Sarah told me how she knows if someone is a good singer…and I felt it in my body!

How you can figure out what’s right for you…let your body tell you.

If you’re looking for the government, or a company, or a union, or anything to improve your life over the next few years, you’re gonna get your butt kicked.

The economy is changing too much. If you get strong, learn how to take charge of your own life and learn how to receive, the next few years can be great for you and your family.

This article became a pre-Thanksgiving tradition in 2008, the year we started seeing real mayhem in the big box stores. See the end for the 2011 update…

*** ***

I’m writing this on Sunday morning, a couple of days after a few tragic incidents on “Black Friday.”

For those of you not in the United States, this is the day after the American Thanksgiving holiday when many stores offer sales with deeply discounted items.

These sales have become a phenomenon over the past few years, with stores opening at 5:00 am and people lining up the night before to buy a very limited quantity of deeply discounted items.

In New York a Walmart employee was trampled to death by the oncoming crowd as the doors opened. And in California a customer shot and killed two people in an apparent rage about some item that was in high demand.

Many people are prepared to take these two incidents and use them as a symbol of everything that is going wrong in the world.

I’d like to offer a completely different perspective: I think this is a time to recognize just how essentially right things really are.

*** ***

These are sad events, but not unprecedented. As I was telling a friend of mine, I can imagine an out of control crowd rushing to get scarce loaves of bread, or medicine, or any number of things that were once considered necessities for survival.

So the fact that the rush was on for electronics or toys, things that are nice but not necessary is a sign of increased prosperity.

Indeed, this was a case of manufactured scarcity. Collectively, we decide to assign importance to certain items that really has nothing to do with our actual survival. We will continue to breathe in and out whether we have that new computer or not.

Our children will love us whether they get the hot new toy or not.

A deliberate condition of scarcity was engineered and created by the stores themselves, to entice people to come in and act out of fear. The media bought into it, with stories about the Black Friday sales and people lining up days before.

I remember attending one of these a couple of years ago. We were at a Best Buy store in Connecticut at 5:00 am, thinking we’d be among the first to be there. We were greeted by multiple police cars, dogs, television news trucks, and thousands of customers who arrived before we did.

That was the end of our Black Friday shopping excursions. Never again.

As I said, the retailers and media co-created the conditions that contributed to these deaths – along with us. Those who lined up outside the doors participated in the frenzy. We have choices in how we think, how we act and what we allow into our consciousness.

So with that, let me leave you with a few pieces of good news….

1. I predict a change in the way these sales are administered, and they may even disappear altogether. The retailers and the media don’t just create public opinion. They respond to it as well. Walmart is no doubt reeling from bad publicity surrounding this event. Black Friday sales are now associated with corporate and consumer greed. No business wants that connection.

2. For every act of chaos, greed and desperation that occurred on Black Friday, there were hundreds, even thousands of acts of civility, kindness and generosity. These weren’t reported in the media.

Doors were held open for senior citizens and children.

Children’s eyes lit up when parents bought special presents for them, and parents hearts melted with the reactions of their kids.

Strangers bonded in a shared sense of humor of the absurdity of the circumstances they were in.

Spouses had hot breakfasts waiting for their partners when they returned home.

Some minimum wage retail workers found a sense of dignity and personal empowerment in being assertive towards large groups of people. Some of these same workers received more money than usual based on the volume of sales they processed.

And some of these workers experienced something unpleasant enough, it inspired them to ask for more out of their lives. Somewhere on Friday a decision was made by a Walmart or Radio Shack worker to go back to college.

It really is a matter of where you choose to put your focus.

Three lives taken and an attitude of greed.

Or a self-correcting marketplace and many acts of compassion and grace.

I know where I’m choosing to focus!

Your Friend,
Larry

***

It’s 2011, and most people don’t know it (or don’t want to face it) but we’re coming up on a whole new economic order.  Unsustainable debt and a move away from the US dollar as the reserve currency is going to change the way we live virtually overnight.

This is a time to learn stuff about economics, and there are plenty of good sources.

More than anything else, it’s a time to become self-reliant…to learn how to draw resources to yourself and receive them with an open mind, open heart and open hand.

HOW TO RECEIVE is enrolling new students for the January session.

If you think you’re going to ride out the coming economic tidal wave and just “get-by,” you’re begging to be a victim.

Because your value to the marketplace – as an employee – is going to drop like a stone.

The value you create by living that dynamic balance of giving and receiving is going to be the thing that not only gets you through tough times, but brings you to a whole new level of spiritual, emotional and (yes) financial fulfillment.

The old ways don’t work anymore, even if you don’t know it.

Go to all the door busters you want.

Then saddle up.  Either learn to receive or get eaten by the system.

HOW TO RECEIVE

It’s time to stop “playing” Law of Attraction.

It’s time to get real. Ronald Reagan asked America if it was better off today or four years ago, and he beat Jimmy Carter.

You’ve been studying The Secret and Abraham-Hicks and Wayne Dyer. They’re all great.

What have you done with them?

The world economy is changing.

It’s time to saddle up!

Recorded January 2009.  I listen to this and realize…so many things I wanted back then are things I have now…because I followed my own advice.

Your Pal,
Larry

This has become my traditional New Year’s note…starting three years ago. Check out the bottom for the 2011 update…you great big wonderful person you! 

***   ***

January 1, 2008, 12:10 a.m.

I’m doing my own version of partying.

I’m not at a wild New Year’s party.  Not in a bar.  Not having a $100.00 a plate meal at a restaurant.  Not at Times Square.

I’m at home, in my living room, laptop in hand.  I’m doing what I love.

I’m in “The Zone.”

Hey, I know how to have fun!  We just got back from a week at Disney World.

So what did you do this New Year’s Eve?  Are you reading this about the time I’m sending it?

Whatever it was, did it contribute to your wealth?  Your sense of well being?  Did you party out of a sense of duty or obligation?

Are you excited about the direction your life is moving?  Is the love here?  Or is it on the way?

How about the money?

How about the peace of mind?

How about the health?

Keep reading.  I’ve got some thoughts you’re going to want to know about.

We don’t all do things the same way, do we?  We don’t think the same way.  We don’t feel the same way.  We don’t perceive things the same way.

We all have things we value and things we don’t need to hold onto. Some of us have things we need to let go of!

If we all wanted the same things and did things the same way, we’d all have the same stuff.

And yet we don’t.  Some have more, some have less.

Those who have more of the good stuff of life?  They manifested it through having a clear vision of it.

And believing they were worthy of it.

And taking themselves seriously enough to have the discipline to stick to a plan to make it happen.

And doing what it takes to keep a state of optimism, gratitude and general sense of joy about their lives.

Those with less?  They are just as loved and cherished by the Universe/God/Divine Intelligence/choose your own word.

All they’re missing are the SKILLS to make something happen.

Or perhaps the mentorship of someone who can get them into a better flow.

Or maybe some better information, so they don’t have to make the same mistakes over and over.

Or possibly a healthier environment…a sacred circle of people who will honor their commitment and invite them to contribute their own love and energy.

***   ***   ***

In 2008 I invite you to be a FREAK…like me and others who have the commitment…the courage of their convictions.

You know…the ones who smile at “the rules,” then do what they KNOW is right…for themselves.

Maybe you’re already one of these people and are looking to run with a cooler crowd.

What you’re seeing here is ENTHUSIASM and PASSION.

Without apology.  No one else is responsible for my success and prosperity.  Just me.

And no one else is responsible for yours.  You own it, my friend.

It’s 2008.  You’re here.

Now…see it all the way through.

With All My Love And Energy,

Larry

***   ***   ***

2011. We’re three years removed from people running around yelling LAW OF ATTRACTION and MANIFESTATION as if saying the words would cause great stuff to pop into your lap

And even though the fad of LOA isn’t what it was then…

The truth of the concept is immovable, unchanging and beautiful.

Whatever words you want to put to it…what you give your attention and energy to , is what shows up in your life…

…or at least the start of it.

Feel the good stuff knocking on the door of your life.

Then do the work and become the person that lets it all in.

Happy New Year! You’re just as beautiful, loving and loved as ever.

“What do you do?”

Of course the more important question is “Who Are You?”

And of course the answer is “You are a child of God/The Universe/Divine Intelligence/Random Chance/insert whatever word or phrase you like having a human experience, seeing how much fun and/or trouble you can stir up before you go back to your Source.”

But while you’re here, try “What do you do?” for a while.

Well, do you know?

Of course the answer changes. It may be the right time to say “I teach, or I install carpeting, or run a house and raise kids, etc.”

And it may be the right time to say “I have no freakin’ idea what I do, but I know I’m on the verge of figuring it out.”

Someone I respect a great deal asked me that question out of the blue.

I thought about it for 2 or 3 seconds and came up with my own answer…

I help people make major life changes.

And it’s the truth. I look back on where I’ve been the most effective – and it’s with people who are on the cusp of moving into a new and better life situation.

Which is not to say I don’t help people make smaller ones…a few mid course corrections. I’m happy to be that spark.

But jumping deeply and meaningfully into people’s lives….being the guide that leads them back to their best angels, which they learn to trust, and follow…that’s what I do.

It lots of fun, and can be a bit frustrating. Finding the folks who make a real commit to change, and the discomfort that comes along with it…it’s an exercise in patience.

Look, I have respect for everyone, including those who aren’t ready yet, and for those who don’t even know there’s more. We’re all worthy of respect and love.

But the fraction of those who ask for more, then stand ready to receive, and allow the changes to change them…who play along with the Universe’s plan (or God’s if you prefer)…

That’s who calls out to me.

Arrogance? Maybe. But I redesigned my life. I went from poor, spiritually sick and needy to wealthy, filled with light and strong enough to give…and receive.

And I helped redesign someone else’s life – making her a millionaire in the process.

And I redesigned another’s, helping her find the self-respect to attract beautiful people of all ages and genders into her experience.

And another, taking her from near bankruptcy with a lawsuit hanging over her head, to legally free and clear and a wildly profitable business.

I could keep going, but to those who sense the reality of this,  it’s not necessary. And those who don’t see it, more is just piling on.

***   ***

So I ask you now – and it’s a good question to ponder at the start of a new year (as if you needed an excuse to live your life by design instead of default)…

What Do You Do?

If it’s something that feels good, keep doing it.

And let the world see you doing it. Be a role model of living with Divine spark and purpose.

Your On Purpose Pal,
Larry

If you are in the neighborhood of making a commitment to something bigger, this is the invitation to do more. THE END GAME is what I use to help those who are ready to live strong, rich and free. If that’s not you (yet) enjoy the inspiration…but don’t check out THE END GAME.

As a kid I was a late bloomer. Not a lot of confidence, not much of an athlete (which is the main way boys see themselves and each other), one of the last to be picked for team sports. You know… a nerd!

So when it came time for high school and meeting a bunch of new kids from the middle school on the other side of town, it was a chance for a “do-over.”  I took as much advantage of the opportunity as I could. I got a little stronger, a little more coordinated, a little cooler.  I felt a bit better about myself.

Of course the real growth happened after I blew town altogether, heading 200 miles north for college. All these profound, life changing experiences keep rolling in. More often than not, I’ve been willing to put my ass on the line to be bigger, become bolder and make great stuff happen, and inspire others to do the same.

I’m proud of that. And I love using social media as a tool to make it happen. I’ve met so many great people – and great people in training – over the last few years.  Friends, coaching clients, coaching clients who become friends, people I studied under… it’s been a remarkable ride.

I’ve met so many of you…by voice and in person.  In settings where you don’t get a chance to edit your words…where what you see is what you get. It’s the one sure way of knowing the person behind the words and the pictures is real, authentic and worthy of attention.

And there are others who operate from the safety of a manufactured image…who want to be as strong and successful as they represent themselves to be, and haven’t quite arrived yet.

(And I’m not necessarily talking about financial success, though that’s one indicator.  I’m talking love, life force, health, the whole enchilada.)

And of course there are those who frauds…perpetrating an image that’s a lie, in order to take something from others without having earned it.  Sometimes they get success for a little while before the game catches up with them.

But don’t worry…that’s not you. 

It’s why I make an effort to genuinely meet as many people as I can.  Sometimes by phone, often in person. I know the value of my energy, my willingness to jump into the game with both feet, to let my “mojo” interact with others.

People grow when they’re challenged, and supported, and valued, and loved. When they take their heart’s desire and turn it into a really fun game. When they’re willing to play like their life depends on it, only without the dread that comes from failure.

I’m proud of my pals who’ve become the kind of people they imagined themselves being when they were in high school.

And I’m proud of my pals who strive for it…who are willing to try and fail, try and fail, work their butts off, slow down and breathe, create new patterns.

Play their way to success. Not just to do.

To BE.

A new year’s a comin’.  An excuse to get out from under the safety on your on line image.

Put some skin in the game. Let people see who you are.

Get good at driving traffic.  Get good at positioning yourself at the top of the Google page, if that’s your thing. Get good at collecting and capturing your prospects. It’s important if you’re in the marketplace.

More important is BEING the person who leads others to their own best selves…by your own example.

Because as the Great Martha Gesegnet and I say, it’s all about who you ARE that attracts people.

Your Mom was right. It’s not about what you say, it’s about what you do…and who you are.

You can play around with an image for so long.

Then to make it, you gotta be it.

And let the rest of the world see it!

Your Authentic Pal,
Larry

P.S. Shameless self-promotion? You betcha! As in I’m not ashamed of promoting what I believe in, which is ME – and my skill at helping people get to the next stage of their lives.

P.P.S. You’ll know you’re moving in the right direction when you don’t worry about how many people you piss off in the process of finding the right ones to co-create your greatness…and theirs.

P.P.P.S. It’s a fun balancing act…letting people know you haven’t gotten all the way to where you wanna be yet…and not showing weakness at the same time.  Documenting your growth – letting your confidence burst out for the world to see…very sexy!  People will wanna be part of the (insert your name here) show.

You can become strong, confident and attractive while building your dreams.

In fact it’s really the only way it’s going to happen.

Shot at Diane’s Home And Small Business Network Summit; November, 2010.

Yee-hah!!!

Hi All,

CLICK HERE for the audio I recorded for Memorial Day, 2009…

Six minutes about your responsibility to live big, and to honor those who died for your liberty to treat it with respect.

That’s the 2009 version, and I’m going to stick my two cents in right here with the 2010 message…

I’m looking at the blogs, and listening to the conversations around me. The absolute disrespect we are hurling at our political leaders, and those who disagree with us…it amazes me.

It is a dishonor to those who gave our lives so we can have liberty.

Look, I understand what happens when you have a computer and the ability to speak your mind without having to interact directly with those who can read your words.

We allow our anger and our frustration to boil over. We participate in a free-for-all of hostility and hatred. The consequences for that kind of hate speech are minimal.

Or are they?

The fabric of our society is our CIVILITY. To disagree with the positions of our elected officials while honoring them as people and the process that allowed them to become elected in the first place.

It’s the same process that allows them to be voted out of office.

When we write and say things out of hatred – when we make it personal – we tear at the fabric our society was built upon.

We stop hearing each other. We make it easy to make decisions by listening to the voices of intolerance, bigotry and narrow self-interest.

Simply put, we become dumber.

And this is no time to be dumb. We need the best minds. We need an informed electorate now more than any other time.

Calling each other names plays into the hands of those who wish us ill.

It also happens to be a favorite tactic of those who kill and blow themselves up because someone’s religion or skin color is different.

It’s Memorial Day weekend. Honor those who gave their lives for your liberty.

Discuss. Debate. Disagree.

Organize. Make sure your elected officials know what you want, and why you want it.

Work to vote your favorites in and vote the ones you disagree with out.

And honor the sacrifice of our veterans by cherishing the values that a prosperous society needs to stay prosperous.

Your Friend,
Larry Hochman