Just to make you feel good!

Posted on September 7, 2011 by admin

Acts of Random Kindness – ARKs!

I’m still chuckling to myself after watching Evan Almighty!

If you haven’t watched the film, Steve Carrell’s character, Evan, is asked by God to build an ARK, and then faces some hilarious challenges along the way as he slowly changes into Noah. If you have seen Carrell in some of his other films, you will know his style of comedy, and he certainly puts on a good show.

What does any of this have to do with Personal Development?

Well, the story finishes as God tells Noah that the way to really change the world is through Acts of Random Kindness (ARK). This reminded me of when I watched Pay It Forward (no, I promise this is not a movie review site!) and the power that doing good things for others can have.

Well I realised that maybe I should make more of a concerted effort to do more ARKs. After all, not only is it incredible to be on the receiving end of such an act, but it feels pretty good to deliver one also! It can be something as small as a smile and can grow as large as you wish, depending on how generous you are feeling I suppose! However, as they are unexpected, even the smallest act can have a great impact!

I found a video to give you an idea of what others are doing! Brian Williams (www.onemillionaok.com) has been travelling around teaching the principle of ARKs to thousands of young people, leading to numerous kind acts. Watch the video below to give you an idea of how he has been doing that!

Your challenge, at least for over the weekend and ideally beyond, is to deliver at least 1 ARK per day and document your acts here in the comments section. Let’s see what kind of an impact we can make on the world in such a short time! Enjoy!

Alternative Driving Lessons!?!?

Posted on September 7, 2011 by admin

What can driving from Winchester to Gloucester teach you about personal development?

Initially, you would probably not think very much… but you would be wrong to think so!

I did this journey for the first time the other day, and it taught me so much about myself. I was already in quite a reflective mood as I started my journey, but little did I know about the collection of realisations that lay ahead of me.

Lesson 1 – Plan!

This may seem obvious, but how many times have you had “sort of an idea” of which way to go and then just set off? I have not yet entered the realm of the Sat-Nav and therefore rely on route planner (not printed off!), memory and instinct. How many people do you know who start new things in life in this way too?

So I knew I just needed to find one road that would take me cross country toward the M4. The problem was that I had never travelled that route before and so did not really know which way to head. I did however know a similar route, but that was more than just a little out of the way. So as I hadn’t planned, I head off in the direction I thought was correct.

Lesson 2 – People will often work harder to maintain the status quo rather than change for the better!

I checked later on a map… I went a long way off line! All it would have taken would have been a little planning or asking for help and I would have been a lot more effective and successful. Does this sound a little familiar? Sometimes when a change is necessary, doesn’t it seem as though you will do everything you can NOT to change, and use up all your energy and effort keeping things as they are?

Lesson 3 – Be Patient!

As the journey continued, I was reminded once again of Evan Almighty, and the point that God makes that when people pray for patience, they are not given patience but are provided with opportunities to practice being patient! Well, let me tell you that after that journey, I must be the most patient person on the planet! Drivers completely oblivious to everyone else on the road; petrol stations closed when you are desperately low on fuel; very slow lorries on single track roads… I could go on!

When I finally made it to my destination, I had learnt a lot! Isn’t it funny that you learn your important lessons at curious moments? Not only will I apply those lessons to my journey planning but also to my everyday life! I hope they help you too!

I count myself lucky I didn’t come across this couple!

Help the Planet – 11th Hour

Posted on September 7, 2011 by admin

As many of you will know, ecology and recycling are issues that are close to my heart. I believe it is down to all of us to do whatever we can to preserve this planet. As it has been said, “we did not inherit this planet from our ancestors, but we are borrowing it from our children!”

I have just found out about an amazing new initiative called 11^th Hour… a project led by and involving some of the planets largest names from all fields. A documentary, presented by Leonardo DiCaprio, highlights the plight of the planet’s ecosystem to keep up with man’s ever increasing desire to use up its natural resources. With global warming, increasing use of fossil fuels and a population that is growing exponentially, some scientists fear that we may even have already gone too far!

However, far from being all doom and gloom, the overwhelming message is one of possibility and solutions. Some of the ideas coming out of the film are incredible, and show what we are capable of in terms of creation rather than destruction. The knowledge that this technology is out there already means that we are already making steps in the right direction; the time has come, however, to really step up our endeavours.

I ask you all to visit the site, register and have a good look around. There is so much incredible information, as well as practical exercises that you can do to help make a difference! I am just looking through some of the ideas that I can start immediately this week. So far I have come up with a few great ways that I can help reduce waste in the office… am sure more will come once I get all my creative energy onto it!

That’s enough for now! If you take this planet seriously and care for its wellbeing, take action now. Visitwww.11thhouraction.com and do everything you can to make this world habitable for generations to come! For a little more information, simply watch the video below!

An Incredible Example of Human Possibility!

Posted on September 7, 2011 by admin

I have been getting into the quantum physics again recently… still chuckle when I say that to myself, although it seems more normal each time I repeat it! Anyway, one of the beliefs in quantum physics is that we are intimately connected to, and part of, the universe, and that if we are able to tap into it, we have access to all of its resources and energies.

Whilst this may seem to make sense in theory, I, like many of you I am sure, need a concrete example or two just to convince me fully! Well, that is exactly what I have found for you today, a truly remarkable example of what we all have access to but often forget that it is out there!

As you watch this, remember the presupposition that accompanies the quantum theory, that is:

“Whatever you think you are… you are always truly much more!”

The Secret is Spreading!

Posted on September 7, 2011 by admin

The power of positive thinking is spreading and has reached the realm now of the rich and famous! In a recent interview, Will Smith talks about how he uses the Law of Attraction and the principles from the book The Alchemist to help him achieve success. Check out the video below to see a clip from the interview between him and Tavis Smiley.

It’s funny where you start to notice these ideas and concepts popping up. I just watched Vanilla Sky again for I think the third or fourth time, and I think I am actually starting to get it! (those of you who have seen the film will know what I mean!). At the end of the film, Tom Cruise is told that in his ‘lucid dream’ he can manifest anything just by thinking it. Of course, this is supposed to be in a dream, but the overlaps between that film and the Law of Attraction are innumerable.

So just a quick post today. Enjoy the clip with Will Smith… its only 111 seconds out of the 86,400 that you have in a day so don’t miss it!

Make sure you come back on Monday as I will have some very exciting news for you all! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Double or Quits? What would you do?

Posted on August 9, 2011 by admin

Here is a dilemma for you!

You have worked incredibly hard to get to a situation in your life, and things seem to be going well.

Then, all of a sudden, you realise you are only half way to your goal, and that to reach your outcome will take twice as much effort as you have already put in!

What do you do?

You are exhausted! Any energy you had left seemed to disappear as soon as you realised what else was expected of you. In front of you appears a sign which says “Double or Quit”.

As you look at the sign, you see people heading toward the exit, clearly taking the option to get out, with the thought of the extra effort clearly too much. Everything in your body is telling you that you have had enough, to join those others and get some well earned rest, and yet there is something about that word “Quit” which just doesn’t sit well with you!

I remember a quote that says most people are unsuccessful because they do not stay in the game long enough to win. They reach a point of challenge or plateau, where progress is not as quick as they would have liked, and they decide that the perceived effort outweighs the expected benefit. They simply quit, and then go and try something else for a bit.

I have made a commitment to stick, to choose the “Double” option! I know I will stay in the game long enough to make myself a success. Today, this was in the physical realm.

Somewhere on an equestrian park, I approached a fluorescent sign with the phrase “Double or Quit” emboldened upon it.

Before I got to that point, I got a little disheartened with people passing me, only to see these same individuals taking the first possible opportunity to get out of the game. It seems this happens a lot in life as well, doesn’t it? Tempted as I was by the thought of a well earned rest, I knew I couldn’t do it to myself. I chose to take the double route, knowing that another five gruelling miles would have to be endured by my already fatigued legs.

With the energy already drained, I had a feeling that this was going to be a tough second lap. However, almost as soon as I had past the point of no return (at least in my mind) and had cut myself off from the option of quitting, I found myself invigorated and refreshed. It seemed as if simply deciding to stay in the game was enough to give me the energy to succeed.

Oh yes, it was still going to be tough, but there was a refreshed spring in my stride which encouraged me to go on.

The second five miles mixed pleasure and pain. Whilst my senses were able to take in the incredible scenery and weather, my legs ran on autopilot attempting to get me round with the least possible distraction. There were a few moments which required my undivided attention, but for the main part I was able to enjoy the rest of my journey.

I was so glad at the eventual end of the race to have completed both laps, as it made the eventual victory (personal that is) so much sweeter. I also know that the journeys I am on in my life will require a lot more energy, and yet I am committed to staying in the game. I suggest you do the same.

1. Get in the game

2. Commit your energy

3. Stay in the game until you win!

First steps into 2009 – my plans for New Years Day!

Posted on August 9, 2011 by admin

So 2009 is literally just around the corner, and I have to say 2008 has certainly been roller coaster-esque!!! Global world catastrophies have been contrasted by moments of incredible love with 2008 being the unofficial year of the wedding! The passing of close friends has been outshone by the beauty of youth, enjoying Christmas festivities with young relatives and watching old relatives being revitalised by their vitality! It may be difficult to tell whether the net movement has been up or down, but it certainly hasn’t been uneventful for any of us!

How is 2009 going to be different? Well, gazing deep into my crystal ball I would have to say more of the same. There will always be global, social and economic factors outside of our circle of influence that are sent to challenge us, and yet success is always an internal factor. As Jim Rohn reminds us, “its not the blowing of the wind that determines your outcome, but its how you set your sail!”

What will I be doing tomorrow? Well the same as most other years, with a bit of a difference. As ever, a long walk will allow me to reflect on the events of the year, and learn important lessons to allow me not to repeat any mistakes I may have made, and to take new steps in the direction of success. After that, goal setting and designing how I would like 2009 to look for me… and do I have some big ideas!

In between there, I am adding another step. One of my favourite speakers, Wayne Dyer, talks a lot about energy, and how blockages in energy can prevent new experiences from entering into your awareness. This works on all levels, and this has already been one of my big learnings from the year. In order to maximise the new energy coming to me for 2009, I am going to have a huge clear out of my house…

You name it, if it hasn’t been used in the last 60 days… it’s gone!

I encourage you to do the same. Clear your life… simplify… and make way to attract new and better experiences. Give your old things to charity (or ebay them, but this will be a slower process!) as a sign of abundance, and watch as the universe conspires to fill the gaps you have created. Nature abhors a vacuum, and so ensure that your focus is in the right direction to allow the things you want to come to you!

Have a great 2009, and I look forward to joining you on your journey!

Breakthrough To Success Weekend – Manchester! What are you up to this weekend?

Posted on September 7, 2010 by admin

I am going to be spending my time with thousands of like minded people at Breakthrough To Success – Christopher Howard’s incredible 3-day seminar where he teaches about NLP, Personal Development and success strategies. It really is an outstanding 3 days… I should know, I have been there 4 times now!

Seem a little excessive? Probably… but the last time I went I was on the crew team! You see things a little differently from that perspective, let me tell you!

It’s amazing, because I always wondered where the energy came from for those people to be jumping around and energized for the whole weekend. Well, the truth is that they do ply the crew with copious amounts of coffee and the occasional biscuit (if you are lucky!), but the real energy comes in helping others have such a good time!

Seriously, I wrote a whole post about how you should re-write your goals to serve others more (click here to read it) but you really do get a buzz when you think about making someone else’s experience better. Plus, surrounding yourselves with people who feel the same amplifies it to another level. Maybe we should take this learning and apply it to our “real” lives!

Anyway, if you are going to be at Chris Howard then come and say hi! I will be the one in the black crew t-shirt (you should be able to find me easily enough). If not, book yourself on to one of his upcoming courses and see what all the fuss is about yourself! I guarantee you a great time which will literally help accelerate the results you are achieving in your life right now

CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONTO BREAKTHROUGH TO SUCCESS!

I better get some sleep now! Got a long drive to Manchester in the morning, but I will be kept company by a couple of other crew members… we just can’t get enough of each other clearly!

Have a great weekend!

Oh, have you checked out the Channel Swim pages yet? Go to www.DanStorey.com/channelswim to find out more. It will be updated regularly also!

Also, I have put in a new email system, so make sure you register your email at the top left of the page so I can keep you up to date with everything that is going on!