superSIXX/Learn to Live

As the world becomes more and more complex; especially considering the mounting number of negative influences, preparation becomes more important.  Few people are prepared for the trials and tribulations life brings.  If you want to be successful, you must be prepared for the probable  events which become part of your life.  After that, you can concentrate on the possible events which could impact you. In this episode we'll consider six important keys to help tip the odds of success in your favor.  

There are a lot of things in life worthy of your anger; and, in truth, anger is a good thing.  If you've been following this podcast, you may think I just lost my mind because I continually caution about anger and encourage you to be very wary of its expression. However, anger can be a good thing if it's channeled properly; and that's the topic of this episode.  Join me as we consider how to deal with anger in order to turn it to your advantage.. There's no shortage of topics to be angry about in this world.  But you must be smart and learn to master your anger and use it as a powerful tool in order to achieve a life of success.

I served on a jury a few days ago for a criminal trial involving a young man who had been charged with several felonies.  Though we did find him guilty of the most serious charges, I found that I kind of felt sorry for him to some degree.  This young man isn't evil.  He's just simply adrift in life.   It got me to thinking about all the other people I know of who are adrift in their lives, and the serious consequences that can result from that. It isn't only young people who are adrift.  People further along in life can also find themselves adrift as the result of a divorce, the loss of a child, the loss of a job.  Even many retired people find themselves adrift due to a loss of purpose and focus. In this episode we'll consider how to keep yourself from getting adrift in life.  Join me as we dive into this situation, which can affect anyone. I encourage you to share this episode with anyone you know who may be experiencing the pain of finding themselves adrift.

How much time do you spend worrying about things?  It's not like their isn't a lot to worry about.  The question is, does it do you any good to worry; or are there better places to put your focus?  Join me in this episode as we consider the effect worry has on the quality of your life and your ability to lead a successful life.

I recently re-watched a movie called The Martian, starring Matt Damon.  If you haven't already seen this movie, it's about a Mars mission that has to abort due to a storm, and the crew has to leave behind a crew member they think has been killed.  Unfortunately for him, he's just injured, not dead.  Now he's alone on Mars and has to figure out a way to survive until a rescue mission can be sent. The great thing about this movie is that it centers on the ability to survive an almost impossible situation through knowledge, wisdom, determination, and guts.  The same thing you need to survive your life here on earth. In this episode we'll consider what it takes to not only survive, but to thrive in life, regardless of all the trials and tribulations facing you.  Join me as we explore this important key to your success.

Life is difficult for all of us.  There always seem to be problems; obstacles in our way, problems to be overcome.  Because we're worn down by life's daily trials and tribulations, it's easy to get in the habit of taking the easier path.  Mainly because the thing we really want most is comfort. How this tends to manifest in your life is the tendency to focus on things that seem more easily achievable.  Taking the path of least resistance, as it were.  In this episode we'll consider ways to overcome this tendency, and to what degree.  After all, monetary wealth isn't the only path to success, or necessarily the optimal goal. Join me as we consider another key to achieving your goal of a successful life. 

When you entered this world you inherited, among other things, certain rights and privileges.  You have an obligation and responsibility to at least preserve, if not add to or improve, those rights and privileges. In today's world, many of those rights and privileges are being attacked.  Are you going to be a passive bystander and allow it, even if you don't agree with it?  Even if you can clearly see the damage that is being done, and how the future is being changed for those coming after you? In this episode we'll consider why it's important for you to stand with reasonable, caring people and offer whatever resistance you can to this destruction of personal rights.  The privileges you enjoy came at a cost to those who came before you.  I would really hate to have to face those people from the past and try to explain to them how I did nothing to preserve and honor their efforts.  Even worse, I would hate to have to face my grandchildren and explain to them why they can't live as free as I did. Join me as we take a look at this difficult subject.   

Each day, life assails you with all kinds of things that compel you to react.  How you react, and whether you react, is extremely important.  Being aware that you are reacting, and being in control of how you're reacting will make the difference between a life of success and a life of frustration. In this episode we'll consider this important skill.  If you want to live your life deliberately, with purpose, you must be aware of these influences and tailor your responses in ways that give you the advantage.  Those who master this life skill will see tremendous success!

The normal progression of human development is basically, childhood, adolescence, adulthood.  Unfortunately, our recent crop of new adults seem to be stuck in adolescence.  They don't want to grow up.  We've coddled these young people to the point that they are dangerous to society in general.  When they don't get what their immature minds think they should get, they throw a fit.  They destroy things, threaten people, and burn things down.  This won't work for them, and it won't work for us in the long run.  The past couple of years have shown this reality, and we should take notice.  Join me as we consider the consequences of failing to move from adolescence into adulthood, and the role you play in fixing this problem.

One of the major advantages of being a human being, as opposed to being a member of the animal kingdom, is the ability to think in a precise and logical manner.  From this ability to exercise thought came language, and from that, the written word.  The use of the written word allows you to share a bond with amazing people from times long gone; to experience their reasoning, their experiences, and quite possibly, absorb some of their wisdom. Those who have come before you are the vanguard of human thought and understanding.  But, they are not the only source of potential wisdom.  There are those who live among us today who can also guide you on your journey as you travel the road of life. In this episode we'll consider the importance of taking advantage of the experiences and wisdom gained by others.  For thousands of years this experience and wisdom has accumulated for you to make use of.       

In this episode we'll consider the points in your life which show you a better direction.  The interesting thing is, life gives you feedback all the time.  How you respond to that feedback will determine your outcomes; good or bad. Join me as we contemplate those major points in life that give you the most profound lessons, and how to take advantage of those opportunities. Get this right, and your life will improve by leaps and bounds.  Get this wrong, and your life could become a living hell. 

As I contemplate the world we currently live in I see fewer and fewer people achieving success.  I think the biggest problem is that they're so embroiled in all the nonsense going on; feeling all the frustration that goes along with that, that they feel somewhat hopeless. However, there really is a great deal to be hopeful about; even today.  Join me as we consider a few things for you to focus on in order to achieve success in your life.

At the beginning and end of each day you should spend a few moments reflecting on what you want your day to be and whether or not you met your goals. In this episode we'll consider six important questions you should ponder in this regard.  Keep in mind that the person who lives life with purpose is more likely to live a life of meaning; and of success. Investing the time to develop this simple habit will allow you to reap major rewards.  It only takes a few minutes at the beginning and end of each day, and it's one of the best investments you can make.     

Every person on this planet is engaged in an ongoing inner conversation with themselves.  The quality of that conversation, or self-talk, can and will have a major impact on your life's outcomes.  Though you cannot control the outside world, the one thing you can control is your own mind.  For that reason, the self-talk you engage in is important.  Through self-talk you can empower yourself or you can destroy any hope of ever achieving success. Learning the importance of this discipline is vital.  In reality, what it boils down to is mastering your critical thinking skills. Join me as we consider the effects of your inner self-talk, and how you can improve the quality of that conversation.

In last week's episode I talked about the things you should do in order to achieve success in life.  In this episode we'll consider the six most important things you must not do in order to keep yourself on course and not sabotage your success. Achieving success in life is a balance between doing the things you should do, and refraining from doing things you should not do.  Knowing the difference is important.  It's not that complicated, and these six don'ts have been proven over time. Join me as we consider the six things you must not do in order to master the game of life.

If life is a journey, what's your destination?  Where is your journey taking you?  Do you have any control over your end destination?  In this episode we'll consider the role you play in reaching your destination. The fact is, where you end up is a matter of what we call destiny, but you do have some control in setting your course, and in keeping yourself on course. The important thing to remember though, is that the journey is more important than the destination.  And, ultimately, we're all heading for the same destination regardless of how much wealth and power we gather for ourselves.  That should be a driving factor as you determine your own course. 

We live our lives in a very strange world; full of mystery, pleasure, and pain.  You have inside you a small flame that is goodness, and only you can be the keeper of this flame. In this episode we'll consider the role you play in pushing back the darkness of evil by the light you bring into this world.  Though we'll never eliminate evil in this world, you can help keep it at bay.  We'll consider six ways in which you can ensure your contribution to a more positive world, both for yourself, and for others.  

If you want to succeed over the long haul, it's important that you become dangerous.  That may sound kind of strange, but it will make more sense when you understand the reason behind it. We don't live in a world that favors docile, weak, people.  The whole idea of this podcast series is to help you understand the philosophical concepts underlying the success of western culture so you can make you best effort toward a successful life.  This takes effort and strength to accomplish. Some things in life are so dangerous to you that, in order to keep them at bay and reduce their threat to you, you must become dangerous to them. That's the point of today's episode.  Join me as we consider when, why, and how you should be dangerous to those people and ideas that would injure or destroy you.

I don't think anyone with even a moderate amount of common sense would argue with the premise that we currently live in a broken world. The highest rate of inflation we've seen in over forty years, massively increasing violent crime, the constant pounding of media and politicians loudly and forcefully demanding you accept deeply flawed ideas.  And most heartbreaking, the loss of hope that is leading so many to despair, drug abuse, and suicide. In this episode we'll consider how you can thrive in our current world.  In some regards, it's more difficult to thrive.  In other ways, however, it's even easier.  While all around you are drowning in hopelessness and despair; and even though more and more roadblocks are placed in your path, you have the power to thrive and grow.  The key to success is choice, attitude, and your ability to discipline yourself to stay your course. Join me as we consider your path to success in a world so broken.

In this episode we'll consider the effort being made by others to make you responsible, or hold you accountable, for things that are not of your doing.  If good people roll over and allow this to happen, the generations who come after us will be impacted; not to their benefit. These are difficult times and they require strong men of character to resist the ploys of dishonest and disreputable people.  This episode will give you food for thought when it comes to what level of responsibility you should, or should not, accept in life.   

The world is giving you feedback all the time.  From that feedback, you can adjust your thoughts and actions in a way that creates better personal benefits and brings you more in harmony with your desire to be a positive benefit to the world.   In this episode we'll explore some of the ways you receive feedback, and the importance of recognizing and reacting to feedback properly. Corrective feedback is neither a gift,  nor a curse.  It's a tool which allows you to fine tune your approach to life.  What you make of it is entirely up to you.  The choice you have is to either allow it to help you create a better life, or you can choose to react to it as if it's a personal attack.  It is, in reality, only what you choose it to be. Join me as we take a look at developing this important skillset.   

While a lot of things in life are important, arguably, the pursuit of wisdom should be among your highest priorities.  As you gain wisdom, you gain the power to see reality in greater clarity.  The more clearly you see reality, the more effectively you're able to direct your course through the choices you make. superSIXX/Learn to Live has its roots in Wester Philosophy in our pursuit of wisdom.  However, only a fool would refuse to see wisdom, regardless of its source.  To that end, this episode is bases on wisdom originating in Easter Philosophy. Join me as we take a journey with four monks; learning a bit of wisdom along the way. 

The content of this episode has been on my mind for some time.  I've been reluctant to cover this topic because I don't like calling people stupid.  However, the effects of the actions of undeniably  stupid people in society, not just in America, but all over the world, have grown to a level of dominance that must be recognized and resisted. In this episode we'll consider the Five Basic Laws of Human Stupidity as posited by Carlo Cipolla in a paper he wrote and published in 1976.  Though he may have originally written this a little tongue in cheek, the truth of these five laws has become undeniable.   Join me as we consider the impact and danger of stupidity on our lives.  These impacts and dangers are growing every day.  Those who face this uncomfortable reality will be best prepared to deal with it in a way that provides benefit, not just to themselves, but to humanity in general. 

Should respect be given before it is earned?  Or, should respect be given until it is lost?  In this episode we'll consider this question; plus we'll consider the six most important expressions of respect that you should pay particular attention to if you want to build a successful life.  I would add that it's not only important for you to build a successful life, but by doing so, you're participating in your culture and having a positive influence in it's overall success. Lack of respect is at the root of the turmoil we see in the world today, both locally and internationally.  Losing sight of the role respect must play as we interact with each other is setting mankind on the path of destruction. Join me as we consider the important role respect plays in your life.  

In this episode we'll consider the destructive nature of allowing your emotions to drive your actions, which may result in unwanted permanent outcomes. In order to master life you must first master yourself.  This means that you must master your thoughts and emotions so they don't work against your desire to live a successful life full of meaning and purpose. Join me as we consider how the quality of our lives depends greatly on the quality of the control we have over our emotions.

Every human being, including you, is a mix of imperfections and virtues.  How your imperfections and virtues relate to your own personal success is an interesting story.  Understanding that story (your story) is powerful and meaningful. As you focus on your own story, it's imperative that you understand the fact that perfection is rarely achievable; and, in many cases, actually undesirable. In this episode we'll consider your perspective on your own imperfections and how they relate to your virtues.  The secret here is to concentrate on building and strengthening your virtues and not worry so much about your imperfections.  After all, imperfections are mostly just an opinion. 

As you continue your journey in life, you're going to find that life is full of intense battles.  Some of those battles are against outside forces and some are against your own inner character and nature. In this episode we'll consider the foundations of your personal martial prowess; how, and when, you do battle.  Your mastery over your inner self will determine your level of success in life, and will not only impact you personally, but will also impact many other people.   An entire book could be written on this topic alone, but we don't have that kind of time here.  So, we'll concentrate on overcoming and controlling your inner impulses in response to your sense of reality. The key to success here is to recognize the mental battles going on in your mind so you can develop a strong strategy for overcoming the impulses which prevent you from achieving your goals in life. Join me as we dive into this vital topic.

For the past sixty years there has been a societal push to elevate the individual.  This well intentioned, but critically flawed, initiative has resulted in the ME generation.  Putting yourself first.  We've lost sight of the important fact that no man is an island.  We must live lives of service to something greater than ourselves.  To do otherwise is to create a world of chaos and misery. No society can survive if greater emphasis is placed on the individual than on the whole of society.  A life well lived is full of sacrifice; done willingly, driven by a heart of service. However, there must be a balance between self and service.  You are a unique individual and we never want to lose sight of that fact.  Serving a greater purpose does not mean giving up your uniqueness.  It just means having the maturity and wisdom to recognize that it's not all about you. Join me as we consider the role a person of value plays in order to create a great society that offers purpose and meaning to the individual.

One of the most difficult realities to deal with on your life's journey is the inevitability of decline.  As you age, your reflexes, strength, and stamina will naturally decline.  Your energy, and desire to take on huge projects will decline.  Your body's ability to heal quickly will decline.  Your cognitive abilities will decline.  As a result, your relevancy in the world seems to decline. You know by now that the surest way to fail at anything is to ignore reality.  So, if decline is inevitable, and if you are not serving your best interests by ignoring it, what do you do?  does your life have to be defined by decline? That's the topic of this episode, and I hope I can point you to a more positive path for your own personal journey of adventure as you travel through this mysterious experience called life.

You've heard the old axiom that life is pain.  While true to a point, life doesn't have to be just pain; and for most of us, it isn't.  But, pain is still there, even in the best of times, lurking in the nearby shadows.  Keeping pain to a minimum is a reasonable goal.  the older, and hopefully wiser, you become, the more salient that goal becomes.  One of the big problems, however, is that many seeds of pain have been planted long ago; in your past.  It may not bear fruit until later in life. That's the topic of this episode.  Understanding how past actions, or inactions, condemn your future to one extent or another.  Certainly, everything you've done in your past will send ripples out into the future; not only impacting others, but yourself as well.  Your future self is out there somewhere, waiting for that ripple created in the past to reach you.    

One of the first rules of success is that you must be aware.  Awareness is a fusion of observation and differentiation.  Most people do very poorly at this; if they even try. In this episode we'll consider the importance of observing yourself, the sphere of influence you're subject to, and the broader landscape (national and world events) which may have an impact on your life. The first step at any level is to pay attention to the things which you can see might impact your life and your goals of success.  The second step is to differentiate between those things that are likely, and things which are not likely.  Also, you must differentiate between things you have control over and those things which you have no control over. Join me as we take a closer look at how to be a master at observing and differentiating all that life throws at you.

How much impact do you think lies have had, or do have, in your life?  The truth is, you've been being lied to since early childhood.  Many of those lies were unintentional; told to you by people who actually do care for you and want the best for you.  The problem is, they were lied to and are just passing on the lie because they don't realize it's a lie. Seemingly innocent lies, like "you can be anything you want to be", or, "you're special", were told to you by good meaning people.  The problem is, these supposed truths are actually lies. In this episode we'll consider just some of the many lies you have been, or are being told.  The reason you must learn to understand and recognize when you're being lied to is because, until you do, you don't really understand how life works.  If you don't understand how life works, your chances of success are slim, at best. Join me as we dive into this fascinating subject and develop a better understanding.

There's an old saying you may have heard before...It's hard to find a black cat in a dark room; especially when there's no cat.  The dark room is a metaphor for ignorance, and the black cat is the object a person is trying to find in ignorance, that doesn't exist. How many black cats have you searched for in your life?  How many are you looking for right now?  If you take a little time to give this serious thought, you may realize that you too are looking for nonexistent black cats in a dark room. In this episode we'll consider those things we're wasting our time searching for that don't exist.  The cure for being in the dark room (ignorance) is to bring light (knowledge).  The more light you bring to bear, the easier it is to see that there is, in fact, no black cat; and therefore, no need to place your focus on things that don't exist. The most horrible thing about searching for a black cat that doesn't exist in a dark room is that the very act of searching for it can ruin relationships and your chances for success.

Sui Generis; a Latin phrase you've probably never heard before.  This term should be familiar to attorneys.  In their world it's used to describe a situation that is unique and cannot be compared to anything else.  Terms use to describe Sui Generis include being the only example of its kind, unique, in a class of its own, one of a kind, by itself, of its own.  When describing a person as Sui Generis, you're describing a person who is outside the norm; special and unique. I believe that description could probably be applied to you by virtue of the fact that you are trying to mold yourself in a way uniquely separate from the majority of society.  You're pursuing excellence, which puts you at a higher level than the common man. That's the topic of this episode.  The entire purpose of this podcast is to help and encourage you to set yourself apart from the crowd.  To mold yourself into what could be called a superior, or more evolved, human being; more akin to the ideal, productive human being.  I believe that without these kinds of people, society and culture is unsustainable.  Sui Generis people show the way.  They demonstrate that a person can be more.  They pull us forward toward a better tomorrow. Join me as we explore the unique qualities of the Sui Generis person.  

If you think you're going to make it through life without conflict, you're sadly mistaken.  Although the most prevalent reaction when faced with conflict is to not engage, that may be a mistake in many cases.   In this episode we'll consider the importance of not being shy about engaging in conflict, when it's necessary.  The key phrase here is When It's Necessary.    Understanding when conflict is necessary, and when it is not, is an important skillset, which will serve you well over the course of your life.  Join me as we take a look at understanding when conflict is necessary, and how to deal with conflict through six simple steps.   

Each generation tries to forget the traumas it has endured and, in so doing, becomes more likely to inflict trauma on the next generation.  This is a quote from Pattrice Jones, author of Aftershock:  Confronting Trauma in a Violent World. Look all around you and you'll see ample evidence of suffering, violence, and trauma.  Of course, that's not the only thing you'll see.  You'll also see examples of joy, peacefulness, and beauty. In this episode we'll consider the question of whether life is your teacher or your master.  If your interaction with life is as teacher and  student, great!  You're on the right track toward a successful life. If, however, your relationship to life is as master and slave, you're in a terrible position; one you must extract yourself from if you hope to have any chance at a successful life. Join me as we consider these two paradigms of life and learn how to position yourself to make life your teacher and not your master.  

Have you ever been rejected?  Even though I may not know you personally, I can, with confidence, answer for you...Yes, you have experienced rejection.  The fact is, we all experience rejection over the course of our lives.  The possibility or potential of rejection lurks at the edge of our lives virtually every minute. Carrying that thought forward, it would be reasonable to expect that you will experience more rejection in your future. In this episode we'll consider the effects of rejection, how it motivates your actions, and how to turn it to your advantage.  Rejection weeds out the weak in inferior.  The advantage for you is that because you're not weak and inferior, it opens up the field and gives you a competitive advantage if you know how to use rejection to your favor. Rejection is a two sided coin.  You can be rejected, or you can reject.  Learn to use rejection in both ways and find the kind of success that alludes others.  

A successful life doesn't happen by chance.  It takes planning, effort, and time.  Having a plan is your vital first step toward success.  Plans are created through intent and design.  Taking the time to design a plan that works for you, that you can follow, and is within your capabilities means that it's tailored specifically with your strengths, weaknesses, and other resources in mind.  Just like success takes many forms, the vehicle used to take you on your journey can take many forms.  In this regard, one size fits all just doesn't work.  Human beings are too unique; your plan for success must be designed specifically to take advantage of your unique talents and abilities. Join me in this episode as we consider how to design a plan for your personal success.  

Most people don't want to accept this, but success does not happen overnight; it takes time.  In truth, if success didn't take much time and effort, it wouldn't be worth all that much.  One of the primary measures of success is the time and effort that goes into achieving it. We tend to think of success as an end goal.  The final achievement of some noble idea, or the end product of some worthwhile endeavor.  However, there is a much better way to think of success.  Success can be measured by small, incremental achievements; the path you're on day by day. The fact is, reaching your end goal is the reward; success is all those small achievements that led up to the reward.   In this episode we'll consider what it takes to succeed; what your focus should be if your goal is to be reached successfully.    

Reality is unchangeable.  You can change your perception of it, but you cannot change it.  Fortunately, if your perception is off by a little, you still may function fairly well.  However, the underlying truth is, reality is reality; and if you don't understand it reasonably well, you are going to seriously struggle to find success in life. How many people do you know who reject reality and substitute their own?  How many of these people are actually succeeding in life?  The answer to these two questions is this...Most people seem to reject reality and substitute their own version truth.  For that reason, most people lead very unsuccessful lives. In this episode we'll consider six harsh truths that you must acknowledge and understand in order to achieve success.  Now, remember that my definition of a successful life has nothing to do with wealth and status.  It has everything to do with finding your own true purpose and deep fulfillment.    Though these six truths may seem to be harsh; once you understand them you realize that reality really couldn't work any other way.  Learning to flow with reality instead of trying to fight it, is the first important step on your journey in life.

In this episode we'll consider the creation of wealth from the perspective of living a masterful life.  There are basically three aspects to true wealth.  Money is, of course, a prime aspect.  However, true wealth must also take into consideration the quality of your relationships and your lifestyle. Join me as we take a look at the first aspect; money.  Your greatest roadblock to acquiring great monetary wealth is overcoming all the misinformation and myths you've been fed your entire life.  Until you're able to see how you've been fooled about money you'll never be able to accumulate large amount of it, or manage it properly. This episode will help set you on the path of success when it comes to creating a life worth living. 

As you begin this new year it's worthwhile to set the stage for the coming months.  What do I mean by "set the stage"?   It's all about setting yourself up for success.  By this I mean take control, set your direction, define the landscape, know what your goals are.  I think you'd agree this is a worthwhile endeavor.  The question is, how do you do it?  First, understand that I'm not talking about New Year's resolutions...those are a waste of time.  I'm talking about establishing your game plan.  After all, how do you expect to succeed if you don't know what your goals are?  In this episode we'll consider six key areas for you to focus on as you determine your strategy for a successful 2022; or for that matter, any year.  The important thing is this...You don't have to wait until the beginning of a new year to do this.  The important thing is to start, and to be committed to your own success. 

As we get ready to wrap up 2021 and prepare for 2022, I'd like to talk about how to deal with what may be your greatest challenge: change. If you're expecting things to improve in 2022 I think you may be in for a rude awakening.  These past two years have been full of change, much of it negative.  2022 will probably be no different.  The question is...Are you up to the challenge that 2022 may present? In this episode we'll consider some of the changes you'll see next year, and the years to come, and how to deal with them.  Facing the challenge is your only path to success.  You can't hide from it, ignore it, or refuse to acknowledge it if your goal is to succeed. I encourage you to embrace change unless it's truly harmful.  Learn to anticipate change and position yourself for success.    

In this episode we'll consider the three things you must do to up your game and increase your chances of achieving success in life.  Success does not favor the lazy, ignorant, or stupid.  If you truly desire to live a life you can consider to be successful, you must up your game.  Put simply, that means you must level up, look up, and bear up. Join me as we consider these three actions, which sound so simple, but are very difficult to execute.

Trust is a belief that someone, or something, is reliable; can be counted upon.  If it's a someone, trust is a reliance that the person will either do or act in a way that matches the promises they make to you.  Or, it may be an expectation that a person will respond in a certain predictable way.  If it's a something, trust is a reliance that it will perform its function as expected. In this episode we'll consider the importance of trust; how to be strategic in how you offer or restrict your trust.  Not trusting when we should, or trusting when we should not; either way will cause serious problems in your life.  Join me as we learn how to navigate this mine-field and reap the rewards you deserve.      

As we get close to the end of 2021 I'd like to spend some time discussing the term reinvention.  For me, the big question is this...When does it benefit you to reinvent yourself?  The answer to this question is predicated on the understanding that as you travel through life, your circumstances will change.  If you don't respond effectively to those changes, you will never succeed. This is not the same as adapt and overcome.  The idea of adapt and overcome is more related to overcoming challenges.  Reinvention is more related to positioning yourself for success through rebranding. In this episode we'll consider the importance of understanding when and how to rebrand as you move through life in order to maximize your chances of successfully reaching your goals.  Rebranding, or reinventing yourself, may be tied to a change in direction driven by new goals.  Without a doubt, certain goals will require you to reinvent yourself.  This is how you adapt as the world changes.

I'm writing this episode during Thanksgiving week, and so I've been thinking a lot about turkeys.  I was reminded of a story I once heard about a turkey.  This turkey had a pretty good life.  He was comfortable, had all the food he could eat, and there were plenty of hens around to keep him occupied.  As time went on, he got fatter and fatter and life was perfect as far as he was concerned.  Then, late November rolled around and the farmer came and chopped off his head. In this episode we'll consider whether or not you're seeing the obvious signs of danger, or just oblivious; living a comfortable life, content to be fat and happy.  The truth is, the signs are all around you, and the world ten years from now will not be what you expected.  If you're not getting ready for it now, I guarantee you're setting yourself up for some serious suffering. Join me as we take a look at what may be coming your way, and how to prepare for it. 

In this episode we'll consider the idea of dominion and explore the two powerful forces you wield...Influence and control. We'll begin with a definition of dominion.  In the context of this discussion, we'll define dominion as your sphere of influence or control.  The question to consider is this...How much influence do you have over yourself and over the reality you move in?  Your answer to this is going to be the most reliable predictor of your success or failure in life. Join me as we consider how you can take control over your domain, your dominion, and achieve a successful life.

In this episode we'll consider the term Compulsory Fractional Slavery.  I would imagine you've never heard this term before because, as far as I know, I just invented it.  What do I mean by Compulsory Fractional Slavery?  It's the situation where you are compelled (by threat of jail and loss of property) to give someone else the fruits of your labor; your effort and hard work.  It's the situation where you are obligated to pay a portion (or fraction) of a debt that someone else incurred, but expects you to pay.  It's the situation where you have no rights (as in a slave) in regard to this. This is an extremely important concept for you to get your mind wrapped around.  It should become the frame of much of what you do; how you conduct your personal business; how you discharge your responsibilities and obligations. Join me as we consider this concept, which is a framework of your reality, whether you know it or not.   

On your journey of achieving success in life, one of the most powerful enemies you face is the big but.  I'm talking about big but with one t, not the one with two t's, as in big rear-end. You know the but I'm talking about..."I would like to be successful, but."  "I was going to do that, but."  "I would like to do this, but."  Your world is full of big buts that get in the way of your success. In this episode we'll consider all those big buts that prevent you from achieving success.  The ones that cause you to not take an action that could benefit you.  The ones that cause you to take an action that will be detrimental to you.  And, most importantly, we'll consider the biggest, most powerful, but that can change your life for the better. Join me as we look at the world of big buts. 

The most basic question anyone can ask themselves is...What's the point?  Allied with this question are many others surrounding it.  Why am I alive?  What's the purpose of my life; is there a purpose?  Who decides what my purpose is?  How can I understand my purpose?  Where does purpose come from?  In order to find the right answers, you must first ask the right questions.  From this perspective, if you accept the dichotomy, the foundation this question rests upon is this...Either life is totally random and, therefore, has no point; or life is not random and , Therefore, does have a point. Join me as we consider the reason to believe that there most certainly is a point to your life.  In this episode I'll explain why it makes sense to believe there is a point to your life and how you can figure it out.