The following is an excerpt from Chapter 2 of the book "Shift: Stop, Think and Be without doubt"
Stop! Stop IMAGINING THE WORST CASE SCENARIO AND REACTING TO IT AS IF IT’S REAL. Stop mentally time traveling to the future or past event where the worst outcome is played out. Stop running down the street of negative thinking, daydreaming about a crazy outcome.
While sitting around frustrated one day, a friend of mine called and asked me how I was doing. I replied with a sluggish, “I’m cool”. Noticing that I was not in a good mood, he said, “I’m on my way, we are about to go listen to some Jazz at the park, check out the beautiful ladies and relax. That of course made me feel a little better but by the time he arrived, I was fully back in the mode I was in before, frustrated.
As we were driving to the Park he asked me what the frustration was about and as I began explaining, he suddenly said, “STOP!” A little startled, I turned and looked at him waiting for him to say what was on his mind and he just sat there. I asked him what was up and he said, “YOU WERE TIME TRAVELING, AND I NEEDED TO BRING YOU BACK HERE.” I asked him what he meant and why the pause in telling me that. He said, “You needed time to PAUSE. You needed to spend a little time without any thoughts in your head at all.”
He went on to say, “Right now, you’re in what I think is a relatively nice car, its clean, the air conditioner is on, we got great music on the radio and we are headed to a park full of fine women and music, BUT YOU ARE FRUSTRATED?! That means you were not really here. Your mind was somewhere else! You were somewhere other than right NOW.”
He was right. I was thinking about the next day and a certain bill that I had to pay and didn’t have the money on me to pay it. I was thinking about the repercussions of not having the money and what would possibly happen if I were to lose that particular thing because I couldn’t pay the bill. I was thinking about what others would say about me and how I would look to them and my family. I WAS NOT THERE IN THE PRESENT.
I was imagining the worst case scenario and outwardly through my posture, look and how I physically felt, reacting to it as if it were real. Mentally I was not in the car with him. I was in an imagined tomorrow living out a nightmare.
But I was also doing something else! I was ATTRACTING THAT WORST CASE SCENARIO INTO REALITY. I was willing the universe to make it actually come true! In other words, I was praying to God that it actually happens.
How was I doing this? By activating a universal law, The Law of Attraction. This law states that whatever you consistently put your combined imagination and emotional feeling on it WILL manifest in your life. Another friend once said to me that “Worry is nothing but a prayer for the negative outcome.” Why, because “worry” is another form of combined thought and emotion, but toward a NEGATIVE end.
to be continued...
Tony Stewart
Author
"Shift: Stop Think and Be without doubt"
www.stopthinkandbe.com
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
How Not to Rob Peter to Pay Paul
A friend of mine asked me the other day, "How do I NOT borrow from tomorrow to take care of today?" My mind began to come up with several techniques one could use to better handle their finances. I started to think of techniques ranging from:
1. The envelop method in which you take several envelopes and write the name of each expense on an individual envelop. Then as monies come in from your job or business you place the percentage that expense requires, from the total brought in that day/week, into that envelop.
2. The 20% method in which 20% of EVERY dollar you make goes into a Personal or Family Development Fund. That fund is broken down into sub-categories: Emergency, Investments, Entertainment, etc..., that you split that 20% amongst. Of course you may find that the other 80% is not enough to cover your current lifestyle, but it just means you'll need to make a SHIFT in your lifestyle to accomodate the new system.
3. Creating another business that brings in extra income. Though tedious and strict attention must be paid to the business systems, it can be quite lucrative. For example, something simple like a business turning old Photo Albums into digital photos. Thats a business you can start with a $300 computer and a $80 4-in-1 printer/scanner. Charge people $5.00 per photo or less if its a whole book, say $300 for the whole album. It may take some time to do and become proficient at, but thats $300 extra in a week easy with maybe 3 days work at 3 hrs. a day.
4. Cut back a little with every purchase that is not a bill and place that money into a "Do Not Rob Peter to Pay Paul" envelop. When you buy food at the grocery store just get one item less and remember to place that money into that envelop. When you are out for entertianment, just do one thing less. Instead of the $15 steak get the $11 spaghetti. Then remember to place that extra $4 in that envelop.
All of the above sound good and are good, but being a firm believer that everything BEGINS WITH YOUR THINKING, I decided to write this article from the perspective of the Mental SHIFT that's required for any of the above to happen. I'll be brief since I've already taken up enough time with the above.
To stay consistent at any of the above you have to SHIFT your thinking. You have to STOP, take sometime out and THINK in detail about the person you really desire and need to BE. Then from that moment on act, with no doubt, as though you are that person. Part of it envolves you repeating to yourself, "I DON'T ROB PETER TO PAY PAUL. THAT'S NOT ONE OF MY PROBLEMS". Say it all day (to yourself) for the next 2 days and you'll find that you won't have to say it any longer. It'll popup in your mind the minute the thought of robbing Peter comes up.
The above strikes a balance between mental discipline and techniques. The more mental discipline you have, the less techniques or systems you'll need to be successful. If you find that mental discipline is just not and will not be your cup of tea, then you'll need to implement several techniques and systems to ensure your success. Either way, there is always a solution.
Now stop being afraid of Paul and leave Peter alone.
Always be found in Joy in Yourself.
Tony Stewart
Author
"Shift: Stop, Think and Be without doubt"
www.stopthinkandbe.com
1. The envelop method in which you take several envelopes and write the name of each expense on an individual envelop. Then as monies come in from your job or business you place the percentage that expense requires, from the total brought in that day/week, into that envelop.
2. The 20% method in which 20% of EVERY dollar you make goes into a Personal or Family Development Fund. That fund is broken down into sub-categories: Emergency, Investments, Entertainment, etc..., that you split that 20% amongst. Of course you may find that the other 80% is not enough to cover your current lifestyle, but it just means you'll need to make a SHIFT in your lifestyle to accomodate the new system.
3. Creating another business that brings in extra income. Though tedious and strict attention must be paid to the business systems, it can be quite lucrative. For example, something simple like a business turning old Photo Albums into digital photos. Thats a business you can start with a $300 computer and a $80 4-in-1 printer/scanner. Charge people $5.00 per photo or less if its a whole book, say $300 for the whole album. It may take some time to do and become proficient at, but thats $300 extra in a week easy with maybe 3 days work at 3 hrs. a day.
4. Cut back a little with every purchase that is not a bill and place that money into a "Do Not Rob Peter to Pay Paul" envelop. When you buy food at the grocery store just get one item less and remember to place that money into that envelop. When you are out for entertianment, just do one thing less. Instead of the $15 steak get the $11 spaghetti. Then remember to place that extra $4 in that envelop.
All of the above sound good and are good, but being a firm believer that everything BEGINS WITH YOUR THINKING, I decided to write this article from the perspective of the Mental SHIFT that's required for any of the above to happen. I'll be brief since I've already taken up enough time with the above.
To stay consistent at any of the above you have to SHIFT your thinking. You have to STOP, take sometime out and THINK in detail about the person you really desire and need to BE. Then from that moment on act, with no doubt, as though you are that person. Part of it envolves you repeating to yourself, "I DON'T ROB PETER TO PAY PAUL. THAT'S NOT ONE OF MY PROBLEMS". Say it all day (to yourself) for the next 2 days and you'll find that you won't have to say it any longer. It'll popup in your mind the minute the thought of robbing Peter comes up.
The above strikes a balance between mental discipline and techniques. The more mental discipline you have, the less techniques or systems you'll need to be successful. If you find that mental discipline is just not and will not be your cup of tea, then you'll need to implement several techniques and systems to ensure your success. Either way, there is always a solution.
Now stop being afraid of Paul and leave Peter alone.
Always be found in Joy in Yourself.
Tony Stewart
Author
"Shift: Stop, Think and Be without doubt"
www.stopthinkandbe.com
Monday, June 1, 2009
Moving Through Fear
Fear: A False Expectation Appearing Real, an illusion or a trick of the Mind
Most people DON'T do what they love or strive for what they truly want in life. Why? Fear of failure or some other fear. So how do we remove that fear so we can move foward? Well you have a couple of options:
1.) Just do it! Just drop everything and move out. This is an option because as a friend of mine Leisha Reeves states, "There will never be a 'right time' to go for your dreams". So you may as well get started now. Also there is something almost magical that happens when you "Just Do it". Most of the time you'll find that the fear you had wasn't worth all the energy you gave it. You'll gain confidence in challenging other fears you have which makes you a more confident person overall. Lastly you won't have to drag around the guilt of never having made the attempt to reach your dreams. A guilt that you'll eventually blame others for.
2.) Change your view of FEAR. I consciously choose to view Fear as a signal that I'm on the right path. That nervousness I feel when approaching a challenge now brings a smile to my face because I know at this moment I am about to become a greater person and come even closer to achieving my dreams. My mind isn't even focused on the challenge as a whole. It's literally on " just put one foot in front of the other," putting one action in front of the other until I have crossed the threshold of the challenge. Think in terms of steps. Focus all the energy of your mind, body and soul into each step. Soon you'll find that you've walked right through that fear.
The above are two options that can be applied in ANY situation where fear is present. Work, relationships or starting a business all require you to have courage and be bold in your approach. You have to be motivated in being you! And, in being motivated you have to not just say it but live it by moving out on inspiration IMMEDIATELY. MOVE in the form of steps. Research those steps. Find the best answers you can get your hands on from those who have succeeded in what you're trying to accomplish. Study and apply them at the same time and you'll find that you'll have less of a challenge in overcoming your fears.
Always be found IN JOY in YOURSELF
Tony Stewart
Author
"Stop, Think and Be without doubt"
www.stopthinkandbe.com
Most people DON'T do what they love or strive for what they truly want in life. Why? Fear of failure or some other fear. So how do we remove that fear so we can move foward? Well you have a couple of options:
1.) Just do it! Just drop everything and move out. This is an option because as a friend of mine Leisha Reeves states, "There will never be a 'right time' to go for your dreams". So you may as well get started now. Also there is something almost magical that happens when you "Just Do it". Most of the time you'll find that the fear you had wasn't worth all the energy you gave it. You'll gain confidence in challenging other fears you have which makes you a more confident person overall. Lastly you won't have to drag around the guilt of never having made the attempt to reach your dreams. A guilt that you'll eventually blame others for.
2.) Change your view of FEAR. I consciously choose to view Fear as a signal that I'm on the right path. That nervousness I feel when approaching a challenge now brings a smile to my face because I know at this moment I am about to become a greater person and come even closer to achieving my dreams. My mind isn't even focused on the challenge as a whole. It's literally on " just put one foot in front of the other," putting one action in front of the other until I have crossed the threshold of the challenge. Think in terms of steps. Focus all the energy of your mind, body and soul into each step. Soon you'll find that you've walked right through that fear.
The above are two options that can be applied in ANY situation where fear is present. Work, relationships or starting a business all require you to have courage and be bold in your approach. You have to be motivated in being you! And, in being motivated you have to not just say it but live it by moving out on inspiration IMMEDIATELY. MOVE in the form of steps. Research those steps. Find the best answers you can get your hands on from those who have succeeded in what you're trying to accomplish. Study and apply them at the same time and you'll find that you'll have less of a challenge in overcoming your fears.
Always be found IN JOY in YOURSELF
Tony Stewart
Author
"Stop, Think and Be without doubt"
www.stopthinkandbe.com
Friday, May 29, 2009
Who are YOU?
Have you ever heard yourself say, or someone else say, "I hate when I do that!"? Who is the "I" that is doing the hating? Who is the "I" that is doing the thing which the first "I" hates? And, more importantly, which one are YOU at any given moment? Who are YOU?
Now according to the statement "I hate when I do that" you could be charged with having multiple personalities. In a sense we do. There is a part of us that is based completely on responding to whatever thoughts we have at that time. If you are experiencing and acting out thoughts that deal with business then you exude a business personality. When you are experiencing thoughts of playfulness, people call you "playful". You are what you think and that's fine as long as YOU control what YOU think!
There is a part of you that observes your thoughts and chooses which ones to carry out. YOU are that observer. YOU can control your thoughts by identifying with the observer. The quickest way to do that is by being CONSCIOUSLY on the lookout for thoughts.
Right now, take a moment and wait for your next thought.... Don't try to "make up" something to think about, I want you to sit and mentally wait for the next thought.........
If your mind went blank that's ok. Thats a good thing! Your mind can't engage just any old thought with you being AWARE. You literally have to be asleep to the activity of your mind. If you keep experiencing sadness its because you are thinking sad thoughts. If you want to stop that thought become AWARE of YOU as the observer. Then wait for the next thought. Once you create that blank space in your mind you can now create a thought of your own choosing. A thought that makes you feel good.
More on this is in "Shift: Stop, Think and Be without doubt"
Till next time, always be found In Joy in Yourself.
Tony Stewart
Author
"Stop Think and Be without doubt"
www.stopthinkandbe.com
Now according to the statement "I hate when I do that" you could be charged with having multiple personalities. In a sense we do. There is a part of us that is based completely on responding to whatever thoughts we have at that time. If you are experiencing and acting out thoughts that deal with business then you exude a business personality. When you are experiencing thoughts of playfulness, people call you "playful". You are what you think and that's fine as long as YOU control what YOU think!
There is a part of you that observes your thoughts and chooses which ones to carry out. YOU are that observer. YOU can control your thoughts by identifying with the observer. The quickest way to do that is by being CONSCIOUSLY on the lookout for thoughts.
Right now, take a moment and wait for your next thought.... Don't try to "make up" something to think about, I want you to sit and mentally wait for the next thought.........
If your mind went blank that's ok. Thats a good thing! Your mind can't engage just any old thought with you being AWARE. You literally have to be asleep to the activity of your mind. If you keep experiencing sadness its because you are thinking sad thoughts. If you want to stop that thought become AWARE of YOU as the observer. Then wait for the next thought. Once you create that blank space in your mind you can now create a thought of your own choosing. A thought that makes you feel good.
More on this is in "Shift: Stop, Think and Be without doubt"
Till next time, always be found In Joy in Yourself.
Tony Stewart
Author
"Stop Think and Be without doubt"
www.stopthinkandbe.com
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Imagine the Best Case Outcome
Too many times I have either said or heard someone else say, "I knew that something bad was going to happen". How did they or I know that? Because we imagined the worst case outcome over and over and set the stage for it to act itself out. Someone on your job spreads a rumor that layoffs are coming that week and most everyone starts imagining it's them self that’s about to be laid off. Many of us try to think positive, but the images of unemployed life (losing your home, car or other possession and the embarrassment) acquired from stories of others and television overcome our Positive Thinking and we succumb to imagining the worst case outcome.
So what can we do? First start becoming aware of when you do the above? Consistently ask yourself, "How Do I feel right now"? Give yourself a quick checkup emotionally and physically. If you are nervous, stressed, or feeling physical pains, ask yourself what those negative feelings or pains could be attributed to. Think about what thoughts have been running through your mind lately. You just may be imagining worst case scenarios. If that’s the case, immediately STOP and start imagining the BEST possible scenarios and outcomes.
Imagine the best case outcome in detail. Envision a promotion or imagine a party with all your friends. Imagine in detail, people smiling and laughing and you having the best time of your life. Imagine you receving money unexpectedly and spending it on something that brings you joy. Take your mind there and your stress and pain will leave. The mind cannot entertain both happiness and anger at the same time, so fill it with what you desire to FEEL.
You have by nature, the ability to choose your thoughts at all times. Use this ability to help you take control of your life by thinking or imagining in detail the best case outcomes and experiences.
Tony Stewart
Author
"Stop Think and Be without doubt"
www.stopthinkandbe.com
So what can we do? First start becoming aware of when you do the above? Consistently ask yourself, "How Do I feel right now"? Give yourself a quick checkup emotionally and physically. If you are nervous, stressed, or feeling physical pains, ask yourself what those negative feelings or pains could be attributed to. Think about what thoughts have been running through your mind lately. You just may be imagining worst case scenarios. If that’s the case, immediately STOP and start imagining the BEST possible scenarios and outcomes.
Imagine the best case outcome in detail. Envision a promotion or imagine a party with all your friends. Imagine in detail, people smiling and laughing and you having the best time of your life. Imagine you receving money unexpectedly and spending it on something that brings you joy. Take your mind there and your stress and pain will leave. The mind cannot entertain both happiness and anger at the same time, so fill it with what you desire to FEEL.
You have by nature, the ability to choose your thoughts at all times. Use this ability to help you take control of your life by thinking or imagining in detail the best case outcomes and experiences.
Tony Stewart
Author
"Stop Think and Be without doubt"
www.stopthinkandbe.com
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