Is Your Mind Closed?

written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach (TM)

"Just as a clinched had receives no gifts, a closed mind receives no knowledge!" K.C. The Prosperator

Part of my personal mission is to think outside the box. That addition to my personal mission statement was born out of my desire to escape labels and societal packaging. It was also born out of my desire to stay open to new ideas and ways of thinking that are contrary to my own.

I noticed that a primary trait of people who are stagnate was that they always have their way of doing things and were rarely open to new ideas. Like a person who refuses to use a computer in the information age. That's an extreme example, but you get the picture.

Through study, I became aware of the fact that thoughts elicit behavior and who I am today is directly connected to the thoughts and actions I had yesterday. The good news is that we can change tomorrow by changing how we think today. Most of our challenges reside in subleties and in the blind spots that we either don't know exist or just simply can't move past. Many of us don't even realize how close-minded we really are.

A simple definition of being closed-mind is "not ready to receive new ideas". It is also often defined as "intolerant of the beliefs and opinions of others; stubbornly unreceptive to new ideas." People habitually race back to the ammunition supply of what thoughts they feel support their ideas, and then shoot down everything about the "new idea" without first checking some important things out about the "new" idea. Even the appearance of being close minded shuts down discussion, limits the number of concepts that are generated and considered and almost always results in a less than optimal decision or result.

Close mindedness is often supported by fear. Even the smartest most knowledgeable person can be imprisoned by fear and maintain a closed mind in an effort to protect themselves or the opinions of others. Our ego loves to feel special so we often identify with our mindsets, thought patterns and behaviors in a covert way to make ourselves feel special. In other words, right or wrong, our thoughts and beliefs become who we are.

I've had clients say things like, "Just face it, I'm stupid" or "Most people are stupid". We often make generalizations about ourselves or others because we are afraid to explore a new way of thinking or behaving. Sometimes we are so afraid to explore a new way of thinking or behaving.

Sometimes we are so afraid of a new idea or way of thinking that we resist it because we don't like the person that it comes from. Some of us are so afraid that we are constantly judging others in an effort to support the limited mindset that we dwell in.

If you find that you are not making progress you deserve, then take a good luck at your thoughts and beliefs. Your beliefs are like a flower pot. If you want a flower plant to grow bigger you have to repot it. If you want to grow personally, professionally, spiritually and emotionally, you have to root yourself in beliefs and thoughts that support who you want to be. Give your soul's permission to guide you. What you may lose in the process is nothing compared to the avalanch of blessings that your soul will guide you to.

Differences

Written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach ™

I am placing lots of emphasis lately on thoughts and the energy they represent and how they define who we are. I am inspired to do so because so much effort is placed on controlling and directing our thoughts. So, my personal thought is that we can’t spend too much time on this subject. It’s of critical importance that we understand what to think, how to think and how to control our thoughts and ultimate states of mind. This way of thinking will clearly define who we are, our environment and the results we receive. It will ultimately determine whether we live successful and productive lives or lives filled with suffering and fallen dreams. Remember, our environment is a reflection of our thoughts and predominant attitude. I want to continue our discussion on the power of the critical mind as it relates to how we are manipulated and controlled by the prevailing mindset that focuses on differences.

This mindset is centered on competition and is one of the prevailing reasons for our failures and shortcomings. It causes us to remain in a constant state of judgment about ourselves and others. We are almost always measuring and comparing; and ultimately losing site of our personal uniqueness and authenticity. The competitive mind blocks our access to the Creative mind; which in social settings often leaves the impression that we are phony, fake, insecure and unproductive. And many times those impressions are true. The good news is that we can begin the process of transforming all of that just by changing our predominant thoughts and mental attitude.

When this country was first founded, and some would argue that this mindset continues, a tremendous amount of emphasis was placed on differences. It was chic or fashionable to control the thoughts of others and how to do it was a hot topic of conversation, lectures and business practices. People were enslaved, controlled and manipulated using techniques centered on this mindset. The model or way of thinking that defined and emphasized differences continues to be the source of much pain and suffering. The way in which the masses of people were controlled was through the exaggeration, controlled energy and tremendous physical attention that was placed on differences. I argue that both the residue of the overt practice of mind control continues today. It is not as chic or fashionable today to openly talk about controlling the mindsets of others through differences. So many of us are confused and blind to the fact that this mindset is still very prevalent and that many of us remain victims and often victimize others using the very mindset that we find so disgusting.

Many of us define ourselves based on how different we are from the next person. We are almost always looking for a way to make ourselves feel that we are better than someone else. We use age, skin color, religion, weight, upbringing, hair texture, where we live, material wealth, money and anything else we can find to define who we are and how we rank in society. The quality of our connection to our Creator and how authentic we are is rarely used as a measuring stick. We express confidence or insecurity as a result of the value we place on these differences. So, if we live in a better neighborhood or drive a certain car, we may feel secure and confident. We then have been taught to use these differences and the related emotions and assumptions to create distrust and envy which is sometimes expressed overtly and other times is expressed subtly and discreetly. This creation of distrust and envy leads to our own insecurities and stress. And I don’t think I have to tell you what the energy of insecurity and stress produce.

Advertisers often use our addiction to this mindset to help sell products by suggesting that we will be better than the next person if we use this product or drive that car or live in this neighborhood. The standards or charactaristics of superioririty are often very trendy and change quickly. They leave us constantly scrambling to both consciously and subconsciously live up to these unattainable standards of false excellence. It even affects our relationships and how we treat one another. So, the whole way we handle one another is based on differences and the assumptions that we make about that person as a result of our inordinate obsession with these differences. We make assumptions about people because of their skin color, their eye color, their job, age, status and children, for example; ignoring or never even caring about who and what they truly are.

See thought and energy are power. What we focus on is who we are. So when we focus on differences, assumptions, judgment and criticism and this behavior is institutionally supported almost everywhere we go, we miss the fact that there is one life force that flows through us all. There is not a limited supply of blessings. No one person has access to ALL the blessings in the Universe. We all have a purpose and a reason for being.

What did you show up on the planet to do? Why are you here? You are not a mistake. When we recognize the Source of all things in everything we do, we understand how petty our comparisons and differences truly are. We ignore the Mercy and Infinite Wisdom of our Creator and adopt a belief system that tells us that one person is better than the next because of some superficial standard of so-called excellence. We are misguided and off-track. As a result, we are almost always off course, acting other than ourselves and living a life that does not support our mission on this earth. Our differences are simply the unique way in which our Creator expresses the Power that we all have access to. So to cut someone out or control them based on differences is to disrespect your own Creative power.

Few of us are exempt from this crime of discrimination, self judgment and ego-centered thinking. You are a beautifully made, unique individual that was placed on this planet for a reason. Be courageous enough to think outside the box. Accept someone into your life that is different from you. Acknowledge the divine expression manifested in the next person and unfairly characterized as a difference. Dare to embrace diversity. Redefine who you are by changing your thoughts. Stop being controlled by the dominant mindset that encourages you to look down on someone because they are not like you or to judge yourself because you are not like the next person. You must understand that progress and innovation may depend less on lone thinkers with enormous IQs than on diverse people working together and capitalizing on their individuality. A person that displays a range of perspectives will likely be more successful that one is closed minded and afraid to think outside the box.

You don’t have to run out and try to urge people of different races and religions to come over for dinner. While you certainly, should be open, start with the people around you. Take baby steps. Look at the content of a person's character and not what makes them different. Embrace differences in your friends and family members. Be open to different viewpoints.

Have you been discriminating against someone for one reason or another? Take a moment to talk to this person. Think of how you wouldn’t want someone to throw you away because of your differences. You want to be heard, recognized and respected without assumption or prejudice. You can only get what you want if you give what you want. Treat the next person as you would want to be treated and watch how you begin to evolve out of this old way of thinking and into a rich new life of abundance and security.

Wendy Franklin Muhammad, is a Business Consultant, Cutting Edge Thought Leader and Trainer.

Socially Ignorant

Leadership Traits That Make a Difference

“The biggest obstacle to learning something new is the belief that you already know it. “

Written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach ™

None of us wants to willingly engage in socially ignorant behavior or to be labeled as misfits. We all desire to be successful, especially in social settings. Unfortunately, most of us don’t realize just how critical our social behaviors can be. So keep an open mind and think about how we all can improve our social intelligence skills and avoid being labeled as socially retarded.

Have you ever met someone who has no idea how to act or communicate in the presence of others, but they don’t get embarrassed because they have no idea that they are about as socially developed as a six or ten year old? Do you know someone who has no personal or social boundaries and doesn’t respect yours? They probe and investigate into everyone’s business and every sentence that comes from their mouth starts with who, what, when, where or how, for example? They show up to a dinner party dressed just like you tell all your business to strangers or engage in extreme behaviors just to get attention. They borrow personal items like clothes, underwear or a toothbrush, without your permission. You know, the person you invite to your house for the first time and they head straight to your freezer asking if you can thaw out some chicken? They tell you things about themselves that are uncomfortable and far too personal for someone that you don’t know that well; like how they had diarrhea or details about their monthly menstrual cycle. They jump around like little children, virtually screaming, “look at me” “look at me” and their behavior is reminiscent of your ten year old. Attention seeking is often manifested in their clothing style, mimicking others, cursing, loud laughter, anger, excessive conversations about themselves, others or anything they can think of that will help them to get noticed. Sometimes they don’t talk at all and just sit around saying nothing in the presence of others or they struggle to make small talk and hold a basic conversation. They have no social or personal boundaries and don’t expect you to have any either.

There are so many examples that I can think of and I’m sure you can think of your own. I remember once I was Consulting at a large company (that shall remain nameless). I was eating a salad and had an unopened, plump, juicy orange sitting on a napkin next to my salad container. You know what I mean by an unopened orange, right? I had peeled it but had not broken open the sections. Anyway, one of the Executives that I had been waiting to see stopped by. (Please note that I said, “Executive”.) I was on the telephone, so I excitedly waved him into the office and beckoned for him to have a seat. Now, this was only my 2nd time ever seeing or speaking with him. We had been introduced during a meeting earlier in the week. As I rushed to wrap up my call, we exchanged courtesy smiles. He then stood up, reached over my papers, laptop, printer, telephone and books to the credenza that ran along the side of my desk creating an L-shape, grabbed my juicy, ripe, mouthwatering unopened orange, cracked it open and started popping sections into his mouth. As I stared at him, in awe, my telephone called ended; and by that time he had eaten about a third of the orange. As I hung up the phone, without taking my eyes off of him, he then smacked, handed me the left over orange with his left hand; and with his mouth full, he wiped his right hand on his pants, extended it to shake my hand and said, “Hi Wendy, nice to meet you again.” Needless to say, I had to call my Momma. Now, if you see nothing wrong with that picture, you might be slightly socially ignorant.

Being socially ignorant is when someone lacks the social skills that normal or average people developed as children. They missed out on normal socialization because perhaps they were outcasts, sheltered, or had socially ignorant parents.

As society becomes more complex, intellectual competencies become more sophisticated. We now live in a global world filled with a mix of cultures, religions and styles. We are moving into an era where “old business models no longer work” so being able to think outside the box, adapt to your environment and practice emotional intelligence are fastly becoming the norm. Social intelligence has to do with how you interact, influence, persuade, inspire, manage and in general, how your behaviors make others feel. It is the ability to act wisely in human relations and is the biology of leadership. When a person is said to be socially intelligent, they have a good rapport. You feel the chemistry, confidence and often see that person as a leader.

Emotional intelligence, social intelligence and environmental adaptation are said to be the most common traits of leaders in the new world. General intelligence is a base competency. So, for example, you need to be smart enough to get in the door; but socially and emotionally intelligent enough to make a difference and to stand out in the crowd. This explains why some people who do so well in school go nowhere in life while others of ordinary academic talent rise to the top. According to Psychologist and Scientist, Daniel Goldman, being an effective leader is less about mastering situations and being smart but more about developing a genuine interest in and talent for fostering positive feelings in the people whose cooperation and support you need.

So, if you are smart, rude and socially ignorant, you will likely be a lot less effective than a person with average basic intelligence and a well developed set of social intelligence skills. Our brain is designed to connect to the brains of others on a metaphysical level. Mirror neurons create in us a replica of the feelings and intentions of the people we’re with and, in turn, influence how we feel and respond to them. I’ll spare you the scientific details but this is why some people make us feel good, while others make us feel bad. It’s all energy and our thoughts and behaviors give off an energy or vibe that is either attractive or unattractive. Your vibe can even alter how you appear physically.

Have you ever spoken to someone on the telephone only to find that after the conversation you wished you’d never even called them? It wasn’t anything they said, but their vibe and energy that made you feel bad. Yet, there are others in your life, who you find yourself anxious to talk to and willing to help. You can go almost anywhere with this person and walk away feeling good, having had an enjoyable time. You can say that this person is your neurological ally and is likely to have a good effect on people as they move throughout life. This vibe or energy that is generated by our thoughts and behaviors, translates into better treatment at restaurants, work, clubs, grocery stores, dating, etc. As such, the person who has a good vibe, per se, is likely to be more successful.

If you are socially ignorant, you will find it difficult to maintain personal and professional relationships. You may struggle with keeping a job or getting what you want out of life. If no one wants to be around you, you’ll be hard-pressed to be successful or to extract what you need in challenging situations. Being abrasive, rude, childish or nasty is not cute. It likely tells the on-looker about your maturity level and creates a neurological reaction in others that causes them to repel.

The good news is that you can start to increase your social intelligence skills today. It’s not too late. This is called raising your Social IQ. Here are some tools from Daniel Goldman’s book, Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships, on how you can raise your Social IQ.

1. Commit yourself to real change. Think about how listening well could improve your relationships.
2. Get feedback from people who know you well. How do they think you can behave more effectively? Is there anything that you do that bothers them?
3. Be watchful. When are you most likely to trigger the habit you’re trying to change—for example, not hearing out a person before you speak? Squelch the impulse and intentionally respond the better way.
4. Use failures as opportunities. Each time you revert to your old habit, think about how you could handle that same situation better the next time.
5. Keep practicing. All of life can be a lab for learning new approaches.
In addition, I’d add thinking five times before you speak or act; and being motivated to care about how your behavior affects others.

So the next time, you eat someone else’s food without asking or ramble through their refrigerator, stop and think about how they may feel. Study other successfully socially intelligent people and make a commitment to change.

When you change the way you look at things, you can change your behavior and ultimately your level of influence over others.

To learn more join my mailing list at www.TheAuthenticYouOnline.com. For coaching, speaking or workshops send an email to Wendy@TheAuthenticYouOnine.com

Emotions and Your Money

Written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach ™

Do you find yourself in a perpetual emotional whirlwind when it comes to money? Are all your financial transactions couched in a bed of emotions? If you get upset or disappointed, do you have to buy yourself something? If you see your neighbor with a new car do you find yourself wandering aimlessly into a car lot the following weekend? Do you race to your favorite department store every weekend fiending for the latest designer trends? Are you emotionally focused on making money or spending money?

A lot of you have been asking how your emotions affect how much money you have. There are a number of ways in which I could answer that question. And I certainly don’t hold myself out there as a money guru; however, I will say that simply shifting your mindset from consumption to production can change the way your emotions affect your relationship with money. I know, I know, when you are down on your luck, it’s tough to see that the way in which you attract money starts within. Just be patient. Try it. Let’s talk about it a little bit. Be open minded.

US News and World Report had a great article today that covered this topic. According to the article, “The brain processes expectation in a much more intense way than it processes the actual experience. So, the hope of making money often feels better than actually making money does, and the fear of losing money often feels worse than actually losing money. And those are the two states that often drive your behavior. Money taps into the most ancient and powerful emotions that the human brain can experience, and because of that a lot of people, when they are making financial decisions, really feel they are thinking and deliberating. What they often don't realize is they are really deciding with their emotions.”

Based this premise and on the law of attraction, which states that “all your thoughts, all images in your mind, and all the feelings connected to your thoughts will later manifest as your reality. In other words; everything you have in your life - now - has been attracted to you thru your mind.” So if you are focusing on the hope of making money you will create a matching vibration and you will ultimately attract things that match your vibration. The same is true if you focus on the fear of losing money. This is challenging, I know. But you have to give it a try.

Here are some practical ways in which you change your vibration and emotional relationship with money:

1. Gratitude: According to Chuck Danes, Author of Abundance and Happiness, “When you are in a sincere state of gratitude your energy (vibrational resonance) is one of acceptance and harmony. You resonate and as a result project a much higher vibrational frequency which is exactly what attracts to you the events, conditions, and circumstances that you desire.”

a. Be grateful for everything. Write it down. Keep a gratitude journal or notebook.
b. Don’t walk over pennies on your floor, for example. Pick them up and be thankful.
c. Walk around your house and be grateful for all that you have been able to acquire, no matter how much or how little it is.
d. When you are paying a bill, be grateful. Yes, I said it. Be thankful that you are able to pay it, no matter how hard you had to work to do so.

2. Focus on Income: Focus on making money and not spending money. If spending money feels better to you than making money, then you’ve got some work to do.

3. Focus on Production: What are you producing that can be translated into income? Be creative. Think of something.

4. Your Thoughts:
a. According to The Science of Getting Rich written by Wallace D. Wattles, “A person’s way of doing things is the direct result of the way he thinks about things. To do things in the way you want to do them, you will have to acquire the ability to think the way you want to think. And to think what you want to think is to think TRUTH, regardless of appearances.”
b. “Had Alexander Graham Bell not thought that he could invent a device that would allow you to pick up a solid object with numerous holes in each end, one that you could hear from and talk into, as well as transmit your voice thousands of miles in lightning fast time, you wouldn't have the convenience of, or ability to, pick up the telephone and talk to someone on the other side of the world.” Chuck Danes

5. The Power of Action: Once you have decided what you want, and you are learning how to focus on your thoughts, it's time to take the next step. You need to put action behind your thoughts. Your actions are a logical progression of your thoughts.

6. Personal Policies and Procedures: “Have policies and procedures in place in advance so you don't jump from decision to decision. You shouldn't make your choices based on what the stock market is telling you and based on what other people are doing, but rather on the basis of rules you are putting in place in advance.” Us News and World Report Monday, March 8, 2009

Download the Mind of the Entrepreneur Virtual Book Club Discussion on The Science of Getting Rich at http://www.LearnOutLoud.com/TheAuthenticYou.

Gone Too Soon

republished by Written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach

On Wednesday, June 25, 2009, the world received shocking news of the sudden death of our beloved entertainment icon, Michael Jackson. I was filled with shock and disbelief as I read the text message from my friend. I heard that TMZ broke the story and soon learned that radio stations around the country were playing his music in acknowledgement of his death. I turned on CNN, who respectfully refused to prematurely report the news of his passing, The word was that he was in a coma. I clung on to some sign of hope. I texted another friend and asked if Michael Jackson had passed away. But, as I got quiet and contemplated on my limited understanding of the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack, I saw an image of his happy little spirit float away. I texted my friend back and said, “Yes, I believe he’s gone”.

As a music lover, he’s been such an iconic figure in my life. I reflected on his concert and how exciting it was to see him in person and watch, in awe, as he disappeared from one side of the stage and magically reappeared in another part of Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana. My two long-time favorite artists, Prince and Michael Jackson, have always made me feel good on a gloomy day. I remember as a little girl becoming a Prince fan, with his first album “For You’. I remember singing “So Blue” in the basement of our home. But, I don’t ever remember actually “becoming” a Michael Jackson fan. I have always been a Michael Jackson, fan. He’s just always been around. And to a mushy little four eyed girl from Nebraska, my music icons were my way of escaping to a world outside of the lackluster city.

I remember crying every time I heard the song “Ben” and not being old enough to respond to my grandmother’s, inquisitive, frustrating observation of my tears. I remember my cousin, Damion, who has also passed on, singing “Mama Say Mama Sah Ma Mah Koo Sah” at school one Monday after buying the album over the weekend. I recall the innocent, dreamy look in his eyes and the devilish way he danced around girls in his videos. I remember being totally obsessed with his Motown Anniversary performance where he moon-walked in public for the first time. Me and my brother pop locked and moon-walked in the basement for hours after seeing that performance. I recall my heavy heart as I watched him overwhelmed with emotional pain as he hobbled into the child molestation trial in pajamas, aided by his assistants. He was a part of the family.

He was navigating the waters of diversity and breaking down barriers at break-neck speed. In his short life time he opened up doors for more artists, entertainers and business people than many can lay claim to or that he will ever truly be given credit. They say when you get rich by the creative means you offer a ladder to those who come behind you. And he did just that.

His life was filled with so much controversy, from the ill-effects of plastic surgery, the burn accident during the Pepsi commercial, the allegations of child molestation and the change in his skin color, to name a few. The media constantly made fun of him calling him Wacko-Jacko and laughing at his relationship with his pet monkey, Bubbles and his quick marriage to Lisa Marie Presley.

But Michael’s attraction power was truly amazing. I’m convinced that there has to be some type of divine favor that allows a person to affect and influence people the way he did. When you remove all the bizarre behavior from the equation and look at him as a pure talent and energy, it’s easy to see why he deserves a chapter in a textbook on human potential. I’m smart enough to know that abundance and attraction power come from within. And I’m curious enough to wonder what switch he was able to access within himself that made him so multi-culturally and generationally alluring. I’m also curious enough to wonder what switch he turned off, that made him so confused, controversial and misunderstood.

I’ve been around the block enough to know that you can’t believe everything you hear and that when someone brings you news you should look carefully into it. I’ve been around celebrities and high profile people and in settings where they offer an interview to the press and when the piece is aired you find yourself saying, “Were we all in the same room?” or “Where did they get that from?” Because often times the report is so vastly different from reality.

So, I won’t judge you dear Michael. Nor will I attach the painful rumors to my mental legacy of you. I don’t know the truth, nor does it even matter anymore. That’s between you and your Creator. I will celebrate your goodness and the energy you shared so freely. And I pray to be as great in my endeavors of good as you were in yours. Rest in peace my dear friend. You are gone but not forgotten. May your family be comforted and accept your transition as God’s Will. May your legacy of good outweigh your mistakes and shortcomings. We all wanted one more tour, one more album and one more experience with you. But the Author of Life called you home and I know you went with a smile.

FEAR

written by The Authenticity Coach (TM), Wendy Franklin Muhammad


If we want to evaluate the quality of our thoughts, then we simply need to take a look at our life or environment. If your environment is not quite what you want then you need to look at the thoughts you entertain.

The quality of thought which we entertain determines the quality of energy we produce which ultimately determines the conditions of our environment. It all starts with our thoughts and conversations we are having with ourselves. What are you thinking right now? What kind of conversation are you having with yourself? Remember that thoughts are spiritual energy. What will those thoughts produce?

The enemy of the quality of our energy is fear. Fear is not the natural state of civilized people. It is this personal demon which makes us fear the past, the present and the future; fear ourselves, our frends and our enemies. When fear is effectually and completely destroyed, your light will shine, the clouds will disperse and you will have found the source of power, energy and life.

We are most frightened of people, places or things that are different; different from us, different from our thoughts or different from our belief systems. Many of us buy into belief systems or collective fears that are not even our own. Collective fear stimiulates herd instinct, and tends to produce ferocity toward those who are not regarded as members of the herd. So we associate "being good" or "acting right" with being a part of the herd. We begin to pretend that we love the herd, even though we don't fit into the definition of the herd. At that point of personal deception we are less. Less authentic and less productive.

Fear is often so baked into our everyday mindsets, thoughts and actions that we have created blindspots. We live a fearful life and we don't even know it. Challenge yourself. Think outside the box. Step away from the herd. Trust your connection with The Creator. Step out on faith. Move into that space that only YOU and THE CREATOR occupy.

That is your birthright. That is your authentic self.

Wendy Frankin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach, is a world renowned Coach, Business Consultant and Thought Leader.

The "Po-Mouth" Mentality

Written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach ™

In honor of my Blog Talk Radio Show on the Economic Crisis with world renowned financial expert, Bro. Bedford, I decided that it would be a good idea to rattle your cage a bit about money. Ok now, let me rattle your cage a bit.

They say that an estimated 2% of the world’s population controls approximately 96% of the material wealth in the entire world. What keeps all of us from being in that 2%? Well I realized that what’s stopping us is our Po-Mouth Mentality.

Let’s talk about money for a minute. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to discover that in our society, money is very important. Moreover, money is one of the main focuses and topics of discussion in our world today. Most of our entire lives revolve around making and acquiring money. I was studying this subject and wrote down this statement from a thesis paper called Abundance and Happiness, written by one of my coaching colleagues:

“Money is merely a tool, a medium of exchange for things that you need and desire, and by no means a cure all or the answer to achieving “real” happiness or contentment in life. True success comes from having achieved a harmonious balance in the three all encompassing life areas of money, health and relationships, as well as having the time available to enjoy them all. Happiness and fulfillment is an “inside game”. Money and financial freedom are simply tools that we use to play the outside game.”

In case you are wondering what it means to have a po-mouth mentality, think of it as “poverty consciousness” (which of course, is the opposite of wealth consciousness). The po-mouth mentality ensures that our actions and views about money are connected to the poverty consciousness with which we identify. “Money doesn’t grow on trees.” “Money is hard to come by.” “You gotta work hard if you want anything in life.” “They don’t want us to have money.” “I hate my job.” “I can’t afford this.” “I can’t afford that.” Many of us go around po-mouthin’ about what we don’t have and give much less thought (or spiritual energy) to what we DO have.

Sure, we are in a so-called economic crisis, but are we going to just lie down and die as a result? Would shifting our mindset a bit be the end of the world? In fact, a collective mind shift may end the crisis. We can survive this. Now is a good time for us to shift from consumerism to creatism. I realized that if I continued to believe that it takes hard work (as opposed to smart work) to make money then I’d be working hard for the rest of my life. I knew that if I continued to believe that money was hard to come by then my goal of financial freedom would likely never come. (Try this affirmation: Money comes frequently and easily.) I knew that no matter how smart or attractive I was that if I didn’t change my mindset, I would never live up to my potential. I knew I wanted to earn my wealth the honest way so I had to get the formula right or else my po-mouth mentality would attract po-mouth circumstances. My mantra became, “As you believe you WILL receive.”

Let me take you a little deeper into my mind shift. I used to worry constantly about money. I didn’t believe in get rich quick schemes or taking something that didn’t belong to me, so I knew I’d be in jeopardy of not becoming financially free if I didn’t change my belief system. I used to make statements like, “I don’t have any problems other than money so I’m just going to continue to work hard so that I can get over my money problems.” And guess what started to happen? The harder I worked the more money problems my po-mouth mindset attracted. I don’t think I need to explain further. You get the picture.

Then I shifted my mindset and started to focus on all that I had been able to acquire and accomplish with the money that I attracted thus far in my life. I realized that signs of the abundance I dreamed of were all around me. I walked around my house and gave thanks to everything that I saw. I was grateful for the curtains on the window, loose change, the sheets on the bed, the oatmeal in the cabinet (even if it was the only thing in the cabinet), my train pass, the couch in the living room, the heat, the junk in the drawer, the ink pens in my office; all of which were acquired out of my ability to attract money into my life. Even when I took out the garbage, I said a prayer of thanks. Would I have garbage to take out if I didn’t have any money to buy crap that I eventually throw away? Even if I got a phone call from someone I really didn’t want to talk to, I was thankful for having a telephone. I’d watch television and hear the devastating news and was grateful for the television, electricity and even Freedom of Speech. I began to pray that if there was ever a food shortage that I’d be in a position to pass out food and to help others. I began to accept my tremendous ability to attract goodness, money and overall abundance.

When I stopped looking at my life from a position of lack, money and abundance began to flow more frequently and easily. The Universe is always flowing. Something is always being created or exchanged, effortlessly. But by going against this natural flow (subconsciously) I began to experience results that were in contradiction to what I consciously desired. My beliefs were not in harmony with the universe. The universe is always giving and flowing but if we don’t believe that we can align ourselves with that flow then we experience the result of disharmony. Disharmonious beliefs about money and financial freedom that are established (usually in childhood or by painful experiences) and held at a conscious or subconscious level ultimately affect our choices and our overall consciousness.

See, I am convinced that this economic crisis will benefit me beyond measure and I want you to be convinced that it will benefit you, as well. Let’s think outside and shift our mindset. Here is our chance to embrace change. We must accept and understand how thoughts, beliefs and Universal Laws operate in order to free ourselves of the limiting mindset that is preventing us to reach our potential. Sure, we may be doing well. In fact, we may be doing extremely well and quite better than the next person, but are we walking in purpose and living up to our potential. Anything and everything that exists in our world and in our personal life exists as a result of consciousness that is determined by a mindset. A lack of attaining financial freedom is the result of a mindset just like attaining financial freedom is the result of a mindset.

Let’s stop po-mouthing and living in poverty consciousness. You can be wealthy beyond measure. You’re likely working hard anyway, so why not work from a consciousness of wealth, gratitude and abundance. Let’s unite to help change the mindset and end the economic crisis that is plaguing the world.