HEAD NOR TAIL

HEAD NOR TAIL

Sometimes you can't make head nor tail of something. You're unable to understand something at all. Have you exhausted your bag of magic tricks? Of course not. You never know, what you'll pull out of that bag of yours. No matter how complicated something may appear to be, you'll always find a way to deal with it. Don't give up. Isn't your life all about the cracking of hard nuts? It's just a further challenge as you're living your life!

Dream the impossible. That's how the world is moving forward. The magic of imagination. Write down the outcome you want. You'll be surprised, that you're actually now on your way! You set the wheels in motion. But make sure, that your visualization is about creating a positive version of your future. Because only then you have a chance to achieve the best possible outcome.

Nothing can keep you from visualizing the potential reality of your future. Practice and rehearse this ability mentally. Anybody can do it. That's why very simple souls have become so successful. Genius, talent and education are no guarantee at all for success. Complacency is the enemy. 

There is always a path to victory. Get rid of your fears and doubts. Your vision is everything. Close your eyes. When you open them, take immediate action. Don't underestimate the power of visualization and action. Today is the day!

RICK SCHMULL

DON'T EVER PUT YOURSELF DOWN

DON'T EVER PUT YOURSELF DOWN

Speaking and thinking about yourself must always be positive. Your life depends on it. Create the energy needed, that will allow a better, richer and healthier life for you in years to come. Just imagine yourself, where you want to be next. Your goals help you move forward. It's like driving a car to a certain destination. If you don't know, where you're going, you wouldn't get anywhere. 

Nobody is perfect. That includes you. Don't dwell on the things you shouldn't have said or done. Make a habit of ignoring a past, which is better best forgotten. Life goes on. Your future is determined by your dreams of today. All your imperfections are part of you and make you unique. Putting yourself down could yield unintended results. Perfectionism requires you to appear perfect and could make you obsessive. You don't need to be always at your best. That's unrealistic. Just make sure, that you lead an authentic life. Because then you can be at ease and get things done correctly.

You're human and you'll be insecure and vulnerable at times. Welcome to the club. Your flaws may be your strength! Your mistakes may well be deliberate! Who knows? Always focus on developing a better and real version of yourself. 'The best is yet to come'. No matter what! Because that'll keep you going. 

RICK SCHMULL

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TEMPTED TO SHOOT FROM THE HIP?

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TEMPTED TO SHOOT FROM THE HIP?

Reacting in seconds and not taking the time to consider your options, may lead to disaster. Reacting under pressure, is never a good idea. Being overconfident is risky. You may not be as knowledgeable as you think. It's much better to take a break! Step away from whatever you're doing. Even short time-outs are better than none. That's your chance to 'reset'. Constantly pushing yourself is stressful and can lead to burnout. Without a recharge, you are liable to make decisions, which you may regret later. 'I don't know' may be a hard thing to say, but it's easy to think that way. Don't try to look smart!

Listen to music or take a walk with your four-legged friend, if you have one. You have to find a way to unwind. This is essential in order to avoid becoming increasingly anxious. Anxiety affects your performance. There are also relaxation techniques to think about. Whatever works best for you.

Your goal is to increase your productivity. That could suffer, if you're on the job all the time. Don't feel guilty. Don't fear embarrassment. Make sure you're in control. Try to change the culture, if necessary. Your wellbeing is at stake. Otherwise the Cons will outweigh the Pros. Before you know it, you'll be farther from home than ever before.

RICK SCHMULL

ARE YOU A MOVER AND SHAKER?

ARE YOU A MOVER AND SHAKER?

Movers and shakers are considered to be very influential.  You may think, that you're influencing others, but, in reality, maybe others have you in their pocket. You may not be as strong as you would like. Others may have been able to dangle money and power in front of you. Or you are compromised by others. Then you are not the mover, but the one to be moved. Oh dear!

You're probably craving respect, even more than money and power. Is 'losing face' your biggest nightmare? Do you demand respect 'or else'? Others may feel, that they would otherwise pay a price. Maybe you demand loyalty above everything else. Maybe you're longing for limitless admiration, like a narcissist. Maybe you've been driven to it. But then it gets complicated. If others follow you blindly, they'll turn against you at the next available opportunity. Oh dear!

Being a mover and shaker is certainly not for everyone. It may not be worth it. Close your eyes and reflect on the possible pros and cons. What are the payoffs and sacrifices? Be aware of what you really want to accomplish in life. Your life could be so much easier, if you're not in the limelight.

RICK SCHMULL

DON'T DROP THAT BALL

DON'T DROP THAT BALL

Once you've decided to play ball, don't drop that ball. You need to be able to catch every ball thrown at you. Play catch as much as you can, even while running. That should become your second nature. Try to develop great hand-eye coordination. And get some sticky gloves!

Becoming an awesome player, doesn't happen overnight. It takes constant practice. In real life, you've got a mission to accomplish. You may be among the chosen few and 'unfinished business' is not an option. Don't be anxious about it. That may cause more harm than good. Just keep moving and you'll bound to be successful. Keep chasing your dream. Anybody can do it. A superior strategy and persistence will win every time. As long as you keep everything simple, you don't have to be educated. As long you're driven, even the strongest dynasties will be defeated. This has happened in history many times.

Weaker actors can conquer much stronger actors. Easy! Just watch a cat against much bigger animals. Cats are independent, They prefer going their own way. But even a cat cannot afford to drop the ball, because getting away fast enough may still become necessary.

RICK SCHMULL

THE MAGIC OF THE UNSEEN

THE MAGIC OF THE UNSEEN

Whatever you create, allows you to enter the unseen world. The unseen world is beyond your understanding. It is limitless and offers fantastic possibilities. You are part of something much larger. In creating something, you operate on faith. No proof is needed. It's as if an invisible hand is guiding you in a certain direction. There is no need to understand it.

Focus on moments, that take your breath away. Sometimes a beautiful rainbow around the sun can be observed. Nature is amazing! A glimpse of the unseen is all you need to be longing for more. Forget science. Science always plays a difficult game of catch-up to what nature has in store for you. Being grateful for the experience of reality, not the theoretical, is all you require. You aim to become practical in real life anyway, not a life based on far-out concepts.

Without you, there wouldn't be something, that wasn't there before. You are surrounded by everything you can and cannot imagine, but only you can start the ball rolling. You'll never cease to be amazed about what you can do. Just keep thinking 'make my day'! You'll rarely know, what makes a day 'great'. No one can know. But if your day doesn't turn out to be 'perfect', that may be exactly, what was needed at that particular time.

RICK SCHMULL

WHY, IN SPITE OF EVERYTHING?

WHY, IN SPITE OF EVERYTHING?

Why is nearly everyone around you so 'down'? Why is there a boom in antidepressants? The global economy isn't great, but holding up. Jobs are plentiful, while workers are scarce. There are wars, as usual, but they haven't widened yet. Food and energy have become more expensive, but rationing hasn't been introduced yet. Fear mongering about climate change, pandemics and World War III is nothing new. So what does it take for you to become more cheerful, with signs of Utopia all around you?

Is there a general feeling, that society is no longer thriving or able to thrive at all? Is society about to implode? Is liberal democracy doomed? Will freedom of movement and of speech become severely restricted? Has '1984' of George Orwell finally arrived? 

Has the fear of overpopulation and accelerating migration become a real issue? If so, aggression around you will get much worse. You'll need to live in a gated community! You'll need to be able to defend yourself. The call for a dictator will become stronger. It's happened in history countless times. Animals tend to defend their territory against intruders. Even birds, by song. Therefore, stay alert and hope for the best. You'll be protected. If not, too bad. Your time has come or not.

RICK SCHMULL

DO IT NOW

DO IT NOW

Don't put off doing things. Do it now. Make the most of 'now'. 'Now' is the moment you've got control over. Seize this precious moment! Who knows, what happens next? Things can change all of a sudden. It could all be gone tomorrow. There will only be so many opportunities opening up in your life. Just live your days, one day at a time, and be very grateful for being given opportunities at all. Life is a gift, after all.

Make the most of your precious life. There is so much to live for. Even if things aren't exactly going according to plan, ignore the few bumps along the way. Those are trivial in the grand scheme of things. You're alive and well! That's enough reason for you to be excited, as soon as you get up in the morning. You'll look forward to another day, another blank piece of paper. What will today bring? Will it be the best day you've ever had? Who knows?

Reward yourself by saying 'you did it' and 'you made it'. A pat on the back by yourself for a job well done. Avoid negative thoughts. Don't make yourself miserable. Ask yourself 'what's it to you', whenever you're confronted with the nightmares of others. You have to go your own way, without appearing to be selfish. Everybody is different. You have to take advantage of your moments.

RICK SCHMULL

AND SO THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

AND SO THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

At some point in life, you'll be faced with another challenge. That will make you begin your own adventure. Once your adventure begins, you have to keep focused on the reward at the end of your journey. Think about it all the time. That allows you to come face-to-face with difficult tests along the way and to get through. There always is light at the end of any tunnel. That should help you to persevere and never give up. Surviving any ordeal will make you a formidable opponent of anyone or anything, that may stand in your way later. 

Your adventure may have solved the issues of your initial fears and insecurities. You are now ready to take on the world. You're much stronger now. How is your relationship with yourself? If you've been able to patch things up with yourself, you'll be able to accomplish, what you wish or need to do now. You'll be able to control your traumatic experiences of the past. 

Don't feel bad about feeling bad. This shows you want to do better. Keep going! The darkness you may be feeling is never permanent. 'What's the point?' is never the right question. You need to muster all the strength and energy, that allows you to go on .. and on. Find your purpose in life. You're an essential part of the world's creation. You've been given a special role. Do you already feel the excitement of your adventure?

RICK SCHMULL

LET'S PRETEND

LET'S PRETEND

' Fake it till you make it'? The positive side to pretending is that you may be about to really enjoy yourself. Happiness is much better for your health than sadness. It is worth imagining a whole new life! You may need to experience a spiritual rebirth. It could boost the confidence in yourself and increase control of your life. Your facial expression will change if you are able to focus on something else than the apparent dreary reality. 

Your life is not unchangeable. Go back to the time, when you were a baby. You then began to walk and talk. You also began to pretend, as you played with stuffed animals and colourful dolls. You should realize, that thoughts, not reality, guide most of your actions and emotions. In order to get on in the world, you have to be creative and flexible. That may mean not to go with the flow. Then you'll have to deal with all the consequences of being considered to be an eccentric. It is what it is.

Practice the art of simulation. That's when your creativity comes into play. Turn your dreams into reality. 'If your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough'. Think of the times, that you lost loved ones. From time to time, you'll have to take a few moments to reflect on them still being there. Let's pretend. Otherwise, you may have difficulty in dealing with their loss.

RICK SCHMULL

ONLY JUST. REPEAT.

ONLY JUST. REPEAT.

Did you only just make it? Did you squeak through? So you succeeded, but barely? Close calls and near misses are part of life. Nobody will remember and you shouldn't either. The most important thing in life is 'NEXT'. And just like the moon, you'll go through 'phases of light and dark and of everything in between' (Rituraj on X).

Even if you're successful by the skin of your teeth, you're a winner. That's your best revenge! You always must plan to be a winner. Against all odds, you can still win. That happens all the time. It could be you, as long as you prepare and expect to win. It's all a matter of pretending you've already given yourself the greatest prize this world has to offer. That prize will then be yours even before you had ever imagined, that it could be. Who says you can't have it all?

Never fear losing what you've won. You can't take it with you! But your spirit will live on. Since the beginning of time, billions of human beings have passed through these different phases of life. Just repeat.

RICK SCHMULL 

WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS

WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS

Nothing will go on forever. Nobody knows, when the music will stop. But beware of 'be happy, don't worry'. Because you always need to be prepared for the unthinkable, without getting too paranoid about it. Make sure, that you remain positive at all times. Being positive is simply such a wonderful feeling! And much healthier too. Just keep trying. 'One door closes and another one opens'.

Will you find a chair in your game of musical chairs? Or will you be left standing? You might have to fight for that last chair. Really? If you're not part of the crowd, you may have the opportunity to achieve extraordinary things. You could be the real winner by avoiding being like everybody else. You can unilaterally withdraw from any business if you feel that it will land you in hot water. Turn a setback into a comeback, before you have to! 

If one thing you do fails, you'll succeed at something else. Failure is not an option. Losing a battle does not mean you've lost the war. Will you have tears in your eyes? That's O.K., but don't forget to move on. The best is yet to come, because you've now become more determined than ever. 

RICK SCHMULL

LIFE IS FULL OF SURPRISES

LIFE IS FULL OF SURPRISES

Your life is unpredictable. You often expect something to happen, but something else happens instead. Or nothing happens at all. A delightful surprise may light you up like a christmas tree. An unpleasant one may do the opposite. No matter, life goes on. A lot of things seem to come about by accident. You just know, how it happened. Make sure, that you remain flexible. Then the unexpected will visit you more often.

If you're locked into a detailed plan, the biggest surprise could be, that nothing happens, that you haven't planned. But you've blocked any contribution by the unexpected. You may have to let go for awhile. Because then the deeper part of you may get a chance to develop into something more. The unexpected may appear, again and again.

Try to become a master in trusting yourself. Why rely on others? Your own wisdom is beyond your understanding anyway. Your creative energy may release all expectations of what should be. That's something you couldn't have planned in the first place. Expect a surprise. Things may come through you in the moment like a bolt out of the blue!

RICK SCHMULL

DO YOU GET IT?

DO YOU GET IT?

So how do you get, where you want to be? Be focused and clear. Get going! What counts is the journey, not the destination. The road to success is always under construction anyway. The harder you work, the luckier you get. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence and determination. Not talent, not genius, not education (Calvin Coolidge). So basically you can always get, where you want to be. Do you get it?

It really doesn't matter who you are or where you came from. Why not perform a background check on yourself? Is all the available information about yourself correct? Don't underestimate the more or less extensive screening process, used by others, in order to evaluate, who you really are. But whatever such an evaluation, you'll be unstoppable, if your dreams are BIG enough. If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't BIG enough. Do you get it?

Your goal is not perfection. Your goal is to see, what others are unable or unwilling to see. Your goal is to express, who you really are and where you are on your particular journey. Then others will be attracted to your point of view. Others will become the viewers! Expressing yourself is all that matters. Even if you move forward in the dark. Do you get it?

RICK SCHMULL

YOU'RE THE ARTIST

YOU'RE THE ARTIST

One way or another, you're the artist. You're creating something all the time. It wasn't there before! That's why you're living in a world of your own creation. By the way, as a human being, you're a work of art yourself. There is a time for everything. A time to plant, a time to harvest. All of nature seems to react to some kind of a timetable. The inevitable rhythm of life! Just amazing.

You don't really have to analyze how to live your life in whatever way. You're making use of what the Great Universe is making available to you at any given time. There seems to be no logic to it. Don't worry! You'll act like an innocent child, trying out new things, around the clock. You're constantly looking for the missing piece of a puzzle, as if you're fulfilling a mission. That mission is to do good, most of the time.

You're on the way of achieving a goal, without you really knowing, what's going on. You may feel, that you have no control over the way things are going. Don't worry! You'll become aware, when the time is right. No matter, what happens, it all happens through you. YOU'RE THE ARTIST.

RICK SCHMULL

TIRED, RATHER THAN RETIRED

TIRED, RATHER THAN RETIRED

Your life's work is never done. There will always be another dawn. Don't even think of 'riding into the sunset' like a cowboy in an ancient American Western. There never should be a time for you to move on to a life without work. If you do that, you're asking for trouble. That kind of seemingly long-awaited retirement should be shunned. You should simply move on to just another phase of your life. You should dream of 'riding into another sunrise'. A life without limits! Only then will you be able to increase the quality of your life.

You may be worn out, but never beaten. Look for a meaningful replacement activity. You'll be spoiled for choice! The world needs you. The world cannot afford 'useless eaters'. You should make yourself feel 'ageless'. No kidding! If you are willing and able to continue your contribution, you'll be allowed to go on. And on. You'll be energized. Otherwise, your inactivity could be dangerous. Boredom is the enemy of life. 

Aging could be the future of living. You should be actively moving in the direction of new adventures. You can't wait to experience, what's next! Each new day could be full of new beginnings. There's more to life than merely looking back. Be grateful for the privilege of being part of this world and ignore all the cons. The pros always outweigh the cons. Make sure to keep it that way. If you ever have to change course, so be it.

RICK SCHMULL

WHEN THE BLOOM IS OFF THE ROSE

WHEN THE BLOOM IS OFF THE ROSE

Is something no longer as exciting as it used to be? Go after new ideas! Sooner or later, everything will be out-of-date anyway. Times change. It seems, that the pace of change is accelerating. Those life-long careers, for instance, may have gone out of the window. You'll have to change course frequently. Are you ready for new challenges more often than you would have expected? 

But nature is amazing. A new cycle, perhaps more rewarding than the last, is always just around the corner. That's why you should always do 'something'. Keep your mind sharp. Dream about great things in the future. Stop waiting for the end of today's uncertainties. How will you position yourself for the inevitable better times ahead? Rolling downturns, which occur at irregular intervals, are part of life. They provide you with an opportunity to right and steer your ship. The specific timing of anything is impossible to predict. But new technologies are constantly reshaping the world and you can be part of the next wave. 

Don't put all your available capital at work all at once. A gradual approach is preferable by far. It's never too late to consider a strategy of investing a fixed amount on a regular basis. This may lower your stress level for sure! You don't have to watch the markets all the time. You're participating in the action, regardless of price. Timing is a high-risk strategy at all times anyway.

Keep focused on your budgeting money practices. Ten to twenty percent of your income should be available for savings and investment, while the remainder should take care of your needs and wants. This discipline is always a challenge and sometimes requires sacrifices. But whenever the bloom is off the rose, you've got something to fall back on!

RICK SCHMULL

 

ARE YOU THINKING FOR YOURSELF?

ARE YOU THINKING FOR YOURSELF?

Are you allowed to think for yourself? But aren't we all in the same boat? If you want to win a boat race, you'll have to suffer. You'll have to be very competitive. You'll need to create a team that's all on the same page. You'll have to forget thinking for yourself.

That's why most of the world's population have beliefs, which are not really their own. Do you also feel  your life is dictated by forces outside of your control? Manipulation of human thought is as old as time itself. It can sneak up on you. But who wants to be a loner? Since your addiction to the smartphone, you've probably broken the habit of a normal human connection long ago. So you have now become easy prey for all kinds of sharks. They may be out to get you.

How will you know, what you should do if you don't think for yourself? If you would simply do what you're being told to do, you 'll have trouble seeing the light. You could be going in the wrong direction. Without the freedom of independent thinking, it'll be hard to get at the real truth. Think about the things you would do differently without all the propaganda around you. But you don't want to cause any trouble. You don't want to 'rock the boat'. The very influential people running the show want you to do just that.

RICK SCHMULL

HOW TO DEAL WITH THE WORLD

HOW TO DEAL WITH THE WORLD

No one can be sure, what will happen. But you're not on your own. You've got very valuable skills of your own and no one can take these away from you. Focus on developing your particular skills, because you need to be prepared to use these. Your life is on a rollercoaster. Nothing stays the same. You'll be faced with sudden changes. That's why you'll move on and on --- and on.

Time is precious. Don't waste it. You have to try and limit the temptation to get distracted. Don't get side-tracked. But you can still have some fun! Life doesn't need to be boring at all. But life is short. Make the best of it, as long as your health permits. If your health deteriorates, your life becomes a real struggle, but never, never lose faith in yourself and never, never lose hope. Life is always about overcoming the worst. Every one gets lucky from time to time and you will too.

When things seem bleak, picture yourself in a successful outcome and positive change is bound to happen. Detach yourself from seemingly insurmountable challenges. You'll find a way! Start daydreaming. Life is amazing. As the world turns, you'll be given the key to focus on the good and the good gets better. Opportunities are endless and everywhere. Remember the songs 'Fly me to the moon' (Bart Howard, 1954) and 'The best is yet to come' (Coleman, 1959), as recorded by Frank Sinatra.

RICK SCHMULL

THE TROUBLE WITH PESSIMISM

THE TROUBLE WITH PESSIMISM

If you think the world is ending, you are closing the window of opportunity. You won't act one way or another, because there's nothing to be done anyway. Being a pessimist can be harmful to yourself and others. Have pessimists ever reversed any dark times in the past? As a matter of fact, the accomplishments in this world have mainly been achieved, thanks to the optimists.

Pessimism is often unjustified and unfounded. It could be fatal for the quality of your life. Never get caught up in the collective mood of hopelessness if certain dreadful things are allegedly happening somewhere. Why would you be spoiling your day, while the alarming things could be vastly overblown? You may not have been sufficiently informed. There is a constant stream of misleading information ('fake news') all the time, which arouses the fear of both the educated and the uneducated. 

There is plenty to be optimistic about. Despite all the gloom and doom, more than a billion fewer people are living today below the International Poverty Line than in 1990, just 34 years ago. Across the world, the average life expectancy since 1900 has more than doubled. The number of people reaching the age of 100 has quadrupled in the last few decades.

But pessimists will not be allowed to live a long life. There should be an unspoken rule against voicing extreme pessimism. You just have to find a way to believe in the future of mankind. Therefore, make today count. As the Irish say - 'Here's to a long life and a merry one!'

RICK SCHMULL

DON'T KEEP UP WITH THE PACK

DON'T KEEP UP WITH THE PACK

Is your lifestyle more than you can afford? Have you been bitten by the bug of keeping up with the Joneses? Do you suffer from 'conspicuous consumption' simply to impress others? Easy credit makes it easy to spend money, you don't have. It could become an obsession, which could push you into a downward spiral. That's very different from the old days! You either had the money or you didn't. 

It makes no sense to focus on your social and economic status, compared to others. Break your downward spiral now! You shouldn't flaunt your possessions, like the feathers of a peacock. Stop this catastrophic thinking, before it's too late. You could lose everything and then some.

How you should be living and what you should be buying must be your decision alone, not that of mister advertising, nor that of your neighbour. You will always lose, at any income level. Do you realize, how many unhappy wealthy people there really are? Overspending, let alone overborrowing, leads to disaster! Wake up, people!

Don't keep up with the herd. Scaling back your lifestyle may not be easy, but is essential in order to keep afloat. Especially these days. Prices have risen everywhere. Just compare house prices with 50 years ago. Insane! Unsustainable, because no one will eventually be able to afford it. Would you think about living in a cave, like the Stone Age people of 5,000 years ago or like the 3 million Chinese in the Chinese province of Shanxi currently? You could save money! You could be forced to control your spending someday. Then nothing will be the same again.

After your 'golden' years, you could become penniless. This happened to millions of people, after the outbreak of war or revolution. That's why you should always prepare for the unthinkable, before it's too late. You don't have to be wealthy to build your own 'bunker', somewhere, stocked with canned food, water and gold. No, no guns and ammunition. Because they could be turned against you by your fellow human beings. Don't trust anyone, while Armageddon rages. And keep your mouth shut.

RICK SCHMULL

WHY WOULD YOU EVER PICK A FIGHT WITH A STRONGER OPPONENT?

WHY WOULD YOU EVER PICK A FIGHT WITH A STRONGER OPPONENT?

Assume from the start, that 'fair fights' don't exist. Use your anger wisely. Calm yourself down. Why would you get involved in a fight in the first place? Give yourself time to think, before you have a decent chance of losing and before you'll come to regret it. Take a break. You can give way, without surrendering. Just look it up. 

Avoiding a fight altogether is by far the best strategy anyway. Would you really want to take issue with governments, powerful lobbies, intelligence services and secret societies? Remember, power and money shape the actions of most people. If there is a lot at stake, it could be a fight till the end. Life is short, as it is, and could become shorter. Much shorter. It doesn't matter how strong and tall you think you are. But you could give up things, without giving them up. Just look it up. 

So just walk away. That's a very effective tool! Tomorrow is another day. Nature is amazing. Tomorrow things may look very different. You'll be able to overcome most things eventually. There will always be sunshine after rain.

RICK SCHMULL

NEVER RETIRE

NEVER RETIRE

Just keep going. Idle hands are the devil's playground. Can you handle it, leaving a productive career behind? Always look forward. How long have you still got? Plenty of time! An apple a day may not keep the doctor away, but there are true health benefits. Remaining productive in life, however, is much more essential for your physical, mental and emotional health. That's why you should find a way to abolish your official retirement. Just stay put or move on to your next adventure.

Any possible stressful transition is simply not on and should not happen. It's all in the mind. You are meant to be active! You are not limited by your past. You don't want to feel a bit lost, when you are confronted by a forced retreat. Refuse to accept it. The best of your life may yet lie ahead! No kidding! You are now older, wiser and hotter than ever!

Some health problems may slow you down. Down , but not out! Remember, any setback is temporary, not final. Never lose hope. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Be an optimist! Do you have an action plan? What is your ultimate 'bucket list'? Or would you really prefer a journey, without a destination? Everybody is different. But no matter what follows next, make sure that you have a grand finale during the last leg of your long race. Who knows, you may be able to sprint at the end!

RICK SCHMULL

WHAT IF YOU LIVE TO 100?

WHAT IF YOU LIVE TO 100?

The number of people living to 100 has increased, as life expectancy has improved significantly, despite seemingly never ending epidemics and wars. People lived to 35 - 40 years of age 5,000 years ago, when infant mortality was also very high. You can live a happy and long life, as long as you remain active and curious. If you focus on certain goals, you'll be allowed to go on. Remember, certain foods and pills could actually kill you over time, despite all the propaganda. Be very sceptical towards anything, that may be unnatural. Your life may depend on it. Rely on the invisible hand to navigate the minefield of your life.

Suffering a serious decline in memory is not a given at all. That apparently only applies to a tiny minority. All the research, that is currently being done on cells and DNA should eventually produce amazing results. The survivors among us should look forward to becoming 120 and 150 years old. Giant tortoises can reach an age of 150 years already, with some whales and fish living to an age of 200 years or more. 

You won't be able to live forever nor would you want to. But as long as you aren't 'a useless eater' and you have a contribution to make to mankind, you'll find, that you are a vital part of this world, whatever your age. So try to keep moving!

RICK SCHMULL

YOUR MIND IS THE GREATEST THING

YOUR MIND IS THE GREATEST THING

You and your mind never existed before and never will again. You are truly unique. You are far superior to any Supercomputer. Don't even try to figure out, what a mind is. It's a miracle beyond man's understanding. It can move mountains. It can create things, which were not there before. It may already control things through thought alone. Only a tiny fraction of your mind is put to use at any one time.

Your mind is very powerful. It's essential for your survival. It also imagines things, which may be about to happen. That's why you constantly have to give chase to unmissable things. Put them on your radar. Don't try to explain the unexplainable. 'I think, therefore I am' (Descartes). 

Every experience, every thought and every emotion is created by your mind. Are you conscious of your mind taking control of your life? Your mind can make you do amazing things. But make sure, that you are keeping yourself on the straight and narrow. There is nothing worse, than losing your Good Name. That's sooner lost than won.

RICK SCHMULL

IT COULD BE WORSE

IT COULD BE WORSE

Is that really the best you can do? So you haven't reached the absolute bottom yet? Perhaps you don't really care about the problem by saying that. This seemingly harmless phrase is unfortunately commonplace. When evil strikes, many want to cry out for answers. How can you be happy at all with such a situation? But a better way to address the problem would be to be very understanding. 'Making a big deal out of nothing' is the wrong response to a traumatic experience. It could make the suffering much worse. That would delay the recovery.

Become a listener rather than a talker. If you're not sure, what to say, be honest about that. 'I am so sorry that you have to go through this' is a way of showing you are feeling, what someone else is feeling. Offer your sincere support. Always try to do your best to make things better. Emotions, especially worried feelings, need to come out. Refuse complacency. Then you'll never say 'it could be worse' again.

If you ask 'how are you doing?' and the response is 'not too bad' or 'it could be better', try and focus on the positive. Hope for the best. Plan for the worst. Forewarned is forearmed. Count your blessings! That may all be true, but no consolation. Just try to ignore, that you or someone else came second or even last in the race of the day. Never look back. Ever.

RICK SCHMULL

IS YOUR DESTINY REALLY IN YOUR HANDS?

IS YOUR DESTINY REALLY IN YOUR HANDS?

There is more at play here. There is an unknown thing, which isn't you, that seems to determine what you are or aren't doing. You aren't the whole story. You exist for a purpose. Your purpose may or may not be revealed to you over time. But is creating the life you want really up to you? Can your destiny really be changed? 

Your mind creates your future, more than anything or anyone. But you'll make many mistakes along the way. You'll learn from them. Sometimes it takes a lifetime to figure out who you are and why you here. By the way, judging others from your perspective only, is a habit you should try to break. That takes time. Everyone is different, has a particular background and may therefore have to be judged in another way.

It's easy to blame circumstances for everything. It is, what it is. You may never get to know why. Irrelevant! Your bad fate is all in the mind. You should think, feel and behave as if you've accomplished your dream already. Pretend! Nothing wrong with that. Just visualize the way forward and you'll walk on water. You'll be feeling better day by day. If you fall, get up! Because yes, you are unstoppable, no matter what. That is your destiny.

RICK SCHMULL

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

It sounds too good to be true! And then it turns out to be just that. Sure it is. Fairy tales date back over thousands of years. Wouldn't you want to have magical powers? Aren't you dreaming of the unthinkable? Some people hope like hell, that you'll take the bait. But falling for something, that sounds too good to be true, is the oldest trick in the book. How easy it often is, to fool people!

Scapegoating is an established trick to divert attention away from a serious discussion of what sounds too good to be true. It's so simple, yet stupid. A civilized exchange of ideas requires much effort to accomplish. It's not easy to do. So you should try it anyway and keep calm. Just take a deep breath every time. You'll have to do your best to slow things down. A falling-out may have all kinds of unintended consequences. Not worth it! Or does it have anything to do with being brainwashed? Get out of there then!

Just suppose you got really lucky. Could you handle it? Why do some people appear luckier than the rest? Lucky and unlucky events are part of life. They just are. Bad luck events happen all the time. You just don't know when. Prepare for them! Similarly, in the case of good-luck events, rise to the occasion! Your moment has come. This time your dreams are coming true. You always believed they would, right?

RICK SCHMULL

 

SETBACKS MAKE YOU STRONGER

SETBACKS MAKE YOU STRONGER

Setbacks are normal. They are part of life. They are NOT the be-all and end-all of your existence. They are learning experiences. Focus on the possible upside. Every shock presents an opportunity. Don't dwell on what went wrong. Don't kick yourself. Move on.

It takes some practice, but there are ways to turn a NO into a YES. You should look forward to overcoming obstacles. Very few are permanent roadblocks. You are just the way you are or look and you cannot change the way you are or look. But if you are able to turn the tables, like becoming an apparent winner, then you suddenly will build an astonishing following. Suddenly, everyone wants to follow you. What seemed like a lost cause, can turn into your victory!

Positive self-talk is a MUST. Before you started walking as a baby, you were probably pulled up to a standing position. Every time you reached a milestone, you gave yourself a thumbs up. You finally became an unstoppable baby. Well done!

RICK SCHMULL

 

YOU THINK YOU KNOW MORE THAN YOU ACTUALLY DO

YOU THINK YOU KNOW MORE THAN YOU ACTUALLY DO

You're overconfident. That's human nature for you. There is a big difference between what you think you know and what you actually know. Who is fooling who? Are you fooling yourself? Don't respond to a scam, trick or prank.

Which game are you playing? Are you playing to win? If so, then you just have to be better at winning. Or do you count on the other side to make a mistake first? Don't try to play someone else's game. Don't fall into the trap of making unnecessary mistakes.

You don't have to be very intelligent in order to win. You just have to avoid the pitfall of excessive stupidity. Always think about what you want to avoid. Avoiding failure matters much more than just winning. It doesn't take a genius to think like one!

RICK SCHMULL

PATIENCE WILL BE REWARDED

PATIENCE WILL BE REWARDED

When we want something, we want it now.  Instant success! But real and sustainable success can only be achieved by learning to be patient. You need to recognize, that any triumph is in the waiting, not in acting rashly. Plant growth and child birth require time. Time to plant and a time to harvest. Time to be born and a time to die. Everything has a cycle and is a process.

Of course it's really difficult to be patient. The world is changing rapidly all the time. You feel pressure from all directions. That's why you'll find, that impatience often puts you in a bad mood. Begin looking for ways to slowdown. Slowing down may actually speed up your way to success! You may be able to think more clearly. Getting rid of stress is a condition to create magic in your life.

Always be hopeful, that the best times lie ahead. This is an essential part of your drive to succeed. It's like a roadmap. You now know, where you're going and not reaching your destination is no longer an option. You're no longer on autopilot. It's like walking on water! Yeah! Miracles happen all the time and make sure, that you're part of it.

RICK SCHMULL

DON'T EVER FEAR OF MISSING OUT. IT'S A DISORDER.

DON'T EVER FEAR OF MISSING OUT. IT'S A DISORDER.

Absolute fortunes have been lost, due to FOMO. Don't get it. Restrain yourself. If you're worried you're missing exciting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, then it's time to get rid of this anxiety once and for all, because it could ruin you. Just say NO to this typical human response. Keep your feet on the ground.

When euphoria reigns, you could lose your good judgment. Don't adopt the behaviours of the people around you. Herd behaviour leads to financial catastrophe. Focus instead on your own individual feelings, which may be very different, when everyone seems to be losing their mind.

Just train your mind to overcome FOMO, by doing something, that would distract you from this disorder. Become creative. Don't listen to the songs of seduction, because you will be led off course and create a sense of impending doom. It could be the end, not the beginning, of life as you've known it. 

The dangers of temptation have to be faced head-on. The only way to control these, is to become a master in scepticism. Become a contrarian, despite all the pressures. It could save you from a lot of grief. Don't try to imitate others. You'll never become like the others anyway, because you have a different destiny, as determined by your maker. That's why you need to put in earplugs and wear sunglasses in order to protect yourself from any damage to your financial well-being.

RICK SCHMULL

DO YOU HAPPEN TO KNOW TOO MUCH?

DO YOU HAPPEN TO KNOW TOO MUCH?

Secrecy may be in conflict with a free and open society. But there is no society without groups with secret oaths. 'Whoever is not with me, is against me' (Luke 11-23). So going your own way may put your life in grave danger. It's all about the perceived interest of society by those, who are or aim to be running it.

Don't put your head above the parapet. You'll become an easy target. Being true to yourself by exposing cover-ups may sound heroic, but don't forget, that this world is no paradise. It's rather paradise lost! Because the endless corruption by the Rich and Powerful is no match with the apparent decency of the average person. 

If you are regarded as a 'security risk' by those, who are on a gravy train, you are on a slippery slope, which may not end well. Run for your life! 

Money and Power supersede any democratic and complacent society. If Big Money is involved, you bet, it will attract a relentless pursuit by those, who feel entitled to it. As most people are relatively uneducated or even 'brainwashed', there is little to fear for those, who do not care what other people think about them. Unashamed is the road well travelled by the bold and stupid. Get out of their way!

RICK SCHMULL

EVIL LURKS AROUND EVERY CORNER

EVIL LURKS AROUND EVERY CORNER

Look for the good in your fellow man. But be careful. You may be too trusting. If evil rears its ugly head, get out of the way, before it's too late. Do not try to confront evil head-on. You could get more than you bargained for, a lot more. You just don't know if there has been a history of mental illness or something.

Any human being, or animal for that matter, could have been subjected to trauma. They may be in a state of shock or denial. If so, you could suddenly become a target. Taking it out on total strangers would be the unfortunate result. Don't even try to communicate in a normal way. Just get out of here. 

How do you deal with the feeling, that people are 'out to get you'? How can you function socially, if you have this constant fear of being taken advantage of? How can you trust your therapist, if you have one, or anybody else, who reaches out to you? Would you be offered any tranquillisers in order to reduce the symptoms? Are they addictive?

In any case, relationships can become very complicated. That is not unique and all part of life. Hopefully, you will not lose your way and remain focused on the meaning of your life. Your maker has definitely been planning the best way forward and, yes, it's up to you to figure out, what happens next. Just be quiet for awhile and keep dreaming. Don't open your door if the Big Bad Wolf knocks. Protect yourself from evil.

RICK SCHMULL

 

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

The road to success is paved with failure. But as long as you're determined to make it, nothing will slow you down. You soon realize, that you'll need help. You'll only be able to achieve a tiny amount on your own. That's why you need a mentor and a dedicated team. 

Don't forget to put a roadmap to your success on the wall. That game plan is essential. Your lifestyle may have to change. Discipline has to become your watchword. Motivation follows reward. Reward yourself! Just like you reward your pet with treats. Perfectly normal. Without a proper reward, you'll find, that you tend to pretend and not enough gets done.

You have to be focused on your goal constantly. No distractions allowed. You'll be pulled into all kinds of directions, but time is of the essence. There simply isn't enough time. But don't let yourself become miserable. Success and misery are a toxic combination. 

Ask yourself -- do I want this badly enough? Am I willing to pay the price? Will my health improve, rather than deteriorate? If the road to success makes you a better person, then, and only then, it'll be worth it. Otherwise, you may lose more than you ever gained.

RICK SCHMULL

IRRATIONAL FEAR IS NOW GRIPPING THE WORLD. PUT A STOP TO IT.

IRRATIONAL FEAR IS NOW GRIPPING THE WORLD. PUT A STOP TO IT.

Relax. It's a fact of life, that you have no control over most things that take place. But the good news is, that 9 out of 10 of your worries never happen. Stop asking yourself 'what if?'. Just let it go! Fear and anxiety should have no place in your life. It's more trouble than it's worth. Are you trusting your maker? If so, that'll take a lot of weight off your shoulders.

There is always something to be upset about. There are limits to what you can manage. But whatever is troubling you now, don't make it worse than it really is. Avoid the act of exaggerating at all times. Don't let small things ruin your day and your life. Tomorrow is another day!

Every one of us is exposed to whatever happens around the world each and every day. You may therefore not be able to think independently. That can be very challenging. It could take a long time, if at all, before you control your mind (again). But nothing is permanent. Nothing! Remember, you can make a choice and you will, as soon as you realize, that it will be beneficial to you.

Accept, that nothing and nobody is perfect. Everyone has a different background. Everyone has had different experiences. Everyone carries some kind of personal trauma around. But you must learn to deal with that. Be patient with yourself and others. 

Be positive and reward yourself. 

Transform yourself and be born again!

RICK SCHMULL

NEVER GIVE UP MEANS NEVER GIVE UP. NEVER.

NEVER GIVE UP MEANS NEVER GIVE UP. NEVER.

No matter what happens! Just keep going. When you have a dream, never let go. Always act like you're a winner.

Remember - It's never too late. You're never too old. Just imagine you've done the job already. 

Nothing can stop you now. Make yourself unstoppable!

But you must keep moving in the right direction. You'll be able to unlock the magic you never thought you had. Rest assured, you're only aware of a tiny bit of your potential!

Miracles happen all the time. Make sure you're ready.

You can accomplish anything. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise.

Persistence in the face of adversity will always make a way. Guaranteed.

Accomplishments against the odds happen all the time and are spectacular. Chase the unthinkable! It's yours for the taking.

RICK SCHMULL