In today's climate of headlines about panic in the financial markets, we need to practice smart fuel for our true prosperity even more. It takes rigor and daily practice. There are effective, simple ways of tapping into the energy of your "Inner Champion" (while trumping those limiting thoughts that sabotage enjoyment and tangible success). A while ago, over lunch I read "The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity" by Edwene Gaines (so far, it looks great, while I don't agree 100% with everything.) I don't find much value in affirmations that are overly positive, feel-good statements that don't seem real. (In my Wake Up Inspired book, there's a bit about "Hold the sugar" and how to create variations on the classic affirmation style that may work better for you.)
Here's one of my favorite ways to create truly inspiring momentum. At lunch, I got out a piece of paper and folded it in half. On the left side I wrote, "Limitations." (These could be limiting thoughts, inner critic attacks, perceived obstacles, etc.) For the right side I wrote," Allowing Abundance."
I like to start with the left side, because that stirs things up in a more penetrating way than if I just start with perky positives. It's useful to take an honest look at our not so pretty parts to see what may be insidiously getting in the way. The questions are simple. But you need to go below a superficial surface to get some juicy answers. I dove in to find some old stories that could still get me in the Achilles heel. What are you worried about?...afraid of?... where are you frustrated, resigned or cynical? These thoughts are not always active on my front burner. I dig down into the dark, linty corners of my old bags, you know? It's a bit embarrassing to reveal here, but hey, we're all human and I trust you can relate.
To preface what I wrote at the time of this lunch, my new book and website had just launched. I was grateful and thrilled. There was plenty of real life stress, too. The left side of the paper showcased that non-rational cocktail that blends fear of failure and fear of success.
The Voice of Limitation Said:
"What if I got carried away and I've spent too much time and effort and money on all of this ...? I could feel really stupid and need to start over or..."
Here's where the Inner Champion comes in, on the right side. It's funny how starting with the whiny stuff actually calls forth a fierce, loving Champion energy in me... like the Calvary riding in. This process taps into something beyond my five senses and logical brain. Over the years of doing this, I sense a very different "voice." It sounds like this:
Boy, that what if I screwed-up martyr story is a popular tape, hmm? It's so old, and it's not your truth, Marian. You're not stupid and you have nothing to regret or worry about. Keep tuning in to your higher guidance and enjoy the prosperity that's here right now... And much more to come.
Back to the Left side for another dip:
"I'm afraid of this turning into a big machine that needs constant feeding. What if I'll feel obliged to keep making more money through lots more hard work to keep paying for all of these people, plus.... And I won't really love my life any more (and oh, by the way that will make you a big fat hypocrite for being the author of a book called Wake Up Inspired.)"
In response to that, energy came in so strong and fast that my hand could barely keep up with the writing:
You are on a joyful path. This is leading to more celebrating, peace and pride. There will always be enough! Enough time, enough money, enough breathing room, enough fun, enough friendship connections, enough music and laughter, enough love, enough nature, enough quiet lunches, enough walking in sunshine, enough guidance, enough clarity, enough support and resources, enough courage and talent, enough growth and enough joy. Always. Trust this. It is the truth.
So, this moved me to well up and breathe a grateful, emboldened sigh.
I was the only customer in a sushi place, and I can hear the Jerry Springer show over my shoulder. Here I am feeling this swell of spiritual connection, joy and inspiration for my mission, while some woman is screaming at her husband to stop having sex with her Mother, or else! (To borrow from Dave Barry, I am not making this up.) It was surreal and a good laugh.
Your Turn:
I really encourage you to try this, even if you've created some form of affirmations many times before. Set an intention to go deeper and higher this time.
Fold your paper in the center. Label your left and right sides in language that is useful to YOU.
Start honestly diving in to that left side. Write it out. Put the pen down. Take a breath, and tune into to a higher energy (you can imagine an Inner Champion, Spiritual guides, a loving universe, whatever works for you). Now pick up the pen and write from that place. When that feels done, start back on the left side with another "fear" or limitation, and repeat the process. You can then toss away the left side and keep the right-using these Champion truths to give you a daily boost in the morning or at lunch, if you like.
Keep up this practice of accessing that energy and let it encourage and embolden you. You'll discover how it grows stronger and more convincing over time. It will also come faster with practice- like going from dial up to high speed. It's fun. And it moves you- inside and out. I would love to hear how this goes for you and wish you all the best! Let me know how I might support you, of course.
The sushi and Jerry Springer parts of this process are totally optional.
About Marian Baker: Selected as one of 50 top coaches in America, Marian Baker is author of the award-winning book, Wake Up Inspired: Fuel Healthier Success and Love the Life You're Meant to Lead, a master certified coach and speaker. She has touched hundreds of achieving and seeking professionals from business and personal growth communities since 1996. Marian has been featured in media such as ABC-TV, Health Magazine, and was selected as an expert for Fitness Magazine's You Can Do It program. She's profiled in the book The Art and Practice of Leadership Coaching; 50 Top Executive Coaches Reveal Their Secrets. Called "The queen of powerful questions" by a leader of Coaches Training Institute, clients value her holistic approach, blending mind-body-spirit principles with pragmatic real world action. "It's time for a new story of inspired success. I am committed to the study and practice of what it really takes to create inspired living, including work you love, whole health, inspired leadership, conscious citizenship and true prosperity toward a world that works for all. Are you curious?" For more free resources, including a Free Starter Kit: "7 Keys for Healthier Success and Loving Your Life," visit http://www.WakeUpInspired.com
My Boss Wont Pay Me
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