Help Others by Helping Yourself First self-help video

Make Sure You're in the Right State of Mind before You Start to Help Other People, maybe you should watch this video, it could change your life by changing your thinking.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing and personal development.

Would you still be reading this article, if you had no desire, for better life. Find out more by visiting a place to develop some life changing skills .

Searching For A Soul Mate

Making a Habit of Personal Development

It can be a rather amusing task to sit back and analyze some of the daily rituals we perform, often without giving any conscious thought. I believe this is a good thing because we would accomplish very little if we had to stop and think about every task we perform.

Just today, I was making the short drive from my home to the library where I do most of my writing, when I noticed I had been completely engrossed in thoughts about the book I am writing. I had to look in the back seat to check if I even brought my laptop and writing materials. I then became aware of all of the other things that had to take place just to make this short trip. Among other things, I had to put on my shoes, put on my jacket, walk from the house to the car, unlock the car with the key less entry, place my bag in the back seat, sit in the driver's seat, fasten my seat belt, start the car, and so on. The entire time this was happening, my thoughts were directed towards my task for the day.

This got me thinking about some of the other habit patterns in our life that we consciously decide to do without really asking ourselves if the task is really the most important thing on our list. For example, many people choose to watch a number of hours of television each day. I personally know people who spend an unusual amount of time daily cleaning their home or randomly browsing the internet. The point I am trying to make is that most of us can probably uncover at least one hour of time each day that we give to meaningless tasks.

The interesting thing is, if you ask most people if they are happy with all of the results in their life, the truthful answer is often no.

My goal is to encourage people to dedicate some time every single day to personal reflection and self development. If you are unhappy with a certain situation, you have the ability to change your thinking, and ultimately your behaviour, so that you can improve that particular circumstance. Instead of watching a daytime drama or indulging in excessive dusting and mopping, you might want to consider picking up a book or audio program that forces you to examine your results.

From my personal experience, this simple action produces an internal reaction. Because you are examining your own personal results, you quickly realize that you are the only one who can change them. Unfortunately, in our society today, people are fixated on producing immediate results and having tangible evidence in their hands the minute they ask for something. With personal development, the true benefits can only be realized when we incorporate the ideas into a habit.

Think about it this way. If you were to make a firm commitment to read or listen to personal development educational programs for even 30 minutes a day for the next two weeks, what kind of positive impact could this have on your life? What if you did it for two months? Similar to unconscious activities such as getting dressed or brushing your teeth, you would start to create a new habit and become the kind of person who automatically takes action on ideas that move you in the direction of improved results.

From personal experience, I can attest to the fact that this kind of self study works. It really is a never ending process because it is part of our nature to grow, expand and develop and ultimately, it provides an excellent opportunity to make positive life changes. As you become more involved in personal development, you will start to notice areas of your life that are working well and other areas that require improvement. This kind of education will help you harness ideas that will improve your results while at the same time, overcome all of the inhibitors standing in the way of you achieving your aim!

A common question I hear is, "Where do I start?" There are so many good authors, philosophies and ideas on this topic that you can never really say which style will work. The best advice I have ever received from this perspective is to study and learn from those who are producing results that you would like in your life. It's a pretty basic lesson but a very important one. Seek out the people who have already achieved what you would like to achieve and learn from them. Success often leaves clues and it is up to you to find those clues and act on them. With a daily commitment to personal improvement, you will quickly become a master detective you will transform each clue into a tangible action that will lead to a more fulfilled life.

Justin Popovic is dedicated to helping driven people set and reach truly lofty goals. His Ignite Your Essence website is home to a ton of great FREE success utilities.

For more information check out his website here: Success Coach.

Is Jesus The Only Way To Heaven

Creating Super Habits with Jack Canfield

Creating super habits are easier than you could ever imagine. Most people have something they would like to change in their lives. If you ask anyone, they are usually able to answer this question, "If you could change anything about yourself, what would you change." All the self help and personal development programs and Books available today are full of useful information that nobody seems to take advantage of. You've seen the TV commercials and listen to other people tell their stories, about how they lost weight.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a self help video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Gregs Videos

Feeling Your Aura

Perceiving the aura can be done through feelings or sight. There is a very simply exercise that enables you to feel your aura, since your aura is made up of energy. Begin this exercise by rubbing your hands together very quickly. Continue to rub them for about two minutes. You will find that they begin to get very warm, and the arms may get a little sore.

Next bend the elbows and have your hands about 50 cm or 1.5 ft apart. Slowly bring your hands together. AS you do see if you begin to feel as if there is a pressure building up between the hands that makes it slightly harder to move together.

As you move the hands out and in slowly you can feel that pressure change in intensity. What you are feeling is your aura field. It is usually layers one and two. If you had any difficulty with this exercise, then repeat it a few times a day until you begin to feel the pressure.

As you become more aware of your aura, you can then move onto feeling another person's aura. To do this put your hands out in front with the palms facing the person whose aura you want to feel. Make sure the person knows what you are doing and has agreed to have you sense their aura. The as you move your hands towards their aura, have the person imagine hey have an energy field around them and make it expand outwards.

Move your hands towards and away from the person and see if you are able to feel or sense their aura. Again, this can take practice. Then more you practice the better you will get with sensing the aura.

David Donahoo
Dip. Clinical Hypnotherapy, Master Practitioner NLP, AI, Speaker

The Eyes of Horus
Helping those stuck negative emotions & behaviors to gain freedom through empowering behaviors

To find out more register for my monthly ezine and a free hypnotic download at: http://www.theeyesofhorus.com.au/downloadsqueezepage.html

My Parents Influence On Me

The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power by Vernon Howard

Rereading this classic was connecting with an old friend. Many years ago, I wrote out 15 Ways To Gain New Strength from this work, which I taped to my computer stand. When I replaced the book that had disappeared in one of my many moves, I was amazed to see that list as only one small part of the total. The volume itself is a treasure of many of the ideas I have read before but needed to hear again. Perhaps the same is true for you.

I strongly recommend this as a beginning primer into the metaphysical world, and I just as strongly recommend it is as a refresher read. Before I ever thought of the idea of a practical spirituality, Vernon Howard was presenting many of the necessary components.

Howard's words explain his ideas simply and clearly. I quote his words directly for most of this review. He explains:

"Man's task is to awaken to his true identity. The Kingdom of Heaven is within. Spiritual truths are discovered with an entirely new kind of thinking, quite distinct and vastly superior to the mind that buildsbridges and sells merchandise" (86).

Howard suggests the need for a better definition of "success" than a financial one:

"We demand a financial success, or a social gain, because we think it will fulfill us inwardly. It won't. It never will - as we have suspected all along. So-called success provides ego-excitement, but never self-fulfillment. It is just as impossible for an exterior result to provide inner happiness as it is for a new hat to give us a new mind" (145).

Think about this next quote. I believe the idea is relevant to many of us who find ourselves afraid of or intimidated by another:

"Why are we afraid of others? Because we want something from them. The desire can be almost anything -- companionship, approval, sex, security. The mistake is this: Not having found the true self which is free from compulsive desires, we seek gratification from people. This creates fear that we won't get what we want, or anxiety that the other person will makeus pay dearly for it" (151).

Howard provides many other ideas, but I particularly like this one:

"Try the following experiment for the next thirty minutes: Let life happen the way it wants, with no resistance and no objection. Go about as if you need not think about anything. Your first surprise will be that your usual duties go on very nicely as before. Secondly, you will catch a grand glimpse of the effortlessly flowing of Tao. You do not carry; you are carried" (133).

Then we might try this same experiment for the rest of our lives. Vernon Howard's ideas can help us do that.

Howard, Vernon. The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power. N.Y: Parker Publishing Company, 1967.

Cheryl A. Chatfield, Ph. D. is a writer, teacher and inspirational speaker. Visit http://NottInstitute.org to request a complimentary 10-page booklet discussing the Top Seven Books for 2009 To Guide Your Spiritual Quest, one of which is discussed above. Her nonprofit organization, The Nottingham Institute, promotes materials for an everyday, or practical, spirituality for those who don't find answers in organized religions. Two of her books include Do It Yourself Guide to Spirituality: Seven Simple Steps and The Lost Principles, a novel.

Value Of Change In Your Life

Video Book Review - The Magic of Beleiving, by Claude Bristol

I don't need to write anything, watch the video

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, More on Claude Bristol

Greg is currently working on a personal development library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Teach a Man to Fish

In the Christian Bible, Jesus taught that you should teach a man to fish so that he could feed himself. Giving a man a fish makes him dependent on you and he is vulnerable to exploitation and becomes disempowered through your generosity.

This philosophy makes perfect sense in a world where men are few and the oceans are abundant with fish; where you are free to hunt and plant your crops. But times are changing and this philosophy of self dependence and freedom to fish and harvest may not work anymore. It has always been wise for men to exploit the land and seas and be independent, but something has happened to change all that.

All living species have the capacity to outgrow their environment so that it will no longer sustain them. Humanity is the only species on this planet that is aware of this fact consciously, and in spite of the growing evidence that this is were he is moving; he chooses to ignore it. Humanity has the self governance to stop its expansion. He has the wisdom of the past and the knowledge to control his growth; but he is not doing it - why?

At one time you could go out to the back of your house and plant a garden. Now the city lots have gotten smaller and there is little room on your sill to hold a pot for your flowers. When I was a child living in the suburbs, everyone had a garden and fruit trees in the yard. Even though some may still have the space, it is more desirable to go to the market and purchase genetically altered fruit. I heard a researcher on the radio some time ago announce that apples have 40% less nutrients today than they did 40 years ago. Most living things are less than they were over that time.

There is very little room for man to hunt and fish anymore. You must now purchase licenses and take classes to learn how. Once you do get your license, you are either put on quotas and or entered into a draw for your turn to engage in the hunt. Humanity has outgrown its ability to sustain itself.

The industrial revolution has taught us consumerism, and consumerism is driving the species to multiply so that their countries can be competitive in a world marked. The Roman Catholic Church was one of the earliest organizations that put having children as a condition to being married. Big populations in the church of course meant new riches for the church and a guarantee of survival for its administrators and clergy. It even included punishments for not producing. Then something even greater happened.

People where encouraged to plant and harvest even more. They were encouraged to purchase machines to make the work easier and faster. Then as the land began to shrink he learned how to genetically alter the food so it would become bigger and last longer after harvest.

Now he is learning to fish something else. He is being taught to exploit his fellow man. To take as much of his riches as possible and make him dependent and powerless. Corporations have learned to overcharge for their goods and services. There is no such thing as an honest profit because honesty is measured differently today. Companies come and go over night, and milking the populations as quickly as possible is the rule. So where is this article going, why am I telling you things you already know?

I am telling you this because you still have control over the companies. You still have the choice to buy from them or not. You still have the ability to reason and look at the damage you have done. Yes, it is you who are doing the damage, not the corporations or the industrial revolution or the policies of any government. When you support business, you endorse what they are doing. Business is the tool you have created to rape the land and exploit its resources. Where there is no demand, there is no supply; no business.

We, as a group, have lost touch with what our needs are and what makes us happy. Our real needs are very few, just food and shelter. We harbor the belief that by purchasing things and keeping up we will be happy, and we have found just the opposite is true. We have stressed ourselves out trying to maintain the status quo. Happiness is something we all have inherently, but it is how we demonstrate it these days that has changed.

There is no way that Bill Gates of Microsoft would be worth 80 billion dollars if he wasn't overcharging for his software. Other corporations, actors, sports figures live excessively, but they are simply the result of your personal thinking and your willingness to support them. Without you and your support they would be just regular people like yourself. It has nothing to do with them making themselves rich, you are giving it to them, because you believe you need what they have to offer you to make yourself happy. You have lost touch with your own happiness. And you are drugging yourselves to help you forget, the spending that is out of hand.

Nature has a foolproof way of controlling our-of-control populations; it destroys them. Floods, forest fires, plagues, famine are nature's way to cull the populations of any species including man. But in truth it is not nature that does it; it is humanity himself. Humanity is not separate from nature; he is nature. He will destroy himself; nature reacts to man's thoughts about his environment. Natural catastrophes or so called acts of God don't happen by chance. These things are controlled by the collective thoughts of humanity.

The more man thinks about how bad he has got it, how little he has, how unhappy he is; the more nature will reflect that thought in his experience. If you don't understand this, if you choose not to believe, then you give up your power to change anything. You become a victim and you will turn to any profit or God for help and guidance. That help or guidance in the past has brought you to this moment or point in time. How is that working for you? Your life now reflects your support of those Gods and profits from the past. It doesn't matter in what you believe or worship if it brings you what you desire. If you don't like what you are experiencing now, you need to question the wisdom of those who would guide you.

If you believe you are powerless; then you will be powerless and a victim of what you believe. You were given dominion over the physical world and what you wanted to do with it. You were empowered to create and use your own wisdom to sustain yourself. Somewhere you gave up, you gave into a philosophy or wisdom that has brought you to this place. The wisdom to change your circumstances is as easy as changing your mind. What you see around you is the manifestation of your own thoughts and those of others. If you wish to see something else; think differently. If you think that you can't; that will be reflected in what you experience. God isn't going to help you; he gave you the power and freedom to bring you to this place that you are in now. You have the same power to change it. He isn't going to change anything; he cannot. You don't have freedom or dominion if someone or some God is pulling your strings. Look to the true power for change. It is all about you, not your neighbour, government or religion.

The next change you will experience in this world will come or not come from your very next thought. What is it that you are thinking now? What is it that you are experiencing? Your destiny and what you will experience in this lifetime and the next will be what you are thinking about now, until you change your mind and choose something else. Your personal power and the time you take to make those changes will be gauged by what you experience. You are the creator; you are God having a physical experience. Take ownership and responsibility for your actions and the power and results will follow. You cannot have the power of a super hero unless you know that you are one. You cannot have the power of God unless you know that you are he/she. Your power is limited in this moment but what you think you are. Practice what you think you are and you will experience that level of awareness.

You have become lazy, complacent and powerless. But this can change with NO EFFORT on your part, and here is how it is done. You don't have to do anything - there is nothing you need to do to change your present circumstances, except for one thing; change your thoughts. That's it! Change your thoughts and the opportunities to manifest those thoughts will come to you. How SIMPLE it that. Forget what everyone has told you all your life about why you can't have what you want.

That is how it is done; it is how it has always been. In your rush to get somewhere, you forgot. You forgot your connection to the each other and the environment.

Many of you will read this and you will not be able to do it. Because you will reason that it is too simply, and you know what; you will be correct, what you will experience is it not working because it is too simple? You will demonstrate what I have just written. Your thoughts determine what you will experience. The bottom line is; think outside the box to experience something different - JUST THINK DIFFERENTLY!

Learn how to fish, or learn how to buy fish at the price the fisherman has set for you. And then find a way to pay for it.

Roy E. Klienwachter is a resident of British Columbia, Canada. A International published author, a student of NLP, New Age Light Worker, Teacher and Phenomenologist. Roy's books and articles are thought provoking, and designed to empower your imagination, and take you to places you would never have thought of. Read about Roy's books at:
http://www.yourlifewasnevermeanttobeastruggle.com
http://www.leddownthegardenpath.com

Keep Buggering On - Winston Churchill

Watching movies is a great way to stay inspired and learn about how people have overcome adversity. I highly recommend "The Gathering Storm," a British film with Albert Finney in the lead role as Winston Churchill. It is a wonderfully inspiring story of how he overcame great resistance and doubt from his fellow politicians about the Nazi war threat.

Despite great political success as a young man, he reached a point where no one was paying much attention to him anymore. In addition to battling dark depression at the time, Winston thought he was finished politically but the little boy in him refused to give up. As a youngster, he had a vision that his destiny was to save Great Britain from another nation's war machine.

Because of his belief in destiny, his passion for doing what's right, the ability to entertain the possibilities and acting on his intuition, he was able to use his great speaking skills to convince the parliament that Germany was indeed marching across Europe and wiping away millions of people.

On days when nothing seemed to be going his way, he would start the day off by saying out loud: "KOB - Keep Buggering On!"

Let me ask you today: Are you going to "Keep Buggering On" when everything is going wrong in your life and no one seems to care?

Profoundly deaf since birth, Stephen Hopson is a former award-winning stockbroker turned motivational speaker, author and pilot. He works with organizations that are ready to explore and overcome adversity because no one is immune from it - adversity does not discriminate. His professional speaking services, Obstacle Illusions, include fun and passionate presentations, especially the story of how his fifth grade teacher forever changed his young life with THAT'S RIGHT STEPHEN! You can view his website at http://www.sjhopson.com Stephen also maintains a blog called "Adversity University" at http://adversityuniversity.blogspot.com/

Believing in God Doesn't Make You Right - Compassion and Love

I was talking to a Muslim man who lives in another country through e-mail and we have been having a very pleasant conversation about why we believe, what we believe. This man seems very caring and someone I can actually have a educated conversation with. Some people that believe in their religion so strongly, are hard to communicate with and often start yelling and screaming at me. These conversations and very abruptly and sometimes painfully.

If believing in God makes you right and everything in your religious texts is true, then the least you could do is back it up with some factual information. Factual information is the key to proving any theory or belief. In a court of law, you have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt,... but if my life's at stake here, this really doesn't apply. I won't bet my life on reasonable doubt, but only hard scientific facts and sometimes this doesn't even apply.

Sometimes scientific facts can be proven wrong over time.

Let's say for an instance, that we take the Bible into a court of law and are going to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that one verse is true from this book. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Now that we have our Bible verse, let's just say for the record, that our hypothetical court case was proven to be true, beyond a reasonable doubt. In other words this is now a factual statement.

Just because it's a factual statement based on something that was proven beyond a reasonable doubt doesn't really make it a truth. When someone tells you, for example your parents or a teacher, that something is true (factual information) and you start spreading this rumor as a truth, because you believe these people, without any evidence for factual information, you're spreading a rumor. If these rumors were to be spread for about 2000 years, we come up with a factual belief not a scientific fact.

Nobody wants to hear that their religious text don't make sense to an open-minded person, even beyond a reasonable doubt. The belief that God created the earth isn't a fact, but if enough people say it is, then in their minds it becomes a truth. This doesn't make them right but often makes them feel comfortable.

Life Changing Books

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, You Can Have It All

Habits To Prevent Losing Things

Simple Words Create Powerful Beliefs - Just How Harmful Can Some Words Be?

Could you imagine someone telling you that if you don't do something, you're going to suffer a horrible punishment and possibly death, because you chose to ignore their message. Can simple words create powerful beliefs, isn't this what some religious doctorines create? Even the media does it, think about it the next time you turn your television on or read the newspaper.

You seem to believe something because someone told you that's how it is and when you go to question them, they simply repeat the simple statement, that's how is. It's hard to imagine a few words, articulated almost perfectly can create an overwhelming emotion in someone.

The Germans used propaganda to create fear with a few of these words. It's not just a few of these words, there's more power behind these words if their repeated often. These words can build up someone's hopes and dreams or tear them apart.

Is there a quote that you're fond of? You probably memorized it and it has some sort of significance or creates a certain feeling when mentioned. Quotes are organized words that create powerful beliefs in some people.

If I mention the words," I have a dream" you probably think of Martin Luther King. These four words meant a lot to people that were struggling for their freedom, not only in America but around the world. These words are a example of powerful words that have created a wonderful feeling.

When these powerful words create fear you know it. If you watch the news, night after night and they keep telling you how bad the economy is, it doesn't take long before you believe it. You tighten up your budget and stop spending money, because you are now fearful and don't want to lose what you have. When everyone starts holding onto their money, the economy actually does become worse over time.

Can simple words create powerful beliefs? Yes obviously they can and they do, so be careful when listening to words that create fear and try not to spread this fear around to others. Fear can be turned into relief if the right words are used, I would suggest using happy words to create a happy world. Have a nice day.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, The Magic of the Believing

Greg is currently working on a self improvement articles filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Backup Plans Feel Good

Is Jesus the Only Way to Heaven? - The Good People Get to Go to Heaven Also

I found a website that was recommended to me and it had the comment, is Jesus the only way to heaven at, Gotquestions, seems like your typical Christian website that replies with biblical quotes and simple to follow information. If I was lost, they will help me find a way. There's even a button at the bottom that states, I have accepted Christ today. I guess if I was to push that button, I get to go to heaven and be with Jesus. Hard to imagine, avoiding a life of burning in hell could be as simple as pushing a button and uttering a few simple words.

I found this question and began reading their comment. The first comment is from somebody answering as a nonbeliever in Christianity. It states something like, if I'm basically a good person and live a moral life, I get to go to heaven, right, only the bad people like murderers go to hell.

Now the answer that the website gives, seems to create fear if you do not belong to Christianity and provide you with hope if you join the group.

It mentioned Satan as the ruler of the world, and he can plant these thoughts into your head if you're not a Christian. He also controls your mind and let's you believe, that it would only make sense to any rational person, they get to go to heaven if they're good.

Now this is what makes sense to me but according to this information, I am doomed to rot in hell for eternity, even if I am a pretty good person. All I have to do is accept Christ as God and I get to go to heaven. That seems pretty easy and I wonder why more people don't do it. Just push the button.

I wonder if Satan is controlling, non-Christians minds and that's why there's brutality and war throughout the world. If everyone was a Christian, would our world be better.

Here's a quote from Wikipedia The Crusades were a series of religion-driven military campaigns waged by much of Christian Europe against external and internal opponents. Crusades were fought mainly against Muslims, though campaigns were also directed against pagan Slavs, Jews, Russian and Greek Orthodox Christians, Mongols, Cathars, Hussites, Waldensians, Old Prussians, and political enemies of the popes.

These Christian Crusades killed thousands of people. To give you an idea how many people were killed, all I had to do was type the word crusades into a search engine and it took me to the Christian Crusades.

I guess that rules that out, it seems like the Christians a long time ago were pretty aggressive towards their enemies, I wonder if most Christians would refer to these people as enemies today or are they just being controlled by Satan. Do these Christians from the Crusades get to go to heaven? If people like this get to go to heaven, may be hell is a better place anyway.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, Mere Christianity

Here's something to think about, go to heaven

Structuring Your 24 Hour Day

Success Starting in Your 40s

You're going to find it hard to believe, but very seldom does an individual peak with creativity until they reach the age of 40. The average individual usually makes the most money between the age of 40 and 60. This doesn't have anything to do with retirement. Most highly creative people keep producing until they die.

If you're 55 years old and looking for a new career or can't seem to find a job in the profession you have worked at your whole life, don't be alarmed or fearful. Do you think you could start your own business? Is there something, you have always wanted to do but have put it off until retirement, or until you had enough time to do it?

Why wait, if you can't find a job in a business you never truly enjoyed, maybe you can find a new job doing something you love.

I have worked in construction for 30 years and at 44 years old started to pursue a career in writing and plan to create award winning websites and best selling books, for the rest of my life. This doesn't mean, I won't work in construction ever again, but I will become a best selling author within the next 20 years.

Most people don't take the time required to learn a new profession. If you're sincerely interested in another career, and you're 50 years old, there is plenty of people out there to give you hope and inspiration.

If you would like some proof, here's a couple successful American businessman who succeeded after the age of 40. Henry Ford is probably one of the most popular and became extremely successful after the age of 40. Andrew Carnegie, an American industrialists who transformed the steel business and did not start reaping the rewards of his efforts until he was well past the age of 40.

I gathered this information from the book "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. There is a section in the book where he talks about people after the age of 40 with phenomenal success. Anyone who's interested in gaining wealth through spirituality or finances should read this book.

I've often heard the statement, "People Often Over Estimate What They Can Do in a Year and Often Underestimate What They Can Do in a Decade." If you want to accomplish something after the age of 40, I would advise you to start with a plan and then put that plan and the action. Your plan could take five to 15 years to achieve or longer but think about the rewards, whether spiritual or financial.

Gregory Vanden Berge is working to promote personal development ideas and spiritual reform. He has started a web site for videos and articles based on current information about subject he is very familiar with.

"Education has freed me, to pursue other ideas and release me from the bondage and fear of organized religion."

Gregory Vanden Berge

30 Days To Creating Super Habits

Success Through Inspiration - Reading One Book

Could one book, read by one person change the world. One book written by Henry David Thoreau called "Walden", changed the lives of people in India and the United States of America. These people were treated like second-class citizens and soon were inspired to change because of one person gave them hope that they could.

This man died when he was 46 years old and I wouldn't consider him a world of success at that time but he did live his life, the way he wanted to live it, for the most part. He has inspired great people like Gandhi and Martin Luther King. He had no idea, at the time he was writing the book, the impact "Walden" would have on the world.

He wrote his book on daily experiences that he had living in a cabin for just a little over two years. Two years of his life and he created this wonderful masterpiece. It's amazing how the few hours a day, for a couple of years could create something that would inspire others to become great leaders and provide the world with inspiration.

People for years have been inspiring others to change their lives. If I had to make a list of all the people who had inspired me, it would be pretty long. There are a few books, movies, documentaries and individuals who have inspired me more than others. I'm sure you have lists of people that you look up to also. Changing the world to make it a better place will take individuals who are inspired by others, educated by others and helped by others to become who they are today.

Henry David Thoreau has inspired other people, and was also inspired by others. Never underestimate the success that you can be created through inspiration. Continue to receive your inspiration from great people and provide inspiration for those who need it greatly.

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, You Can Have It All

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Backup Plans Feel Good

Hope in Religion - Is There Something You're Seeking in Religion?

I was reading a book on advertising when the author mentioned, "All Advertising Is about Hope."

This got me thinking about other people's dreams and aspirations, most of this is wrapped around them hoping to accomplish something or do something. I never gave it much thought but hope is one of the most important things in our lives. Some people go around hoping that they will keep their job, when the economy is in bad shape. Others go around hoping for forgiveness for their sins or other bad deeds they have done in the past.

What is it you're hoping for? There's got to be something. Are you hoping to become a multimillionaire or even the world's first trillionaire. Are your dreams big or small? Are you the kind of person who is happy living a simple life with very little possessions like a Buddhist monk or are you one who is seeking the lifestyle of the King.

Hope supplies us with the will to continue through hopeless obstacles during our lifetime.

Most people seeking hope are looking for a way out of something or a way toward a better life. These people often fall easy prey to large religious organizations, as they take them under their wing and slowly start to brainwash them. They seek the weak minded, helpless, poor and trusting people and build their organizations using them. I once believed in Christianity, but it no longer offers me true hope, the more I study Christianity and other organized religions, I noticed certain similarities based on inspiration.

I hope I live the good life, so I can go to heaven, the promised land, our ultimate enlightenment.

I hope I am living the true will according to God, Buddha, Krishna or other supreme beings.

I hope that the Bible is wrong about the 144,000 people from the 12 tribes.

I hope I'm living a life that is pleasing to the Lord.

If you're part of an organized religion, ask your religious leaders, any questions that you have about your religion. If they can't answer these questions, try to find them on your own. Books, videos, and the Internet are great sources for information. If you're living your life for the sole purpose of going to heaven one day, you could be disappointed, when that day arrives.

Ask a couple of questions and I hope you will get honest answers to them.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, Read This Book

Greg is currently creating articles on religion filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Helpful Habit Planning Tips

Understanding Faithful Religious Followers - Why Do You Believe in Your Religion

How can you honestly understand someone else's opinion if they sincerely differ from yours? For years I have been trying to understand the beliefs portrayed by organized religions around the world. Whenever someone is explaining part of their religion to me and I bring something to their attention, about their religion, and they don't know the answer, their replies always seem to be based around faith. You just need to believe.

I've been asking people for years, why do you believe? The answers vary from time to time but the essence of the answers are similar. Our conversations seem to start out with a few facts, which leads us into a friendly discussion about their religious beliefs and how they were formed. Whenever I start to dig a little too deep or ask some of these people questions that they don't have the answers to, the conversation always ends abruptly and the word faith always seems to appear.

I feel like this is the easy way out for religious believers.

I'm sure that they get frustrated with me, asking them questions about their religions, that they can't answer. Most of these people won't even bother to find the answers for themselves either, this has often irritated me, but at the same time I think I understand. Most people want to be a part of something but won't take the time to be involved in it. Living a life based on a little information, a lot of hope and the rest completely immersed in faith, seems like a life that is lived without questioning the most important thing in your life.

If I went to a place of worship and asked this question "What's the Most Important Thing in Your Life?" I would imagine most of these people would tell me it was their God or gods. God seems to be the main focus on their lives but they don't seek to understand how he came to be, why he doesn't help the poor, why won't God communicate with us, or even something as simple as understanding some, at the least 10% of your religion.

I don't believe there's anything wrong with living a faithful life. I have faith in things that are out of my control and am still seeking answers to their origins and existence. The sun, Earth, air, water and even God. I suggest to religious, nonbelievers and spiritual people all over the world, to gather a little more information about your beliefs, if they are indeed important to you.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, You Can Heal Your Life

If you want to read something funny and get your daily laugh in, you need to read this, it's funny Using Religion Responsibility . It's based on overindulgence.

Starting With Simple Things

Finding Something You Don't Like About Yourself - Creating Habits

Finding something you don't like about yourself is usually very easy for most people. Most of the time you don't even have to ask your family or friends because you have heard them complain about the same thing for years. How many times have you heard someone mention, I need to lose weight?

Here's a list of things people don't like about themselves. If you're one of those people that has a hard time finding something wrong with yourself, you could always ask one of your friends for some suggestions. I'm sure they would like that.

1. The need to lose weight. This of course is one of the worst problems with Americans. Most people need to lose weight and let's not forget there are some people that need to gain weight.

2. The need to stop gambling. As more Indian reservations are allowed to build gambling casinos and of course as the Internet gambling gets larger, I've noticed some people with gambling problems.

3. The need to stop drinking alcohol. The abuse of alcohol has been going on for many years. These people have an excuse for why they drink and most of the time it doesn't make sense.

4. The need to stop smoking. This could be one of the most difficult things I've ever seen my friends and family deal with.

5. The need to stop excessive behaviors. For example, gossiping, cruelty, bullying, lying, cheating, stealing, partying etc. You get the idea.

6. Don't forget the dreaded shopaholic. Most shopaholic's seem to have large credit card debt and can't seem to stop this vicious circle of buying and owing money to their creditors.

7. Working long hours or the workaholic. Sometimes this is a necessity but I would suggest that you change your lifestyle if possible. Reevaluate your reasons for working so hard.

8. Religious fundamentalists. People that spend too much time at their place of worship and soon find themselves feeling guilty if they're not doing something spiritual.

9. The need to be on time. This would include people that have problems giving themselves enough time to get ready for work or school.

10. The need to stop doing drugs. I thought by now, approaching my 50s, that drugs would no longer be a problem in the United States, but it is. It's one of the most damaging things people can do to their lives.

There are plenty of things that people would like to stop doing or start doing. If you're a smoker and you seem to shop excessively near the casinos, I would advise you to start with something small and work your way up to the big stuff.

What are you going to change today about your life? Make a list of things that you're not happy with about your life and start making the changes today that you need to create the life you deserve and desire.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a personal development video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Helpful Habit Planning Tips

Putting Up With Organized Religion - How Long Do We Follow Something That's Outdated

Let me explain where I'm coming from in my writing. Organized religion worked good 200 or maybe 500 years ago, but I really don't see a need for it today. We fight wars over religion and even kill people that speak out against organized religion. Religions and governments all over the world control people through fear and pleasure.

I'm tired of people fighting and killing all over the world in the name of some religion. I once heard an Iranian man, through a translator, on our local news say, "if he dies in the name of Allah, he gets to go to heaven." I don't know if I want to be signed up for that program but obviously he believes in it enough and is willing to die for what he believes in, right or wrong. Some people view this man is evil while others view him as a hero, how do you think you would do this person?

What the Romans did to people 2000 years ago is what I would consider a very bad. Was the devil actually providing an evil influence for Roman leaders back then. I've never heard anyone mention that but they did kill Jesus of Nazareth and he seemed like a pretty good person.

If Jesus would have kept his mouth shut, he could have lived to a ripe old age. He chose not to, because he believed in his cause. Some Jews believe that he was under the influence of evil, that's hard to imagine. He believed that some of the ideas and teaching of the Romans and Jews were wrong and he was going to make them better. These leaders were afraid of change and decided to eliminate what they view as they evil problem.

I started writing to influence and educate people in a positive way. I really don't want to upset religious followers, but I would like them to understand, a little more about their religion. What causes people to kill others in the name of their god? Is that evil or an evil influence from other religion's of the world.

I would imagine most of these people choose to accept words from their religious leaders as facts and will never question their faith. If religious followers could understand other religions, maybe they wouldn't persecute them or try to convert them into their own beliefs.

My influence will affect others and will provoke them to think, always question your religion and when they start thinking, this is when I've made a positive influence in a constructive way. If someone starts to think about their religion and it gives them stronger feelings and deeper beliefs, maybe they can answer some of my questions, instead of avoiding them with spiritual scripture or faith.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, The Power of Myth. If you've ever wondered, where religion has evolved from. Check this book out.

Finding Something You Don

Is Jesus the Only Way to Heaven? - The Good People Get to Go to Heaven Also

I found a website that was recommended to me and it had the comment, is Jesus the only way to heaven at, Gotquestions, seems like your typical Christian website that replies with biblical quotes and simple to follow information. If I was lost, they will help me find a way. There's even a button at the bottom that states, I have accepted Christ today. I guess if I was to push that button, I get to go to heaven and be with Jesus. Hard to imagine, avoiding a life of burning in hell could be as simple as pushing a button and uttering a few simple words.

I found this question and began reading their comment. The first comment is from somebody answering as a nonbeliever in Christianity. It states something like, if I'm basically a good person and live a moral life, I get to go to heaven, right, only the bad people like murderers go to hell.

Now the answer that the website gives, seems to create fear if you do not belong to Christianity and provide you with hope if you join the group.

It mentioned Satan as the ruler of the world, and he can plant these thoughts into your head if you're not a Christian. He also controls your mind and let's you believe, that it would only make sense to any rational person, they get to go to heaven if they're good.

Now this is what makes sense to me but according to this information, I am doomed to rot in hell for eternity, even if I am a pretty good person. All I have to do is accept Christ as God and I get to go to heaven. That seems pretty easy and I wonder why more people don't do it. Just push the button.

I wonder if Satan is controlling, non-Christians minds and that's why there's brutality and war throughout the world. If everyone was a Christian, would our world be better.

Here's a quote from Wikipedia The Crusades were a series of religion-driven military campaigns waged by much of Christian Europe against external and internal opponents. Crusades were fought mainly against Muslims, though campaigns were also directed against pagan Slavs, Jews, Russian and Greek Orthodox Christians, Mongols, Cathars, Hussites, Waldensians, Old Prussians, and political enemies of the popes.

These Christian Crusades killed thousands of people. To give you an idea how many people were killed, all I had to do was type the word crusades into a search engine and it took me to the Christian Crusades.

I guess that rules that out, it seems like the Christians a long time ago were pretty aggressive towards their enemies, I wonder if most Christians would refer to these people as enemies today or are they just being controlled by Satan. Do these Christians from the Crusades get to go to heaven? If people like this get to go to heaven, may be hell is a better place anyway.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, Mere Christianity

Here's something to think about, go to heaven

Helpful Habit Planning Tips

The True Christian - Becoming a Great Person

For years, I have been trying to figure out what a true Christian believer is, is it someone who studies the Bible on a daily basis and develops excellent habits to keep them in line. Is a good Christian someone who helps people and inspires them to become better Christians. At what point in our lives do we know that we are true Christians. What separates a true Christian from regular Christians.

The true Christian is someone who reads their Bible on a daily basis and develops good study habits. These Christians bring their Bibles to work with them and set a good example by reading the Bible during their lunch break. Often showing every one that they are the above average Christian. Most of these people can answer any questions that are asked to them simply and effortlessly.

The answers will be based on information that they have gathered from the Bible, videos, audios, other Christian related material and of course their church leaders. Often these true Christians are leaders in their church and community. Followers of Jesus Christ are often inspired to help their friends and fellow church members.

Ordinary Christians are those who go to church every once in a while and never carry their Bible to work. They can however be found drinking coffee and eating doughnuts at local donut houses. Sometimes these donut houses even carry free newspapers that provide unchristian like materials. Every once in awhile I will notice a man, wearing a trenchcoat, taking one of the newspapers home with him. He's a bad and naughty Christian.

HELLO! LISTEN UP

The truth is, that a true Christian is only someone who lives a life like Christ. It doesn't get any simpler than that. Treating people with kindness, compassion and understanding, trying to become a better person or an example for others and their children. It's not necessary to read the Bible every day or associate with Christians only.

Jesus set the example for others to follow, read about him in the Bible and use him as a good example, but not the only example. There's plenty of good examples throughout history. Spiritual leaders like, Buddha, Krishna, Mohammed and Moses are also great teachers and can provide you with other experiences and knowledge.

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world.

Structuring Your 24 Hour Day

Is Guilt Feeding on Your Conscience, Affecting Your Subconscious Mind Negatively?

Guilt is one of the largest causes of stress in your life. Stop reading this article for a second and think about the people in your lives that often make you feel guilty.

Now did you really stop reading the article and think about the people in your life who make you feel guilty? Okay well if you did this get back to the guilty feelings so many of us have. Guilt goes all the way back to your childhood, your parents, teachers, friends and relatives have gotten to be pretty good at it over the years, often learning from the same group of people when they were children.

Guilt is definitely a big part of our society and can be found almost everywhere you turn. Have you ever turned the television on to notice a commercial about weight loss. A large majority of Americans are overweight and are targets for a guilt creating society.

I was reading a book on writing magazine articles, when they mentioned a fact that I never thought of, most women's magazines run articles on dieting in every issue. Guilt sells magazines.

Do you think weight loss, dieting or nutritional eating habits, sell magazines? If your answer is no, you should check the financial statements of these companies. They know what sells magazines and guilt or fear is one of their best friends. If you answered yes to the question, you won't have to suffer from the guilt of not knowing the answer.

Guilt seems to work on our subconscious mind in negative ways, often producing harmful thoughts that create stressful feelings in our lives. The longer these negative thoughts are held as truths, the harder it's going to be on our self esteem.

If you find yourself around people that make you feel guilty for something you do or don't do on a regular basis, I would suggest finding new people to hang around with. Gathering negative information from people you consider your friends can only create more damage to your conscience.

If you truly and sincerely do not like something about yourself, tell your friends in a nice way, that you would rather talk about your problems in a negative way. If they have constructive and helpful comments, you would love to hear them. Guilt causes stress and stress can lead to death. If you don't believe that, do some research on stress related illnesses.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, The Intuitive Way

Greg is currently working on a personal development library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Habits To Prevent Losing Things

Is the Bible Historically Accurate? Do You Ever Seek Truthful Answers?

I'm going to start with the first book of the holy Bible, Genesis chapter 1 verse one through five. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

And God said," let there be light," and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light day, and the darkness he called night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

If the Bible is historically accurate, did God actually create earth. I have been battling over this, my whole life. It's very easy for someone to accept and believe in any religion, government, other people or whatever they truly desire to make real. I see it every day of my life, open your eyes and you will see it to.

It's hard to imagine that a superior entity like God created everything that we touch and see. The moon itself is pretty big and the creation of the sun would prove to be a little more difficult, but if you're God and your all knowing and all powerful, he or she or it, must be one incredible being.

This is only the first couple of paragraphs in the Bible and there is no, I repeat no, historical accuracy to this event. It seems like God or man, whoever wrote the Bible, should have started the Bible with something a little more believable for people that live in the 21st century. It's not hard to imagine someone 2000 years ago, believing in something like this.

2000 years ago the Romans were worshiping their own gods, we might find this ridiculous today but back then the Romans would punish you if you didn't worship their gods. We are not too far from that today. If we don't stop organized religion and their influence on humanity, we're going to have serious problems in the future.

The biggest problem I foresee is common sense. If the Bible has 500 historical accurate facts that can be proven without a doubt by historians, scholars and other intelligent people, but has one thing that can't be explained, how do we handle this. How do we handle the fact that the Bible states God created light? If this is false, what else is false in the Bible.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Have you ever really ask yourself Who is, Jesus of Nazareth?

Greg is currently working on a Personal Power Ideas. If you're ever wondering why some people can achieve success, while others seem to struggle aimlessly, what would it hurt, to take a couple of minutes of your time, if you could actually find the truth.

30 Days To Creating Super Habits

Success Through Inspiration - Reading One Book

Could one book, read by one person change the world. One book written by Henry David Thoreau called "Walden", changed the lives of people in India and the United States of America. These people were treated like second-class citizens and soon were inspired to change because of one person gave them hope that they could.

This man died when he was 46 years old and I wouldn't consider him a world of success at that time but he did live his life, the way he wanted to live it, for the most part. He has inspired great people like Gandhi and Martin Luther King. He had no idea, at the time he was writing the book, the impact "Walden" would have on the world.

He wrote his book on daily experiences that he had living in a cabin for just a little over two years. Two years of his life and he created this wonderful masterpiece. It's amazing how the few hours a day, for a couple of years could create something that would inspire others to become great leaders and provide the world with inspiration.

People for years have been inspiring others to change their lives. If I had to make a list of all the people who had inspired me, it would be pretty long. There are a few books, movies, documentaries and individuals who have inspired me more than others. I'm sure you have lists of people that you look up to also. Changing the world to make it a better place will take individuals who are inspired by others, educated by others and helped by others to become who they are today.

Henry David Thoreau has inspired other people, and was also inspired by others. Never underestimate the success that you can be created through inspiration. Continue to receive your inspiration from great people and provide inspiration for those who need it greatly.

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, You Can Have It All

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Finding Something You Don

Hope in Religion - Is There Something You're Seeking in Religion?

I was reading a book on advertising when the author mentioned, "All Advertising Is about Hope."

This got me thinking about other people's dreams and aspirations, most of this is wrapped around them hoping to accomplish something or do something. I never gave it much thought but hope is one of the most important things in our lives. Some people go around hoping that they will keep their job, when the economy is in bad shape. Others go around hoping for forgiveness for their sins or other bad deeds they have done in the past.

What is it you're hoping for? There's got to be something. Are you hoping to become a multimillionaire or even the world's first trillionaire. Are your dreams big or small? Are you the kind of person who is happy living a simple life with very little possessions like a Buddhist monk or are you one who is seeking the lifestyle of the King.

Hope supplies us with the will to continue through hopeless obstacles during our lifetime.

Most people seeking hope are looking for a way out of something or a way toward a better life. These people often fall easy prey to large religious organizations, as they take them under their wing and slowly start to brainwash them. They seek the weak minded, helpless, poor and trusting people and build their organizations using them. I once believed in Christianity, but it no longer offers me true hope, the more I study Christianity and other organized religions, I noticed certain similarities based on inspiration.

I hope I live the good life, so I can go to heaven, the promised land, our ultimate enlightenment.

I hope I am living the true will according to God, Buddha, Krishna or other supreme beings.

I hope that the Bible is wrong about the 144,000 people from the 12 tribes.

I hope I'm living a life that is pleasing to the Lord.

If you're part of an organized religion, ask your religious leaders, any questions that you have about your religion. If they can't answer these questions, try to find them on your own. Books, videos, and the Internet are great sources for information. If you're living your life for the sole purpose of going to heaven one day, you could be disappointed, when that day arrives.

Ask a couple of questions and I hope you will get honest answers to them.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, Read This Book

Greg is currently creating articles on religion filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Backup Plans Feel Good

Forget New Year's, Set Your Goals NOW!

Most people will spend the next 6 weeks spending money and gaining weight. And then on January 1st, they will be making resolutions to lose weight and save money. Why not start now and put yourself ahead of the game.

Starting goals on January 1st is not always the best thing to do. Why? Because we are taught that we should do it, but most of us don't really want to. Doing it now shows that you are doing it because you really want to and not because it is expected of you.

The biggest obstacle you will face in achieving your goals is yourself. This is a guarantee. Why not get out of your own way and do it now? There is no time like the present and many people are going to be headed into their goal setting thousands of dollars shorter and ten pounds heavier.

You don't have to be among the typical. You can be among the atypical and this is where success really lives. Also by the time New Years rolls around your new actions and new behaviors will have already become habits. Again, you will be far and away ahead of the game.

Goal setting is only part of the process. You have to take actions to bring about the goals. You have to make changes. Carefully reading and examining your goals on a daily or weekly basis will make them a part of you and you will be more likely to bring about real change.

Make these changes now and you will be thankful that you did six weeks from now.

Visit http://www.successfulfather.com and get started on your goals TODAY! Bookmark the site and sign up for the FREE newsletter. Then have a look around today and come back again tomorrow! Good luck and God bless!!!

Bryan Appleton is an author of self-help motivational literature as well as an entrepreneuer and investor. He is a single father and has made it one of his life's goals to try and help other people live the lives they are dreaming of. You can find his website at http://successfulfather.com

Starting With Simple Things

Is Procrastination Destroying Your Financial Dreams?

I have a big problem with procrastination. I keep putting off important tasks and this is affecting my finances. I hadn't paid income taxes for several years and I was happy when I heard of the tax amnesty. I delayed getting an accountant to sort things out and now I have to pay significant penalties that could have been avoided. I also lost out on renting the perfect office space because I didn't act fast enough and someone else jumped on it. My life is littered with missed opportunities caused by me dragging my feet. What can I do to cure this horrible habit?

Don't worry - you are not alone in your procrastinating habits. I too have experienced that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach after missing out on a great deal or the chance of a lifetime just because I took too long to take action.

Almost everyone procrastinates on important issues, whether it's starting an exercise programme, clearing away clutter, or doing homework. However, when the delaying tactics have to do with money, then procrastination can bring tremendous personal and monetary cost.

Rita Emmett, in her book The Procrastinator's Handbook - Mastering the Art of Doing It Now, notes that "procrastination can take a surprisingly high toll on your life, causing stress, illness and low self-esteem." In addition to these negative effects, Emmett continues, this time-wasting habit "keeps you from attaining your goals and fulfilling your dreams."

How many of us are living lives of quiet despair, feeling frustrated at not being able to buy our dream house or car; feeling guilty for not having money to pay for our children's college fees; feeling panicked at the realization that we'll never be able to stop working as we never saved enough money? For many of us, our distress is not due to the lack of ability or money, but due to the failure to organize our time and efforts to complete the necessary tasks to achieve our goals.

Why do we practice this self-destructive habit anyway? How can we have extremely important things to do, yet agonizingly continue to ignore them?

One reason for persistent procrastination is that you may be dreading the process that may be involved in accomplishing the task. Your accountant needs all your business records to file your tax returns on time, yet you ignore the pile of bills stuffed in the desk drawer, because you hate to think of the work that will be involved.

"The dread of doing a task uses up more time and energy than doing the task itself," Emmett reveals. Many jobs that we live in fear of tackling can actually be completed quickly once we get started. Organising your bills can be a breeze if you immediately place receipts into files with different headings.

Another frequent excuse for delay is that you don't have the time to get the job done. You never have time to balance your cheque book or reconcile your bank statements, so you don't know how much money is in the account, and live in fear of writing a bounced cheque. The reality is that balancing a cheque book takes seconds if you update it after each purchase.

Emmett explains that you must first realize that the job probably won't take as long as you think. Then she recommends breaking down longer jobs by devoting one uninterrupted hour at specific times until the task is completed. After starting, Emmett insists that you will no longer be daunted by the project and that the momentum may keep you going until it is all done.

"One of the most important lessons in conquering procrastination is that what you dread most isn't spending time and energy on the whole job, but simply getting started," declares Emmett.

There are other tasks that get delayed because you think you'll have plenty of time to do them - later. You're in your twenties and would like to own a home one day, but you procrastinate on starting a savings plan because you think should live it up a little first. Big mistake! Time is your greatest asset when you're trying to achieve financial goals.

If you start saving J$5,000 per month when you're twenty years old, and receive a net interest rate of six per cent per annum, you will have over J$800,000 in time for your thirtieth birthday. Delay your savings plan until you're twenty-five, and you'll only have about J$350,000 when you're thirty.

Resist the temptation to procrastinate on savings by being very clear about your financial goals and the reason why they are important to you. Write down what you would like to achieve and set deadlines for accomplishing them. With the help of a financial advisor decide on an action plan and start saving immediately and consistently with automatic deductions.

There are many other reasons why you may put off important financial tasks - you might be fearful, lazy, or too disorganized to get going. As a recovering procrastinator myself, I encourage you to find a system that will help you to conquer this debilitating habit, so that you can take charge of your financial destiny.

"Procrastination is opportunity's natural assassin." - Victor Kiam

Copyright 2008 Cherryl Hanson Simpson

Cherryl is a financial columnist, consultant and coach. See more of her work at http://www.financiallyfreenetwork.com and http://www.financiallysmartonline.com Contact Cherryl.

Backup Plans Feel Good

Goal Setting - The Most Effective Strategies to Achieve Your Goals

So you have a goal. Something important in your life that you want to accomplish, give up or acquire. Setting that goal without a framework for achieving it is almost certain to lead to frustration and failure. Although I am a believer in the power of positive thought, action and reaction are always required to make any inspired idea a reality.

Effective goal setting starts with clear identification of your objective - this should be something tangible and measurable. Don't just declare "I want to lose weight." Say instead, "I want to lose 10 pounds." Next, set a deadline. If you don't give yourself a time-limit for completion of the goal, it will always remain in the future. Now you have a goal that is both tangible and measurable, "I will lose 10 pounds by Memorial Day."

Next, map out your strategy for achieving the goal. What do you need to do? How many calories do you have to cut out or burn to lose 10 pounds? Do the math. Make a meal plan, set up an exercise schedule. Yes, this is work! Anything worth achieving is going to require effort.

Break it down, step-by-step, all of the steps that you will need to take to achieve your goal. Do you need to get advice from someone who has experience? Do you need to do some research? Take a class? Learn a new skill? Save or raise some money?

Set milestones so that you can track your progress. Set a date for achievement of each individual task on your list and celebrate your accomplishments. This will encourage you to continue on track and fuel your desire for success.

Now think about potential pitfalls. What are your weaknesses? Identify the roadblocks you might encounter and plan how you will react when faced with them. Write it down. If you have a plan, you are more likely to stick to your program. Roadblocks are a part of the process so think of them as opportunities to grow and learn, as you figure out ways to navigate around them.

Finally, enlist a support team. These might be other people with the same or similar goals. Perhaps it's your family and friends. Make sure that the people you choose are encouraging of your goals and will support your efforts even when it means change to your normal routine. State your goals out loud and share them with others - this action makes them real, imprints them in your consciousness and holds you accountable.

Try using affirmations to train your subconscious into seeing your goals as already achieved. The affirmations specific to your particular goals should be positive, in the present tense and specific. "I am celebrating my 10 lb. weight loss!"

Say these Affirmations for Success out loud every morning to start your day with a positive mind-set for achieving your goals:

• There are no limitations - all things are possible.
• I release all negative thoughts the moment that I recognize them.
• All obstacles vanish from my path, as I now fulfill my destiny.
• I give thanks for the never-ending supply of success, joy and abundance that flows to me.

Cathy McCann is a life and career coach for people wanting to get more out of their lives. A life coaching program can help you to see things in a new perspective, discover your life purpose, identify and define your goals, establish a systematic process for achievement of those goals, and provide support and encouragement. For more tools to help you live your best life or to subscribe to my newsletter, visit http://CreatingYourPerfectLife.com

Spending 15 Minutes Each Day

Believing In Religion

I was reading a book on advertising when the author mentioned, "All Advertising Is about Hope."

Check out one of his recommended books, Read This Book

Greg is currently creating articles on religion filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.