The Parable of the Talents

The Parable of the Talents is the primary reason for wealth or poverty throughout history.

Reasons for Rich or Poor
Why do some people retire rich and most people retire poor? This subject has fascinated philosophers, thinkers, mystics and teachers throughout the ages. There have been many cases of hundreds or thousands, and even millions, of men and women starting with nothing and going on to become financially independent. So, naturally, people are curious to know how their successes happened and what the common rules or principles are so that they, too, can apply them and become wealthy.

Why People Become Rich
One illustration of this key principle is called the Parable of the Talents. In the Bible, it says, “To him that hath, shall more be given, and he shall have abundance. But from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away.”

Accumulation Leads to More Accumulation
What does that mean? In the modern world, we say the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. The fact is, though, people who accumulate money tend to accumulate more and more. People who don’t accumulate money seem to lose even that little bit of money they have. Why should this happen? The great success principle, the single idea that explains human destiny is simple. It says that you become what you think about most of the time.

Control Your Thoughts
And whatever you dwell upon grows in your reality. You create your entire world based on the things you choose to think about and how you choose to think about them.
It just so happens that wealthy, successful people fill their minds with thoughts, words, pictures and images of wealth, affluence, success, productivity and solutions to problems in the marketplace most of the time. These thoughts trigger the reticular activating cortex, the part of the brain that makes you more alert and sensitive to things that you have decided are important to you.

Activate Your Reticular Cortex
For example, if you decide to invest in a mutual fund, you will start to see news and information about mutual funds everywhere. Mentions in newspapers and magazines will jump out at you. These notices have always been there, but now you have sensitized your brain to pick them up and draw them to your attention with far greater frequency and vividness. This is the function and power of your reticular cortex.

Avoid Poverty Thinking
On the other hand, what do poor people think about most of the time? Unfortunately, poor people fill their minds with thoughts of scarcity, lack, poverty and being unable to afford things. They are always thinking and talking about how little money they have, how much things cost and how they wish things could be better financially. What they think about most of the time is how little money they have.

Think Like Wealthy People Think
Wealthy people from an early age think about how much they have, how much they want and all the different things they can do to acquire and earn the money and things they desire.

Find Out How Rich People Think
Here’s a rule for you. If you want to become successful, find out what failures do and don’t do it. If you want to be wealthy, find out what poor people think about, and avoid thinking in those ways. Instead, find out how wealthy people think. Find out what they read. Find out how they spend their time. Study their lives, read their stories and autobiographies, and listen to their words when they are interviewed and on tape. The more you find out what financially successful people think and talk about most of the time, and then do the same things, the more rapidly you will enjoy the same rewards.

Action Exercises
Here are two things you can do to put this parable of the talents into action:
First, make a decision today that from now on you will think and talk only about the financial success that you desire. At the same time, you will refuse to talk about or dwell upon your financial problems.
Second, instead of saying, “I can’t afford it,” instead, ask the question, “How can I afford it?” When you think of something that you want or need but don’t have the money for at the time, the only question you ask is, “How?” How can you get it? What can you do to achieve it? What are your options? How can you get from where you are to where you want to go? This type of attitude will change your life.

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Posted by Brian Tracy on Jan 17, 2008 on his blog,  http://www.briantracy.com and reprinted in it’s entirety.

Maintain, Don't Gain!

Fitness Tips from Celebrity Trainer and
USANA Spokesperson Kathy Kaehler
by Kathy Kaehler

t’s that time of year again. The time
where holidays can take priority over
the hard work, sweat, determination,
and commitment to healthy eating and
daily physical activity. Weight can creep
up, unhealthy food choices, increased
sugar consumption, high levels of stress
and a sense of panic can all spread evenly
between all the celebrated dates from now
until the new year.

I have a better idea. Instead of trying
to lose weight during the holidays,
focus on maintaining your weight.
Instead of making that typical New
Year’s Eve resolution for weight loss,
make the commitment to a healthier
lifestyle. Don’t spend your holiday season
depriving yourself, spend this wonderful
time of year enjoying yourself and keeping
your waistline in check with these
simple guidelines:

• Keep active—Just because it’s the
season of overeating does not give
you any excuse to stop your exercise.
If anything, increase the amount of
effort you put into your workout.
This will give you more leverage
when you come face to face with that
homemade pumpkin pie. You can
also make your own healthier version
of the traditional pumpkin pie with
recipes from my Sunday Set-Up™
Club.

• Never arrive hungry—Before you
arrive at any soiree, eat a healthy
snack like your favorite fruit, a few almonds,
or a piece of low fat cheese on
a whole wheat cracker. Always balance
a carb with a protein to keep a
balance of energy for when you arrive
at the party—you won’t be starving
and you’ll be able to concentrate on
the people around you, not the food.

• Don’t hover—If you are trying
to watch what you eat, stay away
from the food area especially if you
have already eaten. A simple trick
is to bring a pretty plate of fresh
berries with low fat Greek yogurt
to dip as a hostess gift. This way you
have a healthy option for a sweet end
to the meal.

• Drink plenty of water—If you have
already dedicated yourself to losing
weight earlier in the year, then
you know how important water is
to weight loss. A simple trick to add
more water is make it inviting. Fill a
beautiful glass pitcher of water and
flavor it with slices of lime or lemon.
Not only pretty, but very enticing to
pour a glass every time you open your
refrigerator.

• Don’t give up—Just because you’ve
made a mistake or two is no reason
to keep making bad choices. If you’ve
had a slip-up, it’s okay! Wipe the
chocolate sauce from your chin and
move on. Your ability to keep making
healthier choices is what will make
the biggest difference at the end of
the holiday season and all year long.

Remember, the holiday season is a time of
community, family, and friends. I suggest
spending your time focusing on those
around you, and not how many calories
you’re putting in your mouth. By following
these easy guidelines, you will be
able to make it through the holiday season
with flying colors. Don’t forget your
RESET kit to jump start your body.

A great way to begin the new year looking
and feeling great!

New Era of Entrepreneurship

We have one more month until it is 2012. 16 more months until my husband walks away from a 20+ year career with the U.S. Army. Although we are grateful for the experiences, we look forward to having the freedom to do what we choose. Recently I read an article and wanted to share it with those who are wanting the same. Whether it is to open up a Floral Shop or Bakery, there is no time like the present.


Achieving Your Entrepreneurship Destiny
 by Darwin J. Bruce

At this time, more than ever, it is paramount for
entrepreneurs to take control of their entrepreneurial
dreams and plan to succeed in this new era. Of course,
there are certain steps you should take to better control
your entrepreneurial destiny. Read on and learn how to
open the door to your future.

Have an Entrepreneurial Mindset


Entrepreneurship is much broader than the simple definition of small business. It is a mindset. You must think like an investor and act like an entrepreneur. You invest in an idea to create value that is separately identiiable
from yourself. However, as an entrepreneur, you still take full responsibility for it. Make sure that each of your ventures has its own unique purpose, vision, and plan.

The Map –Plan, Manage, and Strategize

There are always inherent risks in business. The word entrepreneur by its own deinition is someone who organizes, manages, and assumes the risk of a business or enterprise. However, you can overcome many risks if you develop a succinct business plan, an organized management infrastructure, and strategies to create
value. Strive to be innovative and develop new ideas while balancing risks and costs. This will ultimately lead to proitability.


Expect to Succeed

What does it take to succeed? It takes an entrepreneurial mindset, a plan, and management strategies that create value through innovation and a focus on profitability. It does not come easily, but it can be done. The economy has changed, and change creates opportunity for those who are prepared to seize the moment. Don’t miss your opportunity. Expect to win. Plan to win. Prepare to win in this new era of entrepreneurship. The future of our economy awaits!






Darwin J. Bruce, J.D., is COO of The Potter’s House of Dallas and author of The
Map to Entrepreneurship. For more information visit www.darwinbruce.com