I am strong

I am strong

by | 14.04.2024 | News

A few days ago, a friend of mine sent me a WhatsApp message: “Morning, how are you? Well, I know, ‘always good’ :-)” Sorry, but that’s a perfect setup for a free inspiration from my side. Here’s what I replied:

“Good morning (because my morning isn’t just a morning, but a good morning). Thanks for asking. Since every result in my life follows my thinking, I always find something beautiful. Hey, the sun is shining. So, everything is good. How about you?”

Let’s quickly get back to this thick storybook. In Joel 3:10 it says: “Let the weak man say: I am strong.” God speaks this sentence through a prophet to his people. What does that mean? God (your conscious mind, which thinks the first step before anything is materialized through your actions) tells you to say to the weak (meaning you in difficult times) “I am strong”. Why should you say that to yourself (or others)? Because a feeling follows the thought. This feeling moves you to action, and eventually, you’ll have a result. Not more, not less. “Joy” in your thoughts = “Joy” in the outcome. 

Or do you still belong to those people who always look at the result first and base their well-being on it? Maybe it becomes more and more obvious to you that every result has a beginning. Just like in a race, the finish line must have a start. Otherwise, there would be no finish line. And what I put in at the beginning must inevitably come out in the end. If I start at the beginning, you don’t run through the finish line, I do. Why is that so? Because it is so. Be-cause. Be the cause of your result. Instead of waiting for happiness or joy in your life to come from outside, be joyful and happy with the things you have now. 

Recently, Mia, one of our Caribbean rebels, sent a great photo to our rebel WhatsApp group. It shows a billboard with the words: “And then you miss out on all the good because you’re constantly waiting for something better.”

It won’t get better if you just wait for it. BE the change you want to see in the world. NOW. And back to the thick storybook. Many spiritual people are waiting for the perfect kingdom of heaven, for redemption from all the bad. What if this is heaven on earth already? And you decide whether you want to dwell in heaven or in hell every day? Or if there is a heaven, what if heaven works on the same principle as here on earth? You enter the realm of heaven that corresponds to your being during your life. Have you collected more joy or more suffering? And just so we’ve talked; Joy and suffering are your personal perspectives and not absolute reality. For some people, deforestation of the rainforest is suffering. For some companies, it’s pure joy. So, it always depends on the perspective. Do you choose to view at least 51% of your lifetime with a positive perspective and find joy in the here and now? Or does the balance tip into the negative? Well, what will you expect in heaven if you’ve suffered and complained 84% of the time? You get more of what you are. Not what you want. Start living more positively now instead of waiting for whatever in the future. There is no future. Because when the future arrives, it’s just the present again. And tomorrow’s present is determined by your thinking today. So, if you want a change? Then BE the change you wish to see. You still have time to change everything.

In this sense: Be the cause of your experience instead of waiting for the result to come from outside. Because that would be like telling the seed of a flower: “Show me what you’ll look like. And only if I like it, I’ll plant you.” The seed would say: “Friend, put the booze aside and dig me in first. Then water me nicely and lovingly take care of me, and then I’ll show you how beautiful I am.” No seed, no flower. No positive thoughts, no positive life.

Greetings once again from sea on the way to Sao Miguel.

I’m a Lucky One

I’m a Lucky One

by | 24.03.2024 | News

I’m a lucky one. And so are you. So, “I’m a lucky one” applies to you too. Great, then we’re already two lucky ones. “I don´t know Norman. Just take a look at my life and career. Luck has little to do with it.” Ok, thanks for your honesty. And what do you think is the reason for that? Before you start blaming bosses, neighbors, partners, children, or even your in-laws, let me ask you a question.

When you want to print a letter, you first think about the content, then you type your thoughts into a Word document and finally click on Print. What’s in your printer then?

Exactly, a letter. What else? It’s so logical when you know it, isn’t it? Letter desired, letter considered, letter written, letter printed. Letter there.

As long as you have the belief “I believe what I see,” your formula for “I’m a lucky one” won’t work. Because you’re saying that you only believe what you see. Those are the self-proclaimed realists among us. “I’m a realist. I only believe what I see and not your woo-woo and esoteric stuff with positive thinking and all that BS. I’ll believe it when I see that luck is on my side.” Well, that probably ain´t gonna happen. 

If it’s not “I believe what I see,” then what’s the more meaningful phrase? “I see what I believe.” Wayne Dyer, one of my great mentors, even wrote a book about it. “You see it when you believe it.”

“I see what I believe” is the right order. Not the other way around, “I believe what I see.” Or as a friend of mine said to me a few days ago: “Norman, if I had your great lifestyle, then…” I had to laugh. You can’t copy my lifestyle. Because what you see originated in my thoughts. The result, what you see today, is just the natural product of my thoughts and actions.

Let’s go back to the letter again, then you’ll understand what I mean. “I only believe in the letter when I see it.” Great. But you should write it first. Otherwise, you can’t see anything. “No, I want to see it first and make sure it’s there. Then I’ll write it.” Um, you’ll only be able to see it if you write and print it.

This brings us to the best news of all time: You are not a victim of fate or other people (externally), but at most (until yesterday) a victim of your own beliefs (internally). That’s exactly why I’m a lucky one. And so are you. Why? Because then the joy, the luck, and a wonderful life are 100% in my hand or in my thoughts. Let the world be crazy. As long as your mind is clear and knows what it wants, you’ll be able to see the result through repeated actions on your part. Just like the letter first originates in your head before it can be in the printer. Is there a time difference between idea/belief and “seeing”? Yes. But the longer you wait with the first step, the longer it takes to get to the last step.

So, ask yourself: What do I believe about myself and the world? Is this world a party, a dance, a joy, or the exact opposite? Whatever it is for you, I’m a lucky one. That’s my belief. Because if I anchor that in my thoughts and see the world through the eyes of a lucky one, then something beautiful will come out of it in the end.

In this sense – start to see and feel yourself as a lucky one. Or don’t. You have your life in your own hands… or rather in your head. 😊

Surprise for Mein Schiff Friends

Surprise for Mein Schiff Friends

by | 17.03.2024 | News

Today I have a surprise for my Mein Schiff friends. The question has often arisen whether the workshops from the cruises could be experienced again somewhere outside of the voyages, which has not been the case so far. Now, the six exclusive Mein Schiff personality development workshops are available in German for your living room. These workshops are offered as a package at an unbeatable Mein Schiff price (plus tax), just like on board. And for what you’re getting, the price is truly laughable. Have you been on one of the Mein Schiff journeys with us and crave even more change? Then get the workshops at MeinSchiff-Workshops.de 

Chance your life

Recently, a man who worked in the space industry for a long time told me: “The further you leave the Earth, the faster you can accelerate.” Interestingly, this thought also applies here on Earth. The further you distance yourself from your old worries, troubles, and issues, the faster you can accelerate and reach your desired destination. However, many fear this because it means moving into the unknown. My question would be, can it really get much worse than it already is? Many of us are exhausted, weary, tired, angry, and sad. Why would anyone voluntarily cling to such things? It can only get better. But it takes courage and the will to tread new paths and venture into unknown worlds. Of course, you can leave everything as it is. Instead of finally changing your job, where you are exploited and belittled, you might just accept the pay raise and continue to suffer. But that doesn’t solve the issue. Always optimizing the candle unfortunately doesn’t create a light bulb or LED. And you deserve to shine as brightly as you can. Because then you become the lighthouse for yourself and others, instead of flickering and burning out like a tired candle.

Focus on the gift

So, here’s my idea for you. Say: “Today is the most beautiful day of my life.” Why? “Because I am alive.” That’s reason enough for me. Look, you are given so many wonderful things every day. Look around you. There are so many gifts around you that you probably don’t even notice. Fresh air to the point of suffocation, gravity keeping you firmly on the ground, and since you’re reading these lines right now, you have a phone or a computer. Or you’re having them read to you by someone who has one of these devices. What a lucky person you are.

Let´s go

Focus on the great things that are already here. Then set out to leave your familiar atmosphere and embark on new adventures. With each step in the new direction, it gets easier. For additional booster power, get the German workshops at MeinSchiff-Workshops.de

With that in mind, I wish you a good “flight,” and we’ll read each other again next week.

Socrates, master of communication

Socrates, master of communication

by | 10.03.2024 | News

Socrates was a true master of communication. When I read the following story of Socrates and the three seven a few days ago in a great book by Ulrike Dahl, it was clear to me; this is just right for you.

Socrates once walked the streets of Athens. Suddenly a man comes towards him excitedly. “Socrates, I have to tell you something about your friend who…”

“Wait a minute,” Socrates interrupts him. “Before you continue, have you sifted the story you want to tell me through the three sieves?”

“The three sieves? “Which three sieves?” asks the man in surprise.

“Let’s try it,” Socrates suggests. “The first sieve is the sieve of truth. Are you sure what you’re trying to tell me is true?”

“No, I heard someone tell it.”

“Aha. But then surely it went through the second sieve, the sieve of good? Is there something good you want to say about my friend?”

The man answers hesitantly: “No, not that. On the contrary.”

“Hmm…” says Socrates, “now all we have left is the third sieve. Is it necessary for you to tell me what’s making you so upset?”

“No, not really necessary,” the man replies.

“Well,” says Socrates, smiling, “if the story you want to tell me isn’t true, isn’t good, and isn’t necessary, then you’d better forget it and don’t burden me with it!”

I agree that Socrates is absolutely right on all three sevens or points. What about you?

Take the story and the idea behind it with you into the coming week and into the rest of your life.

Live in the Here and Now, Otherwise…

Live in the Here and Now, Otherwise…

by | 03.03.2024 | News

Live in the here and now, otherwise… well, what then? Last Sunday, I had another impulse during the church service: The story of Lot and his wife.

Don´t look back

For those not so familiar with the Bible, here’s the story: Lot and his family were warned by God to leave the city of Sodom and Gomorrah before it would be destroyed because of its sins. God gave clear instructions for the family’s rescue: “Do not look back.” As they fled, Lot’s wife couldn’t resist the temptation and looked back. When she did, she turned into a pillar of salt.

Why you should not watch the news 

Could it be that this story is more relevant than it may seem at first glance? You know that I’m a strong advocate for a “don’t watch the news” lifestyle. What do you do when you immerse yourself in the news? You look into the past, usually focusing solely on the worst things happening somewhere on the planet. Symbolically, you’re looking (back) toward Sodom and Gomorrah. Do you feel better or worse afterward? Usually worse, right? You internally freeze (symbolically as well) into a pillar of salt. Many people nowadays are absolutely “frozen,” struggling to move forward. Depression, burnout, and all the modern terms we have for that voice in our heads that tells us how bad everything is, starting with ourselves.

Let the past go 

Similarly, holding onto past events that still trigger anger, hatred, or resentment within us fits with this metaphor of Lot’s wife. Aren’t you completely blocked when you cling to things that happened decades ago and might even involve people who are no longer on this Earth? As Alice Herz-Sommer, the oldest Holocaust survivor who lived to be 110, beautifully said during her lifetime: “Hate eats your soul. Not that of the hated.” As long as your soul clings to something “old” and past, and you keep looking back, you’re not living in the present moment but continuing to dwell in an unchangeable past. My mentor, Bob Proctor, always liked to say: “You cannot change the time you got out of bed this morning.” What’s done is done.

Move forward 

We all need to learn to let go even more to move forward happily. Constantly dwelling on past pains or negative news deprives us of the ability to experience our lives in the present moment. Moreover, it won’t make our future any brighter. We become pillars of salt, anchored in the past, unable to move forward.

Focus on the here and now 

It’s crucial to focus on the future and experience the here and now. The past is gone. Learn to let go. Therefore, Anke and I will be hosting a multi-day retreat on Rügen, Germany in November, where you’ll learn to let go, heal inner wounds, and create a future self that’s worth happily jumping out of bed every morning. It’s all very exclusive and intense, limited to a small group of up to 10 people. Write to me for more information if you’re interested.

Live more in the here and now and look only forward. Because that’s the direction you want to go. Looking south won’t bring you any closer to the north.

Would you do what you do?

Would you do what you do?

by | 25.02.2024 | News

Today I want to give you the question of all questions, which I asked a dear friend and coachee of mine last Friday in our 1:1 session: “Let’s assume you have reached your ultimate goal. Would you do what you do?”

The question of all questions 

Let me elaborate on the question a bit more. Imagine you had a goal that you definitely wanted to achieve. And now you have finally reached that goal. How would your daily routine, habits, and to-dos look like then? What would you do differently compared to today? Or not do anymore? Or even start doing?

How to achieve your goal 

If you have the answer(s) from your future self, ask yourself if you are already doing these things today. Perhaps you now say, “No, not yet, because…” (and now an excuse would come as to why it’s not possible yet). What if you started doing these things, that you would do (or not do) in your future, starting from today? What would change in the next days, weeks, and months? My tip: Everything. And you would be well on your way to actually achieving your goal.

Let’s say you had the goal of running a marathon. That’s 43.295 kilometers. And now you have really achieved that goal. How would you train the next day following the run? Would you then start taking the escalator instead of the stairs again or use the car for short distances and maybe go jogging for 10 minutes once a month (of course, only if the weather is nice)? Just as you are doing it now? I assume that when you run a successful marathon, you would continue to run long distances every day. Why? Because you would have created a habit and wouldn’t want to do it any other way. Does that make sense?

What to do next

Then start today to do exactly those things that you would do when reaching your goal. Run instead of drive. Eat healthy and less instead of loading your plate three times. Have fun jogging. And so on. Because what would be the automatic result? You would eventually be able to run the marathon.

Counter-question: Let’s assume you would continue to follow your current routine. What would be the result in the future? It wouldn’t be much different from your previous results. Because your behavior over the past weeks and months has brought you to where you are now. So, that’s not the most useful way to achieve your desired goal.

Think carefully about what your life would look like when you have reached your goal, and then start doing exactly those things (or not doing them). Starting when? NOW.

Enjoy DOING IT.