Financial Abundance - 5 Factors

As an "Abundant Life Coach" I get asked about the meaning of "financial abundance" very often. What this means to you can be the difference between living the lifestyle of your dreams, or settling for something less than your dreams. I want you to live the life of your dreams!

Here, then, are 5 Essential Factors of Financial Abundance:

"The Abundant Mindset"

Thousands upon thousands of books, articles, media, programs, and so much more have been produced that discuss the awesome power of our minds, and the influence of our thinking upon our lives. It is difficult to say enough or emphasize enough that truth. As I see it, we are exactly as we think.

In my work, I recommend the adoption of an "Abundant" mindset. This means so much more than finance or money, however, for the purposes of this article, I will discuss abundance only as it applies to the world of money and finance.

A financial abundance mindset means enjoying an abundant amount of money, and yet not allowing greed. Greed does not work (sorry, Gordon Gekko). Of course "financial abundance" will be a relative concept; it will probably mean something different to each person. Greed, however, is fairly obvious; it is almost like knowing (within your mid or heart) the difference between right and wrong.

Further, a financial abundance mindset means having the monetary means or resources to enjoy an abundant lifestyle, yet balancing your financial wealth with philanthropy and generous giving (see point 4). When one's personal motives are clearly defined and one's goals are aligned with those motives, then financial abundance becomes clear.

"Specialized Knowledge"

The largest difference between the rich and poor (or the "haves" and "have-nots") is knowledge. Or, more specifically, the largest difference is a specialized knowledge; meaning that they have the "right" knowledge and also know how to use that knowledge to their advantage. In other words, specialized knowledge is the information or data itself, coupled with the wisdom to know how to use the information or data.

For many, specialized knowledge is an academic education such as medical or law school, while for others this might mean computer programming, aviation repair, or something. Further, many of those with a financial education know how to leverage their own money to make more money. Obviously the point is that specialized knowledge translates to earning ability.

"The Power of Compounding Interest and Investing"

For many people, diligent savings and investment of a consistent percentage of income over considerable lengths of time has lead to financial abundance. I would certainly add that economic factors always play a significant role with regard to risk in investments. Even so, living well within one's means while investing and saving can very often lead to financial abundance.

"Generous Giving"

Generosity does not necessarily mean giving away or donating money. Mr. Zig Ziglar has said: "If you can dream it, then you can achieve it. You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want."

This is so very true. It must be an unwritten law of nature that over time, our generosity is paid back several times over. Of course there are exceptions to every rule, and yet employing an attitude of generosity is always a safe bet for a great return. And, if nothing else, it is an illustration of excellence of character.

"What You Love Over Time"

We should seek ways to turn what we love to do into a good living. I am a firm believer that when we do what we love doing, money very often comes as a byproduct, because our focus is not so much on making money as it is on enjoyment and lifestyle. Over time, money tends to take care of itself in large part when we are doing what we enjoy, especially when it helps others.

In conclusion, the very first point - having an abundant mindset - sums up all of the points I have made in this article. When we do what we love to do; when we are generous and seek to help others; when we live within our means and save money; when we always seek a more specialized knowledge...we then have an abundant mindset, and are bound to realize financial abundance.

Kurt Turrell ( http://www.KurtTurrell.com ) is a business consultant, lifestyle coach, entrepreneur, and author. With over 20 years in hotels, management, education, and life skills development, Kurt is an authority on many areas of business, management, sales and marketing, and business streamlining, as well as helping individuals to achieve abundance and success in all areas of life/living. Go to: http://KurtTurrell.com to get "Lifetime Success in 6 Simple Steps" completely free.

Have You Got Character? 10 Factors Of True Character Abundance

There's a piece of dialogue in the movie "Wall Street" (1987), where Hal Holbrook's character says: "Man looks in the abyss. There's nothing staring back at him. At that moment, man finds his character, and that is what keeps him out of the abyss." For so many of us - myself included - it is so true: we needed to hit 'rock bottom' before we could find our true character and climb out of the hole. For others, their true character comes naturally and there are no such severe trials.

Regardless, it is our true character that defines us as a person. In other words, it is my personal "quality of personality" that is the truest measure of my persona as an individual. It is not only how I act in the best of circumstances, but also how I react in the worst situations.

Here are ten of the most important factors of true character abundance:

1. Integrity above all else.

Most people do not take the time to sit down and clearly define what this means in terms of their own life. In my work as an Abundant Life Coach, I encourage my clients to make it a priority to make a "top 10 list" of their inner principles. In other words, these are the things that you stand for as a person, your inner value set, what makes you tick.

In large part, the word 'integrity' means unbreakable, unshakable, and unswerving. Integrity cannot be compromised for any reason whatsoever.

It is fine to just imagine these items in your head, but I think it is important to actually make a written list. As an example, you can go to my website (see the resource box below) and click on the menu item: "My Beliefs".

I base everything that I do in both business and personal life on my principles of integrity, as I would hope that everyone does. When you base your thoughts, words, and actions in strong principles, your strength of character will be clearly demonstrated.

2. Spiritual Development.

Very closely related to one's integrity, spirituality can definitely mean one's faith or religious beliefs, and yet for the purposes of this article, it also means that part of you that is intangible, unseen except within your actions, your very heart and soul, your inner personality.

Spirituality is the development of your soul, where your true character resides. If your integrity accurately reflects your spiritual beliefs and actions, then your character is - and will remain - intact.

3. Physical and mental health.

It is clear that your character is also reflected in your physical and mental health. There are, however, exceptions to this rule. Very often our physical or mental health is not within our control, and therefore is detached - or unattached - from our true character. Arguably, our character is not relevant to getting cancer, for example; that is not within the control of our character, by most scientific postulates. Others believe that our character can attract poor health.

In general, however, good physical and mental health will emphasize and promote positive strength of character. Abundance of character is reinforced by our physical and emotional persona.

4. Balance, moderation, and self-discipline.

Balance in life means abundance of character as much as any other item on this list. Balance means both moderation and self-discipline. The opposite of excess (of anything) is moderation, and therefore balance. Most often this balance is achieved through the practice of self-discipline, and self-discipline becomes a more natural pursuit when we live within the directives of our integrity and spiritual being.

A life of abundance - by definition - implies that there is a balance, and therefore the possibility of excess (most often expressed as greed for any one thing) is not possible or desirable. This is not to say that financial wealth is a bad thing, but how much wealth does a person need? Often the balance for financial wealth becomes philanthropy, giving of one's wealth for a greater good.

A life of abundance includes so many areas, along with financial abundance. The point is that balance, moderation, and self-discipline promote strength of true character.

5. Humor and mandating fun.

All too often neglected in the serious-minded individual, humor and fun indicates true character. Fun and humor are the counter-balance against excess seriousness. Even so, there is an appropriate time and place for most everything. One cannot achieve abundance of character without both a serious side, and a fun-loving side.

The world would make no sense without the healthy youthfulness of humor and fun.

6. Abundant experiences ("wonderment").

A wealth of experience(s) adds to true abundance of character. Some of the most boring people I have ever met - and I apologize if I offend anyone - have never left their own backyards, so-to-speak. The fullness of life - and therefore an abundant character - is found through our experiences. This means, obviously, that our character grows along with our experiences, with very few exceptions. I admit, however, that there are those who are born with "an old soul" and all kinds of character. I admit that I am puzzled by, and envious of, such unique people.

Perhaps the desire for a wealth of experience comes from a natural sense of "wonderment" (or a sense of awe) at living life on this small planet. This is one way that we parents can invest in the abundance of character of our kids: instill in them a sense of awe and desire to know, learn, and experience more and more of life, within the bounds of integrity, spirituality, balance and fun.

7. Passionate relationships.

Also closely related to abundant experience is a wealth of relationships, especially friendships and other associations. When we practice passion within our relationships - which means that we demonstrate consistent, unceasing caring and concern - we build abundance of character.

Our relationships are the nourishment at the core of who we are. There is an old saying that goes: "We are not measured by how much we love, but by how much we are loved by others." That is perfect!

8. Personal and global responsibility.

We round-out our character and give it thrust and fullness, by and through a lifelong commitment to being responsible in our words and actions, to the people around us and to the planet that gives us life. This is a personal and global sense of responsibility.

Sometimes referred to as an "attitude of gratitude", personal and global responsibility is how we give back to that which gives us every experience that our character absorbs, throughout life.

9. Acceptance of change.

Resistance to change is unnatural, or fights against the natural course of all things. When we embrace change, we open our character to every possibility of abundance. When we accept change we are progressing along our intended path; we are being flexible in our approach to all things, and we can adapt and overcome.

True abundance of character evolves as do we.

10. Effective communication.

Often overlooked with regard to components of character abundance, effective communication is the lifeblood within the veins of our character. We cannot separate our communication - both physical and verbal - from the abundance of our true character. Our true character is reflected in all we do and say.

Further, the effectiveness of our personal communication sets the tone, the pace, and the ultimate success of everything we do. Therefore, the effectiveness of our communication dictates our return on every investment we make of ourselves, feeding our abundance of character.

In conclusion, let me acknowledge that there are many, many components of an abundance of character. This article has been but one attempt to share an opinion and also shed some light on certain values that remain all to often overlooked in our tumultuous world.

If everyone on this planet were to base personal character in the abundance of goodness and integrity, imagine the type of world we would enjoy each and every day.

Kurt Turrell ( http://www.KurtTurrell.com ) is a business consultant, lifestyle coach, entrepreneur, and author. With over 20 years in hotels, management, education, and life skills development, Kurt is an authority on many areas of business, management, sales and marketing, and business streamlining, as well as helping individuals to achieve abundance and success in all areas of life/living. Go to: http://KurtTurrell.com to get "Lifetime Success in 6 Simple Steps" completely free.