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

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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

Thinking Magically™ | Do Not Start 2016 Until You Read This (Part 1)

Being busy does not always mean real work.
The object of all work is production or accomplishment and
to either of these ends there must be
forethought, system, planning, intelligence,
and honest purpose, as well as perspiration.
Seeming to do is not doing.
– Thomas A. Edison

Here we are at the end of 2015. Before you move into 2016, I want you to have 6 of my 12 monthly tips that will help you have a new year of Magic! Enjoy!

January

Write down your goal as soon as possible. The sooner you create an outline for the rest of the year, the sooner you will start achieving the happiness and success you envision. To get you started, here are 12 categories to use in organizing your vision of the future:
1.  Travel/Adventure
2.  Health/Energy
3.  Personal Development/Education
4.  Love/Relationships
5.  Creativity/Self-Expression
6.  Spirituality/Religion
7.  Work/Career
8.  Lifestyle/Possessions
9.  Money/Stuff
10.  World Situation/Environment
11.  Intuition/Sixth Sense
12.  Philosophy of Life/Worldview

George Bernard Shaw said: “Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.” Here’s your chance to create any future you desire.

February

Write down your 10 closest friends. Now look at the list. Jim Rohn said: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” I’ll give you 10 to play with. Not only are you the average of those 10 people, I’ll bet there’s one of them who is the least successful and least happy of the others. Chances are that you (and likely all the others on your list) are making concessions, excuses, and being held back by this one person. The fact remains that if you want to change your life, you need to start changing the people you are around. That does not always mean you need to leave them behind. It does mean that you need to start teaching people how to treat you. Now is the time to make a commitment to either find more empowering and supportive people to be around or help your current list of friends to move with you to a higher level of attainment.

March

Start an exercise ritual. I did not say “think about” an exercise ritual. I said “start” one. Having a magnificent vision of the future will do you little good if you’re either not around to enjoy it or you’re too sick to relish what you create. President John F. Kennedy said: “Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” Consider all the fun and exciting and adventuresome ways you can get yourself into shape and stay fit. At the very least, go back over my book where I explain my personal Walking Meditation routine. The sooner you start your fitness habit, the sooner you will begin to feel better. And the sooner you start to feel better, the sooner you will be able to focus on the success and happiness you deserve.

April

Design a better way to spend your time. How much time do you spend in front of the television? How much time do you spend on social media? How much time do you spend in the car? Charles Darwin said: “A man who dares to waste one hour of life has not discovered the value of life.” Take the “time” to figure out how you’re wasting heartbeats on certain activities and certain people. Then vow to change that pattern. Perhaps, if you spend a lot of time in the car or commuting, you can put articles or books or other material on your phone or digital player and listen while driving or being driven. Perhaps you can dedicate yourself to turning your attention and activity to those events that empower you, fill you with happiness, or bring love into your life. Perhaps you can start giving your time and energy and attention to others (and then watch the Magic that really happens).

May

Reevaluate your financial strategy. Having a strategic approach to money involves sitting down and working out a plan of action. Far too many people let hunches and whims and fear drive their financial status. What does retirement look like for you from a money standpoint? You’re already running out of time to save the money you need to retire safely. Of course, this means you have to take the time to determine what your overall financial and retirement aims are. Most people don’t know. There are all types of financial calculators available online to help you plan. Your bank or other financial institution likely has a financial planner who can assist you. Revising your financial strategy might also mean that you’re going to have to adjust your monthly spending. It was Benjamin Franklin who so astutely noted: “Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship.” Go ahead. Tighten your belt a little. It could pay off dividends (literally) in the future.

June

Go for it! Take this entire month and actually give everything that’s worth your time, your attention, your energy, and your money your ALL! Obsess over the details. Live each second like it’s the most important thing of all. Start treating your life like every moment is the defining moment that everyone will remember about you. It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who wrote: “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” What can you do so that every day this month is the best day of the year? This all begins, of course, with you figuring out what you love to do and bringing that desire and passion and lust to everything you’re doing and everyone you want to be with.

Well there you have it! Magical suggestions for the first half of 2016. Next week, I will give you the remaining 6 months to consider. Until then, have an enchanting start to the New Year!

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.

© 2015 by Scott Grossberg. All Rights Reserved. thinkingmagically.com