Contents

Title
Copyright
Join the Conversation
Dedication
Acknowledgements
P relude
Introduction
Chapter 1: Spiritual
Chapter 2: Intellect
Chapter 3: Health
Chapter 4: Career
Chapter 5: Finance
Chapter 6: Social
P utting It Together
Review P lea
About Author
Resources

Escaping Average
18 Tips to Spark Positive Momentum and
Transform Your Life

Cynthia Tripathi

Copyright 2016 Cynthia Tripathi

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including
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without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the
case of brief quotations embodied in reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
www.sparkpositivemomentum.com

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www.sparkpositivemomentum.com

DEDICATED TO
Mark G arrett
This book is dedicated to my biggest supporter and encourager from
day one. His faith and confidence in my skills kept me plugging away. I
couldn't have written this book without you. Thank you so much for
your dedication and encouragement!

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

There were a handful of people who contributed to the success of my

book and helped to make it better each and every step of the way.
Chandler Bolt and his team at Self-P ublishing School played a major
role in this book writing and publishing process. I couldn't have made
the leap without them. They guided me along the way and helped me to
publish my very first book. I thank you all for your willingness and
drive to help authors around the world.
All of my family and friends who read and supported me in this
endeavor - you are wonderful and I am so grateful for all of you!
Kudos to each of you and to the readers who will spark positive
momentum in their own lives.
Cheers to you!

Prelude
Life gets busy and messy and can seem overwhelming at times. Too
often do we get caught up in the mundane daily activities that take up
our time, and life quickly passes. There's always laundry to do, dishes
to clean, emails to answer, and a million other tasks that consume our
days. One day, you wake up and realize you are still living the same
ordinary life you were living a year ago. Sadly, many people fall into
this trap of mediocrity. If you want more out of your life, you are not
alone.
Life is meant to be prosperous and full of growth. In this book, I
am going to show you how to achieve abundance in every area of your
life by following some simple tips to improve your overall well-being.
You will learn how to progress your life and produce incredible
satisfaction. This book is for you if you feel stagnant, want to break
away from everyday humdrum, and reach greater fulfillment. This book
is not for you if you are content with where you are and do not wish to
experience more positive growth.
As a master of self-progression, I have read countless books on
every category of personal development and practiced numerous
strategies on my own. I have created an enormous amount of progress
in my own life by focusing on simple daily improvements to achieve
true balance. As I continue in my daily journey of immense growth, my
goal is to help you reach your potential. I want to share with you how
you can feel more alive every single day.
If you are looking to gain positive momentum in your life and
move in a direction that will bring an ultimate sense of well-being, this

book is for you. This book is the guide for simple and effective daily
tips that will leave your reward centers booming.
You can implement the strategies in this book today with ease
right from where you are. Sean, a P hysical Therapist from Sacramento
says, "I read a ton of books on productivity and marketing and this was
a perfect escape from that. Escaping Average forced me to take a step
back and look at the bigger picture in life, something we should all do
from time to time. The book is easy to read and Cynthia keeps it
interesting throughout by mixing in action plans, real life stories, and
interviews. I love the overall message of the book."
With this book, you will accomplish small victories every day
that will help you ultimately achieve the life you've always dreamed of.
I know you want more from your life than simply settling for average
and the mundane. This is why you picked up this book and are still
reading. You will experience positive results from implementing the
tips in this book and constantly feel a sense of accomplishment every
day that will drive your life even further.
Don't let life pass you by without taking the bull by the horns.
Take control of your life today, and reach utmost satisfaction. By
reading this, you are already moving in a direction to greater
fulfillment.
This book is divided into six sections: Spirituality, Intellect,
Health, Career, Finance, and Social. These categories contribute to our
overall sense of fulfillment. The tips in this book are backed by current,
solid research and real life stories of people already thriving in each of
these areas.

We go through different phases or seasons in life where we

typically are strong in certain areas and need improvement in others.
You are certainly welcome to read this book beginning to end;
however, I suggest reading one chapter at a time and focusing on the
tips in that part of your life to start creating lasting, positive change.
Remember: when you work on improving yourself, you can better help
those around you.
You get one life. One body. One mind. One spirit. Make it a
priority to make it the best life you possibly can. Motivational coach
Tony Robbins calls it Constant and Never Ending Improvement. Let's
start now.

Introduction
Fulfillment is defined as satisfaction or happiness as a result of
fully developing one's ability or character. The key in that definition is
developing your character. How often do you work on your character
and developing yourself? Sadly, most people don't; average people
don't see this as a valuable aspect of their life.
Fulfillment stems from this development, and you must work on
yourself to truly be fulfilled in your life. Gaining momentum in your
life is important because momentum gives you energy and thrusts you
forward in some sort of direction. Momentum is powerful, but it doesn't
have to require daunting amounts of effort or work. Albeit, work is
required if you want to live a fulfilling life; however, the effort can be
fairly miniscule. The key is consistency.
Baby steps can have lasting changes in your life. If you want to
achieve certain goals such as being more fulfilled, it can seem
incredibly scary and frustrating if you haven't even begun or don't
know where to begin. When you focus on little steps each day, it's
amazing how much you can accomplish over the course of your life.
Fulfillment stems from each part of your life working together in
magnificent ways. If one part of your life needs work, that's okay
because you should constantly strive to better yourself no matter
where you fall in that journey. You don't need to do monumental
things to have an enormous impact. Small makes a difference. If you
commit to goals early on and write them down, it will be far easier to
stay on track. You can make your life more than average just by simply
being consistent and taking small steps every single day to gain
momentum in your life.

As you read through this book, keep this in mind. Getting from
step one to step 1000 is scary. Getting from step one to step two is
manageable, achievable, and builds your confidence. Before you know
it, step 1000 is right around the corner.
The average person spends five years waiting. Waiting in lines.
Waiting in traffic. Waiting on people. Waiting for the perfect moment.
We are constantly waiting. Why is that? Why wait to be happy? Why
wait for fulfillment? Why wait for tomorrow?
I don't know about you, but I'm sick and tired of waiting, so give
it a try. Don't just let life slip away. Be more proactive. Stop waiting
and start achieving more out of your life today. Better yet, let's start
now.

Chapter 1
S PIRITUALITY - FIND FLOW
"W ho looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes." -Carl
Jung

In this chapter, we are going to discuss the first element of your

life: your spiritual self. Every part of your life begins with nurturing
your soul and learning more about who you really are.
We look at spirituality first because this is the foundation for the
other parts of your life. Just as you can't build a house without a solid
foundation, you can't progress your life to its fullest without working
on your essence. We will look at what spirituality is, hear from a
spiritual master himself, and learn about three simple ways to achieve
greater fulfillment with your own spiritual practice.
Close your eyes for a minute, and look deep within yourself. What
do you see? Do you see physical elements? Or do you see a part of
yourself untouched and unexplored? Who are you really? Can you see
and understand the depths of your soul? Let's examine why this is
important.
"Everyone has a responsibility to be spiritually healthy," says
Brian Korbelik, Director of Scottsdale Body and Brain Yoga and Tai
Chi Center in Arizona, who has been running the practice for over six
years. Brian has spent years of his life developing his spiritual self and
now helps others to reach this level of enlightenment.
"When we really develop our full potential inside, we're capable

of much more than we realize. Everything starts with the brain. If you're
fulfilled on the inside, then you know how to utilize things in the best
way outside of you.
"I was valedictorian of my high school class, I went to a
prestigious college, and my family gave me plenty, but I was so
miserable. I was in a place of anxiety and unhappy with my life.
Anxiety lowered the quality of my existence. I felt confused about life
and the point of being here. I hit rock bottom. I knew medication
wasn't the answer. Through intensive meditation, I felt breakthroughs
and hope for the first time in many years. It brought me to tears when I
felt that. It was a joyful tear. I had reset the path for my life.
"Spirituality is not chosen, but it is an aspect of everyone's life.
P eople need to have an awareness and awakened consciousness.
Naturally, this leads to being spiritually healthy, and naturally your
senses wake up. Every human being has an energy system. When you
tune into your breath, you can quiet your thoughts and reconnect with
your body and mind.
"You need to manage your energy well and realize we're all one on
this earth and with this universe. We're all here on this earth together.
If we're truly living healthfully, that means we're living a life that's
healthy for ourselves, for others, and for the earth. This is being
spiritually healthy, what we call an Earth Citizen.
"When we're really disconnected from ourselves and the state of
our being, we've lost touch with that natural healing system inside.
When you clear toxic energy from inside, you start to treat people
differently. You need to know yourself if you really want to change.
I've never seen anything like our practice that really helps people do

that.
"Everyone needs some kind of mind-body practice. P ractice is
very important. Find what works for you, whether it's through your
daily meditation practice or a yoga class. Whatever it is, you need time
to connect with yourself.
"I felt like I had lost myself before taking care of my spiritual
health, and that's the worst feeling. Now, more than ever, I feel fulfilled
with my spiritual self. No matter what your circumstances are, look
inside for your solutions. Nothing on the outside will ever fulfill you
or make you happy. If you aren't fulfilled inside, despite whether you
have a lot of money, a great partner or a great education, nothing on the
outside will ever make you happy. Know yourself well, and realize
there's nothing to fear.
"Bottom line, find something that helps you connect with yourself
truthfully and sincerely inside. We rely way too much on doctors when
in reality we're our own best doctor. Get to know yourself well.
"It's just like when an auto-mechanic wants to fix a car. They can
try to fix all the first loose bolts they see, but when they study it,
watch it, keep seeing it and noticing what's really there, they can fix it
very quickly. Same thing with us. When you connect with yourself,
you can unlock a vast amount of potential you never knew was there."
Research shows that "spirituality is linked to greater life
satisfaction and well-being via positive mood states, high self-esteem,
purpose, and overall quality of life" (Journal of Religion & Health,
2015). Spirituality deals with matters of the soul. It has to do with the
spirit -- your soul or your inner life. As Brian mentions, this is a key

component in fulfillment.
Spirituality is distinct from religion in that it is associated with
your specific purpose in life. One can be religious and not spiritual
and vice versa. Being spiritual is being one with yourself and is
something many people often overlook as an important part of their
daily existence.
Having meaning in life and a sense of purpose is important when
times get tough. Life has unexpected trials and challenges that force us
to grow in unimaginable ways. Believing in something greater than
yourself is essential to fighting through the tough times. Otherwise,
your willpower and strength to persevere is left empty, and you see no
point to keep moving forward.
When you know your life is important and has meaning, you can
rely on your inner soul to help you battle through the challenging
stages. When you know you are here for a reason, that you are created
with purpose, and that your being stretches far beyond your physical
realm, life suddenly has a reason for living.
Your soul is your essence, your true being. It is the very core of
you, something which exists deeper than your outer layer of skin and
hair. Just as food nourishes our bodies, we need to feed our soul with
nourishment as well. Without it, our souls cannot flourish.
I have outlined three key tips to help you gain momentum in your
spiritual life that will keep your outlook broad, your soul fed, and
your spirits high.
Nature

"Looking at beauty in the world is the first step of purifying the

mind." -Amit Ray
Do you ever go outside and stop to notice the creation all around
you? The planet we live on and the natural beauty all around us is
incredible. Go watch a sunset or sunrise, and you'll feel that beauty
wash over you. The colors in the sky, the shapes of the clouds, and the
feeling you get when you watch a really good sunset can have a
profound effect on your soul. Can you believe this is the world we live
in? It's absolutely beautiful and remarkable. After all, the best things
in life are free.
Nature is the soul of the earth. Similar to how our bodies
encompass our being, the earth encompasses its being, which can be
seen in nature. Nature is, by definition, natural. It was created with this
earth. Nature as a whole is vast and serene. It has unbelievable calming
effects. It is a part of the earth that emanates her beauty. Nature depicts
the depths of the earth's soul, and since you are one with the earth,
nature is one with you. It is your home.
When was the last time you truly took the time to appreciate
nature in all its glory? You drive by it in your daily commute, but
when do you immerse yourself in nature? This is the first simple step
for achieving greater spiritual fulfillment.
Go outside. No matter rain or shine, wander outdoors and take a
long, contemplative look at what's around you. Look up at the trees,
grass, mountains, lakes, oceans, hills, clouds, and sun. Even if you are
in the middle of the city, look up at the sky. Feel that you are a part of
this creation.

Have you ever gone skiing and been awestruck at how beautiful
the world looks from the top of a mountain, especially the utter silence
as snow falls and everything is covered in fresh white powder? If you
haven't, I highly encourage trying it. It will blow your mind. This is
the power of nature.
It is so monumental and tremendous that you can't believe it is
real. When you go out into nature, you will appreciate the earth's
beauty in a completely different way. Outside of the city hustle and
bustle, there is life on this planet that screams the pure soul of the
earth. As Brian said, we are Earth Citizens. It's time to embrace that.
The valleys and hilltops, flowers, and sunshine. THIS is the world
you live in. Appreciate it. Forget all the noise and the people. Just be
one with you, yourself, and your mother earth who birthed you.
Feel the warmth of the sunshine on your skin. Sun gives life. It
gives the earth energy. It gives you energy. It energizes your soul. Feel
it as it touches your skin and realize it is natural. This is the universe
bearing energy particles on your physical being and your planet's
being. Soak in the natural healing power of the sun; it gives you life
and breath.
Look up at the night sky, and stargaze frequently. At least once a
week, look at the stars, planets, and galaxies. Watch an eclipse of the
moon. Stargaze alone or with your family and friends.
Just the other night, I spent hours watching a rare blood moon
with family. We brought bean bag chairs and lay beneath the night sky,
watching the moon as it rose above the mountains wearing a deep, dark

red color. We saw shooting stars and satellites throughout the night. It
was a peaceful autumn evening.
Looking up forces you to see life from a different perspective. You
can see how limitless the universe is and how small you are in
comparison. It makes personal problems seem quite miniscule. You
don't ever truly realize this until you ponder at the night sky for an
evening.
Your eyes are the windows to your soul and also the windows to
the universe. Realize life encompasses more than you and the planet
you live in. You are part of a greater plan and purpose for this life.
Looking up at the stars will open your mind and connect you
spiritually to the universe around you. So get out into the natural
beauty that surrounds you! Now that you've become more humbled by
nature, let's take a look at how to express our souls.
Examine Yourself
"W hether you're keeping a journal or writing as a meditation,
it's the same thing. W hat's important is that you're having a
relationship with your mind." Natalie Goldberg
Nature causes deep contemplation about your life and the world
we live in. When you're out in nature, your mind has an array of
thoughts that float in and out of your head. Getting these thoughts out
of your head and onto paper can have profound effects for your life.
Our minds are constantly racing with so many thoughts.
Whatever consumes and is a part of your life entraps your mind. Work,
school, relationships, money, kids, and traffic are among the many

thoughts that occupy our minds on a daily basis.

Releasing all your thoughts will free your mind for better
connection with yourself. You shouldn't bottle up your feelings
because when they go unheard for long periods of time you will
eventually reach a breaking point and burst. Journaling allows for this
release of all your emotions. It is pure rejuvenation of your soul.
When you get your thoughts out onto paper, your mind is
suddenly open for more information. Our brains have an incredible
capacity for information; however, too much going on in your head can
cause stress and other issues. If you've ever had so much going on in
your head that you weren't able to sleep, you can relate to this turmoil.
You need to release all negative emotions so you have room for
more positive emotions. Journaling is a way of healing yourself and
your soul. It's a way to be heard, and human beings have this need to
be listened to. Sometimes finding someone you trust who will listen
and hear you isn't always possible. Other times, you want to keep your
thoughts private. Writing in a journal is the perfect solution. It helps
you be heard without the criticism of another person.
There is enormous power in writing things down. This is why
people write down their goals and keep daily food journals when they
want to lose weight. It allows you to closely examine your thoughts
and parts of your life in an eclectic manner.
Journaling is also a phenomenal record keeper. Your life is
constantly changing. What is going on your life today will be far
different from a year or five or ten years from now. When you are able to
look back at old journals, you can bring yourself back to a certain part

of your life. You can see the progress in yourself and how things have
changed. Seeing that progress is life changing. Being able to track and
measure your personal growth is an essential component of fulfillment.
Journaling is a cleansing mechanism that helps you look deep
inside yourself and impact your personal reflection. You may even see
the world in a different light because it will help broaden your
perspective and cleanse your soul.
Keep a daily journal, whether it be by your bed or in your desk.
Keep it near you and plan on journaling every day. Journal daily for a
few minutes and see how much you have to say. If you have nothing to
say, write about that. Write down whatever comes to mind.
Find a good time to journal every day, and be consistent with that
time. P ersonally, I've found incredible success with journaling at the
end of the day, within a few minutes of bedtime. Journaling at the end of
the day is great because you can release all your emotion from the day
and wake up the next day with a fresh perspective.
Some people like to journal in the morning and write down their
goals for the day. Or maybe you need to write something down that
just took place so you can remember everything you feel at that very
moment. Find a time and place that works best for you. Just remember to
be consistent.
Now that you've written down your thoughts, let's talk about the
process of recognizing your thoughts and how it can impact your
spiritual fulfillment.
Meditation

"Sometimes we create a dynamic impression through words;

sometimes silence creates as significant an impression." Dalai Lama
We've all heard of the mind cleansing powers of meditation.
Growing up, my parents meditated multiple times a day. Seeing as they
are both from India, this a large part of their lifestyle. It is widely
practiced in Asian cultures. Researchers believe meditation began in
ancient India over 5000 years ago. P eople in the East Indian culture
are thus huge followers of this practice.
So why do they meditate so frequently? Meditation is crucial to
your spiritual health. In a recent study conducted, 58 participants
completed a nine day meditation workshop to assess the
psychological effects of the practice. The study concluded that
meditation technique improved the overall mental health of the general
population including satisfaction with life, sense of coherence, general
well-being, and self-esteem (Mitnik I, Harefuah, 2015).
Another study in the Contemporary School P sychology Journal
found that Transcendental Meditation conducted in high school
students for 15 minutes at the beginning of the school day leads to
lower anxiety and higher resilience. After participating in this quiet
time, students self-reported increased sleep, happiness, and selfconfidence (Wendt et. al, 2015). Transcendental Meditation is a
technique for detaching oneself from anxiety and promoting harmony
and self-realization by meditation, repetition of a mantra, and other
yogic practices.
Meditation is self-regulation of the mind. It helps focus on the
present and recognize the thoughts that constantly enter your mind.

Meditation is a practice that emphasizes the very moment you are in

and the very breath you take. There are different forms of meditation;
however, as a whole, the practice focuses on generating awareness of
your thoughts and detaching from them. All thoughts that enter aren't
necessarily the truth we believe them to be.
The initial stages of meditation involve recognizing each thought
you have and then releasing it. This practice develops your ability to
be more aware and have control over the narrator in your head. It
contributes to your ability to live more freely from your thoughts.
The breath is a very core part of meditating as it brings more
oxygen in your blood and relaxes your muscles. This is why deep
breathing is especially important in times of stress. Center yourself and
take deep breaths. Expect your thoughts to arrive, notice them,
visualize them, and release those which you no longer wish to have.
Meditation isn't a means to get rid of thoughts; it is a means to manage
them.
You do in fact have complete control over your thoughts. When
you recognize and implement this facet, you will have a stronger mindbody connection. Meditation as with anything takes practice. The key
is consistency.
Choose a calm, quiet place where you can sit in silence. Choose a
calming room in your home or find a place out in nature. Sit crosslegged with your back straight and chest up. Rest the backs of your
hands on your knees with your palms facing up and your middle finger
and thumb touching. Now close your eyes, and take deep breaths in
and out.

Focus on your breath. Count your breaths. Expect thoughts to

crawl into your head. Simply recognize the thought and let it pass. We
aren't trying to stop the thoughts; we are trying to disconnect from
them.
When you do this act of meditating over and over again,
something incredible happens within you. It has incredible healing
powers. Your mind becomes still. You become present and one with the
earth. You generate awareness of your consciousness. You begin to
understand why meditation is a widespread practice.
Life constantly consumes us and pulls us in many directions.
When you spend a few minutes each day with you and your breath, it
helps you focus on your true essence and soul.
Although meditation can be done at any time, ideally I recommend
meditating after you journal, so that your thoughts can be released and
you can more easily focus on your breath. As you continue to practice
daily, one day, it will click and you will be able to fully rule out any
distractions in your life.
Start with five minutes of daily meditation, and as you are
consistent grow meditation time to up to fifteen minutes. When you
become more and more comfortable with this spiritual practice, you can
decide how long works best for you.
Your thoughts have an impact on your emotional state. You will
learn your mind doesn't wander so much when you don't let it. This is
especially beneficial when the thoughts are negative. You will be able
to recognize the negative thoughts and just let them be without
judging them.

You will gain confidence in rephrasing certain thoughts and

letting others go. Even if only for a few minutes, after meditation you
will feel more grounded. Most importantly, you will feel more
spiritually fulfilled.

The tips mentioned in this chapter can be done simultaneously. I

recommend beginning with each one separately if you have never done
any of the aforementioned activities before. As you get more
comfortable and consistent, you can spend anywhere from 15-30
minutes a day feeding your spiritual body.
Go out in nature, journal, and meditate. If you live in an area
where weather does not permit, you can still do your journaling and
meditation indoors. Listed below are the tangible daily action steps
you can do right now to help you achieve that dose of spiritual
fulfillment.
Be consistent for the next 30 days, and focus your attention on
these three tips. You can do them in any order and spread them
throughout the day. At the end of the month, journal how these simple
exercise have affected you. Journal about your spirit and if you feel
more connected with your true self. Not only will you feel more
spiritually fulfilled, but I guarantee this will spark your creativity to
continuously pursue spiritual enlightenment.
G ive It a Try - 30 Day Spiritual Challenge
1. Spend ten minutes by yourself OUTSIDE in nature embracing
the beauty

2. Journal for ten minutes - Example Questions:

a. What stage of life are you in at this moment?
b. Are you struggling with anything in life currently?
c. What successes have you achieved either today or recently?
3. Meditate for ten minutes
BONUS TIP S:
*Watch the sunrise once a week
*P ractice Yoga
*Take three deep breaths throughout the day
This chapter focused on our inner self. We talked about the effects
of nature, daily journaling, and meditation on your life. These simple
actions can awaken your senses and make you more tuned in with
yourself. When you engage in these activities, you will be more
fulfilled spiritually. This matters because you've laid a foundation for
who you are. There's nothing more important than knowing yourself.
Everything in your life stems from this principle. Once you have
reached greater fulfillment in this area, we are really going to work on
the power of your brain. You've fed your soul; now, let's feed your
powerhouse: your mind.

Chapter 2
INTELLECT - OPTIMIZE YOUR THOUGHTS
"We are our thoughts. We cannot change anything if we cannot
change our thinking." Unknown

In this chapter, we are going to talk about your mental state as it

affects your life. Our brains are incredibly complex and control your
entire life. They have such an impact on the quality of your life, and
your thoughts dictate much of your happiness. The human brain is
capable of much more than we realize, and it's vital to our fulfillment
that we nourish it in the best ways possible.
Have you ever heard the phrase mind over matter? Mental health
affects your ability to enjoy your life. Your mind has a significant
impact on your life and how you choose to live it. Your mental attitude
toward the world plays such a large role that it affects how you interact
with people, the choices you make, and what you ultimately decide to
do with your life.
Your mental fortitude is what separates successful people from
everyone else. It's how Roger Bannister ran the first four minute mile in
1954 when humankind thought it was impossible. It's how ultramarathoners run 100 miles and entrepreneurs succeed after countless
failed attempts. Your mental state determines your drive and how you
take action. Your mind has an absolute power that you do not realize
until you nourish it properly.
Research shows there is a tendency for people to be happier if they
focus on good past experiences and transform negative ones into a more

positive light. Dwelling on anything negative in your life will be sure

to affect your attitude in the world. You can focus on the negative and
be unhappy, or you can look at the positive in each and every situation
and train your brain to think this way. You will feel happier when you
are in control of your emotional state.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that spending
money for an experience can improve well-being. It notes that
volunteering can boost one's level of happiness. Other tips include
spending less time on online social networks, praying with other
people, and practicing gratitude. (Saunders 132-133.)
Let's discuss three ways in which you can feel more mentally
fulfilled right now.
G ratitude
"Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is
the foundation for all abundance." ~Eckhart Tolle
Thanksgiving is a time every November in which Americans
gather together with loved ones to celebrate all the good in their lives.
This holiday is based on a couple key things: lots of food and
gratitude. Why does this holiday only denote one day out of the entire
year to be thankful? The simple act of thankfulness can have profound
effects on your mental state.
A research study conducted by Eastern Washington University in
2015 tested the effectiveness of a week-long daily gratitude 3-blessing
treatment. They found that this gratitude treatment enhanced wellbeing and also continued to increase well-being after the treatment was

over. "The study showed people who practiced gratitude daily,

remembered positive memories more easily. Gratitude exercises such as
this may train cognitive biases that are healthy for your satisfaction in
life."
This exercise is so incredibly simple and effective and can have
numerous positive impacts on your life. We are naturally inclined to
want more. This is the way humans are built because it is essentially a
survival mechanism. In the days of our ancestors, wanting more meant
more clothing, more shelter, and more food to get through the winter.
Today, this wanting curse has gotten out of hand.
We default into constant dissatisfaction with life because if we
just had that ONE more thing, then we'd be happy. We want to meet
that special person, get a bigger house, make more money, get a
promotion, have better body, longer hair, etc., and the list goes on and
on and on.
When you do get that thing you've been wanting, you are still left
feeling unsatisfied. Why? Simply because you can always have more. If
you have ever suffered from this wanting phenomenon, you are not
alone. Everyone feels this way at some point. It isn't necessarily a bad
thing because you can achieve enormous amounts of success with this
thinking. However the problem lies in which it has become a way to
delay happiness and satisfaction in life.
After your basic needs are met, it is up to you to decide whether or
not you are grateful for what you do have. You have many things to be
grateful for, despite all the hardships you may be facing. Everyone has
something to be grateful for. Everyone has something that other people
want. Everyone is given a gift. This is just the way the world works.

Remember that.
The ability to see the beauty in your life versus the darkness is
going to have such a positive effect on your fulfillment. When you
wake up and are simply thankful for a new day and a new chance at life,
your attitude shifts. You are happier and deal with stress in a more
constructive manner. Believe it or not, life becomes easier for you.
Wake up each day, and ask yourself three things you are grateful
for in your life. P ut a sticky note on your bathroom mirror reminding
you to ask yourself this question first thing in the morning, perhaps
while you are brushing your teeth or getting ready for your day.
It could be as simple as being thankful for the sun shining outside
or getting a brand new day. Whatever you are thankful for, remind
yourself every single day. You may even want to keep a gratitude
journal and write your blessings down. After doing this consistently
for a few days, your brain will become more aware to the positive in
your life rather than always defaulting to the negative.
G ive
"Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not
enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So
spread your love everywhere you go." ~Mother Theresa
"We as human beings are called to be in community with each
other." Chris Woodard is the Director of Mission at Valley P resbyterian
Church in P hoenix, AZ. He meets people in the community, identifies
needs that they have, and links them with people from the church who
can help them. They work locally, nationally, and internationally to see

how they can impact our world.

Woodard says, "There's a direct correlation between my work in
the community and the fulfillment I feel in my life. As we're becoming
more advanced in technology, we're becoming global citizens. We're in
a unique position now in our lives where we can be in local settings
as well as global settings."
The mission work his church does includes everything from
education and medical needs to compassion needs. They work in a
variety of programs including Family P romise, which helps recently
homeless families transition into jobs and housing. Mentor Kids is an
after school reading and homework club to help students who have
fallen behind on their education to get back on track. They help a local
Navajo Elementary School collect school supplies and make sure no
student goes hungry over the weekend.
Internationally, they work with Ministry of Hope in Malawi,
Africa, which provides twenty-five hundred orphans food at six
different feeding centers during the lean season. They provide mobile
medical clinics in the village and two crisis nurseries for babies whose
mothers have passed away. They also provide educational
opportunities for teenagers in Malawi and teach sustainability via
farming techniques.
"P ersonally, I feel a calling to engage in the lives of other people
and help out. When I'm able to be a part of their lives, I feel complete as
a person. We're relational people. There's an inherent connection
people have toward each other. I believe it's good for people to get
involved in each other's lives when it's done well and right. It's
something we as people need and crave.

"When I've been able to identify and engage in something I feel

called to be a part of with a purpose behind it, I feel really fulfilled as a
person. It brings me joy, happiness, and contentment. Being a part of
something bigger than yourself is helpful in your development as a
person.
"Each person has a different purpose when it comes to service; it
may not just be working with other people. It could be building or
creating something. When people can identify what that purpose is in
their life, something that's outside of themselves in their community,
that's where the joy and fulfillment comes from.
"Challenge yourself to look outside and see if there is something
you can get involved in. Be bold. Try something out. Even though we
have the ability to communicate like never before, it also can allow
people to become isolated.
"P ay attention to what's going on in your specific community and
look outside your day to day activities. Try serving at a soup kitchen,
volunteering at a homeless shelter, or in an after school program for
kids. Give something a try, and if you do, you'll eventually find what
that purpose is. Don't be content with just living your ordinary life.
Stay involved.
"You can see amazing things happen when people are committed
to weekly service. When you can really invest in something, even just
for an hour a week and stay connected with that for about a year or so,
you can begin to see people flourish in that.
"You have to be intentional about serving your community and

make it a part of who you are. If you do it once a month, that's great, but
when you are able to do things more frequently, such as once a week, it
really can become a part of your life. It could be as simple as working
with a student at the local elementary school, reading with them for a
half an hour a week, and seeing where that relationship goes.
"Sometimes people get intimidated because we as culture are a
culture of soundbites. You'll hear of a person who did this really
incredible thing, like they built an orphanage in Chile. You think to
yourself, 'I don't know how to do that, so I'm not going to do
anything.'
"However, if people can just get continuously involved in
something simple, there is huge power in that. I've seen return in
people's lives, both in the people who are serving as well as the
people being served. Don't feel like you have to do something
extravagant. Do something that's reachable and attainable in your
community, and stick with it.
"I've seen most growth in people who were a little nervous at first
in getting involved with something, whether it was mentoring with a
child or serving in a homeless shelter. When they did it once, they got
past that initial difficulty and fear of it. Then they did it again and
again, and it got easier. Then, it became a part of who they were. It
became second nature for them.
"I've been able to see how people have grown through investment
in each other and community. P eople change because it forces you to be
a part of your community outside of yourself. You grow as a person. It's
neat to see.

"We are people, and we need to be in connection with each other,

especially with people who are different than ourselves. It's easy for us
to stay associated with people like us. That's well and good. But when
people are able to work across cultures, socioeconomic lines, or even
age lines, real growth happens.
"We as people are designed to engage in that. When we do, we
grow as people, and we learn a lot more about ourselves and what it
means to be in real community with our world."
The work Chris does involves in large part giving to others in his
community. He doesn't just give money and food, but he gives his time
with purpose. Giving to others can greatly affect your mental state.
In an article in the Current Directions in P sychological Science,
researchers conducted a study on spending money and happiness
(Aknin & Norton, 41-47). They found that how people spend their
money matters for their happiness. "These experimental studies show
those who spend money on others report a greater sense of happiness."
The rewards can be seen both in the brain and the body. Giving
actually enriches the reward centers of your brain.
Have you ever met someone who is constantly giving or
volunteering their time? Someone who finds pure joy in helping
others and making them feel good? Giving is incredibly important to
our well-being.
If you've ever received incredible pleasure from giving to
someone, whether it be a family member, friend, or complete stranger,
you too have experienced this feeling of elation. Giving to someone
else and helping someone fulfill an unmet need causes our mental state

to achieve an incredible sense of warmth and glow.

Giving has outstanding effects, especially when you know it
made the person feel good. You alone put a smile on someone's face. At
the end of the day, it doesn't matter what you have if you don't share it
with anyone. As Chris mentioned, giving can involve a variety of
different forms.
P eople seem to think they don't have anything to give, and this
simply isn't the case. Examples of giving can include:
* Buying the person behind you coffee at Starbucks
* Writing a letter to someone you love about what you admire
about them
* P utting a note on someone's car telling them they are beautiful
* Sharing your lunch with someone
* Buying your friend's movie ticket
* Giving a homeless person a packed lunch instead of spare
change
* Volunteering your time
* P utting a smile on someone else's face in any way you can
A good friend of mine recently had to do community service for a
traffic violation. She found a program in Washington DC that mentors
women who were recently incarcerated and are trying to get back on
their feet. She said even after her community service hours were met,
that she continues to mentor a girl in the program because she truly
enjoyed the time they spent together. She says it makes her feel good
when she knows spending as little as an hour per week with her
mentee can make such an impact in both of their lives. Her life has more
meaning because of this simple act of kindness.

In a world controlled by money, power, and greed, sometimes it's

easy to forget the good, selfless people in this world. So many people
are willing to give selflessly to others because it's important that we
help one another and relate with each other.
No one ever got anywhere without the help of another. No one.
Giving opens up this new experience and shifts your perspective.
When you realize the world isn't just about your happiness, but also
about helping others achieve their happiness, this comes back to you
tenfold. Just as Chris who makes his life's mission to help others, being
in a community contributes immensely to your growth.
So GIVE. Give today. Give Tomorrow. Give the next day. See how
it changes your life.
Learn
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live
forever." Mahatma Gandhi
There comes a time in your life when you are no longer forced to
learn. This typically ends after school. Learning at this point becomes
voluntary. It becomes a choice, a choice that far too many people forego.
Learning begins after you end formal education because you are in
control of what you want to learn. You are no longer restricted to
textbooks and school curriculums and can actually choose what topics
interest you. So why do so many people choose not to learn anything
again in their life?

Learning takes effort. It requires work. It requires you to read a

book instead of watching TV. Just as with anything in your life,
achieving true fulfillment isn't the easy path. It is, however, the most
rewarding path. By reading this book, you are already taking action to
learn and grow more as an individual, so you have already surpassed
those who don't make this choice.
There is an endless amount of available information about every
topic imaginable. If you want to learn how to cook, there are thousands
of books, blogs, and YouTube videos available at your fingertips. The
same goes for learning about cars, investment accounts, relationships,
etc.
Average people stop learning when they don't have to. They go to
work, watch TV, and never open a single book. You are not average.
You are better than average because you made a choice to learn more by
reading this book. You've decided to take action on your life because
you want more for yourself.
So many people rely on the mainstream media to tell them
everything they "need" to know about life and the world. This is what
average people do. They don't seek to find the truth. Instead, they trust
the media who only filters the information they want you to know.
Because our world runs on money and power, the information
you're fed every day isn't necessarily in your best interest. It's in the
best interest of those trying to make more money and have control.
Therefore, it is up to you to learn from credible sources if you truly
want to maximize your fulfillment. It's your life, and you have to choose
what information you wish to feed your brain.

Other sources of information in the form of books, podcasts,

webinars, and blogs are completely free from media restrictions. This is
where you can actively seek out valuable information on any topic you
wish from experts in the field and people who devote their life to
growing in a certain area. If you want to know more about investing,
for example, you can seek out books from Warren Buffet, one of the most
successful investors in the world.
What's the point of learning? You have already decided that you
don't want to lead the life of an average Joe Schmo. You want more from
your life. You want greater freedom, fulfillment, and happiness.
This is where learning comes into play. No one knows everything.
P eople have to start from somewhere, and books are usually the best
resource. When you engage in constant learning, your mind continues
to expand and grow. I believe self-education is the greatest precursor to
life advancement.
If you choose not to learn, you won't have a knowledge base for
further improving your life. You will know what everybody else is
told to do: go to college, get a 9 to 5, get married, have kids, obtain a
mortgage, eat fast food, pay for cable, and watch the news. These are
some of the tips mainstream society tells you for living your life.
Engaging in the latter isn't a bad thing, but do you think ultrasuccessful people follow the status quo? Absolutely not. They choose
their own path. They choose self-education. Strive to be more than
mediocre. Strive to be excellent. This is the only path to ultimate
fulfillment.
After graduating from college, I never read anything. I thought it

wasn't important anymore. I was finally done with school and didn't
have to open another book again. Over time, I became bored. My mind
didn't feel stimulated. I didn't feel like I was progressing in any way.
One day, I stepped into the bookstore and picked up two books
on self-development and nutrition. They changed my life. I became
hungry for information. I became hungry for learning. I began learning
about numerous topics, which has laid the foundation for this book. I
have spent hundreds of hours and read countless books on fulfillment
and how to achieve more out of life.
Learning will do the same for you. Today it is incredibly easy and
convenient to obtain new information. I challenge you to learn
something new every day. Instead of listening to music on your
commute to work, find a podcast or audiobook to listen to.
Find motivational speakers such as Tony Robbins and consume
your head with positive uplifting content. Read inspirational quotes.
When you are inspired a little bit each day, it can jump start your life.
Your brain will default into positive thoughts instead of negative
mental blocks. Your thoughts have an effect on your life. Choose them
wisely.
P ick a valuable topic and immerse yourself in it for one month.
Let's say you want to learn more about living a healthy lifestyle. Find
an interesting educational podcast that you can listen to on your drive
to work. Find a blog, and subscribe to their email list for healthy
recipes. Read a book on health by reading a little bit each day.
Note how much you've learned by the end of the month and what
changes you were able to implement in your own life because of it. Set

goals for yourself to always learn. When you learn a little bit each day,
you will be amazed at how much you've learned over the course one
month, three months, or even after a year.
P ick a new topic each month or each quarter, and learn as much as
possible. You won't believe how stimulated your brain will be and
how you can learn so much in such little time. We need a healthy mix of
stability and variety. Learning adds variety to your life, which is a
human need.
G ive it a Try - 30 Day Intellectual Challenge
1. Write down 3 things you're grateful for - try to keep them
different every day
2. Give to someone every day. Examples:
* Give a thank you note
* Write a letter to a dear friend
* Call your parents and tell them you love them
* Buy a stranger a cup of coffee
* P ack a lunch for a homeless person
* Let someone cut in front of you in line
* Give a flower to a little girl
* Give anything you can to make someone smile
3. P ick a topic and find a podcast to listen to every day. I
recommend Tony Robbins for incredible motivation and inspiration
BONUS TIP S:
* Learn a new hobby
* Take a free educational class on iTunes University

We learned about our mental state and how our thoughts and
emotions can affect our day-to-day living. We discussed gratitude,
serving others, and learning continuously to keep our brains
developing and alert.
By engaging in these actions, you will achieve great intellectual
fulfillment. Now that we've touched on our inner being in terms of
body and mind, let's move onto our physical bodies to see how we can
efficiently take care of our health for optimal living.

Chapter 3
HEALTH - GET FIT AND FEEL ALIVE
"Take care of your body. It's the only one you get. The only place
you have to live." ~Jim Rohn

We've discussed our soul, spirit, and mind and how it contributes
to our fulfillment. In this chapter, we focus on our physical body. We've
already laid a solid foundation, and we can use that to aid in the
development of our human form.
Our bodies are critical to our well-being because sickness
prevents living a long, happy, healthy life. You must care about the
treatment of your body because if you don't, no one else will. Let's talk
about the importance of your body and three simple ways to feel
healthier and more energized today. First, let's hear from a master in
health and fitness and his perspective on your physical being.
"The reality is most of us only begin to value our health once we
lose it. Then it's too late. You're on your deathbed, or you have
diabetes, cancer or something that's irreversible or much harder to
reverse as a result of the choices that you made. That's the message in
all this." Michael Morelli Jr.
Michael Morelli Jr. is the owner and creator of Hiitmax, a
successful business driven by his passion to inspire people all over
the world to live a fit lifestyle. He has over 125,000 customers
worldwide, 1 million followers on social media, and has helped
thousands of people lose weight and lead a healthier life.

"I was your average kid who played lots of sports growing up. I
was overweight and trying to get a six-pack for the longest time. For
about a decade, I was working out, doing all the fad diets, cardio one
week and whatever the magazine told me to do, without any results to
show for it. My diet wasn't dialed in either.
"It wasn't until about three years ago when my daughter was on
the way, and I couldn't even carry a couple of grocery bags up two
flights of stairs without getting winded. It was rough. Bankruptcy.
Divorce. I was at my lowest of my low. That's when I decided I was
going to figure this out.
"I began to play around with the paleo diet and high intensity
interval training, which at the time I didn't know was high intensity
interval training. I started stringing together exercises in my 1,000
square foot apartment, and all of a sudden I started to see results.
"Fat started to melt off my body. 113 days later, I lost 27 pounds. I
went from about 25% body fat down to 8%. I was healthy. My aerobic
capacity was up. Strength was up. Endurance was up. I had a better
engine. I had a six pack finally at 30 years old for the first time in my
life. That was really cool.
"I took that transformation, and I turned it into a business. I knew
that I needed to get credible. Nine months later, I had five certifications
and a 7-figure business. I went from bankruptcy to a seven figure
business in nine months.
"I don't take it for granted. All that I have now can be taken away.
We need to appreciate what we have. If you're in poor health, you can't
perform, you can't be in business, you can't do things, and you're back

at square one again. The momentum is key. It's all about finding the
groove and building the momentum. And once you have the momentum
and start seeing changes and start to evolve, that's when the sky's the
limit.
"It's so easy to say, 'I'm healthy' and have a bag of cookies or
potato chips or pizza, but in reality you're dying inside. You're not
fueling your body. Think of food as fuel, not as comfort. Because of
society's instant everything -- instant coffee, instant rice, instant
oatmeal -- we live in an instant society so it's convenient, it's easy, it's
quick, but there's ramifications to that. It always catches up to you.
"If you look at the statistics for obesity and heart disease, it's
starting with thirteen year old kids. I've seen reports of obesity at
eight years old. Really? What's going on in that parent's life to not be
so involved? My kids don't know junk food. They don't know sugary
cereal. They know what we give them. They eat what we give them.
"My daughter is three years old, and she's taking her spoon and
eating avocado. At three years old! Why? Because we eat avocado. We
are their example. We need to lead by example. You instill those
patterns and those habits, and the brain doesn't want the garbage.
"I call it the processed food fog. P eople don't realize it because
they've eaten garbage for so long. They don't realize that if they clean
things up, the fog disappears. Life is actually different on the other side
with healthy foods.
"When you've cleaned up your diet for 30 to 60 days, and you go
back to the garbage, that's when you feel lethargic. I do tell my
followers cheating is ok. It builds resilience. As long as you're dialed

in, you can have some fun. You can cheat a little bit. If you're truly
dialed in, you're not going to want to cheat for at least another week.
"Just like everybody else, I look in the mirror. You try on clothes,
and they don't fit you like they once did. That does something to the
mind. Over the last 60 days, I have been in the business working so
hard, there have been times when I haven't been able to get to the gym.
I saw myself floundering on the health front. Something wasn't right. I
was battling. I realized mind, body, and spirit are fundamental and so
important.
"When I'm lean and mean, I have so much confidence. When I'm
lean and I see my abs, the confidence piece is unmatched. When you're
dialed in from both a fitness and health perspective and you look the
part, you feel like you can conquer the world. You really do. That's the
piece that I love so much.
"Real health and fitness is a journey not a destination. I don't
think I'll ever be 100% content. I'm never going to arrive. We don't
ever arrive. I think we're always striving. If we don't stay the course
and if we don't stay around like-minded people, we're going to fall
back. Remove all the toxic people from your life.
"Momentum can go the opposite the direction. There's positive
momentum, and there's negative momentum. You have to understand
the difference between the two. It can get bad really fast.
"P eople want to get fixated on the details. They want to
complicate things. That stems from mindset and some potential mental
blocks. Once you get through that, the sky's the limit. P eople know
how to lose weight. You move more, you eat less. In theory, that's it in

a nutshell. Why do people have such a hard time with that? It's
because of the mental piece.
"What I've realized after creating all these successful programs and
meal plans is that lots of people have had success, and lots of people
haven't. For those who haven't, they stopped doing the plan due to
some fear or mental block.
"The mental piece is the most critical component of health and
fitness. There are millions of great programs out there, but if you can't
get through the mental barriers and realize that you do deserve better
and can have better, there's no program in the world that's going to
work for you."
In Michael's current program called the 100K Challenge, he talks
about how important having a support system is. "There's the support
system. They're supporting each other through setbacks and
celebrating successes. If someone has a bad day, they post a message in
the Facebook community, and we're all picking each other up. That is
now what I'm after.
"We're writing some new programs, and my goal is to put things in
place to help people get through the mental blocks and barriers. To
help them hold each other accountable and to continue to motivate
each other. There's plenty of people that have the motivation piece, but
they don't have the health and fitness piece. That's where the real
opportunity lies.
"My advice is, don't get fixated on the details. Get going. You
don't have to go to the gym. You don't have to do 15 reps and 3 sets of
this exercise followed by this exercise. Get moving. Fill your body

with whole foods from as close to nature as possible.

"Follow a 90/10 rule. 90% of the time you're dialed in, 10% of the
time there's a little wiggle room, and you can have some fun. We don't
want you to not enjoy yourself. I've met so many people who are
waiting for a quick answer about a program that is just a minute detail,
and their mind's saying 'I want one more barrier to get through so I
don't have to start.' Hit the ground running.
"Tomorrow as a beginner, you could do 10 minutes of jumping
jacks, eat whole foods for the entire week, and start seeing results.
You're never upset after a workout. At the end of the day, hit the
ground running, find your groove, and find the momentum. When you
find it, ride it."
Michael has achieved enormous success with his business
because he recognizes some key factors. The mental aspect of your life
is huge. Your mind affects every part of your life, including your desire
to be healthy. He also recognizes the importance of gaining momentum.
You have to find the momentum and then ride it. This entire book is
about helping you find that momentum so you can start to see positive
results in your life.
As a former certified personal trainer, I understand how much
taking care of your body is critical to your life. You only get one spirit,
one mind, and one body. That's it. Take care of it, and it will take care of
you. Your body is your temple. Nourish it properly.
Think of it this way: if you aren't in good health, how are you able
to do anything else in your life? Without your health, you aren't able
to spend time with loved ones, work on your passion, take care of your

family, go on vacations, or participate in anything you love to do.

If you become ill, doing what you enjoy in life becomes a
challenge, especially when you have no energy. Caring for yourself
means respecting the body you were given. We weren't built to live
sedentary lifestyles and eat processed garbage. Our bodies can't handle
it, and they will eventually start to break.
When you exercise consistently and feed yourself whole foods,
your body will thank you. You will have incredible energy, be more
mentally alert, and be able to engage in all the things you love in your
life. You will feel amazing. You will feel confident.
You won't have to rely on endless amounts of caffeine to get
through the day, nor will you feel lethargic. You will have more focus
in everyday activities and this will catapult into every other area of
your life. Beyond these benefits, looking more physically fit is a nice
added bonus for your self-esteem.
There are numerous decisions you make every day that affect your
overall health. It can be the difference between taking the stairs versus
the elevator, the difference between having a side of fries or a side
salad. You get my point? We must feed our bodies in order to survive;
however, we're busier than ever, and our market is saturated with so
many super convenience foods. The problem is these quick and
convenient foods lack very little nutritional content and actually
poison our bodies.
Being healthy in this market can seem very overwhelming. There
are really simple ways to take better care of yourself that entail both
nutrition and exercise. This doesn't mean going on a crash diet and

depriving yourself of delicious tasting foods, nor is it killing yourself

in the gym for hours a day.
Healthy is a lifestyle choice. It can be simple, exciting, and fun. We
will talk about a few simple choices you can make that will help tip
you into a healthier lifestyle today.
Nutrition
You are what you eat. Okay, so maybe eating a carrot doesn't
necessarily make you a carrot, but when you eat well, you feel well.
Nothing has a bigger impact on your health than what you eat. You're
supposed to eat at least three times a day, every day. If you aren't
consuming nutrient dense foods, how is your body able to function
optimally?
Yes, age makes a difference, but no one stays young forever, and
eventually your diet catches up to you. There is no greater effect on
your health than what you put into your body. Unfortunately, most of
the readily available food sold in restaurants and at grocery stores are
quite literally poison for your body. Laden with chemicals and harmful
toxins, food today is made to taste good rather than nourish the body.
Statistics show that heart disease is the leading cause of death
worldwide with cancer coming in as the second. Heart disease stems
from plaque buildup in the arterial walls, which makes it difficult for
blood to flow through them. Where does the majority of this plaque
come from? You guessed it -- food.
Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol can significantly lower
heart disease risk. While nothing is 100% preventable, your diet and

exercise routine make a significant impact on preventing heart disease

and many other forms of physical ailments. Treat your body the way
you want it to treat you.
Fruits and vegetables provide rich nutrients that are important for
the proper daily functioning of your entire bodily system. In the
British Journal of Health P sychology, a study was conducted on how
fruit and vegetable consumption was related to well-being. Beyond
greater life satisfaction and happiness, they found fruit and vegetable
consumption predicted greater well-being, curiosity, creativity, and
positivity.
Fruit and vegetable consumption is related to a broader range of
well-being that signals human flourishing. "Young adults who ate
more fruits and vegetables reported higher average eudemonic wellbeing, more intense feelings of curiosity, and greater creativity
compared with young adults who ate less fruits and vegetables"
(Brookie et. al, 413-427). There is growing evidence that a diet rich in
these foods leads to a happier more productive life.
This advice is so simple and effective, yet we all fall into
temptation of tasty, greasy, unhealthy foods. Consuming more fruits and
vegetables is fine and dandy advice, but I want to show you how to
actually incorporate this into your diet. The best way to adopt new
behaviors is to ease them into your life and be consistent. Depending
on what your current eating habits are, this tip is meant to help you eat
healthier, whole, natural foods.
Make a large salad at the beginning of each week to keep fresh in
the refrigerator for a few days. Start by eating a side salad with lunch
and dinner. One of my favorites includes spinach, strawberries, nuts,

feta cheese, and balsamic vinegar. If you pre-make a simple salad such as
this without the dressing, it will be easy for you to pull it out to eat
along with your main course.
This allows you continue eating the foods you love, while still
being able to sneak more fruits and vegetables into your day.
Remember, this book is on creating momentum to change your life. The
end all goal isn't to only eat a side salad with every meal. The idea
behind this tip is to get you used to consuming healthier, whole foods
where you may not have consumed much or any before.
Another great rule of thumb is to opt for healthier snack options.
Instead of a side of chips, choose an apple or some baby carrots. The
more consistently you make these simple swaps for healthy choices,
the more aware you will be about what you're putting into your body.
Be sure to notice how your body feels and operates when you
nourish it properly. You will feel more confident about your body, and
you will be more likely to choose healthier options long term. This
simple act of adding more fruits and vegetables into your diet will
show you how easy it is to eat healthy. Find your favorite fruits and
vegetables, and stick with eating those. When you enjoy the taste of
healthy food, you will reach for it more often.
With the consumption of produce, we need to address the topic of
organic. Organic is all the rage today, and marketers have used it as a
buzzword on just about any packaged product. What does organic
really mean?
Organic produce relates to the amount of harmful chemicals
sprayed on produce. Choosing conventional or non-organic produce

leads to a higher exposure of Organophosphate pesticides insecticides sprayed on produce to keep the bugs away. Consuming
inorganic produce leads to higher concentration of these toxic
pesticides in your body. (Curl et. al, 2015)
While you think you're doing your body a favor by choosing
natural foods grown from the ground, you have to keep in mind the
chemicals absorbed during the farming process can be incredibly toxic.
Eating organic is therefore important when choosing your fruits and
vegetables.
Organic produce is pricier than conventional, but there is a
solution if you're on a budget. The Environmental Working Group
shares a "dirty dozen" list every year showing which twelve produce
are the most contaminated with pesticides. They also have a "clean
fifteen" list naming the cleanest conventional produce of harmful
pesticides.
I recommend going to the website and either keeping a hardcopy
list of the Dirty Dozen foods in your wallet or keeping a photo on
your phone to easily reference when you're at the grocery store. This
will not only be easy on your health but also on your wallet. Items on
the dirty dozen as of the writing of this book include strawberries,
apples, potatoes, and peaches. Check out the complete updated list at
ewg.org.
Hydration
This is probably one of the simplest tips in the book, so it comes
as a surprise that most people do not get drink enough water! Clean
water is a resource readily available, and yet so few people drink

water.
Your body is made up of 50-75% water. That's over half your
bodyweight! Hydration via water is necessary for your well-being and
overall health. In a recent study listed in Appetite, an academic
journal, researchers found the amount of water consumed actually
affects your mood state. The more you drink, the better mood you are in.
What a simple way to increase your mood!
One can survive without food for weeks, but without water for
only a few days. Dehydration leads to greater fatigue and decreased
alertness. Our bodies thrive best when they are adequately hydrated
with enough pure water.
Without getting into too much of the science, water is essential
for your cells to function properly. Not to mention water helps control
calories, energizes your muscles, and smooths out your skin tone. All
in all, water adds more life to your body. We love water!
I'm sure you've heard of the eight glasses a day rule. I don't
believe in a one size fits all approach, so I have a better solution that
will match your water needs more specifically. A good rule of thumb for
how much your body needs at rest is 1 ounce for every kilogram of
body weight. You can determine your kilograms by taking your
weight and dividing it by 2.2 (there are 2.2 pounds in one kilogram).
For example, a 150 pound person is about 68 kilograms and
should therefore drink 68 ounces of water per day for optimal health.
Now if this person exercises and does other strenuous activity, they
will need to drink more than 68 ounces based on how much water
they've lost to sweat.

A great habit to get into is to drink a glass of water first thing in

the morning before you consume anything else. Water in the morning
awakens your organs and helps break the water fast during sleep. It
will also increase your cravings for more water throughout the day.
Keep a filled water bottle by your bed to make it convenient in the
morning.
Get a water bottle that is easy to carry around and has a measuring
dial to track how much water you've consumed for the day. Thermos
sells an inexpensive 24 ounce bottle that has a measurement dial on the
lid.
Let's say you need to drink 72 ounces of water based on your
body weight. With the 24 oz thermos, you simply need to drink 3 full
bottles per day. After you drink one full bottle, you can turn the dial
from 1 to 2 so you know you're on the second bottle for the day. This is
an extremely simple and measurable way to track your water
consumption.
Try it out for a week, and notice the changes in the way you feel.
It's important to note that you will be using the restroom more
frequently, but this is a great thing! Water consumption increases
blood filtration, and more toxins are flushed out of your body.
Make sure to drink clean, purified drinking water. Swap out soda,
juice, or other beverages at least once per day for a glass of water.
Adopting these 2 simple habits will get you drinking more water
today and for the rest of your waking life!
Exercise

You either love it or hate it. We all know we should work out, but
most people are tired and would rather sleep or relax on the couch after
a long day. If you think back to uncivilized times without technology,
humans were not adept to sitting all day. They were hunters and
gatherers and constantly running around.
Today, with the rise of technology and cubicle jobs, it is too easy
to go from your car to your desk to your couch and back into bed. We
are constantly sitting. You can virtually do almost everything from
your smart phone. With our modern day lifestyles and convenient
technologies, it is far too easy to fall into the sedentary trap and never
get your blood flowing or your muscles working.
The easy route is to succumb to modern technologies to make your
life more convenient. This route isn't so easy, however, when you are
constantly tired and in the hospital for sickness. Exercise is critical to
your health, and there are an enormous amount of benefits; it is
absolutely vital that you incorporate physical activity into your
lifestyle.
When you work out consistently, you lose weight, have tons
more energy and alertness, stronger heart and muscles, younger
complexion, increased metabolism, decreased risk of health problems,
decreased unhealthy food cravings, and so much more that I could
write a whole book on this topic alone.
Too often do we associate exercise with hard and painful work, but
the truth is working out feels amazing when done correctly.
Consistently putting in just a few minutes of day of exercise can
significantly improve not only your fitness level but also your mood.

Apart from the typical running and cardio machines that may seem
redundant or boring, it is surprisingly simple to incorporate exercise
into your lifestyle.
The International Journal of P ublic Health showcased a study on
the effect of a four week fitness program on satisfaction with health and
life. The participants engaged in a four week fitness program comprised
of six strength training exercises twice a week for 30 minutes. Only one
hour a week! The results after this simple exercise regimen were
outstanding. "P hysical performance improved significantly among the
participants and the reported level of satisfaction with life and health
was substantially higher."
The study concluded that measurable improvements in health and
well-being can be seen in as little as four weeks. Therefore one does
not need to spend countless hours of their week exercising. Time
efficient exercise programs are sufficient for an increase in overall health
and life satisfaction. This is wonderful news!
I want to keep it as simple as possible for you to incorporate
exercise into your current lifestyle. I recommend beginning with
exercising three times per week for 15 - 20 minutes, right from the
comfort of your own home. You are certainly welcome to go to the gym
if you are a member, but if you are new to working out and may be
limited on time, fit it into your schedule just three times per week.
If you don't know where to start and need a great way to kick start
your new workout habit, I recommend trainer Michael Morelli. His
personally developed HIITMAX exercise program is for all levels of
fitness that incorporates simple workouts you can do from your own

home in under 20 minutes. The best part - the current 60 day program is
ridiculously affordable.
Follow him on instagram at hiitmax.com/instagram to learn more
about his fitness program and how easy it is for you to start
developing a workout habit and getting in great shape! I've completed
his 60 day program and have nothing but positive feedback. Go check
it out on instagram and his website www.morellifit.com. Start caring
about your health right now!
G ive it a Try - 30 Day Healthy Challenge
1. Eat fruits and vegetables with every meal. P re-make a large
healthy and tasty salad to have with lunch and dinner. Swap out an
unhealthy snack for a piece of fruit or veggies.
2. Calculate your daily water consumption using the following
formula: (Weight (pounds)/2.2) = minimal ounces of water
consumption every day. Drink this amount every day!
3. Get a water bottle with a measuring meter such as the Thermos
Nissan Intak Hydration Water Bottle with Meter, available at Target or
Amazon.
4. Exercise at least 3x/week for 15 minutes - refer to Michael
Morelli's HIITMAX program found at hiitmax.com/instagram
BONUS TIP S:
* P ortion control - eat less. Use a smaller plate or bowl, and only
eat one plate. Wait 10 minutes after your first serving, and see how full

you actually are. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to register
that it is full.
* Learn and cook a new healthy recipe each week. Use P CRM.org
for easy healthy plant-based, whole food recipe ideas.
This chapter focused on taking care of our bodies and nourishing
them with water, proper nutrition, and exercise. When humans first
inhabited this planet, we didn't have any of the modern conveniences
of the 21st century. Obtaining fresh food and water required work, and
as such our bodies were able to get exercise on a daily basis.
That was a part of life back then. Eating food naturally occurring
on the planet was also a part of daily life because this is what the earth
provided for us to survive. As times have changed and we have become
more advanced, so much of life is convenient instead of healthy. Being
healthy doesn't have to be hard or dreadful, but can be more
sustainable than you realize.
The last few chapters have focused inward. They have focused on
developing ourselves from the inside. We developed our soul, mind,
and bodies to achieve greater fulfillment in these areas of our life. The
next half of this book will talk about the external parts of your life.
How can we achieve more fulfillment in what we do for a living?

Chapter 4
PROFES S ION - DO WORK THAT MATTERS
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you
haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle." ~Steve Jobs

In this chapter, I want to direct your attention to an external part

of your life: your career. Notice the emphasis on career instead of "job."
A job is something you go to everyday that pays the bills. A career is
what you do with your life that aids in your personal development and
growth as a person.
We spend the majority of our lives working. For most people, you
will see your coworkers more than you do your own family. Depending
on your profession, work is somewhere you will be at least 40 hours a
week in the US.
Most people don't give their career too much thought and instead
just default into something without ever really taking an inventory of
what they would like to do with their lives. We will talk about why
your career matters, the art of finding your calling, and three simple
steps to make advancements in your career today.

"Do the hard things. It will make life easier for you. If you just do
easy things all the time, at one point when you get older, life is going
to get harder." Lee Cockerell
Lee Cockerell was the Head of Operations for Disney theme parks
in the United States for ten years. In a podcast interview with author

Jeff Goins, Mr. Cockerell gives his advice on success.

"Exercise is hard. But it pays off later. Saving your money - it's
easy to spend your money. It pays off later. Having good relationships
with people pays off later. Invest in those relationships. Going back to
school, studying, trying to learn every day how to be better at your
job. That's hard. But it pays off later.
"But if you lay on the couch, that doesn't pay off later, nor does
spending five hours a day on Facebook. You have to really be careful
where you spend your time, and make sure you're getting some value
out of it. Where are you spending time that's giving you zero value,
that's not working? I saw a guy on a plane the other day playing
candy crush for three hours. Like that's really going to help your
career, you know? He could've been studying something about his
business.
"You've got to know where you're going to spend your time,
where you're not going to spend your time, and make sure you're
spending it on things that is it going to give you the payoff. Most
people have not had that conversation with themselves. They don't
reflect on that. They don't really anticipate what's going to happen if
they don't do those things. A lot of people don't wanna deal with it
because of one reason: it's hard. I tell people, take care of yourself so
you can take care of your family."
Lee's advice is applicable in all areas of your life, including how you
approach your career. If you want a successful career, you must work
hard for it. Don't expect to lay on the couch and formulate a fulfilling
career. You must think about your future and how you can spend your
time wisely each and every day.

What can the payoff look like for someone trying to achieve fulfillment
in their career? Let's hear from someone who is a living example of
what hard work and persistence can lead to.

"I don't believe in luck. I believe in timing." Kelly Strong

Kelly Strong is the owner of Foxy Fix, a very successful start-up
that sells hand-crafted travel journals. The business has grossed over
half a million in sales in the first nine months and isn't slowing down.
Kelly has truly ventured out of her comfort zone to achieve true
success with her career.
"I always knew I wanted to work for myself and work from
anywhere in the world. I wanted to be my own boss and didn't want
anyone in control of my success or failure. I didn't want to have to
compete with employees for the same position. That's where a lot of my
drive came from.
"It's been extremely hard up until this point. School was never a
great experience for me. I wanted to like it, but it wasn't for me. I knew
that whatever I did do, I was going to have to put my all into it. If you
don't have a college degree, you don't qualify for certain jobs. It's up to
you if you're going to make it in life or not.
"I tried several different businesses including mural painting,
interior/exterior painting, graphic design, and various freelance work.
My husband and I started several businesses together as well. None of
them really popped off. For whatever reason, they had really great
moments and then died down quickly. Within the first month of Foxy

Fix, we went by definition "viral" and had more demand than supply. It
hasn't died down yet. Looking back, I can see all the mistakes I made
with every other business.
"I've mostly only worked for myself over the course of my career.
It's been up until this year that I finally feel a bit of security, safety,
faith, and hope in my business. It took fifteen years of trying and
learning from experience. It's the first time in my entire life that I feel
like we've arrived, and I've made it. I kind of feel like it's a dream and
somebody's going to wake me up. It's really out of this world.
"A lot of people may say it's just good luck, but I really think it
comes down to timing and having a great product. It has to be better
than your competitors' and there has to be something more unique or
exclusive about it.
"Up until recently, it didn't feel like work. Then something hit,
and I realized we missed our birthdays, we missed our anniversaries,
and we haven't taken one day off and have worked Saturdays and
Sundays. I sleep with my iP hone so I can respond to social media
questions. It just kind of hit me; this definitely feels like work now.
"Exhausted and all, I don't want to stop where we are. You have to
have a foundation. I want to take it to the next level. I'm really excited.
Even though we're tired and work 24/7, I still feel fulfilled and happy
with my career. I feel extremely blessed and lucky.
"Making your life an adventure and making your career an
adventure is risky. So many people don't want to be the boss and they
can still be fulfilled and excel at their career. However, a lot of people
settle for a job, and I don't know if that makes them happy. P eople tend

to stay where they are because it's convenient or maybe they have a lot
of family or friends. They have community. I've had people admire my
ability and desire to take risks and put my all out there.
"It's easy to get comfortable. Anyone can be comfortable. The
mundane can happen to anybody. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but
they're potentially missing out on fulfilling the measurement of their
creation, which could be something they need to seek out and not
something they're going to get from driving to their local job every
day. Certain people are always searching for something else but are
never willing to change what they're doing to get a different outcome.
Try something different to find out if you like it because you don't
know unless you try.
"Over the years I've learned I should've trusted myself more, and I
should've gone with my gut in what I felt that I wanted to do and who
I wanted to be. The one thing I did a lot when I was younger was
doubt my capabilities. I didn't own my authentic self and what I
wanted out of life.
"All of that is correlated with every single section of your life.
Working for yourself as a business owner, you can essentially do
anything you want. In every single category, you're 100% accountable
and in control of your life.
"We're born and raised into a certain family, in a certain town, but
maybe you want to be a surfer, live in Hawaii, and own a T-shirt brand.
If you're someone from Virginia, it may not make much sense to you.
"You are conditioned a certain way when you were raised. When
you are adventurous, if you really want to explore who you are and

what you want to do in life, you have to go out and try different things.
You also have to know when to pull the plug. If you know you hate
your job and you've been there for five years, you should walk out
right now because you've already let too much time go by.
"As for our business, we're learning everything on the go. We're
being yes people. We listen to our customers. We fix everything and
make it better on a daily basis. We're doing everything from experience.
I think that's why we've been so successful. We care about our
customers.
"The world's changing so much lately. Local businesses are
catching on fast. I think in the next ten years, we're going to see a lot
more made in America companies popping up. P eople want that. We
represent that.
"At the end of it all, trust what you like and what you love. P ay
attention to what you're attracted to in life and go for it. Instead of
daydreaming about it, be who you want be and do what you want to
do. You're never going to get to the point of happiness in your career if
you keep on doing the same thing that's not pleasing you."
As Kelly mentioned, it's easy to be comfortable. How can you get
past your comfort zone to find a career you love?
We've established that money is necessary to survive, but I want
to discuss more specifically the manner in which we make that money.
There are two types of careers. There is a job that pays the bills, puts
dinner on the table, and provides benefits and stability. Then there is
your calling, the very thing you were meant to do with your life that
also provides a living.

We face the majority of our adult lives at work. We work more than
we sleep, eat, or spend time with our social circles. Is your current job
what you always imagined you would do with your life? My guess is
probably not. Almost 70% of U.S. employees are disengaged with their
jobs (Gallup, 2015). Are you one of them?
I was recently at a cooking class, and I met a guy who worked at
Vanguard. He was mid-career, and as we were chatting about his job, it
dawned on me that he didn't really love what he did. He explained that
he wasn't quite a financial advisor or someone in charge, but that his
job was good because it was "stable." This really caught my attention.
So many people feel this way about the very thing they do for 8+ hours
a day. It's stable. It provides good benefits. It's a good job. But if it
weren't for the paycheck and the benefits, would they really spend
their time there?
Yes, we need to work to make money to survive. I get that. But
how many people fall into this trap and wake up when they're 70,
never really accomplishing any of their dreams? Let me tell you. Too
many.
I'm writing this book because it's a dream of mine. I have always
dreamed of writing a book and becoming a published author, so I took
action. I'm making my dreams happen. This is what more people need to
do in order to find fulfillment in their lives. You must make it happen.
We get drilled to go to college and get a good job, but no one ever
tells you to go out and discover what it is you were actually meant to
do on this earth: your purpose, your calling.

Life is not meant to be lived like this. Just as Kelly Strong

mentioned, making your life an adventure is risky. We are not meant to
wake up every day and have a 9 to 5 be our end all. If 9 to 5 is for you,
then great. If you like mediocrity, then you are probably right where
you are meant to be.
This is what average people do. They settle for this lifestyle
because it's what everyone else does. It's easy when you have someone
else telling you where to be and what to do for the majority of your
days on this planet.
As a reader of this book, somehow I believe you want more from
your life. You deserve more for your life. Did you ever stop to actually
really think about why you were called to this earth? I'm sure during
your spirituality exercises from chapter one, you may have pondered
these thoughts. (See how everything connects? )
You were called on this planet for a reason, and I bet it wasn't to
sit in a cubicle all day. If you're going to be doing something all day
for the majority of your waking life, shouldn't you be at least a little
excited about it?
Now I'm not one on this whole follow your passion nonsense.
Most people's passions are related to sports, dance, and other hobbies
that aren't likely to provide sufficient paychecks. Keep those as your
hobbies, but find a way to help people. I mean really add value to
people. This is where true success lies.
Find your niche in life and work a little bit every day to develop
that niche. P ut in some solid effort. I'm not saying go quit your job
today and work on your dream. Swap out some free time for working on

other skills outside of your job.

Humans need a purpose in this life. We need something to work
toward to develop ourselves in order to achieve fulfillment. Your job
may not necessarily provide this growth, so it's up to you to seek it
out.
Depending on where you are in your career, I have a few tips that
will aid in your career fulfillment. Maybe you already work in the right
field and want to know how to advance and learn more. Maybe you
have no idea what you want to do with your life but have a steady,
stable job. Maybe you don't have a job and don't know where to look.
Or maybe you're somewhere in between.
No matter your career stage, there are certain small actions you can
take to bring you closer to your life's path. This takes some time, effort,
and patience, but remember, you are already called on your path. It's
time to cultivate action.
Inventory Your Strengths
You have a specific talent. You have unique strengths. Everyone
does. Everyone is better than someone else at something. We are all
naturally gifted in certain areas. Recognizing these talents is important
to the success in your career. Before you can really hone in on what
you want to get out of a career, you first must define what you're really
good at and work on developing that set of skills.
Not only will this make you more marketable, but it will also help
you discover what career paths may best suit you. To better understand
this concept, let's take a look at a study conducted in the Journal of

Counseling P sychology.
This study looked at graduate students' personal growth
initiative - being proactive about one's personal development.
Researchers aimed to investigate whether an intervention that
stimulates development in the area of one's personal strengths
(strengths intervention) has more beneficial effects on students'
personal growth initiative than an intervention that stimulates
development in the area of individual deficiencies (deficiency
intervention).
They found that participating in both interventions lead to
increases in personal growth initiative; however, the increases were
larger for the strengths intervention group (Meyers et. al 50-62). This
research indicates while working on your deficiencies can be
beneficial, it is more crucial to your personal development that you
focus on developing your strengths. Stimulating your strengths causes
increased confidence in your abilities. As we discovered earlier, your
thoughts have a significant impact on your choices in life.
Confidence drives you to strive for greater achievements in your
life. When you have faith in your abilities, it's amazing how much more
you can accomplish. Action breeds confidence. When you utilize your
strengths positively and see momentum, you will continue to gain
confidence in yourself and create a life of fulfillment.
If your current vocation is the right fit for you, developing your
strengths is a great way for continued growth in your field. For
example, let's say you are really great at communicating with people
and relating with them on a personal level. You would be best suited
working directly with patients or clients as opposed to behind the

scenes.
If you work in healthcare, choose to work directly with patients
rather than in medical billing, which has little face-to-face interaction
with others. Working in a position that brings out your strengths is
also a quick way to get recognized by your superiors and have more
opportunities to grow in your company and industry.
This concept can apply in almost any field. It may take you years
to get moderately good at something in which you don't possess some
innate ability. However, when you are already naturally gifted at
something, you can spend the same time mastering it.
Maybe you want to be able to sing like Mariah Carey, but if you're
like me and can't sing to save your life, years of singing lessons would
probably be a waste of time. You could certainly get better, but I doubt
you'll be the next American Idol.
The point is, to be really successful with what you decide to do,
focus on honing in on your strengths. The more you learn about
yourself, the more you'll be able to add value to your company, field,
business, or other people. Adding value is where true success lies and
will bring the most fulfillment in your line of work.
Most people go through their entire lives and never figure out
what they're good at. They never take the time to reflect on their
strengths. I'm Indian, so as the stereotype goes, I'm really good at math.
I always have been. It never took much effort on my part to understand
math.
When I was younger, I thought math was easy for everyone. It

wasn't until my 5th grade teacher pointed me out in front of class one
day for my special talent in this subject. It was at that point when I
realized math was difficult for the majority of students. I certainly
didn't decide to be a math teacher, but knowing that I have this skill
has helped me throughout my career. Your strengths can help you too,
so let's find out what your strengths are!
If you already know all your strengths, take a minute and write
them down! If you have absolutely no clue, no need to worry. My first
call to action is ask the people close to you what you're good at. Ask
your parents, siblings, significant other, friends, and co-workers. Ask
whomever knows you really well and has spent some sufficient time
with you.
Sometimes it's hard for us to see something about ourselves. The
people in your life may have a better insight into your strengths. We
always are able to recognize the strengths and talents of those around
us better than we can our own. Use your immediate circle.
Write down a list of everything you can think of. Truly inventory
yourself. Don't downplay the importance of anything either. Remember
just because it's easy for you, it doesn't mean it's easy for everyone
else. If you're a good cook, write that down. If you're a good
snowboarder, write that down. Anything counts.
Focus on what you're already good at and work to get better at it.
Honing in on your skills will help you long term in your professional
growth. Figure out whether you're more analytical or creative, better at
starting projects or maintaining them, people oriented or more
withdrawn.

This does require some self-reflection and looking deep within

yourself. If you recall some of the exercises from the Spirituality
chapter, you may have already done some reflection on your career and
your purpose.
This exercise will not only help you discover your strengths, but
it will also build your confidence. Who doesn't love a good
confidence boost? Sometimes we just need to know we're good at
things.
Work On a Side Project
Now that you've figured out what you're good at, this is a great
stepping stone for the next career fulfillment tip. Most people only
have one source of income, mainly from their job. For most people, your
job probably isn't the very thing that gets you excited to get out of bed
every day.
Utilizing your strengths and interests is a great way to start
projects outside of your regular job. Working on something you enjoy
can bring enormous amounts of fulfillment to your life and also help
your bank account.
A good friend of mine has been using this tip in her own career for
years. Malee has always had a day job, but she has been working on
side projects to bring greater fulfillment to that part of her life. Malee's
background is Thai English. She grew up watching her mother make
delicious homemade, authentic Thai cuisine.
She identified her strengths which include her excellent people
skills, friendly demeanor, and ability to cook Thai food and used it to

start a cooking class that brings her extra income. She runs the cooking
class right from her own kitchen! She conducts this class about once a
month and teaches about ten people how to make tasty Thai dishes.
Malee says she loves her cooking class. "I enjoy eating, having
wine, and socializing with my friends. I look forward to having new
people at my class and teaching them how to cook! Besides who
doesn't enjoy extra money? However, that's not the main reason I do it.
The main reason is because I enjoy cooking, and I love bringing
people together. The extra income is just an added bonus."
This is a great example of how you can use your strengths and
interests to do something you love without it having to take up too
much of your time. There's this mental block people have about doing
something on their own. They think it is a big investment in time and
money, and they don't see value in it. Maybe your passion isn't
necessarily the most practical way to make a living. That doesn't mean
you can't make it a part of your working life.
Developing and executing a side project can bring you joy, add
value to others, and boost your confidence. It doesn't have to be
something you do for eight hours a day, but it can be as simple as a
once per month cooking class. How easy and fun is that?
Why not find something you're good at that you enjoy and start
making some extra income? It may be something you do a couple times
a week or a couple times per month. The frequency is up to you and
your schedule.
This is how many successful businesses have taken off; people
have been able to work on a side business or project for a few hours a

week and found enormous amounts of success. This doesn't have to be

your goal, but you never know where your hard work may lead you.
It's up to you to take control and try something out of your ordinary
job.
It's up to you to decide how to approach this endeavor. P erhaps
you want to keep your day job but want to make some extra disposable
income. P erhaps you are looking to venture out and try your hand at
entrepreneurship. Or perhaps like Malee, you truly enjoy it and want
that sense of fulfillment in your life. Whatever your goal is, it's
important that you get started now.
Examples of projects can include:
* Start a Blog
* Teach a Cooking Class
* Write a Book
* P ersonal Train a Client
* Sell Crafts on Etsy
* Conduct P hoto Shoots
* Teach a Sewing Class
The above are just a few ideas of what you can do. The
possibilities are endless. Start with your strengths and brainstorm.
Use the internet to come up with ideas or talk to your social circle
about it.
Malee used her unique Thai background and cooking skills to
start a class that she truly loves. Her students learn a new skill, and
she makes extra income. It doesn't feel like work for her. It's a win for
both parties.

Once you've figured out what project you want to start, make a
plan and start! Try it out for a few months, and see how it affects your
life. The key to this tip is taking action. Don't let a great idea float
around in your head for years without ever doing anything about it.
Now is the time to take charge of your life and try something
different. Make a plan, and start right now. You never know where it
could lead to. This book is my current side project, and so far it has
fulfilled my life in unimaginable ways. I love working on something
that is 100% my own creation, which I know will add tons of value to
your life. Start your own project. It could be as simple as teaching a
cooking class from your kitchen. Simple works. Simple is easy. Simple
brings fulfillment.
Specialize
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The
more that you learn, the more places you'll go." ~Dr. Seuss
Never stop learning! I made sound like a broken record, but
learning is the most important factor in progressing your life forward. If
you want a fulfilling career, you will need to keep on top of industry
trends and learn as much as possible! There is an endless amount of
information available at your fingertips, and taking advantage of it
puts you ahead of the game. Information is always rebirthing as
technology becomes more advanced and we evolve as a society.
You can never know everything about a subject. The more you
know, the more you can add to your set of skills and marketability in
your chosen field. The further you can grow and develop as an
individual, the greater impact you can have.

Learning doesn't have to end with school. Let's say you went to
medical school to be a doctor. You spent years and years with your
head in textbooks learning about everything related to the medical
field. Do you think the information you've learned will be relevant in
five, ten, or even twenty years?
It's possible that most of it will be. However, it is even more
likely that as researchers continue to study medicine, new studies will
continue to positively impact the world of medicine. We will continue
to learn more about our human bodies and our environment as it relates
to treatment.
Studies are constantly being conducted on how to cure diseases
and illness. As a doctor out of school and in the field, you must
continue your self-education. Keep learning about new findings in
medicine so you can help your patients in the most effective ways
possible.
This applies to any field. If you work in fashion, keep up on the
latest trends and color pantones. If you're in the fitness industry, keep
learning new and effective exercises to keep your clients seeing results.
If you work in marketing, learn about the latest effective marketing
strategies and platforms suitable to your industry.
Never stop learning! Aid in your own personal progress. Stay
challenged and educated in industry trends. When you are more versed
and knowledgeable in a certain arena, you can add greater value, and
new opportunities will begin to open up. It's a great way to grow and
achieve greater career potential.

G ive it a Try - 30 Day Career Challenge

1. Inventory your strengths
Answer the following questions in your journal:
* What comes easily for you that is challenging for others?
* What do you enjoy doing and have success in?
* What have you accomplished in the last 5 years that has
brought you the most joy and fulfillment?
* Are you more creative or analytical (right or left brain)?
2. Get Going on a Side P roject
* Brainstorm project ideas in your journal
* What could you devote five hours per week (*Only one hour
extra per day during the five day work week) that would bring greater
joy to your life?
* How can you help people in a way that is enjoyable for you?
* Once you have a few ideas, narrow down the top three and do
some research on which idea you could easily start today. The key in
this step is starting right now.
3. Continuous Learning
* Find a useful book and podcast about your chosen industry
* Make a daily reading goal to finish the book within a month. It
may entail reading a chapter or for thirty minutes per day
* Listen to a podcast or audiobook during your daily commute.
* Write down what you know today about the industry and write
down what you've learned in a month. You will be amazed at how
much information you can gain in a short period of time. Tracking your
progress is the key to major success and fulfillment in your life!
In this chapter, we learned about why our career matters in terms of

our happiness and how to take steps to further our career development.
We talked about finding your strengths, having side money-generating
projects, and learning more about your profession.
All of these tips will lead you on a path to being more fulfilled
with your career today. Now that we've established some ground rules
for what we do to make money, let's discuss managing that money to
live an ultra-rich life.

Chapter 5
FINANCE - MAS TER YOUR MONEY
"You must gain control over your money or the lack of it will
forever control you." -Dave Ramsey

So far we have touched on every area of your life involving you as

a person. Now let's move on to something outside of you: your money!
Survival in this world requires having money to pay for essentials
such as food, clean water, clothes, shelter, transportation, etc.
Everything costs money, and learning personal finance was never
taught in public education.
It's easy to spend money, but it's far more important that we learn
to be smart with our money. Having financial problems can cause
incredible amounts of stress and can severely affect the quality of your
life.
Being in financial control of your money can alleviate huge stress
factors and bring fulfillment in that part of your life. In this chapter, we
discuss three simple ways for you to have more control of your money
and achieve higher financial fulfillment today!
Unless you live under a rock, you already know our world runs
on money. We all need it. We all want it. Some of us have more than
others. Some of us have less. Despite how much or how little you may
have, it's absolutely necessary that you're smart with your money.
We were never taught in school how to handle money. You take a
look at some of the professional NFL and NBA players who came from

poverty and rose up as athletes. Did you know most professional

athletes go broke within a few years of retiring? Why? They were
never taught financial literacy. They go from having nothing to having
millions of dollars, and they blow it all, never to see that kind of
money again after their short-lived sports careers end.
You may think to yourself how it's possible to spend so much
money in such a short amount of time. Fancy cars, houses, clothes, and
vacations will eat up your hard earned cash real quick. If you've ever
had financial troubles, you are not alone. I want to show you how you
can put a little bit of energy and thought into your finances and have
more financial success in the long term.
The Social Indicators Research reported a study on financial wellbeing. They found financial well-being is more dependent on the
amount of control you have over your money, rather than the amount of
money you have available. It also found benefits in having lower debt
and increased savings to extenuate unexpected life events.
Most people seem to think having more money would solve all
their problems. Take it from anyone who is wealthy; this simply isn't
the case. Once your basic life needs are met, controlling where your
money goes is most important to your sense of fulfillment in this part of
your life. Money control can give you a greater sense of freedom.
Money can always be earned, but if you find you are always running
out of it or having to take out loans, you are in need of a financial
makeover.
Save
Saving seems so simple, yet why is it so challenging for people?

One reason. We want, and we want now. Our culture has shaped us to
get instant satisfaction, so the idea of saving for something you want
when you can actually afford it is quite farfetched.
We love to spend but hate to save. Saving doesn't bring instant
gratification, but it does down the road. Humans have a need for
stability and comfort. Building a nest egg is crucial for your personal
sanity and security in life.
Struggling financially not only adds insurmountable stress to
your life, but it also adds worry and anxiety to every other part of your
life. You may think you're doing great with money because you have a
job and don't need to save. What happens when you get unexpectedly
get laid off or experience an expensive health emergency?
You suddenly find yourself drowning in bills and no means to
pay them without racking up debt until you find another job. Life isn't
predictable. Don't let lack of financial preparation lead to an
unfortunate money crisis. When you have liquid assets available in an
emergency fund, it brings you a sense of security when life does
happen. Even if you're fortunate enough to never need it, you can rest
easy knowing you will have the means to float in any given situation.
There is all sorts of advice on how much to put away in an
emergency fund. This number can range anywhere from three to twelve
months' worth of bills. It's up to you as to what you think will work
best for your lifestyle, but I recommend a minimum of six months' worth
of bills. If you want to be a superstar, twelve months is even better for
your sense of security.
Today there is a lot of competition for jobs, and you never know

when you'll need more than six months of income to live on. I currently
know an individual with a P hD, over thirty years of solid working
experience, and numerous certifications in his field, and he has been on
the job market for almost a year. A whole year without any income
coming in! Can you imagine the financial stress he is under?
Jobs aren't guaranteed anymore, not even with a doctorate level
college degree. This isn't meant to deter you from going to college; it's
meant to prepare you. I want you to be able to live within your means
and have a nest egg for your own comfort.
How do you begin saving for a nest egg? First calculate how
much money you would need to survive each month with your current
lifestyle to pay your bills, if you were to have no income coming in
tomorrow. Take into account housing, utilities, food, debt,
miscellaneous, etc. Be generous. It's always better to overestimate than
have less than you actually need. Depending on your lifestyle, this
number will be different for everyone.
For example, say you need $2,000 dollars a month to live on. That
comes out to $24,000 (12 months x 2,000) per year or $12,000 for six
months. Whether you want a six month or twelve month nest egg is up
to you.
Now that you've calculated your nest egg, you need to figure how
much you need to put away every month to meet this goal. P erhaps you
have nothing saved at all, or perhaps you already have a nest egg.
Wherever you are, we can start from there. It's important to know where
you are currently and where you want to be, so you can take small
steps every day to reach your goals.

So how do you put away that money? If you are set up on direct
deposit to your bank account, most employers will let you allocate
how much of your paycheck you want deposited in your checking
versus your savings account.
For my entire working life, I have always put at least 10% of my
paycheck directly into savings, so I know it's not readily available for
spending. 10% is a great start goal because it doesn't take too much of
your income and it also adds up quickly over the course of a few
months. If you can manage to save 12-15% of your income, that would
be even better!
If you're afraid you might spend the money in your savings, open a
savings account at a separate bank that you don't check often. If
spending money is an issue, hiding your money from yourself will
prevent you from spending it. Out of sight, out of mind.
You will be amazed at how saving 10% of your income adds up
over time. If you put just $200 away each month, by the end of the year
you already have $2,400 saved. That's $2,400 more in your nest egg
available than if you spent every last cent.
Once you've reached your nest egg goal, not only will you have
the peace of mind in knowing that you are set in case of an emergency,
but it also helps you to create a mindset of being prepared for the
future. Often we spend money to satisfy short term wants instead of
preparing for long term goals. Let's talk in the next section on how to
budget your available money better.
Envelope Method

Ah, the tried and true method of budgeting. Have you ever made a
budget and thought how great it was and then never looked at it
again? Or maybe you've never made a budget and just figure you'll
have enough self-control from spending more than you make.
P ersonal finance has the same strategy as every other goal you
want to achieve. In order to figure out how to get where you want to
go, you must first figure out where you currently are. This is why tons
of individuals, families, and businesses use budgets to carry out their
operations. We need to monitor our spending to make sure we're not
spending our finances poorly.
I want to specifically talk about something I call "fun money." Fun
money, or "I want" money, is the money you spend on items you don't
necessarily need. Maybe it's a nice new pair of shoes, a fancy new
watch, or an evening out with friends. Whatever it is, separating want
and need money is a great way to ensure you don't end up in a financial
rut at the end of each month.
Spending adds up fast. Really fast. All it takes is the swipe of a
debit card or trip to the ATM to drain your finances quick! How can
you give yourself more control over how much you spend, specifically
on items you want?
First let's start with making a budget if you haven't already done
so or redefining the one you already have. There are many budget
calculator tools online in which you can find one that works for you.
Basically, you want to see how much money you make after taxes each
month, account for all your bills and your 10-15% savings, and see
how much money is left over. This is your disposable income or fun
money.

We all work hard and deserve to have some fun in our lives. You
must treat yourself often so you can truly enjoy your life. Fulfillment
doesn't come from working your life away without enjoying in any of
life's pleasures. You must budget fun money into your lifestyle!
Be smart with your money. This doesn't mean counting pennies,
nor does it mean only paying your bills and never treating yourself.
Being smart with your money entails having control over where every
part of it goes.
First, determine how much fun money you have each month after
compiling your budget. You will be able to see a good concrete
number in front of your face that shows how much disposable income
you're left with at the end of each month after paying all your bills and
saving for your nest egg. This is the beauty of budgeting!
Next, you should take all your fun money out in cash and put it in
an envelope somewhere safe inside your home. Why take it out of your
bank account? With money being virtually invisible these days,
hidden on plastic debit and credit cards, it is far too easy to just swipe
without physically seeing your money disappear. You can swipe away
all month long and then check your account and wonder how you
spent so much money! This happens far too often and far too easily. $20
here, $50 there, and next thing you know you're dipping into your
savings and waiting for your next paycheck. There is a smarter
approach.
When you physically see your spending money in your hand, it
will help you to better allocate it. Let's say you have $300 in fun
money every month, the concrete number from your budget that you can

spend however you like. Go out to a nice dinner, go shopping, invite a

friend to the movies, go to a concert, and whatever else you want to do
to bring you more enjoyment in your life. This money is set aside for
this purpose.
The strategy is that once you run out, it's gone, and you're done
spending for the month. The point behind this method is that you will
physically see the cash leaving your hand every time. Just as the
research pointed out at the beginning of this chapter, you will be more
physically in control of your spending.
When you can see the cash in your wallet, it gives you a better
idea of how much things actually cost and how much of a hole it will
burn in your stack. This will help you to be smarter with the spending
decisions you make.
I'm not saying take out thousands of dollars of fun money in cash
if that's what your budget allows. Keeping your money in a bank
account is far more secure than keeping a wad of cash in your home.
You can, however, split it up and only take out $200 at a time
throughout the month, so long as you keep track of your total
withdrawal amount.
If you have leftover money at the end of the month, great job! Now
you can carry it over to next month. I understand this method may seem
old school to those of us accustomed to 2015 technology, but trust me;
there is method to my madness.
I've practiced this method myself, and it works wonders! It's a
great treat every month checking your bank statement and not being
shocked by the high number. It will also show you about how much

you're spending on needs every month such as groceries, gas, etc.

Try it out the envelope method for a month and see how much
better control you have of your finances! Setting these financial goals
for yourself and following through with them is crucial to your
financial well-being.
Reduce Debt
We've already touched a bit about saving to buy instead of
borrowing money you don't have. It is far too easy in our society to
buy stuff on loans or credit. Loans or credit is money that you owe
with incredibly high interest rates.
I understand life happens and not everyone has a nest egg as
described earlier in this chapter. Sometimes we need to pay on credit to
buy groceries or pay your bills. I get it. I'm here to tell you it's
possible to live a life with little to no debt. And it sure is a freeing
feeling.
According to research done at the Universidad Carlos III de
Madrid, findings show that non-mortgage debt payments have
detrimental consequences on people's health. Debt causes stress in
your life and can affect you emotionally, physically, and socially,
especially when you don't see a way to crawl out of it. In short,
reducing the amount of debt you owe outside of a mortgage can bring
you a sense of control and freedom.
Once you have your nest egg built up, it is possible to use that
same method to save for large purchases such as cars, vacations, or that
designer handbag you must have. The businesses and marketing of

quick cash and payday loans have jolted our economy with crisis
when debtors default on their loans. We were all there during 2008,
and whether you know about the details of the recession or not, people
not being able to pay back their debt caused insurmountable problems
for the United States. Do you want to be one of those people who can't
pay back their debt?
Can you imagine a life where you don't owe anyone anything?
Where you don't have to make a payment to someone every month who
is charging you interest? I'm no financial advisor, although I once was
on that path, but I can tell you how I paid off my student loans in two
years after graduating from college. Making that last payment was the
most gratifying feeling of my life.
I had thousands of dollars of college debt, as do most students
once they graduate from higher education. Today, a college education
doesn't guarantee a great job anymore, so struggling to find a job and
having an enormous interest-accumulating debt hanging on your
shoulders is no cake walk.
My number one goal after graduating was paying off my debt. I sat
down, wrote out a plan, and decided I was going to get it paid off
within three years. I figured out how much I owed and exactly how
much I would need to pay each month to reach that goal. I moved back
in with my parents at age 22, when I had been on my own since age 17.
This certainly isn't every post grad's dream to live with their parents
again after college. I found a job waiting tables until I fell into the
financial planning world.
Fortunately, I didn't pay any rent at my parents', so I took the
money I would be normally spending for rent and put it toward my

student loans. The result? I paid down my debt a year earlier than I had
planned.
It took diligence, hard work, and patience (believe me, living with
my Indian parents requires patience), and I conquered my student debt.
You know what I did after? I packed up my bags and moved to Hawaii.
Being debt free allows you that freedom.
Debt ties you down. It causes guilt when you want to go on a
vacation, yet you have all this debt with your name on it. It doesn't let
you be financially free. It is constantly growing.
The solution? Get rid of it! Don't acquire unnecessary debt. If you
already have it, make a plan to pay it off. Simple math can help you do
that. Don't do what everyone else does. Everyone else acquires debt.
They're average. You're better than average. Strive to live debt-free.
The whole point of this book is not to follow the status quo. It's
to take your life under your control and work every day to better
yourself and achieve greater fulfillment. Reducing your debt is a big
factor that pertains to your financial health.
Stop buying things you can't afford! If you drive a car that runs
great but maybe isn't equipped with the latest technology or the best
gas mileage, keep driving it until you can save up enough to buy a
used car.
I've been driving a minivan for the last ten years. Why? It was
handed down to me. It got me through college. It drove me across the
country. It has helped on countless moves. I was able to build a nest
egg, pay off my student loans, and save up enough to pay cash for a car,

all without having to go into more debt. This is being financially

savvy. You can be too!
While we're on the subject of debt, credit cards are a serious
problem for many people. Bottom line: don't get a credit card unless
you can pay it off every month without acquiring a balance. Credit card
debt is one of the scariest kind of debt with interest rates as high as
30%. It can take a serious toll on your life trying to climb out of that
mess. Stay away unless you can be diligent and use it as a means to
build your credit versus hurt it, or worse, go bankrupt.
Conquer your debt, and make a vow to live debt free. Just because
everyone else is doing it, doesn't mean you should too. When you owe
someone something, you are no longer in control of your finances. You
are letting someone else dictate when you pay them money and how
much they are going to charge you for borrowing it.
Don't play that game. P lay your own game. Drill this into your
head. The novelty of buying new things wears off anyway. Every new
thing becomes old at some point, leaving you craving for the next
novelty item. If you can't afford it, don't buy it. Focus on fulfilling your
life with the tips provided in this book. No new car, watch, or casino
night will ever fulfill you the way you expect anyway. Material items
don't bring fulfillment. P rogress and development does.
G ive it a Try - 30 Day Financial Challenge
1. Calculate your six month nest egg and put away 10% of your
paycheck into savings.
2. Calculate your fun money, and take it out in cash every month.

P ay for your entertainment and wants, not needs, with the cash.
3. Calculate the debt you owe outside from a house, and make a
plan to pay it off. Don't buy things you can't afford. Live within your
means. Don't spend more money than you make. Simple.
In this chapter we focused on three simple ways to have more
control of your finances. We talked about the security of saving, how
to allocate your fun money, and reducing your debt. All of these tips
will help you achieve greater financial fulfillment.
Now that you have better control over your finances, let's talk
about the final aspect of your fulfilled life: your relationships! Let's
take a look at the relationships in your life and see how they can affect
your happiness and well-being.

Chapter 6
RELATIONS HIPS - CONNECT WITH OTHERS
"Your greatest work is hidden in relationships." ~Jeff Goins

In the last section of this book, and ultimately the last major area
of your life, we talk about people. The people in your life have
enormous impacts on your fulfillment. We learned a little bit about
community in the Intellect chapter, but I want to go into more detail on
how having close relationships in your life matters. Humans can have a
variety of different relationships including significant others,
friendships, co-workers, acquaintances, family members, and so forth.
The meaning behind the relationships in your life can make or break
your happiness.
Let's face it. We can't survive in this world alone. Having
someone there for you who is 100% loyal and trustworthy is essential
to not only your survival, but also your happiness. We will look at
three simple ways for you to achieve more out of your relationships
today.
"I think everybody needs to feel that they have people in their life.
I enjoy having a lot of personal relationships with people. Support is
huge, and I really like to be connected." Valerie Garrett
Valerie Garrett is a young professional living in Orem, Utah with
a powerful social circle. She lives in proximity to ten immediate family
members and has about twenty close friends who she regularly spends
time with. She is truly maximizing her relationships.

"I honestly feel really blessed to have all the people in my life. I
feel fulfilled, and at any time I have someone who I can rely on or call if
I need something. I feel important to them, and I want them to know
they're also important to me. I'm confident that my friends know they
can call me if they need anything.
"Someone can always depend on me. I don't like to lose friends. I
easily make friends, but I don't want to lose any of the ones that I have.
I find it hard to forget about people once I care about them. I make new
friends while keeping my old friends, so my relationships keep
building.
"I remember a time in my life when I didn't have a lot of people
around me. It was just me and my boyfriend at the time. I cut ties with
everyone else because I made him the number one priority, and I burned
a lot of bridges. That was really hard. When he wasn't there, I had no
one. I resorted to spending a lot of time by myself watching Netflix or
doing other unproductive activities. A lot of time was wasted alone,
and I wasn't happy. It was unhealthy.
"Now that I have all these people around me that I communicate
with daily, they make my mood better every single day. I keep people
around because they contribute to my life. It's not as important to have
a lot of friends as it is to have meaningful relationships. P rioritize your
friends. It's a positive relationship where we're both giving, and
there's constant interaction."
For those who may not currently have a strong social network,
Valerie says, "Take advantage of every opportunity to make friends by
going out. Get out of your comfort zone and allow yourself to be
vulnerable in social situations because it can be really scary especially

when you're out in a social situation with a lot of people you don't
know.
"Be yourself and talk to people. Network. Most of my friends I met
through people I already knew. Get to know the person, show interest
in their life, and find ways to relate to them. For every person I get to
know, I talk about my dog. If they're a dog person, we instantly click,
and I have a new best friend.
"Just knowing I have people that I care about and who care about
me, boosts my mood no matter what. If I'm in a bad mood or feeling
really ungrateful about something, it's easy for me to get back on track
and make myself feel better. I have so much to be thankful for, and that is
largely based on all the people in my life."
As you can see, community is powerful. Community has an impact.
In a world with over 7 billion people, humans have a basic need for
love and support. We have a need to be understood and feel like we
aren't completely alone.
Truth is, we all feel lonely at times. No matter how many people
you have in your life, loneliness always has a way of creeping in.
Sometimes you just feel like you're in this world alone and going
through something alone, as if no one else understands. Loneliness
has detrimental effects to your health and happiness.
In a study conducted at North Dakota State University in 2015,
they found having a greater support network size predicted lower
perceived stress, fewer depressive symptoms, and better life
satisfaction. The findings suggest that social support is necessary for
psychological well-being. So to all those loners out there, myself

included, having a social life is vital to your health!

Having close personal relationships in your life matters! Having a
community matters! The importance of friendship is underestimated,
especially as we get older. After we're no longer in school and are
committed in serious relationships, friends slowly seem to fall off the
wagon. This is unhealthy for your long term happiness and fulfillment.
Why do you think social media has become so popular and
changed our world indefinitely? 15 years ago, keeping in touch with
people meant having to actually track down their phone number, call
them on your home phone, and hope you could reach them. It wasn't as
simple as writing them on Facebook or checking out their latest
instagram photo to see what they've been up to.
Social media is widespread across the globe because it keeps us in
touch with another. It allows us to see what people are doing globally
from the comfort of your home. Social media allows for greater
community. It helps foster awareness for global events and promotes
individual life events. This internet sociability has blown up because
as humans we need to feel connected to others.
Don't downplay the importance of friendship, family, and
community. You may not have a close relationship with your family or
maybe you moved to a new city far away from your comfort zone.
Whatever your current personal situation, it's important that your
foster healthy relationships in your life no matter where you are.
Even if you have an abundance of people in your life, aim to spend
quality time with one another. While significant others are important
in our lives, so are friendships. P eople choose to form relationships

because they desire that connection with another human being. We're
relational beings. Women need to connect with other women
platonically, and men need to connect with other men platonically.
Despite where you may be in your current stage of life with
friends, family, and community, I want to share easy ways to connect
more with the people in your life and continue to connect with new
people. After all, there are 7 billion people in the world and counting.
Let's make a point to find as many of them as possible to share a
connection with.
Friendship
"Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a
lot of time with them, and it will change your life." ~Amy Poelher
The five people you spend the most time with are the people you
will end up like. Choose wisely. It is no secret that friendship provides
numerous benefits in fulfilling your basic human need for socialemotional connection. If you've ever had a best friend in your life, you
can relate to the joy it brought having someone you can trust by your
side. Friendship brings a sense of belonging.
Some have too many friends to count. Some have too few to count.
According to research at BYU, not having enough friends is risky. No
matter your personal situation, it's critical that you make time for
friends in your life. Some people make friends easily. Some people don't
make friends easily.
P ersonally, I fall into the latter group. I can talk to anyone, but
forming a close personal bond with another person isn't easy for me.

It's not like grade school when you became best friends with the kid
you shared crayons with. Making friends as an adult can be
challenging.
By the time you've reached adulthood, you've experienced a bit of
life, and it has shaped you to some extent. As such, finding other
people in this stage of your life isn't just about who's around you but
more about who you align with and can find common ground.
Having a best friend or someone who you can share your joys,
struggles, and meaningful events in your life is important to your
fulfillment. This is especially true for women, who relate to each other
differently than they can with men. However, I think it's important that
men engage with other male friends also.
When you share experiences together in a friendship, it can add
new perspective to your existing ideas. You can feel support and care
from another person. You feel you have someone to rely on.
Friendship brings immense joy to your life should you be blessed
with solid, healthy, and trustworthy friends. It brings a sense of
comfort in an uncomfortable world, outside of what your life partner
can give you. Just like Valerie says, having people to rely on always
puts her in a better mood.
Mutual guidance is also something close friends can bring to the
table. Good friends can relate to you in ways others can't. You can
contribute to each other's lives in a really impactful and valuable way,
lean on them when you need advice or guidance, and celebrate with
them when times are flourishing. Fulfill this part of your life.

Meet with your friends consistently. Consistency is key to

forming close relationships. Try to set up a weekly coffee or lunch
dates. Spend time together when you can, even if it's just for a few
minutes each week. Even phone calls can contribute when you aren't
able to meet in person.
There are moments in my life when I, too, fall prey to the loneliness
feeling. This is partly due to how often I tend to move around the
country and live in different places. Whenever I'm feeling down, I
simply pick up the phone and have a heartfelt talk with one of my close
girlfriends. This instantly puts me in a better mood.
Friendships relieve stress. My close friends can understand me in
a way no one else can, including my significant other and family. It's a
great feeling to have that support system, no matter how far apart you
may be geographically.
Another great way to make times for friends in a busy schedule is
to do an activity together that you were going to do anyway. If you
work out a few times per week, invite a friend along. If you take long
walks in the evening with your dog or regularly get your nails done,
do this with a friend. Not only does this help you build your
relationship, but you are also able to accomplish another routine part
of your life.
Remember to be consistent and watch your friendships grow even
deeper. Notice how this simple tip can profoundly impact your life.
Join A G roup
"Every story of success is really a Story of Community." ~Jeff

Goins
I believe in the power of community. Community provides
incredible benefits to your life. It provides support and a place to
express yourself. It also gives you pleasure and the comfort of knowing
you have people in your life to count on. If you've ever belonged to a
sports team, organization, or just had a really close group of friends,
you know how important this aspect is to your fulfillment.
As we get older, finding a community in which you fit in and can
relate well with can be challenging. Our lives are constantly changing,
and with that, our personal tastes and priorities are ever evolving. No
matter what stage of life you are in, having a community that is bigger
than yourself will provide so much fulfillment to your social life.
Have you ever moved away or grown apart from old groups of
friends? If so, I'm sure you know what it's like to not have a
community. It can be incredibly lonely. Community is a big reason why
people tend to settle in certain areas. If you are close with your family
and friends or have a close group of people who provide a sense of
belonging, why would you leave? Community is so powerful it keeps
people where they are because they need that sense of comfort in their
lives.
I want community for you. I'm not saying find just any community.
You must find a healthy community. Gangs provide community too, but
this isn't a healthy form contributing something positive to society.
You need to find a place where you can build solid relationships and
really connect with others in a healthy way.
Groups come in many different shapes and forms. Adults may have

to search for these groups in their area, but there is usually a niche for
just about anything. Having a common interest with others is
important for personal growth and satisfaction.
P erhaps the close relationships you have in your life are great, but
you have certain interests that your immediate circle can't fulfill. We all
have different hobbies whether it be sports, cooking, running, reading,
knitting, etc. Joining a local club or group that specifically engages in
your hobbies is huge for your personal well-being. It's great to be able
to share a common interest with others who experience just as much
joy from that hobby.
Belonging to a group also promotes a sense of purpose; it gives
you a reason to socialize with others. It helps you meet others over
common ground. You can develop relationships outside of your normal
group of family and friends and bond over whatever interests you. It
also gives you something outside of your normal routine to look
forward to.
You can use groups to expand your interests, meet new people, or
even learn new skills. Examples of groups can include fitness classes,
Toastmasters Club, non-profit volunteer groups, yoga centers,
churches, hiking clubs, and many more. If you live in a large city, you
can find a group on just about any topic. Living in a smaller town may
limit your resources, but you can still find something.
I remember a time in my life when I packed up and moved across
the country on a whim. I knew no one, and it was really scary and
lonely. When I put myself out in the community and joined a group, my
happiness instantly skyrocketed. I met people in my neighborhood
who eventually became my community. It didn't really feel like home

until I found my community.

So go find your community! Get out of your comfort zone. Go
online and start researching local groups in your area. Google and
www.meetup.com are great resources to find a variety of groups in your
area.
Once you find a group that entices you, make sure you're
consistent with your participation. The only way to develop
community is to consistently show up and build relationships. If you
don't find a group you feel you belong to, keep looking and don't give
up. Don't settle either because as we already know, you are more than
average. Average people don't settle.
Family
We can't forget about your family! They are your blood and your
parents, the very people who quite literally gave you life. As we get
older, it's important that we recognize and appreciate the people who
raised us.
This may be your biological parents, or it may be family related
apart from blood. Whoever it is that you consider to be your family,
let's take the time to love them and spend quality time together. Family
was a big part of your life throughout your childhood. You grew up
with your siblings and were raised by the same parents. Despite your
relationship with them, they will always be family. Embrace that!
At the end of the day, your family appreciates the time you spend
with them. Talk to your parents consistently. Even if you don't have a
close relationship, call them regularly. See them regularly. Send them

cards on their birthdays and hugs during the holidays. Let them know
they are loved because at the end of the day, friends come and go, but
family is always your blood.
Find common ground with them and keep up on their lives. You
may have your own life and different dreams, but cherish the people
you grew up with. If you aren't close with your family, I encourage you
to call and write them. Send them letters and small gifts of appreciation.
Show them you love and care about them. Family is so necessary for
your sense of support. Without family, one cannot survive. Define who
your family is, whether they are related by blood or not, and make more
time for them in your life!
I challenge you to call your family once a week and write them
notes letting them know you appreciate them. If you live nearby, make
an effort to spend a Saturday lunch with your parents or go for a coffee
date with your siblings. Develop these relationships because not only
will it affect their lives positively, but it will affect yours as well.
G ive it a Try - 30 Day Social Challenge
1. Set a weekly lunch or coffee date with a close personal friend
2. Join a local interest group in your community and attend the
events
3. Call your family once per week and make time in your schedule
to see them
In this chapter, we talked about friendships, community groups,
and family as important elements of your fulfillment. We talked about

why relationships are important and how they serve your life and
happiness.
Humans are relational creatures. Living in community with others
can be largely beneficial to our life and happiness. P racticing the three
tips above will help you feel more aligned with your community and
the relationships in your life. It will also lead to greater social
fulfillment. Watch your social fulfillment flourish.

Putting It All Together

How often do you find yourself focusing on each area of your life
consistently? How often are you aiming to grow in each part of your
life in hopes to achieve greater overall fulfillment? My hopes for you
are that you constantly strive to develop yourself and grow as an
individual more and more with each waking breath.
In this book we covered your spirit, intellect, health, career,
finances, and social life. We looked at each individual area and how it
contributes to your well being. These parts of your life are
interdependent.
All of these elements work together in your life to contribute to
you as a whole. You can see how taking care of your soul can benefit
your career and how taking care of your finances can benefit your
social life.
Your life consists of these six major areas and they are all equally
important to develop. At any given stage of your life, not all six areas
will be thriving. As you journey through life and progress, you may
only be strong in 2 or 3 of these areas at one time.
The point of this book is to show you how simple it can be to
work on yourself. It doesn't require a huge time commitment nor does it
require making a huge impact. Small steps and small changes work. So
many people think changing and progressing in your life requires so
much more of your time and effort.
The reality is this truth: achieving fulfillment requires a little bit
of consistent and focused effort each day. You don't need to build an

orphanage in Africa to fulfill your mind nor do you need to compete in

a triathlon to fulfill your health. Small makes a difference. Don't let
scary goals keep you from starting or achieving anything at all.
This book isn't the end all goal. It is the beginning. The goal is to
help you get started in areas of your life you don't know how to
develop. The tips are meant to help you create momentum to continue
to achieve greater fulfillment as you progress.
You don't build a million dollar business overnight nor do you
train for a marathon in one day. It is possible to achieve fulfillment in
every single part of your life when you focus on consistency.
I challenge to take each section of this book seriously and take
action now! By now you should have already started the tips and
noticing how it has affected your life. Average people don't take the
time to care about themselves. They do what they need to get by.
Average people aren't bad nor are they living their life wrong. Average
people are just content where they are.
You aren't. If you're like me and many high achievers, you want
more. You realize you only have one life. You realize life is short. You
realize there is more to life than working and paying your bills. You
realize you can achieve more.
Get started. Don't waste another minute not working on yourself.
Be proud of this life you were given. Be proud that you want more. Be
proud that you can achieve fulfillment. Be proud that you don't want to
be like everybody else.
The more you work on your own personal development, the more

you will see your fulfillment continue to grow. Be different. Be daring.

Be you. There is no greater joy than seeing progress in your own life. I
believe in you and I believe in your abilities. Make this life one of
your dreams. Never stop progressing. Never stop caring. Cheers to
your fulfillment!

Urgent Plea
Thank you for downloading my book. I sincerely
appreciate your interest and feedback. I would love to
hear your thoughts! Your input is valuable to
continuously create even better content.
Please leave me a helpful REVIEW on Amazon
Want M ore? Go to www.sparkpositivemomentum.com
Thank you kindly and keep on reading!
Cynthia

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cynthia graduated with a 4.0 GPA from college. She accomplished that
goal with persistence, drive, and ambition. With these principles,
Cynthia knew she had what it takes to become successful in other
facets of life.
She is a UP W Firewalker, has a background as a Fitness Trainer,
worked in the financial advising industry, and traveled the country for
a year teaching people how to eat healthy. She has lived in 7 states,
including in the Aloha state of Maui and now lives back in her home

state of Arizona.
Upon graduating from college, Cynthia boldly packed up her car and
drove cross country to experience life in the East Coast. Knowing no
one, it was there that she focused and discovered more about the
incredible power of self development.
She immersed herself in books on topics about nutrition and wellness,
to finance and spirituality among many others. She found that with a
little bit of concentrated effort every day, she could dramatically
improve the quality of her life.
With her diverse background and living life outside of her comfort
zone, she has discovered the purpose in her life is to grow and
constantly progress forward. She has found improving her life to bring
enormous fulfillment. She's now dedicated to sharing everything she's
learned with you!
Cynthia's mission in life is continuous personal development and to
help others achieve powerful results from their own life. Achieving
fulfillment stems from finding momentum. Learn how to Spark P ositive
Momentum in your own life and reach your true potential, little by
little every day. Join the Movement and Escape Average.

Resources
1. Dahn Yoga is a traditional Korean mind-body practice. They teach
brain education and have over 120 centers nationwide. Find out more
at www.bodynbrain.com
2. Chris Woodard is the Director of Missions at Valley P resbyterian
Church. Find out more at
www.myvalleychurch.org/ministries/missions
3. Michael Morelli Jr. is a weight loss specialist and health and fitness
expert. Find out more at https://morellifit.com
4. Lee Cockerell was the Head of Operations for Disney theme parks.
Find his interview here: http://goinswriter.com/lee-cockerell/
5. Kelly Strong is the owner of FoxyFix, a company specializing in
handcrafted leather notebooks and totes. Follow her instagram
@thefoxyfix. Get your next custom journal at www.foxyfix.com

Table of Contents
Contents
Title
Copyright
Join the Conversation
Dedication
Acknowledgements
P relude
Introduction
Chapter 1: Spiritual
Chapter 2: Intellect
Chapter 3: Health
Chapter 4: Career
Chapter 5: Finance
Chapter 6: Social
P utting It Together
Review P lea
About Author
Resources