A couple of days ago, my wife told me that she was impressed by how well I’m doing, and wanted to know exactly what it was that was helping me so much.

“Is it something you’re reading? Something you watched? Something you’re doing every day?”

My answer: “Uh, duh, I don’t know… A whole lot of stuff…”

How’s that for an intelligent answer? :)

The problem with being a personal development junkie like me is that it can be really hard to tell someone else exactly what’s helping, what’s a waste of time, and what could be actually hurting my progress.

I’ve tried the “Focus on just one thing” method, but it doesn’t work for me. I’m not bagging on the power of focus, but there are plenty of targets out there I want to hit. While I’m working on one thing, I’m focused on that. But I enjoy being able to switch gears and jump into a new project when it’s necessary. (My daily checklists have really helped with that one… stay tuned for a blog post on those.)

Since my overall focus is on creating a better life, and helping you to do the same, there are naturally going to be various goals (spiritual, financial, career, relationships, etc.) that I’m going to be pushing toward simultaneously.

But her question was about the things that have helped me the most. Here’s the best that I can determine:

The Teachings of Abraham-Hicks

It still really trips me out that I’m getting advice on my thoughts and emotions from a ‘group of non-physical beings’ that are channeled by a human female. Interesting point: in the interviews that Esther Hicks did with Oprah, Oprah kept talking about how “weird” it was, and either Esther or Abraham said “It’s not you who thinks it’s weird, but you are concerned about the opinions of others, and worried that they might think it’s weird.” (or something to that effect) Is that why I always have to preface my writing about Abraham with “Now this is really strange, but…”?

Simpleology

When I work my daily praxes, I get so much more done each day, and I’m able to stay focused on what I’m doing and what has to be accomplished. When I remember to combine that with Segment Intending (a la Abraham-Hicks), I become unstoppable in taking the actions that I need to take to become who I want to be.

Insight Meditation

I’ve been consistently meditating for at least a month now, probably more. Just 15 minutes a day, almost every day, has helped me to focus and to calm my mind. I’ve been using the instructions given by the Insight Meditation Center.

Taking My Medication Consistently

I can’t leave this out, although it’s not something for everyone (any more than putting a cast on your leg, or taking insulin, or getting chemo would be for everyone). I’ve accepted that I suffer from clinical depression, so I do one of the things that I need to do about it.

Cutting Back on Television

I’ve pretty much dropped most news, and violent “real life” dramas that are just rehashed plots about this person killing that person this way while having sex with that person’s sister who turned out to actually be his own half sister in disguise. No thanks. I don’t need that in my head. I still love Heroes, Family Guy, Futurama reruns, and Lost. I don’t think that TV is evil; it’s just really easy, at best, to waste my time with it, and at worst, to program my brain with some pretty horrible shit.

What has helped you the most in your own quest for personal growth?

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