Saturday, November 17, 2012

What have I learned

Persistence--a key to success. 

My lack of commitment to this blog exposes persistence as a weakness of mine. However, I have not wavered as poorly in my journey towards success. Certainly if my semi-biannual trend of posting in this blog continues then one would expect bountiful progress in such time spans. That has been the case. 2012 has marked the year in which I've learned the most in my opinion.

What have I learned? I've learned:
  • Examining and eliminating weaknesses/inefficiencies/negative thought patterns is a difficult but necessary process, and an ongoing one. But, once a certain level of progress is attained it becomes easier, instinctive, and much more enjoyable.
  • Teachers and Mentors are extremely valuable, but the choice to learn and absorb lessons from great individuals must be a commitment from within that is not taken lightly. There are incredible individuals that can show and teach lessons you need, in ways that impact you deeply. Time the resource of success is invested by both parties, mutual appreciation and gratitude are musts.
  • There is endless blessings to be grateful for, focusing on these will create more. Incorporating gratitude into my daily routine is essential. The depth of feeling with my gratitude reflected in the abundance or lack in given areas of my life.
  • My daily routine, and specifically the routine of mornings have a large impact on success. The sacred hours of the early morning need to be seized and utilized in a proactive structured way. 
  • Time management is the most important key to being successful in any endeavor in my experience. This became very apparent throughout this year and really throughout the last 10 years in retrospect-- back to my first point, this realization forced me to eliminate weaknesses, inefficiencies and push to eradicate negative thought patterns...both conscious and subconscious (especially the latter).
  • Being in a mutually loving relationship with a person that you truly respect, admire, appreciate, and cherish can make amazing things happen. The brief period in which I experienced this was unlike any other in my life. A wonderful flow permeated my days; synchronistic events abounded, and a feeling of ease and peace was present. I want to again build such a relationship, and sustain it until my spirit leaves this physical being. 
  • Setting goals is not enough. They need to be re-set and evaluated often. Also, goals must be clear and specific, very detailed. Furthermore they should be referred to often--daily--in fact twice a day, morning and night. Keeping some of them to yourself can be invaluable in terms of focus and not letting externals (friends, family, opinions, society etc.) distract or detract.
  • One career path is not going to work for me. I have varied interests, passions, desires and callings that I want to explore. I realized some time ago, but didn't apply the realization that what I want in life is to be a renaissance man, master as many skills as I can in my existence here on Earth, and enjoy that process. 
That is some grand scale learning I did this year, combined with very specific knowledge acquired in the culinary field, which would almost require another dedicated blog to divulge. Although if I searched deeper I could continue the list with relative ease, I believe that that provides an accurate summation of the key points.

Updating on my brackets:

Physically-- I am certainly the most fit I've ever been. Although I've been bigger (20lbs heavier) and still "in shape" or "cut", I think that where I'm at now my body and muscles can do things that I would never have been able to at that weight. Health and fitness have progressed on a somewhat consistent level over the last 5 years, and this development provides great learning. Health is paramount. I've given up vices that were both wastes of time and health and resolve to keep them out of my life. Tobacco and alcohol were the main offenders. The amount of time, money, and energy I wasted on those two things in the last 10 years is sickening, and the person I became at times under the influence is shameful. I realize my tendencies gravitate towards addictive personality disorder and that moderation is not viable. Therefore elimination was necessary.

Spiritually--Great strides made. Life long process of refinement and dedication. Gratitude and deepening gratitude have brought the most benefits to me and my spirit. Tapping into divine creativity has been available at times and it's a great feeling. Yoga is an act of spiritual transcendence when practiced properly, and the development of my practice has helped immensely in this bracket. Onward and upward.

Emotionally--I've been up and down but much less then in previous years. The deepening of spiritual fulfillment and physical development help IMMENSELY in stabilization of emotions. I can say that for certain I have not experienced strong depression (other then a matter of a minor heartbreak, but that did unfold beautifully in the end) the way I did periodically over the last 10 years.

Financially--This bracket hasn't been included yet but it's important. Very important. An area of immense weakness in my life until yesterday, when I resolved to take action and control. Reckless spending, no concept of financial priorities, and disorganization have led to a bracket that is not in league with it's three predecessors. Moving forward I believe that structuring and tracking my finances accurately will help, along with developing multiple income streams (fundamental of wealth building). I believe I can attract riches, and my desire to do so is growing stronger daily. Once attained, I want to use my riches to benefit everybody...including YOU!


That is a summary, and a pretty good one of my mental state presently and a reflective narrative of the most recent gap between entries. Instead of reiterating that I need to be more disciplined in my maintenance of this blog I think that goes without saying. Thank you for reading this, I will aim to provide content often and outside the format of these three entries. Successful blogs have pictures, links and READERS. All of which I presently require. I know this, bear with me and my content will improve and be much more enjoyable.

I leave you with a thankful heart.