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The Bling-Bling FactorIn The Millionaire Next Door, authors Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko point out that the truly wealthy rarely drive ostentatious cars or live in McMansions. In fact "old money" often lives quite modestly. "Bling-bling" is a joke. Picture Ted Turner, one of the world's wealthiest men, driving around Atlanta in his Ford Taurus--or Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton tooling around Bentonville, Arkansas in his pick-'em-up truck. These men know that the measure of a human being is what's within and has little to do with externals, beyond a neat and acceptable appearance. If you don't have the inner glow of self-love, you are but a "clanging cymbal" as the Bible would say. A lot of self-love involves being aware of your special gifts and knowing how to share them. Often that doesn't involve buying a thing. Escape from the Big TrapI worked with one of my coaching clients on the harmful habit of overspending, which sprang from a great deal of pain. Her belief that appearance was everything had gotten her overextended to an extreme. This beautiful, successful young sales professional, who from all outward appearances was on top of the world, was actually suffering deeply and using compulsive shopping and other self-destructive behaviors in an attempt to fill up the void in her life. One phrase in class had gotten her attention: I said I didn't believe in consumer debt simply because of what it does to my peace of mind. Everyone has different levels of tolerance and I admit mine is rather low, but a friend who came from "old money" taught me that paying interest on credit cards is the most stupid waste of all. Luckily for Kelly (name is changed), she was able to see what she was doing to herself and reverse the trend before it ate her up. Since she was a very focused and high-powered sales producer, she was able to use large commissions to pay down debt rapidly and establish a better balance in her life. So what's my point? My point is that, for some people, the fancier the car and the more stylin' the clothes, the less they may have their financial act together or why would they be putting on such a big show? And for whom? Perhaps it's just to attract the attention of others who, if they are true to themselves, will rapidly disappear as soon as they learn what kind of mess this person has created just in order to "look the part." It's a rather self-defeating cycle. Except, of course, for those who prefer to hitch their wagons to an illusion. One aspect of being true to yourself means taking care of yourself financially. That includes attracting abundance and sustaining it. Focus on Wealth and SuccessWisdom of the ages tells us that abundance and success (however we define them personally) are our birthright. As Dr. Joseph Murphy teaches in The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, focusing on the powerful words of wealth and success, especially just before falling asleep or just after awakening, will activate your subconscious to draw those to you. If, however, you suffer from deservability issues and you experience a mental conflict or argument, and feel that you are lying to yourself with your affirmations for wealth or success, then your conscious mind will reject what you are saying and you will manifest the opposite result. The subconscious mind always accepts your most dominant belief. Even if outward appearances do not immediately respond to your affirmations for wealth and success, keep in mind the metaphor of preparing the soil, planting seeds in your garden, fertilizing and watering them, and watching them grow. You don't dig up seeds ten minutes after planting them while still expecting to harvest a beautiful garden. By the same token, don't replace affirmations of wealth and success with fearful thoughts of poverty a few minutes later and expect to expand into your birthright of abundance. Hold the vision of what you want and let it grow. "According to your belief it is done to you," says the Bible. My success as a coach is in helping people who have struggled to find their best expression find their true gifts. What are your gifts? How are you sharing them with others?
Affliate LinksOUR EMAIL LIST SERVICE: Many people ask me how I manage this email list. I use a great service called AWeber. Find out more about them at www.aweber.com ATTRACT MORE CLIENTS: If you want to attract more clients more consistently I highly recommend the Action Plan Marketing web site. It includes a lot of free information and great products that help you be a better marketer, including a great Marketing Start-up Kit. http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=496309 EARN A LIVING WRITING: The Well Fed Writer (& Self-Publisher) offers lots of great tips on how you can convert your passion for the word into actual dollars--he managed to do it and tells you how! http://www.wellfedwriter.com/cmd.php?af=507664 |
Upcoming Keynotes & Training Engagements
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Fire Up Your Group-Hire me to Speak!Here's a testimonial from my talk "Influence Made Easy: Making Connections that Sell"
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Cool Mind Candy
A watermelon discovers that it can be so much more! And then there are the eggs!
Join My Celebration!Writer's Digest recently notified me that my book BACK TO THE GARDEN: Getting from Shadow to Joy was chosen as an Honorable Mention in the Inspirational category of the 14th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards, so I'm offering an internet special! Visit www.PatriceDickey.com and the book is yours for only $14.95 plus shipping and tax where applicable. The cover letter said, "Competition was particularly fierce this year so (the) accomplishment is truly impressive."—I'll toast that! Here's what Judge #39 said about BACK TO THE GARDEN. "This really is a delightful book, full of pithy, wise, fun, real, honest, short selections, each to the point and with a message one can carry away to ponder. Written by a woman who has obviously Been There, the book shares, directs, reflects wisdom and understanding at every possible turn—and quite painlessly. The writing is witty, accessible, easy and enjoyable to read, chatty or conversational, on universal subjects, what we will all encounter as we lead full lives. Dickey offers effective ideas, new fresh perspectives, techniques or tools to deal with these everyday problems or situations... The subject titles are fresh and catchy; and the interior design and cover are attractive. I like this book." I'm also honored to mention that the book has previously won Inspirational, Spiritual, Aging, Death&Dying, and 1st Place Nonfiction awards from the IPPYs 2006, Best Books 2006 (two categories) and Atlanta Writers Club, respectively. |
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If you find this Ezine refreshing, please pass it along to your friends and colleagues. Much appreciated! Your Guide to the Life You Love™ Patrice Dickey is a coach, motivational speaker and author of the internationally award-winning book Back to the Garden: Getting from Shadow to Joy. Learn more at www.artofchange.org. If you'd like to submit some Cool Mind Candy for consideration, please email me at pdcom@mindspring.com Thanks! 4/6/07 Copyright © Patrice Dickey 2007. All rights reserved. PERMISSION TO REPRINT: You may reprint any items from "Your Guide to the Life You Love(TM)" in your print or electronic newsletter. But please include the following paragraph: Reprinted from "Your Guide to the Life You Love(TM)" a complimentary Ezine featuring tools & tips, perspective shifts to help enrich your life, expand your horizons and experience Your Personal Definition of success—always including cool mind candy with that hopeful flavor. To subscribe, please visit www.artofchange.org and, if you like, download the Ebook "101 Simple Ways to Kick the Depression Habit and Get Happier Without Prozac." PRIVACY STATEMENT: Your Guide to the Life You Love(TM) will never distribute your address to anyone—honest! ***
Patrice Dickey
Phone: 404-294-9333 |