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	<title>Funky Success</title>
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	<link>http://www.funkysuccess.com</link>
	<description>Design your own lifestyle</description>
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		<title>The biology of belief</title>
		<link>http://www.funkysuccess.com/2010/04/the-biology-of-belief/</link>
		<comments>http://www.funkysuccess.com/2010/04/the-biology-of-belief/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:04:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mat Siems</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Book]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The biology of belief]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.funkysuccess.com/?p=166</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The biology of belief and how to unleash the power of your consciousness
This book is about the field of new biology where they expose the relation between your beliefs and your biology and how to unleash the power of consciousness.  The author Bruce H. Lipton is not a self help or success guru but a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>The biology of belief and how to unleash the power of your consciousness</h2>
<p>This book is about the field of new biology where they expose the relation between your beliefs and your biology and how to unleash the power of consciousness.  The author Bruce H. Lipton is not a self help or success guru but a scientist and a medical school professor with a Ph.D. in Biology which makes the book even more compelling.  In fact he even obtained the best book award in 2006, when the work was first published.    Along his career he has studied cellular biology and how those process information.  His results are astonishing.</p>
<p>In order to fully understand the potential of his ideas I want to go over some of the following chapters in the book:</p>
<ol>
<li>Lessons of the Petri Dish</li>
<li>The power of the environment</li>
<li>Magical Membrane</li>
<li>New Physics</li>
<li>Biology and belief</li>
<li>Growth and protection</li>
<li>Parenting and genetics</li>
</ol>
<h2>
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 330px"><a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/biology-of-belief/biology-of-belief-smart-cell.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-166];player=img;"><img title="biology-of-belief-smart-cell" src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/biology-of-belief/biology-of-belief-smart-cell.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="180" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Lessons of the Petri Dish and Smart Cell</p></div>
<p>Lessons of the Petri Dish</h2>
<p>Bruce first talks about his trip to the Caribbean where he was responsible for one of the medicine course.  He decided to use his own style and a bit of anthropomorphism, in order to compare cells as miniature humans.<br />
He explains life origin from single cell-organism to multi-cell organism and smart cells.  In practice he decided to teach his students to mirror smart cells.  Instead of the students adopting the Darwin model with the survival of the fittest, he promoted the team environment and a better understanding.  The results where astonishing.  As he started praising the students, which in turn made them believe they are the best, it produced overall higher success rate.</p>
<h2>The power of the environment</h2>
<p>This book is about the power of the environment.  Indeed Bruce proves that is it the environment that controls the biology not the genes.  The new science of epigenetic is about how nature and the environment influence the behaviour of cells with no change in the genetic code.</p>
<h2>Magical Membrane</h2>
<p>In this chapter he proves that as opposed to conventional thinking the real brain of  the cell is not the nucleus (where is the DNA) but the skin of the cell, the magic membrane.  He claims that DNA is only the hard drive of the cell, and the real CPU of cellular operation is the membrane.<br />
Therefore based on this affirmation, Bruce reveals that true Secret of life which is that  You completely control you life and not your genes.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 330px"><a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/biology-of-belief/biology-of-belief-new-physics.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-166];player=img;"><img title="New Physics" src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/biology-of-belief/biology-of-belief-new-physics.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="180" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">New Physics</p></div>
<h2>New Physics</h2>
<p>The new physics is quantum physics.  It is an illusion of matter as the quantum atoms are in constant movement.  He talks about the health and pharmaceutical industry as we know it today would probably collapse if people realised that the only medicine they would need would be their beliefs.  He talks about the importance of doing a quantum tune up in order to produce only good vibes and positive energy.</p>
<h2>Biology and belief</h2>
<p>Beliefs are the sum of your thinking and your subconscious programming.  Those beliefs with create real world results on you health and happiness. He closes the chapter with the famous words of Mahatma Gandhi:</p>
<blockquote><p>Your beliefs become your thoughts<br />
Your thoughts become your words<br />
Your words become your actions<br />
Your actions become your habits<br />
Your habits become your values<br />
Your values become your destiny</p></blockquote>
<h2>Growth and protection</h2>
<p>In order to grow you need to let go your fears, you need to control them and not the opposite.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 330px"><a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/biology-of-belief/biology-of-belief-conscious-parenting.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-166];player=img;"><img title="Parenting and genetics" src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/biology-of-belief/biology-of-belief-conscious-parenting.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="180" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Parenting and genetics</p></div>
<h2>Parenting and genetics</h2>
<p>The real important message that he recommends teaching your children is that you are not stuck with your genes.  You are the only boss of your life and as long as you believe and face your fears you may accomplish anything you dream of.</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>Buce research has a huge impact of how we perceive life.  Most of us believe that it is our DNA that controls our biology but in fact our DNA is influenced by signals outside the cells such as a positive thought.  What we need to understand from his idea is that by changing our thought process we may have a direct impact on our biology up to a point that we may even cure diseases.</p>
<p>I strongly recommend that book as I believe that it has the power to change your life.<br />
Click here to buy the book now.</p>
<h2>Biology of belief book Mind Maps</h2>
<p>Here is the Biology of belief book mind-maps we have:</p>
<p><a title="Tittle" rel="shadowbox[mindmap]" href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/biology-of-belief/biology-of-belief.jpg">Click here </a>to view the biology of belief mind map in a lightbox.<br />
<a title="Tittle" rel="shadowbox[mindmap]" href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/biology-of-belief/biology-of-belief-smart-cell.jpg">Click here </a>to view the smart cell mind-map in a lightbox.<br />
<a title="Tittle" rel="shadowbox[mindmap]" href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/biology-of-belief/biology-of-belief-environment.jpg">Click here </a>to view the environment mind-map in a lightbox.<br />
<a title="Tittle" rel="shadowbox[mindmap]" href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/biology-of-belief/biology-of-belief-magical-membrane.jpg">Click here </a>to view the magical membrane mind-map in a lightbox.<br />
<a title="Tittle" rel="shadowbox[mindmap]" href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/biology-of-belief/biology-of-belief-new-physics.jpg">Click here </a>to view the new physics mind-map in a lightbox.<br />
<a title="Tittle" rel="shadowbox[mindmap]" href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/biology-of-belief/biology-of-belief-growth-and-protection.jpg">Click here </a>to view the growth and protection mind-map in a lightbox.<br />
<a title="Tittle" rel="shadowbox[mindmap]" href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/biology-of-belief/biology-of-belief-conscious-parenting.jpg">Click here </a>to view the conscious parenting mind-map in a lightbox.<br />
<a title="Tittle" rel="shadowbox[mindmap]" href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/biology-of-belief/biology-of-belief-spirit-and-science-epilogue.jpg">Click here </a>to view the spirit and science epilogue mind-map in a lightbox.</p>
<div id="Biology of belief" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/crushit/biology-of-belief/biology-of-belief.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-166];player=img;"><img class="size-large wp-image-120" title="Biology of belief book Mind Map" src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/biology-of-belief/biology-of-belief.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Biology of belief Mind Map</p></div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Crush it</title>
		<link>http://www.funkysuccess.com/2010/04/crush-it/</link>
		<comments>http://www.funkysuccess.com/2010/04/crush-it/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:28:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mat Siems</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gary Vaynerchuk]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.funkysuccess.com/?p=154</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Crush it and why now is the time to cash in on your passion
Crush it is the latest book from Gary Vaynerchuck, that guy that built a 60 millions business empire from his home in New Jersey off his wine passion.  Crush it, is about how you need to reinvent business rules to cash in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 330px"><a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/crushit/crushit.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-154];player=img;"><img title="crushit-book" src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/crushit/crushit.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="180" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Crush it Book</p></div>
<h1>Crush it and why now is the time to cash in on your passion</h1>
<p>Crush it is the latest book from Gary Vaynerchuck, that guy that built a 60 millions business empire from his home in New Jersey off his wine passion.  Crush it, is about how you need to reinvent business rules to cash in on your passion.  For those who heard about Gary, know that he is a guy full of energy and good vibes, and known for a straightforward no-bullshit approach.</p>
<p>I will give you an overview of some of the key elements of this excellent book. Please <a href="http://astore.amazon.co.uk/funky-success-21/detail/0061914177">click here</a> to buy the book.</p>
<h2>Passion, rules and social media</h2>
<p>First thing he mentions is that the game has changed and that there hasn’t been any better time to live your passion.  No more excuses, as this century presents the biggest opportunities for all of us.  It is time to turn water into wine.  Gary has 3 fundamental rules he lives including:</p>
<ol>
<li>Love your family</li>
<li>Work super hard</li>
<li>Live your passion</li>
</ol>
<p>He ends this chapter by emphasizing that social media is business and not just a game, so you need to take it seriously.</p>
<h2>Success is in you DNA</h2>
<p>In order to live your passion you need to be yourself as people know when you’re not genuine.  There has been a huge rise of entrepreneurs in the last decade, as people realize more and more that the job market doesn’t fulfil their needs anymore.  The advice he gives is to be yourself and do whatever you are meant to be doing.  Learn how to tell stories, how to be a good storyteller as it will help you to succeed.</p>
<h2>Build your personal brand</h2>
<p>In order to build your personal brand you need to be totally transparent.  You need to be honest with you clients, suppliers and the community.  I know most of us were raised into believing that in order to be successful in business you need to have secrets, hide your more precious information and strategy, but what Gary is proposing is the opposite.  This world of mouth on steroid will enable to build your personal brand.</p>
<h2>New world</h2>
<p>As so many authors are writing, the world has changed.  Today, with the constantly lower cost of information technologies and communications, you may easily own the means of production.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be able to build anything you dream of with so little investment.  Therefore, NOW is the only time to start and plan your future if you haven’t done so far.</p>
<h2>Content creation</h2>
<p>The most important things that matters on the web is the quality of your content.  So you need to know your stuff and be able to tell a story.  He uses the “Lure and Lasso” method which basically means that you need to create blog posts (lure) and also write comments on other pages (lasso).</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 330px"><a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/crushit/gary-vaynerchuk.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-154];player=img;"><img title="gary-vaynerchuk" src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/crushit/gary-vaynerchuk.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="180" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Gary Vaynerchuk</p></div>
<h2>Platform Selection</h2>
<p>There are basically 3 blog formats to deliver you message:</p>
<ol>
<li>Video</li>
<li>Audio</li>
<li>Text</li>
</ol>
<p>He recommends using a mix of those.  The next step is to select the best social platform.  As they are so many out there available, he emphasize about the 3 must have including:</p>
<ol>
<li>Wordpress to setup your page (or Tumblr)</li>
<li>Facebook to share and reach out</li>
<li>Twitter for micro blogging</li>
</ol>
<p>He also adds one of the following should be helpful:</p>
<ol>
<li>Flickr to share photographs</li>
<li>YouTube to share videos or youStream to do it in real time</li>
</ol>
<h2>Keep it real</h2>
<p>As we already mentioned before you need to be transparent and authentic.  If you are not, people will know about it.  This is one of the reasons that most corporate blogs don’t work as they are not real, not genuine.<br />
The key elements Gary suggest in order to keep it real are:</p>
<ol>
<li>Authenticity</li>
<li>Invest in the important stuff</li>
<li>Patience</li>
<li>Hustle</li>
</ol>
<h2>Build your community</h2>
<p>To build your community you first need to capture their interest with quality content.  Once this is done you will have the power of one, and they will stick for you and what you believe in.</p>
<h2>Marketing Strategy</h2>
<p>The only marketing strategy that he recommends is to Care.  It may seem so simple, but how come so many of the big businesses still don’t understand.  Most of them start to listen, which is a good start, but they do nothing about it.  To really care is to listen and then do something to change the situation and make it better.</p>
<h2>Make the world listen</h2>
<p>In order to build your community and make the world listen you need to follow those steps:</p>
<ol>
<li>Setup (your Wordpress page and Facebook and twitter accounts)</li>
<li>Create quality content</li>
<li>Search  and attract people</li>
<li>Go back to the second step</li>
</ol>
<p>These are only summary of the steps that Gary suggest in his book.</p>
<h2>Start monetising</h2>
<p>Once you have setup your business it is time to monetise it which may consist of:</p>
<ol>
<li>Advertising (the most common way)</li>
<li>Be a speaker</li>
<li>Affiliate program</li>
<li>Write a book</li>
<li>Create a seminar</li>
<li>Retail and by-product</li>
</ol>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>Crush it is about how it is now time to make a living out of your passion.  It is now time to build your personal band as you have all the tools necessary to do so.  It also provides a step by step approach of how to do it and which platform to use.</p>
<p>Please <a href="http://astore.amazon.co.uk/funky-success-21/detail/0061914177">click here</a> to buy the book and learn all of Gary’s secrets to success.</p>
<h2>Crush it book Mind Map</h2>
<p>Here is the Crush it book mind-map. <a title="Tittle" rel="shadowbox[mindmap]" href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/rework/rework-mindmap.jpg">Click here </a>to view the mind-map in a lightbox or<a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/rework/rework-mindmap.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-154];player=img;"> click here</a> to open it in a new window.</p>
<div id="Rework-book-Mind-Map" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/crushit/crushit-mindmap.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-154];player=img;"><img class="size-large wp-image-120" title="Crush it book Mind Map" src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/crushit/crushit-mindmap.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Rework book Mind Map</p></div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Rework</title>
		<link>http://www.funkysuccess.com/2010/04/rework/</link>
		<comments>http://www.funkysuccess.com/2010/04/rework/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 10 Apr 2010 16:54:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mat Siems</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Book]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Productivity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[37 Signals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Basecamp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Book Review]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.funkysuccess.com/?p=150</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Rework and how to change the way you work forever
Rework is the latest book from the guys at 37 signals.  This company is mostly known for its online project management software, Basecamp.  A tool, which I can strongly recommend, having been using it for years.  Rework is about how you need to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>Rework and how to change the way you work forever</h1>
<p>Rework is the latest book from the guys at 37 signals.  This company is mostly known for its online project management software, Basecamp.  A tool, which I can strongly recommend, having been using it for years.  Rework is about how you need to forever change the way you work.  It is now time to change your habits and adopt the concepts that are making a difference.</p>
<h2>
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 330px"><a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/rework/rework-book.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-150];player=img;"><img title="rework-book" src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/rework/rework-book.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="180" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Rework Book</p></div>
<p>First thing first</h2>
<p>The first things that the authors Jason and David are claiming is that there is a new reality for businesses and those that are ignoring it do it at their own peril.  The internet and information technologies have made it easy for anybody to start their own business and be successful.</p>
<h2>Forget about the real world</h2>
<p>What the 37 signals guys stands for will be a bit revolutionary for some and for others definitely unconventional to say the least.  They claim that in today’s economy you will need to forget about the real world, forget about growth and workaholism and learn from you successes and not from your failures.  They say that one shouldn’t become an entrepreneur (as this word has a lot of connotations) but instead be a starter and someone that get things done.</p>
<h2>Go, instead of waiting for…no more excuses</h2>
<p>This chapter is about the importance of starting now, not tomorrow.  Stop making plans and guessing the future.  Instead, start to make money now.  A good approach to improve you chance of success is to scratch your own itch.  For example, 37 Signals, instead of being busy making market researches, they brought a solution to their own internal problem.  Not a surprise that when it worked for them and improved their work flow it also offered the same benefit to their clients.</p>
<h2>Progress and the importance of launching NOW</h2>
<p>Too many businesses want to deliver the perfect product, but it might be a better alternative to deliver half a product with only basic features but for a fraction of the cost and time.  Be your own curator.  As we mentioned before if it’s resolving your own problem it will resolve someone else as well.  Don’t forget about the by-products, which can be a good source of revenue as well.  A good example is their Rework book, which is a by-product, developed from the knowledge gained from their primary business, creating software and dealing with customers.</p>
<h2>The art of being more productive</h2>
<p>If you want to be productive you need to start being real honest with yourself.  You need to really focus on what is important.  Focus on the actions that produce results. Forget the rest.  That means stop checking your emails every five minutes, stop going to meetings and stop making estimation.  A 5 years marketing plan?  Are you kidding me?  It’s not realistic.  Everything is changing too fast.  Therefore what you need to do now is make small lists, accept good enough and make tiny decisions.</p>
<h2>
<div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 330px"><a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/rework/rework-artwork.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-150];player=img;"><img title="rework-artwork" src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/rework/rework-artwork.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="180" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Rework book artwork</p></div>
<p>How to deal with the competition?</h2>
<p>First don’t try to copy the competition.  It might be easy but you will not understand the process behind.  If you want to be a linchpin and an artist you need to create your own map.  Most businesses want to over do the competition by having more options, more features…but the better approach is to under do (as crazy as it sounds).  Make things simple.  They also mention the importance of picking a fight with them.</p>
<h2>How to evolve you business or products?</h2>
<p>Most products are “in store good” which means that because of the packaging and marketing you are so impressed by the product that you decide to buy it.  However, when you get home and start using it you are unimpressed to say the least.  What Jason and David are proposing is the other way around.  Have a product that is “at home good”.  A product that isn’t that impressive on the shelf but when you start using it, that is when the magic happens.  You might be sure that this is a better approach to retain you customers.<br />
Another key notion is about the cliché of the customer being always right.  At 37 Signals, they say no by default.  End of story.</p>
<h2>How to promote your products?</h2>
<p>One of the best promotion strategies you can have is the drug dealer technique, which consists of giving a free sample to their client.  The product is so good, that they know the customer will come back for more.  So give a basic version of your product for free, and if it’s really good, you won’t have any problem finding customers.  In order to build an audience it is essentials that you select a niche market and understand it well and know what makes them tick?<br />
As we mentioned before don’t try to outdo you competition but instead try to out teach teams.  Give your audience quality content</p>
<h2>When to hire and who?</h2>
<p>The authors’ advice is that you should only hire when it is absolutely essential.  Only when it really hurts.  So many start-ups fail because they over hire.  Not to mention that is never a fun task to fire someone.  When you however need to hire someone, don’t base your judgement on a piece of paper (on a CV) but try to do a test drive on a small project and see if there is a good fit.  Don’t hire the best, but the most remarkable, the one with the edge and if all else being the same, opt for the best writer.</p>
<h2>How to create a business Culture?</h2>
<p>You cannot force this to happen.  This must happen in an organic way and be a product of the team consistent behaviour.  Acknowledge that your team also have a life outside of work is a good start.  No work should be allowed after 5.  If you can’t produce the results in a normal shift, chances are that more hours isn’t the solution.</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>Start implementing your ideas and solutions now, as tomorrow might be too late.  Keep in mind that inspiration is perishable and should be acted upon when its fresh.</p>
<p>These are only some elements of this remarkable book and therefore strongly suggest to have a complete read.  A free version of some of the chapters are available here.</p>
<h2>Rework book Mind Map</h2>
<p>Here is the Rework book mind-map. <a title="Tittle" rel="shadowbox[mindmap]" href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/rework/rework-mindmap.jpg">Click here </a>to view the mind-map in a lightbox or<a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/rework/rework-mindmap.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-150];player=img;"> click here</a> to open it in a new window.</p>
<div id="Rework-book-Mind-Map" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/rework/rework-mindmap.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-150];player=img;"><img class="size-large wp-image-120" title="linchpin-mindmap" src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/rework/rework-mindmap.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Rework book Mind Map</p></div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Linchpin and how to be indispensable?</title>
		<link>http://www.funkysuccess.com/2010/04/linchpin-and-how-to-be-indispensable/</link>
		<comments>http://www.funkysuccess.com/2010/04/linchpin-and-how-to-be-indispensable/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 03 Apr 2010 14:13:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mat Siems</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Book]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Remarkable]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seth Godin]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.funkysuccess.com/?p=116</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Do you want to know how to become indispensable and create a remarkable future
I just completed the latest book of my favourite Marketer Seth Godin called Linchpin, the author of the bestselling books Purple Cow and Tribes.  It’s another book of how our world and economy have shifted.  The main question he is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>Do you want to know how to become indispensable and create a remarkable future</h1>
<p>I just completed the latest book of my favourite Marketer Seth Godin called Linchpin, the author of the bestselling books Purple Cow and Tribes.  It’s another book of how our world and economy have shifted.  The main question he is trying to answer is how to become indispensable.  What is the attitude you need to take in order to drive your career and create a remarkable future?<br />
I strongly recommend the book as it will change your life and force to make a choice and take action to become the real artist you are meant to be.  <a href="http://astore.amazon.co.uk/funky-success-21?_encoding=UTF8&amp;node=2">Click here</a> to buy the book at the Funky Success online Shop.<br />
<a title="Tittle" rel="shadowbox[mindmap]" href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/wp-content/uploads/linchpin-mindmap.jpg"></a></p>
<p><a title="Tittle" rel="shadowbox[mindmap]" href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/wp-content/uploads/linchpin-mindmap.jpg">Click here </a>to open the mind-map in a separate lightbox.</p>
<div id="attachment_117" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/wp-content/uploads/linchpin.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-116];player=img;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-117" title="linchpin" src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/wp-content/uploads/linchpin-300x168.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="168" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Linchpin by Seth Godin</p></div>
<p>Here are some of the topics the he is covering in the book:</p>
<ul>
<li>First an <strong>introduction </strong>about how the market has changed in the last decade to benefit the Linchpins.  You now have the choice between just being a cog in the system or “to make an indispensable contribution to something you really care about”.  It is now up to you which path you will take, but you will need to make the choice.</li>
<li>Seth then explains what the <strong>new world of work</strong> has become in this hyper competitive economy.  For a long time, and how most of us where brought up, the structure was just management vs. labour.  Now there is a third party in place called the linchpins.  Those are people who own the means of production (a laptop, a camera) and are able to lead and connect to others.  It is an opportunity to bring your best self and be rewarded.</li>
<li>The following chapter is about <strong>choice</strong>, about you making the call.   Indeed, you need to make the choice of staying in the system and be safe in the status quo or create your own path.  Seth also mentions that the second option is the only one that will really created value.</li>
<li>The <strong>indoctrination </strong>and how we got here.  It is not a surprise that most of us fit so well in the machine.  We were trained from our earlier age with school and the media to become compliant worker in the factory.  But what if the factory doesn’t exist any more?  How is our subordination and compliance rewarded?  It can’t and it won’t.  You need to start thinking by yourself and stand for you own conviction.</li>
<li>The next answer he gives is how to <strong>become the Linchpin</strong>.  A linchpin is someone that has the ability to walk into chaos and create order.  It is a person that is able to connect, invent and create, and therefore is indispensable.</li>
<li>In order to become a true linchpin you will have to be brave enough to make a difference, create work with humanity.  This is why the <strong>cubicle </strong>isn’t the best environment for those people, as being average and compliant isn’t what is required anymore.</li>
<li>The <strong>resistance </strong>and why it is so hard to become a linchpin.  The main reason is the amygdale, what Seth calls the lizard brain.  It is this part of the brain, the helped human not to get killed for thousand of years (as fear prevents you to be stupid when facing wild animals).  But in today’s world, its main function is resistance.  Indeed it will sabotage any threat, risk and generosity of your creative self.  As this fear is unlikely to go away (this is just the way we are programmed) the best way to deal with it is to recognize and then to face it.</li>
<li>The power of the <strong>gift culture</strong>.  Seth says that real art if a gift.  It cannot be sold.  Indeed in order to stay genuine money can’t be part of the equation.   There are many examples of authors delivering their art for free (will it be an eBook, photograph or album) and they are perfect examples of the perfect way to bring people together.   Don’t be afraid to give, as you will soon realize it will give you more joy to give, then for the person to receive your art.</li>
<li>Making the choice to become a linchpin will be challenging.  Simply because there is <strong>no Map</strong>.  You will need to create your own map, you own path.  You will need to figure by yourself what to do next.   Nobody can’t tell you as it was never done before.  The challenge brings the beauty, as you will start creating.  You will be more just a cog in the machine, but you will become an artist.  It is in fact the only way to create real value.</li>
<li>Once again he focuses on making the choice.  It is the choice of creating value by creating what you want to do.  To make that choice you will need to overcome anxiety, which he describes, is fear about fear.  You need to become a leader by facing your fears and set your own path.</li>
<li>The <strong>culture of connection</strong>.  The important thing is for your work to be connected to others.  Use your art to make a difference.  It is less about the actual work and really more about your personality and your attitude.</li>
<li>The <strong>7 abilities</strong> of a linchpin.  Without getting into too much detail it is about being unique, being a leader, being able to inspire.  He mentions the importance of having deep domain knowledge, contributing and making decisions.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Linchpin Mindmap</h2>
<p>Here is the Linchpin book mind-map. <a title="Tittle" rel="shadowbox[mindmap]" href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/wp-content/uploads/linchpin-mindmap.jpg">Click here </a>to view the mind-map in a lightbox or<a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/wp-content/uploads/linchpin-mindmap.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-116];player=img;"> click here</a> to open it in a new window.</p>
<div id="attachment_120" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/wp-content/uploads/linchpin-mindmap.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-116];player=img;"><img class="size-large wp-image-120" title="linchpin-mindmap" src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/wp-content/uploads/linchpin-mindmap-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Linchpin book mindmap</p></div>
<h2>Summary</h2>
<p>We are currently in a turning point in our economy, where you need to bring you own vision and convictions in order to become successful.  It is more and more what the market demand.  You will need to make the ultimate choice between obedience or engagement in something you really care.  You will need to make a choice between the comfortable and well defined path or creating your own map and make a real difference.  The second option is the only way to create art and fulfil your potential.<br />
This is just a quick summary of the book.  I strongly recommend reading it completely as it will change the way you perceive your career, life and the contribution you need to make to this world.<br />
Click here to buy the book.</p>
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		<title>A healthy take on time</title>
		<link>http://www.funkysuccess.com/2009/11/a-healthy-take-on-time/</link>
		<comments>http://www.funkysuccess.com/2009/11/a-healthy-take-on-time/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:10:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mat Siems</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Time]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philip Zimbardo]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.funkysuccess.com/?p=79</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Do you want to know the secret power of time?
Philip Zimbardo explains us how to use time in a more optimal way.  He describes the optimal use of our past, present and future thoughts.  We will answer those questions to give you a comple

What are the Principles behind Adam&#8217;s apple temptation?
NOW
yielding
impulsive


What are the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>Do you want to know the secret power of time?</h1>
<p>Philip Zimbardo explains us how to use time in a more optimal way.  He describes the optimal use of our past, present and future thoughts.  We will answer those questions to give you a comple</p>
<ul>
<li>What are the Principles behind Adam&#8217;s apple temptation?</li>
<li>NOW</li>
<li>yielding</li>
<li>impulsive</li>
</ul>
<p><span id="more-79"></span></p>
<h2>What are the Principles behind Adam&#8217;s apple temptation?</h2>
<div id="attachment_80" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><img class="size-full wp-image-80" title="adam-apple-temptation" src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/wp-content/uploads/adam-apple-temptation.jpg" alt="Adam'a apple temptation" width="640" height="360" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Adam&#39;a apple temptation</p></div>
<p>Since the Adam and Eve and the apple episode,  life is about temptation.  A dilemma between adapting the present focus, saying  and being yielding and (), and the future focus.  Here are the characteristics of each one:<br />
<strong>Present </strong>focus</p>
<ul>
<li>YES</li>
<li>NOW</li>
<li>yielding</li>
<li>impulsive</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Past </strong>focus</p>
<ul>
<li>NO</li>
<li>LATER</li>
<li>Resisting</li>
<li>Reflective</li>
</ul>
<div id="attachment_81" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><img class="size-full wp-image-81" title="life-is-temptation" src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/wp-content/uploads/life-is-temptation.jpg" alt="Life is temptation" width="640" height="360" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Life is temptation</p></div>
<h2>What is The Mashmalow experiment</h2>
<p>The Mashmalow experiment was  a now famous experiment done many years ago on 4 years old children.  It consisted of giving the kid a Mashmalow and give him/her the choice between having it now or waiting until they get back so they can have another one.<br />
The results showed that 2/3 of the participants decided not to wait and have the first treat, and only the remaining third decided to resist tempation and wait for the second one.<br />
Further studies come to explain the difference with the minority kids that resisted.  It revealed that on average those kids were better students (scored 250 points higher on their SAT&#8217;s), got less in trouble and more importantly <strong>they were future focus instead of present foucs</strong>.</p>
<div id="attachment_82" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><img class="size-full wp-image-82" title="mashmalow-experiment" src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/wp-content/uploads/mashmalow-experiment.jpg" alt="The mashmalow experiment" width="640" height="360" /><p class="wp-caption-text">The mashmalow experiment</p></div>
<h2>What is time perspective?</h2>
<p>Philip Zimbardo defines Time Perspective as &#8220;the study of how individuals divide the flow of human experience into different time frames or time zones- <strong>automatically </strong>and <strong>non-consciously</strong>&#8220;.  Those time frames vary between different cultures, social classes, nations and people and might become problematic when some are underused and other overused.</p>
<h2>What determines you decision ? Present or past Focus?</h2>
<p>Every decision is on the idea of taking an action.  For some the decision time frame will be based on the present with what is going now and only the immediate situation and stimulation will be relevant.  For others, their decision will be based on past memories.  But finally for some the time zone will be in the future, by anticipating conequences and doing a benefit analysis.<br />
This is the <strong>time paradox</strong>, that you are making constant time decision that you are unware of.</p>
<div id="attachment_83" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><img class="size-full wp-image-83" title="time-frame-decision" src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/wp-content/uploads/time-frame-decision.jpg" alt="Time Frame decisions" width="640" height="360" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Time Frame decisions</p></div>
<h2>What are the time perspective factors?</h2>
<p>Philip claims that their are 6 time perspective factors</p>
<ul>
<li>Past time perspective where you focus on the positives</li>
<li>Past time perspective where you focus on the negatives</li>
<li>Present time perspective where you focus on the positives &#8211; hedonism</li>
<li>Present time perspective where you focus on the negatives &#8211; fatalism</li>
<li>Future time perspective where your focus on life goals</li>
<li>Future time perspective where your focus on the transcendental and life after death</li>
</ul>
<p>I would like to add theat those time perspective modalities will vary.  <a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/2009/11/unlimited-power-and-how-to-model-human-excellence/">Please click here to understand and change your modalities.</a></p>
<h2>What is the optimal temporal mix?</h2>
<p>The optimal temporal mix is about having the ability to fluidly change from one time perspective to an other depending on the given situations.<br />
He also give an the optimal temporatl mix profile:</p>
<ul>
<li>Past-Positive       &#8211; High &#8211; gives you roots to connect to your identity &amp; Family and be grounded</li>
<li>Future                &#8211; Moderate High &#8211; give you the vision and wings to get to a new destination</li>
<li>Present Hedonism &#8211; Moderate &#8211; gives you the energy to explore people, places and self</li>
</ul>
<h2>What do futures sacrifice for success?</h2>
<p>The people always in the future and only focusing on one aim will eventually sacrifice things such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>Family time</li>
<li>Friend time</li>
<li>Fun time</li>
<li>Personal indulgences</li>
<li>Hobbies</li>
<li>Sleep</li>
<li>They live for work, achievement and control</li>
</ul>
<h2>The importance of balance</h2>
<p>He concludes his presentation with the idea of balancing.  Yes you need to focus on the future but you also need to live and enjoy the present.<br />
He also says that a proper use of time perspective may be applied to different world problems including diminishing drop out rate and addictions, enhancing the physical and psychology health of teens and improving family life.<br />
<strong>Time perspective is a really simple notion but the consequences can be really profound.</strong></p>
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		<title>Unlimited Power and How to model  human excellence</title>
		<link>http://www.funkysuccess.com/2009/11/unlimited-power-and-how-to-model-human-excellence/</link>
		<comments>http://www.funkysuccess.com/2009/11/unlimited-power-and-how-to-model-human-excellence/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:47:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mat Siems</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Authors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.funkysuccess.com/?p=35</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Part 1 &#8211; Modelling success
Did you ever dream of a better life?  Did you ever wish more power to accomplish all your goals and ambitions?  If that is the case, this article is for you and will change your life by providing you with so many opportunities that you never dreamt possible.
Unlimited Power [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>Part 1 &#8211; Modelling success</h1>
<p>Did you ever dream of a better life?  Did you ever wish more power to accomplish all your goals and ambitions?  If that is the case, this article is for you and will change your life by providing you with so many opportunities that you never dreamt possible.<br />
<a href="http://astore.amazon.co.uk/funky-success-21/detail/0743409396">Unlimited Power</a> is one of the most powerful and well known self-help book by one of my favourite author and motivational speaker Anthony Robbins. The first edition was release in 1987, when Tony was only 25 years old and he claims that the first draft was written in only one month.  In his first book, Robbins show us the way to use our mind more effectively to achieve specific goals and success.  He puts a lot of emphasis on  Neuro-Linguistic-Programming (NLP) methods and writes about different self help topics including health and energy, how to overcome fears, persuasive communication, and bettering your relationships.<br />
<div id="attachment_63" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><a href="http://astore.amazon.co.uk/funky-success-21/detail/0743409396"><img src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/wp-content/uploads/unlimited-power.jpg" alt="Unlimited Power" title="unlimited-power" width="640" height="360" class="size-full wp-image-63" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Unlimited Power</p></div><br />
<span id="more-35"></span><br />
Interested? <a href="http://astore.amazon.co.uk/funky-success-21/detail/0743409396">Click here</a> to buy the book.</p>
<h2>Book Overview and what answers does it provide?</h2>
<p>Anthony Robbins starts his book with a famous quote about success from Ralph Waldo Emerson.  (<a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/quotes/">Please click here for other Success Quotes</a>)</p>
<blockquote><p>To laugh often and much;<br />
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;<br />
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;<br />
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;<br />
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;<br />
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.<br />
This is to have succeeded.</p></blockquote>
<p>Unlimited power is divided into 3 different sections, where Tony gives us a complete methodology on how to achieve unlimited power by providing us answers to the following questions:</p>
<ul>
<li>How to model  human excellence?</li>
<li>What is the ultimate success formula?</li>
<li>What is true Leadership?</li>
</ul>
<p>In this  post we will focus on the first section of the book and try to understand modelling of human excellence in order to achieve Unlimited Power.  Please come back later or subscribe to the blog, to discover the other sections about the success formula and leadership.<br />
Here is a summary of the questions that we will answer in this post:</p>
<ul>
<li>What is the commodity of Kings?</li>
<li>What is the element that makes a real difference?</li>
<li>Did you know your state affects everything?</li>
<li>What makes birth to excellence?</li>
<li>What are the 7 lies (truth) of success?</li>
<li>How can you run your Brain and master your mind?</li>
<li>What is the syntax of success?</li>
<li>How to elicit your model strategy?</li>
<li>What is the avenue of excellence?</li>
<li>How to fuel excellence?</li>
</ul>
<h2>What is the commodity of Kings?</h2>
<p>Tony starts the book, by showing us how privileged we are to be living in those time where the commodity of kings is <strong>information</strong>.  Historically, only a few of us had power as it was directly link to either strength, status or money. Now, everything have shifted and the only real power you might have is knowledge.  This is even more true today in the 21st century (then it was when the book was first published in the late &#8217;80s) with the internet revolution enabling virtually everybody to collaborate and share information.<br />
However,  he continues information is not enough and need to be acted upon to bring real value.  You need to become a master communicator to be able to produce the desired results by changing your thoughts, behaviour and actions.<br />
He studied (or should I say modelled) many successful people and came up with 7 characteristics that enabled them to do whatever they dreamt.  Those<br />
<strong>7 traits of successful people</strong> are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Passion</li>
<li>Belief</li>
<li>Strategy</li>
<li>Clarity of values</li>
<li>Energy</li>
<li>Bonding Power</li>
<li>Mastery of Communication</li>
</ul>
<p>Finally he concludes the chapter by saying that the only way to accelerate the success learning process was through modelling people that already achieved their specific goals.</p>
<h2>What is the real difference that makes a difference?</h2>
<p>Tony was for a long time curious about what really makes a difference in one person&#8217;s life.    How come their are some people that have everything including talent, fame, money and end up overdosing on drug at an early age.  By opposition, there are other people that bad luck seemed to have stroke them numerous time in their life but still end up a real success adding value to their life and to others.  He found the answer when he discovered NLP and the infinite power that comes when you are able to control your thoughts.  Based on the creator of NLP himself, there are 3 key elements that need to be reproduced in order to <strong>model human excellence</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Belief system</li>
<li>Mental Syntax</li>
<li>Physiology</li>
</ul>
<p>Once we take those factors into consideration, there is virtually nothing that is impossible.</p>
<blockquote><p>The meeting of preparation with opportunity generates the offspring we call luck.</p></blockquote>
<h2>Did you know your state affects everything?</h2>
<p>Understanding your state is the key to change and the <strong>first step to achieve excellence</strong>.  If you can understand and be aware of your current state, you will be able to change it to a state that best fit your goals.  Once you are able to change your state, it will automatically have an impact on your behaviour.  It will affect what you say, what  you do but also your breathing and might even change your skin colour.<br />
Your state is created based on your <strong>physiology </strong>and your<strong> internal representation</strong>.  Therefore if you change your physiology such as you posture, breathing, muscular tension (or relaxation) you will be able to change your state.  A similar impact on your state will have changing your internal representation, including not only what you say and picture in your mind but how you do it as well.</p>
<blockquote><p>The ancestor of every action is thought</p></blockquote>
<p>-Ralph Waldo Emerson<br />
The ultimate goal is to be able to control our state at any given time</p>
<h2>What makes birth to excellence?</h2>
<p>The birth of excellence is in the <strong>power of your beliefs</strong>.  He says that there is no more powerful force guiding human behaviour then belief.  He proves his arguments with some of the most known historical and religious characters such as Christ, Mohammed, Copernicus, Columbus, Edison and Einstein.  What is important here is not belief in religion as such, but more importantly believing in something will that be in truth, people , a new continent or electricity.<br />
There a five different <strong>elements that creates belief</strong> including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Environment</li>
<li>Events (small or large)</li>
<li>Knowledge</li>
<li>Past results</li>
<li>Through visualising in your mind the desired experience</li>
</ul>
<p>He also mentions that to create a specific result it all starts with your belief and attitude.<br />
The process is the following (going in a loop): Belief/Attitude > Potential > Action > Results.  Of course having specific results based on your attitude will only increase your beliefs.</p>
<h2>What are the 7 lies (beliefs) of success?</h2>
<p>Before describing the 7 lies of success, I would like to quickly explains why he decides to use the word &#8220;lie&#8221; instead of truths.  It is a way to be on the safe side as we won&#8217;t never know for sure how things really are, it all depends how we perceive things.  But in order to produce results here are the 7 beliefs that one should follow:</p>
<ul>
<li>&#8220;Everything happens for a reason and a purpose, and it serves us&#8221;</li>
<li>&#8220;There is no such thing as failure.  There are only results.&#8221;</li>
<li>&#8220;Whatever happens, take responsibility&#8221;</li>
<li>&#8220;It&#8217;s not necessary to understand everything to be able to use everything&#8221;</li>
<li>&#8220;People are your greatest ressource&#8221;</li>
<li>&#8220;Work is play&#8221;</li>
<li>&#8220;There&#8217;s no abiding success without commitment&#8221;</li>
</ul>
<h2>How you can run your Brain and master your mind?</h2>
<p>There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.<br />
-William Shakespeare<br />
This is the chapter, where Tony Robbins talks about submodalities which &#8220;are the precise amounts of ingredients required to create result&#8221;.<br />
Everyone of your internal representation takes the form of specific <strong>submodalities</strong> will that be visual (movie or still frame, colour or black and white&#8230;) audtiory (volume, cadence, rythm&#8230;), kinesethic (temperature, texture..) and for pain (tingling, hot-cold&#8230;).  The aim is to replace the submodalities of something you are wishing to accomplish (your goals and ambitions) with the submodalities of your most successfull accomplishments.  Doing so, you are like a very important movie director conrolling every aspect of a movie and knowing exacly how the audience will react to a specific scene.  The more you can control the submodalities of your thoughts, the more powerful you will become.  One must be in control of his kingdom (his mind) to acheive great victories.<br />
Going into more technical depth he discribes <strong>the swish pattern</strong>, how to automatically trigger a success image in order to change a specific behaviour.  Using this method it is possible to easily eliminate a painful behaviour or phobia, as it will become unnatural in your mind.  Running your brain more effectively will quickly enhance your life.</p>
<h2>What is the syntax of success?</h2>
<p>Our five senses are the building blocks of syntax, and can automatically trigger the state you are in.<br />
If we are able to reproduce exactly the syntax of success we may model it and therefore achieve the same results.</p>
<h2>How to elicit your model strategy?</h2>
<p>In this chapter, Tony Robbins got into more depth with NLP which he claims is the nuclear physics of the mind.  Therefore a good understanding of NLP technologies enable you to easily accomplish any goals.</p>
<h2>What is the avenue of excellence?</h2>
<p>The avenue of excellence is <strong>physiology</strong>.  By simply changing your physiology you can achieve enormous results.  You may achieve ecstasy just by using your face muscles and smile. The same reasoning goes into why people use external elements such as food, cigarette, alcohol or drugs.  All those substances directly affects their physiology and has an impact on their state.<br />
By copying the gestures of a successful person you will be greatly improve your chance of attaining success.  He even add that there is no faster way for successful modelling as through philology. </p>
<blockquote><p>Our bodies are our gardens, our will are gardeners.</p></blockquote>
<p>-William Shakespeare</p>
<h2>How to fuel excellence?</h2>
<p>This last chapter in the modelling section is all about <strong>energy </strong>which is the fuel of excellence.  The question is now how to make sure that your energy level is always at the maximum capacity.  Tony Robbins give us different tips on how to have a powerful physiology and live in healthy way.<br />
Those keys to fuel excellence are the following:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>The power of breath</strong> &#8211; which is the single most important element that will produce the most impact.  Breathing properly will assure that your body is fully oxygenated and have a healthy bloodstream.  Successful breathing consists of the following ratio: 1 count inhaling, 4 count holding and 2 count exhale.  Tony also emphasize on daily physical activities such as swimming and trampolining</li>
<li><strong>Eat water-rich foods</strong> &#8211; which is basically fruits and vegetables &#8211; will enable your body to run more efficiently</li>
<li><strong>Effective food combining</strong> &#8211; which basically shows how some foods should and should not be combine with other foods</li>
<li><strong>Law of controlled consumption</strong> &#8211; which states to live longer you need to eat less (can&#8217;t get more simple then that)</li>
<li><strong>Effective fruit consomption</strong> &#8211; which states that fruit should be consumed on an empty stomach as it is digested not in your stomach but in your smaller intestin.  The best fruits you may eat are fresh one or freshly squeezed one.  It should also be the only thing you eat before noon.</li>
<li><strong>The protein myth</strong> &#8211; which claims that protein might not be the best thing for your body and level of energy as anyone might thing.  Some of the greatest mind where actually vegetarian.</li>
</ol>
<p>Some of those 6 rules of a healthy living might be in opposition of what you belief (and it was for me), so the best thing is to actually try it for yourself for a month and see the results.  He terminates by saying to imagine <strong>what would happen if you had the energy you never dreamed was possible</strong>.  What would you do then?</p>
<h2>A conlusion on how to model  human excellence</h2>
<p>Hope this post gave you some concrete answers on how to model human excellence.  These are of course only my perception of what I found relevant in the Unimited Power book.  My role is to trigger you interest in one of my favorite authors, Tony Robbins and NLP.<br />
Want to know more? <a href="http://astore.amazon.co.uk/funky-success-21/detail/0743409396">Click here</a> for some more details or to buy the book.</p>
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		<title>About saying I don’t know</title>
		<link>http://www.funkysuccess.com/2009/06/about-saying-i-don%e2%80%99t-know/</link>
		<comments>http://www.funkysuccess.com/2009/06/about-saying-i-don%e2%80%99t-know/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:09:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mat Siems</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[NLP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Decision]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Knowledge]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.funkysuccess.com/?p=32</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This morning on my way to work, I was reading this trully inspiring post from zen habits about how 3 small words can ruin your life. It’s not untill I read the full article that I acknowledge the truth of it. And those words are really hard to guess as they aren’t the typical pessimistic [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This morning on my way to work, I was reading this trully inspiring post from zen habits about how 3 small words can ruin your life. It’s not untill I read the full article that I acknowledge the truth of it. And those words are really hard to guess as they aren’t the typical pessimistic words. They either good or bad. And those words are simply: I don’t know. My first impression was, Is that it? How saying that you don’t know can affect your life.<span id="more-32"></span> The more I thought about it the more I actually found that I am using these words far too often. I already came across some business and leaderhip topics with the importance of making quick decision. I knew it helped to be decisive in business, even if you ended up being wrong, but who could imagine the it would apply in real life.<br />
Most often saying you don’t know might be the safest option in a given situation. Assuming that somebody else will take the decision and of course the responsibility. But the truth is you need to take responsibility and you need to start practising your position. Yes you’re the boss, so act like one. Don’t be afraid to take decision. Because worse case scenario, you will make a mistake and you will be judge….but the beauty is you will be a bit more smarter, more experience, knowing what works what’s doesn’t. As I mention this is if worse come to worse, but don’t forget most of the time it will be more frightening then painfull. I am not saying to make stupid decision, but the best you can make in a specific situation.<br />
Coming back to the words, there is actually plenty of other words you could say if you don’t find the precise solution such as let me find ou, I will double check, this person should know the answers…All those other words are very action focu, which will bring you closer to the solution then just saying you don’t know.<br />
To take this notion to a higher level, would be to mention NLP (neuro linguistic programmatic) and how important are the words that you choose. If you are not aware of the vocabulary you are using, you should and you will see how big of an impact it will make on your life. So as the only think you know is that you don’t know, to quote Socrates, the most famous of the greeks philospher, even if you don’t know, try not to use those words, and you will automatically be closer to a solution.<br />
To close this article with a more Funky Success approach, it is important the you know exacly what you are aiming at, therefore those 3 little words shouldn’t be part of you vocabulary. It is always better to try then not, so there you are: you know!<br />
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/question.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-32];player=img;"><img alt="" src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/question.jpg" title="question" width="640" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">About Saying I don&#039;t know</p></div></p>
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		<title>About Patience</title>
		<link>http://www.funkysuccess.com/2009/05/about-patience/</link>
		<comments>http://www.funkysuccess.com/2009/05/about-patience/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 20:03:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mat Siems</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Zen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[patience]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.funkysuccess.com/?p=25</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I will still be communiting for the next couple of weeks. Untill I finish my current contract (and I am counting the days). A couple of days ago I read that the London underground won the first price for the most effective network in Europe. Which is quite surprising, because when I’m boarding the train [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/patience.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-25];player=img;"><img alt="" src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/patience.jpg" title="patience" width="640" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">About patience</p></div><br />
I will still be communiting for the next couple of weeks. Untill I finish my current contract (and I am counting the days). A couple of days ago I read that the London underground won the first price for the most effective network in Europe. Which is quite surprising, because when I’m boarding the train in the morning I only feel that I am part of this rat race. All commuters heading to the same desttination …the work place…and for most of us the smile and being nice is clearly optional. Especially on days (most of the days to be honest) as today when they are delays on a given line where impatience builds up and some people seem to want to desperately get on board.<span id="more-25"></span></p>
<p>To have a bigger picture, it would be interesting to compare to other networks. From experience, I think the system is better then let say Paris or the NYC subway, which might be a quite scary experience for the first time user. However, to compare it to one my home town Montreal “Metro” it doesn’t have the same charm. The fact of the matter is that is shouldn’t be compare because of the huge difference in history and netwirk size and volume. Yes indeed, more then a billion passengers traveled in 2008/2009. Which is quite an astoning number, but nonetheless the Montreal metro is more beautiful, lot more simpler and packed with students.<br />
Going back to how the attitudes of cummuters might vary depending on the passenger load. At some times it can be squeezy inside the wagoin, but when I think that in Japan they have actual staff members to push you inside, it is not that bad. I am also not immune to the rudness of some people, but overall the best solution is to let it go and try not to to affect you. I know it’s hard, especially fo high temparent as mine, but isn’t what patience is all about. Remaining calm no matter the situation. A good tip is to what yourself outside of yourself. In the sense that you aren’t you thought or emotions, you are much more then that. So next time you feel the pressure, think yourself of an angel watching the commuters. It is only temparary , and soon you’ll experience joy based on the fact that overcome it. Finally make it a habit, the more you practice it the easier it becomes and even after a couple of weeks of daily practice it becomes natural</p>
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		<title>Let it go, don’t let external things affect you</title>
		<link>http://www.funkysuccess.com/2009/04/let-it-go-don%e2%80%99t-let-external-things-affect-you/</link>
		<comments>http://www.funkysuccess.com/2009/04/let-it-go-don%e2%80%99t-let-external-things-affect-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:00:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mat Siems</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[NLP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zen]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.funkysuccess.com/?p=23</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This morning was just an awful place to be on the tube as there was a delay, it was really crowded and the people were so rude. But, then again, I could blame so many people, and think about so many diffrence reason, but at the end there is nobody else responsible except me. I [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/external.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-23];player=img;"><img alt="" src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/external.jpg" title="external" width="640" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Don&#039;t let external thing affect you</p></div><br />
This morning was just an awful place to be on the tube as there was a delay, it was really crowded and the people were so rude. But, then again, I could blame so many people, and think about so many diffrence reason, but at the end there is nobody else responsible except me. I make all the calls and are responsible for all the decisions. My freedom is based on the decisions I make and the responsibility I take for them. So given any situation that affect you, here is the reasoning why it shouldn’t :<br />
First of all, it is all up to me if I want the attitude and behavior of somebody else affect me. Like the expression of one of the most famous US first lady Eleanor Roosevelt goes : Nobody can make you feel inferior without your  consent. It iIt is defintely true and makes more sense when you know how to let it go. It is of caurse<br />
easier said then done, therefore I still need to be working on it everytime it happens. On the good side, everytime you overcome it it is a way to build patience. But most importantly if you are able to control your thoughts, just as you can change the road of your final destination on a GPS, you can keep adjusting them and select only the one that are beneficial to you and eliminate the others. Once you have the complete control of your thoughts, you become the real master of your own world and the possibilities become endless.</p>
<p>The second thing if it really affects me that much and I’m thinking that there is no way I can control it (this is obviously just a wrong assumption, as in theory you could have complete control over whatever you set your mind on )</p>
<p><span id="more-23"></span></p>
<h2>Some Useful tips to let it go</h2>
<p>The real question is how do you make external things not affect you. Here are som tips that I’ve experiment<br />
-be aware of it and make it a habit to change yout thoughts route as soon as anything affects you<br />
-take deep breaght and count to 3 (1001, 1002, 1003) to relax your habit<br />
-thing of something pleasant. I always have this scene in the famous drug movie where Johnny Depp is search at the borders. He has a number kg of white substance in his suitcase and his advice is to divert your mind and think of something pleasant like making love to your girl.<br />
-remind yourself that this situation is nothing and will not affect you in any ways. You will soon forget about it, so don’t even bother.</p>
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		<title>Daila Laima advice</title>
		<link>http://www.funkysuccess.com/2009/03/daila-laima-advice/</link>
		<comments>http://www.funkysuccess.com/2009/03/daila-laima-advice/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2009 14:49:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mat Siems</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Zen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Daila Lama]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.funkysuccess.com/?p=95</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Some of Daila Laima advice for a better life:

Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk
When you lose, don’t lose the lesson
Follow the three Rules: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions
Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck
Learn the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><a href="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/daila-lama.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-95];player=img;"><img alt="" src="http://www.funkysuccess.com/pic/daila-lama.jpg" title="Daila Lama advice for a better life" width="640" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Daila Lama advice for a better life</p></div><br />
Some of Daila Laima advice for a better life:</p>
<ol>
<li>Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk</li>
<li>When you lose, don’t lose the lesson</li>
<li>Follow the three Rules: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions</li>
<li>Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck</li>
<li>Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly</li>
<li>Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship</li>
<li>When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it</li>
<li>Spend some time alone every day</li>
<li>Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values</li>
<li>Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer</li>
<li>Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time</li>
<li>A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life</li>
<li>In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past</li>
<li>Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality</li>
<li>Be gentle with the earth</li>
<li>Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before</li>
<li>Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other</li>
<li>Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it</li>
<li>Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon</li>
</ol>
<h2>About the 14th Dalai Lama</h2>
<p>Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso (born Lhamo Döndrub) is the 14th Dalai Lama, a spiritual leader revered among the people of Tibet. He is the head of the government-in-exile based in Dharamshala, India. Tibetans traditionally believe him to be the reincarnation of his predecessors.</p>
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