Spread Your Sunshine and Help Me Spread Mine!

Guys, Gals, Friends, Pals, People I may not even know are here... Lemme let you in on a heavy issue facing my daily routine...

I have become disturbingly, chronically, unhealthily: Passive Aggressive.

It's True.

And It's Bad...

You see, this lifestyle of mine (That I LOVE!!) affords me the opportunity to Study.

I have been in a constant study for the last 4 years, and in the most recent 10 months, it's been solid.

I've told you here that I read lots. Books on self development, spirituality, business, living richly and so much more.

I haven't told you that I listen to hours and hours of podcasts per week. Zig and Dave and Rabbi Lapin along with other seminars that come along through email, and so much more.

I have a membership to the Free Agent Academy. There we work through dynamic programs of inner-development. Our individual Calling and tons of other cool concepts leading toward an awesome existence of self-employment and free-agency are explored, and so much more.

Also my scholarship to Philosopher's Notes is used regularly to immerse myself in the classic literature. This includes new-age ideas, ancient religions of various types, successful rulers, poets, scientists, inspirers and so more.

SO! Why am I now suffering?

Of all this information that I have immersed myself in, I have found many common themes of success.

I can pinpoint in a quote or story or a song, when someone has hit on the Universal Truth of the Way of God.

The Way of God is about enlightened living, constant growth, gratitude, courage, contentment, faith, success in service to others and Yes; abundant wealth too. (this is a really, really short list!)

It comes in many names and types of explanations. It has been recorded by thousands of people and events throughout history. Those who's words we read today, because they were people of such importance, that their ideas have lasted thousands of years, lived and loved these principals.

Now - I hope that you're still with me :)

I believe in the truths of Unlimited Potential we are capable of! And, I am, at this point, a keen Noticer of the traits of success.

I want to see them in You!

I want to see them in Me!

I want to see them Everywhere!

I have the Truthful Understanding that we All have an Unbelievably Powerful Intergalactic Rockstar Energy inside each and every one of us! No One Is Exempt!

I would love to keep typing all through the night and day, never skipping a moment, using every fiber of my being to share and encourage and inspire and quote and combine these ideas with relate-able real-life stuff that You could possibly connect with, in some small way, even just a beginning way :)

However, I'm heartbroken with myself that I am currently only confident enough, to share that stuff, as enthusiastically as I do, here in this format. In real life, as mentioned, I have become disgustingly Passive-Aggressive about it all. I let the opportunities go by, and then resent myself for doing so.

You see, the everyday conversation, of too much of the world around me, is less about the awesome possibilities we have every day on this spectacular planet, and MORE about What is Wrong With It.

Honestly, I used to be a bona fide Professional in that sport! How glad am I to know now the wastefulness of spending my precious time on negative self-defeatist and critical-of-others thinking.

As I type this, I am participating in the exact thing that is shutting me up, and bringing me down by recognizing and criticizing negativeness around me.

I am therefore, caught smack in the middle of a growing-pain in my life.

I will, at some point soon, be strong and confident enough to share or discuss or let slide off of my Rhinoceros-thick-skin, the comments and conversation of people that only seem to want to discuss the why-nots of life.

Wish me luck, this is a BIG TOUGH DEAL for me :) And I am weighing myself with the same stone, as I also still slide into that mental muck on occasions...

One spark of brightness? I'm pretty sure, that at the headquarter office of K and G Cycles, the nickname given to me by my co-workers is "Sunshine!!" :) they haven't said it specifically, but I've heard it a few times...

YES!!!!! AHA!!! PROGRESS!!!! At ma' old job - Attitude was always on the list of areas to improve...

I'm sure you can relate on some level to speaking or hearing the complaining, the clever-criticizing or the pre-forecasted failure of something before it ever has a chance to succeed.

I confidently can tell you this: In NONE of my studies of success is this a trait that is Ever present in someone who is about to kick-booty and make a positive change in the world.

That, my friends, IS what I would be thrilled to become. As a conduit for God to use, at some time in my life!

I would love to hear about the things you Are For, and the Cool Dreams and Goals and Aspirations You Have!

Just FYI - a healthy respect for money and living without borrowing it, IS on the list, even from ancient times... not one of the great philosophers or religions recommends using payments for purchasing anything, and yes Debt has been around that long...

So THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! For hanging around to hear these words!! It means so much to me to be able to share this honest insight with you :)

Tomorrow I begin a weekend trip on Sterling that will let me add to the 'ol A Shell and A Stone blog. Can't WAIT to tell you all about a weekend on the motorcycle with my Love, Lindsay!

Please keep me in your prayers as this life-long journey of self discovery unfolds. I need you dearly my friend, this life experience is a Team Effort!

Sincerely,

Aaron Nichols

True North Financial Fitness Coaching
aaron@truenorthffc.com
785-218-6134
http://www.truenorthffc.com/

Got a leaky Wallet? Bulging budget or none at all? Dilapidated Debt that you're sick of living with? You are losing hard earned dollars every month! Let me show you how to spackle the cracks and firm up your financial foundation. DIY or using my professional services, either way, the best time to fix your finances is Now!

TMI?? You know that's how I roll!

A Manifesto is Brewing...

Every Thursday, on this blog, I'm throwing out the most writable thoughts that come to mind between 5:00 and oh, maybe 8:00.

Lately I've enjoyed posting real-life silliness and seriousness that is fun to write and therapeutic for me to share.

After posting, especially a personal topic, I just love to watch the Stats page climb through the next few days. It shows me the results of how many visits have piled up.

I am amazed and blessed, flattered and honored to have a regular following of readers of these words. Thank You, Thank You, THANK YOU!

You may wonder about the "Ready for Better" topics and their origin? As I've stated, my thoughts are a scrambled high-voltage buzz of white noise that goes with me everywhere I do, maybe yours are the same??

During my daily brain bombardment, when a tasty topic or observation comes to mind, I have a piece of paper that I scribble it on. I am now on paper #2 since beginning this blog in the fall of 2010. Like paper #1 before it... It's a random patterned mess full of scribbles!!! :)

BUT, I am struggling with a certain topic. In fact, I've put off writing it several times. It seems too big to jump into, and with it comes risk and fear :)

You see, I LOVE the fact that you are reading this right now. I want to engage, inspire and share with you.

I do not however think that all of my thoughts are palatable to everyone. Some things may push a boundary beyond entertainment or even inspiration and into new world of thought...

I can see, that from my previous-self's point of view, it could come across just as uncomfortably crazy as Alice's trip down the Rabbit Hole.

However, I have been irreversibly changed in the last year. Just like Neo in the movie the Matrix... I have taken the Red Pill.

New Truths have been shown to me. They have opened my eyes.

I now live with a New Perspective.

And... I LOVE IT!

But, as the saying goes... "The only person who likes change, is a baby with a dirty diaper."

So, as I struggle with finding ways to share these new perspectives. Please, please know that from the beginning, every step of my journey, was meant to help someone else find hope and answers in their own situations. Whether it be purely financial peace that someone is reaching for; or just to raise their own awareness that they deserve Better!

So far, I am failing at directly helping the people in my community through personal coaching. This was one of my goals that I've yet to fulfill.

Here lies the root thoughts that are growing into something bigger than a blog post.

My recent experiences and new perspectives have started the simmer of a brutally honest, viciously raw and searingly white-hot Manifesto of ideas that, when written, will leave me gutted wide-open, vulnerable to all...

I am not sure that I am fit enough to explore further down this rabbit hole right now. It's scary...

but I'm training for it :)

You as readers, have shown me with your visits that when I am most personal and most honest, the most of you show up...

I wonder how far you'll go with me on this journey??

The time is not now to decide Red or Blue, but I hope for all of us that when it is time, You and I will have the Courage to Try.

Thank You again for being here with me on this blogging adventure. It really is much more than that. Ready for Better is my personal journal, told through show-and-tell.

I hope we are all appreciative of each blessed day that we have been given on this Earth.

I truly do Love You. Thank You. I am literally thrilled with You being here with me!

Stay tuned, who knows what fun could come from all of this!!

Sincerely, 

Aaron Nichols

True North Financial Fitness Coaching

aaron@truenorthffc.com

785-218-6134

http://www.truenorthffc.com/

Got a leaky Wallet? Bulging budget or none at all? Dilapidated Debt that you're sick of living with?  You are losing hard earned dollars every month! Let me show you how to spackle the cracks and firm up your financial foundation. DIY or using my professional services, either way, the best time to fix your finances is Now!

Aaron's Insecurity - A Tale of Balls and Walls

I have to be the most insecure Guy in the known universe.

I'll prove it right here.

This picture (from my backyard) has four main elements.

• A Garden
• A Volleyball
• A Set of Golf Clubs

Can you guess what the fourth is?

The symbolic Wire Cage around them all? Yup, Dang; You Smart!

The wire fencing represents the barrier in my mind that has kept me from Trying new things throughout my life.

All 3 of the hobbies in the picture are things I have recently decided to give my very first ever effort into trying.

Back to the insecure part... 

All 3 are things I used to be too scared, too embarassed, too nervous or too chicken to even attempt.

Seriously??

Yes. 

That little wire cage really doesn't do justice to the enormous mental Wall that I used to have built around attempting anything that might involve Failing.

Fear of Failure...

actually

Fear of Failure!!

has probably been the most costly emotion that has ever entered my heart.

Somehow, my entire life, up until recently, I have carried around a humongous weight.

It sounded like these thoughts:

• If you make a mistake, you're a screw up. 
• If you fail at trying something, you're a failure as a person. 
• I fear looking stupid in front of others.

ummmmmmmmm

wellllllll

I recently figured out for myself that...

I was completely wrong about that!

Actually the TRUTH is:

• If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes.
  John Wooden
• Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.
  Henry Ford
• He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.
  Ralph Waldo Emerson

So, maybe some of these ideas resonate with you?

Surely you haven't been:

- afraid of planting a few vegetables (because the plants will all shrivel up and die, or produce a poisonous fruit that kills you dead, telling the world that you're a fool for trying to plant a garden!) 

or

- afraid of joining a Sand Volleyball League (because you'll miss the ball every time, get winded, fall down and die in the middle of the court!)

or

- afraid of saying Yes to play in a Free golf tournament (because every ball you'll hit will go sideways, you'll lose all your equipment when you drive the cart into the lake and everyone will yell at you to get off the course, after which you'll die!)

Okay, maybe there's a little exaggeration in there... but you get my point?

Somewhere in the last year, when I decided to jump out of the mainstream world and try my own thing, I figured out that even when all kinds of things don't go like you planned, and goal after goal has gone unreached... You Still LIVE to see another day!

Then, taking that knowledge, and feeling much free-er, and confident that, by the Grace of God, life will go on, even if things don't go perfectly... 

I decided to TRY the challenges that came along my path and presented themselves to me.

Guess what: It's been a BLAST!! 

Learning that I can grow and expand my "normal" self in ways that I didn't know was possible has been nothing short of amazing, in my own mind.

Sure, these may seem like little things to you but... You aren't :

The most insecure Guy in the known universe!!

So: When new ideas, or challenges come along your way, do you jump at them with vigor? Or do you pass on them with Fear being the main reason?

If talking about improving your financial situation, so that you end up with More Money and Less Stress sounds like your version of Gardening, Volleyball & Golf... well, I know just how ya feel!

I know that taking that first step, and telling yourself that you are worth it; is key. Guess what, if it doesn't work out, you will go on living to see another day. And that my friends, is the new beginning of your fantastic fresh world of possiblities!

In fact, if you work yourself out of debt and have lots of cash on hand, and Hate it, then the bank will surely loan you enough to get back to where you started!... 

You CAN begin the journey to debt-freedom today. You ARE capable of living the life of your dreams. You Will succeed when you set your mind to it. I believe this about You with all My Heart :)

So! Enough rambling for tonight.

I'm gonna' work on my swing, swat a few serves and yank some weeds before this night is over...

'Cause truthfully, I need lots of practice at all this stuff; heck, I'm just a beginner!!

(oh yeah, and I grew my hair out too... I know: I've completely lost my "normal" mind... THANK GOD!)

 

Sincerely, 

Aaron Nichols

 

True North Financial Fitness Coaching

aaron@truenorthffc.com

785-218-6134

http://www.truenorthffc.com/

Got a leaky Wallet? Bulging budget or none at all? Dilapidated Debt that you're sick of living with?  You are losing hard earned dollars every month! Let me show you how to spackle the cracks and firm up your financial foundation. DIY or using my professional services, either way, the best time to fix your finances is Now!

 

My Tattoo Story

Wicked Tat, Right! No, not mine, just one of the millions of pics easily grabbed online these days of people and their unique ink!

As an artist by trade and by nature; I believe that images and artwork are some of the highest and most effective forms of communication among the human race!

To wear artwork permanently on the skin, well that brings it to a whole new level... or does it?

I have always been interested in tattoos. I remember as a teen, planning and plotting the epic 18th birthday tattoo.

Well 18 came and went. I guess the permanence of the whole idea was the main reason for putting it off. I never really feared the pain, but I couldn't wrap my mind around "forever" on my skin.

My mind changes so often, my tastes evolve, and that fear of Commitment has kept the needle far away from ever touching my epidermis.

Although... when I consider that over the last few years, I have personally made permanent, life-altering and drastically radical changes to my actual LIFE... I don't know what the big deal about a little ink is!!

Here's  a little list of things that I am proud to have made a Commitment to Changing Forever.

• I was an active casual smoker throughout my 20's... Been Smoke Free since my 30th Birthday.
• On my 31st Birthday, gave up Pop/Soda/whatever ya' wanna call it... Forever.
• On my 32nd... well that one's personal, but also a good one :)
• During my journey to Debt-Freedom, I saw the future-robbing power of borrowed money and have given it up FOREVER. (been completely debt-free since Jan 4th, 2010)
• In the last year, I've re-connected with my Church home and I know that from now till the next beginning, my connection with GOD has been reignited :)
• Almost 1 year ago, I gave up the stable solid world of a "good job" and began bushwhacking into uncharted (for me) territory of entrepreneurship and extreme self-reliance in the career world.
• Also since making the leap to self employment, I've learned so much. I now have a totally new brain-wave thinking about the meaning of Stuff, it's power, and the lack of power it has over me now. I wouldn't trade this freedom I feel, every day, for any brand new car: Yes, even the Mercedes G-Wagon! (they are really cool though!)

So, since this is a random cross-section of things that I have made Permanently part of my life now... What was the big deal about the tattoo??

Actually, once the ink is embedded... there really isn't anything else to do but wear it. It shows up when you do, and it's not something you have to constantly work at.

These intentional life changes ARE a constant work in progress...

I have had the desire for a smoke, a coke, an easy 5 grand, sleeping till noon on Sunday, and even all the Stuff that makes other people think you've really made it big...

So, the challenge is daily, not easy-schmeezey, but Soooo worth the Effort.

As one of my heroes Dr. Wayne Dyer says: "True Nobility, is Not about Being Better than Someone Else. It's About Being Better than YOU Used to Be!"

Ahhh... YES!

So my questions to you:

• Are you ready to make a permanent life-change? 
• What holds you back from leaping forward down a new trail? 
• Do you think You have the power to decide your own destiny?
• Do you see outside forces holding you back, or have you realized that the true battle is internal?

I can guarantee you this, if you choose to improve your financial situation and get out of debt. You will not immediately become happy. 

However, you will immediately, begin to see a whole new world of opportunity unfold before your eyes. And in the pursuit of those new adventures that you undertake because you Choose to, not because you Have to... Happiness will begin to pursue You!

I guess, wear-able artwork still isn't high on my priority list.... But I'll ask this guy, if I ever change my mind :)

Just Kiddin :)

Sincerely, 

Aaron Nichols

True North Financial Fitness Coaching

aaron@truenorthffc.com

785-218-6134

http://www.truenorthffc.com/

Got a leaky Wallet? Bulging budget or none at all? Dilapidated Debt that you're sick of living with?  You are losing hard earned dollars every month! Let me show you how to spackle the cracks and firm up your financial foundation. DIY or using my professional services, either way, the best time to fix your finances is Now!

The Little Blue... P' P' P' Powerhouse!

I Think I Can, I Think I Can, I Think I Can!

One of my favorite childhood bedtime stories, (and there were tons of 'em!) was The Little Engine that Could.

Seeing the cover here, really takes me back to a hot summer night at Ten 'Oh Three, South Hickory in Ottawa, Kansas... With the attic fan moving cool air through my bedroom after a late evening bath... Hair still wet, tucked under a sheet in my smurf-print underwear and a metallic-glitter-print Dukes of Hazzard T-shirt reading one of these great Golden Books :)

Anyway, the story is about a happy little train who's broken down, but has an important payload that must make it to the other side of the mountain. There are lots of stuffed animal toys and dolls and red-cheeked apples for all the little girls and boys :)

They were in desperate need of another engine to help them out.

The few different trains who came along at first had their own reasons to pass by, until finally the little blue engine showed up and decided to give it a shot.

The main quote from this little story still resonates today as a great lesson.

You can do incredible things when you tell yourself "I Think I Can, I Think I Can, I Think I Can!"

When I bring up all this financial stuff... And openly talk about being Debt Free, using the simple solid financial principals taught by Dave Ramsey and many others... What are your first thoughts?

Are you like the Shiny New Engine?

"I am a passenger engine! I have all the shininess and cushy comforts of brand-new-ness. My financial ways have brought me this slick stuff. It costs a lot. I am in debt, but I have good credit and I can make my payments. So I am not interested in working my way up and over the debt-free mountain." 

Or are you like the Big Strong Engine?

"I am a freight engine. I have important sophisticated ways of handling things! I have a strong income and I do things my way. I can pull heavy loads and make big things happen. I do not need to bother with these little ideas. I am too powerful to need to be up and over the debt-free mountain!"

Or are you like the Old Tired Engine?

"I am tired. I have had such a long and strenuous journey. I am rusty and need a break. "I cannot, I cannot, I cannot see myself chugging up and over the debt-free mountain." 

Or maybe, just maybe, you are just like the Little Blue Engine!

"I am not the strongest, or the biggest. I have never attempted something like this before. I do see how important it is to get to the other side of that debt-free mountain! I want to see what life is like over there!"

So determinedly you start say to yourself "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!"

Getting off to a slow start is okay, because by having true belief that "You Can"... Then reaching the top is possible and the Ride down the Other Side... will be Breathtaking!!!

Remember that the whole point of this story is to help the little girls and boys? Yes, our journey to debt-freedom may bring unprecedented joy to us... but think of all the good things we can do for the little ones in our life, when we have not a payment in the world and we just want to give and spread God's love!

If you've got that Little Blue Engine inside of you, then I am your biggest fan! I know what it's like to make that journey myself, and I'll cheer you on in any way I can. I believe you can do it, and I hope you do too!

Sincerely,

Aaron Nichols

True North Financial Fitness Coaching

aaron@truenorthffc.com

785-218-6134

http://www.truenorthffc.com/

Got a leaky Wallet? Bulging budget or none at all? Dilapidated Debt that you're sick of living with?  You are losing hard earned dollars every month! Let me show you how to spackle the cracks and firm up your financial foundation. DIY or using my professional services, either way, the best time to fix your finances is Now!