and from reading the Principles in the past, I know it all does come back to this theme of "following your dreams and making them a reality."

I am proud of myself, along with two partners, I launched Media Meld Studios less than a year ago and we've wrapped a feature length documentary and have a bunch of viable projects in the pike. My vision (when I get around to actually doing that exercise) definitely includes this company flourishing into a multi-million dollar, top entertainment company. I fully believe that we have the relationships, smarts, creativity and power to do it and even though we are yet to see our big pay day - I fully believe the day will come.

If I can just hang in there and not get enticed by other "good" opportunities.

Jack says, don't settle for good if it's going to stand in the way of great. It sounds so easy but it's easier said than done. This past year has tested me over and over. I've had a few "good" job opportunities come along. I've so far, managed to evade them because I know my "great" would be making the company I've been working on launching succeed -- in fact, when "good" opportunities come up, my stomach starts to hurt just a bit. My gut tells me to stick in their with the path I'm on even if my head is trying to convince myself to "take the steady pay, get the benefits, let someone else lead your destiny..." it's tough. Especially when you have family, friends and peers all with certain expectations of what you "should" be doing. Especially when your whole life you've been programmed with the notion that you take the sure thing, rather than the riskier path. However, there is the old saying, "no risk, no reward." And it's true.

It's riskier for me, emotionally, personally and financially to go this path I'm on. On the surface, it would be much easier to just "take a job." But I would be giving up my passion and a part of me would wither inside - I've sacrificed my gut way too much in my life and I really don't want to do that now.

So far so good. I pray that I can remain above water and strong in my desire to never settle for good when great is yet to be achieved.

So what is so good that your great is being blocked?

I will work on getting officially back on Jack track very soon.

xo

Jen

THE VISION EXERCISE PART 3&4

THE VISION EXERCISE

PART 3&4

? What are you doing with your family and friends in the free time you have created for yourself...

I am traveling. I love seeing new places, meeting new people and experiencing different cultures.

I take my friends and family with me whenever they want and are available. And when we are not traveling we just enjoy hanging out at home.

? What hobbies are your pursuing...

I would love to collect a great personal library so that my family and friends could enjoy it. I actually have a policy now that I love. If you borrow a book form me I ask that you read it and then write what you thought of it in the back. It could be one line or a essay. Either way, sometimes the things people wright are just as good as the book, sometimes even better.

? What do you do for fun...

I spend time with my family. Husband, children, my parents, my sister and brothers along with their spouses and children. They really are my favorite people in the world.

? What is your ideal vision of your body and your physical health...

I am extremely healthy. I keep in good shape and see myself living to be over 100 years old. I am happy and joyful.

Even in my older years, well after 70, I am fit, spry and have all my faculties.

I have learned to age gracefully, respect and embrace the body god gave me. My inner beauty still radiates thur my eyes and people are amazed at how old I actually am.

Stay tuned for 5...

THE VISION EXERCISE PART 2

THE VISION EXERCISE

PART 2

? What is your ideal job or career

I am running and building my empire STYLE STUDIO a personal style concierge service. It's mission is to provide unique quality style, fashion and beauty services that are designed to meet the diverse needs of every individual client.

Not only do we have the primary business Style Studio has...

A hit TV show based on style, fashion and beauty

a clothing line

and a successful and very popular blog.

? Where are you working

We have offices in NYC, Los Angeles, Paris and almost every major city in the world. But I mostly work out of NYC, Los Angeles and Paris.

? What are you doing, Whom are you working with

I am running the business with my business partner Francesco and we are loving it! We are having so much fun and everyone who works us really enjoys their jobs and is happy to come to works and work for us.

? What kind of clients or customers do you have

Not only do we have almost every celebrity you can think of as a client there are also a large amount of business men and women, athletes, as well as stay at home moms.

? What is your compensation like

The company will be grossing well over 20 million a year within the next 10 years. So, needless to say we are doing very well.

? Is it your own business

Hell Yes! Well mine and Francesco's.

Stay tuned for part 3.

AA

:0)

144 NO's

So this blog has been challenging for both Amy and I lately. Even if it's a little bit of a slow go, we are not giving up.

Something that's always stuck out to me and something that I really try to remember is the importance of perseverance. The importance of never giving up. Thomas Edison has said that he discovered "more than a 1000 ways on how NOT to invent the lightbulb." Edison didn't give up and after over 1000 attempts, and he eventually brought us light.

Jack Canfield has reported that he got 144 NO's when trying to sell his first book, Chicken Soup For The Soul. What if he gave up after the first five, ten, 50 or 100 rejections? His 145th try gave him the yes he needed and Canfield went on to sell over 8 million copies, in multiple languages, and paved the way for many other books (including the Success Principles!)

I truly find so much inspiration from both these stories. One man gave us light and the other has enlightened. Ordinary men fail because they give up. Great men succeed, no matter how long it takes.

xo

Jen

IT'S EASY LIKE SUNDAY MORNING;

Yeah, not so much.

When I started this principle I thought pleeeeeease this is going to be a piece of cake. If I could understand and apply Principle #1: take 100% Responsibility For Your Life, and Principle #2: Be Clear Why You Are Here this one Principle #3: Decide What You Want, is gong to be easy. Easy Like Sunday Morning.

However, It wasn't. I became blocked and frustrated. I felt like I couldn't see it exactly or correctly. And that had been holding me back.

In the exercise it asks you get very specific about certain things for example... How much money do you have in savings and investments? I couldn't answer this. I culdn't even see it. I don't know much about investments and felt whatever I said it would be inaccurate or incorrect.

But then Jennifer pointed out that this is a tool not a test. there is no correct or incorrect answers. And it is not supposed to get me stuck inside my head. Just the opposite! It is supposed to set me and my head free. With that advice I sat down yet again and attempted this exercise.

I have to say it went soooooo much better and was actually fun and exciting.

So, over the next few days I am going to be sharing my vision with you.

Part #1: the financial area of my life

? What is your annual income...

I have doubled my income every year over the past 10 years giving me and annual income of $51,200,000.00 by the year 2020.

? What does your cash flow look like?

I have no worries about cash flow. The money that is going out is coming right back to me in double.

? How much Money do you have in savings and investments?

Enough so that I and my family and my family's families will never really have to worry about money.

? What does your home look like? Where is it located?

It is a grand brick, center hall colonial located in The Jerz of course. and a little FYI I also have places in NYC, LA and Paris.

?Does it have a view? What kind of yard and landscaping does it have?

The Home is set high on one of the cliffs in the north Jerz. The view of NYC is AMAZING. The thick plush lawn, that is littered with dancing butterfly's and fire fies in the summer, just drops off into the city's skyline.

? Is there a pool or stable for horses?

I know there probably aren't any horses but a could take or leave a pool.

? What color are the walls? What does the furniture look like.

See here is where I would be stuck before. But today I am just going with it. How about I just say the colors of the walls are anything but black or navy blue. The furniture... is stylish, welcoming and comfortable.

Last ?: Visualize what kind of car you are driving and any other important possessions your fiances have provided.

Ok. so, I am not driving any car. I have always said when I become rich my very first course of action will be to heir a driver. I honestly don't love driving all that much. And I am thinking for a car a really nice sedan. like the A8 or a Maserati or maybe both.

The other major, major possession I will be getting is a JET. Once I had the opportunity to fly home from Los Angeles on Larry Kings private jet and I realized, right then and there, that I really, really, really, wanted that luxury. If you travel often in my opinion there is nothing better that the private jet.

Ok, so there you have it. Part one of the vision exercise.

Stay tuned for part 2.

AA

:0)

The Yellow Notebook

In Principle #3 Jack talks about our responsibility in honoring our needs and wants... no matter how small they are, they matter.

Jack recounts the story of being assigned a yellow notebook. He hated that color but was going to just accept it since it was assigned. When the instructor encouraged them to switch if they preferred another color, he realized the importance of honoring your feelings and making choices no matter how big or small.

Jack stresses that whenever you are given the chance to make a choice, make it. Express an opinion. Never say, "I don't care" or "it doesn't matter." No matter how mundane, this gets us in touch with what we really need and want. When you put others first, you put yourself down in a way.

I've been guilty of this my whole life. I usually "defer" to the other person. I'll shrug off stuff but deep down inside, really wanted something else. I've become very used to "swallowing" my feelings and "going with the flow." I am often so concerned with pleasing others that I forget to please myself.

Now to be fair, over the years I've recognized this flaw and have been working on this for some time. So I definitely have come a long way. But, I still have a way to go. I'm definitely going to practice having opinions a lot more often. Sorry everyone - I may be a pain in the ass but I like my notebooks pink.

xo

Jen

Principle #3 Decide What You Want

PRINCIPLE #3

DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT

What do I want to accomplish?

What do I want to experience?

What possessions do I want to acquire?

What does success look like to me?

These are the questions posed in

Principle #3

Principle #3 is primarily "The Vision Exercise" where I am to relax meditate and picture life the way I want it. I am to focus and see every aspect of the life I want and then write it down

After I write my vision I am supposed to read it everyday, this will keep my conscious and subconscious mind focused on my vision. And the share my vision with a good friend who I can trust to be positive and supportive.

This is exciting... I can't wait for both of us to do the exercise and then share it with each other.

Next time you hear from me I will have a clear vision of my life.

AA

:0)

I want to win a Golden Globe

Big television today... first was the under-estimated, often laughed at, New York Jets stun everyone by shutting down the offensive power house, San Diego Chargers and then it was time to go from tom boy to girly girl and tune into the Golden Globes.

Here's the thing with the Jets. They are supposed to suck. They have long been considered a joke. I'm used to chants of, "same old Jets" and "Just End The Season." Jets fans haven't seen a Superbowl appearance/win since 1969 -- it's been battered and bruised season after season and we are used to uphill battles. And this year was no different. They have a rookie coach, a rookie quarter back and a whole host of rookie defense men. They needed a miracle to make it to the play offs... and somehow they did it. And I think I know how. On paper, they are never the best team but they don't know that. They believe. Their coach believes. Coach Rex Ryan tells them every week that this is their destiny. They go out on that field, fearlessly and they know and believe in what they want. No one can tell them they aren't as good as there opponent. Week after week, teams have underestimated them, announcers have said it's impossible, and week after week - the Jets have gotten "lucky" enough to win. Luck. That's what so many say because they just cannot fathom this little Jets team that keeps winning. But I think it's their power in believing. That power is undeniable. I hope to learn something from them.

And the Golden Globes. The glamour, the humor, enough star power to rival the milky way! To be in a position to proudly be acknowledged for your creative contribution... I can't think of a bigger thrill! And I want that day for me!!

I'm glad we're reading this book and am anxiously looking forward to applying Principles that will assist me to find that inner belief, that undeniable confidence that I can stand toe to toe with the biggest linebackers in hollywood and somehow still find a way to stun them all and come out "lucky" enough to be wielding a Golden Globe of my own.

Cigarettes and Butterfly's

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty." -Maya Angelou

I hit a little patch of, let's say, temporary mini depression.

You see, while only doing things that fit my "life purpose" is all well and good. It has left A LOT room and empty space for change. And it is hard, a little sad and lonely here right now.

The time that used to be spent being off purpose, wasting time, mindlessly watching re-runs on TV, hanging out with the people I talked about the other day, or running here for this one and doing that for that one is now free.

Don't get me wrong, it is great. Now, I focus on the things I need and want to spend time doing to remain"on purpose."

I am FAR MORE productive. I have accomplished more this week than I have in a week in a very long time.

I have felt much more in-control, focused and organized.

I even had free time to actually sit relax and have coffee and breakfast with my bestie.

I guess it is just, old habits are hard to break. Let me compare it smoking. If you have ever been a smoker, or are one now, you will know exactly what I am talking about.

Smoking is bad for you. there is nothing good about it! It is literally slowly destroying you. THIS IS A FACT! Even as you are smoking that cigarette, enjoying it, in the back of your mind you know this is not good and completely self destructive

HOWEVER, you just don't stop, as a matter of fact, you start spending more and more time with Philip (Philip Morris that is) all the while knowing that it is one of the most ridiculous and stupid things you could be doing.

Then one day, God willing, before it is to late. You realize this has to end. And you stop and cut smoking out of you life. Some do it could turkey, some do it slowly, some keep Philip around and let him spend time with them only a few times a year. Either way, Suddenly you miss it. you are sad, feel off balance and are a little depressed.

Well, that is where I have been. I have been missing my old habits and the never realized how much time they filled.

Growth, it isn't always easy, but the payoff is worth it.

Ask the butterfly.

:0)

AA

Day 14 - Complain drain

There's this section about stopping complaining, Amy and I have talked about it - I'm getting better but it's tough. I think that it becomes such a second nature habit that often, I'll complain without even realizing it!

Jack talks about how when you do complain, "you're complaining to the wrong person..."

I'm super guilty of this. If I'm aggravated with my boss, I'll complain to my sister and if my spouse is driving me crazy, I'll complain to a friend. Why? Why do I do this? I think it's because there's something I want to internally discuss/fix/change/address but I'm fearful. Fearful of making that person upset and fearful of feeling uncomfortable. This is a bad habit. Jack says, "successful people replace complaining with making requests and taking action."

I've been such a passive, people pleasing person for so much of my life. Always afraid of making others upset. I've done way better with this over the course of the last few years but I find it easy to slip into "complaining" mode rather than "action" mode.

Truth is, not only are you more successful when you have control over the outcome of things, but I personally feel so much happier when I am changing /influencing and at very least "being heard" on matters.

I'm going to keep working on this one!

Day 13; (on day 14) Hey,If it was easy everyone would do it.

If it was easy everyone would do it.

TAKE 100% RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR LIFE!

E+R=O... On it,

(not all that hard for me to apply)

Give up excesses... On it,

(doing really well with this)

Listen to the yellow light... On it,

(so learning to really trust my first instinct's)

Give up complaining... On It,

(still, trying to master)

BE CLEAR WHY YOU ARE HERE!

Design my life's purpose... On it,

(done and happy with it)

Read it every day... On it,

(put it n my desk top so I see it all the time)

Organize all of my activities around it... On it,

(still a work in progress)

NOW THE CATCH...

Doing all these things... all at the same time.

HARD WORK. HARD AS HECK!!!!!

Yesterday, I began to realize that there are some people in my life that just don't work. They don't really support me.

They aren't very happy for my successes.

It seems that I am there for them all most anytime they call on me, but when I call on them they just can't seem to be there.

In the past I would be upset that they wouldn't be there for me.

It would be really upset, hurt me and bothered me.

Wasn't I there every single time they asked me for something??

Why was it so hard for them to be there for me??

Fact is, it wasn't that hard. They just didn't want to, for whatever reasons.

The worst part is that I have considered some of them to be my closest friends.

I would complain to my other friends and say can you believe I asked, so and so, and they said they couldn't.

Ahhhhh Haaaaa.... I was complaining! and complaining to the wrong people.

I need to have a conversation with the friends that are the source of the issue.

Either they will see and understand my point of view. Maybe I will learn why this is happening. And then we can try to build a stronger, equal and more positive relationship.

But there are some that just need to go.

They are not positive and healthy relationships in my life.

I would not be able to have them around on a regular basics and stay "on purpose."

And now the hard part.

E+R=O.

I need to change my response to these people. I need to remove them from my everyday life. In a kind and respectable manner.

I need to accept responsibility that I have allowed myself to become comfortable with the way the relationship is and people can only take what we give them.

This is going to be uncomfortable. Habits must be broken. friendships must change. Some will become stronger. Some will end and some will just fade into the background.

But in the end it will be worth it because I know I will be better off, much happier and "on purpose."

AA

:0)

Ps. I LOVE YOU JEN!

YOU ARE THE BEST FRIEND A GIRL COULD ASK FOR.

CANT WAIT FOR YOU TO CATCH A RIDE ON MY JET ON OUR WAY TO YOUR YACHT!

Day 12 -I get knocked down, but get up again...

OK, good thing we are doing this blog for accountability. This is what happens. I get all fired up for week one and then by week two, I start to lose focus. This blog is great though because even though I hate to admit my failure on this entry, it forces me to remain accountable and reminds me to recommit for next time.

I was about to make up a bunch of excuses but I'm going to go the Jack route and take full responsibility - I didn't do the push up today. I briefly thought about my life purpose and briefly thought about this blog and then completely forgot about it, now it's time to go to bed so I'm choosing to not do much work right now.

Tomorrow I will refocus.

I love this quote, "It's not about the fall, it's about the recovery." So - I'm not perfect, so, I have no real Jack to contribute today - does it mean this thing is over? Hell no! If you fall, dust off your seat and get back on track - I'm not giving up just because I've stumbled!

While slightly off Jack track - other things in life are going well -- eating fabulously, super healthy - whole grains, lean proteins, lots of fruits and veggies, healthy oils - I'm feeling great on that front. One of my other personal goals was to stop hoarding (I think I might have a slight hoarding thing going on) and to get very organized this year. I committed to cleaning and organizing every room in my house - I finished my bedroom today and spent 4 full days doing it - never giving up. 8 huge black bags of stuff to donate later and I'm moving on to the next room tomorrow!

So that's all I got for today. Off to do some reading and get "re-fired" up!

Day 11; practicing my life's purpose

Today I have been practicing living my life's purpose:

To use my compassion, insight and creativity to help others feel comfortable and good with who they are as well as help them recognize their own unique inner and outer beauty.

I managed to make applying my life purpose into a little game for myself.

I try see if I can get everyone I come in contact with to feel good and show it,

with at the very least a smile.

How do I do this you ask???

I make conversation with the gas station attendant...

Tell the waitress how great her hair cut is...

Let the lady, with here 3 children in tow, in line behind me at the post office go ahead of me and complement how beautiful her children are...

Tell a colleague how much I appreciate the help they have given me.

There really is only one rule...

Every complement and every conversation MUST BE SINCERE AND GUIENE.

Guess what???? So much fun! And makes me feel pretty great too!

I have actually been smiling almost all day.

It has made me feel different, kind of special and, this might sound a little crazy,powerful as well.

It is like I have secret super power.

With just a few sincere words from me you will fall prey to my new found super power and feel good.

Now I have to admit today may have been fun and so easy because I was not at work. Tomorrow will be a big test. I am working all day. Lets see if my super powers are as strong on a work day?

AA

:0)

Day 10 - Clearly, I'm still not sure why I'm here...

Well, that's not all together true. I made an attempt a few days ago to figure out "my purpose" but Amy pointed out to me that it was kind of weak and she was right. I think it's probably part of the fear that can bubble up when you start down this kind of self-improvement path. You just don't want to mess it up. AND a life purpose does seem like such a big deal!! Talk about commitment - your life purpose is your whole reason of living!!

So anyway, I guess I came up with something that sounded a'ight and was trying to gloss on to the next chapter. It was pretty subconscience (sp?). I really thought I was doing the exercise but in hindsight, I rushed thru it and didn't give it another thought since. So not a Jack move. Good thing, I've got Acton to keep me honest :)

So I've been doing a lot of thinking on this one. This is what I've got after many attempts:

"My life purpose is to use my optimism and creativity to uplift others in a empathetic way to find their own unique talents to shine."

I'm still not 100% sure of this but I feel like I'm getting closer. Guess I'm still a work in progress on this one. Jack suggests considering meditation to help your purpose come. So I may turn to that.

Day 9; Principle 2 Be Clear Why You're Here

Principle #2

Be Clear Why You Are Here

This principle suggests that each of us is born with a life purpose. Identifying, acknowledging and honoring this purpose is perhaps the most important action successful people take.

Successful people take the time to understand what they are here to do. And then they pursue that with passion and enthusiasm.

If you don't have a life purpose it is very easy to get sidetracked, wander, drift and accomplish little. But with a purpose everything seems to fall into place.

Everything you do should be an expression of your purpose. If an activity doesn't fit that formula, you wouldn't (and I suppose shouldn't) work on it PERIOD!

Figure out what you love to do as young as you can and then organize your life around figuring out how to make a living at it.

After some thinking, soul searching and completing The Life Purpose Exercise on page 23 I have put my life purpose into words.

My Life purpose:

To use my compassion, insight and creativity to help others feel comfortable and good with who they are as well as help them recognize their own unique inner and outer beauty.

I love it. I feel good about it. Now to live it!

AA

:0)