Jastus wrote me from Kenya a few days ago, reminding me of the basketball player who said “the better prepared I am, the luckier I get.”
The past few weeks, I’ve been asking myself: What can I do in 2010 to prepare all the good folks (like you) who are investing themselves in the future — so they can be “lucky” this year?
In answer, I have some new things cooking, like that “special report” I sent you a note about a few days ago. (More on that soon.)
I also want to keep in front of you some key practices — fundamental strategies — that you can use to make this the most remarkable year yet in your life.
That’s been the theme of my recent notes to you. And today I have another for you:
Surround yourself with people who inspire you.
You know how important it is to cultivate a mindset of promise and can-do spirit — and how attractive that is to new opportunities.
After all, what we think and say has everything to do with what turns up and how things turn out.
A key action step is to actively cultivate this mindset by choosing the circle of people around you.
You’ll be encouraged and inspired by those who have confidence in the future, and have made leaps of faith themselves.
(I mean why do you think I do this work? Write these pieces? It’s so I can be connected to people like you who are investing themselves in the future. That keeps me jazzed that 2010 can be my best year yet.)
So seek out those who have faith in the future … those who believe in an expansive and confident view. And figure out how you can be in their company. Just a dose, here and there, can nourish you.
You can get a dose right now by posting a comment to this piece below.
Best,
Jim
P.S. That special report is here — take a peek if you have yet to see it.
Consulting? Maybe speaking, writing, coaching, facilitating, teaching, advising? Get the special report I’m just now finishing on 3 strategies ... “How to create the consulting practice you really want.” Click here for your complimentary copy.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I just want to say how grateful I am to be in this circle of amazing people. When I want a boost, I just click through this site and read the comments. (OK Jim, the articles are good, too.) What a Great Group!
Warm regards,
Pam
When those of us at BB4CK switch our mindset to abundance from scarcity, we began thriving as individuals, as a team and as a community. There isn’t necessarily anything eerie or mystical about abundance thinking, it just allows us to approach the world with trust and our eyes and ears open to the amazing opportunities that surround us – the same opportunities that we missed when we were struggling (in our heads and hearts) with sufficiency and never enough.
Dear Jim and Pam,
I have finished writing a book that incorporates much of what you have been writing here. I believe it reinforces your ideas by describing what would happen in the world if a critical mass of people subscribed to this change in thinking. I need to find an agent and/or a publisher in order to reach the public and begin to develop this critical mass of thinkers and feelers because as you say we need to surround ourselves with folks who look for what is good and not simply emphasize what is not so good.
My question to you is do you think New Futures Press would be interested in publishing my book?
Your Friend,
Harry J Bury
Dear Jim,
I am grateful for what you have been for all of us – constantly inspiring and giving us new ideas! Your messages bring life to us and so is this piece of idea about surrounding ourselves with the people who can inspire us. This is so meaningful at this time in Nepal. I am proud to be part of this group. Thanks a lot!
Sahadev
It’s amazing to see how cultivating a confident, appreciative mindset not only makes it easier for us to deliberately choose those people who can inspire us, but also attract those who can make a difference in our lives. All of a sudden a message arrives, the phone rings, you bump into an old friend and the right words and ideas come to your mind…it’s like magic. Thanks for being part of my circle of inspiration – I have a lot to do in 2010!
all the best,
Graci
Hi Jim, and all –
This is an intriguing idea that I’ve been experimenting with for several years. I believe in it.
I recently received an unexpected message from a young woman who is very important to me. The subject line was “Role Model.” I could barely read through it all at once, so touched was I by what she said to me…..
“I just want to let you know how much your presence in my life has meant to me. Not that it’s over!! All this writing to you and talking to you has reminded me of what an amazing, incredible woman you are, how you are truly the most real role model I can imagine. Everything about you – your deep emotional passion about and commitment to “allowing these miracles to occur,” as you wrote in your recent letter; the true joy you get from making music and sharing it with others; your love of the farm, the life of close-ness to the land that provides all you need; your appreciation for poetry… So, you’re a model for a role in life that I aspire to play. Isn’t that the meaning of the term?”
This message was a blinding flash of light, reminding me of the incredible power of words of appreciation to lift the spirit. I responded by telling her what a gift her words were and promising to “let them ripple through my life and outward to touch many others.” My hope is that her deep acknowledgement may inspire others, as it has me, to discover ways every day to honor the gifts of others.