Putting FUN on your task list

Richard Branson has always espoused that fun was an integral, if not fundamental, aspect of any business undertaking.

Not fun as in be silly, or reckless, but fun as in completely absorbed, exhilarated with what you're doing, feeling in the flow and high vibing it through your day.

This is from the man who once wore nothing but a plastic mobile phone covering his dignity to launch Virgin Mobile.

Silly or fun? Hmm, maybe both.

More fun sounds good to me! But if you could have more of just one the following, what would YOU choose?

• More money
• More adventure
• More freedom
• More sex
• More fun

A recent survey of my clients indicated that the one thing they would like more of - more than money, freedom, sex, adventure - was FUN.

Well blow me down with a feather. I was hedging bets on 'adventure', 'freedom' and a sure thing on 'money'. But no, it was fun that won out.

Seems we are a community sadly lacking in engagement, exhilaration and laughs.

How did we start taking ourselves so seriously?

C'mon people, life is for LIVING - not wiling away the hours until we can collapse on the weekend.

I hereby declare a mandate for Fun being listed as the top priority on your task list.

But you don't DO fun, you HAVE fun.

And incredibly, some people struggle to define how to have fun.

So let's get the ball rolling. What is your idea of fun?

Here are a few to get us started: swimming in the ocean, Friday night pizza and beers, a walk in the morning when the sun comes up, laughing uncontrollably (check out Damn You Auto Correct for help on this one), dancing in the supermarket aisles (especially if it embarrasses your partner), in fact, dancing wildly at any inopportune moments fits the bill nicely, reading in bed, a good tickle fight, chasing chickens, taking photos, playing with dogs, eating way too much chocolate, that first sip of beer on a warm summer's day.

I could go on, but I want YOUR inspiration! List your top three ways to have fun!

Six Ways To Think Like Steve Jobs

Does anyone else wonder what will happen to Apple now that Steve-The-Genius Jobs has passed on? If there is ever to be a test of his leadership, it's now; what survives when the leader doesn't? We may not know for a few years yet.

Here's what has survived - the example he set in his fierce and fearless approach to design and business, and how you can think like the mega-man too.

1. When things get tough, innovate. What did most businesses do during the onset of the Global Financial Crisis? They cut back: jobs, marketing budgets, expenses. Apple increased its innovation and design budget. When things get tough, that's when you need to invest even more in innovation - according to Jobs.


"The cure for Apple is not cost-cutting. The cure for Apple is to innovate its way out of its current predicament."  As quoted in Apple Confidential 2.0: The Definitive History of the World's Most Colorful Company (2004) by Owen W. Linzmayer


2. People need to be cheered up. So do the unpopular thing. When the terrorists struck the Twin Towers in 2001, many businesses stopped in their tracks, afraid. The iPod however was announced just a few weeks later, on October 23rd. People thought Jobs was crazy to continue with the release of the iPod. If ever there was a time that people needed good news this was it. Jobs knew this:

"It will go down in history as a turning point for the music industry. This is landmark stuff. I can't overestimate it!" - On the iPod and the iTunes Music Store, as quoted in Fortune magazine (12 May 2003)


So while the world mourned, Jobs brought them hope and the belief in the human spirit and its potential.

3. Think about the people. Jobs had an unerring respect and consideration for his customer. He knew they wanted simplicity and elegance. And all the Apple products delivered on this.

"Look at the design of a lot of consumer products — they're really complicated surfaces. We tried to make something much more holistic and simple. When you first start off trying to solve a problem, the first solutions you come up with are very complex, and most people stop there. But if you keep going, and live with the problem and peel more layers of the onion off, you can often times arrive at some very elegant and simple solutions. Most people just don't put in the time or energy to get there. We believe that customers are smart, and want objects which are well thought through." On the design of the iPod, as quoted in Newsweek (14 October 2006)

4. Be radically creative. And know when to say 'no'. You can be disciplined about creativity. And you can also encourage wild and bold runaway thoughts that lead to breakthroughs as much as they do dead-ends. The trick is to know which is which.

"The system is that there is no system. That doesn't mean we don't have process. Apple is a very disciplined company, and we have great processes. But that's not what it's about. Process makes you more efficient. But innovation comes from people meeting up in the hallways or calling each other at 10:30 at night with a new idea, or because they realized something that shoots holes in how we've been thinking about a problem. It's ad hoc meetings of six people called by someone who thinks he has figured out the coolest new thing ever and who wants to know what other people think of his idea. And it comes from saying no to 1,000 things to make sure we don't get on the wrong track or try to do too much. We're always thinking about new markets we could enter, but it's only by saying no that you can concentrate on the things that are really important." - As quoted in "The Seed of Apple's Innovation" in BusinessWeek (12 October 2004)


Know what's important to you and your business, and let this be your compass bearing.

5. Invite others' opinions. Trust your own. Being a leader is knowing that to consult others is essential, and to be open to changing your opinions as a result. It's also knowing when to stand firm in your vision of what's possible.

"Because I'm the CEO, and I think it can be done.' - On why he chose to override engineers who thought the iMac wasn't feasible, as quoted in TIME magazine (24 October 2005)

6. Know why you do what you do. Leaving the planet with a 7 billion net worth seems like a worthy achievement. But Jobs's financial success was just a bi-product of his real intention.


"I was worth about over a million dollars when I was twenty-three and over ten million dollars when I was twenty-four, and over a hundred million dollars when I was twenty-five and it wasn't that important because I never did it for the money." - Interview in the PBS documentary Triumph of the Nerds: The Rise of Accidental Empires (1996)


And in his own words, about when it's all over...

"Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me ... Going to bed at night saying we've done something wonderful... that's what matters to me." - On the success of Bill Gates and Microsoft, as quoted in The Wall Street Journal (Summer 1993)

Zoe
p.s. There are more great Steve Jobs quotes here.

A little bit of bliss

Just a few of the gorgeous things in my garden - wanted to share a bit of bliss with you :)

Do you remember your life purpose?

I've spent a lot of my life sleeping in the great outdoors - in tents, under plastic sheets, on the side of the road, under a zillion stars. This past weekend I was out in the wilderness again with rain strumming a delightful tune on our tent.

It carried me back to my fledgling days as leader of a canoe tripping program with eighteen staff and hundreds of participants. I remembered how much I loved that program - the complete and utter belief I had in its power to transform and inspire the people who experienced it. Traveling by canoe in the wilderness had a profound impact on my sense of the universe and my self. I loved it with every ounce of my being; I loved the program and I loved the people.

That's it! That's what triggered the memory of my purpose - love for what I was doing, where I was, and the people I was serving.

It wasn't the money. (There's not much to go around a charity summer camp).

It wasn't the prestige, status, power, influence. (What's the big deal about being king of the castle on a 8 hectare island?)

It was the love, the passion, the purpose, and the fun and joy that rolled from living in happiness each moment of the day.

And I'd forgotten all about that. That same passion had ignited my desire to start coaching in 2002. Coaching had transformed my life, and I knew it could help others.

So what happened that I drifted off course?

Serving and inspiring got bogged down in the focus on how to make more profits, design new programs, make more contacts...to work the machinery of a business.

I forgot about the people. I forgot about the passion. I forgot about the love.

I suspect I am not the only one out there who has been pulled off course... (sound familiar?)

So, with all due care, and forgiveness, let's get back on track.

Gently now...

Do you remember your Life Purpose?

Do you remember that feeling in your tummy that bubbled with excitement?

Do you remember the complete focus and enthusiasm you had for a project or experience - where you were learning and being your best at the same time?

Where the money always turned up, even when you didn't think about it?

Where you laughed and played more than you ever 'worked'?

Where your smile came easy, your eyes dazzled, and you felt such an enormous rush of love and passion for what you were doing and who you were serving that you felt swept along a strong and powerful river - being guided by its force and at once steering your way confidently...

Do you remember any of this?

This is your Life's Purpose reminding you of what you came here for - to love, and laugh, and feel joy and contribute.

You did not come here to worry about your mortgage, the deadlines, the miserable boss, the surly supplier...

You are better than that. You deserve better. The people you inspire and who look to you for guidance can learn so much more from you.

So take a quiet moment and remember who you truly are, what lights you up, what moves you beyond the minutiae of tasks.

If you don't remember, I want to talk to you about it!

Here's how we can talk: I am hosting a free teleclass and webcast for you on re-connecting with your Life Purpose.

Sign up here.

*Yes, I will record it so if you can't make it, you can ask your questions in advance, and the same answered on the call.

To your Life Purpose,

Zoe

P.S. Want to see someone who has remembered their purpose? You'll love this You Tube video.

What's your favourite part of life?

Me on Tathra beach at dawn - lovin' life

That's what I asked my honey this past weekend on a trip to the coast.

"What do you like most about life?"

I was getting ready to hear "golf, surfing, the beach" and already had my answer lined up:

"the ocean, sunny days, swimming, skiing, hiking, nature, whales, dolphins..." I could fill a whole journal with what I love about life.

Rob's answer came back short and sweet:

"Being happy."

What? Being happy is what you like most about life?

Wow.

That is probably the most profound and simple answer to life's quest for meaning I have ever heard.

You see, Rob is happy most of the time. He hums in the shower. He has fun at work (and he's a divorce lawyer for goodness sake! He spends his day handing people a box of tissues and splitting up their assets and care for children. Not the most uplifting work, but he is happy doing it!)

Rob's recipe for happiness is simple: 'what's the point in being miserable?'

So he chooses to feel happy. Every day. No matter where he is, what he is doing, or who he is with.

He doesn't need to earn millions. He doesn't need to have a fancy car (though he covets a Maserati bi-turbo spider).

He doesn't even have to live by the sea, though this is is favourite place in the world. A morning surf before work is the thought that gets him licking his chops like a cat with a canary.

So while he indulges his fantasy of driving a slick machine an frolicking with wild abandon in the surf, Rob is happy anyway. Happy now, happy later.

He chooses happiness itself, not circumstances as his source of joy.

Who knew I was married to the Dalai Lama?!

Sometimes our greatest teachers are much closer than we think.

Here are some photos for you to perk up your day:

humpback whales by Tathra - waving a fin

Mum and bub moving out to sea

bub's flick of the tail

What happens with a room full of millionaires?

Me and my mentor, Alexandria Brown

What a weekend! It was Mal Emery's weekend of fundraising for Ovarian Cancer Research and he brought together millionaire entrepreneurs from around the world.

So what happened? Well, imagine this...there were fifteen or so of them...ordinary human beings who have achieved extraordinary results, using different wealth creation systems - everything from real estate to shares to information marketing.

They each spoke with passion, conviction, and commitment.

People literally ran to the back of the room to buy their products, and the dream of freedom.

It was awe inspiring.

It was moving.

I literally felt the cells of my body changing configuration as what I thought as possible shifted in a massive way.

Boy was I thinking small!

It's like I have been looking at a grain of sand and thinking that's the whole beach!

For the first time I really understood what it was like to be in the presence of inspiring people, and to feel pulled upward by their success, attitude, and confidence.

Not only,that, but they knew it could happen for any one of us.

Here are the messages in a nutshell:

• Mindset points you in the right direction.
• Action moves you there.
• Fall forward fast - keep making mistakes and moving forward.
• Hang out with people who have got the results you want - masterminds are essential.
  
• Education is an investment that never depreciates.
  

In a word, WOW!

What do like the most?

Thank to everyone who sent me kind wishes and support after last week's post. I'm doing ok!

Do you remember that film with Nicholas Cage and Meg Ryan (can't remember the name) where Nick is an angel and his job is to escort the souls of the dying to the light again? He always asks, 'what did you like the most?' I thought often of this question for the young man who died last weekend - what would he say he liked most of his 28 years?

Then I thought about I would say...here it is...

Afternoon sunshine on the day bed in our guest bedroom where I can curl up like a cat
Blue sky in summer
A warm spring breeze
The way flowers bloom every year without being told to, and knowing exactly the perfect time to release their colour and scent on the waiting world
Warm kisses from my husband
The feel of fresh clean sheets on Sunday night
Laughing so hard tears run down your face
The look, smell, and feel of the ocean - enormous, endless, changeable and constant
Hugs that hold you tight and warm your heart
Holding hands
Cup of tea in the morning
Running at dawn
Rain on the tent roof when I am snug in my sleeping bag
Baby smiles
Reading a good book
Creamy fettucini with prawns (I can't believe this is my first food one!)
The turquoise blue water of Ningaloo reef
The chatter of birds as they nibble spring tree blossoms
The smell of water when you emerge from a dive in to Lake of Woods on a late summer's evening before the sun sets
Thunder and lightning
Purring kittens
The pyramids
English castles
Whales and their calves bobbing along the coast
Dolphins that surf waves and jump out of the water
French brie and sourdough baguette
Clean fresh water from a mountain spring
A big bold glass of rich red wine
Gin and tonics on a summer's afternoon deck with friends

and so much more...

You know what? It doesn't matter if I don't get to see it all; to know that it is there is enough.

What's on your list?

Zoe

When should you give up?

Do you keep plugging away wondering when your big breakthrough is ever going to happen?

You've heard all those stories about the miners who gave up their quest for gold only to have the next group in and discover they were only inches from a massive vein of gold...

If only they'd stuck to it!

But you just don't know when and where success is going to happen.

However, many of us stop short well before we truly exhaust our potential. We give up before we even get started.

Here's a beauty of a video that shows you just how far you might go with a good coach, and with your limitations blindfolded...

Guess who's "Best New Business 2008'?

Yes Sirree, that's me! The Chamber of Women in Business awarded Inner Compass "Best New Business 2008". Woohoo!


Here is an excerpt from my application so you can see what the fuss is all about...

"Dear Award Committee Members,

Though I started my business in 2003, I feel like I've started it all from scratch due to cancer treatment (surgery and chemotherapy) in 2005. I had to put my business on hold for nearly 18 months while I underwent treatment and recovered my strength. I returned full time to Inner Compass in January 2007.

How my business has changed – what I did
Revenue Streams
In the last eighteen months, I have completely transformed my business from a single revenue stream restricted to local customers to over ten different products and services offered globally.

When I started as a coach I only offered one-to-one coaching and the occasional workshop. Since January 2007, I now offer:

• One to one coaching
• The Inner Circle Success Coaching Club – membership subscription
• Group Mastermind Coaching
• Face to face Workshops
• Teleclasses
• On-line self study programs, including:

1. Absolute Productivity e-Package
2. Three Pillars of Personal Power
3. The Law of Attraction Superhighway
4. Maximise Your Money Mojo
5. Five Ways to Attract All You Desire

• My first ever hard copy product, Absolute Productivity for Solopreneurs and Small Business Owners
• In addition, I also promote a number of other products and services online.

To learn more, go to:
http://www.innercompass.com.au/content/blogcategory/33/57/

Staffing
I've gone from being a business of one person (me!) to a team of four people. Two are Virtual Assistants and operate out of the USA, and one is a local Canberra Coach with whom I am collaborating on various projects. I am also mentoring her as she grows her own business.

The Business Model and Marketing Innovations
In the ACT, I have completely re-invented how a coach can do business. Many local coaches focus on coaching the public service sector in a one-to-one model. One to one coaching is their sole product and their marketing is often restricted to networking and application for tenders.

In my business, I still network extensively for local business contacts, but my main marketing strategies are on-line. I publish a twice-monthly electronic magazine called Compass Bearings with a current subscription of thousands from around the globe. I also publish articles at article submission sites, publish a blog, participate in on-line business communities and forums, participate in Facebook, Twitter, and post videos on You Tube.

As far as the business model goes, I no longer trade hours for dollars, but leverage my knowledge so I can reach more people without geographical or time zone restrictions. I have members in the Inner Circle from Nigeria, the UK, South Africa, and the United States.

Why did I do it?

I had a compelling reason to reinvent my business: avoid the return of cancer in my life.

I still wanted to run my business – I just did not want to burn the candle at both ends and end up back in hospital. It really was a classic need to 'work smarter, not harder.' Plus I still wanted to contribute! I saw that there is a global need for people to live more holistic happier lives; to reach people worldwide, I needed to change the way I delivered my services. The changes I implemented were thus to save my health and help more people.

How did I do it?
I embraced the study of on-line marketing strategies and info-product development.

I joined three global on-line masterminds to share ideas, learn new strategies, and improve my copywriting and online marketing skills.

The most significant progress I've made has come in the last few months when I hired my assistant – she has freed me up to concentrate on the bigger projects while she handles the administrative side of things. You don't need to do it alone!

Lastly, what is Inner Compass?
Inner Compass is dedicated to women solo-preneurs and small business owners who want to make more money, work less, and have a great life. Inner Compass helps its clients with productivity solutions and developing an unstoppable success mindset.

Thank you for your consideration,

Zoe Routh
Director, Inner Compass"

So there you have it!

Thanks for being associated with a winning team!

Zoe

P.S. This is a sneak preview of Monday's edition of Compass Bearings...it involves your 'Secret Weapon'...


Not on the list yet? Sign up at www.LawofAttractionChecklist.com

Happy Birthday Roger Federer and other happenings August 8 2008

Yup it's my favourite sportsman's birthday today.

How do I remember this?

It's also three years to the day since I had my last chemotherapy treatment. When they unhooked the last bag of chemo fluid, I felt like I was walking out in to the wilderness. I had to reinvent myself, my life, and my attitude to living in the new reality of Someone Who Has Had Cancer.

Every day has been such a blessing, such a journey of discovery.

In fact, it was not my last re-vamp, my last re-invention - I find myself continually discovering new aspects of me, my life, and my business.

And now is the perfect time to do this all over again!

Three years since chemo, Roger's birthday, and the Olympics...it's time for something new.

So I'm having a "08 08 08 It's great! Re-vamp Sale"

I'm clearing out some products, re-vamping others, and introducing some new ones - all a reflection of the changing me!

Check it out here.

If you're not in a the mood to get a bargain Law of Attraction product, then make sure you do this:

Take a moment to be grateful you are alive. Every day is a good day above ground.

To your health and success,

Zoe

Results! Three Pillars delivers

Hi there gang

Just wanted to share the incredible success of Niki, one of my private coaching clients in the Three Pillars program. In her words...

"Hi Zoe

Wow I am so happy -money has started flowing and opportunities too!

The Storque a part of Etsy is now following me on Twitter, which means I could one day be featured woohoo!!!

Two of my articles are being published on a primitive crafting website, they date back to 2006 how cool is that!

I just got some unexpected work from a lovely client I did VA work for last year (I do blog design, graphics and websites, I hadn't been looking for work but this is cool that is came up.)

I just got the first bid for my silent auction yay! I'm trying out this way of selling my originals to see how it works out. It seems to go very well for some other known artists who are making a living from just their art.

So I'm feeling pretty pumped now!

I've just started filming for my first art diary video - cool.

I'm taking action now and I am sure that is fueling this sudden surge of flowing money and my new thinking :D This is very cool!

You are so right, when I chill and don't get uptight about sales and what I'm doing, it all flows, I just need to remember to stay in that mode.

Onwards and upwards!

Niki"

Niki - you absolute groover!

You and I know this hasn't been easy - there were times in the beginning that felt slow and hard like wading through molasses, but then you slipped in to a new gear...and poof! You are rockin' on girl!

Congratulations on your results, and your awesome journey.

Zoe
p.s. Want to see Niki's beautiful art? Check it out here: http://www.vintageartist.co.uk

angels walk among us

Truly, where do they find these gems?

The Apology

"I don't like your wedding. It was horrible."

So said my 4 year old nephew a few weeks after Rob and I tied the knot.

Little rotten stinker, I thought. Especially since he'd been given the privileged position of 'Ring Bear' (adapted from Ring Bearer) and part of the procession and all that. I could feel the guile and indignation rising in me.

But he's a four year old. I wasn't going to let it ruin my day.

Mortified by his behaviour, his parents took him aside for a stern dressing down. Sheepish, he slinked up to me and mumbled, "Shorry, Joey."

I was pleased he'd acknowledged he'd hurt my feelings. I felt superior in being able to say, "It's ok - I forgive you." Then I felt bad because I was lording it over a 4 year old.

It was awkward for him, and it was awkward for me. We were glad it was over and we both moved on.

Saying sorry is really an exercise in self-forgiving, an acknowledgment of a transgression, and a commitment to make amends. Likewise to forgive is a gift you give yourself, not the other person.

So I thought until yesterday.

Like many others around the nation, I watched the Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd together with the Leader of the Opposition Brendan Nelson issue a formal apology in the House of Commons to the 'Stolen Generations' of the Aboriginal people. These are the people who were forcibly removed from their homes following racist policies of the first 70 years of this century.

What does it mean to say 'I'm sorry' for the separation of mothers from their children, from siblings from each other, to tear apart a family, communities, and a culture? How do you say 'sorry' for that?

Some had waited 50 years to hear the word 'sorry' come from the head of government, and had suffered all these long years feeling cast aside, abused, neglected, torn asunder in every physical and spiritual way. Hearing 'sorry' was for them an acknowledgment of their humanity, an appreciation of their inherent rights as human beings, a message of, 'yes - you are important, you do matter, and we understand your pain.'

Many had the strength to do this for themselves. They found peace and pride and resilience in spite of their past, in spite of the abuse.

Others had forgiven long ago. One lady tells the story of a fellow Aboriginal stockman who led the welfare men to the kids hidden on the banks of the river, where they found her and her brothers and sisters. They never saw their mother again. The stockman sought her ought, many years later, to say 'sorry' and find some relief from his profound and twisted grief at the wounds he'd inflicted. She forgave him long ago; it was time now to forgive himself.

And so this is where the act of an apology hangs so awkwardly: the pain of those who suffered, the pain of those who caused the suffering. Saying 'sorry' draws a filament of power and pain between two injured and suffering parties.

The real shift in healing to wellness happens when each can feel in their hearts that they forgive, and release the past to welcome a bright and beautiful new beginning as loving, honouring, and peaceful partners in prosperity, abundance, and wellness.

To hear this happen, to feel it happen, en masse, for a whole nation? The tears flowed, the heart cracked wide and shone with love. It was a truly magic moment. And for once in a nation's history we were united in love and the overwhelming urge for peace and acceptance.

Thank you for this most wonderful Valentine's Day present.

Compass Bearings - 3 Pillars of Personal Power

Compass Bearings Vol 6.1 3 Pillars of Personal Power In this edition: Main article: 3 Pillars of Personal Power Stuff that works: LOA Superhighway, The organising place Inner Compass updates: 3 Pillars February Workshop Book Review: The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton Featured link: Internet Marketing Explained Laser thoughts Note from Zoë And a very Happy New Year to you all. I do hope 2008 is feeling groovy for you already. As for me, the beach was a fabulous break. Lots of surfing (the waves were massive due to a cyclone up in Queensland). Photos are here on the blog. All we did was surf, swim, play tennis, golf, and lie around a lot watching Star Wars. Plus have a lot of afternoon naps. I swear the 'nana nap' should mandated as a national policy. Apart from napping, my intentions for 2008 include plenty of fun ideas. 'Learning' is a key theme for me; I'm tingling all over at the prospect of the following: kinesiology, Psych-K, fluency, and hanging out with various of the coaches I interviewed for Law of Attraction Superhighway. And I intend to share everything I learn with you, dear readers! Enjoy the ride, Zoe 3 Pillars of Personal Power In all the work I've done in personal development over the last twenty years, including the Law of Attraction principles, I've come to discover that there are only really three key pillars to personal success - however you define success. Whatever you desire for 2008 and beyond, if you pay attention to the following pillars, you'll get everything you desire. Just don't forget about the guiding lights (revealed at the end of this article). 1. Environmental Design Since I've been reading Bruce Lipton's The Biology of Belief, I've consolidated my understanding of the importance of environments in personal growth - both on a cellular level, and on a whole-being level. Cells actually thrive or die according to the quality of their environment. Think about it - roses don't grow in cement, whales don't last long on the beach, and plants fry in too much sunlight. Every organism, including you, needs a good environment to be fully functional, healthy, and happy. In practical terms, what does this mean for you, the modern productive human? Your environments are either supporting you, or they're not. How can you tell? Well, if you feel tired, bogged down, stressed, exhausted, or overwhelmed, then chances are something in your environment needs to change. Make sure you assess the following for energy drainers: Your physical space - clutter, mess, dirt, piles of stuff, broken appliances, out of date clothes with holes, or clothes that don't fit, a car that needs a service. I put a lot of effort my physical space - keeping it clean, tidy, and organised. I simply can't think clearly if there are piles of junk heaped up. Your physical body - that's right, nothing new here - make sure what you're putting down your gullet is quality, nutrient rich, and mostly fresh. Then you also need to keep the wheels well-greased with exercise - fresh air and sunlight also a must. Energy drainers? Try caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, refined foods, sugar. Minimise or dump the altogether. Your relationships - yes, these can be massive drainers. Look out for gossiping, back-biting, criticism, lack of praise and appreciation. I am sure you know who's a drain in your life. You don't need to put up with this! Renegotiate the terms of your relationship, or get out. 2. Focus Funnel This is a model I developed for Absolute Productivity. Basically all your activities should be based on your values, and the top items on your wish list. All the rest is just gumph and time wasters. Once you know what your vision is for you and your life, and you've written your wish list, then you can make decisions based on these priorities. This alone can double your productivity. Keeping focused - this is where your manifestation strategies come in. Things like a vision board, scripting exercises, meditation, visualisation, affirmations, living visions, and so on. All these keep you focused on your intentions, and more importantly, keep you amped up and riding a good vibration. 3. Beliefs No amount of focus, scripting, or even environmental design is going to bring what you desire unless your beliefs are aligned too. Beliefs determine thoughts, emotional vibe, and actions, and therefore determine the outcomes in your life. Crappy beliefs = crappy results. What's a crappy belief? Well, ask yourself what it is that you really, really, really want more than anything else in the world. Let's say it's a Maserati Spider (we actually saw one in Bermagui during the break. The owner was so nervous about putting a dint in his $300 000 sports car that he drove 20km under the speed limit. I mean come on! If you're going to own a decent sports car - at least drive it!) Now ask yourself why you don't have it yet. Maybe you really fancy that Spider, but deep down you think it is an excessive waste of money that serves no real purpose except to look cool. (yes Rob, I've heard you say this!) With a belief like that, there is no way you're ever getting behind the wheel of that sucker! People have all sorts of limiting beliefs. Zapping these bugs in your human software is the most critical and empowering thing you can do for your life. How do you do it? Try Emotional Freedom Technique, kinesiology, Byron Katie's work, fluency, re-scripting, Psych-K, core dynamics. There are lots of ways - do one, do them all, but do this work now. Otherwise your vision board will just be another thing cluttering your desk. The Guiding Lights in your personal evolution 1. Expand your awareness Lipton explains how his research shows that it is the cell's membrane that is actually responsible for decisions in a cell's life, not the nucleus. He proved this by extracting the nucleus from the cell and observing that the cell continued to function perfectly well, except when it came to producing new proteins and DNA (the main function of the nucleus) to repair and replace itself. Lipton also observed that since the cell 'thought' with its membrane, then if that membrane expanded and had a greater surface area, the better-equipped it was to interpret, engage with, extract nutrients from, and avoid threats in its environment. Bigger membrane = better survival and growth. Cells however can't enlarge indefinitely (think of a balloon filling with water - it expands and then breaks as the strength of the membrane reaches its limit). A great solution for cells was to band together in a cooperative community to share information about their environment. As communities of cells grew, they worked out it was more efficient to have some cells specialise in particular functions. In the human body, there are millions of different kinds of cells, each with their own particular function, all working together to promote a greater awareness and ability to interpret and respond to its environment. Companies work in a similar manner: humans work collaboratively for a common purpose, each specialising in a particular function for increased awareness and efficiency. What does this mean for you and your life? Increasing your own awareness, your ability to observe and interpret your environment, will radically improve your ability to respond, interpret, and take action that supports your success. How do you improve your awareness? First of all, sort out your three Pillars of Personal Power, as listed above. Next, develop your intuition through meditation and other energy modalities. Third, collaborate with others to expand your knowledge and self-perception either one-on-one with a coach or with a mastermind group. Collaboration will enhance your intuition. 2. Fun. It's easy to take personal development too seriously. After all, this is your life we're talking about! However, by taking a serious approach you only confound and bog down your efforts in creating a life of ease and grace. Start the vibe off right - have fun! When you take an attitude of fun and delight to your life, then everything flows far more easily and gracefully. Did you know that 2008 is officially the Year of Fun? Well, it is now, according to all the cohorts her at Inner Compass. Join us! Here's to you and your life, Zoe Stuff that works Law of Attraction Superhighway This is absolutely one of my favourite products. I had such a good time talking with each of the coaches about their Law of Attraction strategies. I came away buzzing with new personal development strategies, and a whole new level of confidence in incorporating Law of Attraction principles in my life and work. Now you can listen to the interviews individually, or get the (better deal) package. Check it out here: www.LOAforCoaches.com Inner Compass Updates 3 Pillars of Personal Power Workshop After popular demand, the 3 Pillars workshop is on offer to boost your 2008 plans in the right direction. Build on the momentum and energy of the new year, and get your goals and dreams on fast forward from the outset. We'll get your Focus Funnel filtered and distilled with absolute clarity, we'll overhaul your environments so they are electric with positive energy, and we'll blast any beliefs holding you back. We'll meet on four consecutive Wednesday evenings by telephone link up, starting February 6th. There is nothing like the energy of a group to galvanise goals, build confidence, and have fun. Fun is number one, right?! If you want to book your spot, then shoot me an email at zoe@innercompass.com.au. Book Review - The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton Unleashing the power of consciousness, matter, and miracles. This book really delivers. For a science book, it is easy-to-read, complete with graphs and photographs to explain key points. Lipton expands on his observations of the cell and quantum physics and its implications for humanity. In brief, since we are all made out of energy, and our thoughts are energy too, then our thoughts create and influence our biology. In short, you can think yourself thin, healthy, rich or whatever else you desire. Though this is a familiar concept in Law of Attraction literature, Lipton brings a fresh perspective with his science of epigenetics. A very cool read - recommended. Check it out here. Featured Link - Internet Marketing Explained For all those budding infopreneur's and internet marketing enthusiasts, this one is for you. Armand Morin's new project - Internet Marketing Explained, the relaunch, looks like a juicy one. He's been loading awesome videos to his blog for a limited time only in anticipation of the relaunch. Check them out here. I use Morin's Ebook Cover Generator and think it is the duck's guts. I can design a cover for a new product in about ten minutes that looks totally awesome. Saves me time and a ton of cash when marketing a new product. It does CD covers, reports, ebooks, boxed products, all out of the same design. Very cool. Check it out here. Laser Thoughts "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." - Walt Disney "If you watch a game, it's fun. If you play at it, it's recreation. If you work at it, it's golf." - Bob Hope "Setting a good example for the children take all the fun out of middle age." - William Feather "There is no such things as 'fun for the whole family'." - Jerry Seinfeld About Zoë Zoe has paddled 30 weeks by canoe in Northwest Ontario, run 6 marathons, hiked hundreds of kilometers in Australia's outback, worked ten years at Outward Bound, survived cancer, married a fair dinkum Aussie bloke, and wrestled a 6 meter crocodile. It's all true, except for the crocodile part. As the Head Coach at Inner Compass, Zoe helps personal development enthusiasts create their own best life following the Law of Attraction. It's all about fun, freedom, and adventure. If you want to live a life that rocks your socks, then get in contact. It's time. Zoe Routh www.innercompass.com.au PO Box 5194 Lyneham ACT 2602 Australia +61 2 6162 0554

2008 - is that the sound of a drum roll?

A drum roll, trumpets, a flourish - this is what I've come to expect of the New Year.

Not this year.

Nope, nada, nothing, not a thing. There was a distinct lack of heralding and harking.

Usually I start the year with grand plans, glorious declarations, and energy busting at the seams. Like a a mountaineer in new leiderhosen, I am usually polishing the boots and hoisting the pack for another grand year of summits to to ascend, obstacles to overcome, and challenges to embrace. Like running another marathon, or writing another product, or meeting new business targets.

Not this year.

Instead the New Year brought with it a glorious sense of peace, calm, and tranquility. There are no grand plans. There are no declarations of things to change, or new beginnings to embrace. Quite simply, I am already flowing. I am already in the flow - the flow of wellness, of abundance, of happiness. 2007 was a wonderful year, an I expect 2008 to be just as, if not more wonderful.

But I don't need to prove anything anymore. I don't need rack up any more accomplishments, like a row of dusty trophies on the mantle.

Don't get me wrong - I do have plans for what I want to experience and create this year. But the energy is completely different: my choices are based on what feels good, what feels fun, and what makes my body zing with excitement.

In noticing the difference in me this year I have come to realise what intellectually I have known to be true, but have not embraced in my 'knowing' until now - life is for living in a way that feels good, not in a way that we think it should be lived, according to beliefs, ego, or expectations.

It's a subtle distinction. Now I can tell if it's my ego talking, or whether it's my spirit calling with this simple assessment: if it feels like hard work, then it's the ego having a go; if it feels exciting and fun, then my spirit is leading the way.

This simple distinction has taken a lot of clearing to get to. Old beliefs, emotional energy patterns, issues around deserving and prosperity were all cleared away to get here. I have done a lot of self-development, coaching, reading, and exploring of various techniques and concepts, and applied what I learned.

And still there is more!

But it all feels good and grand.

Here's to 2008 and the glorious adventures ahead.

Togariro Crossing and Hell's Gate

There is nothing like a holiday and adventure to expand perspective and raise the vibrations. Here are some shots from our trip to New Zealand - a must do on anyone's to-do travel list.

Rob near 'Mount Doom' from Lord of the Rings on the crossing - this is where they filmed many of the Mordor scenes

Me at the lip of the red crater - this is a very 'live' mountain - there is thermal activity everywhere - just to my left and out of the shot is a whole series of smoking holes letting out sulphuric fumes - signs of the volcanic activity not far from the earth's surface. Mt Ngauruhoe (aka Mount Doom) even had an eruption in September 2007.

The Emerald Lakes.

Spectacular, stark scenery in this volcanic landscape - not much grows near a volcano!

Me and Rob in the stinky mud baths at Hell's Gate - one of Rotorua's most active thermal areas. The sulphur from the mud smells like rotten eggs - the whole town is saturated in the stench - there are fuming gas puddles everywhere

The world is a marvelous place - so many wonderful things to discover. Next trip? Probably back to New Zealand - the South Island - to walk in the mountains there. They are truly awe-inspiring.

Elephants and tigers, oh my!

A happy kitty at Dubbo Zoo

I've never really liked zoos. The whole concept of locking wild animals up for the viewing pleasure of gawking tourists seemed rather inhumane to me. Unnatural. Surely the animals would be better off where they were, in their natural habitat, running free, doing what animals do.

Now before you go all conservationist on me, I've actually come to realise there is some value in giving mother nature a helping hand, especially where us old lumbering humans have gone and trashed the natural habitat. Did you know, for instance, there are only 500 Sumatran tigers left in the whole world? Forests and jungles have been razed for industry and expansion. No more tigers seems a shame, a much bigger shame than locking them up in a restricted pen.

Happy Sumatran kitty

On a recent visit to the Dubbo zoo, I had another revelation. These animals seemed really happy. After all, they had no predators to worry about, they had all their basic needs met - food, shelter, even a bit of lovin' from a well-sourced mate. What was there to be grumpy about? A small roaming territory seemed insignificant compared with the alternative of constant struggle to hunt for food, fend off attackers , subdue rivals, and generally live a life of survival and fear. The lesson for me was, 'Roll around in someone else's patch of grass before you call it a dud'. A zoo life could be a fabulous life.


Isn't it interesting that we are always judging other people's bit of grass? Just like me finding the zoo too restrictive and cruel at first, haven't you found yourself thinking things like, "he should get a better job," or "why do they live in that suburb?", or "she really needs a new boyfriend." I mean really, who we are to judge? How do we ever know what's best for someone else? Besides, if we spend all our time worrying about other people's patch of grass, who's minding ours?

Yes sirree, I'm quite happy minding my own little patch.


Now if people want help re-landscaping their patch, and ask for it, that's a whole different story. My job then as a loving friend, neighbour, or coach is to help them design a life that is totally cool for them. A sounding board is quite different to a sledgehammer.

Here's to peaceful grazing where the sun shines.

Have you got the potential?

I love tennis. I love watching it (especially el maestro Roger Federer). I love to try and play it too. Sadly, I lack skill and talent in this department. My friend Roger (not Federer!) witnessed my struggle and gallantly bought me a tennis lesson as a belated birthday present.

I was nervous of making a fool of myself and being judged harshly by the tennis pro. Boy, old habits die hard! I shrugged this delusion off by remembering that a coach wants you to do well. He is there to help you improve, not to mock you. Besides, if he thinks I'm a loser, that's his business! Nothing I can do about it ;)

After gathering my nerves and courage along with my tennis racket, I trundled off for some enlightenment on the court.

Daniel was a seasoned pro in handling gumbies. My wild hits did not phase him, not even when they went over the fence to the parking lot.

It wasn't all disaster. I've actually got quite nice top spin on my forehand. I even hit an ace on one of my serves! How cool is that?!

That's when I knew it. I have potential. If I can hit one good shot, I can hit many.

So what stops me from being consistent?

First, I need knowledge of what puts together a good shot. This is what the coach offers: understanding of the mechanics and physics of body-racket-ball connection that delivers winners. Plus he can see what I can't. When I throw the ball up for a serve, I have no idea what my feet are doing. A coach has perspective. It's so much easier with help.

Second, the belief it's possible. How do we get belief in possibilities when it has never been done before? How did NASA determine it was possible to fly a man to the moon when no one else had done it? They simply chose to believe. That's it. Faith is a choice. If humans can fly to the moon, surely I can improve my tennis game.

Third, re-wiring old patterns with new ones. When Daniel showed me a better grip on the racket, it felt uncomfortable and unnatural. I stubbornly sneaked it back to the old familiar grip which felt 'right'. Surprise, surprise when the balls continued to hit the net or fly out of bounds. When I tried it his way, the shots landed perfectly. They felt good. They felt right.

There's always that moment of resistance when we let go of old patterns and embrace new ones: they feel awkward, strange, and cumbersome. It's in these moments we are tempted to fall back in to what we know because it's comfortable, rather than have faith and persist, even if we know the results are mediocre the old way.

If we do manage to persist with the discomfort and work at the new way, we discover something glorious: the thrill of hitting that perfect shot. There's no denying it - when you hit the ball right and the racket sounds with a juicy twang, it feels soooo good. There's no going back after that. It's written in your bones: you have the potential for winner after winner. Your body knows the sweet spot, you just need to follow through.

My tennis lesson was such a perfect metaphor: if you want new results, get help, learn new skills, choose faith in the moment of discomfort and the unknown, let go, and savour the sweet spot.

New babies for everyone

My girlfriend Josie and hubby Andy had a baby girl this morning. I was the official aunty, designated to babysit their first bubba, Charlie, who just turned 1 on the weekend. Yes they are nuts having two kids so close together, but hey, it's a grand adventure.

I have to say I was overwhelmed by the whole experience, and I was just in the waiting room! The whole event took just over an hour from getting to hospital and baby wrapped up in a blanket. And there was this beautiful little miracle gazing with new eyes at the world, little fingers wriggling and waving. Wow.


It was truly amazing. It was another incredible reminder of the dazzling miracle of life, operating from an intelligence well beyond our limited comprehension. All we can do is sit and wonder at the beauty and perfection it all. From the new bud of a tulip opening to the morning sunshine, to the exquisite detail of a newborn's fingernail, there is a force that is gentle and perfect that guides us with infinite wisdom. Even when we fail to see a rhyme and a reason.

When I've come back to earth, I'll share some more photos from the trip to Dubbo and some exciting new projects happening in LOA land - my new babies!

In the meantime, savour the miracles in your neighbourhood.

What would you do with an extra 36 hours per week?

Timothy Ferriss's book, The 4 Hour Work Week is one of the most refreshing takes on lifestyle design I have read in ages. Thanks to Drew for recommending it. Ed over at Evolving Times has issued a challenge to get the imagination all fired up and share what YOU would do, should you re-craft your life to 'work' only 4 hours per week, and play the rest of the time. Want to check out the challenge, go here.

In the meantime, here are some more musings on how I would improve my already excellent lifestyle.

Take off the to Great White North and do that canoe trip I've been lusting after for years. I led canoe trips for five years at Camp Stephens before managing the program for a couple of more years. Tripping is in my blood. Massive disappointment for me to learn Australia is such an arid country that canoeing really involves dragging your boat through a lot of rock boulders. Luckily, there is one massive coastline that is good for sea kayaking.


Canoeing on freshwater is still my top adventure. My friend Jay sent me photos from his awesome trip on the Stikine in British Columbia. Yeah! That's what I'm talking about!

Become an organic gardening queen. This winter's crops look pretty sad and wilty. I fancy myself a green thumb, but really I'm more like a muddy boot stomping recklessly. I lack knowledge and skill when it comes to nurturing plants. A few more hours per week would have me visiting other gardeners, reading more, and visiting the plant nursery more.

Fine-tune my photography. I love the world through a camera lens. Thanks to hubby, I now have an awesome digital SLR with some funky lenses. My results are limited again by know-how, not enthusiasm! A couple of photography courses and hanging out with other photographers would be excellent.

Learn some gourmet cooking. I love food. Delicious, wild flavours and plenty of chocolate feature on my ideal menu. My brother's a chef, and a pretty darn good one too, but somehow I have managed to miss out on culinary finesse. Again, some good mentoring could fix all that.

Other really cool stuff:

• Yoga
• Pilates
• Belly dancing (I'll need to dust off my costumes and get the hips shimmying again)
• Study more about history of the English monarchy (I was originally born in England and have maintained a bit of nostalgia for the homeland)
• Publish a book (I'm scratching away at it now!)
• See more concerts and plays
• Bushwalking - get me out on in the woods any day
• Go to a live talk show: Oprah or Rove or Thank God You're Here
• Visit my buddies in Sydney, Melbourne, Bathurst, Brisbane. Just a short road trip away.
• Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef
• Sea Kayaking at Ningaloo Reef. Spectacular!
  
• Indulge at a health spa in Bali. Daily massage anyone?
  

And of course...
Lounge at the beach. Nothing is better than looking at the ocean. Except for maybe being out on it in a luxury yacht, or in it on my boogie board.


You know what he most amazing thing is about doing a list like this? It's all completely achievable. It's all a matter of jumping in the current and seeing where it leads you. Sure beats sitting on the shore wondering!

What about you??? Take the first plunge and write us a comment. It's amazing how real it feels when you put fingers to keyboard...

Now this is the first time I've participated in a blogging tag. From what I understand, it's about inviting other bloggers to join in and blog on the same topic. Here's Ed post on the 'rules'.

And here are the bloggers I am 'tagging':

Drew Rozell
Day Job Nuker
Personal Development for the Book Smart
TRCoach