The 4-Hour Work Week Meme Roundup
Back in September I asked the questions “What Would You Do With An Extra 36-Hours Each Week?” a question catalyzed by the book, The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss. If you have not read the book, I highly recommend it. The book is filled with truly out of the box productivity tips and insights that can help you get more done in less time (even if a 4-hour work week doesn’t appeal to you).
I posed the question, knowing that by taking the time to actually envision how we would fill those extra 36-hours would be a powerful exercise in creating a life with that level of freedom.
Over the last few weeks, there have been some wonderful entries outlining all the ways that those extra 36-hours will be put into use.
It’s been interesting to see the creative ways that people would fill their time. It’s also been quite eye-opening to realize that most of us have very similar thoughts. Here is a list of the most common ideas for filling up that extra 36-hours.
Creative Expression. At least half of the people who replied would use the time to be creative. Several people would write a book and there were a surprising number of musicians on the list.
Spend more time with family and friends. Another common theme was to spend more (Quality) time with family members and friends.
Exercise was another big one. Several people included “working out more” on the list. Some got specific including such things as yoga, rock climbing, a disc golf to name just a few.
Another big one was Sleep. They say that we’re a culture of chronically sleep deprived people. So adding an hour or two of sleep a night was a popular way to fill up those 36-hours.
Reading was also popular. Jeesh, as if we don’t read enough with all of these awesome blogs!
And the winner of the “oddest” thing that someone would do to fill up their days goes to Adam Kayce. He would play more Quelf: The Board Game that Gives Random a New Name!
I highly recommend that you check out some of the posts from folks who played along. It was quite fun seeing what other people would do. And I actually found myself adding to my list when I found another great idea.
And if you missed the post back in September and would like to play along, write a post and I’ll add it to the list.
And if you did play and I missed your post, drop me a line using the comment form above and I’ll add you to the list.
So here is the list of participants.
Phil Gerbyshak at Make it Great.
Emily at Considering the Universe.
Gleb at Personal Development Ideas.
Zoe at Law of Attraction For Inspired Living.
Lyman at Creating a Better Life.
Priscilla at Personal Development Demands Success.
Jeannette at the Law of Attraction Playground.
Judy at The Work Life Monitor.
SJ at Personal Development for the Book Smart.
And a few folks left their replies in the comments of the original 4-Hour Work Week post.
3 Law of Attraction Books To Add To Your Fall Reading List
The lineup of Fall releases for Law of Attraction books is looking great! I was just poking around at Amazon and found three awesome Law of Attraction books to add to my Autumn reading list! Here they are.
The Astonishing Power of Emotions
First up is a new book from Esther and Jerry Hicks (The Teachings of Abraham) The Astonishing Power of Emotions
will help you understand the emotions that you’ve been experiencing all of your life. Instead of the out-of-control, knee-jerk reactions that most people have to their ever-changing life experience, this work will put those responses into a broader context. You’ll come to understand what emotions are, what each of them means, and how to effectively utilize your new awareness of them.
The Astonishing Power of Emotions is also available as an 8-CD Audio set.
The Key: The Missing Secret for Attraction Anything You Want 
Next is Joe Vitale’s new book, The Key: The Missing Secret for Attracting Anything You Want
The Key shows how a person must first rid themselves of unconscious self-limiting beliefs if they want to reach their full potential and attain the things they say they want from life. Inside every person are “counter-intentions” that actually attract the things they don’t want and prevent them from getting those things they do. The Key reveals ten proven ways to remedy the situation and end self-sabotage forever. For anyone who knows they can achieve more but doesn’t know why it isn’t working for them, The Key reveals the psychological and unconscious limitations that are holding them back. Like all of Joe Vitale’s other bestselling books, The Key: The Missing Secret for Attracting Anything You Want
The Secret Gratitude Book 
And finally, Rhonda Byrne, the creator of the movie and book, The Secret (Extended Edition)
As a lifetime learner and a devoted student of the Law of Attraction, I’ll definitely be diving in to these when they come out. You might want to add them to your Fall reading list too!
Outsource Your Life
I finally gave in to the buzz surrounding Timothy Ferriss’s new book, The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich. Thanks to Dawud for the final push!
And I’m glad I did. It’s full of practical suggestions for streamlining your work life. (Watch for a complete review when I finish the book).
Last week, when I was about half-way through the book I got intrigued by the Outsource Your Life concept and did a little surfing to see what I could find. I came across this article by A.J. Jacobs. It’s hilarious! And, if you’ve been wondering what sort of tasks you might be able to outsource, it’s also filled with some very interesting options you probably haven’t considered!
If you’ve already read the Four Hour Work Week, you’ll recognize the article since Timothy excerpts a big chunk of it on his chapter on global arbitrage.
Go read A.J.’s article, and if you haven’t picked up the The 4-Hour Workweek, I highly recommend it!
Ho‘oponopono and Zero Limits
Last week I finished reading Joe Vitale’s new book, Zero Limits: The Secret Hawaiian System for Wealth, Health, Peace, and More
For me, Ho‘oponopono is the logical extension of the Law of Attraction. It takes the idea of self-responsibility, perhaps the key component to the successful application of the Law of Attraction, to its logical next level.
This is actually what attracted me to the Law of Attraction in the first place. I felt this level of self-responsibility was hidden just beneath the surface of the first Law of Attraction books I read including Excuse Me, Your Life Is Waiting: The Astonishing Power of Feelings
Ho’oponopono makes this idea of taking full responsibility for everything explicit. You are responsible, not only for your own life, but for everything that comes into your life. How’s that for a zinger?
Now I will readily acknowledge that this concept is not going to appeal to everyone. And that’s fine. In fact, that’s actually exactly as it should be. There’s no need for everyone to embrace this rather radical personal growth idea.
But for those who do embrace it, I sense that the potential for rapid life changes is massive!
In a nutshell, Ho‘oponopono says that whatever comes into your life is your responsibility and that it is your job to “clean” it by cleaning what is inside of you.,
So if you find yourself engaged in a conversation with someone who is “negative” Ho‘oponopono says it is a reflection of some negativity in yourself and therefore you are responsibile for”cleaning’ yourself.
If you find yourself reading the newspaper and becoming angry about something happening on the other side of the world, again, Ho’oponopono says that it is your responsibility. And to change it, you change yourself.
I wonder if Gandhi had somehow managed to study Ho’oponopono before coming up with his often-quoted phrase, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world?”
Unlikely. But what is more likely, is that Gandhi understood, as all truly great leaders do, that the way you change your world is by changing yourself.
Hooponopono provides guidance for those interested in Being the Change and Changing The World!
Again, this concept is not for everyone. But even if you choose not to embrace the possibility that you are responsible for EVERYTHING that comes into your life, Ho‘oponopono is a truly powerful system that can transform every aspect of your life.
In the book, Zero Limits, Joe defines Ho‘oponopono as “To Make Right.” I love that.
But when I was on Kauai with my wife back in May, I happened to walk by the office door of a Ho‘oponopono practitioner. And on the door was this definition:
“To Make Right More Right.”
I love that even more!
Notice the statement doesn’t say “To make better.” When there is no judgment there is no “better.” There is only “more right”
To Make Right More Right makes it very clear that there is no wrong or bad. Whatever comes into our lives – perceptions, people, experiences, thoughts – all of it is right!
Our job is not to judge any of it or deny it or avoid it. Our job is to find what is already right, and make it more right.
All you can do is take what is already right and make it more right!
What is in your life right now that could be made “more right?” What will you do today, right now, to begin making it even more right?
16 Personal Development Lessons From Harry Potter
Over the past 10-years or so, The Harry Potter Series has developed from a cute young-adult adventure into a well-written tale with some serious lessons for both young and old adults.Here are just a few of the lessons that I came up with after finishing the latest, and last, installment in this series.
[Spoiler's Note: While I have attempted to avoid giving away too much, there is some information in this list that might spoil the ending for you if you have not already finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
16 Personal Development Lessons From Harry Potter
1. You Can’t Do It Alone.
When faced with a personal challenge, whether internal or external, it is much easier to move through it with support and assistance. The Beatles knew this when they sang “I get by with a little help from my friends.” Tolkien knew that Frodo could not accomplish his task alone. So he had Samwise risk his life to make sure Frodo would not be alone on his journey into Mordor. J.K. Rowling knew this when she put Hermione and Ron on the job with Harry. We all need support, especially when the challenge we face is one that tests us, stretches us and pushes us to the very edge of our comfort zone and beyond.
2. Ultimately You Must Do It Alone.
No, this isn’t a contradiction. We absolutely need support. However, ultimately, we are the only ones who can take the step to growth. The phrase “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink,” is so true. Having strong support can lead us to the lake, but we have to reach down and get the water ourselves. Again, Tolkien and Rowling had it right when they recognized that at some point (or several points) on the journey their heroes would have to be on their own, forced to choose for themselves and take those difficult steps on their own. So it is for us in our personal growth. We can be supported, encouraged, guided and mentored, but ultimately we are the only ones who can choose and take the actions.
3. Acknowledging Your Weaknesses Can Be More Important Than Increasing Your Strengths.
Voldemort’s downfall was his unwillingness to acknowledge his weaknesses. He was convinced that by increasing his power he would be able to overcome anything and everyone. Ultimately it was his inability to see his weakness that led to his end. While focusing exclusively on our weaknesses is not healthy or helpful, ignoring them is equally foolish. Know your strengths. Empower them and make them stronger. But also acknowledge and accept your weaknesses. Strengthen those that can be strengthened and ask for help and support with those that cannot be. Ignore your weaknesses at your own peril.
4. Learn To Trust Your Intuition.
Intuition, that inner knowing that speaks in moments of quiet as well as in moments of great need, can lead us to safety…if we listen and act on it. In the final book we see Harry learning to listen to and trust his intuition more and more. He began to stand firm in his willingness to follow his intuitive “hits” even in the face of disagreement from those around him.
5. Sometimes It’s Best To Wait.
Action is important. Movement is necessary. And, sometimes there is a need to wait. Learning to distinguish between the indecision and paralysis that comes from confusion and the inner guidance encouraging you to wait a bit before making a decision is a critical life skill. And it can only be learned through trial and error. By the end of book 7 Harry had learned to distinguish this difference.
6. A Circle Has No Beginning And No Ending.
We have Luna Lovegood to thank for this one. Luna, in her endearing and magical connection to reality spoke this at a critical moment. It not only allowed them to access the information they needed, it also placed an important concept in Harry’s head that would serve him, and save him, at the end of the book. This is such an important concept to remember. Let’s cut to the chase here. If we think of birth as a beginning and death as an ending it sets up a sense of urgency and a tone of seriousness that we carry through our lives. If we open to the possibility that life is, indeed a circle, with no beginning and no ending, it gives us permission to lighten up and take things a bit less seriously. A lesson many of us can benefit from. Harry did!
7. Ask And It Is Given.
Without a doubt Harry and his friends are working it. They are taking action. And throughout the books their actions are rewarded by the appearance of the support, resources and things they need. When you ask, and take action, the Universe always answers. The answer may not always come in the timeframe you would like or the manner that you expect, but if you take action and remain open, your asking is always answered.
8. Hope Is Present Even In The Depths Of Hopelessness.
Harry and his friends experienced plenty of hopelessness. And yet, even in their darkest moments, they had the ability to grab onto that tiny thread of hope that illuminated their path. Perhaps because they were still young and not yet tainted by the cloud of “reality” that hovers over most of us older folks, they were able to find hope even in the darkest of moments.
9. That Which You Most Fear Is More Afraid of You.
Throughout the series we have glimpses of the fear that Voldemort feels towards Harry Potter. His inability to understand how Harry lived eats away at him even as he gives the outward appearance of growing in power. The things we fear are even more afraid of us. We know the truth. Our fears don’t. So the next time you find yourself struggling to step through a fear, remember that what you fear, fears you more!
10. Our Thoughts Do Not Determine Our Character, Our Actions Do.
This insightful tidbit comes from the latest movie when Sirius, in his last moments, assures Harry that it is not the thoughts in his head that determine whether he is good or evil, but rather which thoughts he chooses to act on. Our thoughts are very often out of our control. But our actions are always in our control. Which thoughts do you choose to act on? That, more than anything else, determines the quality of your character and of your life.
11. The Battle Is Won Or Lost Long Before The Swords (Wands) Are Crossed.
This is a concept I learned long ago in my karate training. The Dojo is a reflection of the world. The way you train, the intensity and focus you bring to the Dojo, determines the results you will have in the “real” world. Harry and his friends in the DA (Dumbledore’s Army) trained as if their lives depended on it. And their lives did depend on it! The Death Eaters, on the other hand, let Voldemort’s apparent invincibility lull them into laziness. And when the time came for the DA to cross wands with the Death Eaters, guess who won.
12. Don’t Wear A Horcrux Around Your Neck!
We all have Horcruxes that we carry around with us. You know what I’m talking about: The wedding ring from a previous marriage, the love letters from an ex-girlfriend, the pink slip from our last job. Any object that ties you to the past qualifies as a Horcrux. These objects keep you from being fully present in the moment. They draw your attention into the past, leaving you with less energy to devote to your present. Scan your life to see if you are carrying around a horcrux. If you are, immediately find yourself a Basilix tooth or Gryffindor’s Sword and destroy it!
13. When In Doubt, Choose Trust.
When given a choice between trust and doubt, it’s far too easy to choose the latter. Whether conscious or otherwise, most of us slip into a place of mistrust at the slightest trigger. Certainly there are times when a healthy dose of caution is warranted, but in many cases our lack of trust keeps potentially helpful people at a distance. Often these are people who would otherwise be able to assist us in the manifestation of our desires. Harry learned this lesson when he discovered the truth about Snape. (See 14 below).
14. Perception Is Not Always An Accurate Reflection of Reality.
There were so many examples of this throughout the series. But the most obvious example comes at the end when Harry discovers the truth about Snape. Our perceptions and beliefs about the world around us usually have very little in common with what is true. Don’t always trust YOUR reality. Remember that everyone has their own personal reality and most of them probably don’t match yours.
15. Know What You Are Fighting For.
Harry and his friends were fighting not just for their own lives, but for the lives of their loved ones, for their world and their way of life. Their fight was a means to an end. And that end was a powerful, driving force that fueled them in the battle. For Voldemort the battle was the end. There was nothing beyond it and no fuel beyond his lust for power. Do you know what you are fighting for? Is there an end beyond your daily grind that fuels you to keep going?
16. Love Is More Powerful Than Fear
Voldemort’s power is based on fear. He controls his Death Eaters with fear. But while fear may, for a short time, control and motivate people to act, ultimately that control breaks down. The force that connects Harry and his friends is Love. Their love for one another binds them together into a cohesive whole that is far more powerful than the fear-filled and isolated soldiers that Voldemort has assembled. Harry and his friends are fighting for love and it is love that gives them the courage and strength to overcome the raw force of Voldemort and his minions.
So there you have it: 16 personal development lessons from Harry Potter.
I know there are quite a few more. If you have one, leave it below in the comments. If there are enough new ones added, I’ll create a new post with all of them and include a link back to you if you have a blog.
The Four Criteria of Purpose Projects
And now for another stop on Life on Purpose: Six Passages to an Inspired Life
I’ve been following Brad Swift and his work at Life on Purpose Institute for a couple of years, so it was a nice surprise to get an email from the publicist of his book asking me to join the blog book tour.
Dr Swift’s book is packed with information and processes to help you understand what a Life Purpose is, and clarify yours. And there are some true gems hidden in that information.
Where the book truly stood out for me was at the beginning and the end. Brad lays a strong foundation for a journey into a purposeful life by laying out The Top 10 Benefits to Knowing and Living Your Purpose. From Focus and Passion to Grace and Flow, when I read these benefits, I got truly jazzed about clarifying and deepening my purpose even more.
I especially resonated with benefit #6 – FUN! For this one Brad quoted a line from the movie Bagger Vance: “God is happiest when his children are at play.” I love that!
But one of the most powerful insights from the book came near the end when Brad discusses Purpose Projects and gives four criteria to check if a project is, indeed, one with Purpose.
The four criteria are:
1. It is satisfying and fulfilling.
2. It is in service to others.
3. It is based in love, not fear.
4. It is the context and vessel that holds and shapes your life.
These criteria have been a great help to me as I streamline my life and weed out projects there are not purposeful. Applying these criteria to existing projects is simple. And the feedback, in most cases, is instant.
Try it.
While there are some great insights and powerful tools in this book, I do want to mention two things that got in my way when I was reading it.
First, I agree with Nneka that the fictional couple that Brad follows through the process of finding and creating a life on purpose was not compelling for me. (Honestly, I skipped over most of those sections).
And second, I sometimes found the transitions from Brad’s description of a concept into the exercises to be too abrupt. There were several times that I was happily reading along, wanting and expecting a more complete description of a concept or process when I suddenly found myself in the middle of an exercise.
One last thing that is worth mentioning. Brad sprinkles inspiring quotes throughout the book which I found very helpful. Here’s one that I particularly enjoyed:
When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all of your thoughts break their bonds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive and you discover yourself to be a greater person than you ever dreamed yourself to be.
Patanjali, Indian Philosopher.
The bottom line: If you want some inspiration and practical tools for finding and living a Life on Purpose, this book may be just what you’re looking for.
How Do You Connect To The Divine?
Adam Kayce over at Monk at Work has started two very interesting conversations. The first, How Do You Orient to The Divine, has generated some very insightful comments and inspired me to ask yesterday’s question about my Coaching with God blog.
And today’s entry, I’d Rather Be Rich Than Right, made me think of my own journey from a deep questioning into a deep connection with the Divine.
My struggle to come to terms with my relationship with God, Source, the Divine (use whatever term you choose) continues to this day, but it seemed to come to a head perhaps 10-years ago when I first read The Conversations with God Books
Soon after reading those books I was inspired to write a song (I was a performing songwriter at the time) that I called Thank You God. It was, and is, a beautiful song (unbiased opinion!). But it was over 2-years before I had the gumption to perform that song in public.
My upbringing in a middle class, Jewish suburb had exposed me to a religous experience that seemed – to me – devoid of any spiritual depth. I’m sure there was some true connection there, but there was no doorway through which I could connect with that spirituality.
So for me, the term God became associated with a religion that was all structure but no substance. So how could I perform a song that thanked God? It felt hypocritical.
By the time I wrote that song I had no problem acknowledging my connection with the Divine. I felt connected to Spirit or Source through my intuitive training and my ritual training with Malidoma Some and Francis Weller.
But the word God still felt off-limits.
I don’t remember what shifted for me on that evening when I decided to share my song. But it was a truly empowering moment for me. As I performed the song, a friend who had brought along some drums, jumped up to the front with me and started drumming. It sounded great. And it felt great!
The Divine, Source, Spirit, Great Mystery, God… The name doesn’t matter. It is the feeling that matters. But my resistance to the word God was creating a barrier to my connection with the Divine.
In that moment when I sang Thank You God, I released a big piece of that resistance and claimed a deeper connection with the Divine.
And I have been consciously striving to deepen that connection ever since!
So let me ask you:
What term do you use for the Divine?
Do any of the words that we use to call the Divine cause you to put up walls and resist your connection to the Divine?
Here You Are Alive. Would You Like To Make A Comment?
Last night my wife and I were browsing a local bookstore when I came across a new (for me) Mary Oliver book, Long Life: Essays and Other Writings
But I have never read any of her prose. And this book called out to me from the shelves. There is such a brilliant observation in the introduction that Mary applies to poetry but that I feel is equally applicable to blogging, and I would like to share it with you.
Poets [Bloggers] must read and study, but also they must learn to tilt and whisper, shout or dance, each in his or her own way, or we might just as well copy the old books. But, no, that would never do, for always the new self swimming around in the old world feels itself uniquely verbal. And that is just the point: how the world, moist and bountiful, calls to each of us to make a new and serious response. That’s the big question, the one the world throws at you every morning. “Here you are, alive. Would you like to make a comment?” This book is my comment.
This blog is my comment, a fair bit less eloquently stated than Miss Oliver’s comments, but nonetheless unique and worthwhile.
So when you wake up tomorrow and the world says to you, as it does every day, “Here you are alive. Would you like to make a comment?” How are you going to answer?
Simpleology Book Bonuses End Today – Get My Sold Out Bonus CD
I just found out that today is the last day to get the amazing bonuses when you purchase the New York Times Bestselling book by Mark Joyner, Simpleology: The Simple Science of Getting What You Want
And, if you order today, as an Evolving Times reader, I will add you to the list for my sold out bonus CD: An Introduction to Brainwave Entrainment for Personal Growth and Success! This is the same CD that will be selling on this site in 2-weeks for $24.95!
So click on the book link to head over to Amazon and purchase your copy of Simpleology: The Simple Science of Getting What You Want. Then once you receive your confirmation email, visit the Simpleology bonus page and choose your bonuses!
And don’t forget to let me know that you purchased the book today so that you can receive your bonus CD!
Find The Simpleology Easter Egg And Win!
Are you ready for some Wednesday fun? Phase two of the Simpleology book launch has begun. Here’s a blurb from the email I just received:
If you go to:
The Simpleology book page there are three steps there.
Somewhere on Step 1, 2, or 3 there is a surprising “Easter egg.”
An Easter egg is something hidden inside of a web page or a
program.
Now here’s the best part. I’m offering two prizes for playing.
Two Evolving Times readers will receive the following prize: A free 3-month subscription to the Law of Attraction Toolbox accelerated learning audio recordings. That means, beginning with the release of the brand new CD, An Introduction To Brainwave Entrainment Technology For Personal Growth And Success later this month and continuing through the June release, you’ll receive a free CD focusing on a specific aspect of the Law of Attraction and utilizing brainwave entrainment technology to assist you in understanding and integrating the information into your life.
How do you win? Two ways:
The first person to contact me with the location of the “Easter Egg” will be the first winner. Use the contact form in the tabs above.
And the person with the highest score at 12:00pm (pacific time) Friday, will be the second winner. I’ll be tallying scores Friday afternoon, so make sure you send me your highest score by noon on Friday!
And while you’re over there, if you haven’t ordered your Simpleology book yet, head over to amazon and order Simpleology: The Simple Science of Getting What You Want
Oh, and if you’re wondering, I found the Easter Egg. But I’m not giving out any hints. You’re on your own.
Ready, set, go!
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