Consistency

One of the biggest jailers there is in life is the concept of haphazard activity. Fear, laziness, and lack of energy all create a situation where we periodically back off from the activities which should be taken. This blog is an example. I go through stages where I write a great deal then back off. The problem is that I allow how I 'feel' to dictate my actions. It is a sign of weakness when I allow this to happen. At these moments, I am imprisoned because my life is dictated by something other than myself.

Building Blocks

No matter what area of life one is focusing upon, the simple truth is there are building blocks which lead to success. I like to use the building of a house as a visual which describes the concept. A house is started with nothing more than a vacant lot. Throughout the process, certain actions are taken which ultimately lead to completion. The underground wiring is put into place, the foundation laid, and the framing is done. Over time, a house starts to take shape.

Now, let me ask you, how often do the contractors work on the house? If the weather cooperates, you find that, in most instances, these people arrive every day. Daily activity is taken which furthers the progress of the building of the house. It is not a situation where the workers take action 'only when they feel like it'. Consistent action is the key which leads to the creation of a house.

Another example is in the area of exercise. Do you think that one attains better results by working out on a regular basis or if he/she does a marathon session once in a while? The answer is obvious. Those who are in terrific physical shape take action on a regular basis. They are consistent with their workout routine. The blocks to success are laid and built upon daily.

Discipline

Discipline is something that most people despise. Other than the occasional military brat, this is a word that has a negative connotation in our culture. This means that few are able to exercise consistent behavior in reaching any goal. We are a society of 'starters' but few have what it takes to complete the tasks. Discipline is the key.

The truth is there are times when we do not want to do what is required. Even the top Olympic athletes have days where they do not want to workout. The difference between a person at this level and the average individual is that the champion will take the action. He or she is disciplined enough to work on the chosen craft. The average person succumbs to the temptation to put it off.

Discipline is acquired only by taking consistent action. Like they say, do something for 21 consecutive days and it becomes a new habit. Those who excel have better habits then other people. Instead of habitually watching television after work, develop the habit of walking. Reading is a way to enrich the mind. Do this on a daily basis. Whatever the focus, being consistent with it is paramount.

A New Outlook

Few mention consistency as a desired characteristic. However, when you consider the power it wields, this is one of the most important things in life. Begin today to view being consistent as the most important thing you do in your life. Eliminate the tendency to fall into the pattern of having ups and downs. This is where we become slaves to our emotions. Those who succeed take action in spite of what is happening around them. This is the person you need to become.

Freedom is something that we need to fight for. It is difficult to remain consistent with all that goes on in life. However, the person that can do that is able to attain anything. Go back to the example of the house. By taking consistent action, the building is completed. This is an analogy to keep in your mind. All aspects of life can be associated this way. Look at the value of consistency in changing or altering anything about yourself. Since everything ultimately comes back to the action you take, it is beneficial to act in a consistent matter. Try this for just a few weeks and see how different your life is. I believe you will have a new foundation to build upon.

Life Makeover

There is a popular show on television (or was since I don't have television anymore) called Home Makeover. The premise of the show was that a crew of people went into a home and redid an entire house in a matter of days. It was interesting to see how something went from entirely rundown to a masterpiece in less than a week. Of course, it helped that experts and a large sum of money were available. Nevertheless, the outcome was that the entire situation was changed quickly.

Life Makeover

The truth is that most people could use a 'life makeover'. When you look at how most people are living, it is tragic. We live in a world (at least in the Western culture) where opportunities and freedoms should be prevalent. Yet, it seems that most suffer under the plight of slavery. No matter how much money they earn, they are still indebted to someone else. Basic decisions seem to be made by others in an effort to keep up. Many work, as an example, just to pay the bills. Their entire careers are spent to do nothing more than 'make ends meet'. Life doesn't have to be this way.

Another simply fact is that people are horrifically overweight. Why do I mention this point? My reasoning is because this is something that almost everyone can do something about in light of what the consequences are. The medical community does not keep it a secret of what awaits someone who carries an extra 50 or 100 pounds around. Diabetes, heart disease, and death are all part of the equation.

Health and finances are two areas that we all should focus our attention upon. These are the aspects where one can instantly begin a 'life makeover'. Of course to do this, one needs to alter his or her thinking. Fortunately, this is something that can also be done in an instant. Just like with the television program, you life can be radically different in under a week.

Mental Makeover

I write a great deal about the importance of mindset in all we do. Out of our thoughts spring all action. Action is the bridge between the invisible world (our mind) and the physical world. Everything you see around you started as a thought. Most, however, use their thoughts negatively as opposed for positive gain. For example, they think about that ice cream sundae with extra whipped cream and syrup. As a thought, this hold no destructive power. Sadly, most succumb to it and end up ingesting the sundae.

A minimalist mindset is a terrific way for everyone to begin this makeover. I find that few are in a situation where they have 'too little stuff'. Instead, most are at the other end: they simply have too much crap. Going through and eliminating all the excess from their life is an effective beginning. Many need a course in the difference between wants and needs but those who are honest realize that they don't need most of what they think they do. You can survive without cable television (and that $70 a month bill). I am living proof of that.

Looking at the world differently is what is required. Most believe what they were taught. And what was that? Topics such as material wealth is what determines a person's value were drilled into us. We are concerned about the opinions of others because that is what we were taught. Dogma is swallowed without questioning because to do so would be heresy. The truth is your life is too precious to waste by being under the rule of others. Blind faith is what causes people to blow themselves up for an idea. We saw this in WWII with the Japanese fighter pilots and we see it today with suicide bombers. While most will acknowledge the flaw in this thinking, few really ever question their own.

Understanding that it is our thinking that creates our successes and failures is the fundamental premise behind this change. In short, it requires us to admit that we look at things improperly. Society will allow us to cut ourselves slack and achieve less than is possible. The reasoning is the world loves mediocrity. Everything is done in a way to tear you down. Success is for the strong; the weak succumb to the intentions of others.

Become the Minority

The minority in our culture is not based upon race, creed, ethnicity, or religion. Instead, the minority are those who are willing to go against the mainstream thought and reach out for the ideal that is offered. In my viewpoint, the one thing I think people need to focus upon is freedom. There is no honor in being enslaved against your will. Ignorance is another thing that should not be held in virtue. The fact that most are completely asleep in their lives is no excuse. I am here to start the revolution that wakes people up. Do I think that most will? Absolutely not. However, I am seeking out the few who have the mental strength to break free from the chains of bondage placed upon them by society. I want to find the minority.

Few people are willing to engage in this level of internal search. That is why most blindly follow the path laid out for them by others. It is easier to remain part of the masses as opposed to stepping out on their own. Strength is not the average person's strong point. That is why they are called sheep (flock is another word). Living contrary to what is commonly accepted is not on the agenda.

The world is in need of people who are opposite this ilk. A life makeover entails understanding that you can make a difference and that big things are possible. Everyone seeks harmony while succumbing to the desires of the powerful. They look to organizations or institutions which enslave them. Obedience is the calling of the day. My idea is different. I believe what is needed is people who are willing to alter their lives individually. The status quo no longer works. Life is full of plenty of bloodsuckers. It is time to cast them off. Individual power, when coupled with others, has the ability to ascend all ladders of society. It is now time to focus upon our own life and let others fend for themselves. Time is too valuable to waste upon the ingrates we encounter on a daily basis.

The Ego

Why would a blog about freedom deal with the subject of 'ego'? Does this mean that we have now entered the realm of psychology? Absolutely!

The reason why I am going to touch upon this subject is because it is our ego that causes us so much destruction and turmoil in our lives. I found that freedom is given away piece-by-piece simply because many listen to the ego. If they were able to control this animal, their lives would be enriched to a much greater degree.

Wealth

Everybody needs to decide for themselves what it means to be wealthy. For many, it means having all the nice cars, houses, and art collections. This is something that is wonderful to attain if one is able to keep it in the proper perspective. Sadly, most do not. Instead, they allow these items to own them. The possessions become the most important thing. This is the ego at work but few realize it.

To me, wealth equates to freedom. That is how I imagine it in my mind. Therefore, one who is not free is not considered wealthy by me. Sure that person might have a lot of money or things but the truth is that most are working their pants off to maintain it. People of this ilk are often over stressed, leveraged, and walking the fine line of economic collapse. They spend long hours trying to maintain their standards only to realize at the end they cannot take it with them. Few spend time in their dying days wishing they spent more time at the office working. Regret is commonplace among these people.

Wayne Dyer writes in many of his books about detachment. Now, I am not going to get metaphysical with you because personally I find it a waste of time. My preference is for the basics of the here and now. Regardless of that outlook, My. Dyer brings up some valid points. The essence of life is not wrapped up in things, achievement, or 'stuff'. Certainly those things are all nice. However, it is when one allows the ego takes over that those ends start taking control. And, the danger lies in the fact that enough is never enough for the ego. More is the mantra of this motivator. No matter what is achieved, the ego needs to be fed a larger quantity. Happiness can never result. This leads to an unsatisfied life.

That is why I believe a wealthy person is one who attained freedom in his or her life. This is a concept that holds true without regard to the amount of money attained. It is vital to point out that this is not proclaiming that poverty is the means to this end either. Hear me clearly when I state there is nothing wrong with material things or assets as long as they are held in their proper perspective. And, the only way to do this is to remove the ego from the situation as much as possible.

Self Esteem

A healthy self esteem is one of the major components of living a free life. When you consider the things the ego makes us do, you quickly realize that is the path to slavery. Consider all the creditors the average person is responsible for paying. How many of those purchases are made by the ego? Do you think a person with a healthy self worth needs a 'McMansion' that he or she cannot afford? Does a person of this nature buy an expensive foreign sports car amassing a large monthly payment for the next 60 months? The answer is NO. Someone who is healthy in this manner makes smart decisions based upon economic reality.

Personally, I could care what my neighbors think. My life is not lived according to their viewpoints. Recently, I realized that many of the people in my neighborhood purchased new vehicles. Now, I am a realist which leads me to believe these people did not pay cash for these automobiles. Instead, the finance these purchases. This is exchanging their time for a new asset. Sadly, it is one that will not appreciate. New vehicles depreciate the minute they are driven off the lot (that means goes down in value). Therefore, these people have years of payments for something that is going down in worth every month. Their car will be used long before the payments are completed.

This brings up the question, did these people need to purchase these cars? In my estimation they did not. From what I could see, they had vehicles that worked. In fact, some of the ones they got rid of are newer than the cars I have. Thus I surmise that ego was a factor in these purchasing decisions. Since I am not concerned with what others think, I am quite content to drive around in my automobiles that total 23 years of age between the two.

Please bear in mind the ego will use every tactic to take control. If you asked my neighbors if ego was the factor in making the decisions, they would deny it. They would state a host of other reasons for purchase like the reliability of a new vehicle (warranty), the deal they got, or the fact that their older car needed work. Whatever the reasoning, it never can justify the freedom sacrificed. Simply put, if it weren't for the ego, these purchases most likely would have not been made. But, few ever think of freedom until it is too late.

Therefore, I believe it most important for us to realize that our ego is a powerful mechanism that will only create misery and pain. The solution to this outcome is to continually work on our self esteem. The truth is that what you drive is not a reflection on you in any manner. Madison Avenue would like to make you believe that it is but that is incorrect. The qualities that reside within you are not contingent upon what you wear, the brand of show you wear, or any other material object. If you are a worthy person, it is because of the qualities you exhibit in your daily life. There are a lot of jackasses living in wealthy neighborhoods. At the same time, some of the best people are routinely overlooked because they don't exhibit the material wealth. Instead, they are people who are comfortable with themselves. They understand that things do not make them better people.

Understand this concept and begin to make purchasing decisions accordingly.

Thinking Differently

There is a saying 'if you want to get the results others get, do what they do". While this is true, there is a point that this outlook misses. The truth is that the only reason we do what others do is because we think the way they do. Therefore, if you want what others have, model your thinking after theirs.

Of course, this brings me to the point that I feel encompasses most of society: few pay attention to what they think about. Instead, they default to a particular mindset that was created by the environment they grew up in. This is where the term 'group think' comes from. People of the same ilk tend to think the same.

When it comes to freedom, my belief is that we need to think differently than the average person. The reason why I say this is because most people are woefully unhappy with their present state of affairs. They live existences that are mired in average. Exceptional, intoxicating, or motivating are not terms applied to how they live. Instead, because of the decisions that are made on a daily basis, people end up being slaves. They allow society to take over without a fight. The indoctrination process ensures that submission is almost completed by the time one reaches adulthood.

If you are going to continue to think in the same manner as everyone else, then you are assured of following in this same pattern. Strategic rebellion is always a good thing. Of course, the word strategic guarantees that we are not rebelling just to rebel. That is a childish approach. This method means that someone actively looks at what society promotes and consciously decides what applies. In each instance, one needs to ask, is this belief helping or hindering my life? The answer dictates whether that belief remains or is removed.

I write often about the importance of thinking. There is nothing more crucial than taking control of your mindset. It is the one factor, if selected, that you can control in all instances. Considering freedom in everything you do is a route that few take. Most never consider the impact of present decisions on future freedom. For example, when one buys a car, he or she usually looks at the monthly payment as to whether it is affordable. Rarely does one take the time to really consider how this decision will affect future freedom. A monthly expense compounded over a number of years equates to a big loss. The opportunity cost of the car is high when compared to investing that money at an average return.

Understanding the mistaken thinking that the average person presents on a daily basis is vital in our pursuit of total freedom. Over the next few posts I am going to spell out some how this appears. Beginning the process in our mind will ensure success. Remember, it isn't the actions of others that we are concerned with but, rather, the thinking behind it.

1000%

This is a concept that makes so much sense but is rarely applied in most people's lives. Looking around at the way the average person approaches his or her life, it is easy to realize that most operate on only a few percent. What do I mean by this? Basically, those who live exceptional lives approach everything with 1000% effort. They give all they have to the task they are confronted with.

Getting Results

One of the major factors in determining the results we get is the energy which we approach a particular task. Those who are able to summon the motivation to give all effort attain a greater degree of success than those who do not. This is an idea that has been around for ages. Those who give it their all achieve more. It is that simple.

Of course, I am preaching to the choir since everyone experiences this in life to one degree or another. Have you ever noticed how effortless it is to be totally committed to a task when it is something that you love? There are times when we have 1000% effort and are completely focused upon what we are doing. During those intervals, we experience a greater degree of success and happiness. Some people call it being in the zone.

However, success in life is not determined by how well we do those things that we love. The truth is that the level of achievement we attain is a direct result of how well we do those things that we dislike. Life mandates that we engage in certain activities which are not pleasurable in our eyes. Paying bills is something that comes to mind. Nevertheless, this is something that all of us have to do. Approaching this task in a lethargic manner will result in us making mistakes. It also indicates how we engage in the other tasks in life that we detest. Operating at 1000% means that we approach everything with the greatest amount of energy and enthusiasm we can muster.

Getting results sometimes means getting past the 'chores' in our lives as quickly as we can. It also means that we do them to the best of our ability. Certainly many of these tasks are not life and death. But as I said, they are an indicator of our overall outlook.

Go As Far As Possible

Most people settle in life. They adopt the outlook of a slave because society establishes it. People follow the edicts of our culture by believing in what is promoted. We enslave ourselves financially with our purchasing decisions. Career paths are followed even though they are detested for fear of changing. People spend their lives married to a man or woman they dislike simply because dogma says to split is a sin. The bottom line is that living exceptionally is not in the plans for most people. Instead, they opt to sacrifice their freedom in every manner.

A 1000% mindset means that all is going to be attained. We live in a world where you have 360 degrees of possibilities. You can do whatever you want. When you adopt the principles that I write about here and seek to implement them with all the effort you can muster, you will see far different outcomes. The world literally can become your oyster.

I often write about the importance of having the minimalist mindset. Here is an example of how you can do something at 1000%. Approach the stuff in your life with the outlook that you are going to declutter to the max. Get rid of all the excess you can with the knowledge that this is one major step to your living a free life. Seek to control your spending by only purchasing that which is truly needed. Seek the least expensive approach to those things that you do require while saving the excess. Start studying, learning, and implementing ideas for investing to enable your money to grow. Find those things in your life that are enslaving you and eliminate them immediately. A change in outlook is often all that is required.

Quantify

The idea is to quantify your level of effort and motivation. While doing this in every situation is a bit neurotic, the point is to start to focusing on increasing your level as you approach things. Of course, statistically speaking we knowing that 100% effort is the maximum. Thus, 1000% is unrealistic. I use this number to emphasize going all out in everything.

Which brings up the next hindrance: we know that 100% effort in all we do is not feasible. There simply are times when we are tired, frustrated, or bored. It is these moments that a system to quantify our efforts is helpful. If, for example, we are approaching something that will we give 10% effort to, is it possible to go to 20%? Notice how we didn't move to 100% but, rather, simply tried to double our efforts. Certainly giving 1/5 of our abilities is not something that is too out of line. This is something that most of us can handle in every situation, wouldn't you agree?

Since we believe this is possible, recognize the happened. We just doubled the amount of effort and motivation we normally had. How do you think this will affect our results? I tend to believe, that over the long haul, we will attain a better outcome because of this. That is how powerful a quantifying system can be.

Therefore, whatever you are doing from now on, simply ask yourself what level am I at presently. Determine a number and seek to improve on it. If you find you are at 30%, seek out ways to make it 40% or 50%. Any increase will result in a more positive outcome for that particular task. However, the big payoff comes when you develop the habit of continually raising your life to another level. This is where you start move from the average life to the exceptional.

Begin using this tactic today.

Happy Thanksgiving

Today is the day to give thanks in the United States. I commented earlier in the week to something that I found it intriguing that we have Black Friday the day after we assemble to give thanks for all the blessings in our lives. Consumerism penetrated all aspects of our lives. Holidays lost the original intent and, thus, are simply another reason to hold a 'storewide' sale.

I am so thankful that I am at this point in my life. The next few weeks will be interesting. I wrote yesterday that the batch going Goodwill is expanding. I talked with Kitten today and she added another couple bags full of clothes. We both are adopting this life. It is wonderful to be with someone who gets it also. She wants the freedom that I described to her. Together, along with anyone else we implement, we will get there.

Earlier, I read a blog which really struck a cord with me. In it, Everett Bogue wrote that he met a friend of his and discussed this lifestyle. Through their conversation, the secret was revealed which was shared in the post. Fortunately, I am going to pass it along as freely as it was given to be. The secret is: You need to lead a lifestyle that you want people to live. In others words, as was states, lead a really cool life and blog about it.

That really hit home with me. This is what I was always seeking. Ever since I can remember, I wanted to lead a cool life yet simply did not know how. Now, I am really starting to understand. Freedom is the most important things in my life. The minimalist mindset is only the start. This is an outlook that I feel certain will lead to all my goals. It is the key that I sought for many years.

So, on this Thanksgiving Day , my life is leading in a different direction. I have established a drop dead date to exit my present prison and step into total freedom. The clock is counting. It is exciting while also instilling some fear. But overall, I know I will succeed.

Happy Turkey Day everyone.