Real Deal REInvestor Network

Review of, “As A Man Thinketh”

I’ve always enjoyed reading books from this era.  Each sentence is constructed in such a way that it sometimes needs to be read two or three times to capture everything that is being said.  And even today, James Allen, the author of "As A Man Thinketh," and his contemporaries (Norman Vincent Peale, Earl Nightingale, et al) are still being read daily by someone, somewhere.  And the words are just as applicable today as they were when they were penned.

Thought and Character
"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”  Many can remember the cartoon character who, when he had a decision to make, had a little angel that appeared on one shoulder and a little devil that appeared on the other.  Each one would whisper in his ear and tell him what to do.  And he would listen to each one intently, but it always came down to his having to make a decision on his own.  And, of course, the control we have over our thoughts will decide the direction we take when making a decision.  

Allen admonishes us to “watch, control and alter” our thoughts, and by tracing, studying and understanding the cause and effect of our experiences, we will obtain “that knowledge of himself which is understanding, wisdom, power.”  

Effect of Thought on Circumstances
The author compares man’s mind to a garden and gives many examples of “what we sow, we reap.” 

He states that, “Man is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature of outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creator power, and that he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being out of which circumstances grow; he then becomes the rightful master of himself.”

Effects of Thoughts on Health and Body
The last few sentences in this chapter sum up what effects thoughts have on the body.  “To live continually in thoughts of ill-will, cynicism, suspicion, and envy, is to be confirmed in the self-made prison hole.  But to think well of all, to be cheerful with all, to patiently learn to find the good in all—such unselfish thoughts are the very portals of heaven; and to dwell day by day in thoughts of peace toward every creature will bring abounding peace to their possessor.”

Thought and Purpose
“Until thought is linked with purpose there is no intelligent accomplishment.”

A man should:
• Think of a worthy purpose
• Mentally mark a straight path to its achievement
• Set out to accomplish it
• Make it the central point of your thoughts
• Steadily focus on it
• Make it is supreme duty
• Devote self to its attainment

“Thought allied fearlessly to purpose becomes creative force.  He who knows this is ready to become something higher and stronger than a bundle of wavering thoughts and fluctuating sensations.  He who does this has become the conscious and intelligent wielder of his mental powers.”

The Thought-Factor in Achievement
“A man can only rise, conquer, and achieve by lifting up his thoughts.”  By comparison, Allen states that by refusing to left up our thoughts, we will remain weak and miserable.  And the higher we lift our thoughts, the greater our success will be.

He summarizes by saying:

• He who would accomplish little
Need sacrifice little
• He who would achieve much
Must sacrifice much
• He who would attain highly
Must sacrifice greatly

Visions and Ideals
Below are a few of Allen’s words of wisdom in this chapter:

• The dreamers are the saviors of the world.
• He who cherishes a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his heart, will one day realize it.
• To desire is to obtain; to aspire is to achieve.
• Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become.
• Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil.
• The greatest achievement was at first and for a time a dream.
• You will always gravitate toward that which you secretly love most.
• Into your hands will be placed the exact results of your own thoughts.

Serenity
“Self-control is strength.  Right thought is mastery.  Calmness is power.  Say unto your heart, ‘Peace.  Be still’”

To enjoy this inspiring book, by James Allen, "As A Man Thinketh," you can get a free downloadable copy at:  http://www.asamanthinketh.net/referral.htm

 

 

Of course it’s difficult. That’s what makes it so valuable. The time, effort and commitment you put into reaching the goal have their own rewards, over and above the achievement itself. They make you stronger, more disciplined, and more effective. When great effort is called for, great opportunities abound. When challenges and difficulties surround you, there is much value to be created. Instead of cursing the need for sustained and focused effort, be genuinely thankful for the chance. For you are designed and equipped to get things done, and life is superbly rewarding when you do. When difficult work is called for, step quickly forward with enthusiasm. It is truly your moment to shine, to grow, and to create according to your best expectations. Run toward the challenges. It is in those challenges that you will fulfill your greatest dreams. — Ralph Marston - Great work from him. Thanks Ralph. Best, Andy Rodie

    Thinking about why you should be chosen for the MMM Challenge, what has all that thought stirred up in you? Think of something unique. How does that fuel your fire?

     For me, it was remembering my sister, and her telling me that the dream world I think of doesn't exist. She has had so many disappointments in her life - she really does need to write a book and speak about it - but it just drove me wild that she even thinks like that. She is the most independent person I know, and she fails to see that she can make changes in the world. Though, she does help feed the homeless, she still fails to understand that life doesn't have to be miserable. I guess this is difficult to explain without getting into her life story, but what I am trying to say is that I have had misfortunes in my life, but I spin them. I look at them as learning experiences, not excuse. I look at my experiences as opportunities to reach out to others in that boat - I understand what they feel. And, I can change that to help them see the benefits of how to look at it the way I do. 

     Don't be shy....

 

Success Isn't Fair - And That's Good News!

This post I want to take the chance to talk about one of my very favorite topics.

You see, I want to talk about the fact that "Success" isn't a "fair" game...

and what to do about it...

First off, I need to be clear that you understand that LIFE itself isn't fair. In case you were born on the moon, almost NOTHING on EARTH is fair. "Fairness" in effect is an idea, an intangible concept that man has created. I think we probably created the whole idea of what is "fair" to torture ourselves psychologically, in fact.

Why would I say that? That's a good question and we'll get to that, but for now let's put it up on the shelf.

Here are a few ways that life isn't "fair", as the whole theory relates to money and success:

1) Some people are smarter and more creative, and some are decidedly less so. While the world will reward ANYONE with enough belief in themselves and enough "gumption" to make it happen- the truth is clear that in the world of success, being born with an innate creativity is a huge advantage to an entrepreneur. How unfair.

2) A ridiculously small percentage of the population that is born and lives out their lives on this planet live the lives they CHOOSE to live without worry over finances, spending their time doing the things they ENJOY with the people they LOVE. Most are BORN that way. How unfair.

3) Many men and women go their ENTIRE lives without ever reaching that pivotal place of choice, power, and PURPOSE we call "financial freedom". How unfair.

4) Some individuals have hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars, so much so that the MERE interest on their accumulated fortunes can provide a lifestyle of luxury while the PRINCIPAL remains intact and untouched. How unfair.

5) Some men and women know the secrets of harnessing principles of wealth that are taught to them by parents or mentors, secrets whose use consistently allow them the FREEDOM of creating an ideal life for themselves and their families. How unfair.

The point I'm trying to make is that...

LIFE

ISN'T

FAIR!

And in case you haven't noticed it yet...

The world of money isn't fair, either.

Sometimes an entrepreneur will have a GREAT idea and then external circumstances will stifle a deal.

Sometimes a specific real estate investing technique will work for you, and sometimes it won't.

Sometimes you'll feel powerful and confident in your abilities and future prospects, and sometimes you won't.

Now, to be honest here I know I may be alienating a few people here. It's true that most people don't like the idea that life (and success) isn't fair. These people often get extremely upset when things don't go their way. They frequently place too much negative meaning on things that happen to them. Too often, they respond REActively to responses they get from the world and generally act like life should be different.

Of course, this is CRAZY.

The more that I realized this fact... that life just isn't fair... the more that I realized another PROFOUND truth:

IT'S GREAT NEWS!

If life were "fair", then you wouldn't be able to do anything to change your personal success. You'd get what everyone else was getting.

So what does this have to do with investing in real estate?

Well, the fact is that you CAN change your personal success in ANY area you want (including success with money and investing).

Truly, the best part of this realization is that you can not only get better and better results in a society where many feel the house is playing with a stacked deck, but you can actually turn the tables around in YOUR FAVOR.

You can improve so much your understanding of investing and your skill with making good investment decisions that you are actually at an ADVANTAGE when it comes to money and investing.

What is this advantage? I know, I know...some of our advanced investor readers, I know you are nodding your head here as you're reading this. You understand already. But give me a moment to break it down 1-2-3 style for those who haven't figured it out yet!

It all goes back to where we were earlier...let's take that idea from before down off the shelf, that idea that:

We created the whole idea of what is "fair"...

to torture ourselves psychologically

Granted, in this light (whether you print these newsletters out or you're reading on your computer screen, as you sit there pondering what it is I'm saying...the idea that "life isn't fair!", a popular worldview, is based on self-sabotage might sound a TAD harsh.

In fact, if you know you've caught yourself saying these exact words at some time in the past, you might not LIKE ME RIGHT NOW.

But, think of it this way- what exactly do people give as the reasons for not investing in Real Estate?

Same old answers, right?

Not enough MONEY Not enough CREDIT Not enough TIME.

I know...how unfair.

The truth is, if you believe as I do then you'll realize that each of these "reasons" is in all actuality an EXCUSE.

Now, if the idea that "life isn't fair" is such great news, then why aren't more people thinking of it this way? Why aren't more people turning this belief upside down and inside out and shaking the loose change out of its pockets?

I personally think that many people have a FEAR of SUCCESS, and if you were BORN with MONEY you might think I'm full of it. If you weren't and you're just beginning to make your crack at it and strive for your rightful place in the world of success, think with me for a moment.

Isn't it EASIER just to throw up your hands and say "life isn't fair". Isn't it less painful to say "I'll never be rich". Isn't it more COMFORTING to convince yourself that dreams are for "those" people, those other people with more X, better Y, and the best Z?

Sure it is! I know. I've been there.

It's called taking the path of least resistance and this unfortunate mindset is the culprit that steals countless dreams and spoils many, many splendid plans and ideas.

And for someone who has dreams, big dreams, like you, dear reader, this mindset is a HUGE obstacle to your successful lifestyle as a real estate investor.

If you're worried that you might have this "Life isn't fair" mindset, take a few minutes then and quietly reflect...isn't it time to STOP torturing yourself by saying "Life isn't fair", realize the truth and harness the power of flipping it around!

Success isn't fair... and that's great news.

Here's where the more advanced readers can come back ;). When you take the time to really LEARN something, when you COMMIT to really mastering something, you will reach a place where you now have the confidence and freedom to do it consistently.

But, there will always be people out there who will never "get" it.

I don't think it's that people aren't WILLING to get up off of their couch, put the remote down, and actually INVEST the time and effort required to become GREAT at something.

It's just that FEAR holds us back. The "not knowing" can paralyze someone trying to make the leap from what you have and do today to what you want to have and do tomorrow.

So, I'd like you to do something right now.

Take a moment, and make the decision and commitment to yourself that you're going to TAKE ACTION in the areas of your life that you want to improve, and you're going to do what it takes to stay on track until you get the results that you're looking for.

If you want to get more involved in investing with real estate, you want to learn how to get better returns on your existing money, and you want to "plug in" to a way to make more money with real estate than many people's fear of success allows them to believe possible...

...then you're in the right place!

Another problem with real estate investing is that a lot of people don't know where to START.

They REALIZE the power of leverage and they get excited about double digit returns and five-figure checks... but the "not knowing" and uncertainty about risk creeps into their subconscious mind and suffocates their desires.

They get frustrated that they don't know how to get on the right track and where to learn the "how to" of things that actually work.

When I first decided that I had to learn how to create my own income and become an entrepreneur, I spent probably a year or two "wandering around" trying to find out what worked.

Honestly, I ran around in a lot of circles trying things that sounded like good ideas... but wound up being complete B.S.

After trying a number of off-the-wall things (because when you're determined to STOP being an employee and TAKE CHARGE of your life, the desire to become an entrepreneur and reach financial freedom can become a blazing-hot fire driving from within that can lead you literally ANYWHERE) and these things I tried FAILED...after that,

I decided to stop and take a look around.

And what did I see? When you strip away all the glitter and all the dross, when you peel back all the illusions of media and society and education, and you look down at the EARTH ITSELF, what do you SEE?

Real Estate.

There was my answer.

So I committed to learning how to become a real entrepreneur, someone who understood the secrets involved in real estate investing. I pushed myself to "get it".

Then, once I finally figured out some of the ideas, techniques and skills it was going to take to really become great at this, it took awhile to really learn the skills and practice them to the point where I could use them and have predictable success with them.

Why am I telling you this?

Because I'd like to save you some of the time, effort, expense and hassle that my partners and I put into figuring out all of this stuff... and we'd like to help you swing the odds in your favor when it comes to real estate success.

I'd like you to take advantage of the fact that together with my business partners with HIS Real Estate Network I've spent literally thousands of hours learning as much as I possibly could about this stuff, and I've personally spent hundreds more organizing this information and putting it together in a way that you can pick up and use IMMEDIATELY to get better results investing in real estate.

My question for you is:

ARE YOU GOING TO TAKE CHARGE OF THIS AREA OF YOUR LIFE, OR ARE YOU GOING TO SIT BACK LIKE MOST OTHER PEOPLE WHO NEVER WIND UP GETTING WHAT THEY WANT IN LIFE?

I'll talk to you again soon I hope.

Your Friend,

Danny Welsh

Chief Marketing Officer, HIS Real Estate Network

Mentor, MMMChallenge.com

Director, The Greatest Real Estate Giveaway

Do you dream of enjoying the finer things in life - a beautiful new vehicle, a boat that has so much horsepower it should be illegal, that bigger dream house where everything would have its own place and you’d truly feel at home (or maybe your first house), but you can’t seem to transform those dreams into a reality?

Too many dreamers dream, but never DO.

Doers have dreams too, but the difference is simple: they find (or make) a way to put their vision into action and get out the hammer and nails and build those dreams through sweat and savvy.

For too many of us the cycle is today we dream of a better tomorrow.

Instead…Today, dream. And DO Today.

Whatever you’ve avoided, put off, felt you weren’t ready for…

Do it TODAY.

Doers find a way.

DW