Discover Your Secret Source of Energy and Happiness

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Tom Marcoux — 4 Comments
Walk forward, strong like a tiger.

Walk forward, strong like a tiger.

When was your last epiphany? When did something happen that got you feeling like a cool, refreshing breeze flowed over you during a scorching day?

Some time ago, I experienced an epiphany when one of my graduate students bellowed: “I’m so proud of you!” in response to another student’s speech. (This was a public speaking class.)

Wow! Her voice and words (“I’m so proud of you!”) were energizing!

“Did you all hear that?” I asked the other students.

I realized that the student’s supportive comment was not about pride.

Really, it was about joy and celebrating the magnificence inside the student who gave the speech.

It’s about celebrating your natural talent and your efforts that you placed into something.

The person who says “I’m so proud of you” is connecting your joy and her joy.

When was the last time someone supported you and said, “I’m so proud of you!”?

That long ago, huh?

And some of us may not remember hearing these words, ever.

It’s important to get connected with your source of personal energy. We’ll use the G.E.T. process:

G – get away from “non-approvers”
E – express “I’m so proud of you” to yourself
T – target real support

1.  Get away from “non-approvers”

I’ve coined a term “non-approvers,” and I’m referring to a number of people who attempt to control others by withholding approval. My father continues to swing his non-approval at family members, like he’s using a bat. I do visit my parents, but I limit my time in my father’s presence. He is unable to hold a conversation; he only talks at people. My sweetheart refuses to be in the same building with my father. I understand her choice about this.

Now it’s your turn.

Who is withholding approval from you? Can you limit your time in that person’s presence?
Here’s a better idea: How can you express approval to yourself for all the good that you do?

2. Express “I’m so proud of you” to yourself

I invite you to do something each day to say “I’m so proud of you!” to yourself. I write in my Daily Journal of Victories and Blessings each night just before going to sleep. I devote 3 minutes and connect with the good parts of my life. As I write down my positive actions that I did that particular day, I am — in a way — saying, “I’m so proud of you!” to myself. I am acknowledging my own effort. My perception of my life is that it IS a good life. I go to sleep happy.

I suggest that a daily habit like writing in a Daily Journal of Victories and Blessings is a Secret Source of Energy and Happiness.

We need to consciously pay attention to what we’ve done well! In fact, researchers note that it takes 10 seconds of attention so something positive takes root in your long term memory. Negative experiences register quickly and permanently in our brain. Realize that our ancestors were the ones who paid attention to danger and got away. To overcome this natural connection with negative thinking and negative memory, put in a new habit–for example, writing in a Daily Journal of Victories and Blessings. I discuss the importance of daily habits and more in my book 10 Seconds to Wealth: Master the Moment Using Your Divine Gifts — see a Free Chapter when you CLICK HERE ]

3. Target real support

Let’s face this together: the people we love (and hope will give us some support or approval) are often too distracted, tired or even in pain to pay attention to our little victories and even our personal pain.

Pay attention and approve of yourself. Raise your own energy.

(If you focus on spirituality, you can also write in your Daily Journal: “Thank you, Higher Power.” The simple act of writing down “thank you” and help you shift into feeling gratitude. That’s important!)

If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is ‘thank you’, it will be enough.” -Meister Eckhart

Now it’s your turn.

What can you do to truly support yourself like you would with a treasured friend. When a friend visits, you make sure that he or she has a great dinner, a comfortable place to sleep and good feelings of “home” and “welcome.”

How can you demonstrate such good care toward yourself? Do you need to put into your day some self-nurturing time? Every day, I walk with my sweetheart; our target is 10,000 steps a day. This is a good time to enjoy our conversation, the trees in the neighborhood and the glorious sky.

Each day, I make sure to see something that inspires me to laugh. Some authors call laughter “inner jogging.” That works for me.

Every top performer I have met has ways to nurture herself or himself.

Support is crucial for your big leap of success — and feeling better!

Put some energy into this, and it will pay out big time!

Warmly,

Tom

Tom Marcoux,
CEO
author of 27 books (with free chapters on Amazon.com )
Executive Coach
Spoken Word Strategist
Author of Love Yourself to Financial Abundance and Spiritual Joy: How You Can Remove Blocks to Your Prosperity, Happiness and Inner Peace (Free Chapter when you CLICK HERE )
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Posted in body, happiness, happy, inner peace, love, peace, prosperity, relationship, self-esteem, soul, spirituality, Uncategorized, wealth

Enjoy the Breakthrough You Long For and Delight in Massive Success and Happiness

Posted on July 19, 2015 by Tom Marcoux — Leave a comment
Flow forward with your life; water rushes past obstacles.

Flow forward with your life; water rushes past obstacles.

Imagine a huge leap forward in your life and new experiences of happiness and success. I’ll now share “the Door to true improvements in your life.” We’ll use the R.E.A.L. process:

R – reflect
E – embrace
A – act
L – listen

1. Reflect

What’s not working in your life? Focus on this question: “What truth must I face?” Take a couple of moments right now with a sheet of paper and note some difficulties This is about “the truth must you face.” The idea is to focus on “what I would prefer to be different.”

I use the word “prefer” with care. Some things are a process. I may prefer that everything happen quickly (right now!) with my graphic novels Jack AngelSword (which will become a series of feature films or a TV series). But it takes time, effort and revisions to make something on a high level of excellence.

I describe this question What truth must I face? as “the Door to true improvements in your life.” Why? Because your answers, subsequent plan and improved actions can get you what you really want. As an Executive Coach, I help clients achieve what they really want. At points in our sessions, I ask powerful questions including:

  • What truth must you face?
  • What are you not telling me?
  • What are you not telling yourself?

Often, as I support my client in expressing his or her truth, the client makes a breakthrough. My coaching involves “insight-intuition-action.” Here’s something important: Many of us fail to face the truth and therefore fail to understand what is really necessary to make improvements. For example, a new business owner needs to face details that arise from questions like “How many marketing calls do you make each day? How many hours per week are you actively seeking new business? How many hours a week are you directly talking with someone who can buy your product or service? Do you need to rehearse (with your coach) answering tough questions of prospective buyers so you really become a better presenter?”

The truth is: When you want massive improvement, measure your current actions. Such measurements need to meaningful and simple. Examples include: 17 phone marketing calls a week, 30 minutes a day connecting with people through Linkedin, and 15 minutes a day sending out emails that build relationships and handwritten thank-you cards. Monitor your current activities, and set targets to improve your daily actions.

Keep a Progress Log and you’ll get more done. My phrase is: Keep Score and Achieve More.

For example, it once took me a daily 30-minute session for 14 days in a row to type up material (and rewrite it as I went along) from a 2-CD set I had recorded. This effort plus some more work culminated in my book Darkest Secrets of Making a Pitch to the Film and Television Industry: How You Can Get a Studio Executive, Producer, Name Actor or Private Investor to Say “Yes” to Your Project (Free Chapter when you CLICK HERE )

When you reflect and make yourself aware of something that you want to change, settle in to working on it a bit – everyday.

2. Embrace

Embrace yourself as a human being with some tendencies you don’t like. For example, I simply would prefer to write a new book than to do some marketing tasks. I love “making things.” And still, I embrace my foibles and hire contractors to do some things. I also use a day planner to track my marketing efforts and appointments. I do what is necessary.

Consider getting someone who is better at some task (perhaps, a tax preparer) than you are to do the task. For example, I have a friend who hired a gardener for $35.00 per month to keep the green areas around his home presentable. This was a good idea because my friend could devote his attention to other areas where his skills and talents were better used.

3. Act

Act. Don’t wait to “feel like it.” I make a distinction between “want to do” and “feel like it.” For example, I often want to complete writing a book–but I may not feel like it. As a professional writer, I have the discipline to sit down and write, regardless of how I’m feeling. I do not wait for inspiration. Inspiration happens while I’m writing.

4. Listen

Once you get a message about what truth you must face, you need to do something unusual: Listen. I’m not saying agree immediately. This is about being coachable. If you won’t let any new information in, you cannot improve the situation.

It’s amazing sometimes how many friends and family members have advice for us. But here’s the truth: You have the answer you need. Start by asking the empowering questions:

1. What truth must I face?
2. How can I make incremental progress?
3. How can I clear something from my life and create breathing room for myself?

Then answer yourself. Listen to the truth that arises from your heart. Bring your answers to your calendar, PDA, or day planner: Schedule your tasks.

As an Executive Coach, I support my client in facing the truth. Also, I deeply reflect on important elements of business or personal development that the client can use to make a big leap forward. Often I’ve said to clients, “I’m working on your business while you’re sleeping.” I’ll get inspired and write down ideas/strategies/action plans for my client at midnight or even 4 AM in the morning–whenever inspiration arises. As I read 81 books a year, I’m writing down notes of how my clients can improve their lives and business. Then I bring up ideas during a coaching session, and we check in to see which ideas resonate with the client’s heartfelt focus and intuition. I help my client find his or her “Big Energy.” Then the client takes consistent action.

Real improvement begins with facing the truth, which is a crucial step for real success and fulfillment.

Warmly,

Tom

Tom Marcoux,
CEO
author of 27 books (with free chapters on Amazon.com )
Executive Coach
Spoken Word Strategist
Author of Yes! Secrets for Your Best Life – Law of Attraction: Plus Hidden Power Increases Your Success and Happiness (free chapter when you CLICK HERE  )
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Free Yourself from Fear

Posted on July 18, 2015 by Tom Marcoux — Leave a comment
Get beyond fear and enjoy doing new things!

Get beyond fear and enjoy doing new things!

Want to release yourself from the shackles of fear? Would you like more fun in your life? Some of us have noticed that a number of activities that scared us at first become enjoyable. Skateboarding can be daunting until a young person gets comfortable with it. Since dealing with fear is a prime skill of successful people that I’ve interviewed, I’ll now share the F.U.N. process:

F – focus on something important
U – unleash rehearsal
N – nurture action

1. Focus on something important

I’ve learned that what you focus on makes all the difference between fear and engaging with the present moment—and doing well.

When I made my performing debut as a 9-year-old amateur pianist before 31 seniors in a retirement home, I was focused on one thing: Fear that I’d make some stupid mistake on that piano!

My focus was on “How am I doing?! How am I doing?!”

This focus made me so afraid that my right leg vibrated like the wings of a humming bird. My fear rose to a fever pitch because I was terrified that my shaking leg would lead to my foot falling off the sustain pedal. That, in my 9-year-old mind, would be “death of embarrassment” because the pedal hitting the frame of the piano would cause a loud THUD sound. The seniors would think I was such a idiot.

Along my journey, I’ve become a professional speaker addressing audiences of over 650 people.

In my years of being coached, rehearsing and speaking, I’ve learned to Focus on Something Important: serving the audience.

So my focus transformed from “How am I doing?” to “How are YOU doing?”

If tomorrow I was playing the piano and my foot fell off the sustain pedal and a big THUD sound crashed my performance, I’d mildly say to the audience: “Oh. That’s new.”

With this example, I’m talking about choosing your focus. Make something more important than your fear.

Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgment that something is more important than fear. – Meg Cabot

Now, it’s your turn.

What could be more important than fear for you?

How can you focus on what really means something to you? And would you consider getting coaching so you can improve your skills?

2. Unleash rehearsal

It’s important that you know that you know how to do something. You get to that point knowing deep in your heart through two things: coaching and rehearsal. As an Executive Coach, I often help clients rehearse their speeches, their sales pitches, their first words when networking at an event, and their answers to tough questions when they make a presentation.

Your next decision plus action can release you from the past. – Tom Marcoux

Decide to get coaching. Decide to rehearse. Then you truly quiet down fear.

3. Nurture action

Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

After years of addressing audiences including MBA students at Stanford University, high tech people at the National Association of Broadcasters Conference and more, I’m ready to deal with any mishap while I’m speaking on stage. I won’t freeze up and feel terrible. I might just say, “Oh. I need a moment. I want my next comment to be valuable to you.”

I’m not trying to appear perfect. In this way, I focus NOT on my ego-needs, but on serving the audience.

I’ve taken a lot of action by speaking before an audience nearly every week of the year. All of that action has helped me improve.

One time, on stage, I was speaking with such enthusiasm that I found myself teetering on the edge of the stage—just about to fall off.

No problem. I just said, “Oh! That’s exciting!”

I shared a laugh with my audience and we moved forward in our conversation.

Do I ever get nervous and feel my shyness rise up? Sure. Then it’s time for me to rehearse.

I share with my clients and college students this idea:

Picture a kind grandmother encouraging you and saying, “Feeling fear? Rehearse my dear.”

Now it’s your turn.

How can you rehearse and concentrate on something you want so much that fear can quiet down and be put “into a drawer.”

I’m not talking about erasing fear. Use the fear as energy to get you to rehearse.

As an Executive Coach, I even help people prepare to speak to the media when something goes wrong. I help my client with Power Rehearsal for Crisis.

I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship. — Louisa May Alcott

Life is a journey in which we explore new chapters and find a “new ship” to learn to sail.

Keep learning; keep sailing.

Warmly,

Tom

Tom Marcoux,
CEO
author of 27 books (with free chapters on Amazon.com )
Executive Coach
Spoken Word Strategist
Author of Yes! Secrets for Your Best Life – Law of Attraction: Plus Hidden Power Increases Your Success and Happiness (free chapter when you CLICK HERE  )
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When is it YOUR time? — How to Expand Your Happiness and Success

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Tom Marcoux — Leave a comment
Isn't it time to free yourself from limitations?

Isn’t it time to free yourself from limitations?

“I don’t have time to take a break,” Cora told her sister Karina. So, when is it your time? You might reply: “To do what?” To enjoy life – shine – leap forward – succeed – relax – feel inner peace. We’ll use the T.I.M.E. process:

T – tap in
I – intuit
M – measure
E – enjoy

1. Tap in

Imagine that life is a crystal clear waterfall of refreshing water. And you feel parched. All you need to do is “tap in” and have your fill of the water. But why don’t we do it? Why do we hesitate to do anything? Fear.

A number of successful people I’ve talked with told me about a time when they felt fear but moved forward, anyway. They pressed through the fear.

You have a choice. You could allow fear to sound like “Stop!” or you could let fear sound like “Okay. This is important to you. Stay Aware. Get coaching. Make this work. It’s worth it.”

You have a hidden natural brilliance. How will you know what it is until you stretch and try something new? And often, as a companion, fear shows up. Okay.

Everything that means so much to me has required that I take an appropriate risk.

Ask yourself: What appropriate risk stands before me now?

What hidden elements of my natural brilliance might arise if I step out of my comfort zone?

Tap into your true self — the source of your natural brilliance.

2. Intuit

Let’s not deceive ourselves. You know what you need, but you may have shutdown emotionally.

Let me demonstrate this:

* Jeannie knows (in her heart) that she wants to be a writer; but fear of ridicule has her make excuses (like “I don’t have the time.”)

* Sam knows (in his heart) that he wants to be an actor; but fear of failure has him avoiding auditions.

How do you deal with fear? First, admit it exists, and then get help and get coaching. For example, I have two editors for every book I write.

As an Executive Coach, I often help my client by saying something like: “Did you hear what you said? You said that what you really want is ____. How can you take a step in that direction?”

The important detail is: listen to your intuition.

Intuition says: “Expand. Try an experiment.”
Fear says: “Contract. Hide.”

When is it your time?

Now is your time! Listen to your intuition and take that empowering action.

[I wrote a whole book on doing well with time:  Power Time Management: More Time, Less Stress, and Zero Procrastination (Your Breakthrough for More Success, Happiness and Time Off) –– see a Free Chapter when you CLICK HERE )

3. Measure

How do you know you made any progress today? You measure it. How?

Here are examples:

* Many authors do five things a day to promote their book.
* Many authors use the word-count option in their word processing program.
* A number of people I know count how many sit-ups, pushups, etc. they do each day.

Okay, I admit. Sometimes, I do my daily push-ups, sit-ups and more, only because I will be glad to record my healthy actions in my Daily Journal of Victories and Blessings. Yes, it’s another victory over inertia.

This is your time. Take steps each day. Log them. Reward yourself.

In the final analysis, you must be your best coach.

4. Enjoy

I know some people who do not think that enjoyment is a valuable part of living. Well, that’s sad for them. They are truly missing out. They probably don’t realize that a person who enjoys life is fun to be around.

The truth is: people who are comfortable with themselves are easy to be around.

A charismatic person often makes the listener feel like she’s the most important person in the building. I know some people who metaphorically “wear a martyr’s badge” –and guess what? — they get irritable and lash out at others.

But this is not for you.

Be sure to do something each day that brings a smile and laughter to your life. Think of it as a sacred duty — no, better than that: it’s a sacred opportunity. How? If you’re good to yourself, it’s more likely that you’ll have the energy to be good to others.

As an Executive Coach, I help my client develop a plan of action that includes not just more work, but more fun and more joy, and even better relationships. I help the client strengthen herself or himself.

Remember the answer to when is it your time?

Now is your time. This is the only time you have. Do something today that is in the direction of your highest good. And you’ll discover that in expressing your hidden natural brilliance, you’re giving exactly what this world needs.

Warmly,

Tom

Tom Marcoux,
CEO
author of 27 books (with free chapters on Amazon.com )
Executive Coach
Spoken Word Strategist
Author of Create Your Best Life: Unleash Your Charisma and Confidence to Change the World (free chapter when you CLICK HERE )
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Make Your Life Take Flight! – Stop Waiting!

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Tom Marcoux — Leave a comment
You can make your dream come true ... An example:

You can make your dream come true … An example: “Crystal Pegasus” graphic novel

What stands between you and true success and fulfillment? Waiting. For what? Some of us wait for that one dream that will make all the hard work worth it. Stop waiting! Why? You’ll find better projects, methods and reasons for your efforts ALONG the road of your life. You cannot see nor even imagine what possibilities are coming. Why? When you rise to a new peak, you can see new things — like other new peaks (which could be opportunties).

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” — Ambrose Redmoon

What could be more important than fear? Your personal reason to do something.

Some people say that want financial abundance. Why do they want more cash? As an Executive Coach, I’ve asked clients why they want more money. Here are some of their answers:

  • no worries about paying bills
  • the freedom to choose my own creative projects
  • the chance to enjoy travel, vacations, a new home and more
  • the ability to protect my loved ones from suffering after I’ve passed away.

Whatever your personal reason is at this moment . . . get into action. Try new things. Take an appropriate risk. Listen to your intuition.

Here’s a personal example. Yesterday, a friend asked me, “Tell me about something you’re happy about.” I replied, “I’m happy that my fantasy graphic novel Crystal Pegasus is up on Amazon.com.” [You can see the cover as part of this article.]

“Crystal Pegasus” began as a little story told by a day camp counselor to the little kids in his charge. The day camp counselor was the lead character in a screenplay I wrote several years ago that served as my introduction to the film industry.

Then look what happened:

1) When I was directing a feature film, the screenplay (containing Crystal Pegasus) impressed the then-California Motion Picture Commissioner. He helped me gain San Luis Obispo airport and an American Eagle airplane for me to use for free in the production of my feature film.

2) Later, I filmed some portions of the screenplay, including a scene in which I, as the lead character, told the story, “Crystal Pegasus” to summer day camp kids.

3) I later finished an audio novel based on the screenplay.

4) Then I converted that story “Crystal Pegasus” into a form that could be a 15 page short little book for kids.

Finally, with a team of 10 people, that little story grew into Crystal Pegasus, the 82 page graphic novel for children and others. [You can get your copy of Crystal Pegasus when you CLICK HERE. ]

I had no idea that my screenplay would flow through transformations over the years and a portion of it would later yield a graphic novel Crystal Pegasus.

I’ve shared this above example to illustrate that taking action can lead in surprising and positive, new directions.

So I invite you to stop waiting!

As an Executive Coach, I provide the support that my clients need to see the whole picture, create a plan, rehearse for important events and take consistent action.

How can your adventure begin if you take no action?

Try something new and see what develops.

Warmly,

Tom

Tom Marcoux,
CEO
author of 27 books (with free chapters on Amazon.com )
Executive Coach
Spoken Word Strategist
Author of Create Your Best Life: Unleash Your Charisma and Confidence to Change the World (free chapter when you CLICK HERE )
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Use the Real Secret so You Become Stronger and Leap to Higher Levels of Success

Posted on July 15, 2015 by Tom Marcoux — 2 Comments
Celebrate your courage and rise to higher levels of success!

Celebrate your courage and rise to higher levels of success!

Tired of the usual “here’s how to be successful” talk? Here’s the truth: You want success?—take massive strategic action and handle rejection well—and put yourself in plenty of situations where rejection can occur. The most successful people I have interviewed get rejected every month. Why? Because they’re always stretching, growing, trying new things and contacting new people. And they’re inviting people to support their projects or purchase their products. Or they’re pulling people together to make things happen. Top professionals handle rejection well. Here is a process that can help you do well in the face of rejection: We’ll use the C.A.N. process:

C – cancel “rejection” in favor of “we did not have match”
A – appreciate
N – notice

  1. Cancel “rejection” in favor of “we did not have match”

If you feel bad, you’re probably thinking some disempowering thought like “they rejected me.” Now, imagine a “cancel” button. Then visualize pressing the button and simultaneously say aloud, “We did not have a match.” In this way, you are taking action to reframe your view of the situation. To “reframe” is to shift your interpretation. Instead of the disempowering idea “they rejected me” you can “press the cancel button” and replace the first idea with something better: “We did not have a match.”

Unfortunately, “they rejected me” carries the baggage of “there must be something wrong with me.” Instead, when you use the neutral “we did not have a match” you avoid throwing a negative judgment upon yourself. Instead, you’re allowing the idea that something neutral happened: There was no match.

Recently, a friend and I discussed “rejection.” Suddenly, I had a thought: “You can’t reject me (that is, reject my essence). I’m a spiritual being. But you certainly can disagree.” When I say “disagree,” I mean that someone can disagree with how I made something (a book, for example). In essence, they “disagree” about how useful the book is. I’ve learned that when you say something from your heart, some people will agree, some will disagree and others will ignore it. That’s all okay (even if it’s tough to take sometimes). I remind myself that it is okay that “we did not have a match.”

  1. Appreciate

When you do something original, some people will NOT like it. Great! You’ve done something. If you did nothing, there would be nothing to disagree with [or “reject.”]

If you didn’t show up for the job interview, there would be no possibility for a positive response or a negative response. So appreciate your courage and your efforts. You are one step closer to a positive outcome.

One time when I felt the sting of a negative review, I decided that there must be some way I could turn around my feelings. That’s when I devised something new: a “Celebrate Someone Disagrees” Ritual. In essence, I reward myself for having the courage to take a risk and “put my voice out there.” My sweetheart listens to me as I write my books so I’ll take her out to have a “Celebrate Someone Disagrees” Ritual. We may go to See’s Candies — she usually wants to celebrate with chocolate. And we’re likely to go to a bookstore, since I like to celebrate by getting a book. We’re celebrating courage and taking action.

As an Executive Coach, I help clients use exercises and patterns to become stronger and take massive strategic action. When you take control of your patterns of thinking, you can bounce back faster and get more done!

  1. Notice

Notice that it takes just a simple shift of thinking to go from sad and feeling rejected to a new pattern of thinking: “I’m okay. I’m proud of myself for putting my work out in the world.”

Also, notice that people seem to be complaining a lot recently. Certainly, I’ve seen some really mean comments on YouTube.com. Along these lines . . . recently, I read how Barbara Walters held it together while being criticized early in her career. She received a note from John Wayne that read: “Don’t let the bastards get you down.” Well, that was concise.

My point is that the people I know who enjoy fulfillment are the ones who are creating artwork and getting things done. They refuse to allow critical comments to slow them down. Let the critics amuse themselves with criticizing. But let you and I find fulfillment in expressing ourselves and learning as we go.

I remember Steven Spielberg said, “I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. And I don’t have to prove anything to myself. I just need to stay interested.” As an Executive Coach, I help clients connect with their “Big Energy,” which is connected to their heart. Certainly, Steven Spielberg is connected with his own Big Energy. With such Big Energy, you can face the tough situations and the bumpy parts of your journey. You will not stop. You may slow a bit, but you have the personal power to persist and triumph.

So I invite you to celebrate each rejection. Because you are one of the few courageous people who goes out and expresses yourself and gets things done. Remember to treat yourself to a “Celebrate Someone Disagrees” Ritual (reward).

This morning I awoke with this thought: “Blessed are the Dreamers for they’re the ones who show the way.”

I might amend the phrase to “Dreamers Who Are Doing.” If you’re doing something, you’ll likely face criticism. That’s okay. Celebrate your courage. Celebrate learning new things. Yes—Celebrate Someone Disagrees.

And keep moving forward.

Warmly,

Tom

Tom Marcoux,
CEO
author of 27 books (with free chapters on Amazon.com )
Executive Coach
Spoken Word Strategist
Author of Now You See Me – Make a Great First Impression – Use Secrets of Power Networking: for More Clients, More Referrals and More Friends (free chapter when you CLICK HERE )
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Don’t Let Fear Shut Down Your Creativity!

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Tom Marcoux — 2 Comments
Do NOT die with your music still inside you!

Do NOT die with your music still inside you!

One decision can improve your life. It’s when you decide to become strong and handle fear. This means a lot to me because I’ve had to face fear numerous times. They were various firsts: first time directing a feature film, first time being the lead singer/song-writer of a band, first time writing a book, first time teaching MBA students at STANFORD UNIVERSITY and more. I had some fear each time, but I went forward.

It comes down to four essential questions:

1) What’s your safety net?

When I write a book, I have two editors who push me to better writing. I get support and I offer it, too. A little while ago, I launched my Linkedin.com group “Executive Public Speaking and Communication Power!” Consider joining the group when you CLICK HERE.

2) How can you step past fears about money?

A little while ago, I started writing my first musical. I scheduled the work to happen over three years. Why? I’m busy doing other things that are the sources of income. I do not set myself up to have to earn money with the musical. I have the freedom to experiment.

No matter how the musical turns out, I will grow and improve as a writer. It will not interfere with my income-generating work. But it will be a source of fun and creative joy!

So concerns about money will not shut down my creativity.

As an Executive Coach, I help clients make a plan that inspires them and that comforts them because we develop the contingency plans to handle the bumpy road of fulfilling one’s real potential and real destiny.

3) How can you do it without needing others to say ‘yes’?

When it comes to the musical, I do not have to wait for a theatre troupe to say yes. I can hire singers and record a version of the songs in a recording studio. I can say yes to myself. Maybe one of the songs will work well separately from the musical.

4) How can you focus on “learning” instead of allowing the fear “it may not be great” to stop you?

Do not let yourself get stuck in having to make anything “great” the first time out. Realize that any art form requires a learning curve.

For example, I know a number of people who have enjoyed Wicked, the musical. Some consider it the biggest stage success of composer Stephen Schwartz’s career. In October 2010, Wicked became the third musical in Broadway history to exceed $500 million in total gross income. And Wicked is Stephen’s thirteenth musical. Yes, it’s a big hit and it’s number 13. He just keeps on getting better!

Don’t expect yourself to do it “perfectly” the first time. We truly learn by doing.

When you focus on learning each time you go to the creative well, you always win. Sometimes, you may do a project that does not hit the marketplace at a suitable time. For example, when the film The Princess Bride was released, few people saw it at movie theaters. Only later, a core audience found the film when it was released on VHS tape. It became so popular that it’s now available on Blu-ray, and a while ago, it had a special 25th Anniversary edition. What counts is that you keep exploring and taking appropriate risks. (Get more encouragement. See a free chapter of my book Nothing Can Stop You This Year! when you CLICK HERE).

This reminds me of the quote:

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it.
Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman

As an Executive Coach, I help my clients connect with what I call “Big Energy,” which helps them focus, plan and take consistent action.

Keep learning, keep expressing your creativity and you’ll find joy in doing the projects. And you’ll come alive!

Warmly,

Tom

Tom Marcoux,
CEO
author of 27 books (with free chapters on Amazon.com )
Executive Coach
Spoken Word Strategist
Author of Nothing Can Stop You This Year! (free chapter when you CLICK HERE )
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Use the Real Secret of Three-Dimensional Success

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Tom Marcoux — Leave a comment
Don't sleep through the opportunity; listen for how to truly enjoy your life!

Don’t sleep through the opportunity; listen for how to truly enjoy your life!

Imagine the man who arrived at success just in time to lose his marriage. Or the woman who took care of everyone but herself and died young. That’s successful? I’m introducing “Success in 3 Dimensions.”

Success in 3 Dimensions

  • you feel great
  • you’re doing well in creating abundance
  • your health is terrific.

Having all three dimensions is essential to enjoying your successful life. When I say, “Doing well in creating abundance” I’m referring to a number of elements. Many of us truly want to enjoy what we do for a living. Further, we want to be well-compensated. And the idea of “abundance” is useful. Abundance is about having a surplus—more than enough. If you have barely enough to pay rent and eat, that’s NOT fun!

Many of us want cash to take a vacation, celebrate a loved one’s birthday and more.

The question is: How can I have all three dimensions: feel great, create abundance and enjoy terrific health?

Here’s the Real Secret of 3-Dimensional Success: It consists of three parts.

  1. “Life is about success, not perfection.” – Alan Weiss
  2. “It does not matter how slow you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius
  3. “Do something. It’s Better than Zero.” – Tom Marcoux

As an Executive Coach, I help my client devise an action plan that supports a great life of feeling great, doing well in creating abundance and enhancing one’s health.

1) “Life is about success, not perfection.” – Alan Weiss

The problem with perfectionism is that it may shut down a person so he or she is afraid to do something because of fear about not excelling at it the first time.

If life is about success, then you can pay close attention and identify the vital elements of having a successful business, a successful relationship and good health. As human beings, we’re unlikely to do everything “perfectly,” but we can focus on the Most Important Things.

For example, one of my clients walks 30 minutes a day and during that time talks with her boyfriend. Sure, perfection would include her doing vigorous weight training and running for two hours each day—but that does not match her lifestyle. So her body is not “perfect” in her ownmind. But she does have a good romantic relationship; she’s doing well at work and she gets appropriate sleep. These are important elements of a successful life.

Another way to view “success not perfection” is to declare: Life is about taking effective action and making consistent progress.

Now it’s your turn.

Where are you allowing perfectionism to slow you down? Are you spending your energy on “small things” and are you neglecting the most important things that can improve your life?

2) “It does not matter how slow you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius

Many of us have heard of the overnight success that took ten years.

My dad told me, “It takes fifteen years to be an overnight success”, and it took me seventeen and a half years. – Adrien Brody

The journey is important. Recently, I was teaching people how to go from zero connections to blog visitors from 141 countries. I realized that I had trained my whole life to teach that session and those people on that day.

Earlier in my business career, I worked for corporations doing work that had nothing to do with my best talents. Then, a decade later, I applied what I had learned to teaching graduate students at Stanford University.

All the experiences add up to make me more valuable to the marketplace today!

Now it’s your turn.

How might you apply what you’ve learned over the years to making your life better and better?

3) “Do something. It’s Better than Zero.” – Tom Marcoux

Sometimes, the thing to do is to study the situation or get more information. Sometimes the thing to do is to take a break! When you return, you’ll have a fresh perspective. For example, a client presented me with her notes for a blog article. At first, I was baffled. The notes were convoluted. I took a break and returned and BAM! I could see the hidden thread that could run through the blog article.

My main point about “Do something. It’s Better than Zero” is: Take a step forward each day; they add up . . . Two hundred words a day leads to a 52,000 word book (for example).

Laura Hillenbrand, the author of the bestselling books Seabiscuit and Unbroken endures Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The article “The Unbreakable Laura Hillenbrand” notes: “Even the physical act of writing can occasionally stymie [Laura], as the room spins and her brain swims to find words in a cognitive haze. There have been weeks and months — indeed, sometimes years — when the mere effort to lift her hands and write has been all that she can muster.”

Still, Laura takes a few steps forward each day. Let’s notice that it all adds up: Seabiscuit has 399 pages and Unbroken includes 528 pages.

By the way, Laura’s success is unusual. She does no talk shows and no in-person appearances promoting her books. And still, her books are bestsellers.

Now it’s your turn.

What can you do today that is “better than zero”? How can you take some steps forward each day?

As an Executive Coach, I help my client express what’s in his or her heart, create a powerful plan, and take action consistently.

Remember, the people who truly enjoy life are making progress on all 3 Dimensions of Success:

  • they feel great
  • they’re doing well in creating abundance
  • their health is terrific.

Remember “Life is about success, not perfection.”

My added comment is: Boldness makes progress. Precision makes sustainability. By this I mean, you need to take a courageous step forward. You can refine your work as you go along so your work has lasting power.

Take some steps forward today.

Warmly,

Tom

Tom Marcoux,
CEO
author of 27 books (with free chapters on Amazon.com )
Executive Coach
Spoken Word Strategist
Author of Nothing Can Stop You This Year! (free chapter when you CLICK HERE )
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How You Can Instantly Feel Better, Shake Off Emotional Pain, and Get Things Done

Posted on July 12, 2015 by Tom Marcoux — 2 Comments
Get out of low-mood and take your life to a higher level!

Get out of low-mood and take your life to a higher level!

Do you want to shake off the pain of disappointment and approach life with more energy? We can use the power of “act as if.” We’ll use the A.S. process:

A – act
S – support yourself with a “30-30-30 Shield”

1. Act

Actions can inspire our feelings.

It is easier to act yourself into a new way of feeling than to feel yourself into a new way of acting. – Harry Stack Sullivan

As an Executive Coach, I help clients take new and better actions.

If someone says something that offends you, consider taking a walk. Get the stress out of your body by moving.

Here’s an important action: sit up straight. Why? Allowing ourselves to slouch creates trouble. We can actually lower our mood by adopting a “defeated posture.” To shake free of that, cultivate good posture. You can breathe easier.

I learned about good posture when three physical therapists helped me recover from injuries I sustained in a car accident. They assured me that sitting with one’s vertebra aligned takes less energy. The back was designed for the bones to line up and provide a resting posture. Slouching in a chair requires some muscles to stay active and hold you up.

Discover how taking action (sitting up or moving), can improve your mood.

2. Support yourself with a “30-30-30 Shield.”

When asked how she deals with a lot of pressure (as pro athlete, Sports Illustrated model, mother and wife of celebrity surfer Laird Hamilton), Gabrielle Reese said, “In life, you will always have 30 percent of the people who love you, 30 percent who hate you and 30 percent who couldn’t care less.”

We can use the above quote as part of what I call a “30-30-30 Shield.” How?

The ideas of Gabrielle’s quote release us from trying to be perfect and from trying to please everyone.

Many of us experience a huge drop in energy and motivation when under-fire by others’ criticism.

Your first thoughts might be on the order of: “Oh, no! I can’t do anything right. Nobody’s going to like [my book, my blog, my artwork, etc.].”

Instead, invoke your 30-30-30 Shield.

You can assess: “Is this person part of the 30 percent who will never understand the value of what I’m doing? Are they someone who will never care? I can dismiss them from my mind.”

With the above, you could even “shield” your self-esteem. When someone slams criticism at us, it can feel like a blow to one’s self-esteem.

But with the 30-30-30 Shield we can assess: “This person just doesn’t care about what I care about.” or “Evidently, I made artwork that does not appeal to this person. I’ll serve my own audience.”

We can devote more time to thinking about the 30% who do love us:

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. – Lao Tzu.

In summary, you can change your feelings with two processes. Take action to release stress.

Secondly, guide your own thoughts. Don’t let them fall into a negative spiral. Instead, employ your 30-30-30 Shield and rejoice in being fully alive.

By the way, as an Executive Coach, I hear clients say, “Yes! I’m feeling so much better now that I have a plan and I’m growing in my business and personal life.”

As you employ your 30-30-30 Shield, you experiment with creativity, take appropriate risks and concentrate on those people who can relate to your style of creativity.

Warmly,
Tom

Tom Marcoux,
CEO
author of 27 books (with free chapters on Amazon.com )
Executive Coach
Spoken Word Strategist
Author of Success Secrets of Rich, Smart and Powerful People (free chapter when you CLICK HERE)
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Use “One YES for Infinite Success”

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Tom Marcoux — Leave a comment
Ignite new and better opportunities!

Ignite new and better opportunities!

Have you ever thought of someone who could say yes and change your whole life? Imagine knowing how to get the “One YES” that improves your life. The insights in this article are especially helpful when you want breakthroughs in prosperity. We’ll use the O.N.E. process:

O – open your thoughts
N – notice a category
E – energize your contacts

1. Open your thoughts

What would be your “One YES” that massively improves your life?

For some it would be “Yes, we’ll publish your book.”

Others would welcome:
* Yes, I’ll marry you.
* Yes, I’ll invest in your company.
* Yes, I’ll join your team.

Have you noticed that some people refuse to even speculate about something great happening? Why? Perhaps, they’re trying to avoid feeling disappointed.

The truth is life brings disappointment even if we try to hide and hold tiny expectations.

For many of us, it is better to have a “glorious direction” to aim for.

When I say, Open Your Thoughts, I invite you to ask this question: What would make that person who can give the “One YES” take special notice of me and my project?

It could be:
a) You sold 20,000 copies of your graphic novel.
b) A notable person endorses your book.
c) A doctor has certified that your meditation audio program helps her patients.

Big possibilities begin when we open our thoughts to new ideas. Have the courage to imagine who can change your life with a “Yes” response. Then start preparing so you can impress them and get their cooperation.

As an Executive Coach, I support my client to do something on a small scale to show what she or he can do. It’s all about demonstrating your skills and vision. You create credibility. You build from there, and the process can go surprisingly fast. For example, my clients have said:

* “Tom Marcoux coached me in 10 days to get more done than other coaches in 2 years.” – Brad Carlson, CEO of Mindstrong LLC

* “Using just one of Tom Marcoux’s methods, I got more done in 2 weeks than in 6 months.” – Jaclyn Freitas, M.A.

The process is: open your thoughts, set a plan and take action. Then you enjoy feeling proud of yourself as you create new and better results.

2. Notice a category

Thinking of only ONE person and trying to be perfect in one meeting to get their cooperation may feel overwhelming. If I concentrate on only ONE person who can change my life, then I might be terrified of making a mistake. Instead, I think of a “category of people” who could say yes.

You see, it’s not one person. It’s a whole bunch of people who share a trait or two.
For example, when I enter a negotiation, I think, “Let’s see if they want to play.” In this manner, I reduce my level of nervousness.

We can apply this principle, in a way, to identifying a category of people who could give you that one Big Yes.

3. Energize your contacts.

As an Executive Coach, I often help clients focus on what I call the 3 Magic Words of Networking: Help Them First. Find a way to be supportive of what the other person is doing. Develop warm connections.

Second, let the right people know what your big goals are.

For example, my team is focused on our franchise titled Jack AngelSword (which includes graphic novels and feature films).

My ultimate goal is: Jack AngelSword serves millions of people so near the end of my life, I can sell my company (that includes other franchises) to . . . you guessed it: Disney.

Why? Because I want my franchise to continue to inspire and serve people beyond my lifespan.

You’ve probably heard of the theory of “Six Degrees of Separation” which holds that everyone is merely six steps away. So all you need is an introduction from one person to another.

I know that this can work in your favor. For example, when I first began in the film industry, I wrote a screenplay that one software engineer handed to another software engineer — to a real estate developer — and then to the California Motion Picture Commissioner.

When I needed it, the California Motion Picture Commissioner arranged for San Luis Obispo airport and an American Eagle airplane (for free) for a feature film I was directing.

So in essence, I’m saying:

Energize your contacts.

You can make big things happen with the right people on board.

(By the way, who do you know who would like to connect with me about  Jack AngelSword? Just asking.)

Warmly,

Tom

Tom Marcoux,
CEO
author of 27 books (with free chapters on Amazon.com )
Executive Coach
Spoken Word Strategist
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