Success Strategies

#1 Little Known Money Mojo Secret (and commonly ignored)

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 22:28:00 +0000

It was like watching a train smash in slow motion. This business owner was making the biggest mistake that was literally keeping him from experiencing prosperity in his business ever.

Let me explain. "Money Mojo" is your relationship with money and how you experience abundance. If you're not experiencing high vibin' love for money, then chances are you'll not ever experience it in your bank account either.

But that wasn't his mistake. And it's such an easy thing to fix!

Here's what he was doing wrong:

Let's call him George. George is a business coaching client in Canberra running an established business with a good reputation with proven results with his clients. So far so good.

George struggled to keep on top of his cash flow and knowing the intimate details of his money situation. Not an uncommon thing in business owners, and definitely a hinderance that needs addressing.

But George's biggest mistake was that he was ignoring, delaying, and avoiding paying his bills.

Now while this is often touted as sensible cash flow strategy, in reality it is a crippling mistake.

He is treating his suppliers and service providers with disrespect, lack of courtesy, and disdain.

And as you sow, so shall you reap.

You cannot expect your customers to pay on time or early if you don't do that yourself.

Here is the little known Money Mojo Secret, and it's based on the Golden Rule:

"Treat others as you wish to be treated."

It's a very basic thing, and so easy to implement. If you want clients to pay you on time, pay your own bills on time. If you want your clients to be appreciative, be an appreciative client. If you want your clients to rave about your work, rave about the work of others who have done you a good service.

Things won't change unless you change.

No amount of avoidance, delays, and scrambling will ever get you back on top - you've got to pull out all stops and maintain strong healthy money boundaries and standards - for yourself first - before you can expect anyone else to show you the same respect. Paying bills late is a serious cramp in your Money Mojo!

So if you are having money issues, consider where you can raise your standards and be more respectful with your money flow.

Once George realised how much he was affecting his Money Mojo, he got to work immediately paying his outstanding bills, with deep apologies to his service providers. That's all it took to re-build the broken bridges and turn his Money Mojo back on to high vibin'. His job now is to keep to this rule as a deep commitment to his own integrity so it becomes a foundational piece of who he is as a person and as a business owner. I have deep confidence in him that he absolutely can do this, and build his business to even greater heights.

Zoe

p.s. If you are a Magnetic Leader subscriber, watch your inbox in the next week or so for an announcement on how you can get help with your Money Mojo Breakthroughs, coming soon.

Advanced leadership skill: how to feel things fully

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 07:23:00 +0000

I am just back from a week delivering a leadership program with rural primary producers. It was an amazing program with some seriously hard working farmers and industry leaders. They were a keen and engaged group, ready for anything - and we threw some tough challenges at them.

One of the most challenging aspects of the program that proved to have the most impact was the 'tell your story' session. Each participant shared the highlights - and lowlights - of their life journey so far.

It opened the flood gates.

Many shared the impact of the long, seemingly endless drought; year after year of no crops, no income, rising debt, and no end in sight. Some slipped unwittingly into depression; a deep dark haze that settles in like a damp fog that clings to you - erasing boundaries, blurring lines of self esteem, and slowly dragging your worldview into darkness.

And now, on the upswing of a few years of rain and good crops, optimism is re-surging.

And yet, the black, damp fog feels like it has just receded, and not gone.

Some were rattled by the mere thought of a possible return to the black foggy days - fearful of the darkness, the helplessness.

I had a few one-on-one chats with folks about what to do to manage these fears, and the black fog itself.

Here are my suggestions. They are advanced leadership skills, whether you face drought, depression, despair - or simply overwhelm in your day to day life.

1. Cough up the story to the bright light of day. By talking about your story, your experiences, and your feelings, you expose them to air and sunlight, and thereby dry them up. It takes the experience outside of our bodies and gives it some objective perspective. Even subjective perspective of others as you tell the story diffuses the edge and charge of the story.

2. Feel your feelings fully. Most want to avoid telling their story as they are afraid the emotion will well up and swamp them again. We think, "I don't want to feel bad, so if I just don't talk about, try not to think about it, then hopefully it will go away." This is the recipe of, 'what we resist, persists.' When you try and AVOID feelings, they only build and grow - like festering bacteria being swept into dark corners; it only grows more foul.

The only way to purge the overwhelm of bad feelings is to FEEL them fully - go ahead and delve right in.

You do this by paying detailed attention to:

Where is the feeling in your body - tune in to the exact location of the most intense part of the emotion.
What colour does the feeling have?
If you could touch it, what it the texture? The temperature? The shape?
Focus your inner eye on this feeling shape/colour, and just breathe into it, observing. Pretend you can pierce in to the most intense part of it. Take your imagination into the epicentre of that feeling and just sit in it, and breathe.

You may cry - that's great. According to my colleague's four year old nephew, "crying is when my feelings get too big for my body". Perfect, right? Crying helps to release the energy of the feeling; when you hold back your tears, you are hanging on to surplus lower vibration energy until it boils over (usually at a very a convenient time).

Simply paying attention to where your feelings are in your body will help release the energy in your body.

3. Change the past. You can change your experience of past events by changing your story. If you take any negative event in your life - ANY negative event - you can change your chronic feelings responses to that event by changing your interpretation of that event. Try this by seeking to find something GOOD that happened as a result of that negative experience. This is the start of changing the past - looking at past events as the springboard to better outcomes for you.

4. Move beyond your thoughts. When you become aware that you have thoughts, that you are not your thoughts, that you are not even the thinker - that you are in fact beyond thought and thinker at your true essence - that you are essentially awareness, then you have transcended the oscillations of mind and feelings.

You can start to observe your thoughts and feelings without making them wrong or good, but simply acknowledging them. In this way, feelings and thoughts pass quickly - like clouds on drifting on a breeze. You become aware instead of your eternal self, the part of you that existed before you were born and will continue after you drop your physical casing; tis is the part of you that remains essentially unchanged from when you were an infant through to the adult you now. Your body's cells grow, reproduce, and die, but your essential self remains continuous. When you see the world through THAT prerpective, you can rise above the natural fluctuations of emotions, rather than trying to avoid or resist them.

5. Immerse yourself in nature. Sit under a tree, watch an ant, listen to the birds. Let your mind contemplate the abundance and chaos of the natural world and you will come close to knowing the Divine - the flow of life force that is beyond human contemplation, part of a greater expansion of which we play a role - small and enormous all at once. Let nature take you into the wonder.

That's a start!

What are your key tips in dealing with overwhelming feelings?

I would love to hear your suggestions - please share :)

Zoe

p.s. If you would like to develop more of these advanced leadership skills, please join me at my upcoming Deep Wisdom workshop in Canberra.

Who Are You Judging? Paris Hilton?

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 02:46:00 +0000

Recently 'Bob' mentioned how a trainer had asked him to leave a program because Bob had done something so heinous it warranted booting him off the course.

What did he do?

Bob had confessed to feeling torn about his feelings for two different women.

Seriously? The trainer asked you to leave because you had conflicting feelings? For being human? And then asking for support about it? What the...?

That was my response. I was horrified that ANY coach would judge a client in that way.

Judge a client in ANY way.

Where was the compassion? Where was the seeing the client in their highest light? Where was the gentle encouragement to seek guidance from their inner wisdom?

The more I thought about the audacity and the sheer being-a-total-meanie aspect of this coach, the more wound up I got about it.

I was indignant, outraged, and offended. And I was judging that coach something chronic.

Just like she judged Bob.

Whoa.

Here I was dumping bile on the coach for actions I considered that I would NEVER do myself.

Just like she did to Bob.

It's so easy to get caught up in our righteous indignation and to make a ruling on someone else's choices, just because we would not choose it for ourselves.

I believe I would NEVER judge a client, no matter what they told me. And I've had some interesting confessions - everything from regretting becoming a mother, to infidelity, to abandoning a new born with a spurned lover.

'There but by the grace of God go I' has been my mantra. Who am I to judge? My job as a coach, leader, and fellow human being is to feel nothing but compassion and encourage others to find a way to heal their perceived mistakes, to find learning in their decisions, and to come back to who they really are - loving, spiritual, beings capable of deep love and wisdom themselves.

Or so I thought until I started heaping spite on this poor unknown coach.

It's not always easy to step away from judgment of others. It's how our ego justifies being 'right'.

Rising above judgment however is how we step into our true nature - of being loving individuals, who aspire to inspire, to guide others in loving ways.

There is nothing loving in judging.

So how do we get away from it?

When you hear someone say something that rattles your values, no matter how much your ego wants to call it 'hideous', (Paris Hilton comes to mind) practise sending that person messages of love, messages of support, knowing they can return to their Highest state of love and compassion at any time.

I know this sound all noble and stuff, and in reality it is more like an arm wrestle with your ego: you sway between the voices of 'they're a nasty piece of work - what a ho!' and 'she is just seeking love - she will find that source of endless compassion within her at some stage - I wish her well'.

When you notice you are more on the catty, bitchy side, it's a start. Don't judge yourself. Just look for the thought that feels more loving.

After all, we're all works in progress.

Zoe

p.s. Discovering more of how to access our Highest Guidance is exactly what we will be doing in my exclusive Deep Wisdom program coming up in Canberra.

Be sure to join us!

Riding the wave -3 tips for living manifested intentions

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:26:00 +0000

Oh my word it's been a wee while since I posted. Whassup? I hear you say.

There has been a re-alignment of energy for me these last few months. I've been spending a lot of time meditating, exploring spiritual growth, contemplating the future and current direction of Inner Compass, and hatching new ideas.

Most scrumptiously, I have been living the manifestation of intentions past. Say what? Many of my desires are in the middle of emerging from the non-physical state of 'desires' into 'current reality'. And it's delissimo!

This is what's up:
I've manifested seven leadership programs to facilitate at the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation where I get to create new programs and work with amazing leaders in the wine and rice industries, in agriculture, mining, Indigenous leaders, in rural health, from the Torres Strait. It's fun in a blender! Plus I get to travel to some beautiful spots - Broome was the latest. Townsville, Yeppoon, Yanco, Deniliquin, Launceston, Melbourne and Adelaide all to come.

View of Broome

My coaching business Inner Compass is booming with some of the most awesome people I have ever had the privilege to work with, and I am launching a new workshop for later on in the year - Deep Wisdom - which signifies a deepening of my leadership growth and teaching.

Rob and I have also embarked on a six month house renovation project that will give us a new kitchen, three new bathrooms, a deck, a new garage, a new laundry, and internal stairs to my office. Today Ben the Tree Man ripped out all the shrubbery and trees - clearing space for the new.

I listed all these things in my Pray Rain Journal two years ago. And now I am living them. How cool is that?!

Here are my tips to the creation and unfolding of your desired intentions:

1. Know what you want and write it down. I started a giant map of what I wanted to create in my life about 12 years ago, and each year I look at it and tick off the things that have manifested. Anything from my ideal husband (love you, honey!) to house renovations, to new carpet for the office. I also like the Pray Rain Journal technique - where you write in your journal about what it is you desire, from the perspective of it already being manifested. Very powerful for aligning with the emotion of your intentions.

2. Go inside. Once you've identified your desires and written them in some shape or form, the focus is now on inside - inside your spirit and emotional world. Clean up your mental focus, let go of worry, fine-tune your appreciation muscle. This part is all about how you feel and think.

3. Ride the wave. When you have truly surrendered your desires to the Universe, let go of timelines and expectations, you are free to roll with the present moment and soak up the delights of living NOW. Once I stopped worrying about all the business proposals I had written and 'when' something might turn up, and focused instead of enjoying day to day, that is when the trickle turned to a flood. And now I am riding a massive wave of manifestation. And that creates its own momentum, so the more delicious it gets, the more delicious it grows!

What are your tips? What do you find easy or challenging in the manifestation process? Would love to have a conversation about this with you. Please share your ideas and thoughts in the comments.

Much love,

3 Secrets For An Awesome Relationship

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 23:43:00 +0000

Seems to be the season for relationship break downs around here. I've got a few friends moving like molasses through the pain of separation. I am sad for them, and yet I know there is good stuff lying in wait around the corner.

For my husband Rob, who is a divorce lawyer, and who was divorced himself before we met, it's always the season, day in day out. I figured if anyone might know the secrets to a good relationship, it might be him - someone who sees what doesn't work every day.

Plus I've been told many times over that our marriage is the source of much inspiration for others. We have a GREAT relationship! So here are some insights from our respective experiences.

1. "Families who play together stay together." This is Rob's #1 top secret to a successful relationship. What he means is that you enjoy each other's company, that you have some common interests, that you have adventures together. That's why we go on skiing trips, go body boarding in the surf, go running together, watch movies, play with the chickens and hang out together. We like each other's company.

2. Enjoy your respective 'boy time' and 'girl time'. We hang out together, but we don't live our lives in each other's pockets. Rob plays tennis with the boys on Wednesdays and Sundays and I get facials, massages, and this weekend I'm going for high tea with the girls. Bring it on.

3. You don't divorce your best friend. Rob asked me, 'how many times in your life have you ditched a best friend?' Stumped me. My closest friends are still my closest friends, even though we are continents apart and don't see each other often. There's a sense of unconditional support and appreciation, a non-judgment of best friends that holds the relationship together. Apply this to your own intimate relationship.

I promised you three, but I'm on a roll now, so here are a few more:

4. Always speak your truth. If something is niggling, bring it up. Do this before your head explodes with all the imagined responses and twists and excuses and other crapola that your imagination can drum up.

5. Acknowledge that you are not responsible for someone else's happiness. Sure it's easier to be around someone who is tip toeing through the tulips every day, but you cannot make them happy - they have to do that for themselves. You can't love someone enough to make them happy. They've got to do that - from the inside out. Your job is to tend your own happiness, your own focus, your own emotional vibration - that is something YOU can control, so focus on that. Bonus: your joie de vivre will tend to rub off on others.

6.Stop needing them to change. Are there things about Rob's behaviour I don't like? Sure. Like when he leaves the toilet seat up. Grrrr... He says, "I put the lid down as much as much as you close the door to the outside when the heater is on." So if you're going to point fingers, they get pointed back. Focus instead on appreciating what you do like - like the way he brings me flowers from the office every Friday. I LOVE that!

7.Create your own rituals, inside secrets, and family culture. All the examples I can think of are adults-only. Except for maybe the 'tea top up' command which means, "please can you show me that you love me by filling up my tea cup and really I am too lazy to do it for myself" or singing the 'clean-up song' we learned from my niece's day care as the signal for, 'let's do this boring task together and make it fun by acting like two-year olds'. (Did that sound as dorky as I think it does? Well I guess that's the point - we give ourselves permission to act a little like dorks and have some fun together, even with the mundane daily tasks).

8. Tell each other why you love each other, and why you like each other. Saying 'I love you' and then following it with 'because...' keeps the juicy parts of your relationship alive and fresh and bubbling. Kind of like a sourdough starter - you've got to keep feeding it.

9. Love you, and your life, on your own. You do not need anything or anyone or anywhere to make you feel good. All you need is the power of your focus, the direction of your attention. And the more you can do that, for yourself, in any given circumstances, the more you'll feel free. You'll fill with the joys of spring and every day will glisten with weekend delight. You will radiate compassion and sexiness and mojo galore. You'll be so filled with love that you will overflow with it, inviting others to play at your party. And that will fill your cup of love even more.

That's a short list - I would LOVE to hear your tips on relationships that rock your socks. Please leave a comment and let me know YOUR secrets.

Me and my honey on a bushwalk

7 Tips for Self Mastery

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 03:04:00 +0000

"Where do I start?" My favourite question from new clients. They're ready for something different that will shake them up, ease the path, and make every day weekend bliss.

Luckily, there is a magic formula. A formula I've downloaded from the Universe and my own turbulent roller coaster ride. It's worked for me, and it works for my clients.

But please. Let this be FUN, enjoyable, and a delicious unfolding.

Not a task list, a chore, an effort-full ordeal. I'm so not into that anymore.

So here's the juice on how to follow your inner C.O.M.P.A.S.S.

Tip 1 - C- Courage and Self-belief
This is the fundamental component to any achievements, any effort any creative endeavour. There are many complex aspect to this component, however, to get a massive kick-start do this exercise:

Write out "I am awesome because..." and list 50 answers.

Self-belief and self appreciation will be on turbo power!

Tip 2 - O - Orientation True North
Many make finding and following your life's purpose way more complicated than it needs to be. For those who like to ponder, I recommend the following texts for guidance:

Martha Beck's Steering by Starlight
Lance Secretan's The Spark, the Flame, the Torch
Guy Finley's The Giant Leap

And for the ultimate in life purpose guidance I turn to Sir Richard Branson: "do what you love and have fun." Period. That's it! Nice, huh?!

Tip 3 - M - Magnetic Ripples

This is about how to connect deeply with others and create momentum on your dreams. How do you do THAT?

Start with compassion. That's knowing and understanding how someone else might be feeling (walk in someone else's high heels), and then be able to act with wisdom (so you don't get swept away with feelings). This about letting emotions release without releasing all over someone else! Tales practise.

Tip 4 - P - Panoramic 360 view
This is the capacity to look and see from as many different perspectives as possible. You can use the virtual Board of Directors to help flesh this one and give it some legs. (I have Sir Richard Branson, the Dalai Lama, my coach, Warren Buffet on my directors table). From time to time I consult them about a decision. It helps get some broader perspective that's for sure!

Tip 5 - A - Architecture of Beliefs
This aspect is critical. Beliefs are your operating software; they're either running programs that run smoothly with little effort, or they serve up struggle-street. Knowing how to re-wire beliefs is the single most powerful self-mastery skill you can master for long-term results.

How to do this? There are a multitude of techniques. Here is the simplest. Pick a belief you want running your life. For example, "I can have anything I desire." Write it out. Write it out again. Repeat 21 times per day. Repeat with enthusiasm and conviction. Whisper it to yourself as you go to sleep. Repetition will anchor the new belief as your new operating software.

Tip 6 - S - Surroundings
Never underestimate how your surroundings affect your attitude and your outcomes. There is lot of fun stuff to do here - including feng shui, colour, scents, decorating, and more.

Here's an easy tip: pick something you don't like in your surroundings. Replace it with something that makes you heart sing. Repeat each week with something new until everything in your surroundings makes your heart sing.

Tip 7 - Self-care
I have not met a single person who had no room to improve in this area. Seriously, self-care needs to be upgraded for most of us. It could be any aspect - sleep, nutrition, exercise, rest, relaxation, wardrobe, car cleanliness, see the dentist, get regular checks (blood pressure, eyes, hearing, breasts, etc), time out.

You probably know where you need to improve. So pick one thing (say, drink 2 more glasses of water per day) and do it.

Mastery of Self is the first ring in the 5 Rings of Magnetic Leadership. These are the capacities I help my clients fine tune so they can continue to expand as influential, capable leaders. I share with them all the how-tos and finer details in my program, the Co-Creators of Awesomeness. Check it out here.

Now you can get the support materials I publish for my exclusive coaching clients, and coach yourself to Self Mastery. I look forward to you joining us!

Zoe
p.s. If you join before the end of 2011 you can get ongoing access to the coaching resources at the current introductory rate. So hop on over and get started now :)

Putting FUN on your task list

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:48:00 +0000

Richard Branson has always espoused that fun was an integral, if not fundamental, aspect of any business undertaking.

Not fun as in be silly, or reckless, but fun as in completely absorbed, exhilarated with what you're doing, feeling in the flow and high vibing it through your day.

This is from the man who once wore nothing but a plastic mobile phone covering his dignity to launch Virgin Mobile.

Silly or fun? Hmm, maybe both.

More fun sounds good to me! But if you could have more of just one the following, what would YOU choose?

More money
More adventure
More freedom
More sex
More fun

A recent survey of my clients indicated that the one thing they would like more of - more than money, freedom, sex, adventure - was FUN.

Well blow me down with a feather. I was hedging bets on 'adventure', 'freedom' and a sure thing on 'money'. But no, it was fun that won out.

Seems we are a community sadly lacking in engagement, exhilaration and laughs.

How did we start taking ourselves so seriously?

C'mon people, life is for LIVING - not wiling away the hours until we can collapse on the weekend.

I hereby declare a mandate for Fun being listed as the top priority on your task list.

But you don't DO fun, you HAVE fun.

And incredibly, some people struggle to define how to have fun.

So let's get the ball rolling. What is your idea of fun?

Here are a few to get us started: swimming in the ocean, Friday night pizza and beers, a walk in the morning when the sun comes up, laughing uncontrollably (check out Damn You Auto Correct for help on this one), dancing in the supermarket aisles (especially if it embarrasses your partner), in fact, dancing wildly at any inopportune moments fits the bill nicely, reading in bed, a good tickle fight, chasing chickens, taking photos, playing with dogs, eating way too much chocolate, that first sip of beer on a warm summer's day.

I could go on, but I want YOUR inspiration! List your top three ways to have fun!

Six Ways To Think Like Steve Jobs

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:28:00 +0000

Does anyone else wonder what will happen to Apple now that Steve-The-Genius Jobs has passed on? If there is ever to be a test of his leadership, it's now; what survives when the leader doesn't? We may not know for a few years yet.

Here's what has survived - the example he set in his fierce and fearless approach to design and business, and how you can think like the mega-man too.

1. When things get tough, innovate. What did most businesses do during the onset of the Global Financial Crisis? They cut back: jobs, marketing budgets, expenses. Apple increased its innovation and design budget. When things get tough, that's when you need to invest even more in innovation - according to Jobs.

"The cure for Apple is not cost-cutting. The cure for Apple is to innovate its way out of its current predicament." As quoted in Apple Confidential 2.0: The Definitive History of the World's Most Colorful Company (2004) by Owen W. Linzmayer

2. People need to be cheered up. So do the unpopular thing. When the terrorists struck the Twin Towers in 2001, many businesses stopped in their tracks, afraid. The iPod however was announced just a few weeks later, on October 23rd. People thought Jobs was crazy to continue with the release of the iPod. If ever there was a time that people needed good news this was it. Jobs knew this:

"It will go down in history as a turning point for the music industry. This is landmark stuff. I can't overestimate it!" - On the iPod and the iTunes Music Store, as quoted in Fortune magazine (12 May 2003)

So while the world mourned, Jobs brought them hope and the belief in the human spirit and its potential.

3. Think about the people. Jobs had an unerring respect and consideration for his customer. He knew they wanted simplicity and elegance. And all the Apple products delivered on this.

"Look at the design of a lot of consumer products — they're really complicated surfaces. We tried to make something much more holistic and simple. When you first start off trying to solve a problem, the first solutions you come up with are very complex, and most people stop there. But if you keep going, and live with the problem and peel more layers of the onion off, you can often times arrive at some very elegant and simple solutions. Most people just don't put in the time or energy to get there. We believe that customers are smart, and want objects which are well thought through." On the design of the iPod, as quoted in Newsweek (14 October 2006)

4. Be radically creative. And know when to say 'no'. You can be disciplined about creativity. And you can also encourage wild and bold runaway thoughts that lead to breakthroughs as much as they do dead-ends. The trick is to know which is which.

"The system is that there is no system. That doesn't mean we don't have process. Apple is a very disciplined company, and we have great processes. But that's not what it's about. Process makes you more efficient. But innovation comes from people meeting up in the hallways or calling each other at 10:30 at night with a new idea, or because they realized something that shoots holes in how we've been thinking about a problem. It's ad hoc meetings of six people called by someone who thinks he has figured out the coolest new thing ever and who wants to know what other people think of his idea. And it comes from saying no to 1,000 things to make sure we don't get on the wrong track or try to do too much. We're always thinking about new markets we could enter, but it's only by saying no that you can concentrate on the things that are really important." - As quoted in "The Seed of Apple's Innovation" in BusinessWeek (12 October 2004)

Know what's important to you and your business, and let this be your compass bearing.

5. Invite others' opinions. Trust your own. Being a leader is knowing that to consult others is essential, and to be open to changing your opinions as a result. It's also knowing when to stand firm in your vision of what's possible.

"Because I'm the CEO, and I think it can be done.' - On why he chose to override engineers who thought the iMac wasn't feasible, as quoted in TIME magazine (24 October 2005)

6. Know why you do what you do. Leaving the planet with a 7 billion net worth seems like a worthy achievement. But Jobs's financial success was just a bi-product of his real intention.

"I was worth about over a million dollars when I was twenty-three and over ten million dollars when I was twenty-four, and over a hundred million dollars when I was twenty-five and it wasn't that important because I never did it for the money." - Interview in the PBS documentary Triumph of the Nerds: The Rise of Accidental Empires (1996)

And in his own words, about when it's all over...

"Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me ... Going to bed at night saying we've done something wonderful... that's what matters to me." - On the success of Bill Gates and Microsoft, as quoted in The Wall Street Journal (Summer 1993)

Zoe
p.s. There are more great Steve Jobs quotes here.

100 Ways to Feed Your Soul

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 06:28:00 +0000

My recent flu showed me that I was giving a lot to Inner Compass, a lot to the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, a lot to my marriage, a lot to my fitness, and not much to my soul.

Luckily the body is a good messenger and knocked me flat on my back for a week so I could get a chance to reflect on this inbalance. My homework from my coach is to write 100 things that feed my soul, and to mark the 'daily non-negotiables' - identified with a *.

So here they are, hoping to inspire your list, and for you to add to mine!

* Be outside.
* Meditate.
* Smell some flowers.
* Stretch.
* Cuddle my husband.
* Read a novel.
*Talk nicely to myself.
* Be kind to others.
* Appreciate my abundant life.
* Pray.
* Breathe deeply.
* Send love to someone.
Hang out with the chooks.
Read a good self help book.
Write.
Create something for Inner Compass.
Go for a bike ride.
Yoga.
Take a bath.
Get a massage.
Listen to nice music.
Lie on the couch and look out at the trees.
Talk to my sister.
Talk to my Mum and Dad.
Talk to my older sister.
Talk to my brother.
Head massage.
Laugh with friends.
Watch some good movies.
Swim in the ocean.
Walk in the woods.
Drink some fresh water.
Climb a mountain.
Ski.
Body board.
Play golf on a sunny afternoon.
Pat a kitten.
Take photos.
Go for a walk at lunchtime.
Drink wine and eat nice cheese at my favourite bistro.
Go to the Farmers' markets.
Read Oxygen magazine.
Read my Osho Zen Tarot cards.
Go for a run.
Canoe a wild river.
Camp in a tent by a river.
Watch a wedding.
Watch children play.
Watch puppies play!
Snorkel at Ningaloo reef.
Drift on the ocean in a boat.
Dance.
Draw.
Picnic by the lake.
Go to a photography exhibition.
Say thank you to the earth for its bounty.
Watch and listen to the birds.
Go to the Botanic gardens.
Hang out with my hubby.
Paddle a quiet lake.
Swim in a crystal clear lake.
Walk in the mountains.
Just sit in the sun.
Have a quiet cup of tea doing nothing.
Garden.
Plant some vegetables.
Buy some nice clothes.
Buy some funky shoes.
Travel somewhere new.
Smile at a stranger.
Leave an extra big tip for great service.
Walk barefoot on the grass.
Lie on your back in the grass watching the clouds.
Learn something.
Talk French.
Connect deeply with another human being.
Have a really good deep cry.
Walk in the rain.
Bake cookies.
Eat cookies.
Sip a good glass of red wine.
Day dream.
Nap in the afternoon.
Help someone.
Go to the Art Gallery.
Have lunch with a friend.
Watch the sunrise.
Watch the sunset.
Sit in the moonlight.
Ride a horse.
See a play.
Go to a concert.
Walk around naked.
Celebrate effort and achievement.
Go skinny dipping.
Have scrambled eggs for breakfast.
Praise someone.
Praise myself.
Thank the Universe for all its amazing creations.
Marvel and wonder.

That's my list so far. What would you add that feeds your soul? I would love to hear your inspiration.

When is "enough is enough"?

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 20:19:00 +0000

"How long are you going to put with this?"

I've asked this of clients who complained of cheating partners, of insubordinate staff, of poor health and body image, of cluttered homes.

This is my favourite question to clients who finish a litany of woes. It's a great circuit breaker.

It's also the crux of the matter.

People will often wait until rock bottom until they do something. Rock bottom varies from heart attacks, bankruptcy, yet another affair, getting hit one more time, and so on. My rock bottom was cancer. It was a harsh lesson in self-management. I don't want that for you.

In any painful situation you always have two choices:
1. Change how you think about the situation.
2. Change the situation.

Changing how you think takes effort and is not all that easy. This is for when you decide to let go of needing anyone or anything to change, and focus on your own inner dialogue. This is also when you move from victim to being a learner and author of your own life experience. Scary. And empowering.

Changing the situation requires courage. That's why most of us tend to put up with pain and suffering far longer than we need or ought to. It's also a little of 'better the devil you know'. Change is scarier than the miserable status quo.

It's amazing the human capacity for suffering to avoid change - a huge threshold for pain. Much greater than it needs to be or ought to be. We tolerate far too much.

The next most important question after 'how long are you going to put with this?' is, "what is this costing you?"
and then,
"what will it cost you in one year if nothing changes? in five years? in ten?"

When you way up the risk of change with the cost of inaction, it gets pretty clear that doing nothing is the real source of pain.

So when do you cue "enough is enough"?

When you know what your values are, it's clear.

When you have strong boundaries about what is appropriate behaviour and what is not, it's clear.

When you have strong self-esteem, it's clear.

When you know your needs and your personal safety are the most important thing, then it's clear.

When you decide to be captain of your own ship, taking responsibility for everything in your life, then it's clear.

Don't let rock bottom, poverty, a heart attack, depression, and yet another affair, be your trigger for change. Value yourself, your life, and your happiness above all else, and DO something about it.

You deserve and have the right to be happy.

Zoe
p.s. Do you have an inspiring story of when you got to 'enough is enough'? Please share with us in the comments.
p.p.s. Want to increase your Self Mastery so you never get to rock bottom? Learn how to lead with your inner C.O.M.P.A.S.S. here.

3 Secret Strategies for Magnetic Rapport

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 07:39:00 +0000

To be a successful leader, you need sound rapport. But how do you get it when some folks just drive you bonkers?

It's not easy when someone can make your toes curl just by the way they smile.

But trust me, you can develop good rapport with anyone using these three secret strategies.

We're going to go one better than simply getting along with people, we're going to share how to create magnetic rapport. Rapport that wraps people in a bubble of loveliness and lures the angels to strum their harps and cherubs to chirp.

Let's do it!

1. It's all about YOU!
You got to love yourself so hard you can hardly keep from smooching yourself all over. It's not about being narcissistic or self-indulgent, it's about having that MOJO that rocks the house. The kind of magic that says, "heck ya I am uber awesome".

When you have that kind of internal resonance and high beam of feel-good, people are naturally drawn to you. Don't you like to hang out with people who have that inner glow of "all is right with the world and my place in it". (for tips on how to get this kind of rock-star confidence got to Get Wealthy Healthy Hot).

2. It's all about THEM!
You've got to love the patooties out of the other person. I don't mean love as in starry eyed romantic mushiness, I mean deep and profound compassion and acceptance.

If you find yourself judging someone else or their choices or their behaviour or the colour of their socks, then you're off the mark. Magnetic you are not. Prickly and disdainful you might be.

This is a toughie, folks, it means giving up your addiction to judgments - of making people right or making them wrong. (or making yourself right or wrong for that matter).

One handy trick is that next time you feel yourself making a snigger, or criticising, or putting someone down, or disliking them, or getting irritated, try stepping back for a moment and noticing your tendency to fill the space with negativity. Instead of, "they are really getting up my nose" try this instead: "That's interesting..."

It's a good circuit breaker to get you back in the vicinity of complete acceptance and compassion.

3. Embrace with light.
As you listen to someone, really listen. Absorb all of who they are as they tell their story, feel their energetic vibe, the unique marvel of a creation that is the full sum of who they are.

You can imagine a white golden light settling around you, holding the two of you in sacred communion of having a shared experience.

Kind of makes the water cooler conversations more interesting, doesn't it?

What about you? What do you do to build great rapport? What have you noticed about folks you love hanging around with? What is it about them that makes them magnetic? Please share!

Something new (and cool!) for deliberate creators

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:34:00 +0000

I've had the very awesome opportunity to engage with Stella Seaspirit in my growing community of deliberate creator practitioners. I asked her a few questions about her energy and manifestation practise. Enjoy what modern magic can do for you!

Who do you help?
I help deliberate creators who feel an affinity for the witch (unisex) archetype and are enthused by the role of natural rhythms, ritual and magic.

What do you help them with?
My intention is to assist magical people to refine their manifestation process so that they can cast confidently and powerfully.

How do you do that?
I created Magick By Design as a digital coaching consultation to uncover subtle hindrances and polish manifestation skills. In a nutshell, I ask you to select one current project that you are shaping and would like deeper awareness, clarity and momentum on.

I then intuitively read your energy and pinpoint where elements (Earth, Air, Water, Fire) are out of synch and provide guidance about crafting your energy optimally to align with what you wish to give form to. Frequently I incorporate impressions regarding colour and the chakras. All of this information is structured into a cohesive, practical strategy for you to implement.

What is a contemporary witch?
In my opinion, a contemporary witch is someone who practices the Craft of deliberate creation by shaping her/his reality through projecting her/his will. A witch brings the intangible realm of Spirit (energy) into form through inner magic by embracing perceived flaws, exploring both light and dark aspects of Self, creating a vision for her/himself based on her/his passion and inspiring others to do the same by becoming a living example.

I have compiled a unique glossary around this topic here because semantics can be pretty subjective.

How does your practise match with law of attraction principles?
Moulding energy and directing it by casting spells is very similar to law of attraction practise in that you are monitoring you thoughts, attitudes and emotions and focussing your attention on your intention.

I say that Witchcraft is more accurately described as energy-craft because when you cast a spell you set an intention flare out into the ether and step into the feeling of attaining your desire, essentially melding this vibrational frequency into the very fibre of your being and creating room for it within the matrix.

Witches seek to attain a sense of connection and balance with universal flow through the corporeal experience of the four cardinal elements, observing the turning of the seasons, the waxing and waning of both sun and moon and their relationship with the stars.

By aligning with natural rhythm and utilising energy streams that support the nature of their intentions, witches transform their energy to match what they seek by becoming one with it in the present moment.

What is your favourite spell?
I am very much a fire witch at heart so my favourite method for spell casting is candle magic and usually involves burning something *cackle*. However, I always advocate the method that best suits my clients’ talents.

What do you recommend for people who want to explore their magical side?
Magic isn’t something you do. It is something you are. Self-knowledge guides and indicates where your energy is, who you are being and what frequency you are vibrating at. Stop and check in with yourself throughout the day to see if you are sparkling in congruence with your intentions.

Opportunities will always present, often they are disguised at first and only once you seize them do you realise the snowball effect it has in taking you toward your desire. Sometimes you only notice the magic that unfolded in retrospect.

Many who are attracted to manifestation give up because the results are not instant. Sometimes they are, sometimes they aren’t ~ the elements you work with are constantly mutable and so are you!

What do you want people to know about spells and witching?
Spellcasting is a means of symbolically altering consciousness and re-arranging quantum waves. Altars act as portals to guide your manifestations to this plane and metaphorically create room for them in your life.

Living a magical life does not mean that you have to cast spells for every little mundane experience or even at all. Rather it is thinking magically that brings magic into your life.

Magic is a gift for us to influence our own lives. You cannot create for another but you can send them an energy gift by seeing them as they would like to be.

A lot of people are hesitant about exploring the Craft because of the sinister stigma that has been assigned to it ~ this tactic was employed to keep people disempowered and in a state of reaction instead of response to their circumstances. Claim your power. Bring to light the sparkle in your soul.

About Stella
Stella Seaspirit is a life long Hedgewitch offering a fresh outlook on Witchcraft in a simple to understand way by blending spirit and matter with flickering candles, smouldering incense and enchanted herbs that enthuse the Source-ress within. Get your FREE Witchification Kit here.

3 Ways To Be A Superstar

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 05:11:00 +0000

Every time a client sits across from me I can see their Inner Rock Star. Clear as a bell. I see their passion, their vigour, their purpose, and the most awesome version of who they are. Present tense.

They don't always see what I do. At first.

Why do we get stuck in self-doubt? Why does self-confidence wobble?

Perhaps a better question, and the one I'm going to answer, is what do we do about it?

Here are 3 ways to be a superstar, with rock-solid confidence.

First, where does confidence come from?

From evidence of achievements. We do something, we get results. Like when I did my first abseil: I had no idea I could actually walk backwards over a cliff hanging onto a rope and not fall to the ground in a smushed mess, or at least dissolve into a puddle of weeping quivers. Then I did it. And then I knew. Instant confidence that I could overcome even the scariest of situations.
From others' approval and recognition. A sad but true fact is that we often take much more stock in what others say about us than we do about ourselves. And when they say nice things that can give us a boost of esteem.
From our own recognition and self-validation. This is the most important aspect of self-confidence, and the one mastered least easily.

When a client shows up with wobbly self-image and their inner rock star needs some coaxing to come out and play, this is what I prescribe:

Rack up the achievements: write out for each decade of your life, ten things you are proud of that you achieved/experienced/accomplished. Once you start this list you can really get on a roll.
Solicit feedback: I ask clients to ask 3-5 trusted friends/associates/family members to tell them/write an email about what they most value and appreciate about them. To get over the awkwardness factor I tell them to say, "As homework from my coach". Feel free to steal that one.
Top the charts: this means, put yourself at the top of the priority list. Relentless self-first practises will boost resilience, reserves, and confidence. You need to be ruthless with this one: exercise time is sacrosanct, meditation time/you time is booked in and zealously adhered to, moisturise, pedicure, manicure, get enough sleep, and so on. Look after you. Nothing happens in your life without the 'you' part.

And a Bonus extra strategy - the "I am awesome because..." challenge.
Finish the phrase with 50 answers. FIFTY! Go for it. You are fabulous.

Zoe

p.s. These are the kinds of practical and easy-to-implement strategies that are rockin' the world of the folks who bought my latest fabulous program, Get Wealthy Healthy Hot Manifesto.

And you can still get it at the special launch price until Friday 27 August (Canberra) - that's Thursday US eastern.

Get your copy here now.

How do you turn dog pooh into chocolate cake?

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 06:31:00 +0000

This was a question asked by a client about how to 'make the best of a bad situation'.

Great question. The short answer is - you don't.

Dog pooh is dog pooh. You don't want it. You don't like it. And you certainly don't want to eat it.

'But hang on', I hear you say, deliberate creator's shackles up, 'what we resist persists, right?'

Right.

Only this is not about resisting. It's about re-focusing. It's about using dog pooh as a springboard to get to chocolate cake.

Resistance looks like this: "I don't like this. This is why I don't like it. It makes me feel bad. This dog pooh [substitute job/ relationship/ body/ bank account] is wrong, wrong, wrong. I hate it. I really want something else other than this horrible dog pooh. Gee it stinks.'

This is where you dig into the dog pooh. You've got it all over you and the more you try to get it off your sneaker, the more it grinds stubbornly into the grooves. You are walking, talking dog pooh mess.

So what's one to do about the dog pooh doo-doo?

"I've got to get better at feeling gratitude in this situation," says the client. "Maybe that will help shift things."

Codswallop! If you're neck deep in dog pooh there is no way on Buddha's green earth you are going to find a modicum of gratitude that is genuine. You'd be spitting chips through gritted teeth, at best, and rightfully so.

Gratitude, shmatitude. Now is not the time for gratitude.

No, my dear readers, the only thing to do when you're swimming in the brown stuff is to wave your appreciation wand.

What can you find to appreciate about the dog pooh bath? If nothing else, it shows you exactly what you DON'T want. Hallelujah - thanks for the clarity.

Appreciation, as compared with gratitude, is an active focus, and one that puts you back in the driver's seat. Gratitude implies a sense of owing someone something. And when it stinks, the only thing that would make it worse is having to say 'thanks' for the mess.

So appreciate the wahzoo out of the doggy doo doo. It's warm. It reminds you that you are having a very real life experience. It reminds you that you need to do something to get out of the mess. It can be used as fertiliser. Flies will like it. Frogs like flies. And frogs are good!

Once you're down that path you'll notice less and less dog pooh. You'll see more and more flowers. And soon that path will waft with the delicious odour of a sumptuous cake....

Hmmmm...your favourite...chocolate. Now that IS something to feel grateful for.

So boys and girls, that is how you let doggie pooh pooh lead you to chocolate cake.

Zoe

p.s. Need some more re-framing tips?

My latest product, Get Wealthy Healthy and Hot is out now on launch special.

Get it here now before the price goes up!

How to Use the 'F' Word For Deliberate Creation

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 02:34:00 +0000

As a deliberate creator, you've likely put together a vision board, do regular affirmations, play 'act as if', and other fun things to put you in resonance with your goals. I call this rehearsing success and it's essential for paving the manifestating highway.

But what happens when you hit what feels like a huge road block? Like, oh say, getting cancer. I've been there. And my sister is there now. It sucks.

But dwelling on the suckiness does not line you up with what you really want. Like perfect health. Or abundant wealth. Or strong inner confidence.

This is what DOES work. The 'F' Word.

That's right, all three of them.

1. There is nothing like the vigorous use of 'F**k it' to crack the saddies.

Irritated with a co-worker? F**k it.
Frustrated with stubborn stains, broken lightbulbs, and look-at-me cellulite? F**k it.
Bored to tears with your job? F**k it.
Scared about your next round of chemo? F**k it.

Saying F**k it brings a huge avalanche of relief and instantly makes you feel better. Like the naughty kid who just burned his homework. Yeah - F**k it.

The essence of the F**k it principle: Just because you're given a sh*t sandwich doesn't mean you have to pretend it's chocolate. But you DO get to choose how you feel and think about it. You're in charge. It's your life. It can be uber cool even in the face of a mountain of doggy doo doo.

And that's how you start get alignment with what you really want. Remembering how utterly awesome and fabulous YOU are as a deliberate creator, eternal being, and Awesomeness High Priest/ess extraordinaire.

More on this juicy concept here.

2. George Michaels sang it first: "You gotta have Faith..."

Faith is the utter expression of inner peace - of knowing truly that all is well, all will be well, and nothing can ruffle your petticoats (see F**k it tip above).

You only ever have two choices in any moment, no matter how dire, how unsavoury, how ridonculously annoying: you can choose either FAITH or FEAR.

Same amount of energy required for each choice. One feels good. The other one makes you barf.

I pick feel-good. You?

3. When Fear works for you.

Abraham recently commented that they don't advise 'feel the fear and do it anyway' approach to problems. That's like saying, "I have a pick-axe in my backside but I think I will try and dance the tango anyway."

Feelings are not meant to be ignored, bulldozed, or dragged around with you.

Feelings are your guidance system. They tell you when you are thinking thoughts and focusing in a way that supports your goals and dreams (i.e. you feel good, happy, easy, free, excited).

They also tell you when you are off-track, thinking and focusing in a way that is like said pick-axe - dragging you down and utterly unproductive. That is what FEAR is - pick-axe in your underpants.

So look the Fear in the eye and say, 'Thank you for pointing out what I don't want. What do you want instead, my friend? '

Then focus on that. Put your thoughts on that. Invest your energy in that.

It should feel like removing a splinter - sweet relief. And THAT is moving towards home sweet home.

Happy 'F' word play-time!

Zoe

p.s. Want some more juicy tips? I'm holding a very rare free community call this week on Wednesday August 10, "Get Wealthy, Healthy, and Hot!". Grab your spot now.

How To Upgrade Anything

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 07:26:00 +0000

We had our new bedroom shutters installed this week, along with our new handmade wooden bedhead. The room is re-painted and looks a million bucks. It's a serious upgrade from the dark, awkward room I suffered in for years.

This particular manifestation is of special interest because of what I did and did not do, and just how effortless the whole things was ... once I let my vibe line up.

And that's the crux of the story: the vibe. For most of the nine previous years I've grumbled about my bedroom - the cupboard doors that I couldn't get into properly, the dingy blue colour, the stupid ugly side lamp, the saggy bed, the awful green drapes...I don't think there was one thing I liked or enjoyed about my bedroom.

And then there were the endless conversations with Rob about, "when are we going to get new sidelamps? Can we paint the room a different colour?" and occasionally, " gosh darn it I hate these blasted cupboards!" (slam, crash, pout).

No surprise nothing changed for nine years. Yup. Nine!

Sheesh.

Finally I worked out that nothing was going to change until I changed how I thought and felt about the situation. What we resist, persists: case in point.

So this year I set the intention of upgrading my bedroom - even wrote it on my Manifestation Map for this year.

Then I went about appreciating the bedroom - as it is. No call for change, no call for something different. Just silent messages of love and appreciation for the comfort the room has given me over the years, for the love shared there with my wonderful husband, the good nights' sleep, the wonderful wooden floorboards, the great view.

Appreciation without expectation. Ease and grace about it all. Relief finally from the angst vibe.

I swear to Buddha not one week after I started this daily shift in focus, Rob comes home and says, "Let's knock out the cupboard." And followed that quickly with plans to paint, ordered a new headboard, shutters, and a carpet form India. Not one word of suggestion from me - he just jumped in.

And I did not lift one tiny finger to help with any of the construction, painting, and other bits. Nothing! Brand new upgraded bedroom that I LOVE and I did diddly squat.

Now that's pretty cool manifesting!

Detach. Appreciate. Relief. Allow.

I am going to see how I go with doing the dishes ;)

Love and miracles,

Zoe

P.S. If you want to check out the free call "Get Wealthy, Healthy, Hot" I am doing for the Inner Compass community on 10 August, go here now.

Put Your A** On The Line

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:15:00 +0000

As I sat nervously waiting for my first radio interview about the fun run, Branson's tip about putting your a** on the line bubbled up. He meant that if you care that deeply about something, let go of your small ego fears of being judged or rejected, and step up and get your message out.

I always tell my clients if they face a difficult public speaking engagement to remember just that - it's not about you, it's about your message.

And my message for the fun run was: there is life after cancer, as my own story attests, that a small group of concerned citizens can make things happen and make a difference, that you don't fight cancer but surrender instead to the journey to wellness, that Australian researchers need our financial support to find better treatments and preventative measures to translate cancer into 'no big deal' status.

This was not about how I sounded on radio. This was much more important than that.

And here's the thing: we've all got a story to tell, a message to give, a project to deliver, a mission to achieve that makes a difference.

And that's worth putting our a**, and ego, on the line.

To your butt, hanging out on the line,

Zoe

3 Insights for Goals and Desires

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 03:23:00 +0000

I pulled the card "Turning In" from my Zen Osho tarot card pack today. It means that when you stop desiring, when you stop thinking and simply observe the mind, then you achieve a certain type of freedom.

But how do you blend the compulsive, lush, richness of the desires of a glorious physically-based life? Should we all just shave our heads and meditate?

Surely there is more to life than stillness and reflection? Like chocolate chip cookies for instance. The enticing crunch of nutty bits combined with the tantalising soft sweetness of the chocolate lumps...

So where do goals, desires, and reflection collide and coexist? And will this help me lose weight?

This is what Osho has to say:

"All journeys are outward journeys, there is no inward journey. How can you journey inwards? You are already there, there is no point in going. When going stops, journeying disappears."

"When going stops, journeying disappears."

This is either utter brilliance, or complete twaddle. Not helpful, Osho, my man!

So here's my little crack at the dichotomy between desires and desireless-ness, and whether we want either.

Insight 1: Desires (and their more project oriented cousins, goals) keep us lusting for life, for more, for growth, for adventure, for expansion. Desires = good, juicy living. Yeeha! Keep on filling Santa's list with those sweet little wishes.

Insight 2: Unfulfilled desires, when yearned for, really suck. Unfulfilled desires = longing, frustration, despair. Attachment to desires creates longing that can be awful and heinous. This happens when we have a subtle shift from thinking, "It would be so fantabulous to own a little seaside mansion to romp around in" to, "If I don't get that seaside mansion my life is a train wreck."

Hmm... perhaps that is a little extreme. Let's try something different. How about,

"It would be fantabulous to double my income." That somehow morphs into something like, "If I don't double my income I am a failure."

It's the stories and meanings we attach to our desires with the little nasty hooks of, "if...then", and "when...then" that upset the apple cart on desires. It turns them from tingly fantasies into screeching monkeys nipping our backsides.

Desires in their most potent form are really just appreciation in advance. No attachment, no expectation, no longing. Just eagerness.

Insight 3: There is a role however for 'desirelessness', or the 'turning in' bit that my Osho card prompts. I think of this as centering, releasing, or just simply being. It's about changing the frequency of thoughts so they are more fluid, less provocative, more calm.

When you're in this state you can be more open to whatever IS. And when you're there you experience peace and freedom. You realise you do not need anything more than this moment. This moment is enough. It is utterly and completely satiating.

And it is only then, in that moment when you are feeling utterly complete, that you are truly ready to allow desires to float in, knowing that they are appreciation in advance, that you don't need them, that they are there to enhance the is-ness of the moment.

So what do you think? Goals - are they good or bad? What are the pitfalls and the benefits? Are there any other aspects that are worth mentioning? Please feel free to chime in on the comments page.

Zoe
p.s. Speaking of goals, if you have a RUNNING goal, please join us this weekend in Canberra at Stromlo Park for the rescued Canada Day Cancer Council Fun Run. Details and registration here.

Top 3 Tips for Effective Influence as a Conscious Leader

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 07:47:00 +0000

How do you influence? Do you have a persuasive argument and a gift of the gab? A scintillating personality? Deep pockets? A resourceful and responsive network?

All those work. But not as well as influencing from a deliberate, conscientious, thoughtful, and loving way.

This week as I toured through the Murray Darling Basin on a leadership program I had organised, I met many leaders in various positions of authority. Some good. Others better. This is what stood out for me.

Effective Tip #1 for Influencing as a Conscious Leader: Know thyself.
To know when your hair stands up, when your heart is squeezed, when the boredom blanket is pulled over your eyelids, when your smile dial get turned up high, when the issue taunts you like a bone to a hungry dog - this is to know what pushes your buttons, and what soothes the soul.

Knowing your trigger spots can help you rise above reacting, and allow you to respond instead. Otherwise people see the whirling dervish of your escalating emotions - not your message cocooned inside.

Effective Tip #2 for Influencing as a Conscious Leader: Be hardline on content, softline on process.
Gandhi had a softly, softly approach - one of non-violent social change. He was deft in negotiations and influence. But he was a stubborn - unrelenting in his quest for an independent and united India, and religious tolerance and peace.

Likewise with Mother Theresa - the epitome of gentleness, she commanded the respect and ear of the world. She never waivered from her quest of equitable care for the disadvantaged.

And so too the Dalai Lama - he is consistently soft in his approach in negotiations and message - peaceful, loving forgiveness, compassion - these are his ever-present catch-crys and guidelines. And they are also solid and unmoveable.

Soft on bringing people along, soft on convincing others - never coercing - and yet always hardline on values and vision - never breaking or compromising what really counts. That is the hallmark of a truly effective, and conscious, global leader.

Effective Tip #3 for Influencing as a Conscious Leader: Lead with love.
There is nothing more influential than being in the presence of someone who has deep-seated passion and love for their purpose, place, or people. This can galvanise hearts worldwide. It is the language that calls us all back home - back to who we really are - creatures of love and light.

What are your tips for being more influential? Please share by leaving a comment.

Thanks!

Zoe

The Dalai Lama and Chickens: Insights

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 05:29:00 +0000

What does the Dalai lama say when he's got just half an hour? He speaks from the heart. Here is what he said (and I hung on every word):

1. Money is important but it is not the absolute source of happiness. Love, compassion, and forgiveness give you the emotional strength and freedom to be happy. My thoughts: abundance of money is the offspring of happiness, not the cause of it.

2. There are two forms of compassion: biological and trained. Biological compassion comes as a result of attachment to others, like your parents and children, and in response to others' behaviour and attitude. In other words, conditional compassion. Trained compassion is where the compassion is directed towards the person themselves, irrespective of their behaviour or situation, in genuine concern for their well-being. It is a learned and developed capacity. It is basically unconditional compassion.

It is trained compassion, unconditional compassion, which is the more powerful and important version of compassion. And it can be developed through awareness and practise. Test your level right now: can you forgive and accept someone as a human being, regardless if they've murdered, or tortured or maimed someone else? If you said 'no', then you've got to develop a little bit more of your compassion muscle.

The Dalai Lama says differentiating the human being from their behaviour is key. This is how he can love and accept and feel compassion for his Chinese 'brothers and sisters' while at the same time condemning the behaviour of murder and torture. The two are separate. And seeing the human being apart from the action, gives the opportunity to forgive and promote healing - and therefore change. My thoughts: nothing really hurts when you see it through eyes of love.

3. When asked, "is the world getting better or worse?" the Dalai Lama said, "Better, definitely better. There are huge positive changes that have occurred around the world due to non-violent focus and change and that is a good thing. Science and spirituality are coming closer together and that is a good thing. There is increased caring in the world and that is a good thing. Human rights and the right of self-determination are now being discussed openly on a global scale, and that is a very good thing indeed."

4. When asked, "what kind of leadership does the world need right now?" he answered, "contemporary leadership needs more compassion, more love, more forgiveness. And biologically, women have more of a natural capacity for these things, therefore the world needs to encourage more women leaders, to bring more compassion on to the world stage."

5. The chicken story. When asked, "why is there such cruelty to animals and how can I become more forgiving and compassionate towards those who torture animals?" The Lama said, "when I was in India, they had chickens stuffed into cages and right beside the vegetables. They treated the chickens like they were vegetables, with no regard to their experience, no compassion for what it would be like to be the chicken. So educating others about the welfare and experience of animals is a very good thing - this brings compassion. I think also that being a vegetarian is a very good thing also."

Compassion and care for animals is certainly in the news lately, and I welcome all discussion on it here.

As a vegetarian and enthusiastic chicken owner, I also support the care and consideration of all sentient beings.

What do you think? What does the world need more of?

Zoe

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3 Great Leadership and Self-Development Books for June

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 02:18:00 +0000

If you want great results, you need great behaviours/habits, beliefs, values, focus. So how do you cultivate a winning and positive attitude? Sometimes it's born from your environment (if you are very lucky): your parents taught you all about how to identify your soul purpose, were encouraging in every way, taught you how to live in line with your values, and gave you excellent experiences.

Even if you did have this idyllic upbringing, learning and growing is a natural state of being. One of the ways I love to evolve is by exposure to other great leaders, and through great writers.

Here are three awesome books that will definitely expand your thinking.

1. "Losing My Virginity" by Richard Branson
What an awesome story! Some of the things I discovered were: Branson has a fear of public speaking (amazing but true), he had many failures including his first venture the journal Student, he made every business decision based primary and mostly on the metric 'is it fun?' Reading about the evolution of the Virgin brand is the evolution and expansion of a human being's capacity to dream, dare, and bring people along with you. Rating: awesome.

2. "The Spark, the Flame, and the Torch - Inspire Self. Inspire Others. Inspire the World" by Lance Secretan
This is one of the most accessible leadership books I've ever read. Plus, it has the easiest and most powerful methodologies for determining your 'life purpose' that I've ever encountered: start with what you consider the 'terrathreats' - the one or two things that are at the root cause of humanity's concerns. Summarise in one word if possible. Next, identity its exact opposite - this becomes your 'terrafix'. Play with the terrafix as a statement, and you have your life purpose and destiny. Cool, huh? Secretan follows with more practical and easy to sift focus on your calling and character, values to lead by, and how to lead and inspire others. An excellent read for all people - leaders in the home, community, life, and business.

3. "The Answer" by John Assaraf
This is the best read I have found that explains beautifully the quantum physics principles behind the law of attraction and how these blend in a practical way with business development. Assaraf's 'neuroconditioning' process is also easy-to-understand and easy to implement - and it works! The basics: get into a feel-good state, imagine and visualise in vivid details what you want to create/be/experience, repeat several times per day with affirmation statements and other subconscious reminders. Since I started implementing his strategy, I have had a significant change in revenue and an influx of new, amazing opportunities. It works and I am definitely a fan.

Got some other good reads to recommend? Please let us know in the 'comments'

Zoe
p.s. We explore and study all aspect of deliberate creation and leadership each week in the Co-Creators of Awesomeness - join us for a 3 week-trial for just $1. www.cocreatorsofawesomeness.com

Live export ban: a failure of leadership

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 03:01:00 +0000

Like many, I was sickened by the ABC's Four Corners report on cruelty to animals footage in Indonesian abattoirs. [warning: video footage is very distressing].

From a leadership point of view, the decision is obvious: stop the cruelty now. It's the humane thing to do.

If only leadership decisions were that black and white. Unfortunately not. And that's where the reactionary blanket ban by Minister Joe Ludwig and the Australian Government is an example of leadership failure.

Let's consider the relevant points:

Animal cruelty at some Indonesian abattoirs is unacceptable and unnecessary. Agreed.
Everything ought to be done to eradicate this treatment. Agreed.
There are cultural differences in slaughter. Traditional halal slaughter requires slitting of the throat of a live animal. It is believed that a cut with a sharp knife is the most painless process of slaughter. The translation of this theory into mass-production practice has been warped into torturous processes. Agreed.
Some halal practitioners don't believe in stunning animals first because it is not seen as halal. (Animals need to be lain down and faced towards Mecca). Getting Indonesian processes to change their practises will be difficult from a cultural and financial point of view. Agreed.
Livestock Australian businesses knew about the conditions in Indonesia and did nothing. Not quite - Meat and Livestock Australia and Livecorp have been working on changing cultural beliefs, conditions, and practises in Indonesia.
Stopping all trade to Indonesia is the right thing to do to force movement on this issue. Maybe. Maybe not.

Let's consider the consequences of this decision:

A ban of the trade now strands thousands of cattle which if they gain 1kg, will no longer be accepted in Indonesia for slaughter. Where do these cattle now go? This is what many businesses are trying to sort out. They may end up being shipped south east in Australia to other abattoirs.
If these animals are shipped south then the market will be flooded, and prices will crash - affecting many southern Australian businesses.
There are no Aussie abattoirs for export in the top end within 2500kms - it would bankrupt many northern end businesses.
And with the sudden drop in supply in Indonesia, people who live on $2 per day will now have to contend with the potential of soaring prices.

It's called the domino effect.

And it may not even have any effect on the methodology of slaughter in Indonesia.

Questions for consideration

Should animal welfare take precedence over economic sustainability of businesses and communities? I've been to northern Australia and seen first hand the remote communities that rely on this trade. The blanket ban will crush their business, and cause long-term ripple effects in already susceptible and fragile communities.

Does it really have to come down to animals versus people?

So where does the moral responsibility lie?

With the Indonesian slaughterhouse workers? Yes. The torture and mistreatment is not acceptable - in any culture.

But what about the slaughterhouse providers who believe they are doing the right thing according to God's law? How do you say to them, "Australian values are more important than Indonesian ones"?

Changing values - even what appears to be such an obvious black-and-white issue of torture - is not easy. It takes education, persistence, and commitment. And a deep-seated belief that YOUR values are indeed better than someone else's - values and beliefs that have evolved over thousands of years, upheld by millions.

And what of the Australian businesses and organisations who have either been turning a blind eye or using a 'good enough' approach? They have to settle with their own consciences with this one. Some businesses have already pulled their cattle from various abattoirs. Still others ship only to abattoirs in Indonesia where the conditions and methodologies are to international humane standards, set up Australians and managed by ex-pats.

The blanket ban has prevented even the businesses that are doing the right thing from shipping their animals overseas.

The decision looks good - it appears to be taking the high moral ground. But it's punishing those who are doing the right thing as well those who aren't.

So why else does a vegetarian who has been meat-free for 26 years come to disagree with the blanket cattle ban?

I've been to a feedlot this year (where cattle are sent pre-slaughter to fatten up). I was nervous beforehand - worried about seeing distressed and tortured animals. What I saw was the complete opposite. The cattle were the happiest animals I have ever seen. Content, well-treated, peaceful even.

The feedlot staff love the animals and look after them. There is not the callous, disassociated attitude I expected.

Plus distressed cattle release adrenalin in to the flesh which apparently makes the meat tough and yucky to eat. More incentive for the process to be humane.

And then they take them for slaughter and eat the meat.

This part I still find weird. That's the vegetarian part of me that just can't take the leap to eating dead flesh. I do eat fish however, so I too, am no moral saint.

The real issue however is the ban does not solve the problem. Indonesian abattoirs will continue to slaughter the animals the way they have been doing. Maybe with some financial pressure change might come. But this is basically a clash of cultural values. A moral impasse. There is deeper work to do than just economic blackmail.

Here is the leadership failure:
The government's knee-jerk reaction - the blanket ban - without full and due consideration of all knock-on effects of the decision and without supporting businesses who are managing the trade in a humane way. Those businesses are being affected too and not being supported for their ethical decisions.

So what should we do?

As a deliberate creation practitioner, when faced with massive contrast (contrast: something I loathe and find deeply distressing) I know that the only solution is to focus on what I DO want (not on what I don't).

I want the humane treatment of all animals -whether to be harvested for food, or as pets, or as service animals.
I want all businesses involved in animal flesh production to treat their animals with care, respect, and dignity - in all parts of the rearing and harvesting.
I want all businesses to maintain their own moral compass and make decisions based on that, rather than on metrics.
I want my government to show proactive big-thinking leadership - to accept and manage complexity of international values system, alongside animal welfare and economics.

We all want a better, more peaceful world. It starts with acknowledging the wrong thing when we see it, and move immediately to what we want instead.

This is not about a witch hunt; this is about leadership in shades of grey where our moral code is challenged. It's not easy. But we can do better.

#1 Leadership Priority: Vibrational Hygiene

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:23:00 +0000

There's one key thing you need to look after first, each day.

Your team?

No.

Your task list?

No.

Your family?

No.

Your emails?

Definitely not.

Your #1 priority is YOU.

More specifically, your focus, and hence your feelings.

Yes, friends, your personal feelings are your #1 priority each and every day.

Your feelings are your vibrational signature and this is what determines ALL of your results - from relationships with colleagues, team, clients, friends family to sales and winning business.

You know this to be true, right? Think of your worst bad mood - how much did you accomplish that day? I reckon not much. Or if you did get results, I'll bet it was bloody hard work.

There is an easier way.

So what options do we have for managing our feelings each morning? Along with brushing your teeth, try a little vibrational hygiene.

Here's my routine:

Before I leap out of bed and head to the gym, I give my life a big dose of appreciation. I bask and revel in all the fabulous goodies I've got going on. Plus cuddle the hubby.
Next, after my cup of tea, I indulge in a bit of Abraham-Hicks meditation which whisks me into deep, relaxed lala land.
Then I visualise what I'm creating next and go all goose-pumpy with excitement.
And lastly I read through my affirmations for a rev up.

Then to the kitchen for my pre-workout egg white omelette and oats. Yum-scrum!

If you've got a vibrational hygiene routine that works for you, please share! I love getting new tips.

Raw and Naked: Leadership in the Real World

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 09:14:00 +0000

I've had two outstanding weeks with wonderful leaders - of organisations, industries, companies. I was facilitating a leadership program for seasoned leaders - focused on deep self-awareness, new and expansive ways of thinking, and profound shifts required in leadership for our world.

Our world - volatile, inter-connected, dizzying rates of change in all areas, and much in need of values-driven leadership.

We looked at futurist thinking - spotting global trends and forecasting their effects on our own patch of grass. We tried out creative thinking processes - for fresh ideas on old issues. We pondered the evolution of the leadership maturity framework and how we can evolve our thinking and being in the world for deep social impact.

And beyond the profound intellectual insights, these truths resonated:

Leadership is a profoundly personal path. It's arduous, turbulent, unknown, and risky.

One thing is assured: when you don the mantel of leader, you are profoundly changed forever.

To influence as a leader you need to scrub yourself clean - of old thought patterns and beliefs that limit your confidence, shackle your confidence. This is a scary process - you must burn away the old comfortable skin - and be willing to stand naked, in the raw truth of who you really are. And there, in your bare glory, be ok with all that you find - vulnerabilities, desires, foibles, failings. Strengths, courage, and passion too.

It is only when we show deep compassion and acceptance for ourselves that we can create that space for others. In our shimmering honesty, we invite the truth from others. We build a space of openness, of courage, of integrity.

That's the kind of world I want to live in. A world where we value the strength it takes to show vulnerability, we honour the courage it takes to admit being wrong, and the courage to risk making mistakes.

I don't want the world we often find ourselves in: the one where titles masquerade as leadership, where bravado falsely implies courage, where values are waved as flags instead of embraced as the architecture of our soul.

I want to live in this - the real world - of truth, compassion, and integrity where leaders stand raw, naked, profoundly honest and utterly inspiring.

Do you know a leader like that? I'd love to hear about them. Maybe it's you! Please share yourself with the world!

How to Influence the World

noreply@blogger.com (Zoe Routh) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 23:26:00 +0000

This was in my inbox today and I thought it was worth sharing:

In his book 'Power vs Force', the author David Hawkins calibrates
people's emotions from levels 20 up to 1000. 20 being Shame which
is perilously proximate to death. It's destructive to emotional and
psychological health, and makes us prone to physical illness.

At the other end of the scale at 700- 1000 is enlightenment. This
is the level of the Great Ones such as Krishna, Buddha and Jesus.
It is the peak of the evolutionary consciousness in the human realm.

All levels (which could be classed as vibration levels) below 200
are said to be energy draining, and below integrity. These vary
from Guilt (30), Grief (75), Fear (100) up to Pride (175).

People feel positive as they reach Pride level. However Pride feels
good only in contrast to the lower levels. Pride is defensive and
vulnerable because it's dependent upon external conditions, without
which is can suddenly revert to a lower level.

At the 200 level, power first appears. Courage (200) is the zone of
exploration, accomplishment, fortitude, and determination. People
at this level put back into the world as much energy as they take;
at the lower levels, populations as well as individuals drain
energy from society without reciprocating.

Further levels include willingness (310), Acceptance (350) and Love
(500).

This level is characterized by the development of a Love that is
unconditional, unchanging, and permanent. It doesn't fluctuate and
its source isn't dependent on external factors. Loving is a state
of being. This is the level of true happiness.

Interesting facts from the book -

* The concept and theories behind these experiments were
conducted over a 20 year period using a variety of Kinesiology
tests and examinations.
* Kinesiology has an almost certain 100% accuracy reading every
time. It will always reveal Yes, No, True, and False answers.
* Collective Consciousness: These experiments reveal that there
is a higher power that connects everything and everyone.
* Everything calibrates at certain levels from weak to high
including books, food, water, clothes, people, animals, buildings,
cars, movies, sports, music etc.
* 85% of the human race calibrates below the critical level of
200.
* The overall average level of human consciousness stands at 207.
* Human consciousness was dangling at below the 200 level (190)
for many centuries before it suddenly rose up to its present level
some time in the mid 1980s. Hence Nostradamus's end of the world
predictions may have been avoided (he made his predictions at a
time when human consciousness was at below the 200 level). For the
world to stay at levels below 200 over a prolonged period of time
would cause a great imbalance that would undoubtedly lead to the
destruction of all humanity.
* The power of the few individuals at the top counterbalances
the weakness of the masses.
* 1 individual at level 300 counterbalances 90,000 individuals
below level 200
* 1 individual at level 500 counterbalances 750,000 individuals
below level 200
* 1 individual at level 700 counterbalances 70 million
individuals below level 200

In other words, according to David Hawkins, as a co creator of the
world if you vibrate at 200 and above you will be helping to raise
the consciousness of mankind by influencing the field that connects
everything. Not only will you be improving your life, you could
also help create a better world for everyone.

Isn't that worth looking into?

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I'll talk to you soon.

Iain

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