Behind where I am sitting now is a framed poster showing a photograph of Albert Einstein. Underneath his picture is one of my favorite quotes, which says that “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” When it comes to human transformation, too much press is given to the power of the subconscious mind and totally ignores the critical role of the conscious mind, which serves as the true captain of neurophysiology. As such, the most capable tool available for guiding us in the direction of our choosing is our ability to use our imagination. Yet, as a resource it is too often subordinated and not given the credit it is due. As a valuable asset our ability to imagine is not just a baseless cliché bantered around by idealistic self-help gurus and inadequately trained practitioners. Rather it is something that has a clear scientific and physiological basis. By understanding that, we can better develop processes and procedures designed to enhance our potential to shape our future.

The existence of imagination as a mental process is a characteristic of the evolution of developed human frontal lobes, which makes possible our highly advanced conscious mind. Therefore, humans have both a capability to be self-aware and can alter at will how they interpret their perception of past, present, and future reality. Nevertheless, despite our superiority the vast majority of our consciousness remains reactive no different than that of the lower life forms and matter. When we sense cold, we shiver. When we perceive safety or danger, we react accordingly down to the sub-cellular level. On the other hand, there is a special human quality that provides us with the amazing ability to anticipate. It is that factor that is the key to our ability to understand the wonderful value of imagination.

One of the exercises that I use with my students is a simple one that involves them holding a heavy object in their upturned palm. This is normally a sizeable book. They are instructed to keep their hand from rising when another person removes the object. This is extremely difficult if not impossible. However, when the subject is asked to remove the book themselves and again attempts to prevent their hand from rising, they find it quite simple. This is because the human brain has the tendency to anticipate and simulate. When the other person removed the book, this was difficult. But when the subject was in control of the situation, their ability to direct their imagination led to their success.

Although conscious awareness is a integral feature for all matter, to include living organisms, it seem that the ability to anticipate and simulate, which means imagine, is more advanced in creatures with the most advanced frontal lobes. In humans these structures represent about 40% of our total brain weight as opposed to 12% in our family dog’s brain, 7% in our cat, and almost 0% in a lizard. Going a little further, based upon neurological reports related to advanced brain scanning techniques, it appears that the relative amount of energy that is provided to the right orbitofrontal cortex, which resides just above our right eye, correlates with a our ability to vividly imagine. Indeed, when this cortex is activated a person’s capability of using suggestion, imagination, and inhibition seems to be much more powerful. Conversely, should that substrate become not fully functional due to genetics, trauma, or faulty mental processes – such as obsessive thoughts, excessive multi-tasking, and addictions – the features typically associated with that substrate will not be as available. Luckily, for most of us an inadequate imaginative ability can be strengthened through proper exercises such as may be employed by a competent hypnotherapist.

Why is this important? Granted just about everyone would readily concede that humans have stronger imaginative capabilities than the orchid in our garden. So what? The answer here lies in the realization that the rest of our neurophysiology is reactive. It reacts to our environment. As such, it adapts or entrains as it, hopefully, adequately harmonizes. The beauty of our imagination is that it allows us to artificially create an environment to which we react – and transform. For instance, if your imagination interprets a shadow as a snake, spider, or whatever else we have been programmed to habitually fear, our neurophysiology will cause a sympathetic, fight/flight response to be kicked in. Conversely, should we anticipate and simulate an erotic, loving, or otherwise stimulating event, we will get a substantially different reaction. This is much different than a typical stimulus-response reaction. My dog may physiologically react when she sees me repeat a behavior that normally leads to her receiving a treat. However, I rather doubt that when I fail to initiate such symbolic behavior that she is presently sitting at my feet imagining what her next treat will taste like. This is something in which we humans specialize.

Again, the value of our powerful imagination lies almost entirely in its tendency to influence the reactive nature of our neurophysiology. A strong imagined reality, which I normally would describe as being antithetical, creates cascading changes within our brain and body. Just like the adverse effect caused by an imagined fearful phenomena, should we become more appropriately selective as to the content of our thoughts, then we are unleashing the virtually unlimited potential capability to influence our neurophysiology. Previously I have documented numerous cases and research studies in which a person has been able to positively improve their immune system and even increase somatic healing rates by merely imagining. These studies included increasing white blood cell counts in a person’s intestines and a 70% increase in wound healing rates. Likewise, the benefit of mental rehearsal of a physical skill, such as playing a violin or making a golf putt, is a clear example regarding the power of anticipation and simulation to create and reinforce new networks of neurons in the brain.

The fantastic power of a human’s ability to imagine is due to the fact that we can use it to consciously shape our neurophysiology. When we imagine a wound healing faster and even visualize the desired end state, the correlated neurophysiological structures will tend to entrain and adapt as they harmonize with the imagined reality. In layman’s terms this could be rephrased as the territory changing to reflect the map – rather than the other way around. This is like saying take out a map and pencil in a new road. Soon the new topographical feature miraculously appears on the ground. I am not claiming that this “magic” works as dramatically when we talk about our body. Nevertheless, every cell and organ of our body is somehow associated with networks of neurons in our brain. Once we change our thought structure and hence our neurological organization, the body is apparently influenced.

Imagination may indeed be more important than knowledge. Our knowledge reflects the storage of previous events, memories, and thoughts within our mind and body. It is historical and can at best represent our reactive nature. However, imagination represents something much, much more significant. Unlike knowledge, our ability to imagine gives us the ability to shape our future. Yes, pills and surgery are also powerful tools in the hands of the right clinician. But it is the power of imagination that resides within each and every one of us – and that can be guided by a competent hypnotherapist – that probably has the most potential. (But perhaps that is what my imagination is telling me.)

Imagination is the unreal, real state of mind, where all things are experienced as real. Imagination is powerful and is an intermediary step between thought and word. Thoughts are experienced in the imagination before they are manifested into physical reality.

As important as this step is in the process of creating, it is the least explored on a conscious level. It is the easiest step to move into from our conscious state and can be accessed at will. Just close your eyes and start imagining. From our earliest awareness, our parents both encourage and discourage us from being in this creative condition, because they know how powerful it is. Powerful imaginations can be intoxicating.

We are often told that we are imagining things. This statement is so close to the absolute truth. What we create, all the circumstances of our life, is being imagined. There is nothing else that we could be doing.

All that we seek to be, or have, will first be developed in our imagination. Mankind does not yet fully understand the value of the imagination. Yet those that have an awareness of it’s function, us it successfully. There have never been truer statements than, “you’re only limited by your imagination,” “imagine it,” let your imagination run wild. It truly is the creative state.

Sometimes distinctions between what are real and what is imagination is blurred, because imagination is so close to our conscious reality. All things in imagination are experienced in the state as real. The imagination can also be manipulated from the conscious state. It is more like a waking dream, that that is fully interactive.

Imagination is a safe zone, a holodeck, which we enter for all kinds of reasons, it’s practical and recreational. It is a tool that works on demand and has unlimited resources. It’s a perfect testing ground were problems can be worked out and we can create anything that we can imagine. We build models in our imagination in preparation for creation into the physical realm. All of our thoughts can be explored and examined. Working through imagination is the best way to experience having or doing a thing before it is made manifest.

The fastest way to get what you desire is to know that you already have it. Imagination facilitates, that knowingness, because you actually experience it in this dream like state, and adjustments can be made to customize the results.

Try this. Picture a brand new car in your mind. What ever colour it is now, change the colour. Change the car from 4 doors to 2. Imagine it with different wheels, four shiny chrome wheels. Notice how easily it is to change the image. Now imagine sitting in the driver’s seat. Notice the dash and all the instrumentation, and then become aware of your friends in the car and who they are.

These are powerful images, and they are experienced as reality at the time. The more you dwell on them, the more likely you will manifest your vision into actuality.

You can experience your imagination, without restriction from old belief systems, guilt, morality, punishment, condemnation, justification or anything else. It’s your safe haven, where no one can enter. It is truly the only place that you can be alone with your thoughts. Imagine that! You are free from physical bonds or limitations. You can fly for as long and as high as you want. You can crash, burn, barn storm, or land safely, without fear.

The imagination is real and very compelling, it can be addicting, but always it is a safe place to be. We often choose only to experience very private matters in our imagination and choose not to make them fully manifest. Moving into the realm of the imagination is not to be feared, but anticipated with awe and wild abandonment. Fear not the power you possess. Develop your imagination, exercise it, and use it effectively to manifest the physical things that you desire in your life. Imagine the life that your really want and begin to live it.

In your spare moments each day, take some time to visit your imagination and envision what you desire that day and the next. Repeat those visions and they will become your new reality.

The most important species you come in contact with on daily basis is people. Unless you are living alone on a deserted island, you cannot escape one reality of life: you have to deal with people everyday. Wherever you go, and whatever you do, there are people and people and people you have to tackle.

The people you come in contact with everyday can assume any of the following forms.

Your boss; business partners; government officers; your assistants and servants; your spouse; your friends, the judges (if you are connected with legal profession); your enemies etc. The examples are unlimited. In addition to the people you are already come in contact with, there are people who will come in contact with you in future. Unless you are already a ‘people-person’, you might be finding it a bit difficult to deal with people.

Previously I was of that type. But then, I realized that the world we live in is an interdependent world. I also realized that the very basis of success in legal profession which I am in, is founded on contact with people. So decided to do something about it and to learn to make me comfortable dealing with people. Irrespective of the profession or job you are in, you cannot do away with dealing with people. So wisdom demands that we learn and master this art.

In this article I will be sharing with you some of my insights on how to be comfortable while dealing with people.

Love yourself first.

Learn to love yourself. The first step I took in the direction of dealing with people effectively was to improve my self-esteem. I realized that for being able to effectively deal with people I was lacking in this basic requirement: a high self-esteem. By operating from low self-esteem it is difficult to deal with people effectively. The reason is obvious. With low self-esteem you always unconsciously put yourself below the person you are dealing with, consequently resulting in making your transaction with the person ineffective. (I am using the word ‘transaction’ not in the restricted sense of commercial transaction, but in a wider sense to include all kinds of social and emotional transactions)

Your Self-esteem level

So check your self-esteem level. If your level of self-esteem is already higher, then congratulations. You already possess one of the most important ingredients for being able to effectively deal with people. Probably the chances are that you are not suffering from this problem at all. But if this is not the case then you should seriously take steps to improve your self-esteem. Learn to love yourself. You need to learn to put the other person in perspective. I learnt this by reading “The Magic of Thinking Big” by Dr. David Schwartz, and “See You At The Top” by Zig Ziglar. In addition I created my own self-hypnosis tapes for enhancing my self esteem and they proved to be of great help.

Recognize that each and every person is different

That is undeniable truth. Each and every person is different just as the thumb impression of each and every person born on this plane is different. It is now a matter of common knowledge, and scientifically proved, that the thumb impressions of no two persons on this planet, match. Recognize the fact that no two individuals (including you) are identical and accept this difference. Everyone is different. Engrave this truth on your mind like an inscription on a rock. The difference I am talking about is not just external difference on physical level. That difference is obvious and it does not require an article like this to be written for stating something obvious.

Accept the difference

What is significant to note is that each person is different internally too. What you like, and think that the other person will also naturally like, may not be liked by the other. What motivates you may be a put off for the other. What excites you may be a cause of depression for another. You may like slim girls or slim boys, but that may not be the liking of your close friend. You may be interested in personal development, but your close friend, your spouse or those around you may not find it worthwhile. Examples can be limitless. The point is that we recognize this fact; we accept this fact and we operate on that basis in our daily lives.

Respect The Difference

Having recognized and accepted the truth that each and every person is different, the next and most important thing to do is to respect the difference. Respecting the difference means absence of any contemptuous feelings for the other individual and trying to understand the other person. Understanding the other person is a great way to establish good relationship.

You might have the best 3PL services to run your contract warehouse. However, your staff might lack the motivation required to perform their duties. Without enough enthusiasm from employers and employees, any business is destined to collapse. Therefore, a proper incentive is needed, no matter what kind of work you do. Whether you run your own business, or you are an employee working under someone else, the most important thing is to have a goal set in your mind. In order to reach that goal, you and your employees need motivation so that everyone can excel in their work. In general, there are six theories of motivation.

1. The first theory is about your acquired needs. People might be motivated to do a task that gives them what they desire. For instance, people might be looking for power, growth, friendship or any other achievement through their particular job.

2. The next theory is called extrinsic motivation. This basically involves people who are looking for external rewards in their tasks. They might not be looking for many acquired needs, but want greater rewards than that, such as praise from their boss, the promise of money, etc. People who have such incentives may also fear punishment.

3. The third kind of enthusiasm comes from intrinsic motivation. This incentive comes from within. A person might be enthusiastic about doing a task that pleases them, or something they are passionate about. These kinds of people enjoy their work and remain satisfied. Motivation therefore is already present inside the person and just requires some positivity to be harvested.

4. The next level of enthusiasm comes through the investment model. People might just be enthusiastic about finishing a task that they started. Since they have already invested time and money in that particular job, and have worked hard to achieve their goals, they have a sense of duty and accomplishment towards it.

5. An enthusiastic person might also be determined because of the endowed progress effect. This is when a person is already progressing at a productive rate. It often increases motivation within them, enough to proceed further with the task. In fact, it never hurts to have healthy competition revolving around the workplace because it eventually makes the organization increasingly enthusiastic about its goals.

6. The last theory is related to psychology. A positive psychological effect might be very helpful towards inspiring someone. A person might be interested in doing a particular task because it gives a feeling of being themselves, and proving their capabilities to others. Since the ultimate goal is set in their minds, they will have an easier and more motivated journey towards reaching their goals.

This is not all. There might be many more theories which might also be very complex. Whatever they are, one cannot deny that without enough motivation, one cannot succeed in any business. To set firm in any kind of work you plan to do, you need to first decide your level of enthusiasm towards it. Once you realize that you are determined about it, you will begin to love your work!

The worlds’ leading coach, Tony Robbins, always says you have to have a big ‘why’ or ‘reason’ if you are going to achieve any goal.

Well you also have to have a big ‘why’ and ‘reason’ for sitting down and setting goals in the first place!

You probably know that the world’s most popular way of setting goals is to use the S.m.a.r.t. goals acronym. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time- based). What you probably don’t know is the full extent of the benefits you can expect to receive when you set smart goals.

Here are the top 15 reasons why you should use smart goals to help you set your goals.

• You will move away from the vague ‘shoulds’ and ‘wishes’ of your life to a life where you get clear on what you really want, create well formed goals and generate the motivation to make them happen.
• You will learn to always start your thinking by asking yourself what is it you really want.
• You will have a framework of simple proven questions to help you think your goals through thoroughly.
• You will ask yourself the questions that people who are already successful ask themselves.
• You will focus your mind and concentration.
• You will end up with your own set of crystal clear goals.
• Having crystal clear goals means you will increase your chances of achieving them.
• You will be able to engage your subconscious to help you achieve your goals, now it knows where you want to go!
• You will get much more out of life.
• You will learn and do things you have never done before.
• You will want to develop new skills so that you can achieve what it is you want
• You will seek out new information and knowledge to help you achieve your goal.
• You will broaden and develop who you are as a person: Your confidence, Your motivation, Your tenacity.
• You will build new beliefs in yourself and start to know just how much more is possible.
• You will make a difference to the lives of others & perhaps
• You will even make a difference to the lives of your community, country or world as a whole….

I suggest you tick the reasons above that particularly appeal to you. One or two may stand out or indeed it may be many.The more the better…

The root of all success is goal setting – knowing what it is that you want. Now you also know why your decision to set goals in the first place is so important too.

Let’s face it, Motherhood is the most stressful job in the world. As Christian Moms, the task can be even more tedious as we strive to tech them moral values, to love and seek Daddy God, and how to walk in love in a world filled with sin, selfishness and hate.

As Moms, we pour our lives into our children and then hope they will at least call or write on occasion throughout their adult lives.

These tips are meant to show our kids that we love them, value them and believe in them. They are to help us all be better Mothers. The more we strive to be the most excellent Mom we can be the better our chances are of seeing our children grow into the well rounded, morally sound, Biblically aligned, God loving adults we hope for them to be!

101 Tips to Become a Better Christian Mother

1. Smile more. Believe it or not our children need smiles from us…not scowls!

2. Make eye contact when communicating with them.

3. Read to them. Even when they get older, read Scriptures out loud. Even older children like this.

4. Do devotions together…age appropriate, of course.

5. Do a project together. This can be arts and crafts or a school project.

6. Help them with their homework.

7. Cook or bake with them.

8. Create family traditions. They not only help bring the family together, they also provide stability and opportunity to keep the family together.

9. Listen more.

10. Ask more.

11. If you are married, honor your husband. This is vital for your children to see. Strive to be a better wife and pray for ways to improve your marital relationship.

12. Pray with them.

13. Pray for them.

14. Get silly.

15. Laugh at yourself.

16. Go to the movies together and see what they want. (morally and age appropriate)

17. Have a girls night. (Moms of daughters)

18. Have a date night. (Moms to sons)

19. Try new things and activities together.

20. Play with them.

21. Have a tickle fest. You are never to old to be tickled!

22. Say ” I love you” often. Do not assume they know. SAY it. A LOT.

23. Speak positive words over them and to them.

24. Criticize less.

25. Live by example.

26. Read the Bible to them and in front of them. They need to SEE you have a personal walk with Jesus. They will only do what they have learned.

27. Take lots of pictures. They love to look at old pictures and see the memories and ways you took the time to capture the moments.

28. Scrapbook their lives.

29. Attend their important event and activities. It means a lot when you are in the stands cheering them on!

30. Write them a love letter.

31. Make their favorite dinner for no reason.

32. Cheer for them. We need to be their biggest fans in life. Make sure they KNOW it!

33. Encourage them.

34. Hug them.

35. Kiss them.

36. Put little “thinking of you” notes in their lunch box.

37. Leave a special prize where they are sure to find it when doing their chores or other activity.

38. Allow them to mess up.

39. Forgive them.

40. Apply 38 and 39 to yourself as well. You will never be perfect. There are NO such things as perfect Mothers!

41. Encourage open communication. They need to know they can talk to you and share without fear of your reaction.

42. Let them be individuals. Do not try to live your dreams through them. LET THEM BE THEM!

43. Dream with them.

44. Encourage them to go after their dreams.

45. Be consistent in discipline.

46. Hold them accountable.

47. Reward them for a job well done.

48. Dedicate a song to them on the radio.

49. Compliment them often. We are responsible for teaching them good self esteem.

50. Bring them to church.

51. Get them involved in church.

52. Encourage a life of excellence. Teach them to do well and not settle for mediocre.

53. Teach them to appreciate learning and the importance of a good education.

54. Encourage creativity.

55. Tell the truth. If they hear you lie or you lie to them…they will lie.

56. Expect honesty from them.

57. Teach them the importance of Scripture memorization.

58. Apologize when you mess up. They deserve an apology when needed.

59. Support them.

60. Accept them.

61. Know their friends and parents of friends.

62. Keep track of what they do and who they are with.

63. Nurture their relationship with their dads. It is important that our kids have a relationship with their dad that is separate from ours.

64. Go on trips and vacations as a family…big and small.

65. Have family fun nights.

66. Make them feel special all year long…not just on special occasions.

67. Provide boundaries.

68. Encourage them to have personal boundaries.

69. Follow through.

70. Give them chores. Our daughters need to learn how to be good wives and our sons need to learn how to be helpful husbands.

71. Respect their privacy. (Unless you feel they are in danger)

72. Give them age appropriate responsibilities.

73. Teach them how to resolve conflict.

74. Spend time with them one on one…this is especially important with multiple children.

75. Help them develop a spiritual life.

76. Put them in a youth group at church.

77. Never take ANY church activity away from them as a form of punishment for bad behavior. Even if it is a fun event. It is still with their Christian peers and leaders. They may get convicted and/or it will allow God to work on their hearts. They NEED church.

78. Volunteer as a family.

79. Encourage giving.

80. Learn their love language and love them accordingly.

81. Lighten up!

82. Make a family time capsule and put a time limit on it of about 5 years…that is long enough…you want them still home when you open it! Talk about it…laugh and remember. Great bonding experience.

83. Prioritize them. They need to be a top priority in your life. First comes God (not ministry…relationship)…then husband (if married), then they are next. They need to see they are important…BUT…if married they also need to see that you are lined up Biblically and united with husband.

84. Do not give them everything they want. That can be very dangerous.

85. Teach them to be thankful for what they have.

86. Teach them good work ethics. Encourage hard work.

87. Involve them.

88. Teach moral values. Use the Word of God as your standard…not the world.

89. Pray for their friendships and future spouse.

90. Teach them good hygiene. LOL! Yes…I think it is important!

91. Promote healthy eating and fitness.

92. Yell less.

93. Say “thank you” more.

94. Never take them for granted.

95. Cherish them and your moments together…you only get so many.

96. Pick them up when they fall.

97. Let them vent.

98. Love them unconditionally.

99. Be available when they need you.

100. Limit media influence. The world we live in is a mess. Be vigilant in what you allow into their eyes, ears and hearts.

101. Repeat 1-100 as often as possible!

I hope these tips encourage you to be all that you were created to be as a Mother. God loves us SO much and gave us the precious gifts of our children…let’s be good stewards with the lives He entrusted us with!

Are you happy? Big question and the answer to that question is based on your view of happiness. Some of us associate happiness with reaching a career or financial goal, living in a prestigious neighborhood, driving a fancy car, or taking lavish vacations. The list of material things can go on and on. These are material achievements.

Once achieved the feeling of happiness is short lived. Some of us continue in the same maze- wanting more material things thirsting for happiness. If this is path you are on or the maze you are in, it will never bring you inner peace and a higher level happiness every day of your life.

Our minds and body can only take us so far. Our spirit can lead us all the way home and that is where the true happiness lies. The great thing about life is that it is not so much where we are standing; it’s in what direction we are moving.

Take a moment of silence, hear the quiet and look at the direction you are going. Think about the journey you are on. Is it where you want to be. If not make the changes you need to find happiness. Ture Happiness is in the journey, not the destination.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to get unstuck and started on your journey to a higher level happiness and your higher self. For your higher self is who you really are.

You will find your higher self and happiness by looking into your heart and soul and listening to what it is saying. For there lies your answer to who you really are. Yes it takes courage to do this, but the risk you take brings the best reward- happiness.

Here are some questions your can ask yourself to get you started on finding a higher level of happiness and your true self.

Points to Ponder:

1 Are you embracing life and celebrating the future?

2. Do you feel connected with the universe and on the path to your higher self? The real voyage of discovery, success and happiness consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.

3. Where do you stand? It is not so much where you stand, it is in the direction you are going. You are the navigator and the driver. It is never too late to change your path.

4. Do you love life? I have found that if you love life, it will love you back. Give it a try

5. How are you searching for happiness? Your diamonds are not in distant mountains or far off seas; they are in your own backyard. All you need is to dig for them- Start digging- the deeper you go the better.

When we view happiness as living our life in the moment, doing what we love, practicing gratitude, being true to ourselves, not taking things personally, speaking and acting with kindness, making no assumptions and doing our best. The basis of the book The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz. Our lives are filled with a higher level of happiness everyday.

Our body and our minds can take us only so far: Our spirit can lead us all the way Home. Susan Jeffers

You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you will discover will be wonderful. What you discover will be yourself. Alan Alda

Visit my website www.carolgcoach.com for free coaching resources

Here are three questions to help you in your planning your best year ever.

• Why do you want your goals? – This question flips your goals over to find out the motivation underneath.
• Do you really know what you want? – This question focuses your mental spotlight on the images that represent your goals.
• What are the needs that your goals fulfill? – This asks you to honesty face what’s behind your motives.

Why do you want your goals?

I guess it would be safe to say that somewhere at the back of your mind, there’s probably a running To-Do list of sorts…and a mental wish-list. Admit it. I have a wish-list, you have one too, everyone ever exposed to advertising has one.

Have you ever thought about why you want what you want? Sometimes we tend to fixate on an obvious goal without realizing it’s a smokescreen for something else, and while motivation can keep you going, clarity keeps you aware of where you’re going and keeps you on track.

It’s like choosing a meal when you’re trying to lose weight. A high-calorie meal will fill your stomach like a lower-calorie meal, but only one option fits with your end goal.

Do you really know what you want?

Play around with your most recent afternoon, hazy wishful daydreams. Write them down. Don’t be shy, or embarrassed. It’s for your eyes only.

• 10 Million dollars.
• A luxury mansion by the bay.
• A really fast car. Like, really fast
• A job. With health insurance. And a really good dental plan.

These items on your list are things. What are the needs they fulfill?

Break the images down:

• Having 10 million dollars means never having to worry about money again, ever. – I can be free to live my life the way I want. In essence, wanting, dreaming and wishing for 10 million dollars is the overlying image that satisfies my wish for freedom, and not just from financial worries.
• A luxury mansion by the bay can just be a place where I don’t have to pick up after myself, or make sure everything’s taken care of, and where I can enjoy some peace and quiet. And a view of the ocean. Sunset. Mmm, sunset. – Peace. No worries. Time for solitude. And sunsets. Mmm, sunsets.
• A really fast car. Like, really fast – Sometimes I just want to get away from all this. Fast. And I need thrills in my ho-hum life.
• A job. With insurance. And a dental plan – Security. A way to keep a roof over my head, feed myself and my family, and pay the bills. And keep my teeth.

So, instead of obsessing over the really fast car (like, really fast) parked in the garage of the luxury mansion by the bay, and sitting pretty with money in the bank and a dental plan that comes with the health insurance….focusing on identifying the actual needs that lies behind the fantasy can give me clues as to what need I need to address/

And then I can then turn my attention on more accessible, immediate ways of fulfilling those needs, other than waiting to hit the jackpot in the Mega-Lotto.Like scheduling time so I can watch sunsets by the bay, for example.

Do you know why you what you want?

We often drive ourselves crazy chasing dreams only to feel let down after we’ve managed to attain them. We mistake the goal as the end, when it’s an end in itself, a vehicle for what comes after it’s achieved. Find your end points, understand what they fill in you, and you’re well on your way to fulfilling your needs and making heart-felt goals for your life.

Initially the brothers made a splash, producing thousands of short films in a span of less than two years. Their footage, shot at a variety of exotic locations, is widely considered to be the forebear of the modern documentary. However, despite their pioneering work in cinematography, the brothers failed to foresee the broad appeal of motion pictures. Within five years, the Lumieres had given up filmmaking to return to their previous work developing still photographs. “The cinema is an invention without a future,” Louis Lumiere allegedly remarked.

For all of their inventiveness, the Lumiere’s demonstrated a surprising lack of vision. Shortly after they stopped making films, the movie industry exploded. Crowds have been flocking to the theaters ever since. According to the Motion Picture Association of America, U.S. box offices took in 9.79 billion dollars in 2008.

The Lumieres missed out on the benefits of vision, but you don’t have to. As a leader, you can keep sight of your vision and use it to influence others by following the four practices of a visionary leader.

1) Realize that things will change

The Lumiere’s weren’t the only ones who failed to anticipate the future direction of the movie industry. Early on in cinema, movies had no dialogue. This was the era of silent movies featuring the likes of Charlie Chaplin.

When Sam Warner approached his brother Harry with the idea of adding sound to films made by Warner Bros. Pictures, he received the infamous retort, “Who the hell wants to hear actors talk?” Harry fought vehemently against incorporating sound into the studio’s pictures, and only yielded to his brother’s suggestion with Warner Bros. on the brink of financial ruin. Having added audio, the Warners’ talkie films (movies with sound) took off, revolutionizing the way movies were produced and bringing a windfall of profits for Warner Bros. Pictures.

2) Consider other people’s perspective

Henry Ford obstinately refused to adjust his assembly process to suit the desire of consumers to choose the color of their automobiles. “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black,” Ford stubbornly insisted. Within a few years, Ford Motor Company’s market share had plummeted as drivers bought from manufactures that catered to their color preferences.

3) Display courage when others are insecure

Harriet Tubman conducted daring journeys into the South to rescue slaves and escort them to freedom in the North via the “Underground Railroad.” At times, the slaves she had freed would fear capture and would want to go back. However, Harriet Tubman had a “no return” policy. Whenever an escaped slave threatened to turn around, she would pull out a firearm and give the ultimatum, “Be free or die.” Needless to say, she had no trouble convincing her “passengers” to stay the course.

Harriet Tubman’s vision of freedom overrode her concern for the consequences of being caught. Fellow abolitionist William Still summed up Tubman’s courage: “Great fears were entertained for her safety, but she was wholly devoid of personal fear. The idea of being captured by slave-hunters or slave holders, seemed never to enter her mind.” In total, Tubman helped more than 300 slaves gain their freedom, risking her life on 19 secretive voyages into the South.

4) Prepare today to win tomorrow

John Wooden achieved unparalleled success in the coaching profession, winning 10 NCAA basketball titles in 12 years, including seven consecutively. His teams also won an astonishing 88 games in a row at one point. Amazingly, for all his victories, Coach Wooden never spoke to his teams in terms of winning or losing. Instead, he focused his concentration on maximizing his players’ potential and coaxing their best effort. In his words, “How you run the race-your planning, preparation, practice, and performance-counts for everything. Winning or losing is a byproduct, and aftereffect of that effort.” In Coach Wooden’s world, success was measured by the amount of sweat put forth in practice rather than by the numbers showing on the scoreboard after a game.

About

John C. Maxwell is an internationally respected leadership expert, speaker, and author who has sold more than 18 million books. Dr. Maxwell is the founder of EQUIP, a non-profit organization that has trained more than 5 million leaders in 126 countries worldwide. Each year he speaks to the leaders of diverse organizations, such as Fortune 500 companies, foreign governments, the National Football League, the United States Military Academy at West Point, and the United Nations. A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Business Week best-selling author, Maxwell has written three books that have sold more than a million copies: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Developing the Leader Within You, and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. His blog can be read at www.JohnMaxwellOnLeadership.com.