Success is arriving at a conclusion of a plan, holding the correct amount of resources in line with what your success required – no less or no more. To extend that definition a little further, in order for something to be a success, the desire must be intended. We are always accomplishing something, yet it may not be what we desired. A person may consider they are successful because they won the lottery for $1,000,000.00, but soon after feel the defeat when the money is gone and with it their dreams. Few ever experience success by winning the lottery alone, since there are other aspects they have yet to learn about the handling and understanding of what success is. They soon understood that what they desired was happiness and peace of mind, something the money could not bring.

Think About This…

• Be careful for that which you wish for or think about, you just might get it.
• Success should never be sought after, but for the completion of the goal or dream.
• Those who are seen as successful in life have made a habit of doing what others don’t like to do.
• The time a person glories in their own success with the riches afforded it, is the turning point toward their defeat.
• Allow others to brag of your success but refuse to listen.
• Consider eternity when considering success.

The early settlers were not looking to succeed when they left everything they knew and traveled west, but were looking for a better life with the freedom to have land they could call their own, raising their family in a new and better life.

Not all saw the success of a new settlement. Some returned home, unable to handle the challenges and changes they had to face. Others were discouraged from embarking on the journey, choosing the comfort of their present life, even though it left them feeling empty for years to come. Still, some left later, in spite of friends who said it was too late, “all the land is claimed by now”.

Some settlers paid the ultimate price with their life, while others managed to eek out an existence until small towns and cities were established. It was then they saw the reward of their persistent effort, and we now call them a success.

True success is not an arrival point but a journey. Many goals and dreams may be met on the journey, bursting with the excitement of the unknown, since the real thrill is in the trip. This life is full of freedom, seldom offering the security of a comfortable, predictable surrounding, even though its rewards are unlimited. Why is it that so few choose this life?

Your life is a result of the Matrix that is formed by what you genetically brought into this life and your response to influences that have come your way. The resulting thoughts and actions you took over the past years have come together to form your Matrix which in turn determined who you are. Depending on how well you made those decisions in the past, will conclude if your Matrix has determined your life as a success.

Ann Russell shares about the power in our words:

“The one thing I have learned over the years is the power we have in our words. Every word out of our mouth is either a blessing or a curse. I lived for years thinking this is how it is and this is how it will always be, but since then, God has shown me life is really what you make it. He has given us the tools but it is up to us if we use them. If we ask, seek and have faith, God always shows up just in time.”

You may be reading this book for a variety of reasons, but if you are serious about change to obtain success in life there are a few adjustments that are likely required in your Matrix. Understanding what has caused you to be who you are will be important, but even more so, it will be pertinent to begin now to think correctly, acting in accordance with your hopes and dreams. Not all adjustments will be as easy as others, but the end result will be worth it when you look back to see a life of “success”.

The Measure of Success

BLACK MONDAY, October 19, 1987; Stock Markets took the second largest one day percentage plunge in the history of the markets. Hong Kong fell 45.8%, Australia 41.8%, United Kingdom 26.4%, USA 22.68%, and Canada 22.5%. Economists were sent scrambling, wondering how this could have happened, while Investors were left stunned as they watched their investment portfolios disappear in the matter of hours. The general public lost millions of dollars in one day.

Repercussions and finger pointing has continued ever since, yet a very important factor has gone almost unnoticed – a number of people chose to end their lives as they watched their fortunes disappear.

Some have pointed their finger, stating that, “We must not focus on money and carnal things, but eternal things.” As important as it is to be aware of the future, we must also be cognizant of two other aspects, the past and the present, whereas they have tried to remove the importance of the present; placing it on the future. If you hold only to this belief, how do you properly respond to those who desired to end their natural lives, as well as consider the reality of who we are? Does it take into account that the decisions made today have an impact on our future?

To answer this question properly, it is important to understand that we are spiritual, eternal beings living in a natural realm. The natural being (which we see with our senses) exists within a period of time (about 100 years) yet the spiritual being (which we do not see) never dies. We have a past, present and future, but that future does not end as our natural being does. We live on, past the lifespan of our natural being. It is important to understand this because to properly understand “success”, you must first understand that we are spiritual, and our natural being is a reflection of our spiritual being. It will depend on what is going on in the spiritual as to whether the natural is a “success”.

This may be a lot to comprehend initially, since some may have picked up this book to learn how to make more money. As you understand what is being said, it will soon become clear that as you consider, and make decisions about your spiritual person, the natural changes, with money as a tremendous by-product. We are not trying to remove all focus from money, but are merely trying to allow an understanding that, as well as money, success is much more fulfilling than seeking money alone.

Who YOU are must never be defined by money, or by the things you do, or have. On “Black Monday” a number of people ended their lives when they defined their worth and “success” by their portfolio’s. Some jumped to their death feeling as though what they were – their financial holdings – was what defined them; when their finances disappeared, they saw no reason for living. Who you are is greater than your portfolio or finances – you are a wonderfully crafted, eternal being, meant to live a happy, healthy, exciting and prosperous life – now and forever. To limit “success” by determining it by your finances, has the potential to restrict the full benefits afforded it.

Hear what Alain Methot says about his relationship with the spiritual reality:

I’m 44 years old and was raised a catholic, having the knowledge of, “you better be good”. I had my ups and downs like everybody, but I think my ups did not level my down times.

I’ve realized over the years, and that took a while, that what happens to you does not matter as much as how you react to it. Life brought me experiences good and bad but that made me who I am.

For the past ten years I’ve gotten to know more about God’s love. Now I don’t fear him, instead, I embrace my relationship with him, which made me a better man. The closer I get to Him the more it made me understand my past; it makes me appreciate the present and makes me look forward to the future.

The toughest challenge that I have in my life is to find a balance. Trying to succeed in the business world without affecting my personal life, yet, trying to reach my goals with as less as struggle as possible. My biggest quest is to reach this spiritual level that would ease all expectations.

If you desire a change in your life then it will require a change in your thinking. As you look at the facts of your present life, don’t allow that to determine your future. If you focus only on the facts, then your future will only hold more of the same of what you already have. The natural is reflecting your spiritual, so your goal will be to change the spiritual. This is not done by focusing on the facts of the natural but by changing the spiritual first; then the natural reflection will follow.

Challenging Who You Are

In order to be successful, you may need to look at your present circumstances, trying to get to the root of what may require change. This is likely to open questions of your present beliefs, thoughts and actions, calling them to come in line with who you now are.

Look at what is going on in your spiritual and natural person presently, by asking yourself some of the following questions. (Be sure to write down any other questions and the answers that may come to your mind as well. A great way to get more questions is to read positive material and subject yourself to positive influencers, seeing what you may disagree with.)

Is there anything physically wrong with my Body that needs to be corrected?

Am I a person who believes that I can do anything?

Do I always look for the positive in situations and people?

Has my family tree left me with any beliefs, financial or otherwise that are interfering with my success?

Am I quick to forgive when I am asked to do so?

Do I carry any genetic illnesses in my Mind or Body?

Do I believe I am both Natural and Spiritual, with one affecting the other?

Am I exposing myself to a positive Atmosphere of Influence or do I allow those who do not believe nor desire success to hold me back?

Do I believe in God who is over but also involved in everything I do?

Do I believe I can be healthy and wealthy in Mind and Body, my Spiritual and Natural, which includes my physical body and finances?

These are only a few of the questions you need to ask yourself to get to the root of what may be keeping you from success. As you begin to get one question answered, then you can move on to the next. Every thought that passes through your mind will need to be evaluated as to whether you desire it as part of who you are.

As you progress through the many questions, it is likely you will unearth thoughts and emotions you never believed you had. Some of these revelations may scare you at first, especially when you understand how detrimental some of them have been in your life. The revelation is only to bring you to an awareness of your present situation; the real fun starts when you begin applying thoughts and actions that are conducive to your success.

Read this next statement carefully to obtain its full meaning:

As hard as it is, it is easy to remain the same; as easy as it is, it is hard to change.

The journey you chose to embark on is exciting, since it is a land of freedom and opportunity; but the faint in heart need not apply. Or maybe it should be the faint in heart who take on this challenge for change.

Determining Success

Books have been written and movies produced showing those who have had the courage throughout history to make a change. They have stood against all odds and have held on to the end and then ride off into the sunset with their lover.

Most of the movies produced and books written have followed the same thinking, continuing down the same road with only a slight change in characters. To establish change in your life, it is likely you will walk a road that few choose to travel. If it was as easy as the movies make it, would there not be more on this road?

In order to give you an example we are going to look at the question, “Do I always look for the positive in situations and people?” An honest person will answer no and there is very little encouragement today to do otherwise. In a competitive society the goal is to find another person or company’s weakness and take advantage of (extort) it. That is what gives a competitive advantage.

Really we should be happy for someone when they succeed and encourage them. If we see a negative in someone, we should always look to the positive side of it. Not only would you like them to do the same for you, but it is a fact that you will have others who will follow the example you set. If we continually look for the positive in situations and people on our way to success it will also be the glasses through which others will see you.

How about the question, “Is there anything physically wrong with my Body that needs to be healed?”

The answer to this question has been used more than once as a crutch or excuse. “I can’t do that because… (physical condition) prevents me from doing it. More than once there have been those who were healed from their physical condition, or at the least, managed to look for the positive in their condition. Historically more than one person with blindness or in a wheel chair has made an impact on society in a positive manner. When there is – what is known as a handicap in our society – people have developed other parts of their bodies or senses to be stronger than an average person.

Cindy Hawbolt talks about her healing:

I grew up in a traditional Church that very much preached on and believed in faith, miracles, the supernatural, etc. Although we did see some, we really didn’t see much evidence of such things.

As I grew and pursued my spiritual faith, my physical body was suffering from a condition called “Fibromyalgia”. This illness has only been more well know in the past 15 – 20 years, by doctors who spent years studying it for their own relief.

I had this illness from childhood but learned how to cope with it because doctors would say “it is growing pains”; or, “it is just stress”, etc. As an adult I happened to have a doctor who, if he couldn’t figure it out would send you for further help.

I tried many different products/ways for relieving symptoms, including being part of a study that a doctor associated with McGill University in Montreal was doing with fibromyalgia patients. A friend of ours who is a healing evangelist also prayed for me. When nothing happened, of course, I had LOTS of questions for him (remember I grew up believing in healing and miracles).

Our friend told me that I have to do my part in the healing process. He said “the difference between a miracle and a healing is; a miracle is when what you ask for happens right away, and a healing is a gradual process”. He told me my part is to accept my healing.

Now to do this I had to see myself as already healed, not denying my symptoms but denying the illness the right to stay in my body. I had to stop saying things like “My” fibromyalgia or “I have fibromyalgia”, and live believing and seeing in my mind, my body as already healed, because I asked and the Bible says “whatever you ask for, believe without wavering and it will be granted to you!” (Mark 11:24) It was totally up to me if I received it or not.

Since faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, I would say “Thank you for my healing” especially when the symptoms would be there, because faith is seeing that which is not as though it is. So I had to see myself as already healed.

Sometime in 2001 I noticed after shopping with my husband and daughter that my body changed. As we continued to shop, they said they were tired and ready to go home, and for the first time in my life (after an event I could never remember enjoying because of pain and exhaustion), I could have kept going. I was absolutely dumbfounded! As time went on I noticed more and more the things that once brought pain and suffering were now a joy to do.

Today I enjoy a pain-free, nap-free, late to bed early to rise, on the go life; all because of this unseen reality that very few tap into or even understand.

Whatever your physical or mental difficulty, there is always a solution. The time a person stops believing there is an answer is when hope leaves and death begins. Look for opportunities and reasons to believe. Establish goals that will require years to complete if you are diagnosed with a disease they say will take you next week. Hold onto the belief that there is an answer, never giving up until you find it!

Something to remember is to be patient when reforming your Matrix. Change could take weeks or months to complete but it is possible. Every time something comes up you are unhappy with, write it down and see if you can find the root. Sometimes you will need professional help but many things can be dealt with on your own.

Shane Russell can relate to this:

“In order to succeed in life you have to have several things come into place; the most important thing to me is my spiritual walk and guidance. God has brought me out of the depths of nothing to the most happiest time of my life, which is now, and I can say without certain friends along the way to guide and direct me through the Holy Spirit working in their lives, I would not be able to share this with you today.”

Change is not an easy thing, but with help, we believe it is possible to change your Matrix and truly make it a Matrix of Success!

Building on Success

When we talk about Building on Success, we are referring to adding aspects to your personality or physical being to enhance your overall personage. These items may be neither positive nor negative presently in your person, but potential in your development. Successful people get excited about this area because you have an opportunity to expand the horizon of who you are, working to fine tune your skills for future achievements.

I have heard it said, “That’s not my personality or who I am.” My response would be, Why not? Why not work on your people skills and your view of yourself. Why not BECOME a people person and be interested in what others say? Why not be the one who “exudes confidence” when you walk into a room? Why not build on your success, setting goals of what you would like to become?

If the truth is known, people who “exude confidence”, generally likeable people, is that they are seldom as high and mighty in their own eyes as you may think, and work very hard to stay this way. Jealousy and criticism is often directed at them for this image. They continually have to practice the basics, like looking for the best in people, giving people the benefit of the doubt, filling their minds daily with positive thoughts, being quick to forgive and not allowing small thinkers to stop them from their goals. Holding on to the good things they have developed in their Mind prior to a challenging event, saying no to the negative influencers trying to impact them daily. They are continually building and seeing their spiritual as a positive, hopeful, successful person.

We suggest expanding your mind first, but why not work on enhancing your physic? It is probably safe to say, most need to lose a few pounds, or at the least tone up, which will likely entail a daily routine. A brisk walk each morning can do wonders for you mentally and physically, getting your circulation moving, your heart rate up, refreshing your mind. Some may choose to tone further; caution is needed to not make the ­natural person more important than the spiritual person or what is happening in your mind. We are both natural (body) and spiritual (mind) and should treat it as so. The many mirrors in work centers accentuate the ability to view only the natural, but additional mirrors to view the spiritual are just as necessary.

How about learning more about how you can dress to purvey a confidence within you as well as to others. A sharp dresser who knows their fashion is an asset in a competitive society. You may pay a little more for a quality garment but if you shop correctly, it will usually last much longer than the discount bargain store brand. In most cases, they are usually made with more care, fitting your physic much better than a one-size-fits-all. (This could also be extended to other product purchases.)

Never think you are too old to go back to school. You may not return to a formal classroom, but online studies and book reading, along with a variety of other helps or resources will continue your schooling for years to come. Fine tuning your skills and abilities in your area of expertise is a must as our society changes.

Plan to Succeed!

It is clear now, that success does not just happen, but is a result of planning, giving careful consideration to what you intend to be. We will always arrive at a destination, but the destination may not be one of our choosing unless we have appropriated certain thinking and action. It is our choice what our life will be, we are not determined by someone else inflicting their will on us, thus removing the responsibility of our actions. In fact, it is our actions, or lack of, that forms our Matrix and determines our lives, in this natural life as well as the life to come.

Practice looking past – but not ignoring – the facts that seem to be continually in your face when a natural fact or circumstance quotes why it is impossible. Hold a positive outlook on things to come; ignoring those who tell you it cannot be done, yet encouraging others to join you on your journey.

Are you looking for a change in your life? Do you want to experience “success” in the true manner of the word? Change your way of thinking and begin to expect great things from your spiritual person. Your Matrix will see the change and determine you as a successful person. As you look back on your life with peace and contentment, your response will be, “What a wonderful life it is!”