Keeping Your Feet On Uneven Ground
As we live these interesting times, it’s important to watch what we read, think and do. For our thoughts and deeds greatly impact our business and personal affairs. Don’t believe me? Read this true tale…
For ten years I’ve walked my dogs on the same river trail without injury. Today I saw a new sign: UNEVEN GROUND. I travelled on, studying the ground and thinking, ‘I’ve never considered this uneven, or guarded my step to suit’.
Then I fell over.
Was it coincidence? Did the earth move? Was the sign evil? Or did my thoughts affect my fate?
As the pain receded, I walked towards a huge storm front (I’m not making this up). I passed the farmer’s market, then an old man tending parched seedlings. A downpour would mean loss for the first group and life for the second. The rain itself would be neutral.
I worried that a storm would ruin my neighbour’s house auction. But I didn’t turn back, as I like rain on my face. The dogs were rapt. We did our normal walk, as fat drops plinked the dust.
On the way home, I composed this post in my head. I dwelt on the concept of bad thoughts causing bad results. Then, while vaulting the crash barrier between park and road, I smashed my knee.
Limping along the steel pedestrian overpass, I started to worry about lightning, but thought better of it. The rain got earnest as we got home. At auction time, the storm erupted.
Rather than watch the auction, I started writing. Soon a gaggle of umbrellas scuttled past. I hailed one, to learn the house had been passed in, with no bid, at 75 percent of its stated price. Yet this was supposed to be a hotly contested sector! Had I ‘mozzed’ the auction by worrying about the storm?
I believe the links between my thoughts and today’s events reinforce the teachings of Wallace D. Wattles, Napoleon Hill, Eckhart Tolle, The Secret (and permutations thereof) and Sarah Connor. In short, there’s no fate but that we make.
As some rejoice that we’ve found a name for this interesting time: The Great Recession, I’m focussing on positive change. My Great Talent is writing job ads for newspapers. Well, there are few jobs, and fewer ads, in thinner papers. Why do you think I’m blogging?
Are you crying that the wheels have fallen off? Or are you busy switching tyres? If change seems hard, see Seth Godin’s excellent thought starters. Your future could be easier (and more fun) than you think.
Paul Hassing, Founder & Senior Writer, www.thefeistyempire.com
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Evidence that getting sacked can actually be a wonderful thing: http://www.theage.com.au/national/trading-down-in-job-battle-20090317-9116.html
Fabulous post Paul. I’ve had similar moments of clarity (and wonder) that my thoughts could so accurately manifest my destiny, good and bad. Highly engaging as ever. Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right. (Henry Ford.) Keep them coming!
That’s so true, Adam. Whatever your question, the answer is YES. Will I fail? YES! Will I succeed? YES!
Hello Paul,
I’m really enjoying your posts and as a business owner I’m pleased to see a different perspective on business and life and it’s a credit to MYOB for sponsoring this. From reading your posts I have explored their site and got some great info. Keep up the good work and I was talking about your posts at a small business breakfast last week. Thank you and keep them coming!
Welcome, Malcolm. I’m frankly stunned at the latitude MYOB gives me. The large print publication who interviewed me other day was also very impressed. I expect great things to come from this blog. As I know you to be a Captain of Industry in more ways than one, I look forward to your fascinating, hard-earned insights on the topics we cover. Please come back soon!
I agree – life and business is all about what you make of it. Look at Richard Branson – in the current economic climate he has bought into the most expensive sport of all – Formula 1. But he is doing it in a way that leverages his opportunities, continues to expand his brand and create business that otherwise would have passed him by.
With my consulting hat on, now is not the time to be a shrinking violet, prepare your business now for when demand and opportunity knocks. Although I add a word of caution – don’t pursue opportunities that simply put your business in danger of collapse. Sometimes a consolidation in hard times can be implemented so that it positions you for better cash flow and profitability in the good times.
Now is the time to introduce focused services and messages to your customers. Make them absolutely clear what you stand for and what you offer. But above all, focus on preparing a business for future growth – and you may find the growth finds you first rather than finding others.
Fabulous comment, Mike; thank you! Branson’s move was indeed breathtaking and I agree 100% with your wisdom. P.
Another wonderful post!
One of my favorite Eckart Tolle quotes: “Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness.” It sounds like life gave you some useful experiences today!
Thank you Wendy. I’m so pleased my consciousness didn’t feel the need to be zapped by lightning! I find it hard enough to string a sentence as it is!
First off Paul, sensational post as always. Or, how do you say it…would I say “jolly good cobbler?” Wait, cobbler is a dessert. Never mind.
Your story is only too common, as I continue to learn from things I read, from friends and from Wendy several comments earlier. She is always saying i.e. “You create what you desire.” It really is true. I’ve fought this idea for quite some time; I am often too much the skeptic and not enough the believer.
Perhaps I simply need to take the plunge with you, Wendy and others. The plunge into the deep end of creating from, and for, a positive outcome. Old programming is hard to break. But your story today – remarkable. There’s something to what folks like Mr. Tolle are writing.
Well done my friend. Your words are one-stop shopping for much-needed common sense. Jolly good…cropper? I like your phrasing so I’m trying Paul, I’m trying!
Stone the crows, Christopher! You ain’t half good at getting a grip on our lingo! I’ll shout you a slab of VB for that caper!
Japes aside, your comment is generous as always. I’m coming to realise that life is a plunge pool, not a wader. If you just sit on the side, dip your toes or float on a lilo, you’re missing the point.
That switched-on Wendy of yours seems a very good role model. I’ve thrown away promising careers in retail, HR and corporate copywriting to be where I am now. Each ‘loss’ has left me richer and happier as a person.
So keep at it, Cobber; you’ll nail the bastard in the end! And when you do, the Milky Bars are on me!
Hi Paul,
My first time reading your blog this morning which I thoroughly enjoyed. When obstacles arrive in our lives greet them as opportunities to move beyond into greener pastures. hmmmm Ernest Holmes was famous for saying change your thoughts change life. One step at time the choice is ours
Smiles
Lisa
I greatly appreciate your feedback, Lisa. Looking at your website, which is unlike anything I’ve seen, I feel grateful to have attracted your unique perspective. Thank you!
Another engaging and entertaining read Paul. I’m fascinated by the power of our thoughts too. After seven years working with clients to create change in their lives I am still gobsmacked by how often something just lands in a person’s lap when they put the idea out there.
I’m not really a fan of ‘The Secret’ but I do believe that this stuff works when there’s a genuine and heart-felt connection with your goals and the objectives aren’t just about financial gain.
Thank you, Kate. Now that I know more about your services, I’ll be particularly interested in your take on the next two posts.
Definitely not the best time to be a job ad writing specialist! http://business.theage.com.au/business/job-ads-slump-to-new-low-20090406-9tw8.html
‘Negative imagary’ Parenting books cover this topic advising against negative imagary “Don’t fall over that block” Child falls “Told you not to fall over that block!” Child feels stupid and yet it is the parent that plants the seed to start with. Broadening that theory supports the listed authors you cited (most of which I’ve read). Your story is proof of negative imagary, as for worrying about the auction and your thoughts causing the downpour, that’s as likely as things happening in three’s, oh , 3 things did happen! Hmmmmmm….
Great comment, Tracey; thank you for your input!
Great post Paul … in our family if we want the weather to do something specific we let my mother know!
True … and what’s more it’s always worked for us, we’re not sure why but it does.
I think it all started with my Dad. He used to always say if Mum didn’t want to do something then it was ALWAYS the wrong weather to do it … however if she did the weather was always just right for whatever it was she wanted to do … weather it be a day at the beach or snow ski-ing or whatever.
In fact just the other week we had an outside party for our 18 year old. We offered a venue but she just wanted to bring her friends home. The weather was going to be a truly important factor because we didn’t have the cash flow for a proper Marquee this time round and although we bought some great looking marquees from Bunnings … it was still 2 … so there was a join! if you get my drift!
We spoke to Mum and ordered the weather. I’m not sure where you are, but here in Melbourne the Thursday was stunning, the Friday it poured … Saturday morning it drizzled and by Saturday afternoon it had fined up.
Saturday night the yard looked fabulous with the Marquees and the tables and chairs dotted around. we had a BBQ, and 2 wood fires and the night was simpley perfect.
Sunday morning dawned fine and by lunch time it was pouring again! How lucky were we?
Now I pose the question to myself always when this happens. Does my mother control the weather or is it that we imagined it so perfectly that that’s what we got?
Who knows … who even cares (so long as we get what we want) but I tell you what does my Mother feel special!
Love life and live it creatively,
Leanne
http://www.YourSuccessfulMind.com
Thank you for your beautiful story, Leanne. I do live Melbourne, so I appreciate how lucky you were. The questions we’re dealing with may not be answerable, but it sure is interesting having a go. I’d be very interested to hear what you have to say about my post on families that goes up later this morning.
Thanks Paul, I’ll check out the post on families for certain.
Love life and live it creatively,
Leanne
http://www.YourSuccessfulMind.com
NEWS FLASH!
That property just sold for a truckload of loot. You should see the incredible flier the agent put in my letter box. It contains the best headline I’ve EVER read.
I’ve emailed him asking permission to tell the story of the sale. Watch this space!
[...] When I had my front door rehung due to the drought, some of the cost was claimable (as it formed part of my client reception area). The same applied to my new doormat and sensor light. I was even able to claim my Eckhart Tolle ticket, as it partly inspired one of my blog posts. [...]