Upon first opening the book, I saw underlines, scribbles and other “highlights” that looked something like this:

I started to get a little worried. Although someone had taken the time to point out the important sections of the book - a executive summary of sorts - I still like to read it myself. Just when all seemed lost, I reached page 21.

It all stopped.

No more scribbles. No more writing. No more Very Imp. on the side.

Of course, being an optimist I want to believe that after the first 20 pages, the previous owner of this book was so enthralled by the material that he read straight through the night. No pen or highlighter. Just the reader and T. Harv Eker.

What really happened

Mr. Motivation attended a seminar and bought this book (I think this because it is signed by the author.) He got home and told his wife and friends how excited he was about making a million dollars by the end of the month. After a short bought of laughter, he grudgingly went to the “home office” (most likely a basement desk and computer) to read his book.

After teaching everyone a lesson about how committed he was he reached page 19. This is the portion of the book that starts to talk about “Verbal Programming.” Wait! This isn’t telling me the step-by-step method to becoming rich! He reads one more page and goes to bed.

Blown out of proportion

Of course, as usual I’m taking this to the extreme. I could be way off and the guy was actually a real live millionaire who was keeping up with the competition. That being said, doesn’t this show you why only 1% of the population reach the status of super wealthy and something like 90% end up retired broke?

Just imagine what could have been learned on page 22.

Please note: I have been to see T. Harv Eker and he is a very good motivational speaker. I also picked up his Business Mastery courses (another great garage sale find!) and they are excellent.

** As of this moment, I have still not fully read this book - currently on page 1.

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1. Celebrate
When I’ve hit this traditionally “rich” milestone there’s only one thing to do…get out there and celebrate! I think it would involve a great dinner of Lobster and/or other assorted seafood, partnered with a perfectly complimented wine and desert. I’m thinking that this meal would work best in Hawaii or some other island in the Pacific. Of course, the family will be there (if they want to buy their own tickets) but the meal is on me.

2. Upgrade the Garage
I think I’ve written about this before but I’m really not a “car guy.” I don’t feel the need to impress with my things - especially my vehicle (aka: depreciating asset.) I’m pretty sure that I would be looking for something in the Hybrid, Motorcycle, Boat category. I’m not picky so I’d probably get one of each.

3. Home Improvement
I’ve checked the by-laws in my local area. Unfortunately, my current property does not allow for a 3 car garage. Rather than keep the bike and boat out in the snow, I’d probably need to upgrade the entire property. If I’m going to change from a simple mild-mannered blogger into a local celebrity - and all the high society parties that come with it - I’m going to need a better “entertaining” house. It still needs to be child friendly but you can pay people to do that, right?

4. Wardrobe
Here is something that is really lacking right now. Most of my clothing has a nice layer of play dough or moon sand so it’s time to upgrade. I’d love to be able to dress nicer and, since the Beckhams will be arriving shortly, I’ll need a little more Metroesque threads in the wardrobe. Hopefully Georgio can help me out in a pinch.

5. Accessories
I was in a little jewelry store a few months ago and I found the watch that I wanted. It was truly the watch I had been looking for. I asked the clerk how much it cost. He said,

Sixteen

Not bad I thought.

Sixteen hundred?

Frown…

Sixteen thousand

He didn’t even ask if I wanted to try it on!
I’d go back, ask to try on the watch. Ask for the price and then tell him:

I’m looking for something in the thirty-thousand range. Thanks anyways…

Reality Check
I think that after all that, I’d be back trying to add another zero to that Million. Luckily I would have a ton of free time on my hands after being fired from work for running through the office screaming, “I’m Free! I’m Free!”

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• Move swiftly from topic to topic
• Be straightforward, fast, efficient and to the point
• Be ready to ignore his seemingly arrogant behavior
• Recognize his personal drive for achievement
• Be enthusiastic and positive

Here are some don’ts:

• Try to hoodwink or mislead
• Be dull, dour or redundant
• Impose a “can’t be done” or defeatist attitude
• Be indecisive or unclear
• Tell him what to do or how to do it

I’ve taken many personality, IQ, Strengths and EQ test over the years. The best thing I’ve learned from them all is that knowing all about your personality is a fun hobby but, it can become a powerful tool if applied properly.

Do you use the information to react differently to those around you? Do you ask more questions to find out about others to see where your personality is compatible and contrary? Have you used it to direct your career or online business towards a future that fits your style?

Solving Me
From my test, I realize that I can come across as a little arrogant when I have set my mind on something. I also know why I get bored during the small-talk sections that happen at the beginning of every meeting. Based on this, I’ve tried to be more understanding of other people’s opinions and take the extra moment to see their point of view. I’ve also decided that if I can’t stop the chatter before each meeting, at least I can focus it once we begin.

Like everything else you do, use the many tests available out there to really transform your life and push it even further forward.

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Jump forward three years and things are starting to go very differently. We have increased the overall potential for the site and have made a fundamental change to the business model. Rather than a free service, we have increased our offering, charge an up-front fee for service and have moved the client responsibilities to the appropriate place.

Guess what? We make the same amount of money with less than 20% of the work! Do I hear the Pareto Principle calling?

Take a look at your own online businesses. Is there a way that you can modify your business model to reduce your workload yet make the same amount (or even more) money? I didn’t think so until I got so tired of the old model that it was either ditch the whole idea or change! I am still very happy that I read the 4-Hour Work Week for more great ideas about automation.

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I was originally sent this by my brother and I quickly shared it with everyone I knew. Why it took so long to post up here I have no idea!

A Few Good Expenses…

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His mid-life career change made me think about my own situation. I have recently begun to expereince more success on my internet ’side-project’ and know that the future holds great things there. At the same time, I am also seeing a larger degree of success in my current career, so that direction also looks positive. That being said, I find myself living vicariously through this friend of mine. I’ve often wonder what I would do if I said goodbye to it all, picked up my family and moved on.

If you’re looking for answers here then you’ve read the wrong blog today! As you already know I have many different interests and look to continually improve myself. I suppose it really comes down to figuring out what you want to do with your life and then taking the risk when an opportunity presents itself.

For a final plug, if you’re ever in Canada, taking a trip down the Trans-Canada highway through Piapot, Saskatchewan, make sure to stop in and grab a drink at the Piapot Saloon and Guest House.

Have a look at my friend’s blog at blog.piapothotel.com.

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I was speaking with a friend the other day regarding real estate investing. We were talking about where a great place to buy inventment property would be. Over the course of the conversation I mentioned that I was recently enjoying the show Flipping Out which follows the life of a Los Angeles real estate investor named Jeff Lewis (excellent name I must admit.)

I said that I was getting motivated by the show because it made me want to get out there and throw my money into more creative real estate. My friend said that although he loved the idea of investing in real estate, he would prefer to have it closer to home so he could get there quickly in case of emergency.

I like the idea but I also feel that a lot of great investment opportunities are outside of my area. Exploring places that may require a flight rather than a drive could lead to huge equity growth.

I guess it comes down to what I am ready to take on. If I choose a proper property manager it should be very easy to manage from afar; however, there is always the potential for disaster!

Maybe I’ll fall out somewhere in the middle: invest in property away from home but in places that I can visit with less than 4 hours notice and with a flight less than $500!

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Saving Money 101 - Ask for a discount

Yesterday, my wife and I were out shopping and we decided that we needed a couple of new pillows. We walked into a store and liked the feather down pillows. After hearing the price, we started to re-think how much we needed them! My wife simply looked at the sales person and said, “can you give us a discount on the pillows?” The sales person thought for a moment and said, “yeah, I can give you 50% off of the most expensive one.”
For no extra effort, we saved a large percentage of the total price.

Saving Money 202 - Don’t throw away your rebates or small floater cash

I purchased some contact lenses about a month ago and they came with a mail-in rebate for $75. I think that this falls into the whole range of BS items but that’s the world we live in so I claimed my money. It made me start to think about all the discounts and rebates that people never take the time to claim. Also, think about all those $1 or $5 left on gift cards and other little bits of PayPal cash that’s sitting out there. Spend it, invest it or donate it; just don’t throw it away!

Saving Money 303 - Get all the information

About a month ago, I called the bank that holds my student loans. I wanted to confirm the balance etc. and I asked the person if he wouldn’t mind reducing the interest rate on my loans (a shot in the dark!). At first he didn’t understand - told me I could reduce the payment - but then said that they were not allowed to reduce the interest rates on student loans regardless of credit score or financial situation (no shock there). I could have left it there but I asked one more question: “is there anyone who is paying a lower interest rate than I am?” He thought about it for a second and said, “well, people who have their loans guaranteed by another can reduce their interest by 0.50%”
I asked if my wife would qualify. He said yes. Although I won’t comment on how stupid this system is, why wouldn’t everyone do this? It’s free money!

I’d be very excited to hear of other ways to save money. Please leave a comment an let me know where you’ve made some big gains with very little effort.

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Tags: save money 101, save money 202, ask for a discount, frugal, saving money, saving, money

In my previous post Never Give Up, I asked what was holding you back from achieving your goals. Does this cartoon fit anyone out there?

Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.

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Tags: cartoon, reaching your goals, whats in the way, barrier to success, business success, work hard, make money

Everything you think about centers around having other people realize your vision and move it into reality.

You start to draw out images, run analysis and picture your brilliant future. Isn’t it great to have a dream?

So what stops you from achieving the future you’ve envisioned?

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Tags: vision, having a dream, business vision, business goals, blogging, never give up, dream big, what is stopping you