Category Archives: courage

Dreams of the Bottom Billion – A New Approach To Curing World Poverty | Anik Singal

believe, courage, good habits, learn, mentor, mindset

 

Dreams of the Bottom Billion –
A New Approach To Curing World Poverty
~Anik Singal~

 

Today I  am sharing a rather unique idea by my colleague Anik Singal. Watch the video! Thought provoking! … Michael

Hey!

Since I was a small child, my Father had always instilled the sheer importance of EDUCATION.

Since I was around 10 years old, I would go around saying that I wanted to build SCHOOLS all over the World and help children who couldn’t go to school.

A dream, but as I grew up, I started realizing just how BIG the problem really is.

3 Billion+ people in this World live on less than $2.50 a DAY…

After learning this – my wife and I teamed up with an amazing couple in India and we started on a mission to do our part. We wanted to figure out a MODEL that could work all over the World… and FIX this problem.

After 6 schools … 600+ children … 4,500+ community members…

We think we’ve found the PERFECT MODEL!

SO, WHAT WAS MY DREAM THE LAST 4 YEARS?

I wanted to get on a TED stage and show everyone my new CURE for Poverty.

I want to shake the entire Non-Profit sector up and I think the way we are approaching World Poverty is completely wrong. So, I’m proud to announce that I finally got my chance!

I recently spoke on a TEDx stage about my approach to curing World Poverty! I’ll even give you numbers and PROOF that you just can’t deny!

LIVE before your eyes – watch this talk and you won’t have a choice but to believe it!

TED Talk – My New Approach To Curing World Poverty…

But I could REALLY use your help getting this message out there…

The more people that see this TED talk, the more my wife & I can do. We can build even more schools….reach more children….. help more people!

Take Action!

So, here’s what I’m asking from you…

#1 – Please go and watch the Video…
#2 – Please click on the THUMBS UP…
#3 – Please leave a comment
#4 – Please share this video with someone you know!

I really want to get this message out. I think we can change the World together.

Watch TED Talk – Dreams of The Bottom Billion – My New Approach To Curing World Poverty…

Thank you so much!

Anik Singal
CEO, Lead Fighter
Lurn, Inc

Social Media – a great way to make new friends

A Day in the Life, courage, giving, intuition, life, mind, Travel, trust


Over the years Social Media has been blamed for many things such as feeding peoples addictive behaviour; creating face to face communication breakdown; the breaking up of marriages etc. It is not Social Media that is to blame but the choices you as an individual make. In most cases it is used as an excuse for all these social issues.

However I do acknowledge that most of us including myself check our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram accounts daily. Yet it is a means of keeping in touch with our family and friends and what is happening in the world. We used to spend hours watching TV, reading newspapers, writing letters or talking on the phone. Now we have instant access 24/7 the world over and that is an incredible advancement in communication…. we simply need to be sensible in how we utilise this service.

I personally have found Social media to be a godsend at times in my life when I have experienced periods of loneliness or in times of stress and hardship. In using Facebook as an example, I have found like-minded and empathetic people around the world who have been ‘on-line’ friends for years. And in my opinion they are true friends whether you have had the pleasure to meet them face to face or not.

Social media allows you to share your experiences and adventures and our photographs of family and friends and our interaction with others will tell you allot about that particular person. The old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words runs true. In the majority of cases I can judge the calibre’ of the person by the  subject matter of their photographs along with the types of  memes (pictures with messages written on them) and the various posts that they share.

And I have confirmed my ‘intuition’ by meeting many of my Facebook friends from all over the world and as many of you know, I am currently meeting and staying with some of these  ‘Facebook’ friends for the very first time. They have entrusted their own instinct and intuition from having  known me on-line for many years………. And I am most humbled and blessed for their trust in me. And so I have now enhanced many of these friendships with people that I would most likely never have met had it not been for Social media.

Of course to clarify, many ‘friends’ on Social Media are just acquaintances so to speak. However my point is that Social Media can indeed be a positive experience provided you are sensible and practical in it’s application and inclusion in your daily routine.

Michael E Thornley
Author and Lifestyle Entrepreneur

Think Critically. Wake up. Keep your head on a swivel.

courage, focus, intuition, learn, mentor, self, trust

Think Critically. Wake up. Keep your head on a swivel.

Today’s Blog post is from one of my coaches and mentors J T DeBolt. 

Michael E Thornley
Author, Lifestyle Entrepreneur &
World Traveller

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My boss tried to kill me (and what I did to him next)

True story: Back in 2007, I was flying a routine logistics mission with my commanding officer who, like me, was a combat-decorated and very seasoned aviator.

The mission was simple: fly from sunny San Diego to Fresno, California.

Easy day.

Except…

When we took off out of San Diego, it was the typical postcard weather: sunny, light breeze off the ocean, gorgeous.

When we approached Fresno an hour later…dense fog. For miles. And it was our turn to land.

My commanding officer (“Skipper” as we called him) was flying the approach while I sat in the right seat and backed him up by placing my hands gently on the controls.

As we descended, we plunged straight into the dense fog and entered the disorienting world of instrument flight; the Skipper was laser focused on the instruments as I kept a watchful eye out the window for the moment we broke through the fog.

And then, it happened. The most terrifying moment of my entire flight career.

I felt the Skipper pull a little too much power, and the aircraft sank at an alarming rate of decent. As we fell out of the fog, my heart slammed to a stop as I looked up to see…a tree.

Instinctively, I yelled, “WAVE OFF!” and shoved the throttles full forward.
Skipper pulled back on the controls and the airplane roared to the sky…missing the ground by mere feet.

We came within a fraction of a second of slamming into the ground, and leaving behind widows, orphans and a smoking hole in the ground.

There was no time to discuss, not time to negotiate and no time to consider options. We survived a near catastrophe because of a very important behavior: I questioned my boss’s authority.

And yes, he openly encouraged that. That’s what exceptional Leaders do.

Of course, there’s a “right” way and a host of ineffective ways to do it. And I discuss this in-depth on today’s episode of The High-Altitude Mentorship Show™ podcast:


http://jtdebolt.com/entrepreneurship/why-you-should-question-authority/

Look, this is an important trait for High-Performers, especially in today’s “sheeple” society, where most people blindly follow celebrities, politicians and self-appointed “experts”.

Just because the “gurus” and “thought leaders” are pumping others full of sentiment and “follow your bliss” propaganda doesn’t mean you have eat what they’re shoveling.

Think critically.
Wake up.
Keep your head on a swivel.
And question these “experts” always.

Including (and especially) me.

It may never come down to a life-and-death decision, but questioning authority will at the very least keep you from falling asleep at the wheel, blindly following flimsy rhetoric and prevent you from creating a “smoking hole” in the ground of your business, career or life.

You have my permission to question authority (not that you needed it). Now we’ll see what you do with it.

Fly High. Fly Fast. Fly Far.

JT

Rich Dad Poor Dad- 4 Pillars of a Good Life – Wealth

courage, full potential, mentor, mindset, self, teacher

                                Rich Dad Poor Dad- 4 Pillars of a Good Life – Wealth 

Today i am sharing with you a video from my Youtube  Channel featuring Robert Kiyosaki on the Oprah Winfrey Show a few years ago.

Robert Toru Kiyosaki (born April 8, 1947) is an American businessman, investor, self-helpauthor, educator, motivational speaker, financial literacy activist, financial commentator, and radio personality. Kiyosaki is the founder of the Rich Dad Company, a private financial education company that provides personal financial and business education to people through books, games, seminars, blogs, coaching, and workshops.[3] He is also the creator of the Cashflow board and software games to educate adults and children business and financial concepts…. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

I agree with Robert’s philosophy and it continues to ring true. It is our ‘mindset’ that holds many of us back from achieving our full potential. We need to break away from the archaic education system that teaches us to be ’employees/followers/serfs/workers’. We have been brainwashed to serve others. Time to serve OURSELVES!

Michael E Thornley
Author and Lifestyle Entrepreneur

Travel- Become a DreamTrips member and begin your adventure!

It’s the ultimate travel club community–travel anytime, anywhere. You’ll experience customized travel opportunities and valuable deals at fine restaurants, energized clubs and exquisite hotels.

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Rhino’s – On the brink of extinction

balance, Conservation, courage, focus, full potential, giving, good habits, mind, mindset, passion, plan

                                                       Rhino’s – On the brink of extinction

MORE THAN 5,000 RHINOS HAVE BEEN POACHED IN SOUTH AFRICA SINCE 2010. ONE RHINO IS KILLED EVERY 6 HOURS. RHINOS WILL BE EXTINCT IN THE WILD BY 2024, IF WE DO NOT ACT NOW.

As many of my friends know I have been a conservationist all my life. No not a ‘greeny‘ as such but a realist in that sometimes ‘mankind’ MUST assist in the conservation of all that Mother Earth nurtures.

More often than not is is because of ‘Mankind’ that species are threatened or become extinct.  However we also have the power to try and rectify the atrocities caused by archaic beliefs or simply from greed and some weird ego play these modern day so called sporting  ‘hunters’ have.

Rhino’s (Rhinoceros) the world over have been hunted and poached for their horns or forced to the verge of extinction by increasing demand on their habitats.

Breeding herd of White Rhinos at Australia Zoo, Queensland Photo- Michael Thornley

I for one support captive breeding in order to save the species and there are many movements that are working hard yet need our support to achieve this.  Withing the Order of the Southern Cross Organisation of which I founded in 2010, we have a Conservation arm- CSO-OSC Conservation of Species  group committed to the education and awareness of ‘mankinds’ effect on all living things.
                                                       CSO-OSC Conservation of Species
And I personally support the International efforts to create breeding populations of all 5 species and subspecies to assist in the protection of those remaining in the wild.
In addition, I encourage the education of certain traditional cultures surrounding the NON aphrodisiac properties in the keratin of a horn and the reduction of poverty in the  ‘poaching’ communities of Africa.

The following is just one of fabulous International efforts to save the White and Black Rhino’s by relocating 80 individuals to Australia.
The Australian Rhino Project

 

Michael E Thornley
Author & Lifestyle Entrepreneur

Solitude – Why solitude is good for business and your life

believe, courage, dreams, energy, goals, good habits, Healthy lifestyle, mindset, passion

Solitude – Why solitude is good for business and your life

Greeting and blessings to all,

Once again my own mindset is in alignment with others. I am ready to take my ‘Bardic Gypsy’ tour from June this year to…….. whatever and wherever the Universe takes me.

Catriona Pollard is another I subscribe to both in the physical sense to her mailing list but more importantly to her mindset, her values and her guidance.

So I share with you now  her Email about Solitude and recharging that which is within. Part of the reason behind my road trip is to have that solitude, recharge my soul and experience the many wonders that Mother earth has out there waiting for us.

I am creating the life I wish to lead. No one else will do it for you. Many long hours and sacrifices have got me to this point where I can live the the ‘Laptop lifestyle’ I yearn for…. yes there are still some issues to overcome, but they are all external issues. In my heart and in my soul I know it is right for ME!

So what steps are you taking to make your life ‘RIGHT FOR YOU‘?

JUST DO IT & MAKE IT HAPPEN! 

Smile 🙂
Michael E Thornley
Author, Entrepreneur & Traveler
The Bardic Gypsy Tour starts soon!

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Why solitude is good for business and your life
by Today’s Guest Blogger Catriona Pollard

Over Easter I decided to have a holiday on my own. I’m not talking about booking a room at a fancy hotel for a couple of days R&R. I chose to walk about half of the world famous (and gorgeously beautiful) Great Ocean Walk in Victoria on my own.

While I’m a born hiker, I’ve never walked on my own. Some of my friends and family were concerned, but I just knew I would be okay.

The thing was. I craved solitude.

Why it was joyful

I loved the solitude because I deliberately chose it. It didn’t have any tinge of loneliness because it was self imposed and intentional which felt positive. It allowed a settling of thoughts and a burst of creativity. It allowed me to simply let ideas and concepts float to the surface.

Walking with butterflies

I didn’t need to fit in with other’s priorities or needs, just my own. So often in our lives – personal and professional – we can walk on paths that others choose for us – or that circumstances of life chooses for us.

 As I was walking all I could hear were my footsteps, the crashing of waves against the massive cliffs and the rustling of gum leaves in the trees. At times, I was joined by butterflies as I walked my path. And it truly felt like my path.  

Connected but isolated

Even though I was on my own I felt really connected. So incredibly connected to the world around me, to my creativity, to my thoughts and ideas, to my sense of self and to the people who texted me every evening to make sure I was safe.

Seeing the beauty

As I walked I took the time to create ephemeral sculptures. Finding interesting sticks, stones – whatever caught my eye, I created sculptures which I simply left there. This practice represents the transitory nature of our lives, our problems and issues we face. We can create beauty from simple things around us.

My walk was a gift to myself
My limbs were aching, my toenails bruised, and as I finished the last few kilometres I felt like a warrior woman. You know the “hear me roar” kind of feeling. I’m now back in front of my computer with renewed energy for myself and my business!

So is there time for solitude in your life?

Here’s to seeing you in the spotlight.

 

Catriona-Pollard Solitude



Catriona Pollard
From Unknown To Expert
CP Communications

 

P.S. I ran a session last week for top level executives about personal branding and media. You know, I just love teaching people about these topics. Chat with me about speaking or training in your organisation.Contact me here.

Catriona-Pollard Solitude

~ Want to build your profile, drive sales and be known as an influencer? Find out how in my book From Unknown To Expert and the Acceleration Pack ~

Sort through the Chickens to find the Eagles!

achieve, believe, courage, focus, full potential, goals, mentor, mindset, passion, plan, trust

” Sort through the Chickens to find the Eagles! Do you want to scratch around like chickens or soar with the Eagles?”

I love this analogy and this is true in life as in business. Many are simply happy and content with living their same old same old routine and that is fine. Whilst others wish to experience more in life and push out and motivate themselves to improve their lives…. that is fine too.

However, we will find that some of these chickens are envious of the eagles and so they mock the young eaglets as they try to fly. Yet when the Eagles do finally fly, the chickens become jealous of the freedom that the eagles have achieved in soaring high.

We all need to reassess our life’s plan at time. So ask yourself this question “am I happy with where my life is heading to or indeed where I have arrived at this particular moment in time? If so great 🙂 ……..  If not then ask yourself this “‘ What can I DO to make the necessary changes to get back on my life’s pathway. Remember, this is YOUR pathway.

To achieve this journey you need to remove those negative jealous chickens and surround yourself with other eaglets and eagles. Follow and learn from those that have achieved the life that you wish to have. Make a commitment to yourself to ‘Achieve Your Dreams’. There are very few things in life that are impossible to achieve. I agree that it is unlikely that I will ever be President of the United States or the Pope. However with all due respect to those that are elected to these most important public offices, I have no desire to be either of these roles, even if I could. This is NOT my life plan. But it is theirs and I admire and respect those that achieve their ultimate goal.

I have worked hard and long to get the lifestyle I wish. Yes I have made a great many sacrifices in both time and money. This is all part of the adventure! Yet with receiving some support along the way from those that at least believed in me, even if they do not necessarily agree with my method of achieving my lifestyle,  I am now well on my way to achieving my dreams!

YOU can do it too. Look around you. Who or what is not serving you and hindering you. If it is a thought in your own mind that is stopping you from achieving your goals, then work through it! Push out of your comfort zone, push away those that are planting these negative seeds and take a chance! If you don’t take chances in life then you will never achieve your full potential. Take a small step now…. then another and you will see that it is not that bad afterall. Yes it can be a daunting  but ‘just do it!.

Michael E Thornley
Author and Entrepreneur

And World Traveller- join me at Dream Trips

 

Music has the Ability to lift You from the Depths of Despair

achieve, courage, full potential, light, mindset, passion

Hi,
Well the past week for one reason or another has been a ‘tough’ week for me. But alas I   always manage to get through it. Those that know me personally know I suffer from a form of Depression …it is actually common knowledge as I openly talk about it. NO not just being depressed or having the ‘blues’. It is a physical illness. But it is what it is.

However, I am also a strong individual and I always manage to find ways to self motivate myself through my creativity such as my writing. Talking of books in the last 2 weeks I have published 4 Books on Amazon.com in Kindle form ( E-book)
– Twists of Fate
– A Day in the Life
– Dating on a Budget
– Who is in Your Family Tree

However I also find I resonate with my music even more at these times. And with that I made two incredible discoveries. One NEW and the other was looking further into the background of a song I liked. AND it has certainly inspired me to try my best to keep going………. especially on the  path of life I have chosen and the Universe, in all HER wisdom has chosen for me. Not quite sure what SHE has in mind for my future but hey, I will continue on this path of creativity and discovery.

Firstly allow me share with you  the 4th Power on YOUTUBE
They are four young ladies, sisters, from the Philippines who flew to London to be on the X-Factor UK!….I will say no more JUST WATCH THEM!!!!!! CLICK HERE!!!!!!!!!! Fabulous!

Secondly, last year I discovered Postmodern Jukebox and the song ‘All about that Bass’

I looked further into the band behind it and discovered the talents of Scott Bradlee. How about I let him explain what they are all about as I share the email I received from Scott with you!…… Michael

Postmodern Jukebox

We take pop music back in time. Check us out on YouTube / iTunes / on tour www.postmodernjukebox.com

 

Hey there Michael,

Dust off the turntable, fix yourself a stiff drink, and make yourself at home. Welcome to the world of Postmodern Jukebox.

What is Postmodern Jukebox? To put it simply, it’s pop music in a time machine. It’s today’s hits as they would have sounded if they were recorded decades ago, by the stars of yesteryear. But, thanks to the amazing community that has grown around this concept, it’s become so much more than that.

I started putting Postmodern Jukebox videos on YouTube back when I lived in a basement apartment in Queens, NY, and I’ve continued making them ever since. Every Thursday, I release a new Postmodern Jukebox (or ‘PMJ,’ if you’re hip like that) video that puts a different popular song through the ‘vintage’ filter, with the help of a large rotating cast of some of the best musicians and vocalists in the world.

There are literally HUNDREDS of these videos in the PMJ YouTube library, so that’s a great place to start. The Postmodern Jukebox universe is not just online, though. You can also experience PMJ live on tour all over the world and see these incredibly talented performers bring these arrangements to life. It’s the New Year’s Eve party in Old Hollywood that Sinatra would have attended; come dressed in your most glamorous attire and dance the night away to the songs of today as you’ve never heard them before. 

Most importantly, this is a community. What started in my basement apartment became a YouTube phenomenon – and then a touring phenomenon – all thanks to amazing people like you that know the importance of keeping real, live music alive. From this moment on, consider yourself a part of Postmodern Jukebox. We’re building this very special place together, and the adventure is just beginning. But for now, the night is young. Let’s fire up the Jukebox and enjoy another tune.
~SCOTT~

 

That feeling you get when a cop starts to follow you

blog, courage, energy, focus, good habits, intuition, learn, mentor, trust

Our guest Blogger today is J T DeBolt.
I am sharing an Email he sent me which is relevant to us all 🙂

Michael EllisThornley
Creator of the Wealth Flow Formula
‘Aspire to Inspire before you Expire’

“Last summer on a family road trip I saw a guy pulled over on the side of the road in a late model Hyundai. It was the typical scene:

The cop, with his lights flashing and hand on holster, was leaning on the roof of the car as the poor guy fumbled for his driver’s license and whatever else the cop asked him for.

The moment barely registered in my sleepy mind before I noticed that a different cop was now following me. I had been getting drowsy from a long drive and was no doubt weaving like a guy with nine beers in him.

What happened next is probably something you’ve experienced once or twice in your life.

Instantly wide awake, I scanned my instruments and saw that my speed was about two ticks over the speed limit; well within legal range. I felt my foot lighten and the engine give in just a bit.

My thoughts went from “License is up to date, registration is good, insurance is paid in full…” to “What’s to worry about? to “WHAT’S THE DEAL?!?!”

Then came the lights.. Not the cop’s headlights, or the flashing red and blue overheads… but all of them.

Instantly my brain lit up and flooded my bloodstream with adrenaline…just as the cop pulled away and raced off to whatever crisis she’d been dispatched to.

Damn…that was close. And I was left feeling a mixture of relief, annoyance and exhaustion as my adrenaline dissipated. (And maybe a hint of “amused”…)

Ever experienced that?

Almost everyone has, and not just while sitting behind the wheel of an automobile.

Sometimes, we see evidence of someone going through a tough time; could be a broken relationship, a career rut, a financial flatline or a stagnating business. We slow down and observe from the relative safety of our own “driver’s seat”…until the cop pulls in behind us.

We look down at our metaphorical speedometer and see that we’ve been racing along mindlessly and fallen behind on our goals.

We realize our driver’s license of life has expired due to our own negligence and inattentiveness.

And due to our focus on the “small” stuff (bills, nagging neighbors, bickering family members, increasing waistlines…) we start to drift out of the lane that is supposed to take us to our dream, to our mission.

We are literally asleep at the wheel of our business and life. And now that cop called REALITY is pulling us over. Or worse; we never wake up, and drive off into the oblivion of a mediocre life.

You can either fight through it on your own, mask the sleepiness with the “caffeine” of another escapism TV program or social media binge…

…Or you can wake up. For good!”

Fly High. Fly Fast. Fly Far.
J.T. DeBolt
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3422347961190940929

Growth Mindset or Closed Mindset

believe, business, courage, full potential, intuition, learn, life, mindset, teacher, trust

Our guest blogger today is Yuri Elhaim. I recently received an Email from him and I would like to  share it with you here because it not only applies to a business mindset, but also to the potential outcome of one’s personal life.

Ask yourself…. Do you have a ‘growth mindset’ or a ‘closed mindset’?
” How you interpret challenges, setbacks, and criticism is your choice. You can interpret them in a fixed mindset as signs that your fixed talents or abilities are lacking. Or you can interpret them in a growth mindset as signs that you need to ramp up your strategies and effort, stretch yourself, and expand your abilities. It’s up to you.”

Michael Ellis Thornley
Creator of the Wealth Flow Formula
‘Aspire to Inspire before you Expire’

“Here’s the deal:  Your business (and your personal life) is exactly where it is based on one thing and one thing only…

Your thoughts.

Without going into a big metaphysical lesson here, let me just
say that the biggest difference between those who achieve
greatness vs. those that settle for mediocrity is little more
than mindset.

You get exactly what you think about most of the time.

And so I challenge you to start thinking bigger because amazing
things can happen when you do.

The two forces that make anything “real” are desire and belief.

By focusing on what you want, instead of what currently is…

And actually believing you can have it, you’ll be amazed at what
happens. 🙂

Case in point:

‘Yesterday, my brother (who runs operations for us), told me that
one of the largest food distributors in Canada is excited to
produce and distribute our All-Day Energy Bars, which would save
us 50% off our current cost and sell nearly 10,000x as many!

They even said our bars are the BEST bars they’ve ever tasted and
likely the healthiest as well (at 14g of protein and 16g of fiber
with little to no sugar).

So we’re in the process of something HUGE.

And, out of the blue, 2 BIG (and separate) opportunities for
monster media buyers to make a ton of sales for 2 of our other
products fell into my lap just a few weeks ago’.

Big things are happening and I don’t say this to boast but to
illustrate what’s possible when you think big.

How did this all come about?…………. I honestly don’t know.

But for months I’ve been telling myself and visualizing that “I
expect and receive miracles in my life every day”…And that…“I always attract the right people to help my business grow.” (or attract positive people into your life if you believe in what you ask for!)

Sometimes all we need to focus on is the WHAT.

  • Let the HOW take care of itself………you have the gift to create magic
    out of thin air. And your mind is where it all starts.
  • Don’t be limited by those around you.
  • Break through the status quo and challenge yourself to think and
    believe bigger.
  • Go after what you want because if you can think it and believe,
    you WILL achieve. It’s law!

Yuri Elkaim
….. is a NYT bestselling author and CEO of a highly respected 7-figure online health business, which has transformed the lives of more than 500k people over the past 7 years.