A family that prays together stays together

July 30, 2010 By Ron Curtis, Jr. Leave a Comment

“A family that prays together, stays together.” No one ever could have prepared me for how difficult raising 4 kids was going to be. I have said many times, the most rewarding, yet hardest task one will ever have to experience in life, is raising up a family.

Raising kids actually reminds me a lot of building businesses. Seriously….. You invest a lot of time, money, and effort for years, not generally seeing the fruits of your labor for some time. Along the way you have some successes, as well as, setbacks. Sometimes you feel like there is progress, yet other times it seems as if you can’t do anything right. There is a saying, “you can’t please everyone, all the time!” So true in business, and in family!

It seems that the lessons your own parents were trying to teach you, as you were growing up, didn’t set in until you were older. My parents used to tell me all the time, “just wait until you have kids of your own….” It seemed that everything I did wrong, in their eyes, would make more sense to me when I seen my kids do the same things. As I chuckle when I say this, now with my kids, not only do I see what my parents seen, I find myself saying what my parents said! Can anyone relate?

There was one thing that my mom always told us kids as we were growing up. She told us that it was her wish that we would learn to love one another, and always be there for each other in times of need. My mom wanted more than anything for us to stay together as a family, even after we were grown. Something she said didn’t happen in her family, or my dads. Unfortunately she didn’t get her wish. Though I love my brother and sister very much, we do not have much of a relationship since becoming adults. All of us are on different paths, and we communicate very little.

For me, this is a goal that I have taken on from my mom and wish the same thing for my kids. Over the years I had to ask myself, “what can we do to instill this sense of love and appreciation for one another in our family?”

It wasn’t until late 2007 when we really started seeking God in our lives. Shortly after we lost our 1st internet business since moving to Michigan, we quickly realized that something needed to change. Since we always believed in God, just didn’t attend church or focus on our spiritual growth much before, we decided to do so. Our entire family took to attending church and growing in the Lord very well. Sundays became a day that we looked forward to. Church become so enjoyable that we began to seek a Sunday Night and Wednesday Night service.

As we continued to grow spiritually, and came to know Christ in our lives as Lord and Savior, everything changed. I began to realize that the love my mom wanted for her family, that she couldn’t figure out why it was missing in our lives, was Jesus. Since our family has found Christ, the difference in how each of us act toward one another is amazing. Though we all have different personalities and like different things, there is a common bond that each of us share which keeps us united. The principles taught in the Bible, especially when acted upon in your life, are truly life changing. Our experience has been nothing less than amazing.

Though my mom passed away over 3 years ago now, she would be happy to know that we have found the missing ingredient in our lives. Her wish may not have come to pass in her family while she was alive, however, she instilled that same dream in me, and I am sure it will come to pass in my family! I am also confident, since God was able to move in mine and Melisa’s life, there is still time for Him to move in my brother and sisters lives also!!

My mom planted a seed in me many years ago. Eventually that seed started to sprout and now has begun to grow. In business and family, the fruits of your labor may not always show up right away, or in the exact fashion that you may have hoped for. However, with belief, consistent effort, and persistence, in time your desired result will manifest.

I want to give a special thanks to a special woman who, through her love and example, influenced my becoming the man, husband, and father I am today.

Miss you mom!
Much love,
Ron

Filed Under: Personal Growth, Spiritual Growth, TUA Enterprises 2011 Tagged With: Adults, Brother And Sister, Brother Sister, Dads, Different Paths, Fruits Of Your Labor, Invest, Invest Money, Lot, Love, Mom, Parents, Raising Kids, Relationship, Setbacks, Successes, Time Money

We’ve all been given a great responsibility!

July 26, 2010 By Ron Curtis, Jr. 2 Comments

You ever heard the expression, “I wish I knew then what I knew today?” If that is the case, what are you doing to teach the young people today that same information? If it would’ve made that big an impact in your life, what is the likelihood it could do the same for someone else? We’ve all been given a great responsibility…..

Interestingly enough, as we have been sharing information with people both young and old, the topic of money is always part of our discussion. For many people they seem to think that, “money isn’t everything,” or “money isn’t that important to me right now.” I cannot help but feel sorry for that lack of thinking. Without money, how are we able to live in the World? Even missionaries, who are dependent on God to supply their needs, are in need of money in order to fund their cause. You see the Bible clearly states, “The love of money is the root of all evil,” however, Jesus also said, “I have come so you can live life, and live life more abundantly.” Money is a tool, and when used properly can open unlimited doors of opportunity for you to advance His kingdom.

I recently raised a question to a young person, whom I am very much impressed with, from church. This is what I asked, “If you had the ability to do whatever you wanted, and money didn’t matter….? Whatever the answer is to that question, solve the second part, and the first part is unlimited!” To think that money isn’t important, or that learning how to secure your financial independence, as early as possible, wouldn’t be worth it, is plain nonsense. A solid financial education is imperative to have, should you really decide to do something great with your life. We are not talking about living in mansions, or driving Ferraris, though those could be some of the perks that come from a great financial education, it is about the freedom and ability to seek your calling in life and fulfilling your purpose with complete accuracy.

“I don’t have time…” or “I don’t have enough money…” are the 2 most common excuses, many will say reasons, that are preventing people from pursuing their passions. What are they really saying? “I don’t have enough time because I am always at work?” or “I don’t have enough money because by time I pay all my debts there is no extra money left over?” Nope, what they are saying is, I have never been taught Financial Wisdom and therefore have allowed the World to train me up. We purchased the biggest home our bank said we could finance. We drive around in Financed or Leased vehicles which not only come with payments, however, you are also required to have the best insurance coverage. Every year we finance our family vacations, after all, as hard as we work, we “deserve” time off to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Big screen TV’s, video game systems, recreational toys such as snow mobiles or boats, yes sir, if we can afford the payment, we buy them. Lets not forget about cable television, satellite, cell phones, and on and on and on….. But, “money isn’t that important to me.”

Looking back on the past 4 years of my life, the best education I received, THE HARD WAY, was Financial Wisdom. If I knew what I know today, at the age of 30, when I was 20, there is no doubt in my mind life would be completely different. Knowing that led me to only one conclusion. We have been given a great responsibility to share those lessons and educate as many young people, and older people too, who are willing to listen. By paying it forward we are able to positively impact people’s lives and save many people, time and money, in order to grow into their calling.

Our economy isn’t broken, our education system is. We learn from a government that is $13 trillion dollars in debt here in the United States, at the time this article was written. Why would we elect them to teach us Financial Wisdom? Seems to me they could use a little of it themselves?

Money is a tool. Learn how to master your money or you will be a slave to it the rest of your life. “Blessed to be a blessing.” It is extremely hard to bless others when you are broke! Faith, Family, Health, Relationships, MONEY, that is the order of importance for your self development. However, your Finances, how you make money & how you manage it, will directly impact every area of your life.

Young people listen up, seek a Financial mentor, someone who has the life experience to back up their knowledge with some fruit on their tree, and get your Financial education as soon as possible. Your quality of life is dependent upon it. I personally wish to thank Randy Gage and Orrin Woodward for teaching me. Let me also add that I am continually improving still to this day and will continue to learn and grow in these areas for the rest of my life!

“Empty your purse to fill your mind and your mind will fill your purse.” – Benjamin Franklin

Yes, I quote that saying a lot, meditate on it in your life and be open to learn when new information presents itself. When opportunity is knocking, will you hear it? Our God, is an awesome God! May He continue to bless you abundantly in all that you do.

In Christ,
Ron – Team Curtis Family

P.S. We are who we are because of our life experience. Now we can share that gained Wisdom and speed up the learning process for other people in order to positively impact and change the World one person at a time! Learn, then teach what we learned, is our greatest contribution to others!

P.S.S. If someone came along when I was 20 yrs. old and taught me, what I know now, then, I would’ve been forever grateful to that person the rest of my life. Knowing that is exactly why we must be that person for someone else!

Filed Under: Personal Growth, Spiritual Growth, TUA Enterprises 2011 Tagged With: Accuracy, Bible, Doors, Expression, Ferraris, Financial Education, Financial Independence, Freedom, God, Jesus, Likelihood, Love, Mansions, Missionaries, Money Is The Root Of All Evil, Open Doors, Opportunity, Plain Nonsense, Root Of All Evil, Tool, Young Person

It’s all about the personal experience

July 22, 2010 By Ron Curtis, Jr. 1 Comment

For the past several months I have been posting articles on a unique site called Qondio. While doing so, there have been some interesting conversations amongst some of the authors there and myself. It is quite amazing how people can take completely opposite opinions to the same information. However, regardless as to the “opinions” of what people think, it’s all about the personal experience that matters.

What makes article writing exciting and fascinating for me is the ability to share information with others based on real life experiences and not just hearsay. As a matter of fact, it is for that exact reason why everyone should consider starting their own blog or journal. Even the little things that we experience in our everyday lives can impact someone else. We are all on our own unique path and each of us has something of value we can offer based on the knowledge and wisdom gained from our own personal experiences.

Jon and I spoke on “The Great Shift” that is taking place in our economy. Though I know these changes are affecting most of the World, I am going to write this article mostly in reference to the United States and Canada. One of the main points that we made was the fact that our economy is supposedly in ruins. Again, that observation is accepted by many, yet rejected by others. For those of us who believe there has never been more opportunity in our Country then there is today, we have embraced that shift we are talking about. Not only have we embraced it, we are experiencing it, and reaping the benefits as well.

With all the information that is available to us, both online and offline, each of us needs to choose wisely what we believe. As humans we are easily influenced and can be programmed to believe just about anything. As a general rule, before we buy into anything that we may have heard, read, or seen, we spend time researching the information, as well as it’s source. Should we find the information valid and/or useful, we will implement what we learned into our life in order to experience what we have learned for ourselves. I can say with complete accuracy that this is by far the best time to be the owner of an online business. Why? Because our business is growing faster right now than ever before. You can fight me tooth and nail trying to explain why that isn’t so, however, my personal experience confirms it, and that is all the evidence I need.

Have you ever heard the expression, “If I only knew then what I know today…” What does that mean? I believe that is simply saying, given the personal experiences I have had over the years, should I have had the knowledge gained from such experiences when I was younger… There is no opinion out there that can over rule your own personal experience.

Let me illustrate my point with my Faith. Acts 2:38 says, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” OK, so when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour, being Baptised was top of my list to have done. Not only because it was in the Bible as the next thing to do, however, I wanted to experience it for myself. Attending a Pentecostal Church and witnessing a couple of different Baptisms, I was amazed at how people responded to the Baptism, received the Holy Ghost, and spoke in tongues. There was a part of me that wondered how real it all was, or if there was some acting taking place. The only way to know for sure was to have a personal experience myself. So it was, the time had come, and it happen to be on the day of Pentecost, my wife and I were scheduled to be Baptised after service. Melisa went first, she had a similar experience to the others we had witnessed previously, and I knew my wife wasn’t acting! As I entered the water to be Baptised I couldn’t help but feel an incredible energy was present. It was very exciting. Under the water, then up out of the water, and something happened. I felt incredible, my hands were shaking, and I began speaking in tongues. It was as if something, or someone, was in control of my mouth and was speaking through me. Ahh yes, the Holy Ghost, and proof that what we had seen was in fact real. (We have the entire experience on video and one day will find its way to YouTube. Stay tuned!)

Through my own experience I can say, with complete accuracy, God is real, Jesus is Lord, and the Holy Ghost is incredible. Try and tell me it wasn’t real, God doesn’t exist, Christianity is a fraud, the Bible isn’t Truth, and speaking in tongues is fake, it wouldn’t matter. My personal experience is all the proof I need and there is nothing anyone can say or do that can change it!

In closing, be careful what you believe and who you listen to. Unfortunately too many people take advice from people whom don’t have any fruit on the tree. It would be like asking your neighbor Bob, who has been divorced 5 times, for advice in your marriage. Through his personal experience, the only advice he can give you is how to process the papers and continue to marry the wrong women over and over again. However, if your parents have been married for 45+ years, through their personal experience, they can offer you solid advice on the subject.

Personal Experience is the only way to truly know what is real versus what is just someone’s opinion.

You are blessed!
Ron

Filed Under: Personal Growth, Spiritual Growth, TUA Enterprises 2011 Tagged With: Authors, Canada, Conversations, Coversations, Economy, Everyday Lives, Exact Reason, Hearsay, Knowledge And Wisdom, Life Experiences, Matter Of Fact, Observation, Personal Experience, Personal Experiences, Reference, Share Information With Others, TUA Enterprises 2011, United States

Connecting the Dots…

July 17, 2010 By Ron Curtis, Jr. 2 Comments

Many times my wife and I find ourselves talking about certain circumstances, or events, that took place in our lives. It is fascinating when you look at how coincidental certain situations were and how one little thing led to another, which led to another, and so on. As we looked back over the past 12 years of our lives, since being married, we were able to connect the dots with amazement.

Can you remember a time in your life when you met someone out of the blue. That meeting then led to a dinner engagement where they introduced you to their friends Chris and Susan. Chris happened to be in business for himself in your field of expertise. Without knowing it, he was currently looking to hire someone, with your credentials, and you happen to be in between jobs yourself. How coincidental, eh? Of course, this is just a short story to serve simply as an example, but I think you get the point.

Just looking back at the start of our marriage, amazing. You might chuckle to find out that when Melisa and I were married, in our little 2 bedroom apartment in Newport News, I was a pizza delivery driver. Hah hah, I know, go ahead and laugh. I had mentioned that I wanted to learn a trade, but didn’t know what, to the maintenance man at our apartment complex. He said he knew a guy hiring carpet helpers and gave me his number. That started my carpet installation career.

While I was on the job training, my boss hired another young guy, mind you I was 18 at the time, who was a year older than me. However, he was already good at installing carpet, whereas I was still a “green horn.” Anyhow, as it would turn out, 6 months later, I quit working for this company, and started my own carpet installation business, partnering with this other younger installer. That is how First Class Installations came to be. So, what if I wouldn’t have lived in those apartments. What would have happened if, we will call him Rick though that isn’t his real name, didn’t get hired while I was learning how to install carpet? Truth be told, it was his idea for us to quit and start our own business! Would things have turned out differently?

As irony, if you believe in irony, would have it, while I was in business for myself now, the same maintenance guy hooked me up with a contract in our apartment complex. I was now installing carpet in all their units, which used to be installed by my former boss. You know, my former boss whom my maintenance guy hooked me up with 10 months before that. Heh heh…. From there we met another gentleman named Marcus, who really liked us because we were young and ambitious. It was him that nailed a contract for us with a company called Contractor’s Carpet. While we were installing there, for about a year or so, there was another gentleman who worked in the field named Phil. Phil insisted I talk to a gentleman named Woodrow at Lowe’s. He set the appointment up for me and said I could do much better there, than I was currently. Long story short, Woodrow quickly had me approved to install for Lowe’s and the rest is History!!

So again I raise the question? What if I never would have met Marcus? Then, while installing for Marcus, met Phil, who in turn led me to Woodrow? How would life have been different? Perhaps even more greater than that is how we met Sean, whom we partnered with in 2005 leaving behind our carpet company and our hometown. It was a fluke, we met online in a networking business. Through that initial contact that we made, a relationship had begun developing, which eventually led to a whole new life for me and my family.

That is just a quick overview, to illustrate what I mean when talking about connecting the dots! If you look back over your life it is amazing at how one little event led to something else which led to that one thing happening which made the next thing possible where you met that one guy who told you about that one deal and that one deal led to another deal with this one guy who knew this other guy and on and on and on…….

Life is amazing! Perhaps one day I will have to write a book, however, write it backwards. Like when I am 50, write a book going backwards illustrating all the decisions and circumstances that took place in order to arrive where I currently am. You don’t always know which direction you are headed in, or how you are going to make it through the next few years, or who you are going to meet in the next day, week, or month, until that time has come to pass. However, once you have lived it, experienced it, and tasted it, you can look back, trace your steps, and wow yourself in amazement at how you got here!

Did that make sense?

The best part of our life experience is just that. It is an experience! One that we are continually working on, to enjoy more and more everyday! Even when facing a challenge, looking back over your past life experiences, you can see how every time they came, and went. Though some might seem harder that others, in reality, they always come to pass.

If looking back over my life has taught me anything, it would be this. Life is easy, hard, fun, scary, exciting, adventurous, loud, quiet, annoying, fulfilling, heart breaking, unpredictable, incredible, sorrowful, happy………. You get the point! Life is an experience. It might not be fun all the time, however, we are blessed to have experienced it!

Try and connect the dots in your life. Living life to it’s fullest, one experience at a time.
Peace,
Ron

Filed Under: Featured, Personal Growth, Spiritual Growth, TUA Enterprises 2011 Tagged With: Amazement, Bedroom Apartment, Boss, Business Partnering, Carpet Installation, Connect The Dots, Connecting The Dots, Credentials, Dinner Engagement, First Class, Friends Chris, Green Horn, Hah, Installation Business, Installing Carpet, Job Boss, Maintenance Man, Newport News, Out Of The Blue, Pizza Delivery Driver, Short Story

Your Self Talk is important!

July 15, 2010 By Ron Curtis, Jr. 3 Comments

I believe it is safe to assume that having a good self-esteem can assist you greatly during the course of your life experience. The posture you have when walking, talking at an interview, or prospecting a potential client does matter.

One of the most devastating ways people sabotage their success is by destroying their own self-esteem. Your self talk has huge influence over how you handle yourself. What do you talk to yourself about?

How many times have we been told how great we are, that our potential is unlimited, and there is simply nobody better for the job than we are. Just to turn around and slam ourselves, in our own mind, creating doubts and ultimately convincing ourselves that this is just not true. What you say to yourself does make a difference whether you think so or not.

As we, have been on the topic of positive versus negative thinking, there has been some intense debate. However, as a simple illustration for this article, it would be hard to imagine having great success in any venture, if you are constantly telling yourself it just isn’t possible. Take a look at sports for example. When you are playing in a tournament, do you enter into the contest thinking you are going to lose? That would be negative thinking. What is the likelihood you would win, when your expectations are that of defeat. In truth, when you enter into any tournament, your belief is that of winning. Therefore you are centered on positive thinking, expecting victory to be yours. If winning was such a negative experience, why would anyone play the game?

For years my self-esteem was terrible. Growing up obese, you can imagine the ridicule I was subjected to. That constant teasing definitely created a negative self image, and my self talk was anything but favorable. There were times I was so focused on my lack of self-esteem that I honestly wanted to die. When you believe life simply isn’t worth living, and your life truly stinks, your self talk will present reasons to validate your claim. What you say to yourself, when no one else can hear you, has major impact on who you are. Sooner or later, that image you have of yourself will shine through.

Obviously you cannot think positively all the time. Each of us will face times in our lives where it seems impossible to be positive about current circumstances we are facing. However, instead of giving up and dwelling on these depressing situations, thinking positively and seeking solutions to help overcome your challenges seems like the more logical thing to do.

“I am a big fat loser.” That is an example of negative thinking. “I am a great listener, friend, and lover.” That is a great example of positive thinking. We believe in affirming our values. Constantly reminding ourselves of the areas we are improving in and need to improve in. Give yourself praise when you make forward progress at becoming the person you were created to be. Since we are all sinners, and the evidence of negativity surrounds us in the World, we should make the decision to remain positive in our own minds.

As Winston Churchill said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” A great illustration of positive vs. negative thinking!

If only it were true that one could live their entire life only experiencing positive results, how great would that be? Of course, what might be perfect to you, is a nightmare to someone else. That which is negative to me, might not be negative to you. This is where the debates could go on forever and ever as we all have different personalities, and process information differently. However, when talking to yourself, do you speak in a way that increases your self worth, or do you down yourself constantly? Some people feed off of their own negativity. They enjoy to fuel the anger that they already feel inside and add to their misery. Perhaps the reason they do this is simply to gain attention? Who knows….

“Whether you believe you can or you can’t, you’re right!” – Anonymous

What you say to yourself is important. Positive, Negative, Encouraging, Discouraging, Good, Bad, it is what it is…… Your self talk could be the difference between living your dreams or settling for mediocrity.

“If great is available, good isn’t good enough!” – Anonymous

In Christ,
Ron

Filed Under: Personal Growth, TUA Enterprises 2011 Tagged With: Belief, Doubts, Game, Illustration, Intense Debate, Job, Lack Of Self Esteem, Life Experience, Likelihood, Negative Experience, Negative Thinking, Play Game, Play The Game, Positive Thinking, Posture, Ridicule, Self Image, Self Talk, Sports, Success, Truth, Victory

Do what you fear

July 13, 2010 By Ron Curtis, Jr. Leave a Comment

Let’s talk about fear. You know, False Evidence Appearing Real! How many times do we allow fear to paralyze ourselves from doing what we know we must? In business we all want to have the big results, lifestyle, and freedom that comes from building a successful enterprise. If you are going to succeed it will require shattering your limiting beliefs, facing your fears constantly, and living outside your comfort zone.

“Do what you fear until you fear it no more.” – Anonymous

I have to constantly remind myself of that quote. When there is a task that needs to be completed, such as making a sales call, and the overwhelming feeling of not wanting to do it starts to set in, it is important you face that fear and push through it. So many times fear will create a paralysis so great that people will miss opportunity rather than push through it. It is fact that the more you face your fears, the less you will fear them.

When we first started our business, I hated making phone calls. Honestly not really sure why. I guess for many, and probably myself, it was the fear of rejection. Yet the calls never turned out the way I feared they would. Shortly after starting to make the dials, and talking with a couple of clients, what I feared became something I enjoyed to do. It is almost pathetic when looking back at how much time was lost in procrastinating, rather than just getting started. The stress and worry I put myself through was ridiculous.

For some of you reading this, I am sure you can relate. Let’s pick on, and hopefully inspire, you network marketers out there who hate making phone calls. You know what I am talking about. You have a list of people whom you need to call. Whether they are people you know, or referrals interested your opportunity, the thought of calling them makes you sick to your stomach. The time has come to make your dials and all of a sudden you realize how disorganized your desk is. “Before I start my calls, I better clean up my desk right quickly,” you think to yourself. Once your desk is clean and organized, you remember there were a few emails you needed to respond to. Then you have this genius idea. “I bet these people don’t want me to call them, I should just send them an email instead!” That feeling in your gut continues to increase, you become more and more uncomfortable. The thought of sending them an email instead of calling sounds great, however, your intuition is telling you it isn’t the right thing to do. After procrastinating and wasting all your productive time, fearing to make your calls, you realize it is now too late to make calls. “How rude it would be for me to call someone this late at night, what if they have kids who are in bed, I would wake them, and that would not be good. I better just wait and call these tomorrow instead!” The sad reality is tomorrow you will find other reasons not to make the calls as well. “I should’ve called these yesterday, it is probably too late to call them now, I will just send them an email.” And so the pattern repeats itself, until you finally give up and decide that building a business which can create financial freedom for you and your family just isn’t worth the discomfort of facing your fears. You quickly return to your old life, back into your comfort zone, and surrender your dreams to fear.

If you don’t want to do something, yet you know it is the next thing you must do in order to move your business forward, you gotta force yourself to do it anyway. Ask yourself, “what is the worse thing that could happen?” And, “what is the best thing?” Remember the reason why you are making that call, facing your fear, in the first place. Then, just do it! You will be surprised at how simple the process really is, and how quickly you move from fear to enjoyment.

In the book, “Eat that Frog,” they talk about doing the things you dread most first thing in your day. Get them out of the way as soon as possible. If you do, the rest of your day will naturally flow. If you don’t, and you choose to stress doing that dreadful task, your day will be miserable. You will quickly find that not facing your fear is more torture than facing it! Go ahead, prove me wrong! What is it that you have been putting off because of fear? Take some time right now, and face it! Crush your fear and experience the satisfaction that awaits you.

Fear is a mechanism that has been instilled in each of us for two reasons. The first is to warn you of danger. The second is an indicator which tells you what needs to be done next. So when you are filled with fear ask yourself, “is this going to harm me in anyway?” If the answer is no, then do what you fear, once you do, you will fear it no more!

To your success,
Ron

Filed Under: Personal Growth, TUA Enterprises 2011 Tagged With: Comfort Zone, Desk, Enterprise, Face, Facing Your Fears, False Evidence, Fear Of Rejection, Freedom That Comes From, Lifestyle, Network Marketers, Opportunity, Paralysis, People, Phone Calls, Procrastinating, Quote, Referrals, Stomach, Stress

Negative Thinking Stinks!

July 12, 2010 By Ron Curtis, Jr. Leave a Comment

So how many times have we heard the expression, “You get what you think about?” Whether or not you believe there is power in your thoughts and that choosing what you focus on is important, the reality is negative thinking stinks. Not only does it affect your attitude, most of the time those people who are around you will pick up on your vibration and follow suit. One of the worse things that can happen to us is having our attitude tank because of someone who is acting, thinking, and vibrating negatively.

It is ironic, if you believe in irony, that the patterns of your daily life experience are generally in line with the way you are thinking. There is a lot of truth to, “the power of positive thinking.” Now that doesn’t mean just because you say aloud and affirm that everything is going to be peaches and cream, it immediately becomes so. If it were that easy there would be a lot less violence in our society these days. However, making a consistent effort to remain positive and taking on your challenges from an optimistic perspective, rather than pessimistic, tends to offer a more enjoyable outcome.

Recently I heard an interview with Montel Williams. What an amazing story! Since he was diagnosed with MS, life has obviously not been the same. At first he was very upset about his diagnosis. He even went on to say that he threw himself in front of a taxi hoping to end his life. After a while he finally came to grips with reality and decided to change the way he was thinking about his illness. His testimony impacted me because of his willingness to accept things as they were and make the decision to remain positive. One of the interesting points he raised was how we as human beings are hardwired to think and react negatively. He went on to say that this was a defense mechanism providing the following example. Why do we say, “Be careful don’t walk out into the road, YOU MIGHT GET HIT BY A CAR AND KILL YOURSELF.” Could we not have simply said, “Be careful don’t walk out into the road!” That statement alone would be appropriate for the situation. However, we continue to add the negative reason why it is a bad thing to do. “You might get hit by a car and kill yourself.” The negative outcome anchors our sense of reasoning. Since most of our thoughts are centered in negativity, it is important that we consciously decide to think positive. He concluded by saying once we understand the power of our thoughts and choose wisely what we think about, there are no boundaries to what we can achieve.

My wife and I have observed for several years how true this really is. Especially since having kids! “Be careful with that glass, SO YOU DON’T SPILL THE MILK.” Or, “Watch your step, SO YOU DON’T FALL AND BREAK YOUR NECK.” We quickly respond by saying, “Think Positive, Focus on what you want.” The Law of Attraction says you will get what you focus on whether you want it, or not. Whether you believe it to be true, that is exactly how it works. Again, that doesn’t mean you focus on a million bucks and the next thing you know you’re a millionaire. Or if you are sick and focus on a cure, that instantly you are back to perfect health. However, it does mean that you should do your best to keep a positive attitude.

Here is some homework. The next time you are out and about, whether it be at the grocery store, birthday party, or even church, pay close attention to people and how they talk. Listen to their words and observe their actions. How many people smile when they walk by? It is certain that you will see a pattern.

You can even see the negative mindset we have by simply looking at the slogans on clothing, bumper stickers, and coffee mugs. We live in a World where negativity is seen as funny, and positive thinkers are seen as false prophets. Large groups of people with common visions to positively impact the World are called Cult-like, weird and unusual. We live in a time where good is looked at as evil, and evil as good. Negative thinking stinks!

Being the Optimist that I am, there are still times when negativity takes control of my thoughts. For me, it is not easy to shake them once that occurs. Today, as I write this article, was one of those days for me. However, in the end, I realize the importance of shaking that “chip on my shoulder” as quickly as possible. Experience tells me that the more negative my thinking is, the worse off I feel, the less productive I am, but most of all, my negative attitude affects the people closest to me, my family. How about you?

“If our thinking is that important, why then do we spend so much time filling our minds with garbage?” The garbage you let in leads to “stinking thinking!”

Our 3 year old never watched a movie, or seen a television show with violence, until a few months ago. My wife rented a movie from the library about a dog. This dog happened to go back in time during that of the Civil War. As you can imagine, there were guns and killing. Though it was not graphic in any sense of the word, what happened? Now everything he picks up resembles a gun. He runs around the house shooting everyone and everything, saying, “I am going to kill you.” The same thought that was running through my mind when asking my wife why she rented the movie. Prior to his seeing the shooting and killing, he never would have had a thought like that. However, once the negative image had been locked away in his mind, it became a thought that he acted upon. You see this all the time with our youth being influenced by Hollywood. That is another article in itself.

In closing, our thoughts are powerful. Choose your programming wisely, and work hard to think positive. They say it takes more muscles in your face to frown than it does to smile. Smile for goodness sake, you look so much better when you do!

Much love and blessings,
Ron

Filed Under: Personal Growth, TUA Enterprises 2011 Tagged With: Attitude, Challenges, Consistent Effort, Defense Mechanism, Diagnosis, Expression, Human Beings, Irony, Life Experience, Montel Williams, Negative Thinking, Optimistic Perspective, Peaches And Cream, Power Of Positive Thinking, Tank, Taxi, Testimony, Vibration, Violence In Our Society, Willingness

Who wants to be a Millionaire?

July 10, 2010 By Ron Curtis, Jr. 2 Comments

No I am not talking about the Television Game show either! Although, if you consider how popular that show was, then the making of the video games, it would serve as evidence that most people want to be Millionaires….

More proof would be the lottery system. The chances of winning the lottery are basically, “once in a lifetime,” yet millions of people play every week, hoping that they pick the lucky numbers. The irony? These same people complain and criticize about the wealthy? “You can’t have what you speak against.”

We have all heard the stories of people who have won the lottery. Then these same people go bankrupt 3-5 years later. Many times we believe that being a Millionaire is just about money, however, there is much more to it. There is a mindset that is required to create and/or manage wealth.

“You must first think like a Millionaire.” This was one of the quotes that stood out to me when I started becoming more involved in the self development industry. When you consider those winners in the lottery who could not keep the increased wealth that they won, it was an indicator that there is a lot of truth to this statement.

How do Millionaires act? How do they think? What do they enjoy to do? So many questions started to run through my mind because I really, really do want to be a Millionaire. I think one of the main reasons this has always been a dream of mine is because of the options money provides for you in life. Not only can you live your life to its fullest without financial limitations, think about all the good that you can do for others.

There have been many times when our church has been raising money, whether for a missions trip or other charitable causes that were near and dear to our heart, where we just wanted to give them the money needed from an anonymous source. Or, what if a family member and/or close friend is sick and needs an operation they cannot afford and doesn’t have insurance, their need can still be met. There is so much good that can be done with an abundance of wealth. It makes you think about Warren Buffet when he gave $37 billion of his fortune to charities in 2006. What a blessing……

So, who wants to be a Millionaire? Are you willing to become the person necessary to handle the responsibility that comes with being wealthy. Darren Hardy from Success Magazine said, “You can only create and maintain the level of wealth that matches your personal development. Thus if you want to have more (wealth), you have to become more (valuable).”

We have all been given gifts and talents. Should we decide to sharpen our skills, and tap into our true potential, the possibility of becoming a Millionaire, especially in our day and age, is in our favor. If you have the discipline and the willingness to make it happen, then what is stopping you?

“All that might be holding you back are your own limiting beliefs. You only need to embrace your own great potential, cultivate it and release it into the world. The marketplace will remunerate the contribution of your talents with great abundance.” – D.H.

Tap your potential and we will see you at a Millionaire retreat soon!

God bless,
Ron

Filed Under: Personal Growth, TUA Enterprises 2011 Tagged With: Anonymous Source, Chances Of Winning The Lottery, Charitable Causes, Family Member, Game Show, Irony, Lifetime, Lottery System, Lucky Numbers, Millionaires, Mindset, Missions Trip, People Who Have Won The Lottery, Proof, Raising Money, Self Development, Television Game, Video Games, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, Winning The Lottery

Yesterday is gone!

July 10, 2010 By Ron Curtis, Jr. Leave a Comment

So you decide to make some changes in your life. These changes can range from a many variety of things. Perhaps you decided it was time for a job change, or a re-location of where you and your family are going to plant your roots and settle down. (Yeah, you probably guessed it, a personal experience here)

Interesting how when everything is going your way, the decision to make the move looks fantastic, however, should anything start to go wrong, you begin to second guess yourself. You start to think along the lines of, “we shoulda……..” However, if not making the decision to change wasn’t what you really felt like was the right choice, then you probably wouldn’t have made it. Let me give you an example.

When we lived in Virginia, we were very settled. We owned our own home with land, carpet company, all new vehicles, and were definitely comfortable. However, both my wife and I hated what we did for a living. I was never home, most of our relationships were negative, and we were ready for something new. Something challenging and life changing. A chance to do something we loved and escape the lifestyle we were not happy with.

The opportunity came about in 2005, and we acted upon it. At first this decision was definitely accepted as an excellent move on our part. The new business we partnered in was flourishing, we had more time together since the business was all internet based, and everything seemed perfect. Good bye VA and hello MI!!

Then it happened. One, stupid, unethical business decision, and everything changed. Something so small turned out to be so huge and it changed everything in a matter of moments. As things started to quickly spiral out of control, we lost our business, and now all of a sudden the decision to move wasn’t looking very good! We started thinking about what we left behind, the carpet company we had, the life we were living, no struggles or worries like any of the new challenges we were now facing. Instead of focusing on the future and looking for solutions in the present, we started to feel sorry for ourselves and began focusing on the past. The way things used to be. How we wish we never woulda…….. or we coulda…….. or we shoulda……..

Yesterday is gone! The decisions you made, when you made them, were based on the circumstances you were experiencing at that time. Like I mentioned earlier, if life was so good, why would you have been seeking change in the first place? Sometimes, OK a lot of times, in life, what you anticipate happening doesn’t always happen exactly as you planned. However, once you made the decision to change and acted on that decision, there is no going back. Accept it, and instead of focusing on yesterday, plan for tomorrow, and live for today!

See, had we never made that one stupid mistake, we would more than likely be Millionaires today. However, should we have not made that one stupid mistake, we would not have grown and become the people we are today. Though sometimes it is easier to feel sorry for yourself and regret certain decisions you might have made in the past, yesterday is gone forever, no matter what you do, that choice you made has already come to pass. Rather than dwell on your mistakes and wish you would have done things differently, learn from your mistakes, accept the fact that we are not perfect, dust yourself off, and start taking the necessary steps today to make tomorrow the way yesterday could’ve been!!

We need to stop beating ourselves up. Failure is a stepping stone for success. It isn’t a matter of, “am I going to fail,” but “will I get up and keep going when I do?”

Live for today, create for tomorrow!
Blessings,
Ron