Raja Hireker's "Smart Thinking, Smart Living" Blog

Train Yourself to Depend on YOU!

2011-09-29T12:51:00.014+01:00

Here's a powerful renegade thought --

Make yourself your own best friend so you can totally 100% depend on... YOU!

Yes, it's totally scary and totally... the BEST way to be.

But... why?

Because everyone else around you can be here today... and... gone tomorrow.

So, knowing that and knowing the laws of nature... the fact that there'll be a time where the people you've depended on, expected things from, hitched your umbilical chord too, will... in some way... falter, fall, melt... leaving you to pick up the pieces.

Most hear what the Buddha said - be your own island, be your own source of strength and solitude - but... either through timidity or, through simply loving the intellectual idea of it but fearful of walking the narrow path... do NOT focus on being their own source of strength.

And we've all the educational systems, trainings and processses to help us. In fact, if you look hard enough, you'll find everything is available...FREE!

Information ISN'T lacking.

Fearlesssness... IS.

Because let's face it...

It's easy to not be our own island, our own strength source... it's much easier to live in the comfort of what others have in store for us... because then... when things aren't going too well, there's a person or thing OUTSIDE of us, to blame.

Ah.

How nice.

A comforting cushion we can go lay our heads on and commiserate with ourselves when everything has gone... haywire.

And let's be clear here - being one's own strength and one's own island... doesn't mean you live a life of a recluse on some far away mountain top.

It means you live on your own terms, depending on yourself for your own motivation and strength... and in turn, influence others through your behaviours.

There's a quiet revolutionary power and certainty to that way of being.

Are you up for THAT kind of challenge?

Raja Hireker

Reinventing YOU? The ONLY 'Coaching' Video You'll Ever Need...

2010-12-25T14:33:00.014Z

Coaching is BIG business.

Sadly, most 'coaches' aren't worth bothering about.

Why?

Oh, because their lives are as messed up as anyones'. Why get help from someone who can't deal with their own stuff? You know, the eighty/twenty rule. Tis is big mystery then, why people DO get involved with mediocrity, when excellence, is only a click or a phone call away.

You may have read the earlier post about TBOLITNFL - a post about one person's desire for transformation, that has has now, lit up an entire following to do the same.

However, what many don't know is the driver, the human force behind TBOLITNFL.

His name is Steve Hardison. (www.TheUltimateCoach.net)

HE is no ordinary coach. He is no ordinary human being. He's a transformational catalyst of the highest order.

Steve rarely gives public speeches. He has no books or informational products. His work is done in private, one client at a time, face-to-face. I've heard legendary stories of how his coaching has helped many people reinvent and transform, at their very core. No surface level quick fixing allowed.

So, when I contacted Steve about the recent rare talk he gave in Salt Lake City about how the whole TBOLITNFL came to be, I was thrilled when he gave me a sneak peak into the video that was going to be shared to those interested.

Know this; there isn't to my knowledge, any video footage about Steve and the 'way' he works and coaches.

If you only watch ONE video about the power of transformation, and, his particular way of HOW TO DO IT, you MUST take in and immerse yourself in everything this 40 minute video below, has to offer you. It's worth more than any amount of money you'll pay to anyone for personal transformation coaching.

TBOLITNFL - The Deuce Lutui Story (Short

Version) from Steve Hardison

on Vimeo.

If you truly GET what's going on here, and you apply the simple and visible lessons Steve shared with the audience in HOW he transformed the very nature and thinking of one American footballer, then you can begin to experience something similar in your life.

And understand this; this ISN'T about American football. It's about the desire for transformation and commitment - and someone to demonstrate how it all snaps together.

Now if you watch this video and you can't see how it all connects for you personally, drop me a line and I'll walk you through it.

Raja Hireker

raja.hireker at gmail dotcom

There's a Powerful Commitment to Get Out of The Burning House!

2010-10-26T12:06:00.009+01:00

What happens when we decide to do something, to commit to being someone, to commit to a new way of showing up in the world - AND THEN - we falter, splutter, give up on our once cherished mission, what then, what's our opinion of ourselves?

More importantly (though this is a made up story concocted in our magnificent, destructive minds) and that is, how do we think others now see and view us?

For most, we look for the escape hatch, the avoidance route, the way out. We take comfort in anything that doesn't remind us of our avowed goal or mission.

So how can we keep ourselves committed to doing what it is we say we want?

Commitment is nothing more than creating and delivering on a set of actions that'll move us towards getting what we say we want.

And if the outcome

of the committed actions doesn't inspire us, why on earth would we want to commit to achieving something in the first place?

Now there's no greater demonstration of the power of commitment than the burning house and there being something in there we HAVE to get before the whole thing crumbles.

If your relative or pet was inside that burning house, you're not simply going to sit around and ponder and pontificate about the tragedy of the scenario - you're going to get into some sort of action to GET THEM OUT... no matter what.

That's COMMITMENT.

If you say you want a Mr Universe physique, you can dream it and create a plan of sorts. Maybe working out a few days a week.

Or, you can have dates, timelines, a definite picture of how you want to be and look like. You can have your nutrition charts and your muscle activity charts, measuring your daily performance. You can visualise the c

ompetition and you can see yourself competing with the best, you can see yourself being the best.

And, there's a daily activity plan to support it all.

That's a COMMITTED way.

And we can all be committed to something, anything we choose, to any level and degree we choose.

Did you know that there's a place in our minds where we automatically put the things we say we are powerfully committed to - and that place is there to serve us, the very moment we powerfully declare what it is we are up to?

And that's whatever we say we are committed to - having super personal relationships, writing a book, having a lucr

ative business, having a tidy house, a super marketing system, an accurate thinking process... whatever it is, if we want it and we make it a commitment, a TRUE, powerful internal commitment, we'll get it.

Deuce Lutui is an American football player. He turned up to pre-season training, bulky, overweight and mentally lackluster. He needed help. He got it in the form of Steve Hardison - a powerful coach and communicator of the human spirit.

A relationship was formed. A POWERFUL commitment was created. And then, the ACTIONS were created to make Deuce Luiti BE TBOLITNFL - The Best Offensive Lineman in The National Football League.

You only need to go over to http://www.tbolitnfl.com/ to see how it's all working out.

Miracles happen when you create a Powerful Internal Commitment to DO and BE.

What are you committing to?

RCH

Build Your Most Profitable Asset via a Coat Hanger, Radiator & a Missing Bit of Paper!

2010-10-08T15:53:00.014+01:00

Did you know that the BIGGEST, most profitable and most natural skill in the world isn't something you have to go out and and find or acquire - that's because everyone ALREADY has it in abundance, but, it's rarely used!

That's what this post is all about.

Said another way - here's a marvellous antidote to a stuck and clogged up mind!

Now you've probably heard that in order to 'succeed' today, you need to possess ABC skill or have XYZ quality.

Not only that, you may have heard mention that "such and such" is THE BIGGEST SKILL or QUALITY you must have.

Of course, depending WHERE and WHO gave you the info, the SUCH AND SUCH skill -- could be anything!

Check this list out.

See if what you've heard about the 'keys to your kingdom', the 'path to your holy grail' is located somewhere amongst this lot.

-- COMMUNICATION

-- MARKETING

-- CONFIDENCE

-- ACTION

-- SELF DISCIPLINE

-- ORGANISATION

-- CLARITY OF THOUGHT

-- POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE

-- POWERFUL NETWORK

-- HUMILTY

-- COMPASSION

-- TOLERANCE

-- CREATIVITY

-- STRONG SELF ESTEEM

-- EDUCATION

-- DESIRE

-- LEADERSHIP

-- MINDSET

... of course, plenty more can easily be added to the list.

So what did you pick from that list?

Is there one single skill or attribute, that, if owned and possessed, would get YOU to the promised land - whatever that may mean or be, for you?

Naturally, we all have our point of view, and, like you, I too have an opinion on what I consider to be the ultimate skill that if used and exercised everyday, would help create our world to be whatever we choose it to be.

And before I tell you what that one thing is, let me say that you, I, every single one of us has this skill, in abundance.

Hard to believe, but it's true.

And... we've most likely called on it hundreds of times, without ever realising what we're doing.

For example, last night my son and I were on a hunt. A paper hunt. Now we looked far and wide for this one bit of paper, but to no avail.

It was nearing 9.30pm and my son was really droopy, saying he wanted to get to bed as the school morning was inching closer and closer.

Now I thought to myself that the bit of paper may have slid down the side of the radiator so let's take a peek.

The gap between the wall and the radiator was itself paper thin - well, maybe for or five pieces of paper, thin.

So, I said let's get a torch to see if there is indeed any paper down there. After poking the spluttering light (batteries running loooow) down the back of the radiator, I could see a couple of papers there.

Hooray!

Now, how would we get to the paper through that very slim gap? That was the next question.

A ruler wasn't long enough. The stick in the corner wouldn't do it. (And don't ask what the stick was doing there!)

I know... A COAT HANGER!

I went looking for a metal coat hanger.

Opened a couple of wardrobes. Nothing.

Hmmm...

I poked a little farther into another wardrobe and saw a metally wire hanger!

Probably one of the last ones as there were plenty of solid looking wooden ones lining the wardrobe rails.

So, with the metal hanger in hand, I dashed over to the radiator and thrust the thing down the back of the radiator.

Too short!

Damn.

I took a look at the hanger and found that I could unwind the metal at the top where the hook was, so making it one long bendy wire.

Okay, that looked good.

I thought how would I get the paper up from the side of the radiator as the hook wouldn't 'hook' the paper!

I thought... SELLOTAPE!

I would create a double sided sticky tape and attach that to the one end of the wire where the neck was. Because in that way, the tape could form a bridge of sorts on the curvy neck and I could shimmy the paper up that way, where the double sided tape would stick to the paper.

ARRRGH...

No sellotape!

The reel was empty.

I pondered and thought what other sticky tape thing could I use.

Ah, EUREKA!!

I'd used a few address labels in the day for something so I thought that could be something I could use.

I dashed over to the desk draw and rummaged in there.

After a few seconds I'd found a whole batch of the stuff.

Great, I thought.

I peeled an address label off, created a double sided type bangle effect, flattened it down and attached one side of the flattened bangle to the neck hook of the bendy wire.

Still, there was the main work to be done -

Fishing the paper out!

By this time my son was in his bed with one eye closed.

Oh, and his bed is slap bang against the radiator and at that precise moment, wasn't going to be shifted in any way.

I galloped over to the bed, peered my face into the area of the paper gap and then thrust the contraption down the back.

I could hear the paper being rustled a little with the bendy necked wire but not in any great way.

Then, somehow, with my poking and prodding, I could hear a paper being more than rustled down the back there.

And, after a few minutes of steering the contraption, out emerged a paper.

By now my son was up, wide eyed and grabbing the paper, unravelling to see what it was.

And, when we saw what it was, we both looked at each other and... I thrust the bendy wire contraption down again.

Yep, it wasn't the paper we were looking for.

So again, we went through the whole process and yet again, another bit of paper reared its head.

And yet again, it wasn't what we were looking for.

My son was really really tired by now and so we decided that we'd look for it in the morning.

Okay, I wanted to share that with you because in a little way, it helps to demonstrate what I consider to be the number one skill in all the world.

And that is...

>>> CREATIVE ACTION <<<

And, it can be applied to any and every situation, no matter the size, shape or complexity.

Think about it for a moment -

What if we could come up with, or simply let the whole process unfold, of finding creative solutions to current or existing problems... what would that mean in terms of getting things fixed and in moving life forward?

It could be huge!

What stops most of us in the face of a problem or a challenge, is finding out ways and solutions, and to then, act on them.

Everything in the earlier list has a part to play in the overall contribution to making us 'better', however, getting into creative action on a daily basis is what I consider to be the biggest asset we have.

And we all have it, in abundance, don't we?

How many times have we come up with solutions to get that bit of work submitted, or to get that bunch of money we desperately wanted or to play that game when none existed previously, or to conjur up some food when
nothing's on the table?

Yes, we've all gone into CREATIVE ACTION mode when we have needed to. (Though, as kids, we were in that zone almost every single moment. Think about THAT!)

But what if we became aware and conscious of that fact, at any given moment we feel stuck or unresourceful?

To have creative action be... ON TAP!

Wouldn't THAT be something?

What if we screw up on the relationship front and feel that there's a rift or creeping separateness looming large - suppose we decide at that moment to turn things around, to get into creative action - wouldn't that be immensely valuable?

What if we found that business and profits were drying up and simply said the economy is on a downturn so that's affected the marketplace. I've just got to, 'ride it out!'

What instead, if we loosened our mental screws and simply went to all current or passed clients and asked ... "how else can we serve you, what can we do for you?"...

Do you think that's a better way than simply mulling around, waiting for outside elements to come together in a harmonious way before we decide to get into the game?

I think so.

There's always SOMETHING we can do to change things.

And suppose we pass on this baton of getting into CREATIVE ACTION to all those we know, what then?

Because who knows, there'll be an environment where solutions and action are the order of the day, this day, and tomorrow, and the next day, and the next...

It can become quite contagious.

And why not?

It's a marvellous antidote to a stuck and clogged up mind, don't you think?

Have a CREATIVELY ACTIVE day.

Raja Hireker

P.S I've a few twisty hangers to unbend and sell you if you've paper stuck down a radiator and wall gap. Oh, sticky address labels are... fwree!

Torrential LOVE

2010-10-05T10:04:00.005+01:00

ELEVEN grown men, (one of our twelve didn't show up to make it a six-a-side game) itching to get on the artificial grass, eager for the 9pm whistle to be blown so the current batch of players on there could leave the pitch to make way for us. One of the four floodlights refused to light, the rain, pounding down so you could hardly make out where the football was going.

Yes, this was bordering on a torrential downpour. A downpour that had been on and off (mostly on) for the previous two days. And yet miraculously, the artifical grass seemed to be sponging up the never ending rain water like a possessed demon.

After an hour and a half of what turned out to be the most intense games we've played, all were shaking hands and patting each other on the back, looking forward to doing it all over again in 7 days.

What's going on here? Why would anyone in their right mind decide to get out on a pitch and play for an hour and a half from 9.00-10.30pm in a consistent downpour and love it, just love it?

Of course, I gave the answer in the last sentence -- because of love, of loving it!

We could just have easily abandoned the whole game and settled in to watch the television, read a book, surf the Internet or simply do anything BUT going out and playing our hearts out.

Quite simply, when we do something out of love, out of pure joy and passion, nothing else can get in the way of it.

We're all like that about something or another.

However, when it comes to getting the body into motion, into activity and momentum, there's nothing quite like intense physical activity to shake loose the mental cobwebs.

I know people who have been stuck in their thinking or their projects and have either gone for long walks, a run, an intense bike ride or some other form of physical activity, so to rev up their sluggishness.

And when the activity is something you actually love to do, you'll experience all kinds of shifts - energy, mental & physical shifts.

Go get physical. You won't believe the zest and energy it'll give you.

BAH... I'm Really Not Creative!

2010-08-11T16:11:00.027+01:00

Most of us think we're not at all creative... in any way.

That we've not one creative bone in our bods.

Gawd, bah and humbug.

Because of course, all made up gobbledegook.

Really?

Yes.

And do you know what, I'll prove it.

That's right.

I'll prove it to you beyond any doubt whatsoever that you, me, the next door neighbour, and yes, even that person you feel is the dimmest on the planet, is creative, inventive and a magical marvel!

Big promise huh.

Okay, so the people in your life, what are they to you?

?????

Yes, not who are they to you, but what are they to you?

Stumped?

Let me give you a few clues.

See your family member over there, what kinds of labels have you given them?

Happy, sad, intuitive, grumpy, friendly, mean, blunt, caring, joyous...

Yes, they're probably all of them, at certain points in the day, week, month or year.

And what about others you come into contact with, how do you interpret what they're about? And what about those you see in the news, on the television... got anything to say about them?

Here's the truth --

We all create and invent human characters all the time. WE CREATE them. Not as they are, but as WE see them. We INVENT them as per our imaginary brush and palette.

And don't we make them up to be anyone or anything we choose? Don't we just do that, label and describe them anyway we please, and then keep on adding to it?

And we're doing it... ALL THE TIME... every DAY.

Marvellous creators and inventors or what!!

And look, it gets rather exciting because if we truly understand that we create and invent others out of our own perception (and we also do that to ourselves - invent ourselves to be the current 'us'.) then... we can create and invent ourselves and others, to be the best versions of them and us we can ever make!

Of course, that'll have major consequences if we do that.

How so?

Well, if we've created and invented others (and ourselves) to be rather negative, boring and not that interesting, then the direct opposite of that is, well... challenging if not revolutionary!

And we can create and invent that ... at the drop of a hat. As we proven we can, day after day after day.

So ask this question, to each and every area of your life - "what can I create and invent here that would lead me to get the result I want?"

Now doesn't THAT get your creative juices flowing? About what's REALLY possible for you?

And doesn't this answer my claim at the top of this post - that we're all creative, all of us? It's just that we haven't fully realised that - until now :)

RH

"Cross Your Fingers... Wear The Lucky Shirts... Put Your Hands Together And We May Just Do It!"... er...RUBBISH!

2010-06-25T12:38:00.013+01:00

The England football team beat Slovenia to roll on into the next stages of the World Cup.

The England team didn't cross their fingers or put their hands together. They did wear red shirts however, though wearing a 'lucky' shirt isn't enough to sway things in the biggest of football stages.

So what happened? How come England got through in this match whilst a few days earlier, they participated in what was probably the worst game ever played... what on earth happened?

Well, they turned up and played the game the best they can play it. That's what happened. The passion, the flair, the purpose, the commitment, the energy, the teamwork... all of that happened because the players wanted to play and win.

Crossing fingers, praying and hoping for the best, doesn't produce the kind of results anyone wants.

Participation, activity and getting involved, works. Try it in any area of life that seems to be, 'getting away from you'.

And if you see someone heading for the cross your fingers disaster in their lives, help them untangle their fingers and show them how to get busy using those fingers to help serve someone else -- by writing a letter, dialing a phone number, lifting a blockage...

Results happen... through movement and activity -- and not through finger crossing and wishing.

www.RajaHireker.com

Making It... Without Screwing Up Life

2010-06-13T13:13:00.008+01:00

Most of us are pretty CLUELESS when it comes to defining our own personal success. We've no idea what the heck it means.

Given the chance to answer the question- most will mumble stuff along the lines of ample money, better relationships, good career... stuff like that, though said with out any conviction, meaning or excitement.

It's a rare bird that'll give you answers like happiness, fun, excitement, adventure, deep loving relationships.

Look at the public image icons touted as 'successful' - singers, sports people, officials, CEO's, leaders - most are successful in one or at most, maybe two areas of life.

But look deeper at what they're lives are REALLY like.

Most have relationship wreckages - maybe a public mask, and a true inner private mask revealing nothing but disaster.

Take those 'successful business or owners or company BIG CHEESES' --

They'll be the saviour of their enterprises, but the wreckage president of their marriages, relationships and communications with all those that were once dear to them.

"Success"... though at what expense? And at WHOSE expense?

See what you can get from this -

A man was headhunted by two powerful firms. One gave him half the salary the other was giving. They were both intense jobs, requiring huge amounts of time and jet hopping. As this man was divorced, it seemed to him that the more money option was the obvious one to make in light of his personal circumstances.

However, the recruiter from the company offering half the salary was really persistent and wanted to meet the wanted man. After a week there was a meeting scheduled. The day before the meeting, the recruiter phoned the wanted man and said--

"I'm sorry, I totally forgot, I'll be leaving to go on a business trip for a lengthy period of time and this is the last night with my family and I promised them I'd be having dinner with them... let's reschedule."

The wanted man put the phone down after that little conversation and took a deep breathe as he sank even farther into his soft leather chair.

The wanted man was divorced because he couldn't arrange his life around his most precious assets - his family.

And here was a powerful recruiting executive from this huge firm being open and direct about his most precious assets - and, he treated them exactly in that way.

The wanted man was so taken by what he experienced that after a few weeks he met with half paying company and... went to work for them.

Why, what happened?

The wanted man liked the culture and, he saw a demonstration of exactly how to maintain relationships - no matter how high up the ladder you are. So, with that in mind, he negotiated that he be flown once every fortnight to where his family lived and for those two days every fortnight, he would not be answering his mobile - no matter what.

He signed the deal, with his most precious assets, his family and relationships - being at the very core of his negotiations.

We can ALL revere our most precious assets - and demonstrate that through actions and behaviour rather than sentiments and wishing things were different.

Because... look at the ultimate price we eventually end up paying!

We can 'make it', without screwing up life. And it all starts with our own thinking as to what's really important to us... REALLY important!

RH

Is That The Best You Can Do?

2010-06-01T11:52:00.008+01:00

It's interesting what simple questions can do - if you let them into your life.

Take the question opening up this blog - is that the best you can do?

For most of us, we're playing way under our best, we're being, way less than our best - in most areas of life - though we rarely think about it in any kind of serious way at all.

Imagine you're a swimmer, wanting to improve your lap timings - and your coach asks - is that the best you can do?

You may think you've given all you've got to give - but what if, unknown to you, your coach strapped on a rubber shark fin to his back and whilst you were in the water, someone yelled out to you -- SHARK!!

You look behind and you see this shark ripping through the water, nearly edging its nose to your toes - what are you going to do now?

Well, you'd either freeze and get eaten or you're going to swim the race of your life.

Is that the best you can do?

Hmmm...

And what if we apply a similar thinking to what we do in each day - what if we ask that - is that the best you can do question - whether what we're doing in the moment is a business, job, health, relationship, financial, communication or any other activity based task we're engaged in?

Making that presentation - is that the best you can do?
Having a heart to heart - is that the fullest you can engage?
Doing your exercise programme - is that the best effort you can put in?
Taking care of finances - is that the best way to manage it all?
Creating customers who fall in love with you - are you doing enough to make that real?
Being happy - is that the most amount of time you allow yourself to be happy?

And here's the biggest of them all...

Is that the most you can LOVE?

How about for you?

Is that the best you can do with what you've got going on in your life?

If not, get yourself a shark coach!

Beware... The Voodoo Pouch Will Get Ya!!

2010-04-11T22:00:00.011+01:00

See that little bit of paper with a threaded cross on it? Well, that bit of paper is a folded up envelope and it was given to me, oh, around seven years ago.

Who gave it?

Well, it was given to me by someone who looked like one version of a 'holy' person.

Now what had happened was that I was really curious as to the kind of mental voodoo these practitioners, practice.

Well, according to said holy person, I was suffering with some form of digestive problem and that I should cut out eating eggs or, BAD things would happen to me.

Hmmm.

He then went on to tell me a few other things that would mean disaster for me if I didn't heed his words.

He finished off his elaborate presentation with a few mantras and another few words of concern and caution.

And do you know the funny thing about it all? The fellow wanted me to pay him for the damage and doom he thought he fed into my mind.

Amazing!

I told him that if his predictions worked out to the letter then I'd gladly pay him. And, on top of that, I'd tell everyone how great this el magicino was.

It's been several years now and I'm yet to pay him. In fact, he'll probably be waiting for the rest of his life because nothing worked out as he said it would.

Sadly for him, I didn't buy into the fear or the mesmeric voodoo he thought he'd got me with.

Though, I'm sure he's as rich as a rich person can be because he'll have bagged hundreds, if not thousands of others who DO buy into everything they're told - good or bad.

Now, I kept that envelope pinned up on my wall for the last several years, but now... it's coming down.

Why?

Oh, because I'm cleaning up and getting rid of the things I don't want.

I kept that envelope for all this time as a playful reminder, though, it contains a serious message within it - we all hold ourselves ransom in one way or another because of the ridiculous story, spin and perception we put on events, information and conversations.

Now here's something fun for you to do -

If there's someone you know who is not performing or not living freely in any area of their life, and you both know it, check to see if they've got their own version of that red threaded envelope, hiding under the roof of their head!

And if so, yank it out and toss it into the fire.

Do that and you'll really have a friend for life!

Bye-bye mantra, bye-bye voodoo pouch.

Hire People Who Inspire!

2010-04-01T16:11:00.013+01:00

Seems crazy... hiring people into postions of high responsibility... who are as bland and as dry as toast, unable to truly motivate, inspire or command respect... especially when their results prove it all.

So who's to blame - the hirer?

Possibly.

But then again, not many are courageous enough to say, "heck, we made a big blunder... we've got the wrong person in the job... it's all our fault!"

If you read the snippet below, you'll see a piece I wrote to Sky Sports. It was in reply to a post on one of their blogs to do with the sacking of the National Team's (Great Britain) tennis coach.

Of course, it didn't get published. Simply a message to say something like it may get published though will have to ne considered by the... blah blah blah.

So why not; why didn't it get published?

Oh, I think it's probably a lot to do with the hirer's not taking responsibility... for putting the wrong person in the job and, for Sky probably supporting the nitwits who run the tennis (non!) show here in GB.

"On John Lloyd's (thank goodness) adios, here's the thing; it doesn't matter WHO the coach is - so long as they have and energy, a spirit and a way about them that signals... INSPIRATION.

When you look at JL, there's no energy or passion about him. There's a flatness, a mediocre neutrality about him. There's no spirit about him that's contagious enough for players to catch. When you hear JL's tv commentary, there's enough evidence there to tell a person that "here's blandness in action!"

In any walk of life, when you get a walking, living, breathing inspirer, people around them, do great things. And something else - it's not the HOW TO that's missing. It's not the technical aspects that need addressing so much then the DESIRE, the INNER DRIVE AND WANT.

One can set up as many grass root programmes as they want - if there's no burning desire coming from a player, it really doesn't matter. CLUE: Hire a spirited inspirer. That'll get the balls really thwacking, trophies lifted and the tennis scene... REALLY humming.

Yes, ONE person really can make ALL the difference in the world". www.RajaHireker.com

Live The Right Way - Be a NON Complainer

2010-02-06T09:30:00.029Z

Whiners, thumbsuckers, complainers and blame specialists, all have one thing in common...

THEIR OWN PROFESSIONALISM...

... in the special art of... PRACTICED MISERY.

The fact is, we ALL may have been influenced by our own madness at some time or another. We may still be at the mercy of it to a certain degree.

But c'mon... there's got to be a sell-by-date on all that foolishness... right?

Continually whinging, whining, blaming and complaining about... our health, our job, our business, the state of the economy, our own economy, rogue politicians, the crummy weather, relationships, confidence levels, life prospects, age, time...

... complaining about any of that DOESN'T help. Doesn't move us forward. Doesn't help us fix what needs to be fixed.

Have you heard of Randy Pausch?

A much loved Professor at Carnegie Mellon University.

He's NOT a complainer.

Even when diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. (terminal)

He chose to live life... to the fullest... with fun, excitement and adventure.

And he chose to live that way, well before being diagnosed.

But now, knowing what he now knew, his life, took on a whole new meaning.

Here's a ten minute or so video.

Watch it.

We ALL need to learn a number of lessons... in how to live well. We need teachers to teach and inspire. You'll find Dr Randy Pausch hard to beat as a life educator, inspirer and a really good human being.

If you know someone who continually complains about a part of their life, and does nothing about it, stick this video in front of their eyes.

If YOU have been complaining and whining about something you've wanted, but is not happening... or... something unwanted has happened that has you locked into a being a blithering blamer, see this video and note the effect it has on you.

And if it doesn't have an effect on you... check your pulse to see if you're still living!

How about making this a 2010 commitment (or even, a life commitment) - to crush blaming, whining, thumbsucking and complaining in all its forms, and instead... DO SOMETHING TO FIX WHAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED!

It's an interesting choice - whining and complaining or fixing things and moving on.

And the rewards of both?

Well, it's either... happiness or misery.

And we can choose the kind of day-to-day experience we want.

Raja Hireker

P.S. Here's the video made AFTER Dr Randy Pausch's death.

Fearless Artistry

2010-01-20T14:45:00.005Z

Watching an artist, a real artist perform their work, is nothing but magical.

Whether it's in sport, literature, entertainment, painting... artistry is artistry.

And we've all been in such presence of an artist because we can feel it, see it, experience it. It's what it DOES to us.

True artistry literally, takes your breath away. It leaves you speechless. Spellbound. Tearful.

I'd like to invite you to watch something.

But before that, please read what follows. It's important to what you'll witness.

The video you're about to see, shows the winner of Ukraine's Got Talent, 24 year old Kseynia Simonova. She's seen drawing a series of pictures on an illuminated sand table, showing how ordinary people were affected by the World War II invasion on her country.

Personally, I've never seen such creative artistry in any other shape or form.

Of course, you can make up your own mind.

Hanging Ourselves With Our Own Noose!

2010-01-13T10:48:00.009Z

There's an unfair place, where the judge, the jurors, everyone - has got it in for us.

But you know, in this Kangaroo Court, EVERYTHING is fair and just.

Huh?

Here's something simple, though what I think, powerful at the same time.

We need nothing OUTSIDE of us to commit ourselves to a life we hate! One of misery. One of continual blame and apathy.

Quite honestly, we pretty much sentence ourselves to the life we have based on nothing more than the thoughts we feed ourselves.

And often, no... ALWAYS!... it's 100% to do with the make-believe stories we create and feed ourselves.

And what happens when you feed something, continually? That's right - it GROWS and EXPANDS... and, depending on the thought, it turns into something ghastly and horrible.

So, what happens when you catch yourself saying (and it's only ALWAYS the thought that creates all of it)...

... "how do I get past the fear, how do I get the courage, how do I get the desire, I'm uncomfortable about this, how do I get passed that, I'm overwhelmed with things, how can I manage things, I've got so many things going on that I don't know what to focus on, I have faith and hope that things will get better but it doesn't seem to be working..."

So of course, there's NOTHING going on here apart from the sweet stories we stick to for dear life! And we've continually - just like a guest we've grown fond of and accustomed to - feed the story until it becomes a rampant, self obsessed, personal philosophy.

I'm scared - A STORY we've made up.

I need more courage - a STORY that says I've no courage.

I need to be more willing - a STORY that says I won't do anything until I become more willing, first.

I need to get past the fear - a MAKE-BELIEVE story we hold onto to get us OUT of action.

Make-believe thoughts - they'll cripple us -- if we let them.

Ask a kid if they'd like to go out to and play in the snow and they'll leap up and let out a yell that you wouldn't believe. Ask the kid if they want to go out and play in the snow wearing shorts and a t-shirt, they'll look at you and think you're Santa who has just made their biggest wish, come true!

You'll notice that there's no story there that kids cling to. There's no fear.

There's no need to feel courageous or muster up the willingness to do it - they DO IT, without any kind of silly, made up, story.

There's nothing getting in the way of what they want - there's just super excitement and a life of adventure.

Can we live like that as adults?

Sure. All we need do is practice a story that fuels and feeds us in a way that supports what we want.

No stupid foolish story needed - especially the ones we hang ourselves with... those stories we cling that act like our own noose - where we become the judge and jury in a Kangaroo Court... created out of our own madness.

Simply pure excited adventure and energy. And that comes by deliberately choosing what we want and how we want to live. Why not script and create another story for you - one that'll have you falling in love with YOU and what you want?

Are You Ready to... Turn Pro?

2009-09-01T01:14:00.010+01:00

What if your life could change because of one decision, one distinction, one stroke... do you think it can happen?

Why not?

Just as our life momentarily changes when we take a new side road or a new route, so it is when we shift our minds.

If you've never read the WAR of ART by Steven Pressfield, do it. Your life can change... if you want it to.

There's one phrase in that book (in fact, it's only TWO WORDS) that has forced its existence into my mind.

What's the two words?

TURNING PRO

That's it!

That's what has me fired and fueled and looking at every aspect of my life in a completely different way than I would normally be doing so.

What changed?

I changed.

I changed my thinking about what's possible.

And of course, whenever there's a declaration about wanting change to happen, then naturally, there's RESITANCE waiting... just around the corner... looking to drag our sorry behinds, to where it belongs - normality and mediocrity.

Steven Pressfield says it like this --

"Resistance HATES it when we turn pro!"

I like that.

I really like that because it's so true and it's so full of common-sense insight that it's so easy for it to slip under our conscious awakened thoughts.

And here's something else that happens when we Turn Pro (and that's true for ANYTHING we care deeply enough about):

What happens is that we COMMIT. We play at a different level. We play for keeps.

That's what happens when we TURN PRO.

And when it comes to writing and getting things done, there's no messing about with a Pro.

Someone once asked Somerset Maugham if he wrote on a schedule or only when struck by inspiration.

"I write only when inspiration strikes, he replied. Fortunately, it strikes every morning at nine o' clock, sharp"

A Pro.

What's important is the WORK.

Not the excuses. Not the reasons. Not the inner idiocy. None of that.

What matters most is DOING THE WORK.

It's what separates the Pros... from the rest

The book, the WAR of ART - Breakthrough the Blocks and Win Your Creative Battles - Steven Pressfield... Get it. It'll change your life... if you'll allow it in and are open to it.

Ideas Are Like Slippery Fish - Spear Them With a Pencil Before They Get Away!

2009-08-04T15:31:00.010+01:00

Last Friday I was sitting with a, sort of, prospective marketing and writing client.

There was no agenda or rigidity as such. Just shooting the idea breeze, as it were.

And the amazing thing that happens when you have no real agenda, no real clue as to where you're heading, the almost miraculous can happen.

If you take a look at that piece of paper above, in the top left is my one hour or so meeting. (The rest of the doodles and scribbles are... other meetings!)

Now here's what's super instructive about this: my prospective client had a number of ideas in how to market his product and services. And they were good.

So when he saw me think, ask questions, process a number of thoughts and then take those ideas that were running about in my mind and scribble them down onto that piece of harmless, scrunched up paper, he was gasping for breath when he saw the little tiny blueprint I created for him.

I really didn't know what was going to materialise from our conversation from the outset.

That's what my good friend and author Steve Chandler says about creating from where you are - miracles can happen right where you are, in the current moment.

How true.

Here's what's key: if all I did was deliver those ideas and let them swim around in the atmosphere for the time we were together, and did nothing more but try to remember them at some future date, we'd both be saying... "what they heck can you remember about our meeting?"

Of course, the answer being... a BIG FAT NOTHING!

Ideas are so fleeting and so delicate that if we don't spear them with a pencil and grab them with all our might, they'll sail away into the vast ocean of life... never to resurface in their original form again.

Marketing ideas, business ideas, writing ideas, coaching ideas, fearless living ideas... they are all waiting to be created and pounced on.

Do it... get your notepaper and pencil and create your world!

(Oh, and as an aside, when you really DELIVER your stuff, people want to buy into it. I mean, they really want to buy into it!)

The Practice of Talent

2009-06-22T21:58:00.035+01:00

Friend and Coach, Steve Chandler, mentioned a book in a recent communication to members of his Club Fearless (http://www.clubfearless.net/).

The title of the book intrigued me, as well as the work inside. The book's full title is - The Talent Code - unlocking the secret of skill in maths, art, music, sport, and just about anything else. Written by author, Daniel Coyle.

The book is an amazing journey into the 'talent hotbeds' of the world. If you thought genius' was reserved for 'others', get this book and you'll find a hotbed of lies and assumptions we may have been living with for years.

The key idea that I took away (and which was totally evident from the work in the book) was that talent and skill, is available to everyone because we all have it, in some way, shape or form.

And, that, when practiced and rehearsed and when we are coached or mentored to reach the best version of what we're capable of, we can literally, shift our own world.

I've also scuffed and dog eared and written notes on almost every page of a book called, 'You Haven't Taught if They Haven't Learned.'

This book is golden because it comes from two people - one (Swen Nater) who has been directly mentored and tutored by the legendary master basketball coach, Coach John Wooden, and, the other (Ronald Gallimore) who studied and analysed the coaching principles, philosophies and practices of the great Wooden. And he identified certain patterns and traits we can all use to better our lives in whatever area we choose.

(John Wooden coached UCLA - University of California, Los Angeles - to an unprecented 10 victories in the most demanding of college sports arenas you can imagine. And, it wasn't by accident or luck that he became the 'winningest' coach in history.)

A couple of Coach Wooden's many guiding principles, has to do with practice and skill. And, that by hard diligent application, any skill could be learned.

He was a master at ensuring his practice sessions were nothing but skill, team spirit and conditioning based, and, that there was no time wasted in unnecessary activity. In fact, the planning of his practice session lasted longer than the practice session itself!

Coach Wooden was known to have put his players through a process until players could execute the fundamentals in an automatic and unconscious way.

In other words, the disciplined practice of talent.
Those are 4 words worth considering jotting down - especially if you're looking to help others (or yourself) to excel at something where they're not quite 'there' yet.

Continuing with the sporting context here, let me use another couple because I think it ties things together.

The two soccer players you see on the left are considered two of the best in the world.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Both players went head to head in the recent European Cup Winner's Final where Messi, playing for Barcelona, outshone his fellow skill merchant who played for Manchester United, where Barcelona, lifted the trophy.

What I found instructional and informative, were the pre-match comments of Manchester United's manager and coach, Sir Alex Ferguson - it was about the skill and application of that skill by both 'gifted grafters'.

Ferguson strongly believes that it's their work ethic that sets them apart. That they marry their talents with hard work. He says... "there are some players like Messi and Ronaldo who are innately gifted. But this is not enough and there is a practice element which becomes very important".

He also went on to say...

"If you watch Ronaldo, he practices after every squad training session".

What's obvious here is that the 'special quality' most top players posses, is the fact that they're willing to want to go and look for that extra edge. And they do that by creating and developing something on their own.

There's something about the phrase "an overnight success" that has 'injustice' written all over it. But then again, I suppose that those who do anything worthwhile, practice their overnight success to perfection - every night!

Andy Murray is hoping to become Britain's Men's Wimbledon Singles Tennis champ - after a 71-year drought. The last British man to lift the trophy in victory, was, Fred Perry.

Many years ago, Perry (below) was asked about whether the nation would produce another Wimbledon winner.

His answer was somewhat revealing and a kick in the head to all those 'overnight success' seekers.

"It's not a matter of producing anybody," he said. "It's a case of somebody, somewhere, who wants to succeed badly enough and is determined and bloody-minded enough to make sure he does."

Skill and talent lies in head zone of anyone and everyone.

Practice is the instructive genius that'll make anyone a believer... of themselves. And if you care to prove it, all you've got to do is... put it to the test.

Raja Hireker
www.CoachingByWriting.com

Anything We've Ever Really Wanted... We've Got!!

2009-06-18T10:17:00.011+01:00

There was a time I used to crib about wanting a better physique, a better paying job, being a better tennis player, become fearless and goal oriented... be funnier... and everything else I said I wanted.

And, when I didn't get what I thought I wanted, I simply put it down to nothing much in particular. What I mean by that is I didn't really take a deep look into the dynamics of what was going on.

The fact of the matter is, there isn't much analysing to do.

Because, whatever I really want, I've got.

And let me broaden this out...

Whatever any of us has wanted, we've got.

And that's a key word, want, because, we either do something to get what we say we want, or... we don't do nothing much in particular.

Now if it's the latter, then what that means is that we never really truly deeply wanted it in the first place!

And that's good to know because why unnecessarily beat ourselves up over something we think we want, but do nothing to get it.

So if I really really wanted a better physique, I'd be creating a plan, a system, a programme of work in order to reach my desired physique. I'd be doing daily things like sit ups, squats, pull ups... I'd be totally aware of how I move through the day. (And, in fact, that's exactly what I've been doing for the last couple of months now and I'm experiencing a wonderful difference in my strength, stamina, 'look', mental clarity, ability to concentrate and get more done)

On the other hand, if all I did was wish a better physique into existence and simply hoped my health would improve with a little half-hearted dabbling here and there, then it's not something I really really want to have happen in my life.

And we can apply that mindshift thinking and processing to ANYTHING we say we want in our lives.

What about those in business?

Can we really want to have our business explode and be the best version of it that it can possibly be?

Sure... if we truly WANT that.

So, if I really wanted that to be the case, to make my business the best possible version that it can be, then I'd have to be working, acting in accordance to a plan of prosperity.

I'd have to be totally consumed with serving my customers and clients with products and services that can benefit their lives.

I'd plan to keep in regular contact and communication with my customers... I'd be listening to what my customers have to tell me... I'd be creating new, joyful experiences for customers, employees and, myself.

I'd commit to doing one task at a time. I'd commit to outsource the things I can't or don't want to do.

Can you see there's a powerful, practical, purposeful difference at play here than merely winging it or hoping that the business will take care of it self, which in turn, will magically, give me what I want?

It's Disneyland thinking. Pixie dust sprinkling.

And the truth of the matter is... (and whether we like hearing it or not, isn't going to make a difference to this truth), all of us have got what we want in our life currently, because... that's what we want!

It's not much more complicated than that.

There's really no need to reach for the long, drawn out services of a psychologist or psychiatrist - this is plain simple stuff -- we either want things, or, we don't. We either do things, or we don't.

The man says to me that his relationship is on a roller coaster of being either one of deep creeping silence and separateness, and then, it changes to one of banging voices, screaming madness and horrible blame.

And when I suggested that that... "that's what you want your relationship to be like or you wouldn't be doing your part", it stopped him, cold.

So, what is it you REALLY WANT? (without having to wait for Santa to shower you with his own idea of what you want!)

Name it, then... go claim it!

www.CoachingByWriting.com

Face to Face With Real Life Fearlessness

2009-05-18T18:21:00.021+01:00

So, what do you do when you see a child who's bleeding from the mouth after a fall from the monkey bars at the local playground?

And, what if that child was, your very own!

Well, that's what happened to my five year old daughter a few days ago.

And, quite frankly, I thought I knew what fearlessness meant, until I saw what took place on the surgeon's operating table.

I mean, we've all read about some act of fearlessness, courage and boldness, but, we've probably never really identified or felt it... up close... and, personal.

So when the consulting surgeon said that it's better that the lower lip was operated on (my daughter fell from a height of around five feet, letting go of the monkey bars, but landed on her chin, so pushing her lower teeth through her bottom lip), both my wife and I agreed.

We also agreed that general anesthetic would be better, but, settled for local anesthetic.

So what the surgeon first did was apply an anesthetic gel to the ripped and torn area of my daughter's lower lip.

What happened next, jolted us.

The surgeon said that he was going to apply stitches to the area, now, right at that very moment.

What jolted us was the fact that there was no local anesthetic being given.

When we asked the surgeon, he just said that we should do it now because it just needed to be done, right there and then.

So now I was spread across the surgeon's consulting couch to get in front of my daughter who was propped up against the back support.

I was showing her pictures and videos on my mobile phone, just to distract her attention from the stuff that was about to happen.

My wife positioned herself behind my daughter's head, supporting and comforting her from that position.

The blood was now, flowing.

My daughter, was screaming.

I was fumbling with the various images on the phone, trying to talk through the pictures and videos to my daughter.

The surgeon was stitching, and stitching, and stitching.

It seemed like, an eternity.

I was getting hotter and hotter.

I was sweating, madly.

Like I had some form of tropical fever.

I needed air.

No. I WANTED air!

Desperately.

I removed my sweater with one hand, still fumbling with the phone in the other.

The surgeon looked up at me and asked if I was okay.

"I'm burning up" I told him.

And in a matter of seconds, he'd finished his work.

I was now in the corner, head between my knees.

My daughter was having the blood wiped from around her mouth area. She had five stitches.

I looked up at her from where I was sitting, still a little hot, eyes moist. And totally in awe of what happened.

I'd just witnessed pure courage and fearlessness... in all its glory and reality.

My daughter.

She's my super hero.

Who's yours?

Who Are You Serving?

2009-05-11T22:55:00.015+01:00

If you're a coach, consultant or anyone exchanging high value services for money, this will be a rather important message for you.

In fact, if you’re experiencing any sort of lack or frustration in ANY area of life, this will still be rather important for you.

I know many authors, consultants, coaches, public speakers, healers, therapists and professionals of all kinds... who are barely making enough to get by.

Why is that?

Isn't having an armful of qualifications and certificates, enough for people to find us and demand us to take their money?

Well, quite frankly, those who think that way are literally BROKE.

That's because no matter WHAT it is we do as a profession, someone still has to be SERVED.

And that's an important word - served.

So, if you're struggling or if you know someone who is really struggling with their profession, career or business, ask them this question --
WHO ARE YOU SERVING?

Quite frankly, the only thing that counts is helping and serving others.

So, those professionals who sign up for a thousand and one social networking sites and who are intent in building their 'web of influence'... are spending enormous amounts of time, energy and mental capital on their efforts.

But I bet if you ask them 'who are you serving... where is the value that's been transmitted here?'... you'll get that blank, far away look backed up by a stunned silence that they can't quite wrap their heads around.

Because really - that's the only question you need to ask (again and again) - who are you serving - if you ever find that... you're not making the money you want, don't have the clients you want, don't have the life you want.

And the thing about this question is that it cuts through all the self chatter and the inner mumbo jumbo and the pathetic excuses we throw at ourselves.

Because let's face it; we love to defend ourselves, to rationalise, to give justifications to ourselves when things look like they'll hit the fan, the wardrobe and any other item in the house.

Yes. The question really is an EXCUSE BUSTER. And, it's a powerful RECESSION BUSTING tool, also.

And so let's take a short look at our relationships and see how this all fits together.

Ask a friend you meet occassionally, how their relationships are doing, how are they working out?

Well, for most, their relationships are pretty ho-hum.

Nothing new. Nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing exciting on a day to day basis.

In fact for many, there's a kind of slow, creeping separateness that gets wider and wider and wider.

So, when you find yourself of someone you know in a crapped out relationship, just notice where the focus of attention is.

Is it on the person themselves or, on the other party in the relationship?

Quite honestly, when you really serve others, when you take the concern and the drama off of you, and you focus on helping others, you can't have a relationship that doesn't work!

It's just not possible.

That's because your attention isn't on you, you're not focussing everything on you - instead, you're serving others, you're helping others, you're looking out for their best interests.

So, if you're feeling frustrated, angry, unhappy, unproductive, lethargic, miserable, depressed... simply turn things around and ask...

WHO am I serving here?

And notice this; when you serve others, you become a true hero to those very people you help and serve.

Now tell me that there's a better way to be than that!

Raja Hireker
www.CoachingByWriting.com

Creative Power - On Tap!!

2009-05-02T00:07:00.008+01:00

A friend of mine received a tax bill.

It was for an amount that buckled him.

Briefly.

So, what did he do after gathering himself?

He went out for the longest walk of his life.

And what did he DO whilst walking?

He thought.

He thought how could he be of service to others.

He thought how could he offer something jaw dropping and irresistible.

He came back from his long walk and wrote all he could until his fingers ached and bled.

In fact, he wrote pages and pages of notes that contained -- pages and pages of creative ideas.

So what happened to these creative ideas?

Well, he put the best one, into action, into the marketplace.

And, the marketplace... swallowed it up.

Which meant...TAX BILL PAID! (and one happy friend)

So what's really going on here? Where's the REAL power here? (and we ALL possess it)

Well, it's in the QUESTIONS we ASK OURSELVES.

And there's really no 'in-between' here.

Either the questions help, or hinder.

They bring solutions or simply add to the problem.

They create the possibility of happiness, or misery.

So the true skill here, the true power here, is in asking the right questions.

THAT'S THE MASTER ASSET we all have.

It's just that we may not have practiced using this muscle of all muscles. And that too, in a way that creates what we want.

Many business owners ask the WRONG QUESTIONS.

They're asking - how can we cut back here, what can we get rid of, how can I lower my prices, how can I crush the competition, how can I avoid marketing, how can I be tightfisted with my vendors and suppliers...

When instead...

They could be asking questions like

==> How can I be of better service...

==> What can I add that would improve my customer's lives...

==> How can I better respond to my customers' and prospects' needs...

==> How can I communicate more effectively and moreauthentically to my target audience...

==> How can I improve my advertising and marketing so itbrings in a better response from higher quality prospects...

==> What ways can I make my offer irresistible to the prospects and clients I serve...

==> How can I get my target audience to fall in lovewith me, no matter what the economic climate...

==> How can I grow my business, no matter if everyone around me is closing up shop...

==> How can I get my emails read, responded to and acted on...

The thing about these questions is that they're seeking solutions. They're requesting the asker, to find answers which in turn, create momentum and movement. Answers that benefit the end user (- the client, customer or prospect)

What questions are YOU are asking of your business,career or practice?

And...do you find that the questions you do ask, do they help or do they hinder? Do they add joy, or misery? Are they optimistic based, or loaded with pessimism?

Well, when you make a practice of asking the RIGHT questions, you'll soon notice that there's no room on the table for any other kind!

Keep asking those bright creative questions andwatch your business, career or venture... SOAR!

Raja Hireker

http://www.coachingbywriting.com/

Cracking The Impossible

2009-04-12T18:54:00.004+01:00

If you've ever marvelled at what you thought was just simply impossible, then your eyes won't believe what they're seeing in the video below.

I was stunned, actually left breathless with what I saw.

I bought the DVD.

I purchased the book last week - and read it in one day.

Magical.

Now, I realise that the word Impossible has been used to describe many feats and accomplishments... of various kinds.

However, when you see what you're about to see, just picture your own impossible dream and...how it too, can come to life... if you let it!

The Awesome Power of Focus!!

2009-03-23T14:25:00.021Z

Here's the best example of focus, I've possibly seen.

So, I've dropped my children to school and I'm now in my car, waiting for the traffic lights to turn from red, to green. I'm adjusting the volume on the CD player and somehow, from the corner of my eye, I could sense this frantic movement and activity on the pavement, some twenty to thirty yards ahead of me.

And, I couldn't quite figure what I was concentrating on because there was a mass of people on the pavement, all going about their day during the hustle and bustle of the morning.

And then, somehow, I lost all that movement. It all seemed to have blended into that multi-coloured, swaying sea of humanity.

But, just like a rabbit throwing the fox off the trail, the chase starts again. And this time, I could see exactly what was going on.

A woman was on the run. All the while, she had a little baby, tucked under her right arm like a rugby ball or an American football.

And, with her left arm, she was steering and pushing... an empty pram!

Boy could this woman run!

This was now becoming must viewing.

I tracked her through the crowd, seeing her zip and engineer her way through the denseness like an Olympic runner. Quite frankly, I'd never seen anything like it.

I was thinking to myself that what on earth was going on here. Had she robbed a bank and the pram was her getaway vehicle. And if it was, why was it empty and what was the baby doing at the bank?

Or, had she snatched the child and then found out she'd been rumbled. So, before thinking about giving it all up, she decided to leg it, scarper for her life!

Oh, the drama we can all create!

Well, after those fleeting thoughts evaporated, I let my eyes travel a little further to the direction where the woman was heading.

And then it struck me; this lady, with small baby under her arm, running like a demon, fanatically gripping one of the pram handles... what she was doing was running to catch the bus!

Yes; this lady who was just unbelievable in her commitment and focus, was running to get on a then, stationary bus.

WOW!!... I thought; now that's what I call focus!

There was nothing else on her mind than to get that bus.

There's no gossip going on. There's no debating about things. She's not travelling in two directions at the same time.

One goal. One mission. One game plan.

And, did she get the bus?

Well, I can only speculate and say that if her intensity and her commitment of purpose and if her focus was anything to go by, then yes, I'd say she would've got that bus.

As timing would have it, my 'lights' turned green.

I was on the move.

I tried arching my neck behind whilst driving so I didn't quite see the end result.

However, the important thing was the total focus and the absolute dedication to... go for it.

How many women (or men) would've tucked their little child under their arm like that, run like that, steer a pram like that?

Not many.

It's amazing what we can accomplish when we focus!

If You Think About It Too Much, You'll Burn Your Foot!

2009-02-07T13:25:00.018Z

So, the first time I got on to the scorching ret hot coals on my crazy firewalk adventure, I breezed through it like a pro.

And the second time? A burnt foot!!

So what happened here? Pro, to a burnt frazzle... all in the space of 15 minutes!

Was it... fear, lack of belief, shaky confidence, lack of enthusiasm?

If I say to you that the cause of my burnt foot, was my own emotion, would you believe me... maybe just a little?

Well, that's exactly what happened - my own emotion and my own thoughts about things.

Let me ask you this:

Have you ever had this happen to you; you have this great idea or thought about something and the more you think about it, you find that you've filled your head with reasons to not go ahead with things.

And so now, you've convinced yourself out of the whole idea. Have you ever had that happen to you?

And on the other hand, have you done something without thinking too much about it? And so, you went ahead and did it without too much care and without the whole debate and conversation about it.

And because of that, you achieved what you wanted?

Well, that's exactly what happened to me and the firewalk.

The first time of asking, I didn't think about what I was doing so I just went ahead and did it. There was no inner chatter and no conversation that was going to convince me out of things. I was focussed.

And, I wasn't riding high on any emotional wave.

However, the second time around, something happened inside my own mind. Some conversation or other had taken place. And however subtle it was, it took place. And in that conversation, some emotion or other took place.

And the result?

A burnt foot.

How many times have we all convinced ourselves out of doing something that we know, deep down, could enhance, boost, create something new and great in our lives?

How many times?

Probably, plenty.

It's really true that our emotions can work for us, or against us.

Because when you really think about it, my task in that firewalk, was to walk from one end, to the other. Nothing else. But, it was my own made up drama that caused the resulting physical pain.

Imagine the tightrope walker walking from one end of the rope or plank, to the other. And it's just that the plank or rope is 1000 feet up and between two buildings... what are your thoughts now?

Again, the only task we're involved in, is to walk from one end to the other.

And maybe you'll see this too, because most things in life that show up as results, are pretty logical and formulaic.

Now what if our emotions take a hold and the inner mumbling starts... what do you think will happen to the walk?!!

Quite naturally... disaster!

But is that tightrope task any different to anything we may want to do?

Well, I'd carefully consider the idea that wherever we're not achieving or succeeding in an area of life that we say is important to us, I'd say there's a firewalk, or tightrope or self hanging conversation going on.

And do you know what - it's only a conversation so what if we could change and create another conversation? One that totally supports what we're up to.

What do you think will happen then!?

Now doesn't that make life rather more interesting than a burnt foot experience?

Stamping Out The Practice of Mediocrity

2009-02-01T11:15:00.014Z

If you ever wanted to see what class and professionalism and excitement and extraordinary ability is all about, all you have to do is watch and marvel and excite over the tennis matches played between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

And when you see these titans in action, you'll not be stumped by mediocrity or lethargy or incompetence. You'll not ever wonder about the lack of magnificence and beauty and finesse and muscle.

But on the other hand, if you wanted to experience what mediocrity and flatness and incompetence and devastating boredom is all about, simply - if you can bear it - listen to the BBC commentators when they're describing the excellence of a Federer and Nadal match up.

And so the 2009 Australian Open final between these extraordinary Tennis Gladiators produced the inevitable glory and drama and excellence.

And, inevitably, the BBC tv commentators produced their flat, funereal, pathetic mixture of incompetence and dryness and mediocrity.

The ability to inspire and move and motivate is what happens when you see true excellence in motion. And that can happen anywhere and everywhere. The movies. The newspapers. Sport. Literature. Our own communication. It can happen everywhere.

However, mediocrity and incompetence and suffocating unprofessionalism is more widespread and obvious, than not. And it's a full time job stamping all that out from our lives.

So now we know that we've got to be aware and on the ball and full of deliberate consciousness if we want to be on the side of excellence and professionalism and excitement.

And when we do that, we'll send mediocrity and incompetence and the pathetic and flat way of being, out of our lives.

So if you want to experience the difference between the extraordinary, and the bland and mediocre, and that too, in the same heartbeat, experience a tennis match between Federer and Nadal and listen to the BBC commentary about it.

(And of course, I'm not including one John McEnroe as one of the mediocre commentators - quite the opposite, he's pretty much the only real class act when it comes to tennis tv commentary)

It's About Love, Not Time...

2009-01-14T10:24:00.009Z

There's a HUGE myth running in and out of our brains and it goes something like this...

"I'd love to do that but I just don't have the time."

Now not only is this a common line for most... it's a BIG FAT LIE.

And the reason that it's a big whopper is because if we really loved something, really loved something... we'd MAKE the time to DO IT... wouldn't we?

I mean, it just makes plain simple sense.

And that's where most of us go wrong - thinking that simple, isn't something valuable enough so we go look for the complex and it's no wonder because check out the huge chaos in our brains!

So, say I want to play the piano and I want to be good at it but oh look, there's no time in the day for it so looks like I'll have to put that on the shelf of my life and carry on with the normal and the mundane and the boring stuff of my everyday life and... oh my gosh, let me check the calendar... GASP.... I've only a few more years left before checkout time!!

Can you see the diabolical chaos going on in our heads because we believe the pathetic lie that there's not enough time so I'm going to scrap something that I say is really important to me in my life... can you see the chaos going on here?

And so when we get to the bottom of it all, the thing all along was that... I really DIDN'T WANT to play the piano because if I did, if I really loved and wanted to play it and it was something that I thought about and I listened to the music I wanted to play and I could imagine myself playing the piano and I go and find out about piano classes and I look to see about purchasing maybe a used piano...

Well, then there's evidence that I'm really into this and I'm really loving this and this is what I want to get really good at and whatever time I've got in the day or the week, then I'll go at it with all I've got because I really want this. And if I REALLY want it more than I believe, I'll be up early and I'll be DOING IT.

So you see, it's NEVER a matter of not having enough time. It's always a matter of Do I Love it Enough TO MAKE THE TIME and get really good at what I want to do.

And that's pretty much it.

Of course, there's all the inner flapping of the head and mind we get into when there's a reason to defend and justify things and all that but none of that matters because all the conversation stops when we're DOING what we say we want.

And the conversational flapping stops because we're really doing it because we love it.

I'd love to make this more difficult and more complex and more deeper but you know, life's not meant to be wasted.

Raja Hireker
www.CoachingByWriting.com

New Years Celebrations... ALL YEAR ROUND!

2009-01-01T01:30:00.016Z

So it's now 2009 and what's really happened here to the mind of the global nation? I mean, it's just a crazy wild scene - New Years Day. Celebration, fireworks, hugging, smiles... I mean, it's just a wild and crazy scene. And it's just beautiful, isn't it?

Think about it for a moment -- in the twinkling of an eye, with a click of the fingers, the whole thought of the so called world financial catastrophe of 2008, is forgotten, wiped out, put behind us... just like that.

Amazing!

So then, do we need wait for a New Years Day type celebration to fix our concerns and problems and frustrations and dilemmas because it's guaranteed that something will come up for us during the year, I mean, it has to, just look at the odds of it not happening!

So what happens now, now that this big ugly problem has reared its nasty head; where's the NEW YEARS celebration when we need it? Oh can't we just pour out the solution from a bottle kept in the fridge and have it be done with... can't it just be washed away and sent straight into the depths of the ocean... can't it be as simple and as quick as that?

Most believe knock backs or setbacks are supposed to last a long long time and so we mentally prepare ourselves for the stories of woe and of trouble and of hurt and of blame and of victimisation... and we get comfortable telling these stories to ourself and to anyone else who will listen.

But see, we can totally end that game if we want to and we can celebrate the end of that game and we can congratulate ourselves for not playing that game... anymore...

And now instead, we've chosen a new game and the beautiful thing about this new game is that it doesn't include any of the old rules we used to follow and practice and become oh so professional at... there's none of that in this game because this game is about choosing what we want to have happen in this new 2009 and we're going to create a magnificent plan to make things happen.

And do you know what's really really important about this? Well, what's so important about this is the fact that we're creating and playing by our own rules and that's magical because it could have been that we got stuck on some OLD rule in 2008 and so now, we're not into those old rules because none of that served us well so that's why... we're going to drop all that.

Please tell me you can feel the power rising up in you when you hear that you can create whatever you want in 2009 because you're now setting the rules and you're calling the shots and you're in total command... please tell me that you can feel all that because if and when you can, you'll see that there's the PERMISSION SHIFT you've been hiding out from.

So this new game... this new game is only about you and what you want. Does that sound selfish and too greedy and so uncaring about what others want and their needs and all that... does it seem you don't care?

Well, I think not because what you want will no doubt include your family somewhere along the line. And that's the way it should be because if you were chasing whatever success means to you, and you left out family and relationships and love and caring, then it's all a great waste of time and money and energy and... life. It's all a great waste.

Create what you want to have happen in 2009... because it's the best answer to a life in the doldrums and a life of blame and a life of nothing much happening at all.

Have a year long celebration of success!

Raja Hireker

Creating Personal & Lifechange Transformation
Through Writing http://CoachingByWriting.com

How 12 Angry Men Can, Astonishingly, Turn Your Life Around

2008-12-17T11:10:00.013Z

If there's one thing you can do for someone you love, someone you know who's troubled or someone you know who needs desperate help and nothing has really worked for them, then get them a copy of the astonishing movie - 12 Angry Men

And, if it's you who is in a dilemma about where your life is going or what you really want or where your best work is, then get this movie for yourself and watch it again and again and again.

So what's so astonishing about this movie that gets me writing about it and has me telling you to invest part of your life in it... what's so astonishing about it?

To start with, you'll find secret lessons slip into your mind... the kind of lessons you'll not learn in any book or formal course of teaching.

And I'm not going to spoil things by telling you exactly what happens in this movie but what I will say that the movie contains one of the most destructive and the most creative aspects in how each one of us lives our lives -- our minds.

And sure, you may have heard that all before and you may have read a thousand and one books on the subject and it's probable that it's all rushed passed you and if you've heard it one time then you've heard it a thousand times before and I understand that...

But let me suggest something to you that when you hear or see the same subject matter and you view it in an entirely NEW way and you take it in in a completely new way then it'll hit you like a thousand volts of electricity. It'll be like a whooshing energy picking you up and somehow gently forcing you to see things differently because that's where ALL the problems and answers happen in life -- in HOW WE SEE THINGS!

So, with these 12, adult, grown up men, we get to see how they've been conditioned to their personal thinking and their assumptions and their prejudices and their ideals and their viewpoints and their rationale and their beliefs that are all soaked up in their own personal drama and tragedy.

And then, piece by piece, evidence after evidence, thought after thought, conversation after conversation, anger after anger, the mind... shifts.

Theirs... as well as ours!

Imagine, the point of view we hold so firmly and so closely and so desperately cling to, simply vanishes into thin air!

And it's so beautiful to see and it's so magnificent to witness and it all takes your breath away because right there, right on that very screeen, we're seeing our own hardened arteries and our own drama of life and our own stubborn ideas and fears... melt and wither and deflate and it's just tearful when it happens... I mean, really, it's just tearful and heart wrenching because, possibly, for the very first time, we can see how we're living a hardened assumptive lie and we've wasted an enormous amount of time immersed in that lie... and now, without even realising it, there's an opening, a way out of this mind game, a clear path to walk on... and each one of us can experience it.

So now if you're simply looking for a dramtic movie to keep you entertained over the coming weeks, then 12 Angry Men, fits, perfectly.

However, if you're looking to also have your life be forever changed and if you're open to that astonishing possibility, then I invite you to witness a miracle in motion by seeing... 12 Angry Men because it's just too good a life changing lesson to pass by.

Raja Hireker

(And if you do buy it and you do see it and it doesn't create a stir within you in a dramatic way then just send the movie to me - email me for address - and I'll pay you whatever you spent to get it... plus 50% extra on top of that)

CoachingByWriting
(coming soon)

Our Day IS Our Whole Life!

2008-12-08T10:43:00.017Z

What if it was your birthday... every single day... would you like that? And, what if you realised that every time you went to sleep, you weren't sure if you'd wake up -- now how would you like that!

Well, let me suggest something to you that you may not have realised till now. It's this: Every single moment, we're born anew. That's right. And if every single moment we're born anew, that means, the old us, dies away... every single moment.

How does all that sit with you? Are you comfortable with it?

Okay, so when you haven't seen someone in a while, and then you do, you'd have noticed they would have aged a little, their nails may be a little longer, their hair may not be as you know it to be, their voice or their complexion or their language or something would have changed.

But what happens if you instead, see that same person, every single day... it's true that the visible signs of change, wouldn't be so visible.

So what does this all mean?

It means that we are changing at lightning fast speeds that we can't even see it. It means that we're just like a candle flame -- renewing and dying away and renewing and dying away... hundreds, thousands, even millions of times a day.

It also means this -- Our Day IS Our Whole Life!

And if you get that and if you absorb that and if you totally immerse yourself in the truth of that statement, you'll revere and treasure and totally respect you, your life and the relationship you have with those in your life... because when you really get that when you put your head on the pillow, and you close your eyes and you fall into a deep sleep, where do you go... where are you at that time... aren't you in other words, dead to the world?

Oh how I wish you really really get that because it WILL set your life alight. You'll NEVER look at your life in the same way again. And that's a good thing because let's face it, most of us are in this cosy world of make believe that we're somehow going to live forever and that we're somewhat immortal and there are plenty of days left for "living the best years of our lives".

There's no truth in that and it's nothing more than a hopeless pile of self contaminated hype and we do want to live in the truth, don't we? Life is the present moment and nothing more. We wake up to a new day. Let's think of it as our birthday. Because it is... it's the birth of a new day.

And we can live our day as if it's our last day. And when we get ready for bed, it's like we're not there, when we're in that deep sleep. It's like placing the garland of flowers around our necks... just like when someone dies in the East.

And then, when the birds chirp and the sun creeps in through the crack in the curtain, it's a new day. It's our birthday again. Hooray!! Here, have a slice of birthday cake. And why not have it be like that... everyday... because, our day, IS our whole life!!

A Vote for Personal Dedication

2008-11-06T10:11:00.013Z

Whilst global euphoria settles, Barack Obama has gone to work. To work on... MAKING THINGS WORK. To back up his commitment and dedication to his message of change.

There's a strong but scary belief that America's icon President is simply going to radically change the lives of not only millions of Americans, but the lives of millions all around the world.

In America, there's a strong current of belief filtering into the mindstream of many that says, "we don't have to do anything because we've elected the right man for the job and all our worries, miseries, bad fortune... will be washed away... we're free, thank the lord we are free".

It's simply not true.

It's as if winning the race for the Presidency will automatically mean that everyone will be instantly transformed! How dangerous is that!

Oh, how many of us wish for that to happen in our own lives. To be taken out of one's current misery, and then, transported on the wave of emotion to an equivalent White House of our own.

If Barack Obama thought like that, he'd have never dreamt of 'going into' politics... let alone become the President of America in one of the most beautifully created campaigns you'd ever wish to see.

And for me, he IS a global icon. Bigger than any pop star, sports person, artist, writer, business person, you name it A TRUE role model. A person EVERYONE can learn from. And what has he got that we all look for in ourselves?

How about fierce dedication. How about unrelenting persistence. How about the courage and strength to stand up for what one believes. How about perfecting and practising his communication skills. How about the love for his family. How about the ability to lead himself and others. How about acting and doing, rather than wishing and hoping. How about voting for and believing in, oneself...

He's created a stir in the world like no other human being that I can think of. And, as with any significant victory, one cannot do it in isolation. Nothing creates impact like spirited cooperation. Nothing. And we should all bear that in mind, because...

It's hard being a successful hermit.

The Powerful Stupidity of Non Judgement

2008-11-03T09:01:00.017Z

Have you ever read or heard the 'wise ones' when they say, "oh, the key to extraordinary living happens when we're non judgemental."

I used to believe that. I used to think that I'd reach some sort of exalted celestial status when I incorporate non judgment into my everyday existence. To my every moment.

I bought into all that. And what a futile and hopeless instruction that was.

That's because the job of the mind, is to judge. That's its JOB!

Now, I fully understand and practice being non jugdemental when the need arises. And what I mean by non-judgemental is observing but without giving comment. Without letting the full force of my mind let loose on the issue at hand.

So, I can see the news of global financial chaos. I can hear all about the incompetence of people in high places. I can give no thought to the football team playing such a lousy game.

I can practice non judgement.

However, when you ask someone who is TOTALLY into all this 'non judgement movement' and you ask them, "what exactly do you mean by non judgement and when do you DO this non judgemental stuff... how does that all work?"

Naturally I get the long long silence and the wide eyed stare that tells me I'm either the president of the loony society or that I'm some sort of mad hatter prankster playing one heavy joke on them.

The fact of the matter is we're ALL practicing the practice of... being judgemental.

A person first has to judge that they're going to practice being non judgemental. That kind of puts a hole in the entire thinking, doesn't it?

Once again, the job of the mind, is to judge. And it's doing it EVERY MOMENT.

Is it rainy or sunny... am I tired or not... am I hungry or not... will I exercise or not... will I write or not... will I wear black or blue... will I have coffee or tea... will I watch this channel or this...

There's no mystery. There's no science. There's no deeper hidden meaning to the idea of being judgemental. There's no one coming down to give you a whack across the knuckles because you've been a bad bad judgemental person.

If you really want to use the power of being non judgmental, do it when trauma, sorrow, negativity strikes you. Attach NO story or judgment to it all.

If a long term client says they do not want to conduct business with you ever again, attach no story to that. But instead, get busy at creating better quality relationships with others.

If family members decide to 'let you have it', you can practice saying nothing. Doing nothing. Being, nothing. That is, if you're looking for peace harmony and happiness... for yourself.

And of course, there will be times when you will want to put your best case forward. And that's nothing more than the sheer beauty of... being judgemental... in a relaxed and loving way!

If you're not aware of what you're mentally letting into your brain, you'll have your senses scrubbed clean of all its goodness and quality, and instead, without you ever realising, it'll be replaced with the confusion and drama from those who really have no idea what the hell they are talking about.

And if you let it go on long enough, you'll find that your life will simply drift, drfit drift on the waves of assumption and conjecture.

Practice Your Beauty

2008-10-27T11:48:00.010Z

There's a saying in Chinese martial arts;

"Miss One day of practice and you know it. Miss two days and your teacher knows it. Miss three days and everyone knows it!"

Have you ever studied somebody like Bruce Lee? I mean really studied him and his life? Not many people may think it worthwhile to do so. That's okay. But see, when you understand and fully GET the opening saying to this blog, you'll see the magic and wonder of what it means to own a beautiful life.

Take a look at Bruce Lee's physique in the picture above. Pretty amazing, isn't it? And it isn't that Lee had super extraordinary talent or anything like that. No. What Lee had -- and this is true for ANYONE you consider successful -- Lee had developed a passion for practice.

Yes. That's right. Lee practiced and practiced until he reached a level of mastery. A level that was too intense for the rest. He practiced. Intensely. And if he skipped practice - well - everyone would soon find out.

Consider a business owner who's constantly into one drama or another when it comes to creating a profitable business. What's their current level of practice towards creating those profits?

Well, it may surprise you to even hear the idea of practice when speaking about business. Well, creating a physique and becoming a supreme martial artist like Bruce Lee is no different than being a super fine business person with a delicious enviable lifestyle - both need practice.

And, when practice towards creating excellence in any area or endeavour fizzles by the wayside, it is instantly replaced by sloppiness, frustration and anguish. And yes, you know it... the world knows it.

There's a beauty in Lee's life. Martial arts. And just as it's so for the writer, the business person, the home creator, the teacher, the administrator, the mother, the spouse, the politician... whoever it may be... once that art and craft is practiced and then practiced some more until it reaches a level of beautiful mastery, then they too will reach the levels of greatness most only gawp at.

Success is in the commitment to the practice. And it's an open book. Where there's frustration and lack of results - simply take a look at the person's practice routine. You'll find all you'll ever need to know about how to fix what's not working.

Practice your beauty. The world's waiting for you to show them what you've got.

RCH

A Life of Pathetic Excuses

2008-10-21T11:54:00.015+01:00

When I read the quote below by Woody Allen, it helped my thinking in terms of how to get across a specific message.

Here's the quote;

"The biggest life lesson I learned is that you have to discipline yourself to do the work. If you want to accomplish something, you can't spend time hemming and hawing, and making excuses. You actually have to do it. I still have to go home every single day, know where I am, what I'm doing - and include 45 minutes of practice on my clarinet because I want to play. I want to write, too, so I get up, go in, close the door and write. You can't string paper clips and get a pad ready and play around."

Now isn't THAT a breath of clarity and freshness!

See, there's no room for living an excuse based life when we really get Woody and what he's up to regarding his own personal success.

But here's the truth of it from the many I hear who want a different life, but do nothing different to make things happen.

And the truth is - we love to rejoice in the miserable story of our own ineffectiveness because it takes us AWAY from the fix; the cure; the solution.

And that means... ACTION! Momentum. Flow. Movement.

There IS a tremendous fear of success for many. Those looking for a better life, really do speak a good life... they really do paint a picture of success and happiness... they really do convince themselves and others around them that they're making strides... but you know... there's no evidence to support all that. It's all smoke and mirrors puffery... illusionary make believe activity.

However, what there is an abundance of is a ton of airplay in the number one hit - "THE MISERY OF MY LIFE".

When I found myself making excuses for what I was up to, it drained me. I felt zapped, continuously. My energy levels would hit an all time low. My mumbling language gave the game away. My nervousness troubled my self-concept and weakened it to a shivering wreck.

And I'm glad I experienced all that because I can see from both sides of the fence. A life of excuses... and... a life of activity and momentum based on what I want.

Imagine Woody playing around with his paper clips and doodling on his notepad instead of creating his masterful work!!?

He would have cheated the world of his contribution. But no, he's giving us all he's got.

So, are you merely doodling and chucking paperclips... or are you doing the WORK to create your own masterpiece for us to marvel at?

When's The Next Tantrum Storm Coming?

2008-10-10T10:24:00.015+01:00

Yanking one's hair out because the kids are screaming... flying off the handle because of absorbing harsh words... experiencing heart pounding panic because of a lack of cash coming in... frustration and despair setting in because of an un-finished project or a job left undone... biting ones bankruptcy nails because of the chaos in the business...

It seems to be 'the way' many of us handle all the 'unwanted things' in life. And as a world collective, we're not 'trained' in any other way to deal with it all than what we currently, do.

Would you like a NEW way to look at the same situation? You would! Great. Because if you really catch this distinction and you make it an everyday way of looking of looking at things in your life, things'll change for you... rapidly.

So, frustration... hurt... fear... sadness... misery... sorrow... pain... worry... dejection... rejection... depression... are nothing more than a protest against reality. Against truth. Against what's real and what's occurring.

Now, quite simply, the more we kick and fuss and moan about reality and truth, the more out of synch and the more out of control we are.

I lose out on a big lucrative contract for the work I do. The 'normal' way of reacting would be to take it all seriously and get all analytical and all that. It may help to do that. For a while.

However, if I make it a continual practice of being committed to the process of misery, sadness and dejection... I'm playing into the game of what society, the media, those around say is... the right thing to feel.

You know, "there there, it'll be fine... just take your time... it's okay to feel bad about it all... doesn't matter that you're depressed, moody and can't cope, there are specialists who can deal with all of that... you've a right to feel like that, it's normal and natural..."

Now to me, that's kind of ... the WRONG way to do it! Now, that's my personal opinion and I can give you that opinion because I've been in that horrible, unwanted situation... so I'm speaking from the baseline of truth and reality.

And when I kicked against what occurred (truth and reality), I experienced an even deeper tantrum about what the heck was going on. It wasn't the situation that was screwed up, I was messed up. I messed up in the way I looked and dealt with the situation.

I tried to throttle the reality of the situation without understanding that I'm kicking against nature... the wind... gravity... old age. It's a hopeless conversation I entertain in the confines of my own head... again and again and again... just like a rerun of a thoroughly BAD movie. And my, doesn't it feel oh so comfortable!

I think I must have played the tantrum game against reality for a couple of decades... in one way or another.

However, when I realised that I'd been cheating myself, my family and the world out of the contribution I could make, turnaround happened.

And, a similar turnaround can happen for anyone... at anytime... anyplace... no matter what the kicking tantrum is all about.

So, the antidote to a protest, a tantrum against reality... is to get into creative action in order to serve others with the unique contribution we can deliver.

Now tell me... isn't that a more beautiful way to live... isn't that a more pleasant way to deal with the brewing storm that may be just over the horizon?

Bail Yourself Out!!

2008-09-29T09:40:00.009+01:00

If you haven't heard, there seems to have been a little housekeeping blunder. And, it seems as if the WHOLE WORLD has experienced the knock on effect.

Hmmm.....

And not only that, but, who is coming to the rescue for this financial debacle? That's right, the government.

Both here in the UK and, in the US.

Seems pretty amazing, doesn't it... financial institutions that pride themselves on being the bedrock of delivering sound financial advice, are in turmoil and are begging the government to bail them out. But look, there's a teeny problem - the government themselves are in huge financial borrowing debt!

Do you get the chilling feeling that there's something not quite right here?

I mean, here we've been told all along to trust the financial institutions with our money, loans, mortgages, etc and... to have faith in the government who now in turn will use tax payers' money to bail out the incompetents!

There's something in all this that should've hit home hard. And that is to BAIL YOURSELF OUT regarding whatever is going on in your life that has you in a dilemma.

I mean, it's easy to sit back and blame everything and everyone with what's going on around us. I mean, it's really easy to do that.

But see, if we walk that particular path, we're nothing but victims. We've lost all our power. We may as well let ourselves roll over and let everything just happen to us.

Not a great way to live, right?

Well, there's a choice to make. And, we can all make it. And that choice is to take full responsibility to become more skillful at creating a life that's immune to criticism, recession and the daft toxic nonsense of those in so called 'authoritative power'.

I think it's high time to create our own power. To create a vision based on what's important to us and not what the outside world tells us.

And you know, there's a sense of personal development, pride and power when we depend on ourselves to bail ourselves out. To trust ourselves. To create solutions.

Quite possibly, it could be our greatest accomplishment to date!

And the next time you see people in high places tooting their own greatness and their own importance, just remember the fact that the so called economic super powers of the world are themselves running their countries into debt through their utter mismanagement.

I think it's time to detach from playing the game that way, don't you?

RCH
MarketingAndLifeChangeCoaching.com

It's Not Lazy... It's COWARDLY!

2008-09-15T09:15:00.006+01:00

"Oh man, I'm just too lazy to do that. I won't get into that just now. I'll give it a go a little later..."

Ever said that line?

I have. And do I ever see the long term ramifications of THAT kind of language and the effect that it has on my life!

See, I used to believe that if I just say I'm lazy and have all of that slumpy heavy heaving of the breath and body that goes along with it, then that'll be the end of it - and that's whether it's getting an application completed, hopping down to the shops to pick up some shopping, visiting or phoning friends and family, getting into some social gathering or whatever - then, I'll use that TOO LAZY line, pretty regularly.

But you know, being too lazy is just a cop out. It's a cowardly way to STOP me from getting into ACTION.

That's right.

Because, when I say I'm too lazy, it's somewhat easier on the ego. It's somewhat socially acceptable. More socially acceptable than saying I'm too cowardly to get into some kind of action because what's really at the core here is that I'm too FEARFUL of moving forwards. I'm too happy with laying low instead of RISING UP. I'm too focussed on holding back instead of getting into action.

If only I knew better, earlier.

So, when I get out of bed, and I see the unemployed exercise apparatus in the corner there, hoping someone will pick it up and use it, I can lay low and say I'm too tired and too lazy to get into action and use the stuff, or, I can look forward to a period of intense adventure and love the energy of it all!

I could get into the socially acceptable club and say I didn't sleep too well so that's why I'm feeling tired and don't feel like doing the stuff that's good for my body, or, I can say... 'screw this cowardly stuff, I'm getting my mind and body energised!"

There's a TOTALLY different way of living for both sets of paticipators. And taking that a little further -- the results in almost every area of life can be guessed at with relative certainty to the results based on that simple example.

Is there much you've put off because of saying you're too lazy... that you're okay with laying low... that you're fine with hanging back...?!

Well, there's a DIFFERENT way to BE, if you embrace what's just gone on here in this post.

Have an Un-cowardly week!

RCH
http://MarketingAndLifeChangeCoaching.com

Yes You! A Masterpiece in Motion

2008-09-08T13:24:00.013+01:00

What if you could live each day as if it was a beautiful, creative masterpiece... would you then think of living any other way?

It's an interesting question and I've a friend who's been instrumental in helping me live that way - to make my day a masterpiece - just like the Taj Mahal.

And, unlike the Taj Mahal - which took years to create - living a masterpiece of a day can happen, the MOMENT we decide to think and then ACT in that very way.

So, what do I really MEAN, to create a masterpiece of a day - how EXACTLY do I go about doing that?

Well, when you really get that each day is a series of moments and within each moment we have the power to create whatever we want, once we realise that, we then have a platform to base things on.

So, my language to the family in the morning can be one of true, joyous excitement. I mean, we were all on holiday every night so doesn't it add a spark to life when you realise that, "wow, we're meeting again!"

What do you think all that does for the family environment?

When I'm into my work, I can create each written communication, each conversation, each project with detailed care and attention; as if it was a loving, priceless masterpiece.

I can reach a different level because of my intention to serve others at a higher level than they've previously experienced.

Creating a masterpiece in ANYTHING, can bring the most extraordinary rewards.

A gentleman by the name of Steve Hardison charges 150k per client per year, because of his ability to be FULLY ATTENTIVE, to LISTEN DEEPLY, to be FEARLESS and DIRECT in his communication.

He is a masterpiece in motion.

We are ALL, a masterpiece in motion.

We've just have to PRACTICE it more. So it too, reaches the level of mastery.

And, anyone you care to name whom you consider successful, has mastered the art of PRACTISING their particular masterpiece.

They're into the stuff that turns them on... that lights their fire... that has their spirit dancing around like it never wants to sleep. There's just too much music in them and they just want to get it out and share it with the world!

Now THAT'S living a masterpiece of a day.

So tell me - and more importantly - tell YOU when you're going to begin creating your daily masterpiece!

Raja C. Hireker
http://rajahireker.com/

Starting YOU, All Over Again...

2008-08-26T11:32:00.011+01:00

Let's play a game.

Let's pretend for a second you don't know who you are or what your history is. Let's pretend that you don't have a memory about the story of your life. Let's pretend that you don't know anything about the pain or anguish you may have experienced.

Let's play the game that says we're going to start life all over again, starting from nothing.

Are you in?

Now here's the beauty of all this; we get to BE who we want to be, from now on... forever!

And, if getting to BE someone else, somewhat troubles you, let me suggest that we've all BECOME someone else already.

We're all acting out a role, which, for many, they destest and can't stand. Most really do want to be, someone else.

But, what if we could step in front of all what may come our way over the next week, month, year... and... guide and steer the very life we own... what then?

See, when we start US over, we get to be as playful and curious as the little child that we all are. There's no mask, no insecurities, no judgements, no opinions... just pure, playful, loving adventure.

Would that be something... taking that child within us, with all the many beautiful characteristics outlined above, and then, import it all into our present life, into our very BEING... present day... and, from this day forward we're LIVING OUR LIFE with that story of a child, living naturally, gracefully, as a part of who we ARE!

I suggest there'll be a remarkable shift in your life if you step into this game.

And, if you're the kind of person who's open to the very possibilities of you and your life by the transformations that can occur simply out of thin air, you'll take this post rather more seriously than those wishing and hoping for a better life... and... who do nothing about it.

So, here's the dare... here's the challenge; over the next 7 days, live life as a little child - having no stories, no fears, no opinions about yourself and what you can or, cannot do.

Get a little notebook and notice what you notice about yourself. Write it all down. Notice what others around you seem to be experiencing because of this NATURAL you who's only playing the game from that sacred child space, that touched heart space where you live and perform at your creative best.

Test it. Challenge it. And see what comes out of it.

To the week ahead and to the YOU who's STARTING OVER.

Raja C. Hireker
http://MarketingAndLifeChangeCoaching.com

What ARE You Really Scared Of?

2008-08-21T09:29:00.008+01:00

I asked him, "show me what's got you scared and put it on this plate here?"

He looked perplexed. Confused, even.

Again I pressed him - "show me what has you scared and fearful and put it on this plate?"

By now he was in a real state. In fact, I felt as if he was going to burst into tears. Or be sick. Or, something. So, I decided to go along another track.

"If we were at the surgeon's table, and we decided to look inside you, where do you think we'd find the thing that has you scared? Would it be in the lungs, near the kidneys... what about in your little toe... or, how about in the heart or liver?"

"And... if it is the fear of communicating effectively and saying what you want to say that has you in knots, where in your body do you think we'd find it all?"

A little smile appeared. His cheeks lifted a little. His shoulders were less tense. His breathing, lighter.

So again, I went a little further - always on the look out to pounce when the going's good!

"Okay, so we have your brain here, rolling about in this bowl. (I grabbed an apple and a cereal bowl to demonstrate the point - oh the joy of creativity!) Tell me now, if we were to open the little fella up, what do you think we'd find... would there be the list of fears you told me about?"

A picture of amazed puzzlement (I'm not sure if there's such a word, but, I like it!) spread across the chaps' face.

For, in that short, basic example, he GOT the fact that there's really nothing to be fearful or scared of at all. And, that it all lies outside of us, in the made up stories we tell.

Have YOU made up any stories recently... stories that have you frozen, inactive and just bumbling around in a haze?

GOOD!!

Because, now, you can take them to the surgeon's table or the brain bowl, and... scalpel the living daylights out of them!!

Happy fear BASHing!

Raja C. Hireker
http://marketingandlifechangecoaching.com/

The Awesome POWER of... ONE!

2008-08-17T23:14:00.017+01:00

If you look all around you in your life, you've no doubt noticed the scatty type thinking adopted by most.

Of course, you'll get into a wrestling match about what's scatty and, what's not from those who'll protest about it all.

However, if you wanted to rid the world around you of the scatty, bird brain thinking most have slithered into, there's a simply beautiful solution.

I'm talking about finding ONE source, ONE person, ONE book, ONE website to help us FIX whatever it is that's giving us our scatty thinking in an area of life we want to improve.

And I know that simply hearing that instruction will have many jumping into a panic about "all the material and information they've already invested in... ", and, that's okay. But you see, the critical question you may need to fire at yourself is...

"What have I gained from it and how has it really helped me?"

You see, it's this Olympic style skating from one book, resource, website, guru, etc, to another, THAT is what STOPS most from getting really skilled and knowledgeable in a particular area.

We're simply not stopping at things long enough to give it a fair trial! To perfectly and beautifully, master the information.

In fact, I've been madly guilty of all this jumping around from pillar to post that at times, it makes me quite sick just writing about it. The amount of wasted energy, money, time, commitment in practicing this kind of ill-disciplined habit would stagger anyone if they audited it all and put everything to numbers.

So, when someone asks me about how to become a good writer to promote their products or services, I tell them to... WRITE. And, I say to them to get a hold of one book on a list of 5* or so advertising books, and to PICK ONE and go through it like there was nothing else on the planet that was written on the subject matter. For, when they're grounded in the basics, the FUNdamentals, they can then move on to other works to add to the rock solid foundation.

When someone asks me about motivation, self help, personal development, I tell them point blank to invest in the material put out by Steve Chandler (http://www.stevechandler.com/) I tell them to immerse themselves in his material and then, if they're not happy, to then trot along to all those hyped up evangelists who have nothing more to offer than their personal style and a total eagerness to promote themselves. You know; all wind and borrowed substance or in fact, NO substance.

The POWER OF 1 is not talked about much as most people have wired their insides to willingly, deliberately, on purpose... to skip the necessary concentration and attentiveness that's needed for experiencing the true POWER of 1.

So, if you peep into your own life, to an area where you're feeling sloppy or sluggish about something, then take a closer look for when you do you'll see that you've most likely got a half baked, incomplete, or conflicting story that's confusing the heck out of you.

So, what you probably do next is to cover it all away from the glare of the spotlight and let it hide away in some dark corner somewhere. And I can speak so freely and flowingly about it all because that's what I used to do! And yes, it felt so so good in NOT dealing with it because... I DIDN'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT!

And of course, in the NOT dealing of it, it became a BIGGER PROBLEM than if it was tended to in the first place.

See how the Power of One can work miracles in YOUR life, also. Put it to the test and let the results be your guiding light.

And, when you eventually reach that point, you'll realise that all you'll ever need is the power of YOU. You'll be your own teacher. You'll be the ONE you'll bet on, time and time again. You won't need anyONE else to give you what you seek.

Raja C. Hireker
http://rajahireker.com/

Subscribe to this blog by sending a mail to s4tfences@aweber.com and you'll be instantly 'alerted' when the next blogpost is made.

* Please drop me a line if you'd like the names of the handful of books mentioned in the blog post above.

The Bogus, Fake, Invented Lie -- Curiosity Killed NO Cat!

2008-08-14T21:48:00.009+01:00

Ever hear of such a thing; that the timid got what they wanted?

Me neither.

Why is that?

Because they wouldn't be called timid if they asked and got what they wanted!

Seems quite simple, really.

But hold on; what about all of this curiosity killed the cat conversation - doesn't THAT have something to do with being timid, scared, afraid?

Of course it does - if we buy into all that fakery!

Show me one cat who died of being curious.

And, even if it was a cat that died because of asking too many questions (!), what have we humans got to do with all that?

Seems ludicrious doesn't it - buying into all those fables, stories, myths and tales about how being curious, would somehow, mentally, wipe us out.

But, believe it we do and timid we be... UNTIL...

... until we really become CURIOUS about whatever we feel is holding us back or whatever seems missing or, what is not quite right in our lives.

Imagine a world, without electricity. Without... the Internet! Without aeroplanes. Without a mobile phone. Without crappy marketing...

Anything and everything we have in our lives is because of someone being curious enough to ask questions, to create what didn't exist, before.

All our parents asked curious questions - that's how we've arrived on this jolly planet of ours.

Becoming curious, really curious will set YOU apart from all those merely dibbling and dabbling at life. And that's true for whatever area of life we care to investigate.

Whether in your personal life. Your business or career. Your health. Your language. Your attitude... whatever it is, the moment you turn on your curiosity buttons to full effect, your life will have a different vibration. A different feel. A different colour. A different beat and rhythm to it.

And there's one thing that's absolutely clear: whatever we have in our lives and whatever we've become, is TOTALLY down to the degree and level of curiosity we have about what's going, or, what's NOT going on in our lives!

Want a different life... change the level and depth of your CURIOSITY!

Here's to living curiously exciting lives.

Raja C. Hireker
http://marketingandlifechangecoaching.com/

P.S Here's a little curious snippet dug out from The Pourtsmouth Daily Times, March, 1915;

Mother - "Don't ask so many questions, child. Curiosity killed the cat."
Willie - "What did the cat want to know, Mom?"

Light Up The Sky Like a Flame!

2008-08-08T02:02:00.009+01:00

"I'm gonna make it to heaven, light up the sky like a flame"

Do you remember where that line comes from? Well, it's from the 1980's movie, FAME. Gosh, was that song full of spirit and energy! I can hear the song playing in my head, again and again and again.

And it's so so beautiful.

And, it just so happened to be one of the songs my daughter danced to in her end of year ballet performance.

I'm hearing the song again, right now. God, it's electric!

And look, there's another line in that song - here it is. "I'm gonna to learn how to fly, high"

I can't stand it. I'm going to burst.

For me, it's TWO of the most spirited, most infectious and most instructive lessons for the mind, heart and spirit that we would NEVER have learnt in school, the workplace or pretty much anywhere else for that matter.

But, we can get it ALL - from the lyrics of a movie.

And still, there's people walking all over this planet (good, decent, educated people) who are still looking for a place to hang their umbilical chord because of the continuing uncertainty of who they are, what their contribution is and how can they make a true and lasting difference in this world.

So, let's go back to those TWIN POWERS.

"I'm gonna make it to heaven, light up the sky like a flame"

Now, as this is blog isn't 'into' heaven, I'll simply say that I call it a place where you're at your best - and, the lighting up the sky like a flame is simply - doing what you do so well that it just scorches up the sky with your brilliance.

Oh, if only the schools can teach our children, my children, your children, the children of the world that they can light up the sky like a flame in whatever way they want to! That they are the master creators.

And then there's the, "I'm going to learn how to fly, high".

So, if we pay careful attention, we'll see that the first part says "I'm going to learn how to fly". I'm going to LEARN how to FLY!

Learn - meaning, follow instructions, method, system, process, work. That's pretty clear cut. And it doesn't say, I'm going to fly. No. I'm going to LEARN how to fly...

And the next part is simply --- high.

Not, low, midway, semi-high.

Simply, HIGH!

Now isn't that a beautiful, simple instruction... LEARN to FLY, HIGH!

Do we really need a whole life to work out this beautiful truth? Oh, it seems we do.

But look, we don't need to WAIT. Why don't we DO all that, NOW!

Let's light up the sky like a flame. Let's learn to fly, high - right from where we currently are!

And, whether we're talking about doing it in your marketing, in your career, in your communications, in your personal relationships, in your health habits, in your own growth, in your own breathing... whatever it is for you, just scorch it across the sky and leave your trail there.

Leave it for people to marvel and wonder at!

Want to be infected? Get the song FAME. Listen to it. Again and again. Light up the sky like a flame and learn how to fly, higher than you've ever done before in your life.

Raja C. Hireker
http://marketingandlifechangecoaching.com/

The Perfect Day - What Does YOURS Look Like?

2008-07-31T02:13:00.019+01:00

I don't know if you've ever thought about what a PERFECT DAY would look like for you. Can you remember answering such a question?

And the thing about it is that if we don't create or paint a picture of what our perfect day really looks like, tastes like, feels like... then we won't know what it looks like when it arrives!

The sad fact of the matter is that even daring to mention a perfect day, send many people into a spin - like... who are you, some wizard with a magic lantern who can conjur up perfect days! You're in cloud cuckoo land, there's no such thing!'

I've been doing some research into the very nature of what a perfect day looks like for people.

Below, you can see an account of someone who's a creative fabric designer and you can hear how she describes what a perfect day means and looks like, to her;

What's your definition of a perfect day?

Wake up early with coffee and toast. Spend 2 hours in the garden before the rest of the house wakes up and then take a family walk with the dogs by the river. I would spend the afternoon in the studio just tinkering – testing new stitches, plotting a new wall piece, sifting through my stash of vintage cotton – without a deadline or any must dos. The day would end with a delicious outdoor dinner with my husband and two boys, accompanied by chilled wine and evening bird song… These kinds of days don’t come around that often. Life is just too busy most of the time. But it is always something to strive for…

Okay, there are a few things here that are super important. Follow along with me and I promise that you'll see a MINDSHIFT about to take place.

"These kinds of days don't come around too often"

What's the truth about THAT?

Well, these kind of days don't create themselves out of thin air. They have to be first put into the playground of our mind - painted, created, lovingly, artfully, deliberately, on purpose.

Rarely does a fabulous experience, happen by accident. It must be designed.

And, our creative friend hasn't paid attention to the creation of her own days.

"Life's too busy most of the time... "

And what's the reality of that?

Life doesn't say to us... "okay, it's a gonna be real busy around here so let's not even think about enjoying life for at least a few months, got that? "

Life didn't get together and have a hasty conference with all the other elements out there that go to make up the scenario of "life's too busy" and said... 'we're gonna let him have it'... NONE of that happened. And it's good that we know it didn't happen like that because then we can stop living the lie that "Life's too busy" and we can stop acting as if we didn't have any part to play in it being so busy.

The fact of the matter is WE'VE created a life that's pretty much out of control whenever we say - 'we're too busy'.

I mean, it gets boring, monotonous and gives us the insight that this person really is working for a lunatic... THEMSELVES!!

When we're open and frank and can say I don't know how to create a life of importance to the things that matter most to me and that I soak myself up in the illusion of busyness and got too much to do because I've not taken the time to create anything different or in fact, I don't want another point of view BECAUSE I'VE GOTTEN ACCUSTOMED to living life this way and have bought into the LIFE TRAP that says BEING BUSY AND FOCUSSED ALL THE TIME equals SUCCESS!

Aha! The success scenario. Oh Yes. We've got to measure up to what society says we must BE so, we've got to strive and put our shoulder, mind, brain and sanity to the wheel in order to get the approval, validation, annointing, the SPECIAL PRIVILEGE into the club of the successful burnouts who have no life to talk of apart from when asked - what's your perfect day look like?

And then, the scampering begins.

I have a number of friends and colleagues who all practice SLOWING DOWN their lives in order to enjoy every single moment of it. And, in the doing of this slowing down, there's the real experience of more prosperity, more fun, more excitement, more adventure, more possibilities and... simply fabulous conversations.

Howcome that's so?

Well, we all PRACTICE it. We've made it a sweet and courageous discipline out of it and... IT'S PRETTY FABULOUS to be part of it all.

What's your perfect day look like?

Raja C. Hireker
http://marketingandlifechangecoaching.com/

If you want to be alerted to the next blogpost, go over to http://rajahireker.com/ and sign up to the Life Strategies & Marketing e-missiles. Or, simply send an email to s4tfences@aweber.com

The Courage to Smack Yourself in The Head

2008-07-26T16:08:00.006+01:00

It's not that you have to go some place, read a book, get into a pile of affirmative huntra-mantras in order to FIND your courage.

I submit that it's sitting there, right inside your very pocket. The pocket of your mind and heart. And, that it's ALWAYS been there.

You see, the moment you decide to TURN to the inner bully who's intent on keeping you down, you'll run your own life. But you see, the answer to it all for you is in the ACTIVATING of this whole process.

So, your spouse, your 'boss', your suppliers, your children, your friends, your parents are all telling you how to run the whole show - your life.

And, till now, you've been playing to their tune. Not unhappily. Not grudgingly. But, with a sense of ... "I'M NOT SO COMFORTABLE DOING IT... something's not quite right here..."

Funny thing is, all around you the people in your life are doing as they're doing because you've trained them to do it by not giving them a different point of view!

It's NOT them that's under the microscope of life here - it's you and it will only and TOTALLY be you. And that's when you've got to step up to the real bully - THE BULLY WITHIN.

You ever caught yourself talking to yourself? And when I say talking, what I really mean is that you've given yourself a good ole' VOCABULARY WALLOP? I have. But, it doesn't quite create the magic as when I DO, ACT, BEHAVE in courageous WAYS in line with the stuff that has me mentally tuned out.

However, barking fierce instructions to our own inner doubt committee is a start in letting the whole mind and body structure know that there's a new captain aboard this fantastic human ship; one that's about to sail into new, exciting waters.

So, get barking, get in action and get a more courageous creative and beautiful YOU to step up to LIFE.

Raja C. Hireker
http://marketingandlifechangecoaching.com/

Delirious Motivated Idiots!

2008-07-22T16:42:00.010+01:00

You ever seen the mad excited rush from those people coming out of a motivational seminar, darting around the place like headless chickens, looking for a place, a person, an idea, SOMETHING(!)... to attach their newfound motivation to?

I have.

Heck, I've BEEN that person! And yes, it's horrible.

Why?

Because I'd wait and wait and wait for the MOTIVATION to DO something to me. To MOVE me. To CREATE for me. To SURGE through me... anything!

But, just like a dream of the big lottery ticket, it all vanishes into the darkest of nights.

And the horrible thing is I still see people I know, honest, good, loving people... I still see them looking for the WONDER DUST that'll trigger their life into some form of creative momentum.

Of course, that's not going to happen. I know that. YOU know that. But, you know, these people - and we all know them and we all have them somewhere lodged in the corner of our lives somewhere - these people will still be on the HUNT. The hunt for the elusive MOTIVATIONAL MAGIC POWDER they believe, and they truly do believe this, honest they do, they believe that it exists OUT THERE...

... OUTSIDE OF THEMSELVES!

Yes I know. Pathetic. But look, we all lived that way, once. You know, that bouncing along with life with the feeling that all's well and life is hunky doodle dandy... but... there's NOTHING HAPPENING to make life a happy, joyous, excited place to be in.

It's what I call the DELIRIOUS MOTIVATED IDIOT syndrome.

I don't mean that 'happy for no reason' type look. Not that. (Because see, there's power in that, REALLY!)

No. What I mean is the ALL PUMPED UP, NOSTRILS FLARING, HAPPY TENSE SMILING, TEETH GRINDING, KNUCKLES CLENCHED, HEAVY BREATHING... type of person. And... there's still NOTHING GOING ON IN THIS PERSON'S LIFE!

I'm struggling to come up with a better description but I think if you feel what I'm saying at a gut level, you'll instantly pick up what I'm talking about.

So, the next time you feel all juiced and pumped after reading something inspirational, motivational - something that stirs your heart and gets you really ramped up, find a project or goal to take all that energy you've got, and go put it to powerful and practical use.

As I say, let's run from the DELIRIOUS MOTIVATED IDIOT crowd, and instead, become part of the crowd that gets the WORK done behind all the motivation and enthusiasm.

Raja C. Hireker
http://marketingandlifechangecoaching.com/

Breaking The Lack of Creative Infusion

2008-07-20T23:45:00.009+01:00

When you look at most businesses, people, organisations, the single biggest thing that stops them dead in their tracks from living a real fabulous and spirited life... is the lack of NEW IDEAS.

Husbands and wives, partners and lovers, split from eachother because of the lack of creative ideas in their relationship.

In fact, in a recent Oprah winfrey show, it was said that most wives leave a relationship because... "he just didn't talk to me... anymore!"

That's a lack of creative ideas for language.

Anyway you want to look at things, it's pretty amazing to note that ANYTHING we ever want to know about ANYTHING, is available - FOR FREE!

Just crank up your favourite search engine and SEARCH.

It's really nothing complicated.

And, that there is the complication - in that there's nothing complicated!

Simple creative ideas is the real currency to living a good life.

So, when it comes to creating ideas for a spluttering business, for a life teetering on the edge of oblivion, for a relationship that's lost its owners - there's solutions all around.

And, an infusion of creativity is ALWAYS the answer to a life of little reward, little happiness, little excitement.

Think of anything that's currently got you perplexed, stuck, frustrated and I can guarantee you that you've stopped the flow of ideas coming into your brain.

Say you're a freelancer working from home and you've got the age old problem and headache of waking up early. And, that you've tried everything under the sun and nothing's worked. You're still dragging your behind, behind everyone else.

Now, if it's been like that for a while, that you're slumped in bed whilst the birds are singing and the sun is opening its heart to you - then, there's no creative infusuion that's been able to reach your brain.
But, what if you said that for every block of 15 minutes you get up earlier than what you used to, you'd get to save that time up and get to go and see your favourite movie when you've collected enough 'time'.

Or, what if you get to do what you love most in the world (apart from sleeping!) because of waking up a little earlier. Now whether that you go for a game of golf, watch a rerun of your favourite movie or tv programme, snack on a big ole pizza.. whatever it is for you, let it be your reward.

And, it' will have to be something that will MOVE YOU INTO ACTION.

Yes, creative thinking is the HOT CURRENCY of today. And quite frankly, it'll be that way, forever.

And people are paying a fortune to others because of their creative mind.

Whether you get your creative infusion from a book, a person, a mastermind of people, a television programme, or however you get it - GET IT.

And, get your CREATIVE INFUSION regularly for once the creative hose dries up, life, pretty much, dries up.

Raja C. Hireker
http://marketingandlifechangecoaching.com/

Becoming Your Own TOWERING Superhero...

2008-07-15T23:29:00.006+01:00

Can I help start a revolution within your own head?

Maybe, a complete... REINVENTION!

I can?

Fabulous! Because, in your nod of agreement, you've just given yourself permission to know that it CAN be done.

That in itself is like a thunderous clap, sending a vibration of earthquake intensity throughout your entire mental and physical structure.

And, to be frank, it's the beginning of what you need to really set your life on fire... to scorch a trail of life that'll leave you amazed at your own powerful self.

And did you know that within you, lies the towering person you've hidden from the rest of the word... a person so big and so powerful, that it puts the world's biggest stone carved statue of the Buddha... in the shade.. that puts the world's most sophisticated computer's, to the back of the unemployment queue!

Can you really access that powerful you... the very you you've always wanted to be, every single moment of your life?

Of course you can.

Standing at 71 metres high, the Leshan Buddha in China is the largest stone carved statue of the Buddha, in the world.

And, once we’re done, you’ll see that you’ve been living life… being less than you can really be.

Okay, I want you to imagine that this Leshan Buddha statue in China (above) , is in your back garden.

So you wake up tomorrow morning, draw back the curtains and you look out into the garden where you see this humungous, mammoth statue of the Buddha, just reaching up into the sky and beyond.

You look at it, reaching up with your neck and following it all the way to its 71 metres in height and you’re just in awe of it. Your mouth is wide open and looks as if it’ll never shut.

You’ve now gone outside into the garden and your right at the feet of this huge Buddha statue. And then, just as you’re looking up at this enormous statue, you find yourself slowly walking towards this statue and very quickly, you’re finding that you yourself ARE this huge statue. You’ve merged into this statue.

The BIG YOU has come to life. You’re now TOWERING over everything

Now, you’re thinking about something that’s been concerning you for a while now. You thought it was a hurdle or an obstacle. But, now, the giant you is hurtling towards this ‘problem’. You’re now able to see things differently, from a larger, broader perspective.

Problems Become Insignificant

All problems now seem insignificant and small to you. What troubled you previously, are now nothing more than tiny specks – insignificant to trouble you at all.

And so, from now on, all problems are treated that way because they really are, nothing more than simple little ‘items’ that needed sorting out.

Can you see how a certain shift in the perception of yourself… can transform your life? And, that your physical body is housing another version of you – the superhero that’s simply itching to get out … YOU!

Raja C. Hireker
Marketing and Personal Life Change Coach
http://RajaHireker.com

You're NOT a Commodity! (unless you choose to be...)

2008-07-12T14:14:00.002+01:00

How is it that one business and success coach can charge 150k per year per client, and another, wheezes, splutters and barely gets by on a mere pittance per hour?

How come one marketing seminar can attract people to pay 10k a pop, and another can just about muster enough courage to ask for 195 per person?

What's it all about?

Quite simply, most busines owners, consultants, coaches, perceive themselves (with no outside help at all) to be mere commodities of what it is they sell and offer to their marketplace.

And the remarkable thing is, most operate on the NORMAL level. On being average. On doing what the majority are doing because they really don't know any different.

And that means, normal service, normal communication, normal earning, normal thinking and approaches to challenges and problems.

And, most of all, it leads to NORMAL results for your clients and customers.

I don't know about you but I don't get that real 'WOW' experience of life, that BIG thrill of life in having things in life tick along like normal.

It does nothing for me when I watch a normal film. I don't get much from talking about how 'normal' a sporting event is. I don't get to experience the full joy and emotion of life when I have dull, lacklustre, uneventful conversations and relationships.

Something has to shift.

And it begins in the mind.

Your mind. My mind. Our Minds.

For, when things DO shift for you, you'll notice that you're no longer languishing in the commodity basement of life - you've upgraded.

And, your UPGRADE affects not just one area of your life - it affects them all.

Think about it -

You're a business consultant, freelance writer, coach or any valued service professional, but you've simply not appreciated what you do and the impact you have on others with what you offer. You've simply not acknowledged it as yet.

However, once you realise that you're playing in a field of 'others' who are insecure, tight with their self-image, their attitude and their positioning, you'll not want to belong to that group anymore.

Raising your prices and fees, helps. A lot.

You see, you'll automatically be preceived as expensive. And, that's a great thing. Because look at it - who wants to be considered and perceived as a Cheap and Cheerful professional? There's just an incongruency to it all.

There's merit and distinction in wanting to be percived as expensive and worth every penny.

And, when you raise your fees, you'll find you'll attract a different quality of client. Someone who complies with your modus operandi. Someone who values what you do for them, and... who values themselves more because of the investment they've made. Not only that but you'll get more referred clients who have already been presold somewhat and, they'll most likely be just like the client who referred them to you in the first place.

Can you see the beautiful associated benefits when you upgrade your own thinking about your own worth and value?

I mean, you'll experience quantum leaps in your own life, and, as a direct consequence, the lives of your customers and clients will rise to unimaginable heights.

Begin the De-Commodotising process today.

You'll be thrilled you did.

Raja C. Hireker
http://RajaHireker.com

P.S If you'd like to see a NON commodity version of how you can SELL MORE of your products and services without bullying, forcing or begging your prospects and customers to buy from you, then... CLICK HERE

Great Products & Services - Crapiola Marketing & Advertising

2008-07-02T11:36:00.007+01:00

Why On Earth Would a Business or Company Go To The Trouble & Effort to Create Fabulous Products and Services And Then Support it With Shoddy Creative Thinking and Lacklustre Marketing & Advertising?

There’s no two ways about it: there’ a marriage of incompetents working together in perfect harmony.

What am I talking about?

I’m talking about small to medium business owners or the head honcho at a mega goliath company, and... the nitwit marketing and advertising people they’ve hired.

(An god help them if they’re in-house bods given a license to run amok and create marketing and advertising that’s based on some creative voodoo and a swagger of laziness that’s billboarded for the whole world to see!)

But how come a business owner, someone who’s somewhat entrepreneurial, sharp and savvy, commit their products and services to such shambolic cavorting by the crazies at most marketing and ad agencies?

See if this (is it tongue in cheek!) dialogue, doesn’t hit home -

“Oh I see, it’s because of the market conditions that we’re not doing so well in our sales! Oh, now I get it. I’m sorry, I thought it had something to do with the rubbish marketing material you’ve created for us… oh, now I get it, thanks for pointing that out to me. Now I know that next time there’s a tank in sales or that we’re spending a mint on ‘creative advertising’ and nothing happens, it’s because of the market place and nothing else… oh, there’s a big revelation for me… thank you for pointing that out and making me aware of all that… I’d never have known and I’d still have been cloaked in darkness for months and months and months!”

And… let’s see now, I don’t think that there isn’t ANY product or service which this lunacy type marriage hasn’t affected.

Think about the many closures, business busts, job cuts, product recalls that is happening all around – doesn’t matter what industry or business category – most could have been saved or eliminated altogether if the marketing was more than just a limp wheeze in the park.

Look at the software, financial, professional services, automobile advertising, and even, (you’ve guessed it) marketing services!! – I mean, it’s an all round shamble.

Adult men and women, working for ad and marketing agencies, being paid good money for coming up with campaigns and promotions that are drop dead BORING. And, by the looks of things, conjure up their lazy, unbelievably dumb and woefully inadequate ‘masterpieces’ by challenging themselves to see how dumb they really can be.

And, they are quite frankly, succeeding, wonderfully at the expense and misery of their hapless and oh so accepting, clients.

Solution?

Well, there’s nothing quite like a climb up a ladder that’ll help these poor misguided souls.

Of course, the ladder is a metaphor for the frazzled souls (and that includes both the ad ‘pros’ and the business owners succumbing to all the promotional and so called, ‘creative’, madness) being advertising victims at the lowest level on the scale of human consciousness. And the goal – is to climb to the top of the ladder where real creativity, solutions, and spirited imaginative insight, all reside.

It’s where being a true OWNER of the creative process, happens.

Next time you’re thinking about creating a promotion for your products or services, ask yourself, (or get whoever is charged with the responsibility to create your marketing assets) I mean really put the campaign under the process of inquiry and say…

“Am I really serving the customer or client with this communication, with this conversation, with this email, with this promotion… in the most creative, the most beneficial, the most exciting and most truthful way that I can?”

If your answer to that question is YES, (on a regular and continual basis) then my friend, you’ll be raking in a bundle.

And, if your answer to that question is NO, then, it’s a blast of brutal honesty time for you - for, you can do a few things.

You can fix things by aiming to get to the highest rung on the ladder of ownership and create, from there.

Or… you can do nothing and forget the question ever entered the receptive part of your brain.

Or… you can carry on regardless, letting the marriage deepen, deepen, deepen into a relationship where mediocrity reigns and where making a veritable bushel at the expense of the client is the HUSH HUSH mantra on the inside grapevine.

If you’re in a position of power and influence in your business or company, don’t let incompetence and mediocrity rule. Your products and services deserve better, so much better.

Raja C. Hireker
http://marketingandlifechangecoaching.com/
http://sellingtotherich.com/

Let's... CREATE!!

2008-06-30T00:57:00.006+01:00

Have you ever noticed yourself getting 'stuck' in something or other?

Whether it's money, marketing, health, dealing with other people - whatever it is, you're - no question about it - STUCK.

Of course, if you have a 'positive' frame of mind, simply saying "I'm stuck and I'm positive about it", won't slide and glide you out of the problem, will it?

"I've a bunch of debt and I'm sick of it." Well, that's an honest appraisal of things. Though, it doesn't help FIX the problem.

"I'm not getting any new customers, profits are down, business stinks. I need to make things better and I don't know how!" That's taking things another step further along the ladder of solution.

The truth of it is that with ANY PROBLEM you may face, there's the opening for a person to CREATE a solution. Many solutions.

What does that mean?

Precisely THIS.

With any problem you're faced with, understand that the solution to it will come from applying some NEW thinking. From CREATING a solution.

How do we CREATE solutions then?

By simply asking questions - the RIGHT questions.

And... what ARE the right questions?

Let's look at an example:

So, you're a Business Consultant and you've no clients you can speak of. You've one pro-bono client and you'd like to fill your practice in 30 days. And being full for you means 10 clients.

Okay, it's probably true to say that right now, you're kind of stuck. There's fear of some sort running through your mind, heart and voice. There's probably worry, anger, frustration and dry mouth anguish. Life maybe one big REACTION for you.

NOT a good platform for finding solutions. For being CREATIVE. For NEW life.

So, what would happen if we got a simple piece of paper out and wrote...

"What Value Can I Create For The Existing People on My Contact/Database List?"
"How Can I Serve These People in Ways That Will Blow Them Away?"
"Who Has Come into My Inbox Where by I Can Create a Business Conversation With Them And Be Totally Present and Focus Totally on Listening to Them and What They Are Up To?"

Creation Comes From ASKING Questions and then following and ACTING on what flows.

If our Business Consultant creates the behaviour and the active discipline to make the above happen, he oe she will never want for business again.

And, prosperity happens when CREATING ANEW happens and when the mind, SHIFTS.

Just do something like the above the next time you feel yourself stuck and frozen and you'll be amazed at what happens.

For, it's in your CREATIVITY, your ability to create that'll get you all that you want in this life of yours.

That's YOUR enlightenment. That's YOUR awakening.

Raja C. Hireker
http://marketingandlifechangecoaching.com/

Don't Be Hard on Yourself if You're Not Getting The Results You Want...

2008-06-21T17:32:00.005+01:00

"Aaaargh... I'm not reaching the goals I thought I wanted to... there's got to be something wrong with me!"

In one way or another, I hear the above statement... a lot.

The number of people who have probably sentenced themselves to a life of everlasting chaos and turmoil because of feeling that something's WRONG with me, is pretty frightening.

However, if you, or anyone you know find themselves in this particular situation, there's a simple ANTIDOTE - and that is to realise that you're simply NOT COMMITED enough!

And I know that some reading this may find that it's some sort of personal defect, that they're travelling backwards by thinking and admitting that NOT COMMITED.

Let me tell you that it's NOT A DEFECT. You're not travelling backwards.

What this is all about is the fact is that you're... TELLING THE TRUTH!

Wouldn't it be great to know that if you're not passionate and commited about something, that you then have no false hopes about what you say you want?

Wouldn't it be insightful to know that if you wanted to grow and market your business to higher levels, but you're NOT actually growing it, that it's because you're not commited to doing so. You don't REALLY want to do it.

If you're totally frustrated and yanking your hair out because you're not achieving the health and physique you want, just simply own the fact that you really don't want to have the physique and health do you want... YET!

Once you get clear on that. Once you're really comfortable with the idea that you're not really commited yet with what you want, then you now have the opportunity to OPEN THE DOORS OF YOUR MIND and CREATE the commitment you want to get the outcomes you want... in ANY area of life you desire.

There's a freedom and freshness, a zest to life when we acknowledge, admit and dig deep to know we're not living with COMMITED INTEREST...and then, guess what... we can really achieve whatever we want... ONCE WE CHOOSE TO DO SO!

Get COMMITED FIRST - then, make things happen!

Raja C. Hireker
Personal Success & Business Coaching
Refusing to buy into people's limitation of themselves

http://raja-hireker.blogspot.com/
http://RajaHireker.com

There's a Deliciousness in Completion

2008-06-10T12:33:00.006+01:00

Have you ever felt so tired because there seems to be TOO MUCH TO DO?

Have you ever returned home, pooped beyond belief, because you've had a fatiguing day at the office or, in your own place of business?

Let me suggest to you that this doesn't happen to most people as a 'ONE OFF' occurrence - it's become a way of life!

I used to believe in the 'GOT TO GET SO MANY THINGS DONE BEFORE THE DAY'S OVER' mantra.

I became a long time follower of the 'multi-tasking' madness idea that's promoted everywhere you can think of.

I could sense a burnout within, happening every single day, in all my moments.

I could sense that I was juggling too many things at once, without REALLY getting committed to the individual tasks or projects.

It was only when I chose to SLOW things down in my mind, did I see REAL RESULTS happen.

When in a conversation, that became the ONLY thing I did at the time. No tv watching at the same time, no email checking when on the phone - just pure attention to what's going on at the time.

When writing the various projects I'm doing, I just DO that. Nothing else. No other task. No checking anything else.

And, in this SLOWING down, I find that there's MORE WORK getting done, at a FASTER pace! And, the quality of the end result is so much better.

Strange, isn't it... getting more done by slowing down and BEING there, TOTALLY, and ONLY for that task, that project, that conversation, that programme, that person.

There's a delicious appetite to life when THINGS get DONE. Lovingly, caringly, with total attention, dedication and focus.

What about for you?

If you sense you're frazzled... feeling like you're carrying the whole world on your shoulders... find yourself staring down at too many unfinished projects... having short, meaningless conversations with the people who mean the most to you in your life, then it's really time to SLOW YOUR LIFE DOWN.

And when you do slow things down and really embrace what you've read here, you'll see you'll end up getting MORE done, have deep satisfaction in what you're doing... and... you'll enjoy a quality of life you thought was way 'out there' and would never happen for you.

Remember, there's a deliciousness in completion.

Raja C. Hireker

http://RajaHireker.com
FREE Marketing & Personal Success e-Missile
Send blank email to: s4tfences@aweber.com

If You Want To be Miserable, Get Yourself a Future

2008-06-03T23:51:00.006+01:00

Do you know anyone who lives FOR the future?

I know plenty.

There's a sacrifice for the better life. Living life in todays' bend and grind, for the betterment of a rosy future.

Hopeless.

Ever see a person who's so caught in their religious beliefs... stiff to the core about what'll happen to them in the next world, because of sacrificing the present, moment-by-moment freshness?

Ever seen a business person, frozen with the thoughts of the future. Sacrificing today's happiness for a make believe event with no date in mind?

It's horrible to see.

And on the other hand, there's a cure to fix it all.

Like to know what it is?

It's this:

Eliminate the future by living life as if it is the future today and live your life by being the person you need to be in order to live that present day future.

If you really capture the heart of that message, you'll see a power that'll have you somersaulting with so much excitement that you'll find it hard to contain yourself.

That's because for the first time, you'll see that you've been working that thing you've called life, the wrong way around. And, that you've got the solution to make all your present moments, your attention in the NOW, simply the most exciting discovery of your life.

Now, not tomorrow, not the next minute, not the next major event that'll spring up in your life... NOW is the time to live your future, by BEING in the present.

Make it real for you and all those you love. For if you do, your life will change, dramatically.

Warm regards,

Raja C. Hireker
http://rajahireker.com/
Where marketing, life and personal development come together... FOR YOU!

P.S. Okay, before I go, I want to tell you that I'm going to be working with 9 business owners, online or offline, re doubling their income, enhancing their lives and who want nothing more than a life full of adventure and great excitement. If you feel you know of anyone who would like to find out more, please let me know (hireker@btopenworld.com) and I'll be sending them relevant info in a few days time. They'll really thank you. Really.

Things Happen... If You WANT Them To...

2008-05-11T22:01:00.005+01:00

The world of HOW TO information, is running rampant

And, with the Internet, there's the enormous possibility to flood your life with a library load of info... EVERY SINGLE DAY!

But see, it's NEVER only the HOW TO info that'll help you get what you want in life.

Take any area you're trying to improve:

Health... Wealth... Relationships... Business or career success... Communication... Or... whatever it is for you that you want to improve.

Let's take health.

And, let's take LOSING WEIGHT as an example.

When you search the Internet, you'll see a plethora of DIETS that happily tell you that they'll help you shed the excess, that they'll melt the pounds.

There's the Cabbage Diet... The Green Tea Diet... The Atkins Diet... The South Beach Diet... The Hips, Bums and Thighs Diet... The Hoolah Boolah Diet... There's a thousand and one diets out there.

But if a person has said they wanted to lose weight, but they're still at squareone - even after 'trying' all the diets in the world, then what's wrong here?

What's not quite right?

I mean, there's all the HOW TO info there to help send the pounds packing... So, what's up?

Well, losing the weight is NEVER based on the HOW TO diet. For if it was, all those who say they want to lose weight and, have got on one of those programmes, they would have reached their ideal weight by now.

The plain and simple fact is these people DON'T WANT TO lose weight.

That's right.

They simply don't want to lose the weight.

"But, but, but... "

There's no 'buts' about it. If you wanted to lose weight, I mean REALLY WANTED to lose weight, then it doesn't matter what HOW TO information you choose in order to lose the weight... YOU'LL LOSE ALL THE WEIGHT YOU WANT!

And, you could shuffle all those diets, exercise programmes, nutrition info, etc and throw them into a large box and, if you really wanted to lose the weight, you could be blindfolded and pick ANY of the 'HOW TO's' and... Any of the 'HOW TO' info will work for you!

Are you getting the distinction here?

If you do, the implications are HUGE.

Because, this is not only true for health and losing weight, it's true for ANY area in your life you're looking to get better in.

Let's take creating a business.

And note the word CREATING.

There's a vitality and energy in that.

As opposed to - let's start a business.

Okay, here's what I hear when I consult with people about their business.

"I can't seem to get this business going, I don't know how to... " "There's too much going on that I don't know what to concentrate on first or howto do it... " "I'm a bit nervous about charging the fees for what I do... "

Well, again, it's not that people don't know HOW TO do any of the above. As I say, get on the Internet and you'll find all the HOW TO information you need.

No. The HOW TO information is not the real thing here.

The key here is the WANT TO and the commitment to the reasons behind wanting to make things happen. I've found most have no clear cut reasons for wanting what it is they say they want. And, because they skip this part, there's an automatic rush to the HOW TO information to help them succeed.

As you've seen, it's pure folly. Nothing great will ever happen if there aren't specific, beneficial reasons for wanting things to happen. For, when you have the WANT TO in place,you become a predator, you develop a voracious appetite to want to KNOW whatyou need to do to make things happen... To help you get what you want.

And, you'll GET IT.

No question about it.

There's just no two ways about it.

Once you shift from simple 'trying and being interested' in things, to then being committed and really wanting to make things happen... LIFE EXPLODES into newness.

However... If you're feeling frustrated and somewhat at a loss because you're not getting what want, check your internal desire, check your deep deep WANT TO, check the real benefits you'll get forreaching what it is you say you want.

If when you do the above, you then find that you're not really committed to getting what you want, simply admit that. Admit that you're not ready... for losing weight... for creating a profitable business... for having great relationships... for improved communications... for greater wealth... See, there's great power in acknowledging that you're not ready for it. It frees you up from beating yourself up.

However, when you are ready, when youreally WANT THINGS TO HAPPEN, and you have STRONG BENEFICIAL REASONS that will happen because of reaching what you want, then you OWN YOUR LIFE AND YOU CAN COMMIT TO ANYTHING... AND... ... YOU'LL REACH IT!

Have a powerful week.

Raja C. Hireker
Refusing to buy into people's limitingbeliefs about themselves.

http://rajahireker.com/
http://marketingandlifechangecoaching.com/

Deep Deep Ownership & Full Responsibility

2008-05-02T17:11:00.004+01:00

Ever thought of -- giving your life away?

Well, the moment you blame outside circumstances for the reason why 'stuff' isn't working in your life, you've given part of your life away.

You've given your power away to the mystical magical powers you'd rather have be responsible for your NON outcomes in life.

I used to do that - blame everything else outside of myself for why life wasn't working.

I played the victim role for a while in my life... oh so magnificently.

I kicked and screamed, hoping someone would hear and take pity on me.

Of course, a useless activity.

Naturally though, it's pleasing for a while.

You know, all that attention. It's soothing.

But after a while, you catch on that it's so so weak to walk that particular path.

There's people all around us doing the 'victim' thing, every single day.

It's kind of nourishing for them. It gives them the fake vitality - to blame something or someone else outside of themselves for the nonsense that's going on in their lives.

Can you picture a person you know who fits PERFECTLY into that scenario?

Notice their habits when you meet them again. For when you do, observe that you're witnessing a true force of nature, essentially muscled as a rippling tiger - who's literally... giving their life away.

The ANTIDOTE?

Be a committed OWNER to everything that happens and doesn't happen - in your life.

For when you take on the delightful challenge of becoming a TRUE owner of your life, you'll see your spirit soar, your actions take on a new meaning and a searing vibration that'll flow through you that'll literally electrocute you with high energy.

Trust me. I've been on both sides of the landscape.

And there's one view of life infinitely more exciting than the other.

I'll leave it to you to judge which one it is.

Here's to happier, exciting and more responsible living.

Raja C. Hireker

Do you know about the 7 Personal Killer Lies running rampant in most people's lives? Get over to http://RajaHireker.com and get yourself a copy. It could change your life.

Changing The Spirit - With Another Point of View

2008-02-06T15:22:00.000Z

There are too many people caught up in the fuss and blame of life.

So isn't it refreshing to get away from all that, from all those... human toxic waste dumps?

Last couple of days have been powerful.

I'll explain:

I've recently interacted with a couple of people I haven't spoken to in a while.

After the call, or should I say near the end of the call, I get comments like these...

"Gosh, you've just spoken about things that were troubling me for a while now and you've given me answers for it...

I don't know, everytime I speak to you it's like there's a new motivation going on in my life...

I don't know what it is but when I speak to him, he just puts everything into place so quickly that his opinions on it is just remarkable...

Why do I tell you this?

Precisely for this:

Well all get stuck in a rut. All of us. It may not be with everything in our lives, but rut... YES.

Though, when one area of life is troubling, you can be sure it'll have a knock on effect on each and every other area of life.

And...

We can ALL have our resistance to things, melt away when we get ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW.

And when we look at it, isn't that what all of life is, a POINT OF VIEW?

Nothing more. Nothing less.

Naturally, conflcit happens, within, and, outside ourselves... when TWO points of view COLLIDE.

And in most cases, there needs to be a collision of thought, of belief, of point of view, in order for life to move onwards and upwards.

For these two people I' talking about, they've had their point of view, their internal image, their beliefs... COLLIDE with my point of view.

I'm pretty focussed on challenging a person's point of view.

Not argumentatively, not confrontationally, not demonstrably...

However, I do do so with a straight forward, unwavering, unflinching 'assault' on what they hold on to as TRUE.

And I use the word ASSAULT as does Voltaire, when he says, "no problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking".

However, I take it a little further. I say and add "...and action..." to what Voltaire says.

I feel the more we can help people shred their disempowering beliefs about themselves and their lack of belief about their capabilities, then we certainly wouldn't shrug the tag of changers of spirit.

For that's what we are - changers of a person's spirit and showing people the source of their energy force within them.

And it's a powerful and responsible place to be.

Though, can people do it for themselves, change their own inner spirit and be the lifeforce they know they must?

Of course. Because when you look at it, each one of us eventually decides that 'here's what's up and here's what I'm about'. That'a the magic of change.

Another person can only facilitate, can bring it to the attention of others, can advise, mentor, coach....

But then, then, then.... through the power of one's ability to respond and choose, that's the time for a person to go to the other side - a place that's always been there, and the door's always been open.

It's just that many have not walked through it, unaided.

We all need that push. That word of help. The differing point of view.

An once we get it, we get to play like kids again.

And that's a magnificent place to be.

Now, isn't that a life worth living?

Raja C. Hireker
http://marketingandlifechangecoaching.com/

It's Tough Being a Successful Hermit!

2008-02-01T11:02:00.000Z

"No, leave me alone, I know how to do this. I really don't need anyone's help!"

Ever heard that line? Ever said that line?

I don't know what it is, but there seems to be this mad hatter craze for DIY... in all areas of our lives!

Not saying that personal accomplishment and achievement isn't character building or anything like that.

That's not the point.

But, here is the point -

If you could get somewhere a little quicker, if you could get something a little faster, if you could get to enjoy living life the way you really want to, sooner, rather than later, would you not want to find out how?

Seems a normal, logical, un-fancy question, right?

But see, there seems to be a big old resistance to getting help.

Maybe it's the pride thing.

Maybe it's the, 'that's how we were not brought up' thing.

Maybe it's the timidity in asking thing.

Maybe it's the, "I've been burnt through this all before" thing.

Maybe it's a whole lot of other things.

But see, I haven't met a happy, rich successful hermit... have you?

What does that mean?

Well, it means that if you want to live a fab life, we need to get the help of others.

Again, it seems too normal, too simple too commonsensical to think any different.

But let me tell you this, the number of people who struggle, struggle struggle, without budging, without relenting, without asking for help... is amazing.

But, what shouldn't be amazing are the results that show up in a persons life because of... GOING SOLO.

My son was recently awarded a scholarship for the next academic school term. Could he have achieved it all by himself, all by his own some... without the support, the environment, the helping and caring of others?

I'm helping a number of clients with their marketing promotions and their strategic thinking who've willingly called on me to help - could they have achieved it by themselves?

What about you... look in your own life. What are you doing for people who couldn't make things work in their lives without your help and effort?

And then...

Look at those who just seem to endlessly have a life of fragility, fatigue, bitterness... a life of no control...

Do you think these people are getting help in ways that'll move them from rut to riches, from sadness to success, from hell to happiness...

I think we all know the answers to that, right?

Self help is the best form of training a person can get to build inner strength, powerful confidence and practical living skills. That doesn't mean not going to outside help for assistance in areas we're not upto scratch with.

There's power in partnership.

Is there anyone you know who could use a helping hand, a kind word, a warm hug?

Why not perform a small simple action in their direction, maybe, today?

For all you know, they could be tearing themselves up inside and your simple action, could be the single biggest factor in bringing a delightful freshness into their lives.

They may have secretly been waiting for it.

Let's do it, let's swamp the hermits with kind loving gestures.

Raja C. Hireker

Mind Motivation & Marketing
http://rajahireker.com/
http://marketingandlifechangecoaching.com/

The Riddles of Life - If You Can't Make Out What They're Saying... DUMP IT...ALL!

2008-01-25T17:15:00.000Z

Here's something to clear out the mental fog... forever, if you'll let it.

Doesn't matter what the it is, the moment you say to yourself, "what the heck does it all mean, it's all a riddle to me", that's the time to close the book, and move on.

I don't know about you, but when you hear or read something that's supposed to be instructional, meaningful, deep, but it doesn't resonate with you at all, do you still 'WOW' and 'Ah' over what's been written?

I sincerely hope you don't, and that doesn't matter what, or where the information has come from - whether it's from the highest authority you can think of, your friends and relatives, or even the philosophical looking bod in the corner of your local Starbucks...

It just doesn't matter.

See, if you have to scratch and ponder, reflect, and then ponder some more and it still doesn't reach your reasoning antanae, face it, the message hasn't reached and... it most likely, won't reach.

And this part is important - it doesn't mean the person telling and sharing this WONDERMENT should give up their life because YOU didn't get it. No. That'd be crazy.

And on the other hand, just because you didn't get it, it too doesn't mean that you should resign yourself to the nutty fruit cake dunce bin. That shouldn't happen also.

Each one of us is on our own evolutionary journey. What others perceive of us is part of their evolutionary journey. And that means, if someone doesn't agree with us on anything - it doesn't matter. It's that they're NOT READY JUST YET to get it.

But you know, I've seen some crazy people, taking offence at anyone who doesn't seem to connect or gel with their thinking and philosophy of life.

I love this story -

An old man was on his deathbed and gathered up all his family and friends. The old man whispered something to the first person in the line who then, passed it on to the next person. That person then said to the person next to him "psst, the old man said life is like an ocean, pass it on". Stunned with what he heard, the next person passed it on all the way down the line until it reached the last person.

"Life is like an ocean, what does that mean?", the last person in the line said, whom most others didn't consider him to be all that bright. He nudged the person next to him and said, "... the old man said that life is like an ocean, but what does it mean?". The person next to him scratched his head and then asked the next person who then told the next and so on until it reached the person closest to the dying old man.

A little fidgety, the closest man, who happened to be the old man's son, leaned over and said, "dear father, the dunce at the end of the line said what is it you mean that life is like an ocean?"

Scratching his head and giving out a rough groan, the old man said, "Well okay, maybe life isn't like an ocean!"

There are supposed widsoms (is that the correct way to write that?) all around. However, none of it is wisdom for any of us until we verify it for ourselves. And, if you come across something that all sounds a little "mysterious" and it's something that just flies over your head, but, you 'think' that there's some inherent wisdom in it but you can't quite put your finger on it...

Then... I mean, right there and then, you should fire the point blank question, to yourself, or, to the provider of such mystery, a question like, "what does that mean?".

And, the other choice you have at that moment is to discard it. See, what's the use of carrying around in your head a useless piece of information having no value whatsoever to you?

My friend, it's absurd. But see, it gets even worse when we try to recreate that wisdom in our mind, ready to unleash it to impress a poor unsuspecting other.

And gosh, this whole idea applies to each and every area of our life - the buying into something we have no earthly idea what it really means.

It'll all stay a lifelong riddle within us UNTIL, until we start the wheels of our own inner revolution to turn and turn and turn until there's no mystery for us - for all we'll have then are the pure tools for uncomplicated living and a life of freshness and beauty.

Go challenge any riddles rummaging aroud in your head. Debunk anything carrying a potent hypnotic trance over you, pierce through the fog of anything mysterious and mystical. For when you do that, I'm sure you'll feel a lot more lighter, and... wiser!

Raja C. Hireker

Mind, Motivation & Marketing
http://rajahireker.com/

Want to get alerted to the next blogpost?
Send an email to: s4tfences@aweber.com
Or, go to the above website.

A Phenomenal Life... Just Waiting to Happen

2008-01-17T00:49:00.000Z

Raja here, and thanks for visiting.

If you've reached here because of my sending you a little message, or you were told to get here by someone you trust, or, you've just stumbled here by the click of a button, then...

There's something you have to know about this post.

I'm not after fame, glory or have people talk about me. I've written it because something struck my heart and mind so thumpingly today, that it could have some meaning for you also.

A couple of 'life events' happened over the last 24 hours that I felt so important, I wanted to write about them.

And, they have to do with life, your life, my life, everyone's lives.

Let me ask you, do you remember when you were just a wee nipper?

You do? Good. Becuase that's the time you were a fearless tiger... with a mighty roar to match.

Of course, you knew that. So why am I telling you something you already know?

Well, as a young kid, before we became aware of our loftiness and self importance, we could learn stuff, oh so easily.

And then what happened?

We grew up, took life seriously, took ourselves seriously and then quickly put the blockage on learning pretty much anything, anew.

Most us adults think that we know all that there is to know. So that's why we 'shut the door' of our minds, never really adventuring to ever pick up something new to do and learn.

I've just returned from a game of indoor football. It's intense, it's fun and.. it's damn well exhausting!

But, do you what? I love going to play. I simply love it. I have the time of my life.

There are 20, 30 40 year old guys who romp around like they're playing a world cup game.

And, quite honestly, that's not a bad way to think about it.

Why not indeed, approach the game like it's a world cup match? I like that.

I'd not played the game since college days.

I only came to find out that quietly, in the background of life, a few college friends had been whirring away at the game for all those years which I, hadn't.

It was about 16 months ago I got back into it.

The first game 'back', I was out of puff after the first 10 minutes. Had no real coordination. Slipping all over the place. Scraping my knee something bad. And, when it was all over, I had to be carried down the stairs from the indoor arena after the game. Couldn't walk for 4 days. Literally.

My new friends at the time? Nurofen and Paracetemol.

But, I came back the following week. And then the next. And then the next...

In fact, December 2006, I was voted 'most improved player' by all those who voted. Not bad.

However, just last month, December 2007, I was voted 'Best Player of the Year'

How come?

What happened?

Well, I 'did' a few things.

Firstly, before going in to every match, I'd ask myself, "... if this was going to be the last match I ever play, how would I play it?"

That simple question had my mind thinking many thoughts.

Things like...

I need to challenge for the ball at every moment. I need to think and play like Ronaldo, Beckam, I have to pass the ball early. I have to give clear instructions to team mates...

I would then go and play with those ideas in my head.

Then, I purchased a DVD to do with "Playing Soccer the Brazilian Way". I learned a few 'tricks and moves'. Went to the park with the kids, whilst they were cycling, I played out the moves with an imaginary opponent.

I have this thing about hearing the 'THUMP' when the ball is smacked. I wanted that when I aim to score a goal. I would sit on a chair and, in my imagination, 'see' myself playing the game with the fierce shoes of the wonder brazilians, scorching the goal into the back of the net.

Combined, this all has a dramatic effect in the way I play the game, the levels of satisfaction I enjoy, and... I have a great time in the process.

No, I'm not no pro footballer. Yes, I want to be the best I can be, doing whatever I can do.

(I use variations of the above when writing business promotions for clients, when coaching or training others in marketing and writing. In communication with my family, to myself, and others.)

If I merely wished being a good footballer, nothing much would happen. If I had listened to the voice in my head that wanted to raise its objectionable noise, forget about having a mediocre game... I'd have not shown up!

And that's the core of this message.

We are all in the game of life. And, we all DO things to make our lives the way it currently stands.

But, the key question is, what have you given up, because of the objectionable noise going on in your head? What important, fun, exciting things have you let go, because of the 'adultness' in you, or some other 'adult'... has told you to give it a miss?

It could be something in your personal life, in your career, in your business, in your communication... something that you know you should've taken the leap with, but didn't.

Personally, I don't know what it is for you. However, you do know what it is and there is something you can do about it, so... do it.

If there are things coming up in your present day life, which you know you should be going all out to make it COME ALIVE, then go ahead and make it real for you.

You see, we all have the opportunity to turn the rest of our lives, into something phenomenal. We really do. We all have the ability to bypass our current limiting story about some area of our lives that isn't working, and... to turn it into something great.

You know it, don't you; that there's a last time for everything? We all know that. But somehow, we all live life as if we are immortal. As if we've this secret jar containing extra life, that we can flip out like some magician in order to extend our immortality.

It's not going to happen.

And, what you don't want to happen is when they're about to hammer the last nail in the coffin lid, you leap out and say, "S-T-O-P... I didn't want my life to end in this way, there's still plenty more I've got to do!"

EXACTLY!

Don't wait for the ultimate day in your life to arrive where you profess to all that stuff really wasn't working in your life and that you now want to do it YOUR WAY.

Don't wait. Learn to live a different, better, challenging life... RIGHT NOW.

There's plenty living to be done. There's much enjoyment to be had. There's so much profitable stuff to chew on that there isn't enough time in the day to lap it all up. We both know it.

I say get busy creating a phenomenal life. And start DOING it, today.

And something else...

I made a decision during December 2007 about my own work life for 2008 .

I had it reinforced during my extraordinarily refreshing 'holiday' to Edinburgh during Christmas time.

I had powerful reinforcement of it today.

Changing one's work life takes courage, conviction, and a bold stance against the way current things are happening.

I'll tell you what happens when you make a real, true, solid conviction and commitment towards something- there's a freedom of thought that happens, clarity of language and a powerful but relaxed intensity about things.

And...

It has a postive knock-on effect on everything else.

It really is, quite miraculous.

And we're not finished, because there's something more...

When did you last experience a 'WOW' in your life? I mean something that made you so tingly, so excited, so 'on fire' with what you experienced?

Are you struggling to come up with something?

Are you scratching your head for a memory?

Well, I'll leave it to you to reflect on that.

But, I want to share with you the 'WOW' I have, every single day.

It's seeing my children play. Seeing the way they carry on with their day with such carefree abandonment and their genuine lust for life.

See if you can replicate the following kind of 'WOW' in your everyday life.

You go to pick up a child from school and, when it's time to be collected, they run, not walk, not meander, not amble, but they run, they charge at you full force straight at you and want to be picked up and hugged, right there, right then. That's what happens with me and my little girl.

I'm telling you there aren't many greater WOW's than that. And I get an overdose of it. Yes, I'm lovin' it.

But we can all get the same kind of experience in our communication to others. In our attitude, to ourselves and, to others. In our thoughts and aspirations about our life ahead. In the way we give gratitude to those who have helped us become who we are today.

Listen I don't know if there's anything in this mail that strikes you. That speaks to your heart. That has you thinking differently, practically, sensibly about an old issue, or, about something that you're thinking about embarking on.

If there is something of value for you personally, then I'm thrilled.

If you think there's anyone you know who may benefit from anything written here, then please send this to them. Or, have them come on over to http://raja-hireker.blogspot.com/

I really thank you for reading and I wish you a beautiful day ahead.

Raja C. Hireker

P.S. If you would like to be alerted to when the next post will written, please hop on over to my marketing and life strategies website http://RajaHireker.com/newsletter.html and sign up for the newsletter that's posted up there. Or, if you haven't the time, simply send a blank email to s4tfences@aweber.com Thanks again.

Go For Substance, Not The Personality!

2008-01-07T13:44:00.000Z

Life's one heck of a moving parade.

People come into our lives, and wander out, regularly.

Now, those of us looking for that edge in our lives in order to boost our finances, our relationships, our health, our self image, it's pretty easy for us to get caught in the celebrity addiction circus that rolls into town.

Let me explain.

Probably, right now, you may have more than a handful of books, courses, manuals, seminar notes, on one particular topic... right?

Well, I can guarantee that it won't stop there - you be collecting more info on the same topic.

Not that it should stop. If you're an 'addict' for it all, it'll continue and continue and continue...

UNTIL...

You put your foot down.

I say that because most of the info we gather that's on the same subject, is simply a painfully regurgitated knock off of the existing material we've already invested in.

Let's get practical and put this all to the test. And by the way, quite frankly that's where everything should be put to the sword - the test of reality - and not be content with some made up nonsense residing in the corner of some bod's cranium.

Here's an exercise to do. Not simply internalise. Not play it out in your mind. If you DO what I suggest, you'll get a mini revelation, right before your unbelieving eyes.

Gather up all the resources you've got on a particular subject - be it health, marketing, copywriting, creating a website, coaching... whatever it is for you.

Now, look at the last purchase you made for this particular category of interest. And then, ask this question -

"What Do I Want To Gain From This Resource That I Cannot Get From The Others I've Got in The Pile?"

Now, it could be that you're just collecting information to build your database of knowledge. That's fine. But, what would you practically use it for?

See, there's this huge inner problem we all need to solve for ourselves.

And that is, to stop buying into the 'personalities' of the resources, and instead, buy into our own committment to better our lives by MAKING THINGS HAPPEN WITH WHAT WE GOT.

Our mind, our attention, our focus, is continually on the 'look out' for something new on the horizon. And when we sense that happening, then there's nothing outside us that's the problem - WE are the problem. We're playing half-heartedly at life. Dabbling with the greatest resource we've got - OURSELVES!

I can guarantee that if most of us follow a few of the disciplines and practices outlined in just a few books, we'll be infinitely better off - financially, energy wise, disciplined wise, happiness wise.

Until WE proactively go after what's important to us, rather than get seduced by the newest attraction on the block, (and there'll ALWAYS be new attractions on the block, DAILY) the bigger the results that show up in our lives.

The next time you feel the impulse to buy a resource for something you've already got a bunch of resources for -- put the purchase on hold. Give it a few days to think it over. And, in those days you've got to think things through, actually go over the existing resources you've got and truly assess whether you've actually DONE something with them.

For if you haven't done anything with them, you'll simply repeat this same, unproductive process with the new resource.

Now, if you do have one or two favourite 'celebrities' you do value, you'd be better off getting everything you can from them and plan to absorb and learn it all.

I think you'll reach your goals and desires quicker, smoother and with a super duper spring in your step when you do this and that it'll tell you that you're not merley swayed by the new delight that's wafted into town - high flying personality, or not.

Raja C. Hireker
http://rajahireker.com/

P.S. I've personally carried this test out myself. I find that not only is life more profitable all round, it's also of an infinitely higher quality. And also, the space that I once thought I'd never see in my study room, has now been cleared of all the 'pretend' material I'd purchased. Gosh... life in that study room is so much more joyful now!

Tossing Away £50.00 Notes Like it Just Doesn't Matter

2008-01-02T11:48:00.000Z

HAPPY 2008!!

Would you like to know how to keep a bursting drawful of £50.00 notes, and have them multiply, right before your greedy eyes?

If so, then stick around, as you'll get to know how to do it.

When I give a seminar talk or a presentation to do with marketing or copywriting, I usually hold up two notes and ask the audience what the difference between the two are.

"The colour"... " The size"... "One's a fifty pound note and the other is a five pound note"... "The different drawings on them"...

I get a variety of answers.

I tell them that the difference is the message that's on them. And, the difference in the message is what''s makes one note, more valuable than the other.

I then go on to tell them that the differences between them getting five or fifty pound notes, is simply the message they put on their marketing and advertising documents.

See, whether on a webpage, an ad in the paper, a brochure, a direct mail sales letter, a business card!!... there's a fixed cost that you're paying to get the media - but that fixed cost HAS NO BEARING TO WHAT MESSAGE YOU PUT ON YOUR PROMOTIONAL DOCUMENTS--

Meaning, you'll be paying that cost, irrespective.

So, whether you put 10 words, 100 words, 3, 000 words, you'll still pay that cost.

But here's the big windfall secret -

WHAT you SAY in your promotional material makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE to whether you're scraping up £5.00 notes here and there... or... whether you're hiring someone to stack all your £50.00 notes for you in neat, tower block bundles.

Can you see the simple power in it all? Can you see the stark, glaring differences?

I hope you do because it's EXACTLY here where your quality of life exists.

I know what you maybe thinking, that somehow, it doesn't seem real - that certain words strung together in a particular order, can produce a different life! Let me tell you, it's all true.

And, what's even more profound and fundamental, is the language we use to speak to ourselves.

And it's all a matter of belief - whether you believe what you say and how you say it, can cause THE difference in your life... that it can cause £50.00 notes to fly into your life, rather than £5.00 notes.

I hope you take what's written here, to heart.

For if you do, you'll never see your life in the same way again.

If you really, truly, want to take your business and your life to greater heights, all you have to do is take your copywriting and salesletter writing, to greater heights.

Make 2008, the best writing year you've ever had.

Raja C. Hireker
Copywriter-Speaker-Publisher
http://rajahireker.com/

P.S. Soon, you'll hear about a product called "Copywriting & Marketing to Your Own Head". It'll help fix that missing link between poor, lacklustre, mediocre copy, and exciting, passionate, livewire writing. Stay tuned.

P.P.S If you haven't got your hands on my FREE, 7 part copywriting course by email, you should. You can get it when you send an email to killeradcourse@aweber.com

Read All About It... There's A Miracle Path to Marketing Madness... Read All About it!

2007-12-29T00:28:00.000Z

Something set my mind alight whilst in Edinburgh.

Dear Reader,

If you've never been to Edinburgh and stayed in a service apartment flat by the waterfront, you should. It's simply... STUNNING.

For, not only will you get peace of mind, effortless living and a true connection to nature, you'll also get an astounding number of ideas flowing through your mind and head.

And, they'll come in such a rapidity, you'll think you're... THE MIDAS ONE.

But let me tell you, it's not only Edinburgh by the waterfront that'll set your mind spinning. You can get the same delightful experience in many other places, too.

Anyway, as I was recording all these ideas as they were melting their way into my head, the most common of ideas available to ANYONE, struck me like never before.

And, it came in the form of a special Christmas edition of the business programme Dragon's Den - a variation of the popular programme - The Apprentice. But in this programme the judging panel get to vote whether they'd like to invest their own money in the many entrepreneurs' ventures.

Now, the astonishing thing is that those entrepreneurs who were offered either the full amount or a certain percentage of the investment money for a slice of the business... TURNED IT DOWN!

Now, I can understand the idea of giving up, of relinquishing a part of ones business to an outside investor. It's troubling for many. It's a huge mental hurdle for most to get over. And it's HERE where many future fortunes are thrown down the toilet. All because of pride and ego.

Would most rational thinking business people happily give up a portion of their business for proven expertise and exposure to the market place? Well, you'd think that would be the case.

But no. At least, not with these entrepreneurs. They would rather wrestle the world alone, going through the minefields with their rose tinted glasses, crawling, bloodied and nowhere near their desired goal.

The programme highlighted a number of these entrepreneurs a few years on, still struggling, still hoping, still taking on the world with their limited resources.

I've personally come across it also. Those wanting copywriting and marketing coaching and consulting, but then, somehow, turn things around in their head and 'go it alone', wanting to learn it all themselves.

Nothing wrong in that.

There's triumph and valour in such achievement.

However, as many feel the investment in professional expertise too beyond them to make, they then try a little of this, a little of that and pretty much end up with a mini-Titanic disaster. And... the experience of which, leaves them tainted and afraid.

Pretty similar to the Dragon's Den participants.

If you're in a business venture or are planning one, and you'd like to make it super successful, DO one of the following two things:

1. Learn everything you can about what you need to be skilled at.

Or...

2. Hire it out to a person you trust.

There's really no in-between. And yet, there are many who tussle between the two, ending up nowhere, hesistating at every turn and corner. And all the while this is going on, TIME, marches onwards, regardless.

Make it your resolution to sidestep the miracle path of marketing and business madness and get expert help when you need it. There's no glory in beating the same drum year after year with no real results to back you up.

There is however, a gold medal, awaiting to be awared to those who get where they want to go, quicker, with less worry, less mistakes, and with a bunch of helpers and associates by their side.

I truly wish you stunning success in 2008.

Raja C. Hireker

Copywriting-Consulting-Speaking
http://rajahireker.com/

P.S. It was a 7-hour drive from London to Edinburgh. That's plenty of time for even more ideas to bubble. You know what... I'm planning to go again!

A Christmas Copywriting Gift

2007-12-22T12:47:00.000Z

Dear Friends,

It's nearly Christmas, so here's a little gift.

If you write blogs, sales letters, email, articles, adverts, and other writings of interest to a group of people you're looking to infleunce...

... If you've ever wondered, marvelled, gaped in awe and amazement at how 'copywriting' can have such an effect, and, how you could pocket this profitable skill also, then, this blog post could be the post that helps you get on your way to true marketing and life success.

A BOLD statement?

Not really, because as with all things in life, there are a few fundamentals that if mastered, changes lives.

And, in copywriting -- the words you use in your marketing promotions -- there are a few simple, THOUGH ENORMOUSLY EFFECTIVE bits and pieces to put together.

With that in mind, I'm giving you the most important part of all copywriting to master. And, it's contained in a 7 part ad course delivered by email. I'm giving you the part of the course that says...

__________________________________________________________

"It's Just You And Me Talking... The Rest of The World Can Go To Hell!"

Have you ever opened a sales letter or any other type of promotional material and you've said to yourself, "what on earth are they telling me... what's the bloody connection here... surely they can't be saying that... who the heck understands all that?"

Well, let me tell you that you're not alone in your thinking.

You see, the way we read, the way we write, the way we converse, stems all the way back when we were in school. We were told the PROPER way to write and understand English. We then add to the confusion in later life by reading and listening to the jargon and academic speak of professors, article writers,'traditional' advertising people who feel the need to 'educate' us about the sophistication of the English language.

Of course, little, if none of it has any real worth in the day today of communicating with each other. I mean, come on, who on earth talks to each other using words such as... Indestructibility... effervescence... revolutions... convolute...incumbent... petulance...

Well, okay, maybe intellectuals, academics, aristocrats... maybe...but pretty much on the whole, most of us talk okay, in a kind of chatty, friendly, sit around a cup of coffee type way, don't you agree?

If that IS the case, and if you yourself agree that that's how you most likely talk, then doesn't it make sense that we WRITE MARKETING COMMUNICATION AND BUSINESS PROMOTIONS IN THE WAY THAT WE MOST LIKELY SPEAK?

And, do you know what? I know this core message is troubling for a number of people.

Especially those who have been educated in a particular way...who have been told that they need an ADVANCED VOCABLUARLY in order to reach the top in life. In fact, a number of English teachers all round the globe will be jumping up and down in frustration and disbelief at the mere thought of written communication being littered with colloquialisms, chatty style writing and the breaking of a number of grammar rules.

But do you know something? As hard as I try, I'm hard pressed to find a really rich 'English' teacher! Now isn't THAT telling us something?

THE PROOF OF THE PUDDING... I was literally blown away when just the other day, I saw a letter that had exactly 361 words on it, contained none of the pompous, intellectual, high brow language... but... was mailed in the millions, created a business that spawned 8 countries and made millions for the owners!

And the funny thing about that letter was I showed it to a number of advertising and marketing professionals and they universally scoffed at it, saying it was nothing more than a waste of space and that it was too simple and too basic.

There lies my point.

Communication in print or in any other form, needs to be sincere, warm, clear and absolutely devoid of the boredom factor. Of course, seeing their jaws drop open in pure astonishment when I showed them the documentary evidence, was a piece of pure magic that will stay with me till the day I drop.

Yes, for simple marketing solutions really do bring the most astounding of rewards.

In fact, if you want to put that last sentence to the test in your own business, here's what you should do: Find out who's the most successful sales person in your business (if you're the sole 'sales person' for your business, practice,consultancy, then you'll have to get someone else to help you with this exercise)... and eavesdrop on their client/customerconversation.

In fact, do more than that... record their conversation... and do it a number of times in order to capture the best selling conversation you can, whilst they're in full flow. Just capture it! Either get it on tape, video, mobile phone, whatever. Just record it. Then, what you do next is to simply transcribe that 'SELLING CONVERSATION' and create it in print.

You can remove all the unwanted ums and ers, references to the weather and the general chit chat, and then, what you'll be left with is the bare boned essence of a truly wonderful selling sales script, one that can be converted into a number of media formats... sales letters, websites, postcards, adverts, email promotions... you name the media, you'll have a basis to adopt adapt and apply the winning salesscript you have now created.

Would you like to know how publishers Boardroom Reports, A 100MILLION A YEAR BUSINESS, started out?

It started out EXACTLY the way I just handed out to you in this valuable section of your 7-part advertising course. It happened by simply taping a conversation between the owner MartyEdelston and a copywriter by the name of Gene Schwartz, and then transcribing it in print.

I hope you study it well, for it contains the seeds to propel yourbusiness like you won't believe. And... if you've hired people to create direct mail, Internet promotions, print ad promotions for you... then what you should do is hand them this section for them to develop ideas from!

In fact, you should hand over all of the sections in this advertising course to whoever creates your next promotion for you. Have them follow it. And... if they're not willing to follow it... FIRE THEM.

Truly!

You see, if all they do is poo poo any of this information, information that has been used to startling effect by the marketing masters of the past, and by savvy users of the present, then they should give you justifiable, practical reasons for dismissing it.

Though, as you will probably find out, the more one steers awayfrom the material contained in this Killer-Mini-Advertising-Course, the more the turmoil, the more the waste, the more the dissatisfaction one will experience.

I hope you're not willing to let that continue. Because if you are, your possible profits that are litterally, sitting on your table, will tumble off into the welcoming arms of... YOUR COMPETITIORS. Those very competitors who have stumbled onto these little known though highly effective strategies and techniques!

Would you like to know how to stitch together your own winning sales letter?

If so, you're in for a profitable treat. In the final part of this Killer-Mini-Advertising-Course, you'll get a working sales letter template that if adopted, applied and used for your unique business scenario, it'll cause a sudden surge of profit to happen for you the moment you decide to use it.

_________________________________________________________________

If you pay careful attention to the message above, you too can make Christmas happen for you, every single days of your lives!

Have a glorious time ahead.

Raja C. Hireker

Copywriting-Coaching-Publishing
http://rajahireker.com/

P.S. If you would like to get all seven parts of the above email copywriting course, then all you have to do is send a blank email to killeradcourse@aweber.com Or, go over and sign up for it at: http://RajaHireker.com/copywriting.html Thanks again.

Setting Off The Paparazzi Flash Bulbs in Your Own Head!

2007-12-14T09:34:00.000Z

Hi All,

Ever wondered what it's like to have flash bulbs lighting up the night, photographers going wild to get a glimpse of you, autograph hunters scrambling over themselves just to 'touch' you?

Well, you don't have to go to no make believe school of drama to get that all working for you.
Yes, I mean it.

Stay with me and I'll show you exactly what I'm talking about.

Dave is the premises mananger for a big budget building. I went to see him the other day.

As we were talking, I asked him what this image was on his screen. I said it looked like the Silver Surfer Character in the FANTASTIC FOUR comic hero movie. (It was the head and torso of a bald headed, silver computer graphic looking character)

"Nope, that's the image of the best DJ and music mixing software you can get!"... Dave said.

I was intrigued.

He went on to tell me that he could download mp3's, transfer it onto vinyl, mix and 'scratch' it with cd's on the hard drive... and all that. (GOSH... what the heck's he talking about!)

"What do you do with them once you've created these music mixes?", I went on.

"Oh, nothing much, just keep them on the hard drive. Or, I just wipe them off ".

I stood there, amazed and aghast. This was a guy who hated what he did, complained a lot, troubled beyond most people's comprehension.

Yet, here, right in front of him, was his way out of all the mess. A way for him to create a business doing what he's passionate about.

I slowly said to him, "why don't you sell the music discs to others?"

He became quiet.

I looked at his face for some sort of movement.

After a few seconds, he looked up and gave the biggest smile from the heart I'd seen. The Paparazzi flash bulbs were causing havoc in his head!

That type of scenario raises it presence pretty often when I talk to people who have this deep anguish on their faces about life, about money, about... 'getting away from it all'.

For a lot of us, we're literally, sitting on our own pile of diamonds.

However, the BIGGEST problem I find in many is their THINKING and ACTING about their own possibilities. Showing people the kingdom to their own wealth is one thing. The other is getting the keys to open it.

And, many can't open it. Even though they've been HANDED the keys!

Taking an idea, and then systematically converting it into something workable and actionable, is a KEY skill that'll open the floodgates to all the fame, glamour, riches and paparazzi attention you could ever wish for!

Take a deep look at what you've previously dismissed as... 'oh, that's just something I'm doing as a hobby... it's something I really love... it's something I have a total passion about... it's nothing I can turn into a profitable venture, that's for others..."

Think again about it all.

If you're really really happy about how life is going for you RIGHT NOW, this present day, then that's super. However, if you're not entirely happy about life, get busy changing it, for it's the only life you've got.

No use making waves as they hammer the last nail in the box!

You really can set your life alight in the next few moments -- with THE RIGHT THINKING... and... THE RIGHT ACTIONS.

Raja C. Hireker
Copywriting-Speaking-Publishing

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There's No Such Thing As Motivation... Is There?

2007-12-08T18:44:00.000Z

BEWARE THE FALSE PREACHERS!

You've probably noticed it also...

The market is simply erupting with motivational tools, crutches, aids to success.

I don't know why that is.

Really.

You see, forced motivation - trying to get ourselves to DO something that we really don't want to do - contains a heavy heavy flaw.

And that is...

If we really don't want to do a particular thing - whether it a skill, a new career, a business opportunity- what's the use in wanting to beat ourselves black and blue in order to trick ourselves into doing it? There's a massive incongruency between what we say we want, and what we truly, deeply desire inside.

Let's explore further.

I'll take the example of being able to write effective, direct response advertising.

Now, to the many others I talk to, whether it's in a seminar/coaching/ training format, or whether it's simply talking to prospective clients, most tell me they'd love to write similar stuff also.

I tell them, like I'm telling you, that doing pretty much anything, is a logical and step by step process. And, that anyone can do pretty much anything they wanted to... provided they
chuck emotion out of the way, and follow a proven system or formula for doing things.

(I recently helped around 50 business entrepreneurs do exactly that in a carefully, strategic, deliberate coaching exercise which had them writing effective, personality driven email copy that would've put many 'ad pros' to shame.)

There's nothing dramatic or mysterious about it.

But, for most, it IS a dramatic and mysterious process because they strap emotion to the side of their endeavours - the very emotions that drain and drag them AWAY from what they set out to do; the emotions that ultimately, floods the heart out of their dreams and ambitions.

Now, I've told many that the way I did it was to actually copy, in my own handwriting, the proven sales letters, ads, promotional material from the acknowledged greats in copywriting and direct marketing. I tell them I spent near on 6 months crafting out these winning promotions - hands bruised, fingers sporting unfashionable blisters, ink running dry on the biros sprawled all over my desk.

I tell them for a lot of nights, I've been up into the wee small hours, writing, seeing the blank page get eaten up, swarming with delicious, mouth watering, entertaining advertising and marketing copy.

I did it because I loved it. It's what I truly wanted to do.

I didn't need false motivation to crank up my mind, to 'fire' up my juices, to flip a switch in mind which then activates 'another personality' to get the work done.

But that seems to be what people are looking for. They're looking for this 'magical powder' that'll sprinkle onto their mind and they'd INSTANTLY be able to craft out excellent, compelling, irresistible sales and marketing copy.

I suggest trying to instill make-believe motivation, does nothing more than create a hyped up individual who'll fizzle out from their intentions as soon as some alternative distraction comes into their lives.

As with all things in life, there's a simple cure to things. It's easy to fix what's not working, to reach ones' wants and desires.

However, beware the false preachers promoting rah rah motivation and external rewards, without instructing you first in realigning your inner self image and your true desires.

To glowing and REAL motivation,

Raja C. Hireker
http://rajahireker.com/

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Do We Really 'Become What We Think About Most?'

2007-05-09T11:40:00.000+01:00

Did Earl Nightingale get it all wrong?

Contained in the classic recording - 'The Strangest Secret' Earl Nightingale proceeds to tell us that we unanimously... 'become what we think about most'.

And, supporting him in that belief, Earl quoted a number of other learned wisdom makers - Marcus Arelius, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Napoleon Hill...

But do you know what...?

I think they got it all wrong!And, I'll prove it to you.

Let's dissect the line that seems to have built an entire army of followers to that particular creed of thought."We become what we think about most" Now, say I want to become a doctor, information entrepreneur, million dollar writer, movie actor, or whatever... what's my first move?

Well, if we take the instruction to think about becoming whatever it is want, then that should be the starting point, right?

Okay, say now that a few hours have passed, what then should be my second move?
I'm not sure about any other instruction apart from the one that says... "we become what we think about the most".

So...

Let's get thinking again as we did for the first couple of hours.

Now, it's dark, all sane people have tucked themselves into bed and... we're still there... thinking about what it is we would like to become.

A few more days of this and... we'll surely materialise into our lives what it is we want... right?

A few days indeed, pass.

The headache starts to worsen.

In fact, we're much worse off then before beginning the whole process of becoming what we think about most!

You see, here's the BIG problem: Merely thinking about something gets us no closer to the goal. In fact, it's a surefire recepie for delusion and disaster.

If we were to honestly follow to the letter what Earl Nightingale said "We become what we think about most" all that will be produced is a universe of thinkers, all propogating and promoting that fact that mere thinking creates practical answers.

ACTION helps.

Shelfbook wisdom is a disease that somehow, gives us comfort from ever DOING anything.

If I merely thought my way into becoming a business and advertising writer, I'd be rubbing the soothing balm into the side of my head for weeks on end... and... moving even further away from the goal in the first place.

Be sure to question what it is you're picking up, even if it's from the celebrated and the toast of the party.

Raja C. Hireker
www.RajaHireker.com

2007-01-28T05:18:00.000Z

Mentoring ... Simply The Most Important Relationship That'll Help You Get From Where YOU Are...To Where You Want to Be!

I've been troubled about something over the last month or so.

And, that trouble has shone its brightness in all its spectacular glory just recently.

This blog posting is all about mentoring.

Now, for some who are reading this, they'll go into an immediate tussle about the differences between 'coaching' and mentoring.'

I'll not get into that debate just now, though what I will say is that moving through life WITHOUT a mentor or coach, can set you back several years. Or... even longer!

When wanting to learn how to write effective marketing and advertising, I stumbled and pottered around for several months. In fact, if you were to add it all up, we're talking a solid handful of years.

It was only when I said to myself "Who's the best in the world at teaching this?" did I come out of my stuck thinking. You see, I stubbornly believed that I could move forward and make a significant contribution to this world by simply focussing only on my own thoughts and ideas .

How utterly wrong I was. An expensive error of judgement.

So, what did I do?

I systematically went about wanting to meet and learn from the most respected, most knowledgeable and most accomplished direct marketers in the world.

I wanted to know how they did what they did!

I eventually paid through the nose to learn from the best of the best. I flew to where they lived. I did what they told me to do.

What I will say is that I got more real world, practical and profitable information from these giants, that it shaved years of me stumbling around in teh future... and... it helped me get my 'technical ability' ramped up to a way above average level, fast.

Now, some people will scream and shirk at the prospect of doing what I did. I'm okay with that.

Really I am.

You see, what I truly learned was the idea of VALUE and cost.

A blinkered thinking person would scream " WHAT! 20 Thousand for that marketing campaign we're running next week!"

The savvy thinking, marketing oriented individual would say "Great, let's see how much more ROI I'm going to get from this campaign. We should make our investment back with in a week. The rest is pure, beautiful profit!"

Cloud Cuckoo land thinking?

I don't think so. Especially when you steep yourself in the truth that advertising isn't a game where it's likened to a roulette wheel in the casino.

Advertising is pretty dependable and predictable.

You just got to know the inner workings to make it work for you. If you know what you're doing, you'll be able to, legitimately, 'rig' the game in your favour!

Now here's the profound lesson: I WOULD NEVER have picked up all that valuable insight if I ploughed through all the material I've got loaded in the hard drive or sat up on the shelf... all by myself.

I wouldn't have.

I went to seek out those who know more than I. I knew I knew I had to be open and receptive to let all the practical wisdom seep and sink in.

Could I have stumbled across the information by reading yet another book... going to another seminar where 'pretend experts' show 'N tell all that they've NEVER DONE... pick up yet another valuable 'course' that'll help propel me to my desired outcome faster than a speeding bullet...?

Of course I could.

But, how long would I be prepared to wait for the results I was looking for?

I was now impatient and in a hurry. I needed to get the information I wanted, straight from the hosres mouths as it were. And, in doing the trek to the 'promised land', it was if I was also looking for a kind of endorsement from others about my capabilities, from those rare people who've been there and done what it was I wanted to do.

I'm still invloved in a mentor type relationship. One that keeps me tuned in, plugged into the latest happenings in 'my world' and... it's a relationship that keeps me fresh and accountable.

Mentoring: I'd recommend it without reservation if you're looking to get a handle on something in double quick time; something that just seems to 'get away from you'.

Of course, if your aim is to take things as they come; to recline back into life's easy chair; not really having to concern yourself about living a great rest of your life or... about leaving any sort of legacy for the people who are living in your immediate world, then...

... If you're going to do it right, then get yourself a mentor who'll really show you how to enjoy life to the maximum...without you ever having to do a lick of work in your life from now on!

If you ever come across such a mentor, do let me know!

Now, what what it last week that had me tossing and stewing?

Well, I attended a business networking session last week and I was immediately struck by one thing: There were business people from all across the board who, after talking to almost all of them, had openly decalred that they had no real goals for growth or progression.

Surprising?

Not really.

Especially when we bring to the fore, the 5%/95% study. The study was first carried out in the 1950's in Yale University. What was found that the 5% who made goals, was worth more in monetary terms that the other 95% put together.

The 95% had NO GOALS to aim at.

Those who do have meaningful and aspirational goals, take on the services of others to help keep them on track with those goals. And, and to be accountable to their word and... to their actions.

If you think I'm prodding you to get outside help to keep you focussed and on track with your life's and bsuiness goals... YOU'RE RIGHT!

Warm regards and spectacular living.

Raja C. Hireker
Copywriter, Coach and Marketing Consulting

P.S. If you really want to know if getting a 'mentor' is worthwhile, just ask yourself the following question (every week, without fail) and note down your answers in a book or diary.

"Have I done what I said I would get done and am I closer to reaching the goal I set out to achieve? And, if not what stopped me from hiring a coaching mentor to help me move forward in the direction I'm heading?"

The question and its answers could be revolutionary milestone in your endeavour to elevate your life. It bears serious thinking. Especially if the answers you give to yourself are a definite... "NO, I'M NO NEARER TO THE GOALS I HAVEN'T SET!"

What Has The Death of My Uncle and Bonding With Your Customers and Clients... Got to Do With Eachother?

2006-11-20T19:49:00.000Z

In a word... E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G!

I dare say that this will be the most unusual posting you will have read, so please, stay with me.

Like me, you’ve probably have had tragedy strike you or your loved ones in one form or another. It struck in my life just a couple of short weeks ago.

My family and I had just returned from an evening fireworks display at our local park. When it was all done, we gathered ourselves to the car and reached home. And, just as we normally do, either my wife or I check too see if there were any answer-phone messages. There was. One. Made at 8.10pm.

On the answer machine, my aunty could barely utter a sentence and what we make out was my uncle coughing and spluttering in the background. We put the phone down and looked at the time. It was nearly 9.00pm. The message was lying there for 40 minutes! We made a call to the long distance number.

We found that my uncle had been taken to hospital and my aunt didn't know much more than that. We told the aunt not to panic and we’ll find out what we could. We contacted my father-in-law and all he could do was sob uncontrollably on the phone. My uncle, my favourite uncle... had died. The next ten days were the most emotional I have ever witnessed. And also, they were the most instructive.

Let me explain:

My uncle left a legacy that’s fairly extraordinary. You see, he left behind a group of people who loved and adored him because of who he was and how he made people feel. And, he instilled in others a set of values, principles and beliefs that nurtures having healthy, loving and caring relationships. And, in today’s social climate, that’s all the more precious – creating and maintaining caring, loving relationships.

My uncle did a lot of groundbreaking things in his life. Maybe I’ll share those with you at another time. He was respected and held in high esteem. Though in his 80's, my uncle had a lot of projects on the go. Projects that now, need finishing. The family are working towards seeing them to completion.

My uncle retired as Director in the Ministry of Defence (not a small post by any means), he had to continually sell and market his thoughts, his opinions, his way of working. It was an important and responsible post. Despite the ardour that a post inevitably brings, my uncle had a truly fabulous family life and a really blossoming social life.

Isn’t that what life’s all about? Working and striving in a job or a business; have a super family life; enjoy the best of health; and... have a generally happy disposition? GOOD TIMES... right!

Forming life long relationships is the key to a happy and prolonged life. My uncle died when he was 82. He had a wealth of people around him. Some of his friends date back decades. His family all adored him. There were a lot of fabulous things said about him. He maintained his key relationships that lasted his lifetime.

Can you see the beauty and charm of having relationships that last almost forever? Wouldn’t it be something if your family, friends, clients and customers actively stayed with you for as long as you’re on the planet? Wouldn’t it be something if all were there to help you celebrate some of your most important milestones, your anniversaries, your birthdays, your triumphs?

If I were to estimate how much value resulted because one man's influence (my uncle), I’d put it into the millions. And, the influence and effect he had on a number of people’s lives... Thousands! That's the power and worth that a single person can generate. Their lifetime value, their influence and touch on others can be simply... enormous!

Once you start thinking about yourself and your worth, and, how much value a single customer of yours is worth, a family member, a close friend, it will truly, boggle your mind!

I don’t know if you’re entirely happy with the relationships you have with your customers, with the way your marketing and advertising is being done, with the way you’re perceived in the marketplace, with the pace you’re wanting to grow...

If you’re are sincerely and entirely happy, then hats off to you, you’re a rare breed. But let me ask you something else; how’s family life? your personal life? your social life? You see, the way you market, has a definite and direct effect in how your life unfolds.

And... the way to maintain a healthy balance to it all is to form realtionships, human bonds that need all the force of humanity to break them.

How does one start to create fantastic relationships, or build heavily on existing ones?

Well, here's a few questions for you to ponder over, questions that'll tell you a lot about you and your relationships with others.

1. Am I considered a kind and trustworthy person to most of those who know me?

2. If my close relative passed away tomorrow, would I sincerely miss them, or is it business as usual?

3. If a client or customer of mine has a problem with my product or service, would I or my staff do our utmost to clear the problem up and leave the customer in a happier frame of mind, whether they decided to choose my product or service from now on or not?

4. Do I treat the people who work for and with me, as the most important people in my business?

5. Do I treat my family members as the most important people in my life?

6. What am I presently doing that ensures my family, my customers my friends, stay with me forever and ever?

These questions shouldn't be treated lightly. That is, if you're really looking to create super relationships and bonds that last even beyond your lifetime! Study your answers to them for in them you'll work out for yourself what needs to be done. And, done sooner, rather than later.

The hands of time are ticking by, every minute that we’re worrying, stressing, fussing, complaining... are moments that we should be revelling in, enjoying to the hilt.

I’m sure you didn’t choose to get into business, or have a family, or choose the friends and relationships you have... and have it all become a chore, an iron anchor round your neck, something that has you continually fretting and stumbling around in how it’s causing you no end of stress. Am I right?

You see, living a life can either be a great experience, or not. Having and running a business can be a great and profitable experience, or not. Enjoying life's friendships and relationships can be something you choose to have happen, or not.

My suggestion?

You've one life. Live it the best you can. Get as much joy and happiness out of it as you can. Create the best relationships out of it as you can, for you never know when you'll be plucked out of life's equation.

Build the kind of life that people will talk about long after you've gone.

I personally know someone who did.

Raja C. Hireker

Prow Crass Tin Nation... Don't Take Your Time Reading It!

2006-10-05T16:28:00.000+01:00

An October Hello:

The last few weeks have been, well... pretty unusual to say the least.

I'd like to, if I may, ask a question, a question that'll probably set the foundation for the rest of this posting.

Here it is...

Did you get done what you said you would... today, yesterday, last week, last month? Some of it... maybe?

Well, you how does it make you feel, knowing that there's a pile of unfinished business that's clogging a piece of your life, taking up a corner in your mind?

quite frankly, for tons of people, it doesn't bother them one little bit that there's an outstanding pile of 'incompletes' running their life.

Do you know why that is?

It's because they've unconsciously drenched themselves in the belief that they're ... IMMORTAL!

Yes, that's right... because they feel that there's an endless supply of this super stuff called LIFE, things can wait.

You know, when things aren't that important, when they really don't need us to be accountable - then... there's really no need for us to make life happen, NOW, TOMORROW, NEXT WEEK.

But see, here's the hidden pain: where we are today, is the sum total of what we've not done what we've said we'd do, earlier!

There's been countless instances recently where well intentioned, good people, have simply thrown in the towel on their dreams, hopes and aspirations, somehow believing that stalling today, tomorrow next week, will magically change their fortunes, internally, as well as tangibly.

The antidote to shake me from this happening from people all around me, came in the form of listening to of all people... A LAWYER!

Alexis is a bright lady. She graduated and followed the dream that was sold to her, namely, become a laywer and get to work for a prestigious firm. She did all that. Earned more money than she knew what to do with.

But... the money just flowed like water through her fingers, never being able to hold onto it for very long. The reason for that was she found she lost all enthusiasm, lacked any sort of passion for what she was doing.

She'd always wanted to go it alone and start her own thing, but never got round to doing it. But, realising that when she looked in her diary that she wrote some time back that she would be financially independent when she was 35, she thought to herself that she couldn't wait that long.

She was pregnant with her second child, was the main breadwinner in her family (her husband and she decided that he would be the 'house husband') and chose to use her maternity leave as the starting for building her own enterprise.

Getting savvy marketing advice, as well as hooking up with a coach to move her through this transition phase, helped her surpass her income from what her law practice was giving her, within 12-18 months... and now... it's getting larger and larger as the months roll by!

Look at it, a frustrated lady, pregnant with her second child, hated what she was doing, going it alone in a venture of her own, scared of what may happen... but dug in anyway!

Now there's a lesson for any of us that are waiting for 'brighter' days to come along before setting our sail in motion.

Now ask yourself "What am I really for in order for my life to REALLY happen?".

Take a good hard look at your answers!

Till next time, Smart Thinking, Smart Marketing.

Raja C. Hireker

The Shoe Lace Theory of Super Success

2006-08-14T13:18:00.000+01:00

I've been privy to a few insights that'd shock most people.

The single biggest revelation I want to share with you is a secret little nugget that has to do with becoming rich, wealthy, successful.

Would you like to know what it is?

Well, the person who shared this with me said it so 'as a matter of factly' that it just breezed by. But look, it contains the raw ingredients to propel mediocrity, into super sonic aliveness and abundance.

And yes, the person who shared this with me is a multi-millionaire, and then some. The funny thing is that when I observe his behaviour, his habits, his attitude, it's just a seamless flow of magic. You can't even see the 'joins'.

It's a MAGIC that ANY OF US CAN EMULATE... if we're ready!

Okay, let me put you in the information zone right now.

What he said was - if the everyday working person knew how little we 'worked' and how less ardous we do it, they'd fall down in a heap! The average person works much harder, toils much longer for much less rewards than we do -

And, it's not the fact that millionaire's are 100 times smarter because they earn 100 times more. No. The key factor was that everything that millionaires do, is a learned process. It's a set of small skills, mastered and perfected.

Thing is, if some one can follow instructions and bake a cake, they can get really really rich. If someone can tie a shoelace, they can be mega successful. If some one can write and send an email, they can create an Internet empire.

Are you beginning to get the picture here?

If you really 'GET' it. I mean feel it deep in your wirey sinews, hook it in to your lumpy brain, tattoo it into the walls of your subconscious, you'll never be scampering around like a helpless dalmation ever again.

I fussed and kicked about learning microsoft frontpage (the software that allows one to create something that can then be published on the Internet)

See, I wanted to know the basics about getting connected to the world wide web. I didn't want to be at the mercy of any web designer or webmaster, since the one I was using turned his passion to other pursuits.

(Dunno why that name WEBMASTER has been given to them - though, the chap who put up a few pieces for me on the www was cool, hip and savvy - To me, it's like why are the drug dealers being called 'dons' and 'barons' and why are the people who smash up a country, called 'warlords'? I really don't know, I must've missed the meeting when all this was being set in stone)

Back to Frontpage...

I tinkered here and there with it all, and quite frankly, was a little hesitant about it all. But then, fell under the spell that all it was, was a few little 'shoelace tying steps' all joined together.

Somehow, that little analogy helped me overcome a lot of 'blockages' I had going on in my head. It all made sense. Although I've not got the whole web thing 'mastered' yet, the whole fear of it seems to have melted away like a hot knife cutting through a cold slab of butter.

How about you? Are there any 'obstacles' that are hampering you from creating your own PERSONAL BREAKTHROUGHS?

If so, take to heart the SHOELACE system of productivity and success!

Til next time,

Propsperous thinking and prosperous living.

Raja C Hireker

P.S Coming soon: A FREE, Valuable and Meaty, 7-Part Copywriting and Sales Thinking email course.

Becoming World Class at... NOTHING IN PARTICULAR!

2006-08-02T12:59:00.000+01:00

CHASE... CHASE... CHASE...

But, what happens if the game we're playing... ends us up in the WRONG playing field?

It's funny. We all probably know people who are consistent and continual players, frolicking in the wrong playing field, savaging their time, sucking up their own life.

Why should it be?

It's possibly because of one word... HOARDERS.

Hoarders of what?... you may quite rightly ask.

Well, of information. And specifically, information to do with business opportunity, marketing, entrepeneurial activity, wealth, cash, Internet riches, mail order megabucks...

Ring true?

And look, if it were that 'opportunity' really was KING, how is it that the continual CHASE for the next new 'money spinner' is on most 'entrepenurial seekers' radars?

It's this continual CHASE that turns normal, hard working, decent people... into GOLDEN EGGS for promoters of business opportunities and the like.

And, for many aspiring people, the GOLDEN EGG LAYING has become a disease. An unhealthy addiction. A CHASE to max out their credit card... and then... on to the next piece of plastic!

Want to see what an individual's OPPORTUNITY GRAVEYARD looks like? Come over to my house and I'll show you.

And, I don't think I'm alone.

Ask around, get on to forums, scour the web. I'm sure you'll find many people talking of their homes looking like "mini-retail outlets specialising in opportunity junk"

Opportunity is not KING.

What is KING is selecting the RIGHT opportunity that's perfectly matched to you. And that means overcoming the heaviest obstacle in the whole game... you and your thinking!

See, what works for another person, may not work for you.

Sure there's the confirming and reassuring... "if he can make 50k a month doing this, you can too!"... talk.

But... somehow, it just doesn't work out for you.

Is it because your "simply too weak willed... not 'system oriented'... haven't grasped the basics... can't fit the pieces together... give up too easily...

Personally, I don't think it's any of those 'reasons'.

I feel it's simply a question of people approaching and starting their business... THE WRONG WAY.

It's as if the many aspiring business people, hope-to-be-entrepeneurs, are clinging on to the corridor whispers that says "you can reach 'LIFESTYLE RICHES QUICK' without work, without effort, without turning the page, without turning your laptop on...

And... all of this'll happen, even with a severe lack of business building knowledge!

MADNESS!

But... oh so real!

Can you now see where the scattered remains of the next 'business opportunity in a box' lies? And... how quickly the next business opportunity carcass will be laid?

Pretty soon, all we'll see are honest people who are looking to better their lives - stumbling around, high and happy, though severely deluded souls, staggering towards their next 'business opportunity 'fix', without an ounce of expertise in anything...

...apart from...

Clocking up as much 'business opportunity hoarding' as they can possibly cram into their already depleted lives!

See, there's no award, no gold medal, no presentation committee coming to your house to shower you with rewards unlimited for being world class at nothing in particular.

A SOLUTION:

Find out what your most dominating skills and strengths are and select a suitable opportunity that perfectly matches your skills, strengths and desire. And then, get to know the fundamentals of growing a business from the ground up.

And... go get that from someone who has DONE what it is you want.

But you need to look out!

There are too many 'invisible teachers', marketing and business spectres who speak from their memories, never done a thing of merit, but traverse the globe telling others how to DO what it is they have NEVER DONE!

Look out for them or they'll snag you in and get you to become world class at... NOTHING IN PARTICULAR!

Till next time,

Cheerful and profitable living.

Raja C. Hireker

P.S. If you're looking for some real commonsense and business building dynamite, scurry over to http://www.strategicprofits.com/. I don't think you'll get a more myth busting, profit generating education than you will with Rich Schefren at the above website.

Only Two Things Needed for Super Success...

2006-05-11T16:52:00.000+01:00

You Only Need Two Super Bullets for Creating Stunning Success...

Dear Friend:

If you're pretty good at doing the 'technical thing' of what you know, you're 50% on the way to riches. Though, the other 50% IS the golden key that'll propel you further than you've ever flown!

What am I talking about?

Well, it's what the universities, course providers, training institutes pay little or no attention to, whilst they're signing up people by the droves for the learning and teaching of the technical'.

Yes, I'm talking about that 9-letter word called MARKETING.

We humans as a collective, are a funny bunch. We strive to educate ourselves, but do little to turn that 'education' into money in the bank.

See, when you think about it, you probably know a lot of technically skilled people, good people, but, who are tottering on the edge of... BROKEDOM, right?

Is it possible that there are bewildered, broke and confused... LAWYERS, ACCOUNTANTS, DOCTORS, PLUMBERS, SPEAKERS, ENTREPENEURS...!!!.

Of course it's possible. And it's alive and kicking in every corner of the world you care to name.

All you need to do to prove that to yourself is to write a small ad in the local paper of the country of your choice, pick a category of business and for example, say something like...

"Attention Doctors: How to Get All The Patients You Want Who Will Gladly Pay You What You Ask. Call or Fax........."

I promise you you'll get a flood of interest from doctors who'd be crawling out from the most unexpected of places!

Look, people don't need another technical skill. We just need to know how to effectively market the skill we're sitting on.

But naturally, the grass is ALWAYS greener, isn't it?

It's true. Though saying that, here's the absolute BIGGEST lesson you should grab with both hands from this posting. It's this:

...If there's someone who's not doing merely ok, but who's stinking super successful in the category of business or entrepenurial endeavour that you're gunning for, then it's SOMETHING THAT YOU'RE NOT DOING that's putting you in the poorhouse!

Did you get that? I mean did you bite the full force of what's been handed to you?

See, the reason why many of us are in a daze, if truth be told - in a daze about our whole life - is simply because we're trying to pioneer something fantastic, blaze a new trail.. when all we need to do is follow someone who's already getting the results we want.

Sounds incredibly simple, I know. But, when you grab the full intensity of it all, you'll see it makes ABSOLUTE SOUND SENSE. But, do know what's holding us back? The thing that's dragging us ragged?

EGO.

I know. It was true for me.

I know that I wanted to do this particular something (kept under wrapsfrom you, for now) that I had no idea how to do, but, I wanted to chart my own glory, get my nose bloodied, fall down all the gaping holes.

Found out the hard way. Galloped along what was... a sure path to misery.

I don't know if you've had this happen to you, but I sat and stewed on things, letting it fester around in my mind, control my life, sap my energy... when all I had to do was to see who's already doing what I wanted to do, and FOLLOW!

But see, that's where this ego thing kicks in.

It's like the ego comes to the front of the class, pumps up its chest and wants to do it all the leading. Though, all the while, secretly knowing that it's failing miserably but now CAN'T ALLOW the turnaround to take place.

Can you see what I'm getting at?

Because see, right there is what keeps a person... STUCK!

Thing is, once we're able to get out of our own way, leave the ego on the shelf, it leaves the pathway open for incredible opportunity.

So, whatever technical skill or ability you're sitting on - and some feel they've no technical skill whatsoever though I can prove to them otherwise - the ability to promote that technical skill is where the beauty of living and success lies.

Marketing IS the crowbar that can create dramatic leverage for anyone, anytime, in any business or industry.

Keep your eyes posted to this blog in the coming weeks and months as you'll be getting a feast of marketing ammunition and the thinking behind it all.

It's possible you'll feel quite feint at the impact that these bullets can have... as it'll show you what you've been missing out on in your life... AND... it'll help you create a future of prosperity that you'll be stunned at.

Till next time, warm living.

Raja C. Hireker

Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich"- A MASSIVE FLAW, Maybe?

2006-03-16T17:05:00.000Z

Have you ever been told that Napoleon Hill's classic Think and Grow Rich is MUST reading? I sure have. But, do you know what, I think that there's a massive flaw in the title of that book!

Of course, who am I to say that there's somthing awry with one of the greatest personal development/money making books of all time?

Well, in answer to that, I 'm going to focus on the words of the Buddha, when he said words to the effect of -don't follow things blindly. Be your own judge. The truth for you is only when you experience it for yourself, not on others say so. Let experience be your guide -

Anyway, what I want to point out is if all a person had to do is THINK in order to automatically GROW rich, then there'd be some pretty wealthy people doing nothing but thinking themselves rich... without having to life a finger! True?

No. What I believe is the massive flaw in the title of that book, as well as the message that the title conveys, is that there's no mention of ACTION. Of doing. Of movement. Of getting the momentum flowing.

See, it makes real sense if the book was called "Think, Act and Grow Rich". Now that strikes me as commonsense. Something that has meaning, that has logic.

But do you know what?

Think and Grow Rich has massive appeal, in that there's the implication that you don't have to WORK for things. And in this modern day, there's huge appeal for having things... DONE FOR YOU... instantly!

How does that sit with you? Is it troubling you a little, or does it ring of a little sense and sensibility?

And look, I'll go a little further - there's many a person who's read, re-read and read again that book, and... has come out more confused and messed up than ever!

And I think it's all to do with... THAT title!

See, somewhere, running amok in the tiny head of ours, is that little inner gremlin of ours (look out for a notice about a simple website called www.KnockYourCriticOut.com coming soon) who has latched onto the title of the book, and... now (and quite reasonably so) expects the book to deliver, full on, the EXACT PROMISE it suggests!

And guess what... when it doesn't deliver... lookout! There'll be a herd of people stampeding, pulling their hair out, gnashing their teeth, scratching their brains wondering how the heck life's the same as its ever been!

Oh, before I get a nutty mail from a berated reader, let me just add that the THINKING of things is the necessity before the ACTION phase kicks in. To me, 'thinking and action' go hand in hand. They're useless without eachother.

And something else...

"As you think, so you are"... "It's all in the mind"... "If you can conceive and believe, you can achieve"...

These are very well known sayings. There's an instruction there, to the mind. But, tell you what, if all those sayings did was to lay in the basement of your mind, you'd be no better than if you didn't know them at all!

Imagine, a 45 year old who's been listening to this stuff since he was 20, who's never lifted a finger to DO anything about turning those ideas and concepts... into practical, meaningful, worthwhile accomplishment and endeavour?

It's all a waste. A person is better left unknowing, than knowing and not doing a thing about it. It reminds me about something to the effect of - a person who knows how to read, but doesn't, is no better off than the person who CAN'T read!

Listen, when we boil all of this stuff down to its bare bones, we find life and success is all about truly accurate thinking balanced with masterful DOING.

Remember those twins, as you move through life.

Til next time....

Sparkle in your endeavours!

Raja C. Hireker

Turning Our Own EDUCATION into a Lifeforce of Power

2006-03-10T11:31:00.000Z

What? You've gotta be kidding me!

Tell me, have you ever seen a well educated person, starve?

And... on the other hand, have you seen a somewhat disheveled, unkept, illiterate looking person, prosper?

I have.

What on earth could be the reason for this unexplained phenomenon?

I mean, it seems as if the second person has every strike going against them, right? And... it seems as if the first person above should have everything going FOR him, true?

Well, if we take a closer look, we'll find that there are a few simple 'things' happening in the head of both sets of people.

What do I mean?

Well, for one, Mr Educated has a certain level of academia lodged in the centre of his heart, mind and sinews... that is mightily difficult for him to shrug off.

Why would he want to shrug it off?

See, we've all got belief's about things. About the way the world works, about the way we fit into the world, about our view of ourselves, about how educated we are...

And...

The belief about OUR EDUCATION is what stops us from really discovering things, anew.

Let me put it this way: say you have a strong, firmly held belief that the only true way to make really good money is by working in a Bricks 'n Mortar business, 16 hours a day, 364 days a year with no time off (except Christmas Day or other festive hol) , no time to smile, to time to meet friends, no time to to do anything but the B & M.

Now, unless someone comes along and shows you ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW about making more money - quicker, easier, with less hassle, less headaches, less overheads than what's happening at present, you're going to cheerfully chug along believing your own point of view.

But, get this, there are people, EVEN WHEN SHOWN another simpler, working, profitable model, will hunker down even deeper and stick to their guns like it was glued to them forever.

That's what I call the hardening of the educational arteries.

So, going back to Mr Educated, we find that his ability to aspire in the academic world, is shockingly mis-matched with his ability to turn that EDUCATION into a profitable money making enterprise.

There seems to be a conditioning with really educated and academic based people that money should flow to them automatically. And that thinking is fostered because of the PATH OF EFFORT they've taken to get where they are.

I know 'PROFESSIONALS' who are literally, on the bread line, barely scraping enough dignity to muster on, and that's in any profession you care to mention. See, the problem about rusticating in one's own stale thinking is it helps the mind to spread this 'bad thinking virus' throughout the mental and physical body.

Do you know what? I'd say that it's probably better to be rough edged and rich, than educated and broke! But then again, that all depends on your EDUCATION in how you understand and apply that truth.

And oh, about that disheveled, unkept, illiterate looking person - what makes someone like that excel, is their ability to train their mind that there is no lack, and that ACTION is the ultimate key to ANY success.

Stay tuned... there's more controversy coming your way soon.

Raja C. Hireker

P.S. Don't forget if you're looking to train your mindset to get BIG MARKETING RETURNS, for tiny low investment, like... FREE, then hop on over to www.15MinuteMarketingFix.com