I turned to my wife and asked (already knowing the answer and seeking her input), “why is it that a child in Africa, that has no money (or anything for that matter) finds a way to pay for uniforms to attend school and then walks for miles past murders, child molesters, rapists, drug dealers etc. so they can get an education? At the same time, in the USA, we have to practically beg kids to go to school to get a free education?” Think about it, some American kids get to school and sit around doing nothing, sleeping or acting out instead of taking the opportunity that is given to them to learn and make more of themselves. The answer is the same, they don’t know pain, real pain. We went on to discuss why so many successful people had to hit bottom before they took action to create outrageously successful companies, relationships or wealth. Take J.K. Rowling, for example. She was a broke, single mother on welfare and practically homeless when she created the wildly successful Harry Potter series. Ask anyone who works with rehabilitating alcoholics or drug addicts, they will tell you that these people won’t seek real help or change until they hit “rock bottom” or have lost everything.

So it seems the common thread here is consistently, PAIN, REAL PAIN.

I believe most people in this country will not do what it takes to have a great life because mediocrity is so comfortable. Even in the hard times, the pain to do something different is not big enough, so most people have become complacent. The kid in Africa does what they have to because they are on the bottom, they have real pain. They get it, they feel that pain and understand that the only way out of a miserable life is to do whatever it takes. They crave, embrace and cherish the tools and support available to them and will do anything to get them. Tools that most people in this country take it for granted.

Why wait for the pain to be so bad before you do something different? Are you doing what it takes to create that life you want? Be honest. Would you walk past drug dealers, rapists and murderers to create the life you desire? Or, are you one of those people, full of justifications, that is too busy, complacent about the life you have, or comfortable? What excuses are you using to stay right where you are? What tools do you have that you aren’t using? What support is available to you that you are dismissing or not utilizing? How many people do you know that are the same way and you are doing nothing about it? What is the next step in your growth towards the life you want to really have? What is your pain? Most important, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

About BrainStorm
BrainStorm designs and delivers workshops and trainings for companies and individuals as well. These trainings provide tangible tools and techniques that support people in obtaining the life of success that they desire. Click on the classes tab to check for BrainStorm classes and workshops coming to your area.

A well detailed vision is a great tool for simplifying your life. One of my students recently spoke of the value she has created by becoming so clear. She said that ” I no longer have a hard time making decisions about my life. It either fits or supports my vision, or it doesn’t”. If things do not support her vision, she doesn’t bring them into her life or do them and if it does support her vision, she does it. She is learning to let go of things, new and old that don’t fit in creating her vision.

Letting go of old objects, relationships, habits or actions that no longer support the life you want to create will make space for the things that do. Now I am not saying to fire loved ones or give away family heirlooms. I would say, however, that creating distance with people who gossip, are negative, needy or whose actions don’t work for you will create a space where more energy, excitement and fun are available. Getting rid of old clothes or items that are just sitting around taking up space provides room for new items that support the life you want. Simply the act of cleaning out a closet and looking at how nice it appears can bring satisfaction and pride about your accomplishments. Giving those items away could possibly provide clothing to someone in need. How do you feel when you create that opportunity?

What are the things that you are holding on to? Is there a closet or a garage that needs to be cleaned out? Like old clothes that aren’t in style or are just taking up space, are there relationships that are doing the same thing. Is it time for a clean up or clean out? Let those old things go, lets see what fills the space.

Consider that the language of the mind is pictures, in other words, your mind doesn’t utilize written words, but rather sees the images of what words define. With this knowledge we must conclude that every action dictated by our mind to our body is a vision in and of itself. Our mind must hold an image of our hand picking up a pencil in order for that command to be fulfilled. With that, I believe it goes without saying that if our mind can deliver a pencil by holding that image, than it can deliver any result we desire by the same method.

Think about the law of attraction. This law states that “like attracts like”, this simply means that we don’t attract what we want, we attract what we are. We all define ourselves based on what we think or have decided. If you think that you are stupid or undeserving, your mind will create a picture or vision of those thoughts. Utilizing the law of attraction, it makes sense that we will create situations (relationships, jobs, events) that fit those pictures. If the pictures our mind sees do not align with what we want to create, the only logical solution is to design or create new pictures or the vision we want for ourselves. By doing so, we plant the seeds for the life we want to live and don’t leave it up to chance or the outcome of previous, unproductive decisions about ourselves.

So, if it is really that simple, then why do more people not live the happy, successful lives they desire? Simple, they either don’t believe in the power of vision, haven’t taken the time to create one or don’t understand how to do it. It’s unfortunate, however I run into people all the time that believe they know how to create a vision but in reality don’t understand how to properly define it. Their ego interferes with the process and the solid foundation required to design and create a productive vision is corrupted. These and many more reasons are the difference between a life of “whatever comes my way” and one of your ultimate design.

At BrainStorm, vision is the topic of our foundational class, Magnitude. While most companies in our industry introduce vision as part of their leadership product, we believe that it is critical to establish a well defined vision at the beginning of the growth process (not to worry, it can be implemented at any time, we just see greater value created from our work when it is done at the beginning). Our theory? Having clarity about where you are going and what you want will provide greater purpose and effort to do the work it takes to create a life of success.

I believe that most people in this world judge or make decisions about themselves or “who they are” based on their results. They have an elevated viewpoint of themselves when they are successful and a diminished viewpoint of themselves when they fail. When people do this they develop an up and down or wavelike effect in their self esteem which in turn affects their outcomes which further effects their self esteem. The result is a vicious cycle of diminished self esteem and minimized results.

So how do you get out of the cycle? First, realize that YOU ARE NOT YOUR RESULTS! The majority of your outcomes are based on thoughts that exist deep in your subconscious mind of which most we are unaware of. So essentially the results we create are not a reflection of who we are but rather what we think. Who we are is much bigger and goes much deeper than what we think. Second, take stock of who you really are. Are you a good person? Do you want to do the best you can? Are you honest (for the most part)? Do you work hard, love your family etc. If you can answer yes to most of these and similar questions then YOU ARE A GOOD PERSON. Last, be good to yourself. Everyone in this world fails and succeeds. Beating yourself up about your failures simply puts you back in the downward spiral towards more failure. Being good or gentle to yourself produces higher or more elevated self esteem which leads to more positive results or successes.

Failure and success are essentially the same thing. They are moments in time that provide an opportunity for us to examine our decisions and actions and learn what worked or what didn’t work. Both provide an opportunity to grow. Take what you learn from your successes and duplicate it. Take what you learn from your failures and change it.

If you know me or have read my blogs, you know the question is coming…WHY? Why do people spend valuable time and money, make incredible discoveries about themselves and their behavior, get fantastic tools that support the creation of the life they desire, and then abandon it? Because the very thoughts and behaviors that were present when they started the process are still very powerful and running at full speed. You can do all the classes and workshops, you can have all the language and you can have all the tools but if you don’t commit to using those resources, nothing different is going to happen, including the behavior of using those tools when they are needed most.

So how do you become better at utilizing the tools. There has to be a reason to utilize them. So first, I say that it takes a strong vision or purpose. If you don’t have a clear picture of what you want, you will be satisfied with what you have and more than likely, stay right where you are. Every great achievement in this world started with a clear vision or dream. It’s simple, IF YOU DON’T SEE IT, YOU WON’T HAVE IT! The next part of the process is a strong relationship with your word. Vision and tools are great and without a commitment to follow through NO MATTER WHAT, they are just words and you will never get there. It just won’t happen. You will have all the reasons why you didn’t get what you wanted, but probably not the result you said you desired. There is just no such thing as excuses to a person that is fully engaged in the process of creating their vision.

Once you have the clear picture and a strong commitment, get support, but not just any support, effective support. We have all experienced people that support us negatively by really not supporting our vision at all. You know, the people that shoot you down when you talk about bigger things than they see possible. We also have those people that are more vested in being liked or nice than really supporting you from that place of what is effective for you to have what you say you desire. A person in alignment can create amazing results, but if you really want to get to the big stuff, dreams, vision, you just can’t do that alone.

Get clear about what you want. Get committed, give your word to what you want, keep it. Next, take a look around you. If the people you are hanging out with are not really supporting you, it just might be time to find some new friends. Surround yourself with great people that really support you, your vision and you having it. Last, commit to using the tools, thoughts and behaviors that are in alignment with what you want. The more you use them, the easier it gets.

About BrainStorm
BrainStorm designs and delivers workshops and trainings for companies and individuals as well. These trainings provide tangible tools and techniques that support people in obtaining the life of success that they desire. Click on the classes tab to check for BrainStorm classes and workshops coming to your area.

What do we achieve or get when we are right? Do we grow in our relationships with others or ourselves? Do we make more money or create more liberty? Do we get more intimacy or sex? Does being right make us more productive? The only benefit I can find for being right, is ego. When we feel that we are right, our ego gets stroked. We get to feel better about ourselves. But do we really? If you examine the outcome of being right I think you will find that you don’t feel better. Maybe it is because you didn’t get what you really wanted or maybe the process of being right started because you are not truly connected with WHO you really are. You don’t see the great person inside so “being right” is a way to fill your cup.

Where in your life, your business, your relationships has being right become more important than what you want? What is more important to you? Your ego or getting what you want? If the answer is the latter, I encourage you to give up being right and start getting clear about creating what you desire and taking action on that. You can continue to be right or you can have what you want. It’s a choice.

About BrainStorm
BrainStorm designs and delivers workshops and trainings for companies and individuals as well. These trainings provide tangible tools and techniques that support people in obtaining the life of success that they desire. When companies support and implement these processes, the result is a highly effective and loyal workforce creating wealth and growth for the company. At BrainStorm, we believe that a company grows by maximizing the human assets within that company. Contact us to see how we can help your people, team and/or company grow.

So when something doesn’t get done, why do most people tell a story? The story gives us a reason and helps us look good or better in the eyes of others. Maybe we do it so we feel better. But do we really? I believe the truth is, we don’t look better and we certainly don’t feel better.

In past posts I have spoken of the importance of becoming an objective observer of yourself and your life. To notice your thoughts, emotions and even the physical feelings of your body. To step outside of yourself and honestly see these things as if you are watching someone else. If you do this when you find yourself justifying or telling a story you will notice some things. You will probably notice that your self estimate or self esteem is dropping. Look deeper and you most likely feel weaker or tired. If you look at your relationships you will probably begin to discover diminished trust. Even with yourself. The big picture here is that our relationship with our word or integrity is directly linked to our self esteem, trust, relationships, growth, dreams, money and so much more.

Hold yourself to a much higher level of integrity and get excited about what you have committed to. When you don’t follow through, give up the story. Why use it? It has no power to get you what you want. Simply tell the truth, acknowledge that you are out of agreement and recommit.

About BrainStorm
BrainStorm designs and delivers workshops and trainings for the direct sales and network marketing industry, its individuals and other companies as well. These trainings provide tangible tools and techniques that support people in obtaining the life of success that they desire. When companies support and implement these processes, the result is a highly effective and loyal workforce creating wealth and growth for the company. At BrainStorm, we believe that a company grows by maximizing the human assets within that company. Contact us to see how we can help your people, team and/or company grow.

The answer is really pretty simple, work on yourself. People that create high levels of success in their business constantly work on being better people personally. They read books, set goals and most importantly attend workshops and classes that inspire them to be better people. They seek out tools and techniques that help them create their vision and establish a a great relationship with their word. They engross themselves in processes that help them be more effective communicators and better in relationships. In a recent article in DirectSellingnews.com titled “The X Factor: The Role of Personal Development in Your Field’s Success”, J.M Emmert discusses the growth of several direct sales companies and their relationship to the personal or professional growth process. “Implementing a culture of personal development where distributors can grow in confidence and nurture critical skills is the best product-development strategy a company can employ.”

Many companies within the industry have seen the value of setting a strong foundation based on personal and professional growth. In the article, Greg Provenzano, President of ACN says, “Personal development is, and always has been, a crucial building block in our business. I’m a firm believer that if you aren’t growing, your business will not grow either. The two are absolutely interrelated. In fact, the only difference in a future built on rock and a future built on sand are their foundations. By getting serious about your personal and professional growth, you can lay a solid foundation for a future built upon rock.” As you can see, the evidence is overwhelming that working on yourself is a key factor to your success in the direct sales and network marketing business. The people that get to the top of this industry do this by having a strong work ethic, a vision, an impeccable relationship with their word, a desire to have more for themselves and others and the smarts to invest in themselves. They attend workshops and trainings that help them better understand their strengths and weaknesses and obtain the tools to empower themselves to greatness. In the direct sales and network marketing industry, YOU are your most important investment. What are you doing to grow that investment?

About BrainStorm
BrainStorm designs and delivers workshops and trainings for the direct sales and network marketing industry, its individuals and other companies as well. These trainings provide tangible tools and techniques that support people in obtaining the life of success that they desire. When companies support and implement these processes, the result is a highly effective and loyal workforce creating wealth and growth for the company. At BrainStorm, we believe that a company grows by maximizing the human assets within that company. Contact us to see how we can help your people, team and/or company grow.

Maybe the answer is that so few people really know what it takes to create their dreams. I want you to think about something that was created by man, something huge, an amazing feet. Maybe it’s the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Eiffel Tower. What had to happen first in order for these astronomical feats to be achieved? They all had to start with a vision or a dream. Nothing in this world that is great was ever created by skeptics. Skeptics don’t create anything but skepticism, gossip and doubt. Think about this, how many times have you allowed yourself or others to become the skeptic of your dream? By being the skeptic or allowing others to do so, you have become the destructor of your vision. Dreams are possible, it takes dreamers with vision to create them.

The next thing that had to happen is the dreamer had to give their word. Their word to the dream. The power of your word is critical to creating anything you desire. You must be willing to give your word to yourself and what you desire. Your dreams, self esteem, integrity, trust, relationships, growth, liberty and so much more is directly connected to your relationship with your word. If you are out of integrity with your word, all these will diminish. Likewise, if you are in integrity with your word, all these will grow.

Last, they had to keep their word. They had to get moving and take action. No matter what got in the way (including themselves), they had to break through it and stay in integrity with the word they gave to their dream. No matter what happens, no matter what obstacles stand in your way, your word must hold true. When you are breaking your word, you know it, you can even feel it. If you are really paying attention, you will feel it in your physical body and notice it in your thoughts. Something just doesn’t sit well or feel right. That feeling is your body’s way of telling you that you are out of alignment and therefore out of integrity with the creation of your dream. Listen to it and get back in alignment with your desire.

Be the dreamer, dream big! Get amazingly clear about what you want. You might even want to get excited about it. It’s easy to be the skeptic and we know that because they abound, they are everywhere. Stop being the skeptic of your dreams and kick the other ones out. Create a great relationship with your word. Do this by taking a stand for your dream.

About BrainStorm
BrainStorm designs and delivers workshops and trainings for the direct sales and network marketing industry, its individuals and other companies as well. These trainings provide tangible tools and techniques that support people in obtaining the life of success that they desire. When companies support and implement these processes, the result is a highly effective and loyal workforce creating wealth and growth for the company. At BrainStorm, we believe that a company grows by maximizing the human assets within that company. Contact us to see how we can help your people, team and/or company grow.

When she passed the car she observed a middle-aged woman driving in complete fear.  The woman was gripping the steering wheel with white knuckles, hunched over, staring out the windshield as if this were her first time driving. She was entirely oblivious to what was happening around her. She was clearly unaware of the horns honking, the other drivers swerving to get past and the few slowing to look at her with concern. By driving with her hazards on, she was now a hazard to her own and every one else’s safety and progress.

How many of you are doing this in your life? Where are you so consumed by fear that you go through each day with such caution so as to avoid risk or change? Where has mediocrity and complacency become your lifestyle without the awareness of choosing at all. Allowing fear to control you in such a way you don’t notice how it impacts you or others. Maybe you don’t notice those who pass by, leaving you behind and more importantly, you don’t see those wanting to help.

How many times have you been so afraid of making a mistake or wrong move that you have slowed down or stopped moving entirely? Where in your businesses or personal relationships are you not seeing what is possible? What would happen if you would just hit the gas and go?

What are the things that you have been settling for? How much longer will you allow fear and safety keep you from what you desire most? You will never be better prepared to take a stand for what you want! There is no perfect time or situation. Today is the perfect time to risk! Fear has no power to stop you or guide your actions. You are the one in control. You only get where want to be by hitting the long skinny pedal on the right! Yes, hitting the gas and taking action requires courage and risk but what are your options?

About BrainStorm
BrainStorm designs and delivers workshops and trainings for the direct sales and network marketing industry, its individuals and other companies as well. These trainings provide tangible tools and techniques that support people in obtaining the life of success that they desire. When companies support and implement these processes, the result is a highly effective and loyal workforce creating wealth and growth for the company. At BrainStorm, we believe that a company grows by maximizing the human assets within that company. Contact us to see how we can help your people, team and/or company grow.