Thinking Magically™ | When Your Soul Needs Some Prune Juice

“Plans change,” Iktomi said. “Got a plan that doesn’t require explosives.”
“Are you confident in that?” Mangas asked.
“I’m a god,” Iktomi replied. “I’m always confident.”
“I’m a human,” Mangas thought, “and we know shit happens.”
– Brandon Nolta (Iron and Smoke

Life events are giving you heartburn.
You feel sick to your stomach.
Sh*t seems to be flowing around, towards, and out of you.

When your soul isn’t happy, nobody’s happy.
You know it.
I know it.
Everyone knows it.

When stuff is hitting the fan, you become confused.
When you’re thrown a sh*t sandwich, you become irritable.
When there’s so much bullsh*t going on around you, you become planless.

Would you like some relief from the symptoms?

One of the first things to figure out is if the sh*t is coming from you or it’s flowing to you. The source and direction of that stuff is going to determine your strategy for removing the problems.

If the sh*t is coming from you, then it’s time to reevaluate the scripts and stories you are telling yourself. Look, I’m an attorney. I’m paid to have nightmares for other people. When bad things happen to me, I can tell you that I’m an expert at imagining every terror that might exist, potentially exist, or can be invented even if there’s no real chance it would ever manifest in the first place. I get how easy it is to imagine the boogeymen and monsters and things that go bump in the night.

I also know, firsthand, that all this negativity and fear isn’t going to stop the effects of the sh*t that’s coming out of you.

It’s time to clean yourself out. It’s time to get a mindset and outlook version of prune juice for your soul.

One of the quickest ways you can accomplish this cleansing, is to realize that there are some things you know to be true and all the others stuff is just that . . . stuff. Take a moment and write out all those things you KNOW to be true. Make distinctions between what you KNOW to be true and what you believe (and usually those beliefs have been created by you out of fear, the need for self-preservation, and even anger).

Then, when you determine what you KNOW to be true about the world, your life, and you, write out some positive mantras, affirmations, and powerful catch phrases. Post them everywhere . . . in your wallet, in your purse, in your pocket, in your kitchen, on your bathroom mirror. Everywhere you will get instant reminders to rescript and rewrite and reprogram the sh*t talk that’s going on in side you.

If you find that the stuff is rolling towards you from the outside, I recommend something I wrote about more than 2 years ago . . . My Personal Sh*t Handling Toolkit. Let me repost it for you here:

YOUR PERSONAL SH*T HANDLING TOOLKIT

TOOL ONE. See things the way they are. Take some time, right now, to analyze your relationship with the world and people around you. When you come to grips with the fact that nothing is permanent and everything changes, you can start living your life authentically and fully. When you fear that something bad is happening or about to happen, keep asking yourself, “Is this real?” If it’s not real and you are letting your imagination run away with you, it’s time to recenter. If the answer to the question is “yes” and shit is truly happening, it’s time to get out Tool Two.

TOOL TWO. Don’t rush your emotions. Just handle it. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross introduced the concept of the five stages of grief: (a) Denial, (b) Anger, (c) Bargaining, (d) Depression, and (e) Acceptance. Quite frankly, these stages apply to any highly stressful situation (whether real or imagined). The important thing for you to note is that these stages happen at different times and in a different order for each of you. Just let them come to you. Why? Because Tool Two is all about just handling what comes your way and not worrying about controlling your emotions. “Handling it,” by the way means living in the moment and responding to the shit that is happening at that moment. Stop projecting into the future – that’s where fear and anxiety are born. Stop staring at your past – that’s where regret and sorrow are born. Just stay centered in the Here and Now. If you can’t do that, it’s time to get out Tool Three.

TOOL THREE. Let someone else help. Fear, stress, and anxiety can become overwhelming for some. They create immersive experiences and feelings and you feel like you’ve been thrown into a sea and you have no flotation device to save you (or the ones you love). One of my favorite quotes is from Edwin Louis Cole. It goes like this: “You don’t drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there.” When you feel like you need to be alone to drown in your own fears, sorrow, and what you think is the unfairness of it all, that’s likely the best time for you to find someone to be and share with. Express your fears, your concerns, your sadness with someone else. It will help you create a safe and caring place to move forward from. And, if just being with someone else is not enough, bring out the most powerful instrument of all – Tool Four.

TOOL FOUR. Know that you cannot hold everything. But you can choose how to respond to everything. Here’s a deep insight from Richard Bach for you to consider: “The mark of your ignorance is the depth of your belief in injustice and tragedy.” One of the best tools you can start to employ – right now – is the concept of non-attachment. Now before you start pushing back, know that non-attachment does not mean not having, it only means not holding onto something or someone. Remember Tool One? Nothing is permanent and everything changes. Most of the people you come into contact with don’t understand “not holding.” All they know is the selfishness of the words “to have and to hold.” When you finally stop clinging, hanging on, and trying to control each and every thing or person, you will suddenly find yourself an open cup. And perhaps . . . just perhaps . . . Life will finally show you there is a way to be filled with Happiness.

Sh*t is going to happen . .  even to Magicians. I know, however, that John Lennon was correct when he wrote: “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”

May the Magic be with you! Always.

If you enjoyed this article, make sure to sign up for my blog mailing list so you get all future postings delivered directly to your inbox.

One More Thing . . . would you like to start getting more results, more happiness, and more success? Take a look at my new coaching options by going here >>> http://www.thinkingmagically.com/coaching

© 2016 by Scott Grossberg. All Rights Reserved. thinkingmagically.com

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Thinking Magically™ | Why Magicians Love Assistance (And You Should, Too!)

Make friends with the angels, who though invisible are always with you.
Often invoke them, constantly praise them, and make good use of
their help and assistance in all your temporal and spiritual affairs.
– Saint Francis de Sales

As Magicians, we all need a support system. Assistants who help make the Magic happen. Since Tuesday of last week, I’ve been engaged in federal trial in Los Angeles.

The commute has been challenging.

The time parameters have tested my personal bandwidth.

It’s been a roller-coaster to say the least.

During times like these when you get tested, who are the people who make up your support system?

I have many people I turn to, rely upon, and trust for their perspective, love, and cheerleading abilities.

I think it’s important for you to see just two of the ways I was braced and buttressed in taking on my opponents for the last week. Take these as examples of how you can work with your own support system to make your Magic even stronger, significant, and results-oriented than ever before.

First, my darling wife, Carolyn, packed me snacks and lunch while I went off to do battle. She knows the warrior mindset that I get into. She gifted me that space and even periodically wrote little notes that I would find once I was at the courthouse. Here’s a note that she left for me to find . . . (Note: Laurel is one of my associates who was helping with the trial.)

I love you today.

Share your cookies with your friend Laurel today. 🙂

Be nice and make friends . . .

Don’t make faces at the mean people.

Enjoy the show!!!

You can imagine what this did for me when I found it!!!

What little gifts of Magic are presented to you each day that you might otherwise be overlooking?

Second, Gerry Katzman doesn’t even know that the Magic he planted awhile ago grew into something I rely upon all the time. Gerry contacted me after he saw one of my lectures and asked if I would go to lunch with him. At lunch, Gerry gifted me with a tool – something called Vocalzone. They are throat lozenges that he swore by. And they are MARVELOUS!!!! I used them before giving my Opening Statement and Closing Argument.

What are you doing to carefully construct your magical toolkit – the items that you carry with you – that ensures success?

Vocalzone is available on Amazon for international shipping at:

http://www.amazon.com/Vocalzone-Throat-24-Pastilles-24pasti/dp/B0006NXQF2

However, Carolyn is already taken. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

May the Magic be with you! Always.

One More Thing . . . would you like to start getting more results, more happiness, and more success? Take a look at my new coaching options by going here >>> http://www.thinkingmagically.com/coaching

Remember, you can also continue this conversation by subscribing to my blog at http://thinkingmagically.com or you joining me on any of the major social media sites to take this discussion to an even deeper level.

© 2016 by Scott Grossberg. All Rights Reserved. thinkingmagically.com

Thinking Magically™ | Powerful Outcomes Start With Essential Magic

I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself.
For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness
is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.
– Martha Washington

Naturally, I repeatedly refer to my concept of “Thinking Magically” as an integral part of my coaching sessions. For me, it is more important to empower you than to simply talk about your Past, Present, and Future (although I am well aware that discussions of where you have been, where you are, and where you are going are necessary components to a practical, success and happiness toolkit).

To see where you are at the moment and whether you could use more Magic in your life, I recommend asking the following questions:

Do I believe in myself?

Do I believe in my own Magic?

Does it matter if I have lived at all?

If you have answered “no” to any of these simple questions, this might be an insight that a lifestyle change is in order.

You see, I have found that the true purpose of Magic is this:

To take your fantasies and transform them into an incredible reality.

To make the transformation lasting and gratifying, there must be at least three essential ingredients at work:

Meaning

Conviction

Wonder

In other words, start asking yourself what the theme of your life is (or what you want it to be).

Do you have a purpose to what you do and what you believe and what you say?

If you don’t, then perhaps now is the time to start creating patterns, habits, and actions that work for you the way you want your life to be – not the way your life is now. After all, do you want the sum total of your existence to be “so what?” I think not or you wouldn’t be reading this article in the first place.

Once you have that new meaning and direction, then ask yourself whether you have an unshakable belief in what you are doing, in who you are, and what you want to achieve.

Do you deserve the outcome you want?

Finally, can you still be amazed? Wonder is not just about being surprised, it is the mindset of looking forward to the Future and expecting to be awed! Find the Magic! Be the Magic!

May the Magic be with you! Always.

One More Thing . . . would you like to start getting more results, more happiness, and more success? Take a look at my new coaching options by going here >>> http://www.thinkingmagically.com/coaching

Remember, you can also continue this conversation by subscribing to my blog at http://thinkingmagically.com or you joining me on any of the major social media sites to take this discussion to an even deeper level.

© 2016 by Scott Grossberg. All Rights Reserved. thinkingmagically.com

Thinking Magically™ | Giving Yourself Permission To Be Successful And Happy

“When you give yourself permission to communicate what matters to you in every situation
you will have peace despite rejection or disapproval.
Putting a voice to your soul helps you to
let go of the negative energy of fear and regret.”
– Shannon L. Alder

I spend a lot of time, as an attorney, working with businesses developing participation and permission slips for events, field trips, and other activities. These “slips” not only show a person’s voluntary intent to actively take part in “something,” they also authorize, allow, and even sanction certain activities that will take place.

So how does this have anything to do with your success and happiness?
I repeatedly explain to people that they need to participate in their own success and happiness. Too many of us live our lives through absence, hunch, and delay. We postpone what we want while we make certain that other people’s dreams prescribe what we do, how we do it, and even how we feel about it.

Why do we do that?

A lot of it has to do with how we “feel.” Right when we start to really envision how our success and happiness could be if we could have anything we want and before we actually start out on the road to that dream life, we might feel fear. We might feel frustration. We might feel anger. We might feel heartbreak. We might feel [go ahead and fill in whatever you’d like here that, in the past, you’ve felt, thought about, and experienced that wasn’t empowering or useful to you].

Then, before we start off on that road to adventure (or as we just step forward in that direction), we push off the negativity, push down the dark and twisty feelings, push the angst away, and hope that by locking it all in some imaginary closet and giving Time enough time to work its Magic, all the negative feelings or thinkings or experiences will eventually go . . . POOF!

Unfortunately, we both know that the bad feelings, thoughts, and experiences don’t fade away. Oh, we can pretend we’re not giving them much thought. We do whatever we can to be busy so we’re distracted away from those uncomfortable feelings, thoughts, and experiences. We might even become workaholics, alcoholics, drug addicts, etc. to escape it all.

Enough.

There’s a better way.

Today, you get some freedom. Today, you get some relief. Today, you get to lead your own life and you get to give yourself permission to actually go through the process of participating in your own glorious adventure.

It starts with you going to my FREE RESOURCE page here >>> http://www.thinkingmagically.com/free-resources

Once you’re on that page, you’ll see an image that looks like this:

Click on that image [“A Most Magical Permission Slip”]. That will take you to the full-page image you will need; an image that has three permission slips on it. Download the full-page image (in other words, save it to your computer). Then, using your favorite photo editor, illustration program, or perhaps even an image preview app, print out the image of the three permission slips onto an 8 ½ x 11 inch pice of paper. Don’t be concerned if you only have a black and white printer. Although the image was created in color, you can work through my strategy with a greyscale version of the image.

Now that you’ve downloaded, saved, and printed the image, take a look at this training video >>>

Take the time to think back on all those dreams you’ve had but never acted upon because you were too afraid or too anxious or too angry or too disempowered. Wouldn’t you like all that to be part of the past and not an indication of how you’ll act now and in the future? One of the best ways I know to change your negative response rituals (the ones that are keeping you from being happy and successful, not the ones that are built-in to keep you safe and sane) is to give yourself permission to feel all the “bad” stuff in the first place. Being happy implies that you know what it’s like not to be happy. Being successful implies that you know what it’s like not to be successful. I’ve found that, for me, I have to know both sides—not embrace one and disown the other.

I’m inviting you to start using the Most Magical Permission Slips EVERY SINGLE DAY. Dare to feel fully and be alive and in the moment. Stop stockpiling your dirty little secrets, your “that’s not very nice” thoughts, your feelings of inadequacy, and your sense of unfairness. When you create that type of backlog and reserve of negativity, all you do is invite your subconscious (and eventually your conscious self) to reflect on that fear, worry, and doubt over and over and over again.

So . . . you now have permission. To be successful. To be happy!

Here’s to your ecstatic life!

One More Thing . . . would you like to start getting more results, more happiness, and more success? Take a look at my new coaching options by going here >>> http://www.thinkingmagically.com/coaching

Remember, you can also continue this conversation by subscribing to my blog at http://thinkingmagically.com or you joining me on any of the major social media sites to take this discussion to an even deeper level.

© 2016 by Scott Grossberg. All Rights Reserved. thinkingmagically.com

Thinking Magically™ | 3 Wellsprings of Inspiration for Magicians

“It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.”
– Babe Ruth

When I decided to lose weight—a lot of weight—I determined that I wanted to use a trainer to help me get back in shape. I wanted to lose 75 pounds. I wanted to do it smartly, quickly, and in a way that could be maintained.

How do you choose someone to keep you motivated?

How do you choose someone to keep you inspired?

How do you choose someone who has the best chance of getting you to your desired goal?

I have a simple rule.

I invite you to adopt it.

It goes like this:

If you’re not doing what I want to be doing,
I’m not interested in your
comments, input, or advice.

For the purpose of losing weight and getting in shape, I chose a couple of different trainers who:

Looked like I wanted to look

and

worked out like I wanted to work out.

Choosing is simple.

Finding—so you can make that choice—is somewhat more complicated.

When it comes to honing my Magic and getting help from others, then, my rule goes like this:

If you’re not living a life of Magic,
I’m not interested in your
comments, input, or advice.

What rules are you loving and living and lasting by?

I’m willing to bet that most of us are letting our mentors and our trainers and our coaches appear by chance (no, really, it’s chance because you’re aren’t participating in the success of find them in the first place) and then chosen by hunch (no, really, you’re making choices based on incomplete information, feelings, and notions rather than solid information). I think you all know that there are far too many supposed experts who, when you dig below the surface, aren’t what they seem to be.

There’s a better way.

And that’s to simply find those people who are actually and already doing what you want to be doing.

Do some homework.

Then connect with them.

By the way, one of the best ways to connect with people is by figuring out what you have to offer them to make them feel better (it’s what we all want, after all). That’s a far different approach and intent to making friends and partnering with someone than coming at it with a scheme to get all you can, suck them dry of their life’s work, and move on to the next shiny thing.

Now . . . back to our regularly scheduled article . . .

While you’re in the process of designing and creating your coveted coaching relationship, you might want to consider using the following three sources to provide you with wizardly inspiration, keep you enchantedly motivated, and light a fire under your magical ass (remember, Knowledge is not Magic. Doing is Magic).

These three very practical and immediately useable resources are not meant to be exhaustive (naturally). They are not meant to be exclusive (nothing is). They are meant to give you some of the same resource material that I rely on so you, too, can continue forward with your choice to live a life filled with Magic!

Lost your motivation or direction? Get some one-stop rocket fuel right here.

Many of you know the name, Guy Kawasaki. Many of you don’t know that he is responsible for a wonderful article aggregator called Alltop. From Alltop’s own description of its Purpose: “The purpose of Alltop is to help you answer the question, ‘What’s happening?’ in ‘all the topics’ that interest you. . . . We do this by collecting the headlines of the latest stories from the best sites and blogs that cover a topic.’”

Check out >>> http://inspiration.alltop.com/

There you will find items from zenhabits, Gretchen Rubin, Daily Inspiration, and even me!

How to brand your Magic so others find you unforgettable.

I’ve written and spoken about this before. Without an audience, your Magic has no place to express itself. You need an audience. And you need to take control over that audience, manage your message, and stay relevant. Lots of people tell you to brand yourself, develop your elevator speech, learn to pitch, market wisely through social media, and on and on. Very few of them, however, provide you with any practical methods for developing your content in the first place.

One of my favorite resources is called copyblogger | Content Marketing Mastery. You can find them at >>> http://www.copyblogger.com/

There are certainly paid services and products you can obtain through copyblogger. I think you’ll find the free content more than enough to get you started and keep you going. Copyblogger founder, Brian Clark, is one of those guys who’s doing what he teaches – not just talking hypothetically or philosophically.

Creating a magical tribe is simple. It’s not always easy. But it is simple.

I’ve never been to the World Domination Summit.

I’ve never met Chris Guillebeau.

But I love the concept of the summit. And I love Chris’ approach to life.

In creating your magical life, you don’t have to physically meet each of your mentors or coaches or trainers. You can learn from them through books, online material, and second-hand information.

Take a look at what Chris has been able to accomplish since 2011 >>> https://worlddominationsummit.com/story

You can deconstruct what Chris (and others like him) have done to create their following, their revolution, and their change in the world.

Now, how can you take these three wellsprings of inspiration and use them in your own world? I’d love to hear and read how these magical tools are wielded by you to create the life of your dreams.

One More Thing . . . would you like to start getting more results, more happiness, and more success? Take a look at my new coaching options by going here >>> http://www.thinkingmagically.com/coaching

Remember, you can also continue this conversation by subscribing to my blog at http://thinkingmagically.com or you joining me on any of the major social media sites to take this discussion to an even deeper level.

© 2016 by Scott Grossberg. All Rights Reserved. thinkingmagically.com

Thinking Magically™ | So, You Want To Live A Life Filled With Magic? [Infographic]

One man’s ‘magic’ is another man’s engineering.
– Robert A. Heinlein

Do you want more confidence, charm, wonder, and passion in your life? Here’s a visual guide that I created to help you do just that. Based on some of the principles from my live events and my book, “The Most Magical Secret – 4 Weeks to an Ecstatic Life,” you’re about to discover a powerful and concentrated workflow designed to manifest what you want.

CLICK HERE TO ENLARGE IMAGE

I would appreciate it if you’d start sharing this infographic on your own blogs, in your social media posts, and with those friends and family members you belief need more Magic in their lives. You can get a higher quality graphic and an embed code by going here >>>

http://www.thinkingmagically.com/infographic

One More Thing . . . would you like to learn more about living the life of a Magician and what served as the inspiration for this infographic? If so, then consider reading The Most Magical Secret – 4 Weeks to an Ecstatic Life. You can order my new book right now through Amazon  >>> http://www.amazon.com/dp/0692420010

Remember, you can also continue this conversation by subscribing to my blog at http://thinkingmagically.com or you joining me on any of the major social media sites to take this discussion to an even deeper level.

© 2016 by Scott Grossberg. All Rights Reserved. thinkingmagically.com

Thinking Magically™ | The Best from 2015

I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure.
I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle.
But if you can’t handle me at my worst,
then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best.

– Marilyn Monroe

Well, we’re well into the start of 2016. This is a perfect time to revisit my Top 10 favorite posts of 2015 so that you have them all in one place. So, here we go (and, as I’ve said in prior year’s reviews, this is kind of like picking which of your children is your favorite):

1.  From January 11 – A Birthday Present — The 5 Most Important Lessons You Could Learn in 2015

This was published on my birthday a year ago. I posed some questions. The questions were designed to help you focus on your quality of life and those things that make you happier and more successful. The answers you provide to these questions help to fuel your energy and emotional sustenance. Take a look.

https://scottgrossberg.wordpress.com/2015/01/11/thinking-magically-a-birthday-present-the-5-most-important-lessons-you-could-learn-in-2015/

2.  From January 25 – Do You Make Good Magic? Follow These 2 Steps and You Will.

I know what I’m talking about when we discuss Magic. I know, for example, that it’s easy to use and apply. In this post, I go right to the heart of creating and using and understanding GOOD MAGIC. It all comes down to respect, by the way.

https://scottgrossberg.wordpress.com/2015/01/25/thinking-magically-do-you-make-good-magic-follow-these-2-steps-and-you-will/

3.  From February 8 – Treat Your Magic Like a Lover

This article is all about one of my favorite concepts—treating your Magic like a lover. Many people I run into think that “doing magic” is an ultimate outcome — a result that you hurry to achieve. Nothing could be further from the truth. Magic, like being with a lover, is a journey, a process, an activity. Read this and get back in touch with what matters.

https://scottgrossberg.wordpress.com/2015/02/08/thinking-magically-treat-your-magic-like-a-lover/

4.  From March 22 – Finally Making Yourself Great

There’s something truly unique about consistently successful magicians. In this article, I walk you through the steps for writing a love letter to yourself. Why? Because it’s one of the best ways for you to recognize, acknowledge, and develop a HEALTHY SELF-LOVE of yourself. Be prepared. This is about creating a really romantic — perhaps even erotic — letter to yourself explaining why you are such a fantastic addition to the Universe.

https://scottgrossberg.wordpress.com/2015/03/22/thinking-magically-finally-making-yourself-great/

5.  From April 12 – The Decision to be a Magician

“The Most Magical Secret” was written for those who choose to live a life of Magic. This article isn’t just about that choice, itself, but about the 7 Steps to a Magical Life. If you want to be a systematically successful magician, you need to make the decision to be consistently extraordinary — not in the sense of imposing yourself on others but in the sense of transforming the world around you. The elements for that consistency can be found here.

https://scottgrossberg.wordpress.com/2015/04/12/thinking-magically-the-decision-to-be-a-magician/

6.  From May 10 – The 11 Traits of Believable Magic

Here are some things to think about . . . Do you have what it takes to be a wonder-worker? Would you like to trust in your magic, again? Can you wield an enchantment strong enough to make your dreams come true? Will you place enough faith both in yourself and in something greater than yourself to carry you to the end? Are you enough? Is your magic enough? In this article, I’ve set out the 11 traits I believe can turn you into a consistently successful and believable Magician.

https://scottgrossberg.wordpress.com/2015/05/10/thinking-magically-the-11-traits-of-believable-magic/

7.  From May 17 – 6 Ways to Have a Wonderfully Magical Mindset

I specialize in restoring mindsets, adjusting attitudes, and polishing outlooks. In this article, I help you to understand that Magic is a matter of priorities and a determination of what’s important in your life and what is not. So, would you like to create a wonderfully magical mindset of your own? You’ll find 6 suggestions here.

https://scottgrossberg.wordpress.com/2015/05/17/thinking-magically-6-ways-to-have-a-wonderfully-magical-mindset/

8.  From June 21 –When Magicians Feel “Unmagical” This is What They Do!

We all experience motivation challenges from time to time. Everybody has felt “empty” at one point or another in their life. Many of us have been “lost” more than a few times. I wrote this article for those times when you get to the point where you are feeling “unmagical.” Here you’ll find some simple steps to get your joy, impulse, and drive going again.

https://scottgrossberg.wordpress.com/2015/06/21/thinking-magically-when-magicians-feel-unmagical-this-is-what-they-do/

9. From July 12 – The Most Effective Way to Change Your Life (3 Minutes at a Time)

If you know anything about me at all, you’ll know I’m a big proponent of using music to create a magical lifestyle. This article is an update of my Ancient Magic, Modern Tools™ approach to creating playlists that fill you with power, passion, and positivity.

https://scottgrossberg.wordpress.com/2015/07/12/thinking-magically-the-most-effective-way-to-change-your-life-3-minutes-at-a-time/

10. From August 23 – The Toiling Person’s Guide to Taking On Magic

William James and I were born on the same day (January 11). He wrote: “Success or failure depends more upon attitude than upon capacity successful men act as though they have accomplished or are enjoying something. Soon it becomes a reality. Act, look, feel successful, conduct yourself accordingly, and you will be amazed at the positive results.” So . . . this is my “Act as if” article for you to devour.

https://scottgrossberg.wordpress.com/2015/08/23/thinking-magically-the-toiling-persons-guide-to-taking-on-magic/

11. From September 12 – If You’re Not Worried About The High Concept Fueling Your Magic . . . You Should Be

Hollywood-types like to talk about, push, and buy high concept movies and television. You might never have heard the term “high concept” before. But it’s one that every Magician needs to know because it helps you to be more effective. This article will show you how to bring a “high concept” to your Magic.

https://scottgrossberg.wordpress.com/2015/09/20/thinking-magically-if-youre-not-worried-about-the-high-concept-fueling-your-magic-you-should-be/

12. From October 11 – Crawling Inside Your Audience’s Head

I realized a profound truth a long time ago. You always have an audience. You want them to feel something. You want them to think something. You want them to do something. Here are some solid suggestions for managing what’s going on inside an audience’s head. Without an audience, a Magician can’t enchant or delight or transport someone to another place and time. It’s time to crawl inside their head.

https://scottgrossberg.wordpress.com/2015/10/11/thinking-magically-crawling-inside-your-audiences-head/

13. From November 15 – 7 Things I Would Like Every New Magician To Know

Whatever your reason for choosing a life of Magic, there are 7 things I would like you to take to heart. This may the the ONE article you need to read.

https://scottgrossberg.wordpress.com/2015/11/15/thinking-magically-7-things-i-would-like-every-new-magician-to-know/

14. From December 20 – What Are You Really Afraid Of?

Fear. It’s a strong motivator. It’s a strong show stopper. It can control our decisions, actions, and emotions. But . . . what are you really afraid of? Once you read this article and come to know what truly drives you, you will be all the better Magician. Take a look.

https://scottgrossberg.wordpress.com/2015/12/20/thinking-magically-what-are-you-really-afraid-of/

One More Thing . . . would you like to learn more about living the life of a Magician? If so, then consider reading The Most Magical Secret – 4 Weeks to an Ecstatic Life. You can order my new book right now through Amazon  >>> http://www.amazon.com/dp/0692420010

Remember, you can also continue this conversation by subscribing to my blog at http://thinkingmagically.com or you joining me on any of the major social media sites to take this discussion to an even deeper level.

© 2016 by Scott Grossberg. All Rights Reserved. thinkingmagically.com

Thinking Magically™ | Mastering Your Energy

“If we are creating ourselves all the time,
then it is never too late to begin creating the bodies we want
instead of the ones we mistakenly assume we are stuck with.”
– Deepak Chopra

As we move into the new year, I thought it might be of immense use to you if we discuss a few of the things I do to master my doing. For me, there are only three things you really need to master to get the success and happiness you desire; namely, Master Your Magic, Master Your Audience, and Master Your Doing. Normally, in these articles I talk a lot about the first two. It’s time we talk about your “doing.” That begins, of course, with the understanding that none of this makes any sense at all unless you’re going to take the time to ensure you’re ultimately around to enjoy what you’ve been spending all this time, energy, emotion, and perhaps money manifesting.

So, today, I’m going to give you a brief outline of the exercises I do nearly every day! You don’t have to do what I do. In fact, you shouldn’t attempt some of these without checking with your doctor, first, or doing an internal check on what you can actually do without hurting or injuring yourself. Rather, use what I’m about to outline for you as an inspiration for you to create your own workout routine.

Ultimately, this is all about you creating a ritual and habit of physical success!

One more thing before we start: the following outline of exercises does not take into account your food intake. That’s a whole different discussion.

SCOTT’S WORKOUT ROUTINE

My entire workout routine was carefully assembled and originally designed for me to lose weight. Ultimately, I lost 75 pounds. The routine is now used to maintain my weight set-point.

Walking

Naturally, the primary exercise for me is my daily Walking Meditation. I go 2.33 miles and 35-36 minutes (while listening to my magical soundtracks and using the breathing system outlined in my book to increase my metabolic rate). Notice I said “walking.” That being said, it’s not a leisurely stroll. I average 3.8 miles per hour.

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RELATED ARTICLE: The Most Effective Way to Change Your Life (3 Minutes at a Time)

https://scottgrossberg.wordpress.com/2015/07/12/thinking-magically-the-most-effective-way-to-change-your-life-3-minutes-at-a-time/

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When my body tells me it needs it, I will periodically run most of the way instead.

If you need to focus on just one exercise, you might consider these articles:

DAILY WALK IS LIKE A MAGIC PILL
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/11088653/Daily-walk-is-like-a-magic-pill-to-slow-ageing.html

http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/509287/Magic-Pill-effect-walking-30-minutes-a-day

Pushups/Planks

Okay. Don’t freak out. I do 100 pushups a day. They’re good for us. Yes, they can hurt like hell when done correctly and at first. 100 pushups can seem daunting. Not to worry, you’ll work up to this goal.

Here’s a website that will assist you:
http://hundredpushups.com/

Alternatively, you might consider planks to strengthen your core. I generally have a combination of moves that alternates between pushups and planks.

Here’s a website for your plank form:
http://www.mensfitness.com/weight-loss/burn-fat-fast/how-to-do-a-plank-a-single-move-for-stronger-abs

Of course, I don’t settle for the standard plank. Most of the time, I’m using one of these alternatives:
http://abmachinesguide.com/plank-exercise-variations-routines/

Squats

Nothing special variation here. Just 100 bodyweight squats.

Here’s a great video for you:
http://abmachinesguide.com/plank-exercise-variations-routines/

Sit-ups

I need to warn you here . . . I’ve had two hernia repair surgeries from abusing my sit-up routine. I’m one of those guys who pushes my workouts to the extreme. Please treat all your exercising with care and your body with respect. It was a hard lesson for me to learn.

I do 100 sit-ups a day. Usually, I’ll sit on a stability ball.

Here’s a video for you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAWE87eRD6c

My sit-up routine is comprise of the following:

• 20 reps with boxing hooks (punching to the side – right punch on the way up, left punch on the way down)
• 5 reps with boxing upper cuts (punching up – right punch on the way up, left punch on the way down)
• 20 reps with boxing hooks (punching to the side – left punch on the way up, right punch on the way down)
• 5 reps with boxing upper cuts (punching up – left punch on the way up, right punch on the way down)

Then repeat the sequence.

Those are my standards workout routines. I will also periodically throw in some TRX suspension training as the mood strikes me. Here’s a look at what I’m talking about:
https://www.trxtraining.com/

You’ll notice that I haven’t mentioned Yoga as part of my workout routine. That’s because this could be an entirely separate article. Suffice to say that I tend towards Power Yoga and can highly recommend the following videos if you’re interested:

Bob Harper’s Yoga for the Warrior
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00429C1VQ

Mark Blanchard’s Progressive Power Yoga (3 DVD set)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002D3DYKA

Remember, this article isn’t intended for you to copy what I’m doing. It’s meant to serve as an inspiration for you to craft your own workout routine that will serve you well. The goal, of course, is for you to start moving better, feeling better, and having more energy so you can actually enjoy your Magic to its fullest!

One More Thing . . . would you like to learn more about Walking Mediation and my breathing exercises? If so, then consider reading The Most Magical Secret – 4 Weeks to an Ecstatic Life. You can order my new book right now through Amazon  >>> http://www.amazon.com/dp/0692420010

Remember, you can also continue this conversation by subscribing to my blog at http://thinkingmagically.com or you joining me on any of the major social media sites to take this discussion to an even deeper level.

© 2016 by Scott Grossberg. All Rights Reserved. thinkingmagically.com

Thinking Magically™ | My 10 Favorite Quotes For My Birthday

My job involves searching for “lost” quotations –
that is, trying to find out who came up with
a quotable saying that lingers in someone’s mind
and which they wish to use for their own purpose
and which they cannot find in conventional dictionaries of quotation.
– Nigel Rees

In today’s age, we are bombarded with the quotes of others. Some are powerful. Some are inspiring. Some are misattributed. Some are false. Still, we find the ones that literally speak to us and then we fold our own lives into someone else’s words. Personally, I love quotations. Not because they replace original thought but because they incite a new way of thinking, show a path not previously thought of, or reinforce the direction I am going.

Carefully chosen quotations are, like a soundtrack to a film, can help you transform or manifest the way you feel. They can be extraordinary, in fact, in providing connection and meaning and rouse us to new heights. A great quotation can set the tone for what you are accomplishing.

My birthday is tomorrow and, as my gift to you, I want to share with you 10 of my favorite quotes for contemplating what has gone on during the past year and for crafting a strategy for the next year; comments from others to think upon and help move you into an even greater lifestyle.

10. “I keep to this routine every day without variation. The repetition itself becomes the important thing; it’s a form of mesmerism. I mesmerize myself to reach a deeper state of mind.” – Haruki Murakami

9. “Whatever you want will be.” – Chan Canasta

8. “How often are these little tragedies repeated in your life?” – Demian Farnworth

7. “Those who cannot change their mind can’t change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw

6. “If you could sit down with God and ask one thing, what would it be?” – Alan Watts

5. “Men go to far greater lengths to avoid what they fear than to obtain what they desire.” – Dan Brown

4. “There’s not a single muscle of my body that isn’t for a purpose.” – Ronda Rousey

3. “What this power is I cannot say; all I know is that it exists and it becomes available only when a man is in that state of mind in which he knows exactly what he wants and is fully determined not to quit until he finds it.” – Alexander Graham Bell

2. “Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.” – W. Clement Stone

So . . . my birthday wishes for you . . .

Create the life you want.

Love the people you want.

Embrace the wisdom you want.

Live the joy you want.

Here’s to a marvelous and magical and mighty year together.

May it be a year for you of walking on air!

One More Thing . . . would you like to learn more about living the life of a Magician? If so, then consider reading The Most Magical Secret – 4 Weeks to an Ecstatic Life. You can order my new book right now through Amazon  >>> http://www.amazon.com/dp/0692420010

 

Remember, you can also continue this conversation by subscribing to my blog at http://thinkingmagically.com or you joining me on any of the major social media sites to take this discussion to an even deeper level.

© 2016 by Scott Grossberg. All Rights Reserved. thinkingmagically.com

Thinking Magically™ | Do Not Start 2016 Until You Read This (Part 2)

Never look back unless you are planning to go that way.
– Henry David Thoreau

Last month (at the end of 2015) I gave you the first 6 of my 12 monthly tips for living a magical life.

RELATED ARTICLE: Do Not Start 2016 Until You Read This (Part 1)

Here are the remaining 6 months worth of ideas to move you forward, keep you motivated, and help you to live the life of your dreams.

June

Re-read The Most Magical Secret – 4 Weeks to an Ecstatic Life. You’re half-way through 2016 and you’ve probably taken a few things for granted. There are also some ideas you’ve had floating around in your head that you haven’t actually acted upon or implemented. Go back and use the concepts in the book to reenergize yourself, spark new adventures, and rediscover your magical self. It was Lewis Carrol who wrote: “Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great puzzle.” The Most Magical Secret was specifically written to aid you in solving that great puzzle. It’s not enough, though, to simply read what I wrote. You must apply the concepts out in the world. So . . . enjoy discovering an old friend.

July

Put on those eternal rose-colored glasses. That’s right. Stop with the resentment and discontent already. Magic needs to be shared. Stephen Hawking correctly noted: “People won’t have time for you if you are always angry or complaining.” If you alienate everyone, then your Magic is diminished, ineffective, and starts to fade away. This month make an extra effort to pay careful attention to both your internal scripting and your external statements. Instead of complaining about things, be specific in reframing the words you use to experience and express things that happen people you meet, ideas you have, and the ways you feel. Actually take the time to script how you can start describing this month’s events and encounters and emotions only in the most positive of ways.

August

Get out of the house early and often. Make plans with friends. Go on a nature walk, run, ride a bike, swim. Take a loved one and go on a spontaneous picnic or put down a blanket and watch the stars. Organize a house painting party. Go to a hospital or care facility or other location and give your time helping others. Caroline Kennedy, in referring to her mother, Jacqueline Kennedy, said: “I think my mother… made it clear that you have to live life by your own terms and you have to not worry about what other people think and you have to have the courage to do the unexpected.” You can’t live your own life if you don’t actually go out into the world. It’s okay. Whatever you have waiting for you inside the safety and sameness of your home will still be there when you get back.

September

Create a new look for yourself. Why? Well Virginia Woolf hit the nail on the head when she wrote: “Vain trifles as they seem, clothes have, they say, more important offices than to merely keep us warm. They change our view of the world and the world’s view of us.” This month take the time to look through some fashion magazines, find some new looks that are intriguing, daring, and even outrageous and then copy the look. Watch what happens to the world around you when you change your appearance. Then, pay close attention to how you change, too! Developing a sense of style, by the way, is not just about choosing a wardrobe, it’s about choosing an attitude. During these 30 days, your job is to find new ways to express yourself.

October

Spread the Magic! That’s right. Get out there and let others know that you believe the world is full of wonder and charm and enchantment. Let others know that your Magic is not a pursuit, it is your way of life. Let others know that you don’t just dream of a magical world, you provoke it. Confirm for others that they can actually put in the effort and transform the world around them with incredibly wonderful results. Be a beacon for others and show them that apathy, uncertainty, negativity, and fear can be destroyed. J.M. Barrie, in his marvelous book, Peter Pan, wrote; “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.” Far too many people doubt that they can ever fly above the life they’re currently living. Spread your Magic and show them a new reality.

November

Say “No” more often. Warren Buffet said: “The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say ‘no’ to almost everything.” Think about that for a moment. Most of us want to be seen as nice. We don’t like confrontation. We don’t like saying “no” to anyone’s reasonable requests. Now look back over your decisions to say “yes” in the past and ask yourself if you would have been better served by having said “no.” Your ability to say “no” is dependent on you having worked through the prior month’s action items so that you know what your world view is, what you stand for, what you stand against, and so you know what you need to do for you and your family to have the quality of life you define. So, this month’s it’s time to divorce yourself from saying “yes” most of the time. It’s time for you to become comfortable with saying “no”—not to be malicious—but to further your Magic.

December

Design a new eating strategy. Most people have horrible eating habits. Most people believe that healthful eating is onerous, terrible tasting, and impractical for their lifestyle. There are easy ways, however, to determine whether your current style of eating the food you consume is working for you rather than against you . . . just ask yourself: How do I feel most of the time? Ask yourself: Am I overweight? Ask yourself: Am I starting to have health concerns that arise from the way I eat? Forget your internal health desires for a moment. There are a ton (pun intended) of external promptings you can pay attention to that will let you know if you need to start eating healthier. I know. You’re stubborn. You don’t want to change. Well, you’re a Magician and you’re used to change. I’d like you to be around for the following year and we can both help you do that by you devoting yourself to a month of healthier eating (that’s right—over the holidays).

You’ve now been gifted with 12 months of incredible and achievable and simple action items. Take each concept a month at a time. You don’t have to do them all at one time.

Find the ones that make the biggest difference for you and further your Magic and then adopt them into your lifestyle.

Here’s to your Magic!

One More Thing . . . would you like to learn more about living the life of a Magician? If so, then consider reading The Most Magical Secret – 4 Weeks to an Ecstatic Life. You can order my new book right now through Amazon  >>> http://www.amazon.com/dp/0692420010

Remember, you can also continue this conversation by subscribing to my blog at http://thinkingmagically.com or you joining me on any of the major social media sites to take this discussion to an even deeper level.

© 2016 by Scott Grossberg. All Rights Reserved. thinkingmagically.com