Discover Your Authenticity

Is Your Mind Closed?

2010-04-25T09:33:00.002-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Differences

2010-03-13T20:53:00.005-06:00

Written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach ™

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Socially Ignorant

2010-03-07T21:59:00.002-06:00

Leadership Traits That Make a Difference

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

Written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach ™

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emotions and Your Money

2010-03-07T21:41:00.002-06:00

Written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach ™

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gone Too Soon

2010-03-06T14:23:00.002-06:00

republished by Written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FEAR

2010-03-06T14:10:00.003-06:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

That is your birthright. That is your authentic self.

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

The "Po-Mouth" Mentality

2010-03-06T13:59:00.002-06:00

Written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach ™

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How To Trust Yourself

2010-03-06T13:51:00.003-06:00

Written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad

“Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.” Benjamin Spock

We live in a highly competitive world. Society gives us the green light to constantly look for ways in which we can be better than the next person or to get more for what we give. We compete for jobs, friends, mates, money, homes, attention, compliments, love, you name it. So, when we hear statements that tell us to focus on our creative side, we find ourselves challenged. In fact, we’ve deemed our competitive nature as a survival mechanism that we tweak and enhance unconsciously. It’s hard for us to think about being creative or, furthermore, to even comprehend what that truly means. The first thing that comes to mind is the artistic form of creation, which is certainly a valid and important aspect of this concept. But what I’m referring to here, is a way of thinking that aligns us with the Mind of our Creator; one that will cause us to rise above any circumstance or intellectual challenge; one that is inclusive and reliant upon the flow of the Universe; One that requires trust.

“Trust is a unity factor. It unites the human and spirit, power and control, thought and emotion, action and energy. It affects the whole of your being, it causes miracles to happen. Instead of searching for trust and acceptance from others, tell yourself you already have it, then use it, become it.” Larry Wayne and Grace Johnson

Trust, is a word that invokes a cocktail of emotions. Most of us don’t trust anyone. We don’t trust ourselves and really don’t trust God or the Universe. We really don’t believe that the Universe is always conspiring for our good and that everything will work out if we just trust. Our emotions influence our ability to trust. Happiness and gratitude, for example, are emotions that increase trust. Thus the importance of keeping a gratitude journal and focusing on what is showing up in your life as opposed to what is not showing up. Anger and fear, on the other hand, decrease trust; thus deeming us less productive, stagnant and oftentimes depressed and unsuccessful.

I think we’ve all heard advice related to why we should trust others. It allows us to form relationships with others and to depend on others. But what I want to help you to build today is your ability to trust yourself and the Universe or God or Creator or whatever reference you are most comfortable with. If you wish to succeed in life you must believe in yourself and trusting yourself is one of the most important things for developing self-confidence, self-reliance and self-esteem. Self-Trust is rooted in your ability to believe in yourself and your Creator.

At times, we become anxious and worried which creates a fear that oftentimes causes us to run away or give up on the power of trusting ourselves. When I think back over my own personal life and times when I have been most stressed, I realize that I was either deep into a competitive mode of thinking or I simply didn’t trust myself or the Universal Flow of good that is my birthright. I can recall numerous times when I was so worried about something that I couldn’t even fathom a solution. After much torment, worry and negative self-talk, I finally decided to pray and trust my Creator. Shortly afterwards, I was able to access a solution that was right in my face the entire time. How much more powerful and productive would I have been had I been more trustworthy at the onset of the challenge? I could have saved my body from the perils of stress and perhaps even attracted an even better solution to the challenge.

You must remember and make yourself available to more good that you have ever experienced or imagine. That requires that you trust. You must trust despite your mistakes, failures, shortcomings and imperfections. Know, just like you know that you are reading this blog, that your Creator wants what is best for you. You don’t have to earn it. It’s your birthright. You are already worthy. Not because I say so but because of what your Creator does for your every milli-second of the day.

Learning to trust yourself will reduce stress, give you access to miracles and make you a citizen of a new way of thinking and being. It will transition you from the competitive mind to the Creative mind. It will open you up to discovering your purpose and your authenticity.

There are four primary tools that I suggest that you use to help increase your ability to trust. There are a number of tools out there, but, in my opinion, these are the foundational tools that you should begin using today.

1. Belief in a Higher Power: Belief in a Higher Power is the key to evolution and transformation. It is what allows you to think outside the box, stretch beyond your intellectual capacity and take comfort when your circumstances appear to be bleak. It is that interference that renders you speechless and creates what we call miracles. It is, among other things, your connection to a world beyond your own. It is your access to well-being and your key to reinvention.

2. Meditation: This meditation builds a deep sense of self-reliance. It helps you to become more aware of the powerful connection between your subconscious mind and the Mind of your Creator. It will help you to gain comfort in following your heart. Follow your heart, but be quiet for a while first. Ask questions, and then feel the answer. Learn to trust your heart. It allows you to separate your identity from your success. It gives you potency, productivity, and caliber. It makes you experience and believe in yourself. Then success comes to serve you, rather than you running after it.

3. Gratitude: Gratitude is what keeps you focused on what is showing up in your life; which in turn creates a vibration that resonates through your environment and out into the universe thus bringing that very same vibration back to you in a magnified fashion. Gratitude gives you a reason to trust the Universe. It helps you to develop faith the size of a mustard seed and to move mountains, because when we are thankful for the little things then the obstacles that appear to be big are already defeated. Mountains are moved.

4. Thoughts: Thoughts are spiritual energy. Controlling our thoughts is the key to insuring that we are tapping into the Infinite Wisdom that surrounds us and dwells within us. We must be mindful of the conversations we are having with ourselves. Our environment is a direct reflection of our predominant thoughts and attitudes. What type of environment are you producing? Who is controlling your thoughts? What is the origin of your thoughts? If someone else is controlling your thoughts and telling you how to think, then it’s safe to say that they are creating the environment in which you dwell. If the television controls your thoughts, then the advertisers and program producers control your environment, for example.

Wendy Franklin Muhammad is a world renowned Coach, Business Consultant and Thought Leader.

How To Avoid Emotional Imprisonment

2010-03-06T13:43:00.002-06:00

Written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach ™

Have ever felt trapped either by your own emotional limitations or the emotional blackmail tactics of others? Have you noticed how the emotions of others influence your productivity and creativity? Are you surrounded by people that make you feel good and productive or sad and burdened? Has your physical appearance (weight gain, skin tone) ever been affected by your emotional state? Have you ever gotten so upset that you couldn’t think straight, work or maybe even talk? Have you ever been emotionally connected with someone and noticed that your creativity and intuition have suffered? Has some one ever bombarded you with their emotional drama and altered your decisions? Have you ever been influenced to do something you didn’t really want to do but you did it anyway because of the emotional influences of others? If you’ve had any of these experiences then you likely have been emotionally imprisoned.

Being emotionally trapped or imprisoned can be quite dangerous. Did you know that when you allow your emotional intelligence to be compromised that you compromise your intuitive flow? When our intuition is compromised not only is our subconscious mind disconnected from the Mind of Our Creator but our decisions are based only on our intellect or the facts and information that we have at our disposal. When we combine our intuition with our intellect we can know anything, and can make more solid decisions and choices. It is through intuition that we can connect and submit to our Creator. Everyone is born with intuition but most of us either learn to discount it or practice emotional behavior that causes us to ignore it. Our intuition and our emotions are interconnected. Intuition lies underneath emotions. So, when we are in the flow emotionally our intuition comes through more easily. That feeling of emotional imprisonment comes when our emotional blockages cause our intuitive light to dim.

These techniques I will discuss can help you to recognize, avoid and break free of emotional imprisonment. It’s dangerous and can lead to emotional abuse. More importantly, it can dim your intuitive light and disconnect you from your Creator.

Throughout my ongoing spiritual journey and path to discover my authenticity I’ve become very sensitive to how others make me feel. I notice if a relationship makes me feel charged and excited or if it feels burdensome and heavy, for example. I gravitate towards people that I can grow with and learn. I remember a time when I was surrounded by toxic people. People who I allowed to be very influential in my life and whose emotional agendas were always the order of business. I didn’t understand the importance of teaching others how to treat me. I submitted to emotional imprisonment and my intuition and decision making skills seemed to become warped and the productivity of my life, in general, suffered.

I learned the importance of going to my intuition or my inner self during emotionally challenging times. I was so afraid of my emotions and often times how they would affect others that I became emotionally paralyzed and avoided situations when I really should have slowed down and taken a deeper look inside of myself, even if the emotional tirade of others was what I deemed, silly. This emotional paralysis dimmed my intuition and inner light. By going deeper inside of myself, I learned to never give others power that they don’t deserve. This process helped me to be clear on how I needed to respond and what actions, if any, I should take.

I now know to go inside of myself when I experience a friend, family member or acquaintance whose decisions are based on unbalanced emotional states. If I know that I’m emotionally connected to that person, I understand the importance of taking a step back, if needed. I now understand that I cannot own or influence the emotional states of others. I can only guide, facilitate and be an example and pray that they find their way. I now understand the power of emotional energy and thoughts and have learned to use them to my advantage. I realized that I love loving and being loved, but not at the expense of giving over my emotional power to someone who doesn’t deserve it.

I think you get the picture. Now, let’s talk about how we can avoid emotional imprisonment:

1. Focus on Your Connection To the Creator. Whether you mediate, pray, walk or paint, it is imperative that you take the time to reconnect with your Source.

2. Surround yourself with people who allow you to be emotionally free or people you can open up with and have fun. Find at least one friend or family member that allows you to express yourself emotionally, without judgment. Make sure that your mate or lover is this type of person. Protect and nurture that relationship.

3. Avoid intimate relationships with people who always have an emotional agenda or who always have to be in control.

4. Always take time to check in with yourself. Ask yourself how you are feeling? Sit with any emotions that you feel and allow them to pass. Don’t be afraid of your own emotions.

5. Pay attention to your body. Know what “yes” feels like in your body. Become familiar with what “love” feels like. Understand when your body is saying “no”.

6. Pay close attention and ask questions. Emotional ignorance is not bliss. I don’t know who told that lie.

7. Have good conversations with yourself about yourself. You’re likely having a conversation in your head right now. What are you saying or thinking?

8. Don’t give other people power over your emotions.

9. KEEP YOUR MIND AT HOME. Focus on your own development. Stay out of other folks business. You have no intuitive control over the lives of others. In the words of the Tao Te Ching, “Trust that others know what is best for them.”

Authenticity Tools™ For Building Your Patience

2010-03-06T12:44:00.004-06:00

written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach

"Patience is the companion of wisdom" Saint Augustine (354 AD - 430 AD)

What does it mean when someone tells you to "be patient"? Are you patient in some aspects of your life but impatient in others? Are you damaging your productivity and success by being impatient? Do you get angry when things aren't moving as quickly as you would like? Are you upset when others are not as quick witted as you? Do you often rush to judgement? Are you trying to do too many things at one? Is your brain filled with senseless chatter that you are too rushed to deal with? Well, you are not alone. Let's talk about patience and why it is so important.

According to Merriam-Webster, patience is commonly defined as the capacity, habit or fact of being patient. Ok well, that probably doesn't really tell us much except that it's an action word. To be patient means:

To bear pains or trials calmly or without complaint
Manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain
Not hasty or impetuous
Steadfast despite opposition, difficulty or adversity
Able or willing to bear

When we are patient we are centered and balanced in our bodies. It means living in the now and not being haunted by the past or anticipating the future. It means being in our creative mind and not our competive mind. It means being focused on our authentic selves and not what everyone else is doing.

When you are impatient you can feel unbalanced energy in your body. This energy often urges you to make decisions and take actions that lead to mistakes. It creates a cycle or succession of events that attract more of the same into your life. This lack of focus gently guides you off course until one day you look up and as yourself, "How did I get here?"

Most of us have psychic or intuitive abilities that signal us when something good is on the horizon. And since many of us are not truly focused on the infinite goodness that consistently surrounds us, we sometimes get overly-anxious and excited at the first whiff of something that feels good or seems right. We are oftentimes so excited that we rush in and make mistakes.

In summary, this perpetual imbalance and lack of patience often affects our judgement and ability to reason and comprehend. It quiets our inner voice, silences our intuition and keeps us confused over the good and bad in our life. To this end we continue to make mistakes and fall short of our glory.

Here is a list of Authenticity Tools (TM) that will help you to increase your ability to be patient and to develop the habit of being patient.

Meditation: Meditation and prayer will allow you to settle down and calm your nerves, so to speak. It will silence some of the senseless chatter in your brain. You can then listen to your inner voice and connect with the Source of Goodness. You are an extension of the Infinite Goodness that created you. Settle down and connect to the energy that created you.
Respecting the process: Everything happens for a reason. Sometimes were are so scattered or so focused on the past or the future that we ignore the beauty of the process of manifestation. Learn to let things play out and watch the game (or process) unfold. This exercise strengthens our faith and allows us to find the energy of the Creator in every situation, even if it appears to be a negative situation at the onset. What appears to be negative is not always so.
Gratitude: Being grateful or having gratitude helps us to retrain our brain to focus on the good that is showing up as opposed to what is not showing up. What we focus on is what we attract into our lives. Our environment is a reflection of our predominant thoughts and mental attitude.
Controlling Judgement: Bottom line, stop being so judgemental. This is one of the most effective way to impede your success. Take time to consciously pay attention to the words you speak, the actions you take and the thoughts you have. Are you judging? Society often encourages us to judge people we don't even know. The media helps to jumpstart the process. We make judgements without all the facts. Be aware. Awareness of this habit will help you to heal and change your behavior.
Think Outside The Box: When you find yourself emotionally reacting to a situation, stop for a moment and explore your options. Make a list of additional ways in which you can think of a situation. List out all your options, even those that seem ridiculous or outrageous. This practice will help you to open your mind and tap into the mind of your Creator. That is the energy that will lay the solution right in your lap.
Always Seize the Learning Opportunity: Think like a champion and not like a victim. Get in the habit of learning from every situation. Tell your ego to take a back seat and stop trying to be so special. Learn the lesson, adjust your thoughts and behaviors and move on.
Be Present: All you have in the present. The past is gone and the future is not here yet nor promised. We tend to become impatient when we are emotional about the past and/or stressing about the future. Our decisions then become based on emotions that ignore the present.
Be Creative and Not Competitive: The great Wallace D. Wattles teaches that when you are a creator and not a competitor you are going to get what you want. You will get it in such a way that when you get it, every other person involved will have more than they had before you got it. That's hard to fathom when we have been conditioned to show off and disect on another. A creator things for the greater good of the whole. A competitor is all about self. Which do you think the Universe will reward?
Design a Plan and Stick To It: Create a plan and work your plan. Don't focus on what the next person is doing. Be steadfast and diligent about working your plan. This will give you something to focus on. You body and your environment will react to whatever you focus on.
Self Awareness: Be aware of how you are feeling at all times. Stop and take a moment to check in with yourself. Simply acknowledge and be aware of your feelings. This will help you to understand your emotional triggers. Remember that awareness is the mother of consciousness.
Use Your Tongue Wisely: Life and death, as they say, lies in the power of the tongue. Don't let your mouth write a check your a--- can't cash? Think before you speak. "Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut." Proverbs 10:19. Keep your mouth AND your mind at home.
Trust in the Goodness That Created You: You are not a crash test dummy. Your Creator knew exactly what He was doing when He fashioned you into shape. You were not born into this world by accident. Do you really think your Creator designed you for the pure purpose of pain and suffering? Let the Goodness that created you flow freely through you. Make yourself available for more good than you have ever experienced or imagined.

Wendy Franklin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach, is a Thought Leader, Business Consultant and Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach.

How to Use Allowance and Desire to Get The Most Out of Life

2010-03-02T22:58:00.004-06:00

Written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach ™

I was just on my way out the door to work out when something stopped me. I spend time when I’m working out thinking about my desires and visualizing what I want to manifest. I was beginning that familiar mental process as I laced up my gym shoes. At that moment, I thought, “What is beyond manifestation?” I ran back to jot a few notes down and I’m still sitting here writing and sharing with you at this moment. I guess a creative work out was in order!

I have also been thinking a lot lately about how so much of the popular human development teaching that is out there focuses on desire and manifestation. We are told to visualize our desires and to hold the thought of them in our mind. We are coached to keep gratitude journals and be grateful about all that we are receiving or manifesting. We are taught to focus on what is showing up as opposed to what is not showing up.

While this is a higher level of consciousness for many, we must remember that there are infinite levels of consciousness. We must always drill down, go deeper, and try alternative ways of thinking. Just as technology is fine tuned and televisions are getting flatter and cell phones are getting smaller, for example; the human mind is also growing and developing and the potential for greatness has also expanded. What’s next after manifestation I thought? I was immediately reminded of what is written in the Tao Te Ching about desire, manifestation, desireless and mystery.

When we focus on desire, we are focused on manifestation. Yet when we focus on allowing what we desire to unfold, we get to peak into the mystery of the universe. Keep in mind we are not talking about focusing on desire “or” allowance; we are talking about the integration of these two power actions. We are talking about bringing both desire and allowance into our awareness so that we increase our level consciousness.

To desire is to long or want. We all long for and desire something. Desire is important. Desire is based on purpose and is one of the three factors of intention. Desire is power seeking manifestation. So, we should not be surprised when we are made aware that desire keeps us focused on manifestation. Desire is doing its job. That’s why we have desires. They give us the energetic access to an aspect of power.

In addition, we must be aware that there is more to life than just manifestation. I know you may be thinking what can be more important than getting what you want; having the material comforts you desire or the love and relationships your soul yearns for. Manifestation is the materialized form of a spirit. Wow! And thoughts, as we all know, are spiritual energy. If we want to manifest our deepest desires not only must we willfully insure that we are a vibrational match for our desires, but we must also draw the connection between thoughts, spirit and manifestation. Manifestations are often considered an indication of something. So we all desire to manifest what we believe is an indication of who we think we are. We could go deeper here but we’ll move on.

So, as I thought about what is beyond manifestation and desire, I was reminded of the spirituality in dualities like “to be or not to be” or “ying and yang”. I remember the Tao Te Ching says:

“Ever desireless, one can see the mystery; ever desiring, one sees only manifestation”.

They say that when the student is ready the teacher will appear. I have literally read the Tao Te Ching so many times that I can’t even count; but it wasn’t until this moment that I remembered that passage.

I realized the infinite value of seeing the mystery unfold. The freedom of desiring a thing, simultaneously, allowing the thing and watching the mystery or the manifestation process is priceless. To allow is to simply let it happen. But more interestingly, to allow is also to permit. What an interesting shift in consciousness? When we use the word allow in the traditional sense, we tend to focus on a force outside of ourselves that is going to give us something. But when we replace the word allow with the permit, it changes the ownership and makes us aware that we already have access to what we desire. We just simply need to go within.

We must be aware and bear witness to the mystery or the process of manifestation. Most of us complain about the process. We grumble and get frustrated. What do you think this complaining, grumbling, frustration and dissatisfaction does to our vibration? Does it bring us closer or push us further away from what we want? Does it align us with our desires? When we apply our focus, mental energy and gratitude towards the process or the mystery, we magnify our awareness and raise our consciousness. Higher awareness and consciousness are intangible gifts of greatness.

Can you believe that what we truly desire in our soul points to manifestations that are already ours? I’m grinning from ear to ear as I write this. We simply need to permit what we desire to manifest. Permission means not blocked with fear, doubt, guilt, frustration or worry. So the next time you find yourself working hard and striving for something, or even if you are feeling a little stuck or sluggish shift your awareness to these points:

Are you a vibrational match for what you desire?
Are you dually focused on desire and permission?

The idea here is to apply your intention and gratitude to the process as much as you apply it to your desires and manifestations.

Wendy Franklin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach™, is a Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach, Project Manager and Business Consultant. For cutting edge thought leadership and a FREE Consultation, send an email to Wendy@TheAuthenticYouOnline.com.

The Origin Of The Authenticity Movement and The Mind of The Entrepreneur

2010-02-22T22:58:00.002-06:00

Written and originated by Wendy Franklin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach ™

This morning I was inspired to put something together to help you to understand some of who I am, what I do and why I do what I do. My gifts are so diverse and my spirit can be so free that sometimes it’s difficult for people to wrap their minds around “who” I am. And as much as I despise labels and categories, I realize that many of us are in a development stage where we need to emotionally and intellectually package things up in order to understand how to deal with them. And I respect that.

I recently had a client who asked me to help her to solve some behavior and relationship problems. I ended up helping her to solve a larger more significant business related problem. She was amazed and started to ask some in-depth questions about my technical and business background and couldn’t believe how many businesses I had helped to build, develop and sustain. With that I realized that I had not done a good job at telling my own story and expressing to you my own victories and challenges. I sometimes tend to neglect the skills that come most naturally to me and don’t realize that therein lies my own Authenticity; my own Professional Enterprise and my own Entrepreneurial Opportunity. I realize that with people like me, folks tend to resonate with the aspect of my personality that most appeals to their immediate need. This has been one of my lifelong challenges; a blessing and a curse, if you will, both personally and professionally. So, with that in mind, I thought I’d take a moment to explain to you an aspect of my Entrepreneurial DNA, the origins of the Authenticity Movement and The Mind of The Entrepreneur; why I have been able to build a successful business as a Thought Leader, Strategic Planner, Problem Solver, Intuitionist, Spiritualist, Business Consultant and Business Developer.

Family Background
I explain this in all humility. It dawned on me that I have been solving technical, spiritual, business and interpersonal problems most of my entire life. See, this personal enterprise that is a mix of my primary personality traits, family background, natural gifts and technical training has been developing inside of me since childhood. It’s really an extension my authentic self.

My personal enterprise was born out of my mother and father’s unrelenting focus on authenticity and individuality that allowed me to give the diversity of my personality permission to grow. See, if you think you are going to get spanked for being something other than yourself and that image stays in your mind, you figure out quickly how to be authentic even if you have to do it in a vacuum. It was never about whether or not we made mistakes or fell down. It was how we reacted that mattered most. And our reaction better not be based on what we heard or saw somebody else do or say. If we asked permission to do something “just because” we saw someone else do something, we were automatically told no. If we were caught trying to dress like someone else or copy a hairstyle, for example, we had to answer to my mother. To this day, I’ve enjoyed my fair share of mistakes and personal challenges but I can honestly say that I am not a follower nor do I consciously copy other people or do things “just because” some one else is doing it. I am very respectful of the individuality of others and encourage it every chance I get. In our home, we were taught to be inspired by others but not to be jealous or covetous. And when I say taught, I don’t mean lectured, only. That lecture came with action and was sometimes reinforced with a belt. My Mom often said, “I won’t raise no wimps, followers or copycats” and she meant it. My upbringing helped me to know that we can always be better tomorrow than we are today and that there is a special assignment or a uniqueness that is all our own. Most kids may get in trouble for talking back, for example; but in our house, we got in trouble for being phony or for being a follower.

My mathematical, deductive reasoning, technical and problem solving skills were developed as a teen with my deep interest in math and physics. I’d study great scientists like Einstein on my own, independent of school assignments or parental demand. I absolutely love quantum physics and the study of energy. I remember signing myself up for speed reading and French classes and independent study accounting courses over the summers. I joined an international pen-pal program and exchanged letters with teens my age from around the world. I loved getting their letters in the mail and learning about their lives. I’d stay in my room all day, playing the flute and doing math or word problems. No one ever bothered me, told me to keep down the noise (I had an organ in my room too) or told me to come out or even commented on how weird I probably really was. Sometimes I’d look outside and see my Mom firing up the grill or my Dad talking to his friends and I’d just come outside, looking all crazy. They just let me be me. I remember looking at some old photos of myself when my Dad passed and I teased my Mom and said, “Now you should be ashamed of yourself for letting me dress like that!” She just shrugged her shoulders and said, “Well, you wanted to look like Lisa Bonet and I wanted you to be yourself.” I think Lisa’s stuff was cuter that mine ever was.

My entrepreneurial awareness was awakened watching my parents create business ideas to help double and triple their income. They were both gainfully employed but used their entrepreneurial bug to both keep themselves from being financially limited by their job income and to maintain a sense of independence. Personal pride and excitement was always evident. Both my brother and I inherited their entrepreneurial spirit early on. My brother is the ultimate sales person. He has just got that extreme magnetism in his personality that is contagious. If you know my brother Kevin, you know what I’m talking about. He’s just always had “it”. He has got lots of attraction power. Years ago, I remember visiting him in California shortly after he got out of the Army and I ran into a Chinese Restaurant in the town he lived in and the Restaurant Owner, who barely spoke English, came out from behind the counter, exclaiming, in broken English as he hugged me and gave me my food for free, “Oh my God, you are Kev-e-Kev’s sister. Oh my God. Oh my God.” I wonder if my brother remembers that.

My brother and I were always right there in the mix, helping with the family businesses, latest hustles and ventures. Whether it was breeding dogs and horses, washing cars, lawn service, managing bands, throwing parties, teaching aerobics classes, you name it, we were right there as kids, absorbing every success, mistake and failure. While my brother was in my Dad’s shadow coming up with the next best idea and always making everyone feel happy, we both learned from my mother’s tremendous strength and fight. The word “can’t” is a fighting word to my mother. She is still like that to this day. For example, I collect African American Barbie Dolls and right before Christmas, I said to her, “I can’t find the vintage Diahnn Carroll, ‘Julia’, Barbie.” That was all I said. She found it, went to Alabama and got it and mailed it to me for Christmas. She is the ultimate winner. Her winning spirit flows through both of her children.

While my brother was absorbing that hustle and personal magnetism from my Dad, I was attracted to the extreme spiritual skills and curiosity of my grandmother. She was, today what we would call an intuitionist or maybe even a psychic, per se. She could read a person and make predictions with uncanny accuracy. But what I think limited her was the way she delivered or expressed her amazingly accurate predictions. She could chose words that would strike a sting that you would never forget. Her spiritual roots were as deep and wide as her multi-cultural Creole background that included African, Haitian and Louisiana Creole, Indian and Caucasian origins. And while she was a practicing Catholic who sent her children to Catholic school and strictly observed Catholicism as a way of life; she used her granddaughter (me) as a way to express her other beliefs and practices that were not always visible to the public or even her fellow congregants and church. She helped me to learn to find the Spirit of God anywhere and to be open to all religions and cultures. She prevented me from being comfortable with putting a box or package around the concept of God; and helped me to harness an interactive relationship with God but moreover to understand how to help others to do the same. She taught me to look for God everywhere and in everyone. This serves today as the foundation for my respect and honor of cultural, racial, social and religious diversity that is a corner stone of my Practice and personality.

Professional Background
Early on in my professional career or well, in college, I was very confused. I’d always had the best education and was raised around and comfortable with people who didn’t look or act like me. So, my spirit was nervous about being packaged, labeled and put in a box. I just wasn’t reared as a child to accept that mindset, so it made me skirmish. I was completely unaware that the confusion I experienced back then was a part of the process that would later help me to develop into a diversified Thought Leader, Problem Solver, Entrepreneur and Coach. It would serve as the beginnings of the Authenticity Movement ™. Early on when I thought about what I wanted to be, I thought I wanted to be a Psychiatrist. I had this vision that a Psychiatrist was someone who helped people when they were confused or who coached them through a problem; very much like what I do today. Dealing with mental illness and certain behaviors frightened me. And when I began to research the field, I was turned off because it was so different from what I thought. I wanted to focus on human development and continued to study the field from that standpoint, but the bug to be an innovator as a trained Psychiatrist never bit me. So, it became a hobby or a topic for leisure reading that ultimately formed part of the foundation for my work today and gave me a reason to later earn Certifications in Emotional Intelligence, Behavior, Soul and Life Coaching. It’s why I gravitated towards Corporate Training in Leadership Development and Congruent Communication, for example.

In high school, I had above average math and science scores and an even greater interest in related fields of study. I was also always a great problem solver with a good eye for detail and structure. My High School Guidance Counselors recognized those traits and steered me away for Psychiatry and into Engineering; feeling that on the surface this would better suit me. It sounded good to me, because, I was confused anyway. I ultimately went to college and majored in Computer Engineering. After two years of study and a couple of pretty impressive internships, I realized that this wasn’t “it” either. Although, at the time, I discounted what I’d learned and how it had fine tuned my eye for structure, processes, systems and problem solving.

While in College, I joined several student groups and was very passionately attracted to Entrepreneurship, Business and Finance. So, I switched my major mid stream and ended up with a degree in Finance with just a many Accounting credits that ultimately helped me to land a job as a Staff Auditor with an International Public Accounting. From there I began my professional/corporate journey. The intelligence of the business world comes natural to me (like drinking water as my grandmother would say) and I later learned that my Business IQ was very high. I have continued to work as a Business Consultant and Developer, integrating my professional training and background.

As a Business Consultant and Business Developer I have worked in numerous fields from Public Accounting, Hospitality, Food, Banking, Entertainment, Insurance, Real Estate, Non Profit, Medical, Energy, Beverage, Technology and more. I quickly became known as the “problem solver” or the person that you could throw into just about any professional situation who would come up with a solution whether it was an Employee Relations issue, Software Conversion, Sales, Marketing, you name it. My ability to think outside the box coupled with my technical and professional skills have allowed me to be a valuable asset to my individual, entrepreneur and corporate clients.

Thought Leader, Problem Solver, Entrepreneur, Coach
I have been watching this need development among entrepreneurs that is not unlike that which is developing in the corporate world, in that many entrepreneurs don’t know who they are. Moreover, their lives and careers are riddled with emotions that are baked into their personalities, choices and decisions. Many have built their entire careers based on belief systems or ideas that are not their own. Like many entrepreneurs and emerging leaders, I found that this lack of emotional awareness held me back also, despite my tight business plans, budgets and strategies. This lack of emotional awareness, often spurred by a lack of authenticity, is the leading cause of failure, scarcity and mediocrity for emerging leaders, entrepreneurs and corporations. I believe I heard George Frazier say that, “the riches are in the niches”. And I would add that your ultimate power is in your authenticity. I decided to address this need by building a business around my personality traits and professional skills; and using my own struggle in this area to help emerging leaders and entrepreneurs break through the authenticity barrier.

As a Cutting Edge Thought Leader, Business Consultant and Coach, I have helped countless emerging leaders, entrepreneurs and corporations solve problems, increase revenue and operate more efficiently. I have served as a member of the Board of Directors for numerous Businesses and Non Profits. I have rolled up my sleeves and walked side by side sales people to help them improve their strategies and presentations. I have designed strategic plans and help numerous entrepreneurs navigate through blind spots and road blocks. My industry diversity, keen intuition and understanding of thought processes and emotions have positioned me as a Global Consultant and Business Executive. Whether your needs are individual or corporate, whether you come from the Streets or the Boardroom, I can help you to. I have worked as a Professional Business Consultant for small businesses and Fortune 500 companies. I have helped thousands of professionals take their lives, businesses and careers to the next level. I guarantee a life changing experience that will lead to increased revenue, clarity and opportunity.

For a FREE CONSULTATION send an email to Wendy@TheAuthenticYouOnline.com

How Your Emotions Can Serve You

2010-02-22T22:51:00.003-06:00

Understanding the Intelligence of Your Heart

Written by: Wendy Franklin Muhammad, The Authenticity Coach ™

Our perceptions, mental and emotional attitudes, immune system, reaction times, and decision-making abilities are all directly related to the health of our heart. Cultivating heart intelligence begins with recognizing that at any point in time we have the opportunity to recognize that there are many different perspectives to a situation, and that our perceptions, thoughts, choices, and actions, condition the events and outcomes of our lives. Learning to raise our EQ or our level of emotional intelligence can improve our heart intelligence and increase our heart-brain connection.

Making emotionally intelligent, heart centered choices offers an opportunity for solutions. The head choices we have been taught to rely solely upon, often imprison us in hurt or anger. Hopelessness or fear of the future comes from not being able to perceive life through the heart. When people continually failing to find solutions, success, or happiness, they become depressed. When, instead, people consistently respond to life from the heart, they feel secure, listen to the hearts of others and themselves, and feel there is always a way to understand and find answers to problems.

Let’s talk a bit about our magnificent heart. It is far more than just an organ. On an energetic level, it is more than just a pump. The heart produces 40-60 times more energy than the brain. The heart sends more information to the brain than it receives. The heart communicates with the brain in four primary ways that include the nervous system and hormonal or bio-chemically. It also communicates physically. The physical communication occurs through a wave of energy or a pulse called a blood pressure wave. This wave modulates or affects the electrical activity of the brain. Many of us don’t think of how our blood pressure affects the quality of communication or connection that our heart and brain share.

Another way our heart communicates with our brain is through electromagnetism. An electromagnetic energy field emanates from the heart, surrounds our body and radiates beyond our skin and out into space. It’s not known exactly how far this energy field radiates but studies have shown that that this energy field affects our environment, those around us and what we attract from the universe. We can change the frequency or vibrational level of this energy field by changing our emotional states which are triggered by what we think, what we say, what we experience and often times the energy fields of those around us.

If you have been reading my blogs or have attended any of my seminars you have already learned that thoughts are spiritual energy that trigger emotions which affect our thoughts, actions, choices and our vibe or energy field. See, as much as we like to fake it till we make it, we can’t fake emotional intelligence and we can’t fake our vibe. The energy that radiates from our heart is a direct reflection of our emotional state. And our environment and effectiveness is a direct reflection of our predominant thoughts or mental attitude.

If you want to have more star quality or attraction power, the simplest way to achieve it is to improve your emotional state and the thoughts that flow through your mind. Emotions like anger and sadness generate low frequencies that are less productive and less attractive. They are to be used more as signals and learning tools and should not be emotional dwelling places. Love and empathy and a caring attitude generate a much higher vibration, with love having the highest vibration of all emotions.

If you look at your life and you are not as effective as you know you should be, consider your thoughts. What type of energy are your thoughts generating? Be honest with you yourself. Sometimes we are so consumed with our public image and what others think that we forget to focus on our internal thoughts and the conversations that we are having with ourselves.

Whether you are in a work environment, love relationship, family situation or business environment, if you want to be more attractive and more effective, incorporate heart centeredness into your decisions. I’m not talking about being a push over or excessively sweet. I’m talking about using your emotions to help you to properly read any given situation. I’m talking about learning to be aware of your emotional states and changing the vibration of a situation so that you set the stage so that everyone wins.

Give credit where where credit is due. In negotiations, insure that both sides win. Think on a higher level and what will serve humanity and the evolution of the universe will reward you. Consider the emotions and feelings of others. Take a moment to think outside of your own circumstances and consider the feelings and emotions of others.

Being a heart-centered, emotionally intelligent person will align you with the changes of the Universe and position you for success.

To learn more about emotional intelligence visit www.TheAuthenticYouOnline.com or email The Authenticity Coach ™ at Wendy@TheAuthenticYouOnline.com.