Twin brothers, born to junkie parents in the Bronx, New York. “What chance do they stand” you ask as mom passes out for days and dad disappears to get high on another fix. Meanwhile they live off boxed cereals and whatever they can get their hands on, not bathing or cleaning because no one cares and are living in fear.
They’re abused emotionally and physically until one day dad dies of an overdose. Their little lives perhaps will be easier without the taunting and troubles dad brought them. Mom, to support her habit, sells herself on the streets and soon contracts a variety of STD’s, gets beat up by predatory men and ends up dead soon after due to alcoholic and drug poisoning. The boys are put in foster homes and many years later are interviewed as part of their ongoing social welfare requirements.
In their 30’s they both answer the same set of questions. Here is whats fascinating…both were asked: “To what do you attribute your current status“? They both answered in exactly the same way, yet used different words. They said “If you understood my circumstances, you would understand how I ended up here“.
One brother turned out to be a drunk and junkie living on social welfare in the very same Bronx he was saved from, while the other became a Doctor, is happily married, has a beautiful family home in the suburbs, has two beautiful children and lives a life free from the crime and grime of the Bronx. Both saw their circumstances as either the keys or the handcuffs. Both saw the inevitable…succeed or surrender?
In his book, “The Snowball Effect”, Warren Buffet refers to the “Ovarian Lottery” when comparing 3rd world and 1st world births. The children born to American wombs will not have to deal with conflict, wars, corruption and a lack of basic health and education. Whilst their African counter parts would have lost the lottery taking birth in an African womb. I disagree. In the 21st century, forget your birth right or lottery status . The only thing that counts for anything is your perception and your willingness to acquire the right skills and knowledge.
Perception:
“You become what you think about all day long” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
We all are familiar that “your perception is your reality” or “the glass half empty or half full”, “the problem versus opportunity” etc. As James Allen said; “The circumstances do not make the man, they merely reveal him”. Its your job to see the silver lining in every cloud. In the beginning it’s going to be impossible to see but once you start seeing it regularly, the elephant in the room diminishes and the opportunity expands.
Its been said “Its not what happens to you that matters, its how you respond that does”. Many people have come back from severe setbacks and have crafted out a fabulous life of accomplishment. Be they War or concentration camp survivors, brutal crime and gross addiction survivors or just started life on the wrong side of the railway line. If they can do it, then so can you.
HERE ARE 3 WAYS TO IMPROVE OUR PERCEPTIONS:
One – Always expect the best for yourself and others
Always expect the best for yourself and others. Remember that your perception is your reality. Your expectations with practice is non different from the Law of Attraction. Allowing good things to happen to you. Sometimes they come in the form of a problem. And within the problem lies the opportunity. Much like a present/gift. You have to unpack the problem to find the opportunity.
Two – Imagine the universe is conspiring just to make you succeed
Just imagine that the universe is conspiring to make you succeed. It is arranging the right people, conversations and opportunities to present themselves to you. I’ve literally walked into many opportunities by leveraging this practice. Perception is reality.
Three – Be prepared
When opportunities do arise “out of the blue” be ready for them. Remember that: “luck is what happens when opportunity meets preparation”. So be prepared. Sweat it out in the gym of preparation, so you can smile on the podium of achievement. Don’t squander opportunity because you are nor prepared.
Knowledge and Skill:
“In a global economy where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity – it is a pre-requisite” – BARACK OBAMA, Address to Joint Session of Congress, Feb. 24, 2009
Your ability to increase your knowledge and skills will cast a vast ocean between you and the competition. It should be your primary focus to up skill your knowledge and abilities so as to increase your earning ability. The market pays premium for highly skilled, goal oriented super achievers while the mediocre get paid inflation linked salaries. Just enough to keep them coming back month after month while deluding themselves into thinking they are on their way to financial freedom.
HERE ARE 3 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOU SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
One – Start where you are with what you have
Right now in your shoes stands your greatest asset which is surrounded by potential and opportunity. It is not necessary to jump careers, get further academic qualifications or start your new business. There are opportunities aplenty in your midsts. Ask yourself if there are any other people in your office who earn more than you? Of course there are. Now ask yourself are there any people in your office who earn double what you earn? I’m almost certain there is. Now ask yourself what knowledge and skills do they have that warrants their income? Once you identify them, ask yourself how can I acquire that knowledge and skill, going to work immediately to take your share of opportunity.
Two – Give more than you are paid to
The ability to give more value than you are paid to will place you among the elite performers in any discipline. Give praise, recognition and respect to everyone you meet…be he a butcher, a baker or a candlestick maker. The ability to smile warmly and greet confidently signals to the other person that “I am worth it”. Making him or her feel worthwhile increases their self esteem and in turn increases yours too. So what if they don’t return your gesture, just keep on sowing great seeds of respect and respect will follow you. Treat everyone you meet and deal with as the most important person in the world and they too shall mirror you, treating you as such. The most amazing thing is that it costs you nothing to be a gentleman or a lady. In your customer dealings, go that extra mile…establish meaningful and lasting relationships and I assure you the return on investment is a repeat customer.
Three – Be sincere
Charlatans may fool me once but never again. People smell insincerity from miles away. Put your heart into your discussions, emails and phone calls. Don’t pay lip service, pay sincerity. Sincerity has opened doors of opportunity that were locked away and removed from access. Yet sincere, heartfelt inquiry has unlocked potential for many a person who may have seen the silver lining evaporate from the cloud. Sincerity commanded the co-operation of their peers, customers, suppliers etc. and have benefitted from just being sincere in everything you do.
You reap what you sow, so sow greatness and it wont matter where you are from, 1st world or 3rd world. It wont matter if you are from Soweto, Sandton or Serbia
In your hands lies the decision to Succeed or Surrender. In your hands lies the opportunity to either make it or break it. All that matters is what you do next? Will you retreat to the comfort zone of mediocrity or will you rise to the potential within?
To help you succeed the upcoming Vinesh Maharaj Personal Mastery Workshop will assist you to live true to your dreams and potential. This world class program has gifted new beginnings, new results and new success to many. Why not craft your reality and stop dreaming? Here are some program outcomes.
– Master The Psychology of Becoming
– Master The Psychology of Prosperity Consciousness
– Master Your Personal Wealth Creation Blue print
– Master The Art of Relationship Mastery
– Get The Life You Want…Now
– Master Your Health, Longevity & Happiness
The Vinesh Maharaj Personal Mastery Workshop is happening on:
Date: 28 March 2015
Day: Saturday 9am – 5pm
Venue: Johannesburg
Book Now: mybookings@vineshmaharaj.com
Lets make 2015 a year to celebrate all you can be. Go on and create an epic life and get from life what you want now. I look forward to meeting you there…
Keep smiling, keep shining…
My name is Vinesh Maharaj and I’m your coach and partner in success…
Mobile: 084 990 1539
Email: vinesh@vineshmaharaj.com
Vinesh Maharaj: Your coach and partner in success 