As with any thing else when it comes to competence, our own self views will rarely align the same with others opinion of us. This primarily because we generally think that we’re actually more creative, or smarter than we actually are.

It rarely amounts to anything once we need to rely on the thoughts of others. For instance, those who are “critics” will constantly disagree regarding the aesthetics of, for instance, a certain movie, or a painting, and if they ever do agree, they’ll rarely digress towards conventional mainstream thinking.

When it comes to education, traditionally, students are usually rewarded or praised by they doing or performing what’s expected from them and excelling, provided it’s within the framework. The executive schools, however, the outstanding institutions will instead reward their students for displaying unconventional methods of thinking.

When it comes to the business world, there are a select few organizations who will tolerate brilliance, experimentation, or intuitive decision making from their staff, this as it may interfere with their mission statement or profit line.

Although most companies will claim that they are innovate, the majority of the employees are paid to be predictable and just do their assigned work, do whatever their managers tell them to do, which minimizes risk.

One paradox which underlies the fate of the majority of businesses is that innovation generally leads to growth, but growth usually hinders any type of innovation.

Are You An Innovator And Think Out Of The Box
So how do you realize if you yourself are innovative. While we all have the ability and the potential to be creative, some are much more likely to go beyond the barrier and be more innovative than others.

This depends on one’s attitude, their personality, and the values which the corporate, or educational bodies considers the norm. So research has been applied to this area when it comes to the correlation of individual differences when it comes to innovation.

There are a few distinct signs which indicates the potential of one being innovative. Realize if they apply to you.

How Innovative Are You
• The Ability To Multi-Task – It’s generally regarded that the human brain is actually not able to multi-task. Recent tests however has shown that those who are extremely creative, tends to show higher levels of increased memory retention when it comes to short-term activities.

This includes exercises such as being able to remember an 8 digit number, or remembering a specific address for a few moments. It comes down to how many pieces of information that your brain is able to handle at one time.

This increased memory capacity and retention generally correlates with higher IQ, so the more data that you’re able to store and recall short term, the smarter and more innovative you are.

• You Get Lost In Whatever You’re Doing – You lose complete control of time and space with a sober mind. This is what the experts refer to as “flow,” which is associated with creativity. So if you’re capable of focusing and concentrating at extremely high levels, then you should be experiencing intrusive thoughts.

What’s important is that you need to find tasks or projects which are meaningful and of interest to you, as it’s thought that highly creative people will always find a way to follow their passions, whether during their leisure time or at work.

• Are You A Morning Person Or A Night Owl – Research has shown that those when in their adolescence years, who prefers to work or stay up late at night are associated with increased levels of sensation seeking, and having more of an interest in extremely complex or unusual ideas.

Once they develop into adults, they’ll usually begin displaying flashes of brilliance and creativity. So if you enjoy working or staying up late into the night, then you most likely have higher creative potential.

• Are You An Original Thinker – It’s found that there’s a direct link, a correlation between individuals being unable to suppress irrelevant or odd ideas, and having creative potential.

This makes sense since someone being creative requires original abstract ideas out of the box. What needs to be discerned, however, is which one of these unusual thoughts have any potential to be relevant, or of interest to others.

That’s when these thoughts can become innovative. So treasure and keep notes on all of your unusual ideas since some of them may eventually develop into creative insights.

On the other hand, if your mind is stagnant and rarely has these funky abstract or weirdly unusual ideas filtering through your head, then you may be lacking the raw skills and the material makeup which contributes to innovative thinking.

• You Don’t Like To Be Normal – It’s found that those who are constantly and passionately opposed to authority, while continuously questioning the status-quo are generally predisposed to innovation.

The reason being that they have a bigger incentive of doing things differently. But if you’re easily satisfied with how things are, while never bother doing things differently, or raising questions, then you’re most likely not innovative.

What conformity inhibits is creativity, while nonconformity will always promote it. If you need to moderate yourself from going against the grain, by doing things differently, then it can become counterproductive, which isn’t considered innovative at all.

Paying with a piece of plastic hasn’t been more convenient, this as proven by the retailing and gaming industry, while the only payment option that’s offered online remains virtual.

When it comes to the gaming industry, a small round piece of ceramic chip represents cash, and can easily be worth $100 or more. Losing this chip playing a game of chance doesn’t take the dent out of the psyche of the player, as would a real actual $100 bill.

This chip almost seems like play money, so it can and is usually lost with a spin of a wheel, and it doesn’t hurt near as much once it’s gone.

Large enterprise retailers know that consumers will always spend more when purchasing anything with plastic, this since it’s easier to use a credit card than handling over actual hard earned dollar bills.

Different Forms Of Virtual Cash
There are various forms of virtual money, where spending and buying can now be as easy as a click of a mouse on an eCommerce site. Whether it be PayPal, tokens, smart cards, gift cards, or a debit/credit card, they all serve the same function psychologically.

What they do is disguise actual real hard earned currency and the true value which they represent. The colorful casino chips are often and easily gambled without any hesitation or thought.

Virtual Spending On The Rise
Virtual spending is projected to get more sophisticated as casinos are expected to convert to complete cashless systems, such as every one of their players using smart cards. Their argument is that by doing so, it’s more convenience for their customers, rather than admitting that they’ll mindlessly spend more.

Technically, what these smart cards will do is help in speeding up the process, as “punters” won’t need to waste time inserting coins or chips in to a machine.

All the winnings are also stored directly on the smart cards, credited directly on the individuals account. While this may be efficient, but what arises is the actual protection of the chronic gambler.

For instance, smart cards are able to track the players movement such as their pattern of gambling, frequency, and the average bet, etc. These smart cards are capable of tracking their exact movements once they set foot in their establishment.

Tracking Consumer Behavior
Tracking customer behavior is the lifeblood for every business in this sector. Smart cards are able to collect and track data which are used to compile exact specific detailed customer profiles.

This data is able to reveal commercial enterprises the exact habits on how each and every customer is spending their money, this based on their specific financial transactions.

In gaming houses, this data is then crunched and then analyzed into a number of different demographic variables, such as gender, age group, occupation, income bracket, race, etc.

Obtaining Specific Consumer Information
For the other commercial sectors such as department and grocery stores, it’s argued that collecting such information helps in enhancing the customers experience, as well as the future retention of them.

The majority of consumers are also unaware and unknowingly passing along this vital information regarding their patterns, which raises a “red flag” for some regarding the erosion of privacy.

Every purchase can potentially be profiled according to how they choose to transact with the various service providers that they use. They’re able to track accounts directly from when they initially opened their accounts, and then every transaction thereafter.

The Tracking Of Information
The technology of sifting through and then assessing vast amounts of consumer data has existed for some time, and yes, if you use any type of credit, there is a book on you.

Using extremely sophisticated software tracking programs, retailers are able to tailor the information exactly however they want, this based on their customer’s interests.

So what this comes down to is the fine black and white line of what the customer needs, and the actual exploitation of their rights. They’ll then tailor the merchandising of their products to suit what their customers like the most.

These practices are now all utilized by direct and brand marketers by they offering loyalty promotions and offers, which are disguised as recognition and consumer awareness programs.

The Internet And It’s Tracking Teeth
When providing any data to sites disguised as loyalty or freebie sites on the Internet, what consumers are supplying is information which usually includes: their name, address, phone number, gender, income, date of birth, etc.

Then the site can track the exact patterns of you the consumer, this whenever you’re online, in their retail store, or in their casino. They know exactly what your tenancies are, what you like, and how much you’re likely to spend.

They will then be able to send you the consumer their different tailored offers, coupons, vouchers, and rebates, all based on your likes and habits. Different types of rewards and benefits to the consumer includes, entertainment, food, beverage, and cash.

The most unscrupulous of retailers or casino operators may at times entice problem gamblers or chronic shoppers back into their premises, offering them specifically tailored freebies, and they’ll usually bite.

Smart Cards Are Actually Becoming Too Smart
The convenience of smart cards comes with a price, and that is the invasion of privacy to the consumer, advantage retailer.

For the companies who analyzes and tracks this information, breaking down the data, they can technically use this information in a variety of ways, such as identifying these chronic shopaholics or problem gamblers, and then helping them towards recovery.

But as of now, it appears that they’re just exploiting and taking advantage of them instead of attempting to put a stop to their defective habits.

How we all develop our self esteem, regardless of where it’s at, is we’ll usually resort back to our feelings as a child within. Regardless of how much we’re able to achieve in life, the wins, successes and losses, what remains is that empty hollow feeling.

You’re still constantly seeking the approval of others, your spouse or your mom. And if you continue to treat your inner child poorly, this by completely ignoring your feelings or by judging yourself too harshly, you’ll then continue to feel inadequate.

You also view yourself through the same old fashioned distorted view that’s created by your parents, adopting the same way which they view life, usually having the same low self-esteem.

If you have the courage to seek the truth of who you really are, which is an independent person that’s buried in ill confidence, who wants to love and be loved, you’ll then begin treating yourself better than you should.

When you begin to take this positive loving action on your own behalf, and not living in the past, you’ll then begin feeling a higher value of yourself rather than constantly feeling bad.

Raising One’s Self-Esteem
These actions may include:
• Speaking and standing up for yourself, while facing and telling the truth without judgement or blame when in conflicting situations
• Taking better care of your body by eating properly, getting adequate exercise, getting enough sleep, generally becoming more healthier
• Creating a better balance between your work, leisure, creative, and play time
• Treating yourself as well as everyone else with respect and compassion instead of being judgmental
• Realizing that we live in a creative world and not a competitive one
• Listening to and then attending rather than ignoring your feelings and your needs
• Taking notice of your thoughts while practicing inner self-discipline when it comes to your thoughts

Do You Consider Yourself Having High Self-Esteem If:
• You become successful and as a result make a lot of money
• You achieve a higher position in your industry
• You drive around in an expensive car and live in an expensive home
• You think you’ve found the right relationship
• You constantly get approval from the most important people in your life

While these accomplishments are admirable and can result in a sense of worth and feeling good, none of these will usually create a deeper or abiding sense of higher self-esteem.

The reason being that self-esteem has actually nothing to do with your actual achievements, or how you’re viewed by others. What self-esteem results from are two issues, both regarding the inner relationship with yourself:

• How do you see yourself
• How do you treat yourself

A Contrast Of Self-Esteem Issues
Yvonne is an extremely successful businessperson. As a result has become wealthy, lives in a nice condo, has a new car, a spouse who remains by her side because of his own ulterior motives, while she keeps a keen eye on her money.

Yvonne however suffers from low self-esteem. She is constantly wondering and perplexed why she continues to feel so inadequate in spite of her success and having all of the things that money could buy.

Over time, it becomes apparent that regardless of what the truth is, Yvonne continues to see herself as an inadequate child, the mistake by the lake, ever since her father implied that she was.

So her inner dialogue is always self-critical, just as her father had always been with her. She’s developed a habit of constantly judging herself, telling herself that she’s not good enough.

As a result, she’s constantly looking to others for attention, she married the ideal daddy figure husband much older than her, which allows her to seek the approval which she didn’t receive from her dad.

So instead of being a perfectly loving person who should be proud of her achievements, she remains harsh and inattentive towards herself.

Then There’s Something About Mary
Then there’s Mary, the pretty one. She glides through life but also suffers from self-esteem issues. Regardless of how many people will tell her how pretty she is, she still feels insecure and resorts back to feeling inadequate most of the time.

This because on the inside, she’s constantly reminding herself that she’s not that smart, or that she always needs to be in control. She’s constantly telling herself, “How could I even make such a stupid remark!” or “Why did I act so stupid?”

Mirroring her mom’s own self-judgments along with her own, she’s constantly putting herself down thinking that she’s a failure, such as marrying the wrong man just to please her mom.

Until she begins to view herself by what the truth is, instead of being judgmental, she’ll continue to feel insecure.

Instead, she should be paying more attention to her own self development instead of constantly trying to please others. She needs to remove her self destroying judgmental behavior, which should result in higher self esteem.

Stop Competing Start Creating
Why do people feel that they need to compete with each other, attempting to prove they’re better than someone else by continuously stepping over them, or putting them down. This is the lowest form of self-esteem as it reveals their insecurity.

Being creative is thinking out of the box instead of constantly competing with each other for the scraps on the table. So begin creating new ways of helping each other rather than feeling insecure and fighting for that same piece of pie.

Does it take extraordinary circumstances, the stars aligning, magical mystical effort to achieve this peace. It surely must take years of meditation or therapy, or some type of intense mind training.

Some claim that all it takes is just a couple of seconds, less than a minute of applying this technique just a few times a day, whenever needed. It’s understood that you could also begin practicing this immediately after learning the core basics of the process.

All this for the never ending pursuit of happiness, and it’s completely free to do. To some, it may sound too basic, but this is a method which has proven to work.

Don’t Worry Just Be Happy In A Minute
• Begin By Asking Yourself – Ask yourself at this exact moment, right now, if you are happy. Begin by asking “Am I happy.” Ask this to yourself. Be completely honest with your answer, and if the answer is “yes,” then you’re done.

Make sure that you ask yourself if you’re happy as many times as you want during the day, as often as you need to. Always begin by asking yourself this initial question.

• Okay You’re Not So Happy – If the answer happens to be “No,” then you need to ask yourself the following question. “What’s the obstacle, the problem, or the issue that’s in my way from me being happy?”

The reason right here, right now, at this moment, what’s preventing me from being happy?

For instance, you ask yourself the first question, “Am I happy?” and being completely honest with yourself, the answer is “No.

Then ask yourself the second question, “What are the obstacles, reasons that are in my way from me being happy?”

Keep track of what immediately comes to your mind, such as, “I’m extremely frustrated because I’m late for my meeting, and I’m never late when meeting an important client. The reason I’m late is because my kids were slow getting out of the house today, and as a result I’m behind. Now I’m late and anxious, and I’m not happy because I can’t let this go.”

Ask Yourself If You Can Accept This – So we just asked ourselves if we’re happy, and if we’re not, then what are the obstacles that’s blocking this happiness.

The final step is then asking yourself, “Am I able to accept this, can I accept that my kids were slow today, and as a result I was late, making me upset.”

The Core Of The Technique
Ask yourself if you can accept the circumstances of you being unhappy right now. If you can accept that: You’re late for your meeting because of your kids, which made you miserable… then like magic, the unhappiness and the angst will begin to dissipate.

Although you’ll still be late, and yes, your kids were slow today, but you’re no longer unhappy or in a bad mood about it any longer since you resolved the issue. You’re no longer the anxious wreck that you were earlier.

Becoming Happier In An Instance
You may be thinking that this is just too simple, too basic for it to work.

The beauty of this is that it does work, and you can use it as many times a day as you want, whenever you feel yourself getting down or unhappy.

So you’re wondering what if I happen to answer “No” to “Can I accept this reason why I’m not happy.” What if the obstacle, the problem is too severe of an issue, and you just can’t accept it.

If this happens, then you need to modify the technique a bit. If you can’t accept the circumstances for your unhappiness, then ask yourself the following question, “What am I going to do about it?”

• What Am I Going To Do About It – Ask yourself what steps that you’re willing to take to fix the issue. “If I’m not able to accept what’s going on, then I need to make some type of a decision on what I’m going to do to change things.”

In the example, you might decide, “I will just call my client and let them know that I’m going to be late, and will get there as soon as I can.”

You might also decide to implement a get out of the house earlier plan for your kids, and then ask yourself again if you’re happy.

If there is a suitable solution to the obstacle, then you can take these steps to fix it. If there’s nothing that you can do to change the situation or obstacle, or if you’re unwilling to do what it takes, then you’ll need to accept it.

Keep It As Simple As Possible
Most think that this technique is too obvious for it to work, but it’s been proven effective over time. Just try it out yourself to experience how effective it can be. Keep on asking yourself throughout the day if you’re happy.

Once you understand the process, it doesn’t take much to fix the unhappiness and overcoming obstacles. Then you need to be willing to take action or just accept whatever the situation is.

Realizing this on a moment to moment basis throughout the day will bring you a sense of empowerment. So begin by asking yourself if you’re happy.

Most who hear about this wonder if it’s even possible, those who claim that they make money while they’re sleeping.

Their own self generating “hands-free” business, working part-time hours while earning a full time income, completely stress free.

The reason these visions are formulated and are made possible is because of the current state of technology online, which has advanced to the point where with proper execution, anyone can run a smooth online businesses on autopilot.

You can now sell your own product or service, or become an affiliate and sell other products for a commission, while servicing these customers, clients, and queries all hands free, without the need for human interaction.

Making Money While You Sleep
This type of business is ideal for many, allowing the computer and the Internet to do all the work, do all the heavy lifting online while you do whatever you want. Your very own “cash cow” business which pumps money directly into your bank account.

You can finally quit your 9-5 job, or eliminate the costly expenditure, the physical bonds and restraints of an actual “brick and mortar” storefront, where you need to hire employees, and keep office hours.

There are actually a growing number of individuals who have been able to carve out their own automated income generating business online, which can be considered an ideal living, something that wouldn’t of been considered remotely possible a couple of decades ago.

The Most Ideal Business Model
Since this type of online business is a desirable pursuit for many, it’s also created a niche business for the most savviest of marketers, those who capitalizes on teaching others on how to do so.

So how can you actually set up your own income generating business online, put your feet up and watch the cash roll in, one that you’ll never need to personally talk or sell anything to anyone, ever.

Is The Online Model Broken
The further that we continue to engage in all of this automated contact, the more that we begin to crave actual personalized human contact.

All of these daily business interactions and transactions are now all suddenly becoming extremely machine driven and unpersonable, and as a result, we’re now inviting back more real life human interaction.

The Typical Online Business Engagement
Think what happens once you go online these days and then participate in a typical online marketing engagement. You’ll submit your email to get more information, or you’ll receive an email which urges you to sign up and participate in an online event.

You’ll do everything online, fill out the form, confirm your email, and the auto responder does the rest. Every action is machine driven online, you never need to speak to anyone.

This is now a standard common procedure, as we now live in a world of online universities where all the lessons are taught online, where the student never steps a foot into a classroom.

There’s also really no judgment here, as it’s just a simple recognition of the times, which is the path to least resistance.

Is More Human Interaction Needed
There’s really no opportunity or advantage to this. What may be required is more actual human engagement to come back into our lives and our businesses, instead of these automated routines.

How about asking your listening audience what they actually want to hear. What if we began taking the time as well as energy to greet and then welcome people into our various communities.

For that online prerecorded video seminar, how about once someone enrolls, they get a personalized call welcoming and thanking them, confirming details such as the proper time zone conversion, or offering information which would make the call more useful.

This way, they’ll be more than likely to attend that webinar, while paying more attention to whatever that’s being offered or taught.

May Not Be For Everyone
Although not everyone will want a phone call from you, but a large number of individuals will appreciate one, and be open to this type of personal human contact. They’ll be taken by the effort that you’re extending them, feeling a sense of obligation to see what else you have in store for them.

And this is the exact point once you do this, which is to be as human as possible, meaning that everyone else will then need to raise the bar as well.

So if you’re wanting to stand out from the crowd, wanting to turn the tide on all of this automated technology which can be at times mind numbing, you can be that outstanding company which actually offers and delivers true value while showing genuine appreciation for every single person who contacts you.

You can build up and begin adding genuine human interaction internally at first, and as you refine the process, you can then develop your external resources to scale.

This is how you’re able to make yourself distinct, and remain on the top of your customers list, by helping them personally decide what they need, which is you wanting to turn them into raving fans or clients.

The most ideal is it to be an equatable win-win solution, where both parties walk away from the table satisfied. But the reality and problem is that this middle ground, this gap is usually wide spread.

The majority of these businesses or individuals when it comes to their dealings are too competitive and become bullheaded, their ego gets in the way, and they want to knock each other out for the win. What they want to do is clean their opponents clock by having a landslide victory, go for a formidable one-sided knockout deal in their favor.

This even once you go into negotiations with your best intentions in mind, wanting to make a deal, assuming that their counterpart has the same intention, that the other party is also looking for a fair equitable resolve as well.

Negotiating usually ends in a stalemate since either side will budge. The key to settling these situation is by thinking out of the box, this by increasing the size of the pie.

To accomplish this, you need to view the negotiation process as a way of expanding the deal by introducing different issues which both parties want, but may have failed to realize, this prior to before the negotiating process begins.

Bringing In New Issues Of Resolve Difficult Negotiations
Laying Out The Issues On The Table
Once you begin saying things such as “Me, or my company’s position is” or “this is my position,” what you’re doing is attempting to take ownership of that position. This then makes the position as a part of your identity, which then makes it more difficult to abandon or change them.

So rather than attempting to own a position on an issue, project it into a problem which both of you are willing to solve together. For instance, say , “Once we find a solution to this idea which would work for both of us,” then you’re involving everyone.

What you’re doing is turning the negotiation into more of a problem solving session, rather than attempting to hammer something out. Doing so also helps each other on how you should be going forward, this rather than coming to a stalemate.

Introducing Alternative Objectives
Begin creating new alternatives rather than transcending competitive negotiating tactics, this by introducing new independent facts which can define or alter the parameters of the agreement.

Some of these facts may include new trends in the market, specific industry performance, estimates of market value, or new credible third-party research.

Once both parties agree on these new standards, it then becomes easier for everyone involved to be able to evaluate a proposal from a point of common ground.

For instance, if the party that you’re dealing with needs to go back to their manager to convince them that the deal is a good one, then using an independent standard such as a recognized industry publication, should be able to reinforce and justify the price.

Always Be On Their Side
When negotiating in your office or a boardroom, make sure that you always sit on the same side of the table, not metaphorically, but physically do so.

When sitting across from someone, what you’re doing is creating a barrier, a fence, and all that does is it creates a sense of competition.

In any business situation, there’s always a distinct difference between those who are working together, and those who are directly competing against each other.

When there’s no sense of competition, people will usually sit next to each other, and at times there’s even touching and sharing, which usually leads to reaching a higher level of mutual understanding.

So under any negotiating situation, it’s a good idea to position yourself right beside your client, which encourages both of you to work together towards a common goal, making it more likely to become a win-win situation.

Always Be Asking “Why” Instead Of “What.”
Once you understand what the motivation behind the negotiating position is, what that allows for is both parties to be able to come up with alternative solutions to the core issues which is creating the stalemate.

For instance, if someone insists on just getting the lowest possible price, then you need to decide on the reason “why,” as you may discover that the reason is because they’re experiencing a cash flow issue.

Once you discover why, then you can both work together to resolve this by minimizing the effects of purchasing the item, such as financing, even if it’s at a higher price.

Always Have A Secondary Plan
When entering into any negotiation, make sure that you always have an alternate backup plan which you can activate, this if you both fail to initially reach some type of agreement.

For instance, you’re currently negotiating with someone who just isn’t willing to pay what you’re asking for, even if your price is so low that you’ll break even, and not make a profit.

If this is the case, you’ll need to maintain contact with them while continuing to investigate different opportunities and solutions to work together.

Once you have an acceptable alternative to a negotiation agreement, what that does is it frees you from the limiting perspective, which is that you need to close the deal regardless, which releases you to be able to negotiate without fear, or the feeling of losing.

Yet, we’ve all heard that the so called dark-side can actually bring forth new light and hope.

We all have somewhere, perhaps in the recesses of our being, hidden dormant in the back of our minds, our own dark side which we dare to poke.

It’s often suppressed, buried, and controlled into submission. Then consider the possibility that it’s you that controls its current submissive form.

Recently, you, your life, you’ve been busy, active, and more importantly, settled. Yet, you perform best when in times of turmoil which stirs your drive, at times for yourself while more often for others.

It may have been a life full of celebration of activity with those that you haven’t had much time for, or much reflection with. But once you have, your mood and thoughts have been loud, crisp, and clear.

Winter is fading and with it goes the never ending turmoil of eternal. Perhaps that’s the dark-side, your dark passenger that’s leaving you, in turn filtering in new light. Some wonder what that even means.

Welcome To The Dark Side We Have Cookies
The dark side, you see, has been pronounced, exaggerated, and set to doom. There’s no denial that we all have one, regardless of how saint you consider yourself to be.

Think about it, it could be just the simple annoying things which you don’t like about yourself, the fidgeting, the subtle irritating habits you wish to rid of.

This could be a bad behavior of self sabotage, procrastination, or a poor attitude which you’ve been told isn’t that nice. There are a lot of small elements which can make up our dark side.

It’s often suppressed, buried, ignored, not to be recognized or embraced, it’s usually forgotten and not thought about. Rather than knowing that it exists, acknowledging that it’s there, you would just prefer to turn your back to these afflictions.

Going Full Circle
We suppress the negative aspects of it, but here’s the rub. Whatever that you deny, owns you. Whatever that you accept, gives you empowerment, giving you back your strength.

Deny it, and whatever that you resist will become persist. The irony of it is, is that the “whole” consists of both the dark and the light to come full circle.

What we all have is cold and hot, love and hate, reactive and proactive, night and day, good and evil, and every other duality which exists on this planet. What all of these does is serves its own purpose.

Once knowing this, you then have the opportunity to integrate your own yin-yang, your dark and light, and then experience the completeness, the wholeness of who you are or want to be.

So Just Become You
What being your true genuine self is empowerment itself. What needs to be avoided are the easy mind-traps of self consciousness which you create for yourself.

What you’re doing is keeping some of the best potential experiences in your life from ever happening. You might ask yourself, “Well, if it never happened, then how do I know that it would have even been a good experience?”

If that experience doesn’t even occur, then you’re also forever haunted by what may or could have been. You could most likely recall some of these experiences. There’s not a human known that’s not experienced this, at least once in their lives.

What Could Of Been What Could Of Been
This often occurs when our moods are down, in times of despair or confusion, that we experience this type of hesitation a lot more often.

These ups and downs we realize are a part of life, and in perspective it’s true, we can call on who we are by being in the moment, right now, while still experiencing it with wonder and discovery.

So get yourself out of this mood and project yourself into the moment. Just allow the mood to be, and don’t allow to be controlled by it, this by being with it.

Living In The Now Moment
Once this occurs, the opportunity to be able to live the fullest experience in this moment that’s available to you. Make sure that you seize the opportunity and the possibility.

Know the beautiful person that you are who’s standing right in front of you, and then find out more of who you really are. The wholeness and the fullness, the entirety of your complete true being.

It’s that pure blend of doing and being. What you’re doing is being you, at this very moment, with your mood for company, living as still as possible for now, this moment to encounter.

Your feelings just are and you’re accepting them, you also open yourself to new emotional energy which you can move into. Life then becomes a wonder, our bodies become a wonder, and the experiences become rich.

The Passage To Freedom
We’ve all seen or know those people who are completely free, to be able to dance in the rain on a busy sidewalk, to close their eyes and sing their song, their arms spread out while embracing the earth.

So what are the self-conscious traps that are currently holding you back from being, being from who you are or capable of becoming. You need to admire those who do. To be free is being free with yourself. You need to set yourself afloat, it’s entirely your choice.

Although it’s thought that red or white grapes are the base for making wine, there are other sources such as rice (sake), barley, and a variety of other fruits like cherry, elderberry, or grapefruit, etc.

But the most popular remains grapes. The majority of casual drinkers also don’t bother paying much attention to the different varieties or methods used, such as the different vinification methods, vintage, and taste.

For those who consider themselves wine aficionados, it’s big serious and expensive business. The taste, variety, and vintage are required to be of the highest of expectations and quality before any serious collector will even consider sniffing, let alone owning a bottle of vino.

Vinification
Vinification refers to the method which the juice of the grape is fermented into wine. The practices which are followed during the fermentation process is what determines the type of wine you end up purchasing.

One of the most common misunderstandings is the color of the grape juice varies, and is what produces the white, red, or rose wines. The actual truth being that every grape will produce a clear juice.

What creates the actual color of the wine is whether the skin of the grape is left during the fermentation process. So the skin when it comes to red wines has been fermented, the whites haven’t, the roses’ are a combination of both.

Taste
The majority of wines are usually described as off-dry, dry, sweet, or fruity. What this refers to is the actual amount of sugar that’s left after the fermentation process is completed. Dry obviously has the least amount while sweet has higher sugar content.

Beyond this, experts have developed a way of classifying wines by the taste and the aromas that they exude. Although considered by many as somewhat bewildering, these tasting experts are able to discern distinct subtle elements of a wine.

For instance, Cabernet Sauvignon is an extremely popular variety where wine tasters claims it contains combinations of, black currants, mint, chocolate, etc.

Vintage
Vintage refers to the year that the grapes were harvested when the wine was produced. This becomes important since it’s known that grape growers will have exceptionally good harvests during certain years, while other years, not so much.

Also, the best possible grapes are usually singled out for use by a particular wine producers vintage bottles, guaranteed that you’ll get the highest of quality wine from that particular year’s harvest.

It’s known that there are dozens upon dozens of different varieties of red grapes which are found throughout the world. The following are the most popular red varieties, the best which turns grape into wine.

The Outstanding
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir originates from the Burgundy region of France, but is also found in growing locales such as New Zealand and Tasmania. This variety is generally considered as one of the lightest when it comes to the red grape varieties.

The flavors as well as aromas can vary and are usually reminiscent of strawberries and raspberries, while also having an earthy spicy aroma.

Since there’s a variety of flavors as well as tones which can be produced from Pinot Noir, it becomes important to know what the involvement of a particular variety of wine is.

Although Pinot Noir is usually a low yielding variety, it’s also not required to spend a lot of money towards a nice bottle. What you should know however is knowing what to look for such as recognizing the particular region or vineyard.

Shiraz Syrah
Just as Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are essentially the same variety, the same goes for Shiraz and Syrah being the same with the only difference being their origins and styles.

Syrah is known to be much more spicier while being a more elegant and leaner “Old World” type of grape, while its counterpart Shiraz, is known to be more fruitier while having an oaky New World flavor.

Syrah has characteristics which ranges from redcurrants to plum with distinct spicy undertones, while Shiraz is found to be richer and a more intense wine which reminds one of cedar, raspberries, and earth.

Both are known to be quite intense in their own right and at times one needs an acquired taste for the appreciation of these stronger more powerful spicy and fruity wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon
Famous in name, Cabernet Sauvignon is a native to the Bordeaux region of France, and since this area is one of the best established of grape growing regions, as a result is considered the ruler of red wines.

This partly due to their thick red skins and its high acidity levels which as a result has created some of the most expensive, oldest, and the most famous red wines available.

Cabernet Sauvignon has an amazing universal appeal and following, offering a variety of distinct flavors and aromas. These tinctures are known to vary anywhere from leathery, mint, chocolate, to fruity such as a hint of plum and cherry, which contributes toward the “full body” effect which this wine is famous for.

Merlot
The merlot grape is also a well known variety of wine, as it often runs neck to neck with Cabernet Sauvignon. This strain is grown all over the world, which includes countries such as the United States and Australia, but has origins in France.

The flavors can be considered anywhere from being lightweight to medium bodied. The flavor of the Merlot tends to be a full plum scent with a squeeze of tannin.

Merlot is also one of the most drinkable varieties available as it’s become an easy favorite with those who are just beginning to get acquired to the various flavors and textures of red wine.

Zinfandel
Although it’s not as big or popular in most parts of the world, it’s certain that Zinfandel has found it’s true calling in the United States and particularly the Napa Valley region, where it’s had enormous success in offering some amazing excellent wines.

Zinfandel when made into wine varies from being light to full bodied on standards such as sweet dessert wines and ports. Most connoisseurs are beginning to notice that Primitivo from Italy and Zinfandel are extremely similar.

The Appreciation For Red Grapes
There is a large variety of excellent red grapes from around the world which were not even mentioned, such as Grenache, Tempranillo, or Pinot Meunier, which turns into excellent red wine.

The wide range of red grapes which are available that are used to produce excellent wines are extensive in nature. Hopefully this flirt of the most popular should enhance the ability for you to be able to understand and appreciate the glass of red blush which you’re currently sipping.

This equates to the ability of being able to harness the limits of one’s creativity, intelligence, and talents, all this while captivating and remaining in this state of flow under times of stress.

For instance, this flow is needed for those who need to produce or perform on cue, instances such as, writers, actors, singers, or when making a speech, where recall is required. Being able to deliver the “goods” at will, being able to perform at all times.

The key on how to unlock this inner vault is looking at the phenomenon which is known as flow, this separate from any application or specific usage.

What Is The Flow Process
We all experience this flow phenomenon and is more common than you think. It occurs at the instance before we fall asleep, or when we first wake up in the morning, which is also referred to as the “hypnogogic state.”

It occurs when we’re on the freeway or on a long distance drive, we’re driving but lost in complete thought, on autopilot, and then suddenly snap to attention once our exit appears, it’s all flow.

You go for a jog, a bike ride or a walk, go dancing, watch a good movie or show, you suddenly realize how quickly time has dissolved, an hour of actual time feels like minutes.

How Does This Flow Happen
All of these events, these moments in time all share something in common. What they deal with is what appears to be the dissolution of the subject at hand, the object of the relationship.

The writer melts into the words of his novel, the marathon runner blends into the pavement, the singer becomes the music, the lover infuses into the beloved, the actor blends as the character.

Once they stop being aware of who they are, themselves, and then begin to fuse a direct connection between all the disparate parts which is the activity, as if they’re stepping back to get a wider view, they meld together in a place of intimacy.

The Road To Achievement
Getting lost in this way, some consider is the path to genius. The most difficult being able to harness the flow under times of stress, duress, or pressure.

It’s considered the very single and perhaps the greatest key of all the highest of performing humans, the superstars among us, in any arena of life. There’s no such thing as talent, separate from the intense focus which is required to manifest it.

As a result, there are a variety of disciplines which addressees this flow, some considered mystical, such as: Tai-Chi, yoga, meditation, prayer.

There are also tools which are available that are thought capable of familiarizing oneself into this state of mind. Music, Winter Largo by Vivaldi, for instance, which clocks at precisely sixty beats per sixty seconds.

Running long distances is known to activate this flow, as is rhythmic walking, dancing the night away, and even cooking or gardening. There are an abundance of other activities which activates this space. Just look for those moments when you feel time actually begins to vanish.

One of the key core techniques which is used and adopted is a vertical cross section of disciplines, the most prominent being how you control your breathing, which is also the simplest.

This is important since breathing, the intake of oxygen is the only physiological process which is both voluntary as well as autonomic, and the key to the unconscious mind.

Learning to breathe properly, deeply and slowly especially under times of stress, activates the flow response, allowing for access of deeper creativity and wisdom.

This can occur once the day gets hectic, you’re stuck in traffic or late for a meeting, you’re behind on your project which is due before noon, the baby in the next room is crying and needs to be fed.

Proper Breathing The Key To Getting The Flow
• Proper Breathing Techniques – Learn to breathe deeply down into your stomach at all times. To practice this, lay down on your back and place a book directly on your tummy. As you begin to inhale, it should rise, when exhaling, it should fall back. Your chest should be moving as little as possible during this time.

• A Bit Of Arithmetic – Remind yourself 5 times a day, everyday, on every hour which is divisible by 3, such as: 9AM, 12PM, 3PM, 6PM, and 9PM, concentrate on your breathing technique for 60 seconds. Learn and practice while you’re driving, while in meetings or at your desk, when walking down the street or while shopping.

• Know When You’re Under Stress – Recognize those times when you’re under moderate stress, and then automatically practice these proper breathing techniques. For instance, during your exercise class, during an exam, while your public speaking, or caught in the middle of an argument, these and anytime that your experiencing a stress or anxiety situation.

Learn to breathe as calmly and deeply as possible during these times, as what you’re doing is patterning your nervous system’s threat response. This enables you to calm yourself down to enter the flow.

There are other methods on how you can activate and enter the flow, but the simplest modification which you can make that has instant effect is by learning to breathe properly. It’s been proven to work for thousands of individuals worldwide, and it’s guaranteed to work for you as well.

The majority of these videos, however, are usually captured and calculated in design, while some posted are just pure fluke when they get millions of views.

The basic elements of a highly successful video which goes online are done so, by just tapping into a few fundamental principles of human emotion.

When you’re creating your own videos, you can apply these same principles to duplicate any type of communication form, such as your marketing efforts or to boost your brand.

While it remains a “hit and miss” science project that anything will ever go viral, with absolutely no guarantees, but if you investigate, study, and then apply the core basic elements, doing so can significantly increase the chances of engagement and impact.

The production of imagination on video can be an expensive and a time costing proposition, as these marketing pieces take diligent planning, so it would be in your best interest to make it count as much as possible.

There are a few primary elements when it comes to the human emotion which makes them react on cue. These are the basic factors which should be used when making your videos to go potentially wild.

Using Basic Human Emotions To Make Them Viral
• Give Me Just A Bit Of Emotion – We live in a world that’s obsessed with obligations, productivity, and boring metrics. What people long for are opportunities where they can somehow reconnect with their humanity.

What everybody wants is the injection of anger, romance, disgust, nostalgia, joy, ambition, and other feelings which pumps up their blood, reminding them that they’re human, and then motivating them to connect emotionally at a deeper level.

• Make Sure That You Validate Yourself – What you need to have is a significant amount of common ground when it comes to your target audience, this in order to effectively spread what the message of your brand or product is.

People will generally share with others things which validates their own views and opinions, and what represents or reinforces their own beliefs.

For instance, if you take a look at your Facebook news feed, what you’ll see is a lot of this, posts which you’re attracted to or believe in.

Likewise, these same individuals will automatically and instantly dismiss messages which contradicts their views.

For the majority of the time, you can’t typically make people care about something that they don’t care about already, but you may be able to somehow help them alter their existing point of view.

Focus just on the individuals who already has compatible beliefs, and then show them different ways in which your product, brand, or service can be a way of communicating or extending those beliefs.

• The Style In It – The style which your message projects and is presented should be in a distinctive and sensory method, it’s easier for those viewing the video to remember, once it comes to thinking about it, once it comes to related subjects later.

The fashion that something is delivered becomes the key identifying feature and characteristic which helps them recall it later, or recommend it to others. It’s similar to they remembering certain people because of the way that they happen to dress or speak.

• The Element Of Surprise – Our brains enjoy the occasional shock factor as it’s wired to pay close attention and will react to anything that happens to violate their expectations.

So make sure that you make your message stand out and be memorable, this by doing something in a surprisingly unique and different way, whether you use an unusual image or vivid colors, or a bold statement, make sure that it’s an unexpected outcome.

• Be As Relevant As Possible – Recapture your messaging and brand prominence in a way which is directly relevant to your targeted audience. Think about their point of view, their perspective, rather than continuously focusing on the message which your organization wants to portray.

• Show Your Intensity – Since there are so many forces which are continuously vying for everyone’s time, it then becomes increasingly important to somehow grab the viewers attention as soon as possible.

What’s required is for you to keep that attention through brevity as well as density. Whatever your message is, whatever you have to say, cut that in half, and then half it again.

Remove the excess filler words by making each and everyone count, and then leave them thirsting for more. If you think that you’ve said all that you want to say, then your message is most likely still too long, so chop and be concise.

Using These Key Elements To Go Viral
To find different ways of significantly improving your current marketing efforts, you should be considering just one marketing piece at a time, and then see how it stacks up against the other criteria.

Although you can’t expect your video marketing piece to suddenly be shared and go madly viral overnight, you should be able to see that by using these basic elements in your marketing efforts, you could potentially punch up its effectiveness.

You should be able to experience better results than if you don’t bother using them at all. There’s also no need for a humongous budget, since all that you need to know is what potentially works and what doesn’t when it comes to your video going viral.