As I often tell folks, we’re all a “work in progress.”

I am inclined to think that you DO, in fact, visualize. It’s that I don’t think you realize it — or, perhaps, you’re doing it but either expecting or thinking it should be something different. That’s one thought that I have.

Here’s another idea I had: Make a commitment to study the exercises in the MKS in 2012. For now, though, drop everything — just for the Holidays. I have found that sometimes we have to step back, take a break, and then return to “it” (whatever “it” is) refreshed and with new eyes. It also gives the subconscious time to get things in place. It’s something to consider.

Another thing: When you go to visualize, are you “trying”? If so, cease doing that and go the opposite direction. Instead of trying, simple “let go,” as Haanel describes, and ALLOW it to happen.

I hope these ideas help. If not, we’ll keep trying. Every person is different. With enough data, we’ll solve your “problem.”

All the BEST!

Have fun … Tony.

That’s all good stuff — and very effective. Thank you for describing your process. It’s similar to, but not quite exactly, what Haanel describes. For now, do EXACTLY as Haanel writes in the MKS. I think it will help you tap into the visualization centers.

Have fun … Tony.

Here’s something I want to make clear: the exercises in the MKS, especially the first four, are not meditation. They are something different. Similar, but different. Whereas meditation is passive, the state for which we are aiming with these first four exercises is active. That’s why you can practice — and use — these exercises and this “state” anywhere. It’s also why these exercises can be used in a “stand alone” fashion at times.

For example, you’re on your way home and realize that you have to stop and get milk. You go into a convenience store, grab the milk, and approach the checkout counter. A person is there before you. This person is busy with the sole clerk purchasing lottery tickets. This person isn’t merely purchasing tickets and running along, she’s practically engaging in financial planning!

As the second hand on your watch painfully makes each stop on its way around, your mind begins playing its “games.” Why is this taking so long? What the hell is this woman doing? Why is there only one clerk working the counter? Why does this happen to me? These thoughts born of frustration make you want to punch these people right in their throats!

We’ve all been there, yes?

Now, with those first four exercises, you can enter a relaxed state — one that will allow you to be an active participant. You’ll be able to consciously relax your body. You’ll clear your mind of those discordant thoughts. You’ll be able to achieve a state of clearness that will enable you to see the situation as it really is rather than as you imagine it to be. From that point, you can respond to it rationally and cognizantly rather than emotionally and reflexively. You may note the silliness of the situation. You may develop a solution.You may get (rightfully) angry.

As you can see, this is not meditation. Meditation in that scenario would be an inward quest to assuage “wrong” feelings. That’s not what’s happening here.

So, take the time to approach the first four exercises with this in mind. Don’t think of it as meditating. It’s not. You’re not so much “going within” as you are staying where you are (both mentally and physically) and allowing yourself to let go of the conscious “baggage” that you may be holding.

I hope this helps and perhaps give you a different way to view things so that you can achieve the visualization technique. Believe me, it’s there within you. You CAN do it. You probably DO do it. We’re just going to get you doing it at will.

All the BEST!

Have fun … Tony.

First, don’t be bummed about anything. Some things merely require more practice than others. Take your time. As I like to tell people, this is a “race” of endurance, not speed.

For the exercise in Week Five, Haanel “warned” us that for some, this will be easy, while for others, it will take some practice. Some people are very visually oriented — they tend to think in pictures naturally. Others are not; they may be aurally oriented or more empathic. Others are about an equal blend of those. All of that is OK. It just means that for some people, they will be accessing their visual imaginative centers and really using it for the first time. It may be difficult, persist, as the results will be awesome.

To help you, here are some things that you may do. First, cease to be “bummed out” and when you go to do the exercise, relax and allow things to happen. There are no “tricks” to doing this — or other — exercises. It’s about practice.

Next, rather than skipping to the next exercise, return to the first four exercises. Remember, those first four exercises build a “state” within you — one that makes you relaxed and open. You MUST be able to achieve that state! I have a feeling that you haven’t really mastered this and that is why it is so difficult for you to get the visualization. You must be able to -

be still;
clear your mind;
let go physically;
let go mentally.

That will put you in the “state.”

After that, it’s just a matter of practice. Is it easy? For some, it is; for others, it takes a little more doing. Just keep in mind why you’re doing these exercises.

I hope this helps. All the BEST!

Have fun … Tony.

I hope this note finds you well. I’ll make brief as I know you’re busy. Spare me 1 minute. : )

I’m contacting you because you posted a review of Guy Kawasaki’s book, Enchantment, and so I thought you might be interested in this opportunity, as well.

Are you familiar with Jon Gordon? He’s the Wall Street Journal and Intentional Bestseller of multiple books including The Energy Bus, The No Complaining Rule, Soup, and The Seed. He speaks to top companies, has a newsletter list of over 60,000, etc. (Just sharing to paint the picture so you know who he is, if you don’t already.)

I wanted to see if you would be interested in interviewing Jon, sharing a guest post of his or reviewing any of his books (see topics and book list below). His advice on developing positive individuals, leaders, organizations and teams is spot on and something I think you and your followers would benefit from.

Let me know if you are interested. Note: We’re featuring links back to articles, interviews, etc. in Jon’s newsletter as well.

Thanks!

Carrie Taaca
Outreach Coordinator for Higher Level Group

Selected Books by Jon Gordon:

The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work and Team with Positive Energy
The No Complaining Rule: Positive Ways to Deal with Negativity at Work
Soup: A Recipe to Nourish Your Team and Culture
The Seed: Finding Purpose and Happiness in Life and Work

Guest Post Article Topic Examples:

*Posts would be customized to fit your blog audience as well.
5 Ways to be Happier at Work
The Greatest Customer Service Strategy
Working for a Bigger Purpose
The Power of Positive Interactions
11 Benefits of Being Positive
The Curse of Experience/Think Like a Rookie
How to Create a Culture of Greatness
5 Ways to Think Like a Champion
The No Complaining Rule
Turning a Negative into a Positive
Zoom Focus – How to Get Things Done

Thank you for your kind words. I hope it helps a LOT of people. This exercise is MUCH easier than many people make it to be. It’s not difficult, although it IS effective.

All the BEST!

Have fun … Tony.

I have a quick question for you. Can you contact me?

Thanks,

Carrie Taaca
Higher Level Group

Thank you for your comment. You’re spot-on: “focus is clearly the key.” All the BEST!

Have fun … Tony.

The goal with all of the exercises is to be able to do them, as you wrote, whenever. Here’s an example: Let’s say that you’re in line in a store and the clerk is taking her time and moving slowly. You begin to feel impatient and irritated. You should be able to release those feelings then and there rather than feed them and act on them. Thus, instead of behaving impulsively or rashly, you maintain a mien of calm.

I believe, from what you’ve written, that you’re ready to move to Week Five.

All the BEST!

Have fun … Tony.

But my question was mainly pointed at those 15-20 minutes because if I’m physically and do my best to be mentally still then its unlikely that I feel those emotions in that span of a time but throughout the day when I’m not meditating, then sure I’ll have negative feelings, so u r saying to release those negative emotions whenever they come up? not just during the exercise but whenever?

And he also says to master one thing and then go to the next. So if I don’t feel negative emotions for one week during exercise but I feel in some other moments, then its okay to move to week 5?

I wish he would make it more clear, sometimes its confusing.

If you’re not feeling those emotions (anger, worry, fear), then you’re ahead of the curve and you’re doing well. Then just relax and “let go” of anything else you may be feeling.

The point of the exercise is to train yourself to not carry any “baggage” or “burdens” with you.

Now, it’s doubtful that you truly don’t feel those emotions. We all do. We all feel some sort of negative emotion about somebody or something — even if that feeling is very small. You may be upset about the state of the world, the economy, politicians, whatever.

And that’s where this exercise comes into play. You’re to let go of ALL your negative emotions and feelings. ALL of them. No matter how slight or how justified you are in thinking them.

Is it beginning to make more sense to you?

All the BEST!

Have fun … Tony.

I don’t have much difficulty letting go.

I’m talking about week 4 exercise and every week he says to take out 15-20 minutes and gives u an exercise. So in week 3, it was about relaxing all muscles and being at peace, that’s understandable and I did that.

But in week 4, he says to let go of anger,worry,fear,etc. Now u tell me how do u let go of those things when u take out 15-20 minutes? Because if I’m not feeling those emotions anyway, then how would I let them go? + If my body is relaxed and my mind is still, its unlikely I’ve those thoughts.

I wanna know what to do exactly for those 15-20 minutes.

1st week was to be physically still
2nd week was to be mentally still
3rd week was to relax every part of your body,every muscle

now as u can see, these things can be done but not week 4.

I hope u get what I’m saying and respond back.

thanks

Here’s what I wrote in The Master Key Workbook:

The key of this exercise, like the exercise in Week Three, is to “let go.” By letting go of the things that drag ourselves down, we shall attain the life that we desire. Some people refer to this as “dropping our baggage” or “laying down your cross.”

Haanel states that if you are having trouble with letting go, you must mentally determine to do so by voluntary intention and persistence. That is one way. Here is a method that should help you with letting go.

If you find yourself unable to let go of certain feelings, then write down what that is. For example, if you are angry with someone for teasing you in high school, then write it down. When you have compiled your list, read it. I bet most (if not all) of those items look pretty silly. Look how little they look on paper! Realize how minuscule they are when compared to the grandness of your life.

Now you should be able to let those things go.

I hope this helps. All the BEST!

Have fun … Tony.

Thank you for your kind words. Please let me know if I can be of service to you. All the BEST!

Have fun … Tony.

Val

Thank you for your comment. I think you illustrate my point, unfortunately, perfectly.

What you described is what I refer to as “abusive.” You did well in cutting them off and distancing yourself from them as best you could. I wish you continued success in that.

One thing I’d like to point out: Rarely can we — anybody — save somebody, especially someone who doesn’t want to be saved. We just end up losing in those “deals.” If someone asks for our help and we can give it reasonably, then help we should. If we see a person in trouble like you describe and attempt to do good by helping unasked, then … Well, you know how it goes.

I know what you describe is not rare, per se. It’s also not the norm. As I wrote in my article, the negative people to whom I was referring are not abusive nor are they sabotaging. They’re not ruining lives and taking advantage of the good will of others.

Sort of like your tale, there are many stories of people ruining good homes and families because they take the mantra of eliminating the negative too far. They use other people as a “crutch” and toss them aside thinking that doing that will make them successful.

Those stories are sort of the inverse of yours.

Be well. Please let me know if I can be of service to you. All the BEST!

Have fun … Tony.

I grew up w/my mother’s violence (she was mentally ill & committed suicide after many attempts & being in & out of institutions) & my father was a “functioning” alcoholic so he wasn’t much of a father & “deserted” us after our mother’s death–well, even before–he wasn’t much of a “father” as he didn’t protect us from her (but he was very busy w/work & his “lady friends”). But after her death he basically dropped us off at a boarding school & I didn’t see much of him after that; I married my high school sweet heart (still married 36 years later).

I, myself, have been diagnosed & treated for a mental illness (genetic predisposition inherited from my mother & continue therapy weekly & take medication as I want to continue to be a successful, loving wife & mother); however, I believe this brother displays symptoms similar to my mother & he does not receive any kind of mental health treatment (he practices violence & emotional abuse regularly & has very unhealthy “coping” skills) & I do not want to expose my children to this kind of dysfunction.

I have lived through this & my children do not deserve to witness this kind of “craziness” & instability & to have my attention drawn away from providing a good, wholesome home for them w/my loving husband. I have tried to “save” my brother, his wife & children so many times, yet they kept returning to the same dysfunction until finally the children were taken away permanently (they had lived w/us on & off several times, as well as his wife, when my brother was in jail) & finally, the children were put into a group home for teens w/emotional problems as the mother was also deemed unfit when it was discovered she was also using illegal drugs.

I am seriously afraid of this guy & have instructed my other brother to not disclose to this brother I fear where I live or what my phone # is or where my now-grown children live, etc. I don’t want him to be notified when I die. The brother I have contact with visited us & took photos & put them on his private web site & I was horrified & asked him to take all of them down that had any of me, my family or our home or gave any hint of where we live.

I realize my case is “extreme”, but it is not as rare as you may think.

Thanks! It is a good discussion and one worth noting. While negativity is around us — and it always is to one degree or another — it’s important for us to steel our minds to it rather than cut-off people who may be close to us.

Talk soon!

T.

BUT… I did learn from the great Books, we have all read, to spend more time concentrating on solving Problem that immediately affect our Day and not be concerned about all the flutter of negativity that seems to abound in this Entitlement Society.

For what it is worth..
I declare MY belief and could care less about the acceptance by others. I don’t Convince or Cajole. State my point and be gone….funny thing there always seems to followers of Like Mind

Great to hear from you! I hope things are well your way.

The subject of “negative people” is a tough one. I agree that sometimes we have to curtail interactions with them. I know the feeling as well as anybody!

On the other hand, we have to be careful about what — and who — we term negative and in what fashion we term them negative.

In your example of the “friend” who brings you down, I have to question if that was really a friend, in the strict sense of the term. I knew a LOT of people in college and I would term very, very few as friends. The rest came and went. They were acquaintances and such. I would wager that that was the case here.

In the case of the caller in this teleseminar, he was discussing family. Again, I know that is a tough situation. We ALL go through it to one degree or another.

My main point with that is that we generally shouldn’t be quick to just push family from us and eliminate them from our lives. Rather, we should rise above such things. Is it difficult? It sure is! It is one of the costs, though, of being successful in the true sense of the word.

You see, it’s easy to be a monk on a mountain. You know what that phrase means, right? It means that it’s easy to be a holy man — a man free of temptations and apart from everyone else — when he is secluded from the temptations of the world. Get that monk into town with all the temptations and vices and seductions in play and we’ll see what he is truly worth.

It’s the same with all of us. We are quick to find any excuse — any crutch — we can use to explain why we aren’t successful. One of the main ones that I’ve seen in the personal development field is the “negative people in our lives.”

Thus, people start pushing family and friends from them in the quest to get the success they so desire in life.

In general, they don’t find it any easier.

Want to find some truly negative people? Write a business plan — a really good one that would take you days, weeks, months to research and write — and present it to a banker or a venture capitalist.

Want to find more negative people? Put a sales page on the Internet. Be sure to include your contact information.

Even more negative people? Start a blog and write some articles.

Better yet, build an email list and email them regularly.

You’ll find negative people who will make your family and friends and their daily “bitch and moan” sessions seem like an episode of “The Golden Girls.”

There’s “negativity” all around us in the world. We have to do our best to shield ourselves from some — perhaps most — of it.

More often than not, that begins at home; but shielding does not usually entail shirking or expelling.

I hope this makes sense to you and helps. Please let me know if I can be of service to you. All the BEST!

Have fun … Tony.

After a while it really takes a toll, and when it’s your own family it’s not always easy to limit your exposure to them. One way of dealing with it is to give yourself a daily dose of comedy. No fooling. It really helps offset that whole constant drumbeat of negativity. “Debbie Downer” from Saturday Night Live was mentioned during your call and if you note, whenever that skit airs, the players can barely keep it together. There’s something very telling about that when you think of it!

In extreme cases, though, sometimes you really have to put your own mental health first and that might mean severely curtailing your interaction with profoundly, relentlessly negative people, or even cutting them out of your of your daily interaction altogether. I had a friend from college who I had to basically stop talking to entirely. God bless her, but after a while it dawned on me that I walked away from literally every conversation ready to stick my head in the oven and getting a phone call from here was like getting a visit from a vampire. And, more to the point, nothing ever, ever, ever changed for her. I felt like a habitual dumping ground for her relentless negativity, and when I finally realized how much it was impacting my life, I did what I had to do. I regret that I had to do it, but I’ll never regret having done it — it was necessary. Granted, that was a truly extreme case (and mental health issues played a part in it for her; she was clinically depressed, no doubt about it).

Besides the daily dose of comedy, regular interaction with other folks who are explicitly trying to remain positive is a really good idea. For example, a civic organization dedicated to giving back to the community (Rotary, the Masons, the Lions Club, etc).

Anyway, keep up the good work, Tony. This is all really good stuff.

Peace and prosperity,

Dan

It’s also a great example of the true power of the internet to bring knowledge in a powerful way to all manner of people all over the world who would otherwise not have access to it. I have a long-term goal to do something similar, albeit for a completely different topic, so it’s nice to see a good example already up and running.

Peace and prosperity,

Dan

Thanks! And thank you for an excellent article.

T.