You Are Here
Yesterday I drove into Austin and met with the staff who run my Miracles Coaching program and my Executive Mentoring Program.
I had some exciting news to share with them, and some astonishing news arrived while I was there.
I had some exciting news to share with them, and some astonishing news arrived while I was there.
That's pretty big, but not as big as the news that came later.
At lunch I handed out the recently completed bibliography of my life's work so far -- 45 pages of books, e-books, audios, videos, software, fitness formulas, and more -- an entire listing of everything I've created up to now. The heft of the document alone impressed even me.
But that wasn't the biggest news of the day, either.
At lunch with the staff, I stood up and told them something that I felt inspired to share.
I put a dot on the whiteboard on the wall and circled it.
"You are here," I said.
I told them the whiteboard is like the map at the mall where all the stores are listed and a little box says "You are here" to give you your bearings.
"Where do you want to go from here?" I asked.
"Up," someone said.
"Off the whiteboard itself," someone else said.
"This is all good," I went on. "You all want to move up. You want more sales, more results, more wealth. Right?"
They all agreed.
I then put another dot on the board, way up at the top of it, and circled it.
"That represents where you want to go," I said.
I then asked the key question, "How do you go from where you are to where you want to be?"
They were quiet for a moment, but then began saying things like "Take a straight line," and "Do one thing at a time," and "Make more sales calls," and so on.
"That's all good," I said. "Those are all practical answers. But I want you to think in terms of the movie The Secret and my book The Attractor Factor."
I added, "I'm going to tell you what I think is the greatest secret to manifesting whatever you want."
They were quiet, not sure where I was going with all this.
"Does anyone want to know what the secret is?" I asked.
They all burst out laughing. They definitely wanted to know.
I pointed at the little "You are here" dot and said, "The secret to getting what you want is to totally appreciate this moment. When you are grateful for this moment, then whatever is next for you will bubble up out of this moment. You'll be inspired to take action of some sort. That will lead you up. But the only way to get to the upper dot is to live in this dot with gratitude."
They've all heard this before, but I wanted them to truly get it.
I then told them about my Maui friend who says my favorite line these days: "I'm totally satisfied, I just want more."
That's the key to success, I explained.
It's wanting more without needing more.
I went on and on about being grateful, and how it leads to that upward climb. Most of us aren't happy right now, thinking we will be happy when we get to that other dot. But the great joke is that when you get to the other dot, you won't be happy. You'll be looking for another dot on the map. You'll use unhappiness to whip yourself forward. The thing is, it doesn't have to be that way.
Just be happy now.
Out of this now will come the miracles you seek.
The group got the message. They shook my hand. Smiled. Showed light in their eyes. Walked away with a spring in their step.
Now here's the really juicy part.
I got a phone call right after that meeting. It was Suzanne, my assistant. She almost never calls me, and she knew I was in a meeting. So I knew this call had to be important.
I took the call and to my delight I learned that Oprah's people wanted my media kit.
And they wanted it by midnight.
Oprah's folks are considering me as a guest for a show.
Oprah!
Now get this: I was happy in the moment. As I'm happy, the next moment brings it's own rewards. As I'm happy in that moment, it too gives birth to more joy.
You can do this, too. You may not have Oprah call you, but you will get what is right for you. I explain all of this in the book, Zero Limits. But the essence of the message is this:
All you have to do is embrace the dot that says "You are here" and do what it tells you to do.
And when the phone rings, answer it!
Ao Akua,
Joe
www.mrfire.com/
PS - If you want more information on either of my coaching programs, see www.miraclescoaching.com/ and also www.joe-vitale-executive-mentoring.com/info.html Enjoy the dot.
If you like the free articles on this blog, let Joe know by buying him his all-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. His email is joe@mrfire.com Click Here!
33 Comments:
So the lesson is to be grateful and to be happy of the moment, right?
What are you grateful of everyday, Joe?
The idea is to be grateful period - not for a thing - but for life itself.
Joe,
Probably your best post ever. Thank you.
"I'm totally satisfied, I just want more."
Wow, thank you! I'm VERY grateful.
:)
Congratulations, Joe! I'm not surprised at all - you're a natural for Oprah's show. That will be a lot of fun.
Thank you so much for this post today. 2007 is the Year of Change for me = I am in a huge transition, and really needed this, this morning = right before I go to the office where I am leaving soon. I'll see you in six weeks at the UnSeminar3 in Austin. Thank you.
Hi Joe,
How can one be grateful for what they, when one wants more (in my case of everything)?
I've battled with this, and I'm hoping that 'Zero limits'; will have an answer to that.
Cheers
-Craig Chirinda
Craig, that's the whole point of the article I just posted: you are grateful for what you have AND you want more.
Re-read the post, and pay attention to the Maui line about being satisfied and wanting more, too.
The book "Zero Limits" will explain all this, but the message is right in the post.
Here it is again: When you're happy NOW, you attract more of everything you long for, but it comes naturally, out of each moment.
Enjoy the dot, my friend.
Joe
This is a PS to Craig --
When you get that you ALREADY have everything, then you'll be grateful for this "dot" and you'll be swept into getting the "everything" you long for.
joe
Hi Joe,
Thanks for the quick response. I get your point now.
Cheers
-Craig Chirinda
P.S. I noticed a typo in my first comment...But anyway you got my meaning.
This is great! Simple, yet powerful. I find that my life works amazingly well when I am grateful for the exact moment I am in. It makes the next moment just that much more enjoyable.
Hello Joe.
I've visited your website http://zerolimits.info and somehow it really seems to clear the negativity within me (and faster, then lots of active methods I know of). Just watching the graphic makes me very light and relaxed.
Although I don't understand how it works...
SO, I beg you to make a desktop wallpaper of the same kind, the wallpaper that cleans you as you see it with the same power. I woud even buy such wallpaper, becouse it would be a very useful thing. Although you could make it free and use for promotion of the 'Zero Limits' book.
Anyway, Joe I ask you to PLEASE make a wallpaper like this.
- Andrey Belyakov,
Yaroslavl, Russia
Joe,
Well done on your ever greater success and happiness. Proof that what you teach works!
Could it get any better?
Peter
Hey Joe, thank you very much indeed, from the bottom of my heart, this post of you had an amazing impact in me, just the words I needed to get out of this depression.... Once again thank you for this post....a little late but better late than never: Happy Birthday!!!
Your friend in Mexico City
Hector Sampson
"When you go to the other dot you will not be happy you'll look for another dot in the map" - interesting insight. A Zen master once said when you feel unhappy just raise your hand pointing to the sky and ask what is the problem now - at this very moment
Many people are unhappy because they either live in the past or in the future but forget to enjoy the present.
Beautiful, Joe. When you are grateful you open yourself to the unfoldment, life reveals itself to you, and you are moved to take the next step. It truly is as you described Dr. Len showing you: when we are in harmony within there are no choices! We just go. Yes, this is mind boggling. Ditto for me on Andrey's request. With your post I had the confirmation of how I am understanding the concept of "cleaning" with Ho'oponopono. Thank you very much!
Beautiful, Joe. When you are grateful you open yourself to the unfoldment, life reveals itself to you, and you are moved to take the next step. It truly is as you described Dr. Len showing you: when we are in harmony within there are no choices! We just go. Yes, this is mind boggling. Ditto for me on Andrey's request. With your post I had the confirmation of how I am understanding the concept of "cleaning" with Ho'oponopono. Thank you very much!
Joe, Thank you ....this is wonderful. I have a question, though.I get the part about Being in Gratitude in every moment and thus drawing in more things to be grateful for....I have one little glitch.
I once read that if you WANT for something...in this case "MORE" then you keep getting more of the WANTING....(Law of ATTRACTION)....
I feel as though I'm really close to really getting this...can you please clarify for me.
Thank you so much
Hello Joe,
Just a shout out from an old "Buckeye Buddy".
I'm glad to see that I will soon have the opportunity to expand my Joe Vitale library. Anxiously awaiting release of "Zero Limits". I know this will be another chart topper, so make sure I'm on your "early notice" list.
It would be great to see you on TV again, and on "Oprah", of all things! How wonderful for you.
The new you and Francine look great together, true thorobreds, both! Now I know what you had in mind when you answered one of my emails about your next car purchase. Great car!
Have a great day.
Jonathan Myers
PS: Most of my library is autographed, will it be possible to get your new book autographed as well?
Joe, Thank you ....this is wonderful. I have a question, though.I get the part about Being in Gratitude in every moment and thus drawing in more things to be grateful for....I have one little glitch.
I once read that if you WANT for something...in this case "MORE" then you keep getting more of the WANTING....(Law of ATTRACTION)....
I feel as though I'm really close to really getting this...can you please clarify for me.
Thank you
Great question, Marilyn.
Most people who want something are confusing it with need. They want it because they lack it. They are feeling "want."
What I'm talking about is feeling complete right now and not needing anything at all, but feeling it would be fun to have even more.
There's no "want" in the traditional sense; it's more a playfulness that welcomes more.
I know this is a toughie to get, but I believe it's one of the inner secrets to a happier life.
Joe
Joe,
I want to share with you that you have been one of the biggest sources of inspiration for growth and change in my life over the past year. Ho'ops (me and my friend Mike's fun word for it) has changed my life and my relationships. It's so amazing! My dear friend Mike has helped me committ to the Ho'op process of clearing and it's been magical for me.
Being grateful. Deeply and deliciously grateful has been magical for me as well. I feel so empowered and so inspired and so thrilled. I'm excited at the comeback I am experiencing. I'm no longer afraid of greatness or of receiving. I no longer feel that God has forgotten me and that nothing good happens to me.
You've also taught me to trust, be of service, give money away and and ALWAYS take inspired action. This has brought forth business and other ideas that continue to attract wealth, opportunities and amazing people in my life. I'm in the moment. I'm satisfied and I want more because it will be fun! and fun to share it all. God bless you richly, Joe.
You and Oprah are my heroes
and it's no suprise you will connect soon. I know the entire world will be the better for it.
Good things,
Rina
I agree totally with Robert, your best post to date.
Great work Joe.
Peter Scott
qualife.com.au
Thank you, Pete (and everyone else). I'm proud of this post. The thing is, now I'm wondering how I'll ever top it. - joe :)
Wow, Joe!! Exceptional "simple" concept ... always the best kind, huh? Wes Hopper just emailed me your blog referring to the dot. (I hardly ever hear from Wes and wouldn't know him from Adam, but man, am I glad he did!) The timing on this couldn't be better ... I'm planning on bringing this basic concept to my agents at our Wednesday meeting ... it's brilliant. And I'm also going to share this with my coach, Camille Kocsis (a stem from Bob Proctor). It summarizes everything I've been learning in the past 5 years. I've also seen you on The Secret and I love your laid back attitude ... it totally works for me!! I have no doubt you are going to continue with more exceptional concepts from here on out ... don't even THINK of doubting yourself!! Happy New Year!!
Joe,
I've been struggling with a workplace conflict that has recently come to a head.
As the publisher of a magazine whose mission is to transform media to a source of empowerment, inspiration and accomplishment, I'm embarrassed to admit all of the tools I have learned have been impotent for my personal situation.
I just could not see a way out and was certainly not grateful for much in that area.
This morning I received my Daily Gratitude email from Wes Hopper and followed the link to this post.
Ah ha! I was reminded to be grateful for this moment and for the opportunities I've been given to make a difference through the media.
I felt a sense of peace.
Then I went downstairs for coffee (so I thought) but I got distracted by my recently reorganized bookshelf and forgot the coffee.
In the business section was a book I had not read that was sent by a publicist to review over a year ago called "Leading through Conflict: How Successful Leaders Transform Differences Into Opportunities" by Mark Gerzon.
Brilliant!
I have been struggling with getting my reoccuring breakdown in the workplace into the appropriate 'conversation,' and this is it!
You see, I had my conflict in a conversation about ME. i.e., I'm a bad, stupid, ineffective (fill in the blank) person, communitcator, partner etc. because I keep hitting a brick wall with this reoccuring conflict.
But in reality, it's simply a conflict for which I had limited tools. It was like trying to fix a leaky faucet with a hammer!
I would highly recommend Mark's book for any manager or leader facing workplace conflict and Joe, I am SO grateful for the post which opened up the space to find the 'more' I was was seeking.
Great post, Joe! The same day you posted this, I got the following quote via email:
"If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive the week.
If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank or in your wallet, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.”
Author Unknown
For anyone not sure how to be grateful in the minute, this quote is a great reminder of how much we already have.
Wow! That is a GREAT quote! Thank you for sharing it here. - Joe
This is a wonderful post Joe. I have posted about it twice now! First here: http://www.kevineikenberry.com/blogs/2007/01/getting-where-you-want-to-go.asp, and then again this morning, when something else I saw moved me to reference it again - the Magic in the moment!
http://www.kevineikenberry.com/blogs/2007/01/magic-in-every-moment.asp .
Thanks again Joe!
Kevin :)
so affirming to read this article today. Yesterday had a meeting on my "work plan" and I went in after reflecting on how grateful I really am for this job, just the way it is, AND that I do want new opportunities. All went well and I move forward with some exciting new things.
Congrats on the Oprah show! Hope lots of people will "get it"
Tim Che say:
This post is a good insight about life.But I am wandering that too much gratitude of this moment may cool the desire to move from here to there.Sometimes the dream to elsewhere is so strong ang painful,I just feel like a loser. However I am grateful whenever I recall that some of my friends had gone away forever.
Tim, thanks for your comment. The thing is, this is one of the biggest myths of all time. We use unhappiness to motivate ourselves when we don't need to do it. When you're in the moment, the moment urges you to take action that is right for the moment. It's then up to you to do it. Barry Neil Kaufman has done a lot of work in this area and reveals it in his books. In short, happy people tend to go for more of what they want, and get it. Don't fear the moment. Embrace it. You are here.
Joe isn't it interesting that Earl Nightingale always signed his correspondence with "In Gratitude and Expectancy." And his multi-million dollar seller "The Strangest Secret" -(You Become What You Think About)is based on the Law of Cause & Effect.
Dr. Jack Riggs
Las Vegas
Post a Comment
<< Home