You’ve Got to Feel it to Achieve it

I’ve talked many times about the importance of feeling that you already have the things you want to attract; but I think it’s time for a refresher. You want to not only think about your goals, but also get into a positive emotional state about them. Feel that you already have them; or at least, that they are inevitable for you.

This is an often misunderstood aspect of attraction, so I think it’s worth repeating: we don’t attract what we “want” in life, we attract more of what we already HAVE. That’s why it’s so important that you feel like you already have the things you desire–-that you get into a positive emotional state about them; a state that is confident and relaxed.

This is the opposite of how some people go about trying to achieve things. They focus on their desires with an intense feeling of wanting and lacking them. They are VERY aware that they don’t have them, and they feel that they are missing in their lives.

It is practically impossible to attract something into your life this way. If you feel that something is missing, you will resonate that energy of missing it, of not having it. That energy only attracts more missing it, and more not having it.

You have to resonate an energy of having in order to get things. One obvious example is a job interview. Candidates who seem desperate and fearful are always less attractive to employers then candidates who seem like they have it all together–-those who aren’t radiating lack and limitation.

It is the same with relationships, business ventures, negotiations, you name it. That’s why it’s helpful to get into a feeling state of already having the things you want–-to psych yourself into “seeing” them as already being a part of your life. This type of confident, relaxed mindset is extremely attractive.

The tricky part for some people is cultivating this laid-back “having” mindset; but you can certainly do it. Through daily visualization and exercising your imagination in a practical way (what I call “applied imagination”), you can begin radiating abundance rather than lack, and self-confidence rather than doubt and insecurity.

The key is to use your imagination to help you achieve your goals, and use it in a disciplined way–-every day. Just as with any other pursuit, consistency is important. If you’re trying to get into good shape, you won’t get great results unless you work out and eat right consistently. It’s the same with developing the abundance mindset. Working on it daily is the key.

So don’t let a single day go by without taking time to work on your inner vision and applying your imagination to your goals. Even if just for a few minutes. And remember, when you visualize the things you want and the life you want, always do it from the end result perspective. See yourself already having the things you want. Focus on them in a positive way that feels like they are already yours. Make it as fun as possible–-if you stress about it or “bear down too hard” you’ll just wind up radiating fear or frustration, emotions which will push your desires away from you.

It takes time and a little bit of effort to discipline your mind, but the results are worth it. Make it a priority to work on your state of mind daily; exercise your imagination and apply your creativity to your goals and dreams. You will see results!

2012 Is Almost Here! Are You Ready For It?

The new year is almost upon us – have you set your goals yet?

While I have never been a big fan of New Year’s resolutions, I do think it is important at the end of the year to take stock and evaluate where you are and how you’re doing in relation to your goals and dreams.

So how about you? Are you making headway? Or have you let some of your goals slide?

Once you have assessed where you are right now, you can begin plotting a course for the new year. And as always, I encourage you to set your goals high. A mediocre goal never inspired anyone! Make your goals large enough to excite your imagination and inspire you into action.

Speaking of which, it’s important to start the new year inspired, and to use your imagination to envision the life you want to live this year, including the social life you want, the wealth and abundance you desire, and the good health you plan to enjoy this year. I know it’s a cliché, but you really do have to “see it in order to achieve it.”

So have a fantastic New Year’s Eve celebration, but remember to take a little time to map out your path for the new year – where you going, and how you want to live in 2012. Make your inner vision strong, colorful and detailed. Let it guide you, inspire you and motivate you to attract your best possible life in the coming year.

Wishing you increasing success, prosperity, health and happiness!
Jon
www.AttractAnything.com

PS: we’ve been hard at work on the AttractAnything YouTube Channel, and there are plenty of new videos to check out, to be sure and stop by our channel and subscribe! :D

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Set Big Goals – Go For What You Really Want!

Are you going after what you want in life? Or are you basing your goals on what you think you can get?

I’ve just uploaded a new video to the AttractAnything YouTube channel on the importance of setting big goals; and in particular, going for what you really want. Too many people compromise on their goals, and end up settling for goals they know they can achieve. These kinds of “sure thing” goals don’t really teach us much. You can’t grow and learn, do more and be more, unless you’re willing to challenge yourself now and then.

Even worse, people who set underwhelming goals often fall into a pattern of settling for less in ALL areas of life. It’s a disastrous habit to fall into. You’re much better off going for what you really want–what you are passionate about–than settling for a lackluster goal that doesn’t inspire you. And believe it or not, many times it’s easier to actually achieve a big goal you really want, rather than a small, uninspiring goal that doesn’t fire your imagination or get your heart pumping.

Check out the new video below this post. Or watch on YouTube here (be sure to subscribe to our channel).

Until next time, keep attracting amazing things into your life!
~Jon

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5 BIG Life Lessons I Never Learned In School

I’m very fortunate. I had the opportunity to get a good education, and it’s something for which I feel incredibly grateful. But there are important life lessons that I never learned in any classroom. In fact, there are many of them. But for the sake of brevity, I have compiled a list of of five BIG life lessons I never learned in school:

Number 1: Delayed Gratification

Most people are impatient these days; we want what we want — and we want it now! But it’s usually in our best interest to take a long term view, rather than rushing after what we want right now. A good example is saving your money to buy something, rather than purchasing on credit. Or staying in school and studying a little longer, so you’ll have more job opportunities in the future. Delayed gratification is not something we are born understanding — we have to learn it. It’s all about looking past the immediate gratification of getting what you want right now, and thinking of the long-term satisfaction of living better in the future. I sometimes call it “projective thinking” because you are focused on more than just what would make you happy right now. You are projecting your thoughts, your values, and your decisions into the future to create something better for yourself and your loved ones.

Number 2: Your Health Is Your Wealth

We are issued one physical body in this life; the only one we will ever have. When the chips are down in life and things look bleak, as long as you have your health, as long as you feel strong and vital, you can still get back up and start over. There is always a chance to make things right while you are strong and healthy. But without your health, nothing else matters a whole lot – certainly not money, achievement or “success.” Without your health you cannot appreciate any of these things or take advantage of them. So be good to your body. Treat it like a dear and cherished friend. After all, it has to last you an entire lifetime.

Number 3: Just Because You’re “Correct” Doesn’t Mean You’re “Right”

You’ve probably heard that Dr. Phil guy say “would you rather be right or would you rather be happy?” While I don’t always agree with Phil McGraw, he is spot on about this. Too many times we let our egos get in the way of our happiness. If we focus too much on being “right,” we can lose sight of the most important thing in life: being happy. You can live your entire life, be happy and achieve loads of things, and still be wrong about a great many opinions you hold. Just as there is a difference between knowledge and wisdom, there is also a difference between being correct and being right. Being right is often about backing off and letting others say, do or believe whatever they want to say, do or believe. You have to pick your battles carefully in life, and letting your ego force you into confrontations all the time is a huge waste of both your time and energy. Think beyond right and wrong. Let go and let everything be good.

Number 4: You Get What You Give

This may seem like the oldest cliche in the book, but boy is it true! We all have wants and desires, but some of us are never satisfied, constantly hungering for more, more, more. But trying to get as much as you can in life is a lousy strategy. Most often, it backfires. If you want to attract abundance and “have” a lot in life, you’ve got to begin to give. Giving signifies abundance, wealth and maturity. When you give freely of yourself, your time and resources, you put yourself in the flow of life; and you are sure to attract good things back to you. Remember, life gives to the givers and takes from the takers.

Number 5: Always Aim Higher Than The Goal

When we set higher standards for ourselves we reap higher rewards. People who aim for mediocrity, however, often fall far short of even that. It’s always a good idea to try to “over shoot” the goal. Even if you think you’d be comfortable making $100,000 a year, you should be aiming for at least 200K, if not more. And remember, if you don’t set higher standards for yourself, who will? No one, that’s who. And you’ll end up “settling” a lot in life. And understand, none of this will make any real difference to your friends, coworkers or family members. Not really. But it WILL make a big difference to you! Don’t settle for less than you really want out of life. As I like to say, “get up on your high-horse and stay there.”

~Jon
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“How do you Explain That?”

“I saw a video where you said there was no such thing as lack or limitation. How can you seriously say something like that? There are millions of people in the world without enough food to eat and malnutrition kills people every single day. Obviously there is a lack of food and other resources in the world, so how do you explain that?”

This question came in last week, but it’s not the first time that my view on lack and limitation (that for all practical purposes, they don’t exist) has been challenged. So allow me to explain what I mean by lack and limitation, and why I stand by my assertion that these things are simply illusions; though admittedly, they can be very pervasive ones.

Unfortunately, there are people without enough food in the world, and it is shameful that people die of malnutrition in this day and age. But there is no lack of food.

A web search and a quick look at the data will show you there is food enough to feed everyone on this planet. The numbers don’t lie. Worldwide starvation and malnutrition COULD be wiped out in a matter of weeks, not one person excepted.

But if it isn’t a lack of resources that causes starvation and malnutrition, what is it? Simply put, it is greed.

Greed is a fear-based emotional state, and probably the most competitive state of mind we can experience. Maybe you’ve seen those videos where I talk about the competitive mindset. The concept of greed pretty much sums up everything that is wrong with the competitive mindset. It assumes lack and limitation are everywhere, but make no mistake — these assumptions are only perception, NOT reality.

What I’m trying to say is, I am well aware that there is the APPEARANCE of lack and limitation everywhere in the world. I remember a business course in college where the professor taught us that consumer demand increases when there is a “perceived scarcity,” whether that scarcity is real or not. In other words, you can get more money out of people if you can convince them that something is scarce or limited, that there is a lack of it.

In some ways, this business concept of perceived scarcity sums up the modern world; and explains why it is difficult for most of us to truly experience abundance (even though we are surrounded by it). We have been taught from an early age to NOT focus on abundance; but instead, to keep our attention trained upon lack and limitation. In other words, to perceive scarcity where there actually is no scarcity.

That’s why there appears to be a scarcity of food when in fact there is food enough for everyone. That’s why some people go through their lives feeling lonely, believing there is a scarcity of love, companionship or romance, when there are millions of others sitting alone feeling exactly the same way. And it’s why so many people are painfully self-critical and despise aspects of their own personality, when they are actually wonderful, caring, interesting and intelligent individuals.

Why do we buy into these ridiculous paradigms and accept them as “reality?” Remember that scene from The Matrix? The one where Morpheus says, “The matrix has you.” Well, the bad news is, it does.

There are cultural matrices in every society, and we are indoctrinated into them before we can even a walk. The good news is, as adults we can begin thinking critically about these beliefs, and questioning our assumptions about the world.

We don’t have to accept everything we have been force-fed all our lives. Humans are by nature curious and even a bit rebellious.The best use of our natural curiosity and rebellion is to throw off the shackles of our mind, and take a hard look at what we actually believe, and why.

~Jon
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Dating and the Law of Attraction

Dating and relationships are important (and potentially tricky) areas of life.  Who we spend our days and months and years with is obviously a REALLY big deal.  So it makes sense that we would try to attract the best possible partner.

The right person can fill your life with joy and love, and inspire you to do more and be more. Research demonstrates that happy couples are even healthier and live longer on average than others.  However, choosing the wrong partner can be disastrous for your state of mind, your health, and even your finances!

So what does the law of attraction say about dating and attracting a perfect relationship? Let’s take a look.

Knowing What You Want

In order to attract what you want, in any area of life, the starting point is to know what you want.  This sounds pretty basic, but it’s amazing how many people cannot define exactly what they want (and yet they somehow expect to get it???). This is especially true in dating, as many people believe things will just work out naturally, so they don’t need to think about it too much. Unfortunately, that is rarely the case…

One problem with not clearly defining what you want in a relationship is that you’ll more than likely end up “settling” for someone who does not have characteristics that “fit” with yours.  It is important that partners have things in common; but in my experience it is equally important that they don’t have too much in common! A good relationship has balance.

Buy "Stronger Better Happier!" on Amazon.comJon’s new book, “Stronger Better Happier” now available on Amazon.com

A good example is when one partner’s energetic type A personality is balanced out by the other partners laid-back type B Personality. The end result is that one partner calms down a little, while the other gets a little energy boost. There is balance and harmony.

So step one is to get very clear about the kind of partner you’re looking for, what their values are, and what kind of personality will work well with yours.  This doesn’t mean that you go “shopping” for a date with a whole grocery list of characteristics that MUST be fulfilled.  Relationships are give-and-take.  But it does mean you have to have a clear starting point, an understanding of what kind of partner you’re trying to attract.

Cause and Effect

The second step in attracting the right partner is to understand this hard truth: if you ‘re not already dating the kind of partner you want, it’s not because of fate or bad luck, it’s because you are not doing the right things to attract that person (at least not yet ;-) .  This is cause and effect. In order to get a different result (the effect) you going to have to change what you’re doing (the cause).

And I don’t just mean you’re going to have to change your way of thinking — although that is an excellent starting point.  You may also have to change your day-to-day habits: where you go, what you do, and who you associate with.  One thing is clear though: you can not continue doing and thinking the same things and expect to get a different result.  To attract a better partner, you have to become the kind of person who attracts a better partner. Embracing change is helpful.

It’s Nothing Personal

Obviously, to attract someone new into your life you’ve got to put yourself “out there.”  This means you’re going to have to risk rejection.  The more comfortable you are with rejection, the easier dating is; and the more you can put yourself in position to meet the right person.

While no one likes to be rejected, it’s much easier to deal with if you don’t take it personally.  For that reason, I advise my clients who are actively searching for new relationship to expect that will be some rejection on their quest to attract a new mate.  It’s an unavoidable part of dating new people — things just don’t always work out. Further, I instruct them that they are to consider any rejection a necessary rite of passage, something EVERYONE goes through, and never take it personally in any way.

Another thing that helps deal with potential rejection is to make sure you don’t look at dating as a competitive transaction.  If you focus on what you can give to others, it’s a lot easier to actually get what you want.  On the other hand, if you focus excessively on getting, you’re going to have a tough time attracting and dating the right person.

Remember, life gives to the givers and takes from the takers. If you approach dating and relationships with this state of mind, things will go MUCH smoother.

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Jon Mercer, MA
Managing Director, Youniverse LLC

“Stronger Better Happier” Print Version Out Now! Kindle Version Debuts in Amazon Top 50!

Buy "Stronger Better Happier!" on Amazon.comIn it’s first 48 hours of release, the kindle version of “Stronger Better Happier” broke the Amazon Self Help Top 50 Chart!  Now the print version is debuting on Amazon and elsewhere, and I have high hopes that it will do even better.

‘Stronger Better Happier ‘is a unique hybrid of inspiration and practical exercises to radically change your mindset, do away with limiting, anxious beliefs and insecurities, and inspire you to reach higher, achieve more and live better. In other words, a very PRACTICAL self-help book.

The print version of “Stronger” is now available on Amazon. Let me know what you think by rating and reviewing Stronger Better Happier! on Amazon.com.

Thanks again for your support!
Jon

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Jon’s New Book, “Stronger Better Happier” Finally Hits the Shelves!

Buy "Stronger Better Happier!" on Amazon.comIt’s been a long time coming, and there have been a few delays along the way; but today I’m proud to announce that my first book, “Stronger Better Happier!” finally has been released (cue the balloons and party music. Whoo Hoo!).

“Stronger Better Happier” is a different kind of self-help book — equal parts inspirational/motivational and practical guide, complete with some of the coolest (and a few of the weirdest!) NLP and behavioral techniques and exercises I’ve discovered over years of coaching. The goal was to create the kind of resource I wish I would have had when I began this journey into personal development.

I want to express my sincere gratitude today, to everyone who supported and encouraged me to write (and eventually finish ) ‘Stronger Better Happier.’ Your positive spirit and unwavering  support have made this book possible, and are greatly appreciated.

The First edition of “Stronger” to be released is the Amazon Kindle version. But you DON’T need a Kindle to read it. The Kindle app is available for Mac/PC, Android phones, iPhones, iPods, iPads and other devices. Personally, I’ve been using the Kindle apps on both my iPad and Nexus One (Android) phone, both of which work flawlessly, and even have advanced controls to minimize back-lighting and glare. I especially recommend the iPad version, which scrolls super smooth and looks fantastic.

You can also try a free sample of the book buy clicking the “send sample” button on the right-side of the Amazon sales page. And of course, you can rate and leave a review as well (something I would greatly appreciate!).

A print version of “Stronger” is on the way too (for those who prefer the touch and smell of a real paper and ink). It should be available within the next few weeks on Amazon.com and many of the biggest distributors. I’ll keep you posted.

Thank you once again for your amazing support and well wishes. And a very special thank you to Jane, Matt, Brittany and Julia (Juju) for their artful advice, contributions, assistance and friendship.

And of course, I’d love to know what YOU think about the book. You can comment on this post, or contact me via Facebook or twitter (links below), or rate and review Stronger Better Happier! on Amazon.com.

To your continued abundance, peace and prosperity!
Jon

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NLP Strategies: It’s Good to be “Flaky” Sometimes

Bad days: we all have them. I had one yesterday — could barely drag myself out of bed. :p

But we don’t have to stay in that state of mind when we have a bad day. We can change the direction of our thoughts just by deciding to look at things differently. Only trouble is, most of us find it difficult to suddenly change our perspective, because on a deeper level, we crave consistency.

One of the worst insults you can call someone is “flaky.” It means that their behavior and/or attitude is inconsistent. This puts us under a lot of social pressure to be consistent at all times, which is kind of boring, huh?

But we’re also under internal pressure to remain consistent. The brain values consistency above almost all else. It attempts to keep you behaving, thinking, and believing things that are consistent with what you did, thought and believed yesterday, last week and even 10 years ago. It’s a type of safety mechanism, and it’s mostly a good thing. You wouldn’t want to have an inconsistent heartbeat, eh?

This need for consistency is even good when it comes to how we think and behave — sometimes. For example, whatever you’ve been thinking and doing in the past has kept you alive up til now, so evolutionarily speaking, it couldn’t have been too bad, nowhatImean? ;)

Consistency only becomes a problem when we’re trying to change of lives. This requires us to think, believe and do things differently. We have to go against our biological impulse to remain consistent, and that’s why people often find if difficult to change. That’s also why I believe one of the best ways to change is to not actually try to change at all. Seriously! And that’s where really cool techniques like NLP come in handy.

NLP techniques encourage change through the power of suggestion and unconscious association. They operate on a deeper level, that prevents you from constantly fighting against your natural impulse to maintain consistency. The techniques tend to affect the unconscious much more than the conscious, so there is very little “cognitive backlash.” You simply begin “feeling” differently, though you may not even know why.

By “reprogramming” yourself at an unconscious level, you can change unhelpful beliefs, perceptions and most importantly, your self-image — all without struggling. When done right, it feels like a natural evolution or transformation, with no internal conflict whatsoever.

A good example of these NLP techniques can be found at our sister site: NLPundercurrents.com. These unique audio sessions use several different techniques in a unique blend of technologies designed to have maximum impact on your unconscious, and facilitate change in a very natural, relaxed way.

Get more information and try some free demo sessions free at NLPundercurrents.com.

~Jon
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Desperation Attacks! (But It Doesn’t Attract)

I want to attract a LOT of money, and I need it right now!

I get emails like this — from people who are clearly frantic and desperate:

Jon, you’ve got to help me!!! Tell me what I can do to attract $100,000 by next Tuesday!!!!

Great. Now I have explain to the sender the reality of how attraction works. Namely, that you cannot hope to attract something that you are desperate for.

So when I get these requests via email or my facebook wall it’s always a little sad; I know there is nothing I can do to help them until they get over the desperation they feel. I’ve said it before, but its worth repeating: wanting is like poison when you’re trying to attract good things into your life. The more intense and emotional your wanting, the less likely you will attract anything good. Its a poisonous mindset.

I know, I know. Its easy to say you should be relaxed about money when things are going great; but its more difficult in the middle of an actual financial emergency. I get that. Nevertheless, it is the ONLY way you can hope to attract a positive outcome to your situation. Desperation breeds more desperation. Wanting creates more wanting. It is only by already having what we desire that we can attract more of it.

What? That sounds like a catch 22!!?

You have to already have the things you desire to attract more of them. If there is one secret to attracting wealth, this is it. It also sounds suspiciously like a catch 22, doesn’t it? That’s because (gasp!) it IS a catch 22.

However, there is a way to hack the system Its a time-honored technique salespeople and business leaders have used for ages. Its called fake it till you make it.

The fake it till you make it technique is a method of visualizing yourself already having the things you desire, and psyching yourself into a having state of mind. Its simple, efficient, and best of all, it works.

Dr. Denis Whaitley has worked with world-class athletes for many years. His research has shown that athletes perform better when they mentally rehearse, and see themselves winning. You may have heard about the study where NBA basketball players were taught to visualize shooting free throws and scoring every shot. The players who visualized increased their percentage of successful free throws significantly.

Now imagine, if it works for NBA players shooting free throws, what if you applied this same concept to YOUR LIFE? Imagine how your relationships, friendships and income could be different? What about your self-confidence and self image? Your physical health and energy? The list goes on and on…

This technique has a great reputation among sales professionals because it gets results (ie: makes more $$). And that’s great news for you, even if you’re not in sales. Why? Because we are ALL in sales, whether we realize it or not. We are selling ourselves, our talents, personality, creativity, appearance, education, everything. And what works in sales, tends to work in a million other areas of life.

Sit down for five minutes and visualize already having what you desire and feeling great about it. Even two minutes is OK. Start wherever you feel comfortable and build up from there. No doubt about it — fake it till you make it works.
~Jon
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