An inspiration from Buckminster Fuller and a message to every misfit on the planet

I had the privilege recently to attend an informal presentation by Jaime Snyder; grandson of Buckminster (Bucky) Fuller.

If you’re unfamiliar with Bucky Fuller, he was a true visionary: philosopher, designer, poet, architect, artist, engineer, entrepreneur, author, mathematician, teacher and inventor.

It was astounding to hear some of the more personal aspects of Bucky’s life and notice so many similarities to my own experience and those of my friends and colleagues; maybe even yours. Read on.

In his 30’s, already a proven “failure” at numerous pursuits (including flunking out of Harvard twice: first for spending all his money partying with a vaudeville troupe, and then, after having been readmitted, for his "irresponsibility and lack of interest"), bankrupt, jobless, living in public, low-income housing, and drinking frequently due to the death of his young daughter, he sat on the edge of Lake Michigan and seriously contemplated “ending it all.” He believed that his wife and second child would have better opportunities without him due to his failed attempts to succeed in life.

Then, he had another thought: If he did only things that truly inspired him instead of his former approach (which obviously wasn’t working), maybe the outcome would be different. At that moment he chose to embark on "an experiment, to find what a single individual [could] contribute to changing the world and benefiting all humanity."

Like many of us, Bucky was first driven by a focus on money. It’s a common experience based on systematic social conditioning. Inherently, there’s nothing wrong with that focus; it just wasn’t his priority. With the passage of time, however, in part, it led him to contemplate suicide.

He recognized that a focus on money—because it wasn’t a part of his personal agenda—and putting his attention on what others thought was important—instead of following his own bliss—wasn’t in alignment with making his greatest contribution. He could never achieve personal excellence within the confines of the existing model. As history eventually revealed, he would thrive outside convention. His lakeside inner guide was spot-on. (After all, life is a grand experiment; why not approach it as such?)

It doesn’t even occur to us to question the model. It doesn’t even occur to us that there are alternatives to conforming. It doesn’t even occur to us that to shine as brilliantly as possible, we might have to navigate our own way; meaning we follow no one and no thing. We might have to create a solitary path that paves the way for others.

By his own appraisal, Bucky was a “non-conforming misfit.” Does this sound familiar to you? If you’re an entrepreneur, it’s very likely you’re a non-conforming misfit, too.

So, what’s the point? What’s the big takeaway here?

1. Every misfit has been discouraged to the point of taking dramatic action.

Whether it’s suicide, or an abrupt or uncharacteristic decision about a move, a relationship, business, or your health, you know when you’ve had enough of what is. You simply cannot take any more. Your “sponge is full” and you cannot live one more minute within your current circumstances; you can’t, and you won’t.

Life has interesting ways of presenting enormous opportunity; it may even be packaged in despair. Quite effective, it finally gets our full attention, although there may have been signals of misalignment for years. When we’re done; fully saturated; fully convinced that we’ve tried everything; that’s the moment fresh possibilities surface to grab our focus and set us off in a new, inspired direction.

2. Every misfit has felt alone in defining and/or delivering her unique message.

You and life collaborated to create a moment of decision; this is one of your great life opportunities to shine. After the realization that there may be options you hadn’t previously explored, now what? As if you weren’t overwhelmed before! Hmph.

Now that you’ve determined your best options are based in following your own inner drummer, it’s likely you’ll spend your time discovering your passions (if you haven’t already), find more ways to nurture and be kind to yourself, send the inner critic on vacation, invest in some down-home soul searching, explore the many ways to enjoy what is, and simply be.

Inspirations come with allowing; not planning, strategizing and acting, as so many of us have been taught. When you’re wholly aligned with who you are and intimately knowledgeable of your unique gifts, the rest will naturally present itself in response to your alignment. The Way will be made known to you. It must; it’s a Universal Law.

3. Every misfit has felt overwhelmed at some point in figuring out the how of making his finest contribution to humanity.

When you follow no model, you are ever creating in-the-moment. You may have no idea if what you’re doing makes any sense. You may have no idea if your inspirations are a few or hundreds of years before their “time.” You may have no proven methods of implementation. Upon implementation, you may have no universally-agreed-on measure of “success.” At best, you may have no or few supporters. At worst, you could be persecuted or ostracized for acting on your convictions.

Every effort is based in inspiration. You may have no idea how—after the investment of precious resources of time, money, effort, passion, and drive—or if, all your efforts will eventually enrich humanity. After all, life’s a grand experiment!



In conclusion, misfit, this is my heartfelt message to you:

Misfit, you may never achieve personal excellence within the confines of the existing model. You probably weren’t meant to. Create your haven—and thrive—outside convention. Embark on an experiment to find out what a single individual (you!) can contribute to changing the world and benefiting all humanity. As a misfit, that’s most likely your calling.

Misfit, wear the term as a badge of honor, for it requires a tremendous amount of courage to be a leader; a visionary; a pioneer; a lightbearer; a path maker; an entrepreneur.

Misfit, regardless of how lost, lonely, or scared silly you might ever feel on this journey, you are never alone. There are misfits everywhere, lurking among the masses, trying to figure out their own ways to change the world and benefit humanity. Make it your mission to find them!

Transform Adversity Into Personal Triumph

Recently, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Pete Winiarski of the Institute of Success and Goal Achievement. Listen to the 60-minute interview now. Enjoy!

Following is the marketing content authored by Pete to promote the call.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Is there a traumatic event in your past holding you back in some way? Here are common examples:

1. You just received a pink slip and lost your job.
2. You had a parent, child, sibling, or close friend die unexpectedly.
3. You just ended a long-term relationship or got divorced.
4. You were abused as a child and have been carrying that around with you for years.
5. You lost your life savings due to poor investment choices.
6. Your favorite car was totaled in an accident.
7. You have a permanent physical disability.

And the list goes on. The bottom line is: you've been impacted by something traumatic at some point in your life. We all have.

First, know that you're not alone.

Second, realize that your personal adversity is likely impacting you and your performance in other areas of your life.

For many of us, past events created wounds that we unconsciously carry around, impacting every area of our lives. For some of us, these events may have occurred in childhood.

Would you like to learn how to overcome this adversity and turn your traumatic experience into a personal triumph?

Our guest this week, Charlon Bobo, is an empowermentor and entrepreneurial visionary, as well as a copywriter, editor and best-selling author. She's here to share with us her raw and very personal story of overcoming and the 5 key insights she uses often as her life guide. You, too, will be able to overcome your personal adversity.

I promise: you will be shocked by what Charlon went through, and amazed at the power of her decision to work through it. You will learn how to manage and overcome your personal adversity, and learn to incorporate her "Whole Life Approach" for everyday peace and success.

You, too, can learn to live a life of ease. Listen to this 60-minute interview to find out how.

Mother God Azna has a gift of physical healing just for YOU

Rebecca Marina is a cherished friend, trusted mentor, masterful online marketer and valued copywriting client. From my many personal interactions with her, she is the REAL DEAL. No one is more genuine--or more committed to serving others--than Rebecca.

As a Channel/Energy healer, she receives powerful guidance from Spirit so you can reach out and grab success... the easy, joyful way. The necessity of "growth through suffering" is no longer necessary!

I am continually amazed at the content Rebecca delivers. It is like NOTHING else on the planet; the information is downloaded and immediately disseminated in real-time via her life-changing f*r*e*e and low-cost teleseminars.

My success resources are of the highest caliber, but when something especially remarkable--and truly miraculous--crosses my path, I am compelled to share it with you.

Rebecca's inspired Heart Point Technique (HPT) for physical healing is directly from the Feminine Divine. As the very first recipient of this healing modality, I can personally attest to its power to mend the physical body and eliminate pain. Hear my session during this 90-minute audio that completely details the 4 Protocols so you can perform the technique on yourself and your loved ones. It's simple and most importantly IT WORKS.

Physical healing with Azna's Heart Point Technique

Counter-habitual Magic

I granted myself permission to take a personal hiatus for the past few months. My soul needed a break from outputting my creativity. Clearly it was time to go within.

During this time, I excavated more of my authentic myself. I recognized patterns that no longer serve me and dismantled the beliefs that kept me confined to old habits; the ones that prevented me from devouring life at the rapid pace that I desire.

As is true for many life embarkations, I had no idea what was ahead, but I was ready and willing to begin the journey. I promised to act on all inspirations.

It all began with my awareness of increasing physical and mental exhaustion. I kept saying my soul and body were so tired, but succinctly this is the underlying basis:

Unbeknownst to my conscious awareness, at some point very early in life, I learned (and assimilated the belief in my being) that achieving was the result of hard work. So, work hard I did!

However, I looked at my results and they didn't equate to the focused energy and effort I expended. I looked at this from every possible angle and realized that my assessment of the results didn't mean I was necessarily unhappy or dissatisfied; that would be an over-simplification. It felt much more that something was just misaligned.

There had to be another way, or I would destroy my well-being trying to be of service to this planet. I KNEW there was something I could experience differently, but what? how? Was I not doing something right? Was I doing something wrong?

Although that's a natural wondering, it felt right to allow these thoughts to move past me without further consideration. I don't function from a perspective of right and wrong; it just doesn't resonate for me.

So, on an impulse--and in the spirit of fun exploration--I decided to try something new: I began doing everything the exact opposite of my usual habits.

If my habit was to work at specific days or times, I went to the beach. If my habit was to focus on doing something a specific way for higher productivity, I did it in a way that was more fun. If my habit was to be unkind to myself in my thoughts, I was sweet and patient and kind to myself. If my habit was to mentally link my hard work with results, I consciously reminded myself of the natural ease-of-life and that I had already decided life was full of ease. I raised my awareness of every thought. My full attention was on the tiniest details that showed up. When I felt anything other than aligned and on and happy, I immediately switched my thinking, my words or my actions to something that felt better.

Two months later, you want to know the results of this fun adventure?

• a life that provides much deeper enjoyment of every activity
• subconscious beliefs permanently replaced with new, high-vibrance stories
• manifestation of $6,000 in less than one week
• new clients who value my services
• a renewed passion for who I am and what I have to offer
• birth of a project that's been dormant for 5 years
• clarity-of-purpose
• delight in all aspects of myself

So, what is my recommendation for you if you're feeling something isn't quite right? If you're feeling your efforts aren't materializing in equal measure? Begin doing everything differently than you have in the past! Be genuinely interested in what you think you know about yourself. Now could be the perfect time to replace dead-weight habits with fresh, healthy, inspired ones. Let me know how it goes!

That On Which We Focus, Manifests

This piece is inspired by TUT.com; a Note from the Universe on Monday, March 29, 2010.

Whatever you focus on, you will experience.

When you talk about "what is" or "what was,"
even if you're just explaining to a friendly ear,
you project more of the same into the future.
If you ask more than you give thanks, you'll believe less in your own power.
And if you insist that it's hard and that you're lonely, you'll find that it is, and you are.

Yet, always you can choose to focus on what's good.

It's common to want to share all of life's experiences with those we love; including the "downs." The simple question, "How are you?" by a close friend often opens a pandora's box of the details of what's going on in our lives. Rarely do we stop and wonder about the impact of our words on our future experience.

So, how do we remain authentic AND honor what's actually happening, AND pave the way for manifesting what we really want if it's different than what we are living right now?

As best we can, with our words, thought and actions we must shift our focus to the positive aspects of what's happening in our lives.

Positive thinking is getting a bad rap recently with the launch of a new book. To be sure, I'm not advocating the manufacture of some artificial pasted-on smiley face when we are truly hurting. What I am saying is that if we take just a moment to reframe our responses, we can see something beneficial in what is happening right now. And THAT'S what's worth focusing on and sharing with others.

Eradicate Incessant Mind-chatter

Today I was asked by a consulting client how to silence mind-chatter. The process below is overly-simplified, but these are the 3 steps I shared to effectively shush that voice, so you can focus and be at peace:

Take an authoritative position--Give yourself permission to silence that invasive voice. No one ever told us that we can direct our inner critic. We can and we must if we are to be the masters of our minds.

Take action--As if it resided outside of your head, tell your voice to go sit in a corner or assign it a task, physically distanced from you. Feel free to have fun with this; set a time limit or other specification, e.g. "For 10 minutes" or "Until you can come back and be quiet."

Consciously choose another thought--Instead of being the servant of your inner voice, turn the tables and while your critic is otherwise occupied, choose a pleasant thought that feels better and allows you to focus.

The more awareness you create around this dynamic, and take assertive action every time it happens, the less interested your mind will be in bothering you. After some time has passed, you realize you have mastered--or at least have begun to master--your own inner voice because after awhile it stops tormenting and distracting you. Just like a child in the throes of a tantrum, it stops because it no longer gets the reaction it's looking for. And, voila; success!

Y: The Question and The Funnel

The Question

We often ask ourselves “Why?” Why this? Why that? Why now? Why me?

These wonderings usually involve extreme impact of some kind:

• Why did I lose my job?
• Why did my child get sick?
• Why didn’t I foresee losing my retirement money in the stock market?
• Why was the timing of the auto accident so soon after the death of my father?
• Why does my longtime acquaintance seem disinterested in continuing our friendship?
• Why have there been a string of circumstances that have evaporated the solid foundation of my life?
• Why has my business so completely changed that I have no reliable monthly income?

Although it’s common to wonder about the whys of life, this exploration is the ultimate distraction. In the end, if you had the answer to the question, would it matter? Does knowing change anything? Maybe yes, maybe no.

Why is it a distraction? Because it only prolongs the inevitable: taking the next step toward regaining your soulful stability; your groundedness; the conscious creation of that which positions you securely in your personal power.

I submit that the only why question worthy of your attention is: Why not?

That leads me to…

The Funnel

If you go outside, turn your face toward the heavens and lift your arms, your body forms a Y.

This is the ultimate representation of surrender, willingness, openness or welcoming, depending on your mindset and heartset.

Do you realize that this is also the shape of a funnel? From this position, the Universe can pour its very essence directly into you: all that is goodness, abundance, opportunity, joy, etc. Amassing in the ether and narrowing into a direct stream, if you are open and allow this influx directly from Source, you can be transformed.

When you look at the vastness of the sky, and allow yourself to be engulfed, you are too transfixed by the magnitude to wonder why this? or why that? You don’t have answers to the questions of why me? or why now?, but you don’t need them. When you really think about it, all of that is irrelevant in the grand scope of all that is. Besides, you may never know anyway, so why even pose the question? Why invest the time and energy in something that simply is? Instead, allow whatever isas-is. to be okay

The next time your mind naturally goes to the question of why?, consciously shift it to why not?:

• Why not embrace what is?
• Why not allow myself to surrender to my current circumstances?
• Why not operate from a position of knowing that all is well, regardless of external situations?
• Why not pursue my biggest dreams?
• Why not give myself the gift of all that is accessible?
• Why not be grateful for the events in my life, especially when I don’t understand why?
• Why not try something new?
• Why not completely change my perspective to view life as a process?
• Why not admit I don’t know everything?
• Why not treat myself with the kindness I gladly give to others?

Why not, indeed!

Regardless of the Weather, All Is Well

"What if funky, confusing, gray, lonely days were just part of a "system" that, in turn, created bright, rich, happy, friendly days?

What if they were just meant to give deeper elements of your creativity a rest?

What if they were deliberately crafted holidays, of a sort, devised by your inner psyche to relieve you from the pressure of artificial expectations?

Would you still bemoan them, wonder what's wrong with you, or fear that they'll never end? Or, would they kind of tickle you pink?"

~The Universe

---

What if we were certain? What would our lives be like if we operated from a place of surety? What if we functioned from a foundation of unshakable knowing? What if, no matter what was happening in our lives, we soared above it all in the absolute confidence that everything was perfectly aligned?

How differently would you be in the world, approaching it with such boldness? You can, you know. Give yourself permission to feel the difference and be it. I'm not saying it's easy... especially at first. I AM saying it's an option. Be certain. Be sure. Know. All IS well.

---

The Antidote to Overwhelm

"The most common reaction to overwhelm is paralysis. Taking any action flips us from a thinking/analyzing mode to heightened creativity." ~Charlon Bobo

---

EditCopyProof NEWS

Press Release: Charlon Bobo becomes a Bestselling Author with Overcomers, Inc: True Stories Of Hope, Courage And Inspiration, Compiled By Lynne Klippel

---

Julio Blanco's Excerpt From New Book, Overcomers, Inc.

Decide and Go Seek: Overcoming Life’s Chronic Little Challenges to Let Your Purpose Shine Through


I’m amazed looking back because my life is so different now. Today I enjoy purpose-filled days in a business of my own that enables me to help others create purpose-filled lives through their own conscious businesses. I don’t even feel like I work anymore, really, because what I’ve chosen to do with my time feels more like play.

My journey taught me that God will work perfectly in our lives if you bring but one grace to the table: desire. The journey required traveling a rocky road filled with my own fears and doubts to arrive at clarity about how I wanted to live, but my desire carried me through until I was able to embrace my true life and make an unshakable commitment to living it. From there it was a matter of mustering the courage to jump in with full faith that Spirit would be there to catch me.

I also came to know that if you crave your best life, your purpose will seek you. At times we might be too busy, afraid, or distracted with the rest of life to hear our purpose calling. But if you show just an ounce of desire to live that purpose, the Universe will work like water to wither away the stone of whatever stands between you and its fulfillment.

From Overcomers, Inc.; True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration. To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch

Overcomer's Book Excerpt by Tomar Levine

Growing Up After Fifty: It’s Never Too Late to Bloom

Several factors contributed to my delayed adulthood. Being an artist, single and childless, I bypassed the rites of passage and responsibilities of most adults. My Depression-era parents’ version of responsibility made adulthood look unappealing anyway. Looking young, acting young, thinking and feeling young helped create the illusion that time was barely passing, and aging did not apply to me. Finally, having a small amount of family money – enough to barely get by on – was a double-edged sword. On the one hand it allowed me to paint, write, read, and pursue the spiritual studies I was drawn to. On the other, not having to earn much income allowed me to act out my insecurities by rejecting ambition, not taking risks, and living a far smaller, more protected life than another part of me longed for.

Hiding my light under a bushel was never my plan. I wanted to be a recognized artist. Hiding one’s light is simply what happens when fear is stronger than the desire to have one’s light seen and to add value to the world. I exhibited my art for years, maintaining a miniscule career that reflected my comfort zone. But when I discovered a spiritual calling, the heat was turned up on my inner conflict and my suffering intensified!

Now it was not just for my own glory, but for something greater that I wanted my light to shine. I knew I had something to share that filled me and could inspire others – if only I could find the form. I searched for my true work the way others seek true love. Many times I thought I’d found it, yet I continued to fear risk and rejection even more than I yearned to be of service. I remained a perpetual student long after I should have been teaching, as I waited to be invited to take my place onstage. Like a corked volcano, I was full of blocked energy. I tried to convince myself that being invisible was more spiritual than releasing my life force, but secretly I felt shame. I feared I would waste my life and the gifts I had been given.

From Overcomers, Inc.; True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration. To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch

The Weed That Broke Through the Sidewalk

by Marifran Korb

Starting over has resulted in both of us being happier beyond our wildest dreams. We found the delight and self-expression we wanted. Once apart for five years, now we have been back together for twelve delightful, fun-filled, precious years. As a Joint Adoration Society, our motto is:

Together we evolve, joyful, healthy, triumphant partners in the dance of life!

Here are some things I learned through my journey:

· Staying in an unsatisfactory marriage kills your spirit and your spouse's, no matter who is the primary cause.

· You cannot take responsibility for a spouse who refuses to address his health issues. (Chronic depression is a physical problem manifesting emotionally).

· The universe is always supporting you, even though you often resist the next step.

· You own your life, and must take responsibility for your happiness and satisfaction.

· Despite the fact that you have not lived on your own for decades, as a single person again you can find your talents, support yourself financially, and experience full satisfaction.

· Friends are everywhere. Many old friends and new people show up.

· Separating can result in blessings you never imagined.

· Eventually, you may support others who have similar experiences.


Every marital situation is different. My story is not a prescription for other unhappy marriages to follow. It is an example of what may be a possible solution in some situations. What I recommend is applying courage whenever needed. At every juncture in your life, tune into your courage by listening to your inner guidance.

From Overcomers, Inc.; True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration. To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch

---

It Takes a Village To Overcome

Having a support network is vital to wholesome, healthy living.

In times of bounty and bliss, the company of others provides an opportunity to share our highs. It allows us a moment to be celebrated and honored by our community, which is actually a celebration of us all.

In life's more challenging moments, being surrounded by our tribe gives them the opportunity to encourage and support us until we recapture the magic of everyday living.

Sharing and receiving are components that create the vast fullness, the beautiful contrast of this physical plane. Life is a constant ebb and flow. There are highs, there are lows and there is so much in-between.

In times of hardship, having the unconditional and unshakable comfort of a village, whether actual or virtual, is the component that helps us get through; one more moment, one more day, one more week, until once again we have the capacity to help others overcome their own experiences.

We do not exist to struggle alone. The weight of life is made much lighter with the loving presence of an entire village of support.

Get your F*R*E*E eBook written by a village of inspired authors Overcoming Adversity With Grace.

---

Female Entrepreneurs: Stop Negotiating Your True Value

As conscious entrepreneurs, we artistically combine our expertise with a focus on service to humankind. In an attempt to "help" our clients, we can find ourselves in the position of negotiating our prices.

Let me ask you: How many $10K business events can you afford to attend right now? If you say, "None," you'd be joining with the majority of entrepreneurs in the same position.

Do you think the speaker at one of these events is concerned that you cannot afford it? Nope. Enough can, and will pay the admittance fee because the content promised is worth every penny... and probably more.

Is your financial situation the concern of the speaker? Nope.

Should s/he even care that you perceive you're being excluded? Nope.

There are tons of experiences you may not be able to afford. That's simply not anyone else's concern. And it shouldn't be.

Let's look at this from another angle: It's very likely your products or services are not accessible to a portion of the worldwide population. Should you make special accommodations so they are accessible to everyone? Nope. Why not? Because that's probably not the reason you started your business.

The bottom line is: You're in business to make money.

When we provide a cost quote and our client says, "I just cannot afford it," the natural thing to do - especially as female entrepreneurs - is respond by making accommodations. We reduce our prices, throw in additional hours or products, or offer payment options.

If we are willing to sell off and negotiate rates, we're essentially saying,

"My (products or) services are worth the value
YOU place on them."

Yikes and holy, moly. You will be back into corporate chaos in no time if that's how you truly approach business.

I heard it said recently that negotiating does two things:

1. It reinforces my lack consciousness
2. It reinforces my clients' lack consciousness

Whew! That's harsh. Take a deep breath and read it again. If you see yourself in this discussion, it's never too late to begin honoring your value.

Let's explore each of these points.

How does negotiating reinforce my lack consciousness?

Entering into negotiations is an activity that places you in a disempowered position. It leaves you explaining your rates. It forces you to invest precious time for which you will not be able to bill. It dishonors the thousands of hours you've invested in becoming a professional who has a valuable service to offer.

When it comes to your value and your business, the last place you want to find yourself is tied up in the trunk! That's where negotiating leaves you. Instead you need to be in the driver's seat.

Lack consciousness is the perpetual lie you tell yourself with your words, thoughts and actions. It is you telling you - in the most subtle and damaging way - somehow you don't deserve the rates you charge because you're just not worth it.

Who determines our worth?

We do.

Before you sigh in resignation and think we have to delve into your childhood to find the answers of why you're where you are in life and think the way you do, relax. We don't have to dredge up anything. We are going to start right here, right now.

I'm going to share something with you that contains the secret to unlocking a completely new approach... one that leaves you newly empowered and clear on the FACT that you are worth every bit of your fee. As soon as you encompass this, I want you to expand this concept and double your rates!

Bold?

Yes, that's why we're here... to continually push the edge of self-comfort and familiarity to explore what lies beyond.

The secret? It's so simple. Every time you find yourself hesitating when someone asks you your rates, wanting to make special accommodations because your client "cannot afford it," or beginning to think of ways to make it work for your client, say aloud:

"I destroy and uncreate everything
I believe I was and am.
I destroy and uncreate myself today."

How does this set you on a new path of declaring your worth?

Tell me yourself after you've said this AT LEAST twice daily (upon waking and upon retiring, and as circumstances arise during the day) for a mere 30 days.

You will not be the same person. You will sit up straighter. Your voice will not falter when you speak truth to your value in the form of your rates. You will be deeply empathetic when fellow entrepreneurs express their woes in not being able to afford you, but still, your rates stand as-is. Doesn't that sound profoundly freeing and powerful? Isn't it worth a try?

(A natural question surfaces: "When I destroy and uncreate, with what do I full the vacuum?" Answer: Nothing. Spiritually speaking, you cannot destroy or uncreate the truest essence of you, so you don't have to worry about undoing and end up as nothing. This exercise can only deliver a more aligned version of you; a version that knows innately you're worth even more than you're currently charging! And when you're ready, you''ll increase your rates yet again to match the ever-growing confidence to be compensated based on a value YOU assign.)

How does negotiating reinforce my clients' lack consciousness?

As business owners, we are (hopefully) modeling good business practices. With our words, thoughts and actions, we must convey resolute confidence in our talents.. and service rates.

If I negotiate my rates, I enable, or reinforce, my clients' false beliefs (that they cannot manifest adequate funds to hire me, as an example)... beliefs I don't even hold to be true. I become the last link in a very long chain of life experiences that reinforces their "truths" - beliefs founded in limitation (the inability to manifest funds to pay for professional services).

I do them no favors by engaging or entertaining this notion. It is the essence of a co-dependent collaboration and in the words of one friend, "You will only see asses and elbows!" (Interpretation: I will run away as fast as I can from this scenario.)

There are plenty of writers who will negotiate rates. I'm not one of them. I know my value and it is my intent to show you yours.

Our clients need to know we are 100% confident in the value of our contribution to their success.

You see,

our confidence and silent resolve
instills a level of confidence in our clients
Perceived value is everything. If you are sure about your rates, it makes clients think, "Wow, Charlon must be really good if she charges $495 for an hour-long consultation. One way or another, I must find a way to work with her!"

Now, no single negotiation is inherently catastrophic to our businesses. But, over time these actions serve to erode our sense of self-value. Don't even set this pattern in motion!

As appropriate and inspired, we can occasionally barter, negotiate or even donate our time, but these practices cannot be the foundation of our business.

How do you maintain a sense of service to others AND a commitment to maintaining the value of your time?

Begin today. If this is an issue with which you struggle, it's simply an unexercised muscle. The Marines have a saying, "Pain is weakness leaving the body." There's no need to be pained any longer by the subtle and ever-eroding impact of negotiating. You will never grow a solid business on a weak foundation of changing the rules every time a client cannot afford you.

If you're willing to trade your vast and precious life knowledge as if it has no value, it won't... for you or anyone else. Remember: We teach people how to treat us.

How do you respond when clients cannot afford your rates or want to negotiate?

The answer is obvious and simple. Without saying, "No," you plant seeds of thought and leave the future client (I'm being highly optimistic here!) with several options. Here are sample responses to give you some ideas:

1. "My clients benefit from expert copywriting in too many ways to count. I know when you have the funds, you'll make this a priority. Based on the experience of former clients, professional copywriting dramatically increases exposure and sales. In the mean time, here are some referrals to learn more about copywriting so when we begin working together, you'll already have insider knowledge of the process."


2. "I completely understand the challenges of delegating funds for copywriting. When I started my first company, I did everything myself. I thought I had to learn and know how to do it all and that left me frustrated and exhausted. It was such a key to learn to delegate tasks to professionals. When I did that, I noticed a huge energy boost and increased profits! I see so much potential in your vision and would love to help you with expert copywriting when the time is right. Until then, feel free to download my free report, Exclusively For Entrepreneurs: Expert Copywriter Reveals Easy 9-Facet Formula to Proof-Perfect Copy... Every Time"


3. "When you hire me, my efforts are laser-focused on achieving measurable results. If I negotiate rates, I would be doing a disservice to myself and those entrepreneurs who know the value of a wise business investment... like professional copywriting. I would love to work with you based on the original proposal amount emailed to you."

As you can see, the details of this topic are manageable 100 different ways. The bottom line is: Stop negotiating. Your personal and professional values are at stake! Treat them as the treasures they are.

Overcomers Aren’t Special, Just Deliberate

So often we think others possess abilities inaccessible to us. We think they have more tools or were granted preferential universal status. We assume they know more than we do or life is easy for them.

None of these assumptions is true.

And not only are they not true, they prevent you from taking full responsibility for your life and your experience. As long as you have an excuse, you don’t have to change the habits that are oh-so-comfortable and familiar! How brilliant is that for a mind-mechanism that tries to keep everything as-is? If you have a reason (read: excuse), you can remain in the cozy little life you’ve created.

And there’s nothing wrong with that if it’s what you consciously choose. But we’re not talking about being choosing consciously, are we? We’re more addressing the subconscious beliefs that linger and debilitate without much awareness on our part.

So, how much do you want a life that radiates from the highest place in you? And what are you willing to do to facilitate that change?

As long as you have a ‘good’ reason like, “She is smarter than I. That’s why abundance happens for her,” you won’t even try to have a better life. It’s a safe, but untrue, catchall that leaves you paralyzed by inaction.

However, if you’re ready to live the highest version of your best self, adopting the seven defining characteristics of overcomers is a jumpstart to having a different life. Those we call ‘overcomers’ commonly:

1. are tenacious
2. learn and grow from every experience
3. are proactive
4. see opportunity everywhere
5. help others
6. develop a plan-of-action
7. act on their plan

We all experience hardship. It’s an occasional state of the human condition. The pendulum swings; being spiritual entities on this physical plane means we experience the full range of emotions and happenings as we journey.

It’s not especially hard to be an overcomer in life:

1. Understand circumstance doesn’t define you. How you respond defines you.
2. Decide that circumstance does not dictate the level of enjoyment--or quality of life--you can experience.
3. Take some action that’s different than all the previous actions that have brought you to this very moment. If you do, I promise you’ll have a different experience.


The Universe conspires on our behalf for our benefit. The greatest personal shifts I’ve ever known came as a result of deciding no circumstance controls my experience. After all, I am an overcomer and you can be, too.

~~~~~~~~~

Charlon Bobo of EditCopyProof.com is a contributing author of the soon-to-be-released book, Overcomers, Inc.; Inspiring Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration. Access the FR*EE ebook, Overcoming Adversity with Grace; Secrets to Rise Above Virtually Any Obstacle Life Puts in Front of You with insights from over 30 visionary experts

Overcoming Is a Lifestyle, Not a Temporary Survival Tool

Contrary to popular belief, overcoming is not a reaction or response to life’s challenging circumstances. Instead, overcoming is a constant, a full-life approach, a way of being.

As an overcomer you embody the surety that no matter what unfolds in life you are fully-equipped to move through any circumstance and come out stronger on the other side. Regardless of what you may temporarily feel in any moment, you bring a certainty of calm, knowing there is high purpose in every experience. And this opens the gates of all possibility. You’ll be amazed at what creative solutions present themselves when you know the process of life is to show how grand you really are.

It is not my intent to portray this approach as easy, but it certainly feels better than being overwhelmed and worried that things won’t work out. You have not lived this long to have things fall apart now. You are divinely guided and supported in ways you cannot imagine. Embrace the lifestyle of a true overcomer and live free.

I am so honored to share my story in Overcomers, Inc.