Are You Ready To Succeed

Chapter 01 - Ideal Life
1. Ideal Life
  1. Feeling Stagnant
  2. No Connection
  3. Life is short
  4. Everyday you are not radiantly alive and brimming with cheer is a day wasted.
  5. this book will help you get started in discovering your purpose with life
  6. There is a non linear relationship between the work you do and the results
  7. Story of enlightenment
    1. If you work at it now, it will take you ten years... if you double your efforts it will take 20
  8. Learn to create serendipitous moments
  9. Be moved by deep inner conviction
2. Is this book right for you?
  1. Do you have the nagging sense that there is a great deal you have to accomplish and that, somehow, you are not living up to even a fraction of your potential
  2. Is this discomfomfor strong and growing?
  3. Are you willing to make the effort to know thyself?
  4. According to the book, these are a couple of key indicators that you are indeed a fin canditate
3. Why Change Matters
  1. Shifts of conciousness can occur with startling rapidity
  2. Areas where Change will need to occur
    1. Individual Change
    2. Organinizational Change
      1. The old command and control hierarchies are unsuited to the present era
      2. Band aids cant cope with a severered artery
    3. Societal Value Change
      1. Better leaders will emerge only when we change what we honor
      2. Spreading ripples from a stone tossed in a pond, with ripples growing stronger instead of attenuating
4. 1st Ripple Individual Change
  1. Be so involved with work that you love so much that time flies
    1. The idea of flow
  2. A penetrating awareness of the course you are creating
  3. A clear knowledge of your place in the scheme of this universe
    1. Vision
  4. The work you do feeds you and brings you great contentment and peace
    1. You are getting what you put out into the Universe
  5. You will face obstacles
    1. They are not designed for frustraction
      1. They are designed to bring out the best in you
      2. They help you to create a sharp edge, the ever exanding edge of the universe
      3. The Universe is in full support of your endeavors
  6. Locked doors will open mysteriously
    1. You don't need to know the how
  7. Your personal life is ultimately more fulfilling
    1. That should be your first focus along the trail
  8. If you are a parent
    1. The child or chldren will bring you great satisfaction
      1. They will chart their own path
      2. you will not be able to see their path
      3. You will be their springboard
  9. Each dan an improvement over the day before
    1. Each one more perfect than the day before
  10. You feel an infinite amount of gratitude
  11. You will recognize the Cosmic principle
    1. The merging of spirit/body/mind
      1. ultimately indescribable
      2. Numinous
  12. This type of life is your birthright
    1. there is nothing that says entitlement, this is open to everyone, young and old alike
  13. Desire
    1. Desperately
    2. Be ok with it not happening
  14. Desire Paradox
    1. The desire issue is a paradox | all paradoxes are resolved with greater understanding
  15. You cannot force
    1. Attempting to force or rush this will double time to achieve and impede progress
    2. Like nature and a vaccuum
      1. as soon as you remove any energy or substance from an area, nature will replace it with another, likely result that you are seeking with half the effort
  16. Your Ideal life does not currently exist
    1. You need to construct it (or become aware of it)
5. 2nd Ripple Organizational Change
  1. How we connect determines our lives
  2. How to differentiate
    1. Network contactct
      1. Cultivated for connections/positions
    2. True contact
      1. Change your intention
      2. Whatever you are trying must bring spiritual & material growth
    3. This book will teach you new ways to connect with others
    4. This begins organizational change
  3. Let go of the idea you are the orchestrator of events
  4. When you have the right mixture of passion and detachment as well as acceptance of what really happens
  5. An army will show up to support you the moment that you need
    1. Reminds me of the idea of an army of angels recently referenced in an interview
  6. James Allen Quote
    1. Golden opportunities will present themselves along your path
      1. This is always happening, you simply need to be able to identify and utilize
  7. Books and other aids you require will come unsought
    1. Books will reflect your current level of understanding and often contains the keys you seek
      1. reminds me of the book with Geronomo Stilton where part of the book was to find the pictures of keys along the way
  8. This book will help you to powerfully connect in ways that are in harmony with your values
  9. Become a light that intersects with other lights creating a unified and brighter spot
6. 3rd Ripple Societal Change
  1. Leadership is a fad
    1. Very few leaders
      1. Many in position of hierchal
      2. Many with Authority
      3. can put you in good or bad place
      4. Neither generally care if you achieve your potential
    2. Many not able to manifest the life force that wins dedicated converts to their vision
  2. True self interestes teaches selflessness
  3. Enlightened leadership is service
  4. Well being of all above the wel being of self alone
  5. Leadership is a state of being not a skill
  6. Many different styles of leadership
    1. no good to study the specific styles
    2. Reflect on their deeper qualities
    3. Methods of awareness appears to all people in all situations
      1. Jobs: you can't connect the dots going forward
  7. Because the leader sees clearly they can shed light on others
    1. Seeing divinity within themselves they can see it in others and reflect it back to them
  8. Org change behavior to motivate dmeans and is demotivating
    1. Your job is to find out what is demotivating and remove
  9. The exercises in this book will help you become an authentic leader and into an insipid imitator
    1. You need to command the souls of others as well as their bodys and you do this by workig on yourself
    2. Leadership is inclusive of your family roles
7. Obstacles to an Ideal Life
  1. Many books / authorities tell you to be a good human so you can profit
    1. Ideally your already behave this way
    2. You treat people right because thats the right thing to do
    3. Be good not just because of profit
    4. attempting to link your values with external measures like profit cheapen and discredit your actions
  2. We are not here to merely earn a living and create value for our shareholders. We are here to enrigh the world and make it a finer place to live. We will impoverish ourselves if we fail to do so.
    1. Woodrow Wilson
  3. Current society Greed driven
    1. untested economics
    2. Untested behavior models to justify actions
    3. these would otherwise be consider rapacious
  4. COmpanies are changing for the better
    1. B Corps
    2. Humane buesiness paradigms
  5. Seed change where you are
    1. Find or create a venture/company you can align with
    2. Enjoy work more
    3. be in harmony with their values
8. The Quest for More
  1. Myth: More makes you happier
    1. Powerful institutes driving this
    2. Economy fosters consumption
    3. Key metrics pose as benefits
      1. Per capita consumption
    4. More everything and anything
      1. Money
      2. cars
      3. houses
      4. friendship
      5. freedom
      6. leisure
      7. more of less
      8. simpliciity
      9. mimimalism
      10. renunciation
  2. Ok to want more
    1. Do not connect with happiness
  3. You do not need to struggle to find happiness
    1. do the work in this book and it will well up within you
Chapter 02 - It ain't real
1. Mental Models
  1. Truth
  2. Reality
  3. The Facts
2. Different Models
  1. Work
  2. Love
  3. Family
3. Sample Models
  1. You are not a part of the fast track crowd and dont fit in
    1. Don't put effort in and look toward the next thing
  2. What women think men find attractive
    1. making the decision to determine whether or not they are qualified
  3. Moving to a new place
    1. Whats it like where you are now?
      1. thats what its going to be like there
4. When presented with a new model
  1. better to ask
    1. Does this new model work better for me than the one I am currently using
  2. Try a new model out for a while
    1. if it isn't a fit
      1. drop it
      2. find a new one
      3. use only what works for you
5. Exercise: My Mental Models
  1. write out your mental models in different areas
  2. Some of these exercises will blow your mind.
    1. stop reading and relish the moments for a bit... stick to those new thoughts/revelations
  3. If you are not willing to do these exercises, put the book down
6. It's not real
  1. You can't unlearn an idea that has taken root
  2. Erveryone perceives the world differently
    1. Bedrock of effective negotiation
    2. Universal Truth
  3. Foundations of worldview change when we look inwards
    1. we recognize everyone has different views
      1. We realize we can change our own models
  4. Our world view isn't new
    1. we made it out of mental models then we live within their constraints
    2. Our models are made out of our perceptions
7. Its merely a construct
  1. You have dozens of models you have stiched together to create the fabric of your reality
    1. each model like a polygonal facet of a geodisc home
      1. if one of those facets isn't real, maybe none of them are
      2. Therefore your life is not real and never has been
  2. You made it
  3. You live in it
  4. The life you are living is A Reality
    1. Your mistake is thinking it is THE reality
  5. Equal parts real & unreal
8. Escape is possible
  1. If your life is A reality, perhaps you can shift it
  2. If it is THE reality you are stuck
  3. He illustrates this with a story
9. An Alternate Reality
  1. What is your most important asset?
    1. Perhaps it is your ability to be happy
    2. to be fulfilled
    3. to be joyous
    4. Would you give this asset to a boss?
      1. its a poor idea to give away your happiness
      2. when you are annoyed does this poison your attitude?
      3. You are giving your most valuable asset over to another
    5. How can you avoid give power over your happiness to someone else?
      1. when you ask youself this question and truly wish to find the answer you will have a powerful breakthrough
      2. You will slip into a parellel universe that has always been available to you but you never looked for it
      3. Anthony de Mello Quote
      4. The spiritual quest is a journey without distance. You travel from where you are right now to where you have always been. From ignorance to recognition...
  2. The Exercise: Alternate Reality
  3. Helpful Hints
    1. nice story that essentially outlines what happens when you accept blam for others attitudes
10. Closing quote
  1. Your live is hemmed in by the things you know to be true but aren't. Its time to start setting yourself free.
Chapter 03 It's Mental Chatter & its Real
1. Intro
  1. Come to terms that the world you live in is not real
  2. You Created your REality
    1. What you mentailly create shows up in reality whether you intentionally created it or not
      1. most likely unconsciously
      2. ignorance does not spare you
2. Your Constant Companion
  1. It is your mental chatter
  2. Ongoing Monologue
  3. stream of consciousness
    1. bubbling brook
    2. white water rafting
  4. the wonder
    1. Isnt that you feel stressed and over whelmed
    2. it is that you are functional at all
3. Sue Your Surgeon
  1. Imagine you received a new piece of tech that acted like your mind
    1. your mind as a computer
    2. would you return it?
    3. would you look for a manual?
4. Little Droppings - Your VOJ
  1. Out of the Stanford Bus course
    1. Michael Ray - Professor of Creativity
      1. Creativity in Business Book
      2. Required reading for the CPM
  2. Types of VOJ
    1. Outright
      1. you're such a dummy
      2. howd you get this job?
    2. Subtle
      1. He is so smooth, not tongue tied in meetings like you
      2. thats the kind of guy that gets a promo not a schmuck like you
    3. Insiduous
    4. Gracious
      1. look at the charming couple they must have a great marriage (rare!)
    5. Judging others
      1. others are not free from VOJ
      2. reminds me of the 19 right 1 wrong teacher at school
  3. Always on
  4. Keeps you trapped
  5. Like Coral
    1. tiny
    2. build up over time
  6. Mental diet
    1. absorbed un observed without permission
5. It's a Hijacking
  1. Like Pop ups
  2. Like Ads on an android app
  3. Database continuously updating
  4. You were NOT born this way
    1. Picked up along the way
    2. Socialized Behaviour
    3. Cultural conditioning
    4. Purchases to show status (not even wanting the thing?)
    5. May have to comply behaviourly
      1. Never have to give up your equanimity
    6. You are the doctor and the patient
6. Exercise: Whats My Mental Chatter Like?
  1. Essentially note your mental chatter
7. What you get from the practice
  1. You will notice what you are building your life on
8. Helpful Hints
  1. do it without judging
  2. Disspassionately
  3. Over time less hijacking
    1. Like shoplifting
      1. putting up the sign alone reduces the actual shoplifting
Chapter 04 You Cant Kill It And It Won't Shut Up
1. Your Reality is Between Your ears
  1. Mental models accepted without questioning
    1. they create your reality
    2. or at least your perception of it
    3. Illustrated with a story
      1. It doesnt matter whether true or not
      2. what matters is the action you take based upon what you believe you know
      3. Where do you see this in your life?
  2. you manufacture emotion to external stimuli
    1. this is not news to you
    2. You do this when watching a movie
      1. The reality you create is not much different than a movie
      2. Since you believe in your reality
      3. You allow for the emotions to dictate your reactions
      4. You do not recognize your ability to hold your emotions in check like when watching a movie
2. Does your reality work for you?
  1. Reflect on your ideal reality
    1. If you did the exercise
    2. Have you created it?
    3. If so Great you're done here
  2. If you are like the rest of us
    1. You are massively dissatissified with the reality you have created between your ears
      1. You are concerned with what others think of you
      2. you think of ways to win them over
      3. You are attempting to climb the corporate ladder
      4. each rung up brings momentary joy and quick to plataue
      5. Your frantic actions to hold onto what you have
      6. while attempting to get more
      7. often lead to dropping balls
      8. At some point
      9. You realize there is a song within you
      10. And you don't know how to get it out
3. By Golly! I'll stop that mental chatter!
  1. Logic says
    1. Just stop the mental chatter
  2. You may try
  3. You will find that you can not
  4. What will happen when you attempt to put an end to it?
    1. What happens when you give something energy?
      1. remember the gremlins?
      2. dont feed those fuckers after midnight
    2. Imagine a wild horse
      1. Running in field
      2. standing still peacefully
      3. What happens when you try to mount?
      4. Bucks and throws you off
      5. True story about wild horses
4. An Incredibly Fertile plot of land
  1. Mental chatter is not the enemy
    1. It only seems like it because you have let it
    2. You have not been aware of it
  2. Imagine a plot of land
    1. with plenty of fertile ground
    2. what happens when you walk away from it for six months or so?
      1. Crazy overgrowth and no way that you will be able to see the bare ground that you have left behind
      2. Imagine what would happen if left untended for years
  3. Your mind will grow and nurture
    1. this CAN NOT be prevented
    2. it absolutely WILL produce
      1. You may influence the garden
      2. Weeding
      3. rowing
      4. eventually an over abundance so that you are able to share with others
  4. You have been away from your garden for years
    1. Don't be suprised its a mess
    2. be grateful that there are useful plants (thoughts ideas anything good at all)
    3. Set about to tending to that shit
5. Awareness, The Only Tool you will ever need
  1. Weeds will wither
    1. once exposed to the light of awareness
  2. You will recognize the distracting, unsupportive thoughts
    1. recognition of these thoughts will automatically diminish
6. The Witness: The Best Friend You Will Ever Have
  1. Will assist you with your awareness
  2. Watching your thoughts dispasionately has a name
    1. The watcher
      1. Watcher is Universal
      2. Can be seen in NLP
      3. Merely observes
      4. is dispassionate
      5. Once you begin to leverage watcher
      6. You will feel like you are on two tracks
      7. initially only able to hold the watcher a few seconds
      8. it is natural for the mind to resist the light
    2. If you have sincerely begun to watch your own thoughts dispassionately you will likely have already seen diminish
  3. The friend you ought to care for and nurture more than most
7. Exercise Present Moment Awareness
  1. pick one day to do everything deliberately and unhurriedly
    1. no watching a show while typing out your outline
    2. scrolling through your phone while in a meeting or conversation
    3. not slowly
  2. firm and deliberate
  3. one step at a time
  4. methodical
  5. let go of of mental models of how it should be
    1. let go of your idea of what the results should be
  6. really listen to others
  7. remove yourself from the picture
  8. being able to be 100% present to all things not expected
    1. however if you do try
    2. You will get far more done
    3. with much less stress
    4. Once you sample the results you will want to do exercise more often
8. Exercise Eating Mindfully
  1. Companion not replacement to first exercise
  2. for 7 days eat one meal in compltes silence
    1. Pay close attention to act of eating
    2. Chew slowly thoughtfully
    3. all the details
      1. saliva
      2. teeth cutting through food
      3. suble flavors
      4. bring the attention to your drinks as well
      5. hunger pangs
      6. when do they get sated
    4. Can do with others so long as complete silence
    5. chew each mouthful 30 times
      1. Primarily if you have food issues
9. Common Reactions and Helpful Hints
  1. nearly everyone will find it impossible to be mindful 100% of the time
    1. dont berate yourself if you lose the witness
      1. Totally normal
      2. if you can summon a couple dozen times a day you are doing well
      3. You will immediately notice you are less carried away
      4. if you retain the witness in throes of emotion even better
  2. If massive resistance to the eating mindfully
    1. use gentle force to try no more
    2. overtime resistance will go away
  3. People notice they are full long before their plate is empty
  4. Sustained weight loss occurs frequently
  5. Trying to be mindful at all times is challenging
    1. common to feel over whelmed
    2. If you begin to feel overwhelmed simplify
    3. pick a couple of slots no longer than 10 - 15 mins duration
    4. as you become more comfortable expand on the time
10. Your mind is precious: Protect it!
  1. As your practice grows, you witness will grow stronger
    1. imagine you live in an unsavory area
      1. people come to your door
      2. you smell alchohol and marijuana
      3. you slam the door shut
      4. you guard the door with your life
      5. You need to protect your mind with the same intensity
      6. Cancer story
  2. YOu have to be minful of what you let in
    1. what types of media do you consume?
      1. violence
      2. deragatory
      3. what type of emotional space do they leave you in?
      4. what do these programs tell you about how the world really is
      5. Relaxed, at peace, and full of joy and wonder?
      6. or hyped up, strung out, breathing fast and filled with tension?
      7. Is your forehead furrowed or smooth?
      8. Are your muscles tight or relaxed?
      9. the news
  3. It is better to allow yourself to be cut with a sharp knife than to let a wrong thought in your mind. Swami Sivananda
  4. Witness will hold up a mirror and show you what you are really doing
    1. that knowledge will producd change on its own
    2. you have built up a lot of momentum
    3. it is going to take time to make it through
    4. when you recognize your witness is missing, go out to find it.
    5. done persistently change will happen
Chapter 05 You Can Change the Universe
1. Proof Cuts Both Ways
2. The Law of Increase
3. Appreciation and Gratitutde #1
4. Appreciation and Gratitude #2
5. Helpful Hints
6. You Can influence the universe and create miracles
7. How to Create Miracles in your life
8. Helpful Hints
9. To change your Universe, Discard the model of Frantic Doing
10. When you change so does the universe
11. A Note Of Caution