Ever have the experience of sitting quietly in your
chair, enthralled with a good book in hand. You are
in your own little world and don’t mind being left
alone.
Then someone approaches and sits in a chair near
yours. “Whatcha readin’?” the person asks.
Whenever this happens you’re either glad to have
someone to share your book with – or you’re really
annoyed. A good friend of mine back in California
used to respond to this question as follows: “If I
wanted you to know what I’m reading I’d tell you.”
I guess he feels the question is a dumb one.
As for myself, when I’m reading something really
good, really inspiring, I want to call a friend and
tell him about it. Then we can talk about the ideas
in the book and come up with further ideas about
HOW the information can be used to create the
results we want.
Yesterday I received a package from Amazon.com
with a couple books I ordered. But what excited me
most wasn’t the books – it was the the marketing
materials enclosed with the books. I looked at these
bookmarks, held them to the light, studied them in
detail and said, “Now that’s brilliant. That’s a good
idea. How can I apply this in my business?”
That’s how I think most of the time.
I also look at what isn’t so good and learn from it as
well. When I see lousy communication skills, whether
by mail, email or phone – I make a mental note. The
dumbness is filed in my “What not to do” box.
When I’m reading a book that POPS with passion and
emotion, I take note. When I’m reading something that
is merely regurgitated information, I note how it lacks
real power.
When you read something that really hits you in the gut
in a motivating, inspiring way – the words themselves only
carry a part of the juice. Of greater importance is WHO
wrote the words and the vibration he had when he wrote
them. If the writer was in a highly charged state when he
wrote his words, you can feel the energy jumping off the
paper, commanding your attention, forcing you to keep
reading. In reading this writers words you are being
nourished.
On the other hand, when you read the words of a writer
who is only a ‘word mechanic” – you can feel this, too.
No matter how well the words are strung together and no
matter what the college professors think of his grammar,
it’s not GREAT writing because the vibration in the writing
is weak. There’s a disingenuous quality to it.
The same idea applies to speakers, salespeople, artists,
musicians, magicians, athletes, martial artists – or anyone
involved in direct public communication with others.
If you pay attention to the vibration you get from others, you’ll
find most people are mechanics looking for approval. But the truly
skillful people are those who have surpassed the mechanical
mindset.
To surpass “mechanics” you’ve got to be true to yourself. And to
be true to yourself you have to be free of the all-too-common fear
of criticism.
Most people are crippled by fear of criticism. They fear others laughing
at them when they fail; or laughing when they are merely trying to
improve. Or criticizing you for succeeding. Amazing, it is, how many
people dumb themselves down in order to “fit in” with the crowd.
When you hear statements like, “I don’t want to be rich. I don’t want to
be too fit. I don’t want to be too smart.” – you’re hearing the words of
someone who is conforming to the conformists. Don’t want to upset
anyone or make them jealous by rising above the masses. Uggh.
Better thinking goes like this: If no one is jealous of me I’m not giving
life all I’ve got. Or, “better to be envied than pitied.”
Give life all you’ve got. Develop your talents as best you can. Then stand
back and observe who keeps you company. By becoming all you can
you’ll eliminate those who are good for you from those who aren’t.
Best,
P.S. A hearty thanks to all of you who’ve already enrolled in the Psycho-
Cybernetics Success Group. It is really taking off and I am truly pleased.
Your first package is coming soon – and you will be blown away, especially
by the “Power of Imagination” interview with Lee Milteer that you receive
as a bonus. It’s something you’ll listen to again and again for inspiration
and focus, as it shows how I’ve used my creative imagination to succeed
in everything from wrestling to martial arts to relationships to business and
financial success. If you haven’t enrolled in this program yet – jump on it
NOW by going to http://www.psycho-cybernetics.com/success_group.html
P.P.S. My October seminar is SOLD OUT. For information on a standing
room only pass go to http://www.knockoutmarketing.com