Finding A Mentor – New Years Resolutions 2012 – How to Find a Mentor

New Years Resolutions 2012

It’s 2012 and things are already on the up and up!

I wonder, how many of you would like to take things to the next level? Have you made New Years Resolutions and gotten wishy washy results or no results at all? That’s because most of the time, New Years Resolutions don’t even work!

In my video above I describe why this is the case for many people – and I make a suggestion on one simple way to improve our results and throw down the gauntlet for an InspirACTION Challenge this week. 

One of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your results is by finding a mentor. I’m not talking about finding a mentor who will be the drill sergeant of your life and tell you what to do, how to do it, and shame you for not doing what they say. I’m talking about finding a mentor who will be there to hold you accountable, push your limits, tell it to you like it is, bat for you, and be the sounding board for your ventures.

My friend Edward Elliott was that person for me throughout the beginning of 2011. I grew so much just by talking with Ed for an hour once a week.

Finding a mentor 300x200 Finding A Mentor   New Years Resolutions 2012   How to Find a Mentor

Let’s talk about what a mentor looks like, the benefits of having one, and most importantly how to find a mentor!

What Does a Mentor Look Like?

A mentor can take many forms, but most typically a mentor is someone who:

  • Is successful in the area you would like to see more results
  • Is open and excited about the idea of taking on a mentee
  • Is respectful and non-judgmental of where you are at
When you find your mentor they can be anyone from a certified coach, to someone in your extended family. They could be a successful business professional in your industry, or even a teacher. Sometimes it will be to your advantage to seek out someone you don’t know very well because there is less ‘baggage’ that might get in the way of your mentor and mentee relationship.

 

Bonus Tip: You want a mentorship program that will really pay off? Consider investing some money into who you’re having to coach you. Tell me, if you were signed up for a class that was free – would you be more willing or less willing to blow it off than if you had to pay money for it? The same is true with a mentor or a professional coach – sometimes you need to pay to hold yourself accountable.

What Are the Benefits of Finding a Mentor?

A good mentor will:

 

  • Hold you accountable
  • Inspire you and encourage you to do things you might not do on your own
  • Tell you what you need to hear – and they won’t avoid telling you where you could use improvement
  • Push your limits to get you to grow
  • Always “bat for you” and be on your team 100% – they will never work against you, only for you
  • Help you develop and cultivate new ideas
  • Empower you  to make the best decisions for yourself – on your own

How do you Find a Mentor?

This is a common question for this subject and is often the most critical aspect of it’s success. It’s “How to Find a Mentor?”

 

I think we could group the various strategies into three different categories:

 

  1. Who do you know already?
  2. Who does your network know?
  3. Who are the people you’ve identified as leaders within your industry or the subject area of focus?

Who Do You Know Already?

Do you know someone already that you could work with that would meet some of the qualifications already discussed in this post? If you’re in school – do you have any teachers you have a good relationship with that might be a good fit? Do you know any professional coaches already? Start here.

 

Who Does Your Network Know?

Chances are, if you don’t know someone who could be a mentor, your network does. Who are the biggest connectors you know? You know, the person who talks to everyone and knows everyone? Connect with them, tell them what you’d like to find and any other information you can give them about your ideal mentor and see if they can come up with anyone. Here’s a hint: Don’t stop with the first result! Go fishing!

 

Who are the Leaders?

If you’re really into social media and actively networking, you’ve probably got a good sense of who the leaders are in your industry. You never know who might be willing to take you on as a mentor for an hour or two per week. And, even if the leaders you contact aren’t the mentor you seek, they may know someone who would be an even better fit. It doesn’t hurt to send a message, you might be surprised at the results. The higher the caliber you’re willing to shoot for, the better off you’ll be in the long run.

 

Leverage social networking to get in contact with these people, and if you can get a hold of their personal email – just go for it. If you have a friend that’s already connected with who you’d like to work with, get them to make the introduction for you.

 

So that’s it for this week’s InspirACTION!

 

In the comments below tell us,
“What’s the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever received from someone?”

 

-It could be about anything, so go nuts!

 

And please, if you haven’t already, subscribe to my brand new YouTube Channel: InspirACTION TV and share this post out if you found it of value!

Ori Bengal’s First Stand-Up Comedy Routine

Ori Profile Pic 200x300 Ori Bengals First Stand Up Comedy RoutineWhen I met Ori Bengal on Facebook I was immediately intrigued. At the time I only knew him at “Couch Surfing Ori” – someone who had spent over a year couch surfing across the country and beyond on a multitude of adventures and meeting just as many people along the way.

Fast forward to now and I caught a glimpse of Ori doing something I’ve had on my personal list of “Firsts” for a looooong time.

Ori took a leap out of his comfort zone and performed his first stand-up comedy routine. This already funny guy takes it to the stage and absolutely crushes it.

You can connect with Ori in many different places, just follow the links below:

CouchSurfingOri.com

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Are you funny one just like Ori? Do you have some funny stories to share?

In the comments below, share your favorite joke or a funny story (doesn’t have to be yours) and I will read it on the next episode of InspirACTION! Which, by the way, is a hilarious improv sketch comedy you’re either going to laugh your ass off or think it’s totally terrible. Either way, I’m putting it out there!

TEDx Crestmoor Park – InspirACTION Talk by Avram Gonzales

On September 22nd, I had the pleasure of speaking at the local TEDx Crestmoor Park event.

TEDxCrestmoorPark Logo TEDx Crestmoor Park   InspirACTION Talk by Avram Gonzales

Ever since I’d seen my first TED Talk, I’ve wanted to share my experiences and insights on this amazing platform. It was truly an honor and I’d like to give thanks to Dafna Michaelson and Michael Jenet and the rest of the volunteers for putting together an incredible event!

You can find the rest of the talks from the same night by heading over to TEDxCrestmoorPark.com.

Below you’ll find my talk, where I share my experiences from InspirACTION, and doing something new I’d never done before every single day throughout all of 2010. I also give you the tools to create InspirACTION and new experiences in your every day life in order to grow and prosper.

Say goodbye to fear and the million other excuses you have to keep yourself paralyzed and never moving forward. These are the tools you wish you’d been given when you were born icon wink TEDx Crestmoor Park   InspirACTION Talk by Avram Gonzales

If you opt into the list over on the top right hand side of this page – you’ll receive a copy of “Questions to Expand Your Life into Limitless Possibilities.” It’s my gift to you for the holidays, as well as an extension of this presentation.

Enjoy!

Climbing Grays Peak – Hiking in Colorado

Climbing Grays Peak – Hiking in Colorado

The other day I went hiking with my new friend Chris Crosby on his first 14er, Grays Peak just up I-70 from Denver, Colorado.

The summit of Grays Peak sits at 14,270 feet and the elevation climb from the trailhead to the peak is around 3,000 feet.

Victory at the Peak e1317504263736 225x300 Climbing Grays Peak   Hiking in Colorado

Even with the snowpack covering the trail towards the top of the peak, we had little trouble scaling the mountain and sitting gloriously at the top checking out the incredible views from all around us.

I’m proud of Chris because not only did he complete his first 14er, but he pushed through his clinically diagnosed vertigo.

I noticed Chris did something really cool on the way up. Even though he got angry and frustrated with the situation (it was a bit slippery, his vertigo was freaking him out a bit) he was able to direct that energy at the obstacle instead of himself. How many times have you gotten angry, and actually used it to stop you instead of pushing through? This is something I’d like to briefly talk about – and if you choose to harness it, it will probably change the way you operate and allow more possibilities to show up in your life.

Anger as a Potency

We’re going to start with a question. At what age did you learn that anger was a bad thing? And that expressing it or being angry with things, situations, or other people was wrong?

anger management 221x300 Climbing Grays Peak   Hiking in ColoradoThis is where we got all screwed up as kids. Because is anger really a bad thing? Or is it just an emotion? – It’s just an emotion right?

Have there been times in your life where sitting back and trying to be nice wasn’t actually doing anything for you – and the second you expressed your anger all the bullshit stopped and you got what you wanted? People finally snapped out of it and stepped up, or your anger conjured the energy required to bust through a physical challenge.

If you’re not willing to be angry, people will not only manipulate you with their anger – you will be powerless during times when anger is actually the energy that’s required to change things.

Bringing it Full Circle

If you’ve ever judged anger as being a bad thing, would it make sense that you could never use it to your advantage? And what’s even crazier is that when you’re operating this way and you DO get angry; you’re going to judge yourself because of the way you behaved.

Even if that choice to be angry was the best thing you could have done for yourself.

Anger is a powerfully potent force when used and directed in a generative manner. What Chris did on the mountain was used the energy of anger not to punish himself or get down on his performance – but to make his way to the top of the hill.

You know how a room can shudder in the midst of an angry individual.

Think about how your limitations and judgments of yourself might change if you used the potency of anger to shatter them… Would your life be any different? What if anger was what’s required to shift something that’s been locked in place for years and years?

Chris wasn’t afraid to use it. Especially after spending 6 years saying, “Hell no I’m not climbing a mountain – I’ve got vertigo and x, y, z other reasons.”

When he got to the top it was as if those limitations never existed. He proclaimed to be addicted to climbing 14ers, and he can’t wait to do the next one.

Grays and Torreys 1024x768 Climbing Grays Peak   Hiking in Colorado
Grays covered in snow on the left, Torreys on the right

Comment below answering the following question:

How have you used anger to shift something in your life that wasn’t working for you? What was the effect or outcome?

TEDx Crestmoor Park 2011 – Denver – Avram Gonzales and InspirACTION

AGonzales Headshot 224x300 TEDx Crestmoor Park 2011   Denver   Avram Gonzales and InspirACTIONTEDx Crestmoor Park is happening September 21st. The theme is “Elevate, Engage, Empower.”

I’ve always dreamed of speaking at a TED event ever since I watched the first video on their website. If you haven’t heard about TED – there are hundreds of inspiring videos from thought leaders and influentials from around the world. The TED talks will absolutely blow your mind. Check out TED.com when you get the chance.

Now, it’s my turn icon smile TEDx Crestmoor Park 2011   Denver   Avram Gonzales and InspirACTION You can see my profile and more details on my talk by clicking here.

I have the opportunity to speak about my journey of InspirACTION to a crowd of over 100 people alongside 14 of Denver’s finest community influentials. It’s time to live the dream – go time baby!

If you’re in the Denver area, come join the fun! There are still some tickets available, but they’re going incredibly fast!

Also, check out the other awesome speakers that will be there. How did I get so lucky??

See you at TEDx Crestmoor Park – Buy your tickets here.

 

TEDxCrestmoorPark Logo TEDx Crestmoor Park 2011   Denver   Avram Gonzales and InspirACTION

Attitude of Gratitude – Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude with Total Ease

Gratitude Rock 300x225 Attitude of Gratitude   Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude with Total EaseThis blog post is about cultivating an attitude of gratitude with total ease.

What would it take to have an attitude of gratitude completely embedded within your being?

There are many ways to create an attitude of gratitude in your life. What is so interesting is how simple each and every one of the techniques and strategies you’ve heard of can actually be.

What seems to be the difficult part is actually applying it, sticking with it, and even feeling it.

Have you ever judged yourself for not being “grateful enough.” That’s interesting. So if you’re ever not grateful ‘enough’ – wouldn’t that mean you’re always comparing your gratitude to what you think it *should be*

What if you were just grateful. What if it didn’t have to “measure up.” What if you didn’t have to be “as grateful as the gurus.”

What if you could just start now, and never be judged, and bring gratitude and greater abundance into your everyday life. That would be nice wouldn’t it?

Good news is, you can totally start today. As a matter of fact, right NOW!

The Power of Gratitude

As you may already be familiar from books such as The Secret, the power of gratitude is in its vibrational frequency. Having gratitude is the same as HAVING whatever it is that you’re grateful for. Let me explain.

If you’re grateful for things (literally anything) you put the molecules of your being in compatibility of having instead of lacking. So when you’re grateful for even the little things in life, you’re essentially saying, “Thank you Universe, I appreciate your gift so much. What else is possible?”

When people have that kind of appreciation for you, how does that make you feel? Don’t you feel inclined to give more of yourself to that person? You feel magnetized to do something nice for them just because.

Now consider the opposite: What happens when someone is complaining? When you find your friends or family complaining… do you find yourself wanting to stay or run away screaming? Probably run away screaming right? Is it really ever fun or generative to hang out with people who are constantly complaining? NO! Of course not.

So when you complain, that’s basically what the Universe wants to do – run away. Now, the Universe will never abandon you, and it will never judge you – but it certainly won’t want to gift you more when you’re not even happy with what it has given to you.

Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude

FranBlogLOVEGRAT 300x225 Attitude of Gratitude   Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude with Total EaseI’m going to give you a tool and a little challenge to help you create and cultivate an attitude of gratitude in your everyday life. This one is going to be fun, and it might even inspire some of your friends and family along the way. Are you willing to play?

For 21 days, jot down three things each day that you are grateful for. Put it in a notebook, in your phone, on some sticky notes – wherever, it doesn’t matter. Include it as a daily practice. Perhaps when you get up in the morning or before you go to bed. By the time you’re done with the challenge, you’ll have a better habit in looking at the things in your life with more gratitude and appreciation.

Here’s where the challenge gets REALLY fun! I created a Facebook Page called “Today I’m Grateful For.” Go ahead and click here to go to the page and Like it.

My challenge to you is to post the three things that you’re grateful for on Facebook (via your own status update) each and every day. What you want to do is tag “Today I’m Grateful For” by typing the @ symbol in your status and then typing Today I’m Grateful for after it. A little box will appear below your status (as long as you’ve already liked the page) – click it, and it will become part of your status and highlighted in blue. Follow the “Today I’m grateful for” with whatever it is that you’re grateful for.

We’re going to see how many people we can inspire into this challenge and of course – inspire change within ourselves.

Thanks for playing!

Other ways to Create an Attitude of Gratitude

Create a Gratitude List – A close relative to this post.

The “Cop Callback” – I called a cop back that pulled me over and thanked him for it. Thanking people for everything is a good way to bring an attitude of gratitude into your everyday life.

Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude – Another unique spin on this post by my lovely friend Francisca Giannini.

What do you do to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in your life? Share below!

Also, don’t forget to play the game if you’re taking this challenge by *Liking* the “Today I’m grateful for” page on Facebook.

Rikka Zimmerman – How To ‘Be’ True Money, Wealth and Abundance

How to ‘Be’ True Money, Wealth and Abundance

Are you looking for a new reality around money? You’ve come to the right place.

free money mw 300x225 Rikka Zimmerman   How To Be True Money, Wealth and AbundanceIn this post I’m going to share with you three tips I’ve picked up from Rikka Zimmerman’s “How to Be True Money, Wealth and Abundance” teleclass.

There are two things I want to point out before giving you the keys to the kingdom of the financial reality you’ve always dreamed of:

You have to do the exercises for them to work!

I know it sounds simple, or even silly to say it – but I know how easy it is to ‘pretend’ you’re doing the exercises and attempt to get the same benefit. It just doesn’t work that way! Can you have the muscle without lifting a finger? NO! Trust me, I have been there. I tried ‘pretending’ with my vision board saying that I’ve “got it all in my head,” and nothing happened until I actually did it.

And, these exercises might bring up a lot for you. Notice the thoughts or energy that come up as you go through them, or even think about doing them. Many times we’ll actually avoid looking at our money situation because we’re so disgusted with it. It’s crazy, but we’ll think that by not looking at it, it’ll go away – where the opposite is actually what’s true. We have to look at it in order to change our reality around it.

That being said, listed below are your three keys to the financial mastery of your reality:

  1. Know what it costs to live now – and know the cost of your phenomenal life.
  2. Tithe 10% of everything you earn to the church of YOU!
  3. Load up your wallet with as much cash as a rich person would carry.

Know What it Costs to Live

Do you know how much it costs you to have your current living each month? I mean, down to the dollar?

Would it make sense to you that if you weren’t aware of how much it was actually costing you to live, you might have a little difficulty bringing enough bacon home to feed the family?

When you figure out where you’re at right now, it’s much easier to ask for what you require!

So, go through all your bills and write down all your average monthly expenses. Remember, the clearer you are, the better your awareness of your financial situation. Here’s a list of things to get you started and an example of mine to the right.

  • RentFinancial Mastery Current 238x300 Rikka Zimmerman   How To Be True Money, Wealth and Abundance
  • Food
  • Utilities / Cable
  • Car Payment
  • Car Insurance
  • Gas
  • Cell Phone
  • Internet
  • Travel
  • Clothing
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Misc.
  • Toiletries
  • Health Insurance
  • CC Monthly Payments

Total all of these up, then add 10% for your Having Account (We’ll be talking about this next)

Your final total is where you’re currently at.

Were you surprised at all? I was totally shocked because my total was almost DOUBLE what I thought it was. I’m truly grateful now that I have the awareness of where I’m at though!

The next part of the exercise is to determine what your phenomenal life would cost per month. This is your opportunity to GO BIG! Would you like multiple houses throughout the world? A garage full of cars? Constant travel around the globe? Put it all down on the sheet.

The more clear you are, the better your results will be.

Sure, you can ask the universe for $50,000 a month, but if you don’t communicate what that’s for and what it will be generating… chances are you’re making it more difficult to show up. I know I’m going to need to redo mine after this post because I totally spaced the business expenses I’d like to add into my phenomenal life.

You can see my example over on the right.Financial Mastery Phenomenal 284x300 Rikka Zimmerman   How To Be True Money, Wealth and Abundance

You may also notice the line that has credit card payments and student loans. Thankfully, I’m debt free with credit cards but I’ve accumulated a substantial amount of student loans. In the calculation of your phenomenal life, if you have $40,000 of credit card debt or less – calculate what it would take to pay it off in two years or less. More than $40,000 – do it in two to four. This is your phenomenal life right? Why couldn’t you pay it off in a few years or less?

Add 10% to your figure for your phenomenal life and you’ve now got the grand total for the monthly expenditure of your phenomenal life.

Now you know where you’re headed!

Tithe 10% to the Church of You

This one is simple: For every penny you earn, including all the unexpected income you may incur, take 10% of that and put it into a separate bank account called your “Having Account.” There’s only one rule, NEVER TOUCH IT! No expenditure justifies using the money in your having account.

Sounds easy right? This one can be the most difficult to follow through with for a lot of people, and is something I heard about over a year ago and finally began putting into practice recently. It works.

Why does it work? Would it be true to say that a rich person has a different reality with money than someone who is broke?

Think about this: Does a rich person make decisions based or how much money they have in the bank, or do they just choose to have it? They choose to have it, right?

When you tithe 10% of your income to the church of you, you’re creating a vibration with money that is consistent with HAVING MONEY. Oh, and here’s a bonus tip. Stop wanting money. Did you know that want actually means “to lack?” So when you say, I want this, or I want that – you’re actually saying that you lack it. Now, is that the vibration of HAVING MONEY? I don’t think so!

So, before you pay all your bills, and pay other people, make sure you pay YOU first! I know, I know, it may not seem like there’s enough to go around… but trust me, it’s unbelievable how fast this starts to work and you’ll have more than enough to pay others and yourself.

Carry the Money a Rich Person Would Carry

Rich People 300x275 Rikka Zimmerman   How To Be True Money, Wealth and Abundance

If you were rich, how much money in cash do you think you would carry around? I know the smart ass inside of you might be saying right now, “Well, I wouldn’t carry cash because I’d have my credit cards!” and this is true – to a point.

Do credit cards create a debt, or are the run on a cash basis? You have to pay them back right? What if you started living your life on a cash basis, wouldn’t that make a lot more sense? Just a thought.

Back to the point, if you were rich, how much money would you carry in your wallet? You could even consider taking the 10% you’re tithing to yourself and use that for this exercise. Just remember, you can’t spend it.

Do what’s comfortable for you. I started this exercise last year and made a video about it that really caused a ruckus! You can find the facebook link to the post by clicking here but you can also watch the video below as I elaborate on the subject.

The point of this exercise is to get used to having a lot of money. Every time you open your wallet, you look inside and feel like you’ve got a ton of money. Do you think that might start to change the way you behave with money? HAVING MONEY creates more money. Like attracts like right? So money attracts money.

Those are my three tips to financial mastery courtesy of Rikka Zimmerman and her “How to ‘Be’ True Money, Wealth, and Abundance teleclass. I’m stoked to see what else she has planned for us (especially since it’s only just begun!)

Do you have any other tips and tricks you’ve used to begin generating more money, wealth, and abundance in your life?

Please share them below!

Oh, and if you didn’t see my birthday video from a few weeks ago – you gotta check it out! Why? I’ll show you how I’ve been making a couple hundred extra bucks a month doing practically nothing icon wink Rikka Zimmerman   How To Be True Money, Wealth and Abundance Who’d like more abundance in their life?

Hiking Pikes Peak CO – Pikes Peak Trail from Crags Campground

Hiking Pikes Peak in Colorado

Summit Photo 300x225 Hiking Pikes Peak CO   Pikes Peak Trail from Crags Campground

The Gang at the Summit of Pikes Peak

I recently hiked Pikes Peak with some friends and created the kick ass video above for your enjoyment! I also took a few pictures and posted them here for you to see.

Here are a few Fun Facts about Pikes Peak to chew on before you read about our day.

  • The Pikes Peak summit is at an elevation of 14,110 feet
  • Pikes Peak is the 2nd most visited mountain in the entire world – the most popular being Mt. Fuji in Japan
  • It is one of only two 14ers in Colorado that have a road going to the top.

About Our Hike

This was the first time that myself and the majority of our group had climbed Pikes before. For some of us, it was the first time climbing a 14er. The crew consisted of Meghann Conter, Sabrina Risley, Shannon Buckley, Emersen Lawrence, Nick, and myself.

We left the Crags campground trailhead on a Sunday morning right around 6:30 and set off at a pretty good pace. The morning was calm and the weather was cool as we made our way up through the trees.

100 0708 150x150 Hiking Pikes Peak CO   Pikes Peak Trail from Crags Campground100 0707 150x150 Hiking Pikes Peak CO   Pikes Peak Trail from Crags Campground

It was only a few hours before we reached the tree line, and only another half hour or so before reaching the Devil’s Playground – an area well-known for lightning activity.

100 0713 150x150 Hiking Pikes Peak CO   Pikes Peak Trail from Crags Campground100 0722 150x150 Hiking Pikes Peak CO   Pikes Peak Trail from Crags Campground

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Rocks in Devils Playground

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Just Above Tree Line

As we made our way across the spine or ridge hiking up the back side of Pikes Peak, we got to take in some great views as well as a group of mountain goats! (See the video above for footage)

After hiking over 6 miles and climbing nearly 4,000 feet in elevation since the trailhead, we arrived at the base of the final ascent. Like many fourteeners, the summit was riddled with rocks and boulders which we scurried through in order to reach the top. This was the steepest and most difficult part of the hike, although it didn’t last longer than 30 or 45 minutes.

Altogether, climbing to the top took us around four and a half hours. We hung out at the top, exhausted, and headed down because it appeared afternoon storm clouds were approaching in the distance. We received a ride down to the beginning of the Devils Playground area, which we were thankful for because it began to hail as we approached the tree line on our way down.

100 0725 1024x576 Hiking Pikes Peak CO   Pikes Peak Trail from Crags Campground

Just Before Final Ascent

We made it down in one piece, although we suffered a sprained ankle towards the bottom with one of our group members. Things got a little hairy in the rain, but we made it out without any casualties icon wink Hiking Pikes Peak CO   Pikes Peak Trail from Crags Campground

100 0726 1024x576 Hiking Pikes Peak CO   Pikes Peak Trail from Crags Campground

Just Below the Summit

It was a fun hike taking the shorter route (13.25 miles) from Crags campground and would only recommend it to those who are in decent shape. Next time, we’re taking the historic Barr trail up from Manitou Springs which is 26 miles round trip and around 7,500 ft. in vertical gain. That ought to be a trip!

It’s My Birthday… I Do What I Want!

happy birthday candles 2010 150x150 Its My Birthday... I Do What I Want!Since it’s my birthday, I pretty much get to do whatever I want – and everyone else has to deal with it.

I don’t know how you do your birthday, but I take advantage of it as much as possible.

This year, I’m doing so more than ever!

Every man would like at least a few things fulfilled during his birthday:

  1. A Good Meal
  2. Some Rest and Relaxation
  3. To Get Paid
  4. To Get Laid
  5. A Sweet Party

As my day progresses, I realize there’s only ONE thing I’m really missing…

That’s getting PAID!

If you’ve already watched the video above, you’ll know I’ve stumbled over a powerful and easy opportunity to make money just by talking to a few friends.

I’ve made a couple hundred dollars a month (residual) by practically doing NOTHING, and I felt it was time to let everyone know and get the word out!

This is not like any MLM or Network Marketing opportunity you’ve ever heard of before.

There is no monster buy-in, all that’s required is $25 (which I mention in my video I made back thevery first day)

and you’ll never have to sell anybody on the opportunity because it’s such a no-brainer – people either want in or they don’t and you’ll know within 30 seconds of talking with friends or random prospects.

Go ahead and submit your information below and you’ll be taken to another page showing you just how powerful this possibility can be in your life.

Thank you for another wonderful birthday and all the birthday wishes!

I hope that I might spread some joy in your life on my special day as well, so long as you’re open to entertaining new possibilities icon wink Its My Birthday... I Do What I Want!

Would it really hurt to take just a quick peek to see if its for you?

Buying Things for Your Girlfriend – Tampon Adventure

Tampon Pic 150x150 Buying Things for Your Girlfriend   Tampon AdventureBuying tampons for your girlfriend can be one of the most embarrassing things for a guy. The video in this post takes you on our adventure, where I buy tampons for my girlfriend for the first time ever. We had some fun with it, it was “educational” and I think the cashier might have been more embarrassed and awkward than I was.

Have you ever been in a situation like this with your significant other? Leave your comments and stories below!

21 Secrets of the Universe by Rikka Zimmerman – Reflections

21 Secrets of the Universe – Reflecting on the Program

21Secrets Complete Program 150x150 21 Secrets of the Universe by Rikka Zimmerman   ReflectionsSimply put, the 21 Secrets of the Universe collection by Rikka Zimmerman is completely life altering. Between the book, audios, and deck of cards, there are tools to change anything in your life that’s not working for you! What do I mean by that?

Well, several months ago I found out about Access Consciousness, and it completely changed my life in a matter of weeks. Seriously! I grabbed a hold of the tools and started living in the question from a day to day basis, and soon enough I was moved out of my parents house (something I’d been struggling to do for almost two years), I finished up grad school with total ease, and found myself in a relationship like I could have only imagined before.

Rikka Zimmerman 238x300 21 Secrets of the Universe by Rikka Zimmerman   Reflections

Rikka Zimmerman

Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Rikka helps you to see all the places you’re still not willing to have all of you – and blow all the judgments and conclusions that you have about yourself into smithereens! How does it get any better than experiencing more freedom and joy in your life? Yes please!

And, get this… I’ve actually experienced totally different shifts beyond what I’d experienced in Rikka’s classes just by tapping into the 21 Secrets of the Universe.

I mean, having Rikka in class is great… but being able to take her with you everywhere you go brings it to a whole new level. That’s what the workbook did for me in just a few short days – brought EVERYTHING to a whole new level.

Within a few days of reading:

  • I read the first chapter on money and nearly quintupled my average weekly income. I’d never seen such an explosion and shift in my business as money came pouring in from everywhere. What’s great is that the train hasn’t stopped there, and new possibilities continue to flood in as if by magic.
  • I learned and experienced what it is like to get out of the judgment of myself and my work. The first few videos I did for my YouTube channel and this blog received more than double the views, comments, and attention than my typical videos. Again, the trend has continued onward.
  • The relationship I’ve had with my parents took on a totally different vibe and appearance. I’ve always gotten along with my parents; but it was as though someone flipped a magic switch and they were appreciating me on a deeper level and inviting me to be bigger than they were ever willing to see me before. What I realized was that the “magic switch” was actually me.

I can’t thank Rikka enough for for the work that she’s done and the massive changes she’s brought into my life, that I never really acknowledged were possible until now. I used to think that once things got really good, that that was as good as it could get – and things would pretty much stop right there. Now, I ask myself, “How does it get any better than this?” and everything just gets better and better icon wink 21 Secrets of the Universe by Rikka Zimmerman   Reflections

The 21 Secrets of the Universe has been a blessing in my life, so much so, that it has brought one of the most cherished blessings into my life in the form of my enjoyable other, Nikki Magdalena. Nikki has also experienced some magical things after going through the 21 Secrets of the Universe book, of which she’d like to share with you in the following paragraphs.

Nikki’s Reflection on the 21 Secrets of the Universe

Sitting on the couch holding Rikka’s 21 Secrets of the Universe I found myself asking, “what do I need to read today? What part of this book would contribute to me most right now?” I opened to page 106, and read this passage:


In one of my classes this extraordinary, phenomenal being was expressing how she often would feel like someone beat her up energetically after spending time with people. When I began to ask her questions about it, she saw what was really occurring. She has an amazing capacity to heal dis-ease in people’s bodies. She wasn’t willing to be aware of what was actually happening, so her body was letting her know by the “Mack truck” energy to acknowledge her talents and abilities. See, your body speaks in a feather touch. When you don’t listen, it’s only option is to turn up the volume, which is what you call ‘pain.’


How much of the ‘pain’ that you feel in your body is your body trying to get you to claim, own, and acknowledge your talents, abilities, and capacities?”


Something in this passage stirred me, and tears welled up in my eyes.


In my experience of taking classes with Rikka Zimmerman in the past year, I recalled that emotions are often occurring when you have cut off your awareness or denied something- in this case, I felt an unlocking of what I’ve been denying…my body cried, releasing, as if saying, “Finally, you’re finally starting to see me.” I felt sheer gratitude for my being and my body, in a way I hadn’t experienced before.

21SecretsofTheUniverse 252x300 21 Secrets of the Universe by Rikka Zimmerman   ReflectionsNow in various and many parts of the book, Rikka inserts a process from “Access Consciousness,” that actually undoes the seed of any limitation you put in place. For so long, I have misjudged the tiredness or “mack truck” feeling as a “dislike,” “separation” from others, or “disharmony in my body. I unlocked all the places I was unwilling to be, know, perceive, and receive the gift and contribution I was being. When I read through the energetic processing tool, immediately I had another wave of awareness, where I saw my own capacities for unlocking dis-ease in people’s bodies. For the past couple months, since I started spending more time at Avram’s house, I’ve been having head-aches, and unable to get clarity on the source of it. Suddenly, I realized that I was energetically working to heal his roommate, who had been diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. Whether or not my healing would actually “work” to clear her tumor,  I cannot say- but I received an indescribable knowing of just how deeply I care- and how much caring I have for this young woman, who I hardly know. I now see how so much of the tiredness I’ve had around groups or people, was the deep caring I have for others, coupled with all the ‘super-hero’ things I’ve been doing for others and NOT acknowledging. Since I’ve realized this, my head aches have totally vanished (!!), and I find myself having much greater ease everywhere I go – and I find myself really knowing what a gift I be. And numerous offers to collaborate on profitable and fun projects have come flooding within the past week!

What’s so incredible about The 21 Secrets book- is that it’s not the kind of “how to” that you have to think about, “figure out,” or analyze- it’s a masterfully created, experiential journey towards having you. There are a few other books I can relate this experience to (like Eckhart Tolle’s “Power of Now”), but the difference with Rikka’s book, is that when an emotion or energy related to a block or resistance comes up, she actually gives you the tools that really CLEARS the root of it. And when you clear the root of your barriers, judgments, illusions, and limitations, what do you have instantly? More of YOU, and what’s really TRUE for you.

I personally believe that The 21 Secrets of the Universe will clear and change what you are ready to change. While I’ve had instant and magical changes since I found Rikka Zimmerman last year and took a bunch of classes- the shifts I’m experiencing with the book and audio’s are not only bringing me more integration of her tools, but blowing my reality wide open with information that is new to me.

If you knew there were a set of tools that would help you know yourself FULLY as a gift, and unleash your talents, brilliance, and magnificence, but you didn’t know how long it took: whether it’s a month, a year, or 21 days, wouldn’t it be worthwhile?

If you’re interested in a beautiful journey of discovering that and beyond, I would say that Rikka’s 21 Secrets offers you nothing real to lose, and the infinite truth of YOU to gain.

Click here or on the banner below to see the 21 Secrets of the Universe program for yourself!

 21 Secrets of the Universe by Rikka Zimmerman   Reflections

Making a Scene at My College Graduation

Graduation Day 199x300 Making a Scene at My College GraduationI just recently finished my MBA (Masters in Business Administration) at the Daniels College of Business in Denver Colorado. Just a few years ago I made the decision to continue my education by jumping head first into a Masters program since I’d had difficulty finding a job (at least anything that interested me) after finishing up my undergraduate studies. To be honest, I also didn’t feel very prepared to go out into the world and take it by storm.

You could say that things have changed a bit since I started this journey icon wink Making a Scene at My College Graduation

Shortly after beginning the program I launched this site, InspirACTION, in hopes that doing something new every day and vlogging about it would shake things up in my life. I had no idea what that decision had in store for me. I wasn’t even halfway through the Masters program and I already wanted out. I felt like there was so much more waiting to be conquered, and I was tethered by weights and chains holding me from my grand potential.

In spite of my feelings at the time I made the choice to continue onward and reap the benefits of finishing out the program. I had the opportunity to meet dozens of amazing folks and even travel to Argentina with the program which I absolutely loved!

In the end, I found myself at graduation day, going through the motions with all the other graduate students of my class. Something was funny about it to me. That it was merely a rite of passage, and the meaning was only what we chose to attach to it. The whole thing was surreal as I felt that even months before the event – I’d already finished what I’d come there to do.

I came for the same reason as I started InspirACTION. To COMPLETELY change my life and grow in ways I couldn’t perceive or fathom at the time that I began. Looking back, I got exactly what I wanted out of the program, and the life I’ve led over the past few years.

And so, as I stood there approaching the microphone to announce to the audience, my peers and family – I thought to myself, “Why not shake it up one last time while I’m still here?”

I made my declaration at the microphone far different than the rest of my peers. Instead of giving my name, hometown, and status of MBA graduate I told the world that I am, “Avram Gonzales, from AvramGonzales.com, Masters of Business Administration – Marketing and Entrepreneurship”

It just wouldn’t be my style if I didn’t make a scene icon smile Making a Scene at My College Graduation

Graduation Hat 300x300 Making a Scene at My College GraduationAs I move forward into this new chapter of my life, it is my intention to take things to a whole different level. It’s been an interesting journey balancing school, work, this blog, and the rest of my life throughout this program – and I honestly can’t believe I’ve done what I’ve done when I think about it. After paving the way with over 260 videos in the past year and a half, people have begun asking me to create professional videos for their businesses – which is turning into a fun and generative endeavor.

Now, more than ever, I am looking for your help and contribution to make InspirACTION greater than it has ever been, and share it with more people that are seeking the same as we are – a brilliant shift in our lives, fulfilling our wildest dreams and imagination.

There are a number of ways for you to contribute to InspirACTION that will also benefit you!

NOTE: If you choose one of the options for physical merchandise you MUST send me an email to avram@avramgonzales.com with your address to ship you the item or gather your specifications for your custom tie dye shirt!

Option 1: Donate $10 to InspirACTION and your name will be featured as a contributor in the credits of an upcoming episode! (Click the button below to contribute $10)

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Option 2: Donate $25 to InspirACTION and I’ll send you a tile coaster with the new InspirACTION logo on it and I will feature your name as a contributor in the credits of an upcoming episode! (Click the button below to contribute $25)

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Option 3: Donate $50 to InspirACTION and I’ll send you a signed custom tie dye t-shirt with the new InspirACTION logo and I will feature your name as a contributor in the credits of an upcoming episode! (Click the button below to contribute $50)

pixel Making a Scene at My College Graduation

Option 4: Donate $100 to InspirACTION and I will feature you and business in the opening credits of InspirACTION as a sponsor of an upcoming episode! That’s right, for the first time ever, InspirACTION is partnering with businesses to get the word out. And with InspirACTION garnering anywhere from 120 to 450 hits a day on the site, it’s becoming a place that attracts a lot of eyeballs and attention. (Click the button below to contribute $100)

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Dancing with the Stars – JT Hosack’s InspirACTION Challenge

Ladies and Gentlemen! Check out Mr. James “JT” Hosack in the latest InspirACTION Challenge!

JT Hosack Dance1 300x170 Dancing with the Stars   JT Hosacks InspirACTION ChallengeSometimes you just find yourself going for it, and you’re not quite sure what will happen. JT found himself in a similar situation when he answered the call to jump into his school’s “Dancing with the Stars” event hosted by the Ballroom Dance society.

He’d never done anything like it before, and went through all the reasons why he might not be able to do it – but then just said “You know what? I’m never going to have a chance to do this again. Let’s do it!”

The rest is history as JT goes all out in his dance performance as you’ll see in the video above this post.

JT Hosack Dance2 300x169 Dancing with the Stars   JT Hosacks InspirACTION ChallengeJT challenges you to take your InspirACTION Challenge. Will you stop making all the excuses you’ve always had and spring for something new in your life?

But you wouldn’t want any change would you? You’re life is 100% absolutely the way you’d like it right now huh? icon wink Dancing with the Stars   JT Hosacks InspirACTION Challenge

The choice is yours, take InspirACTION! And keep getting updates on all the great new inspiring things people are doing by submitting your information in the form below!

Get Inspired!

Take the InspirACTION Challenge!

Don’t miss an episode!

 Dancing with the Stars   JT Hosacks InspirACTION Challenge

Being You, Changing the World – Ed Elliott’s Interview with Dain Heer

Edward jumped out of his comfort zone to interview the incredible Dain Heer – Access Consciousness Facilitator and author of the new book – Being You, Changing the World.

EdwardElliott 237x300 Being You, Changing the World   Ed Elliotts Interview with Dain HeerIt wasn’t long ago that Edward learned about Access Consciousness after seeing the trifecta of videos I posted with Rikka Zimmerman including our hilarious and fun interview, a demonstration of what the energy work of with Access Consciousness actually looks like, and finally our video and explanation of Access Consciousness, “The Bars.”

The Bars are what got Edward hooked and as he’ll tell you in his video above, one thing led to another as he found himself venturing to London, Ontario to interview Dain Heer at his live Energetic Synthesis of Being (ESB) Access Class.

The video captures the thoughts and feeling of Edward as he travels to meet Dain with his wife Julie to interview him for Share Your Dream Friday – the nearly year old blog Edward started to give people the opportunity to share their dreams with the world via the internet.

To catch the entire interview between Edward and Dain (which I’ll say right now you DON’T wanna miss!) make sure you head on over to Share Your Dream Friday to see the rest!

You can also connect with Edward here.

as well as become a fan of Share Your Dream Friday on Facebook!

Edward’s YouTube Channel

Edward’s Twitter

I hope you’ve enjoyed this installment of InspirACTION and Edward’s InspirACTION Challenge! We’ve got a lot of good ones coming your way soon icon wink Being You, Changing the World   Ed Elliotts Interview with Dain Heer

Also, don’t forget to check out Dain’s new book – Being You, Changing the World – Who knows, it could change the way you do things forever… but you wouldn’t want that, would you?

Right Voice For You – Video with Rikka Zimmerman

I spent this past week with a bunch of incredible folks in Aspen Colorado while participating in Rikka Zimmerman’s Five-Day series of Access Consciousness Core Classes.

One word describes the whole experience – WOW!

It absolutely blew my socks off.

This video shows exactly how amazing and transformational the entire thing way – AND – you get to see Rikka Zimmerman in her element.

Rikka and AG Right Voice 295x300 Right Voice For You   Video with Rikka ZimmermanThis was the first time I have ever sung in front of people in an audience setting, and without music. I sing the first song that pops into my head, and after that’s done, Rikka does her thing with me. Using Access Consciousness tools to clear the limiting energies I’d been holding in place, Rikka allows me to completely transform for the second round.

You’re just going to have to watch the video to see the magic. It’s wacky, it’s wonky, I don’t know how or why it works – but it does – and that works for me!

You can catch Rikka all this week at a number of her classes taking place in Boulder beginning June 9th.

Don’t know if Access is for you? Take a leap and join Rikka Tuesday from 5:30-9:30pm in Boulder for her Access Taster Class which is themed around money. Here’s what’s cool, if you take that intro class, and decide you’d like more where that came from, you can take what you paid for the money class and apply it to her Wednesday Bars Class.

Wednesday kicks off the first of five rockin’ days in Boulder with Rikka Zimmerman beginning with the Access Bars Class where you’ll learn how to “Run Bars” – Don’t have a clue what I’m talking about? Check out this video about the Bars Rikka and I made back in March to learn more about it.

Thursday and Friday are the first of the Access Core Classes beginning with Foundation which you can register for here.

Saturday and Sunday wrap up with the class following Foundation called Level One which you can register for here.

Oh, and PS – I’ll be there for the entire thing – so come party with Rikka and I! You’re ready for phenomenal change right?

A Man and His Pole – Sexy Pole Dance by Avram Gonzales

Photo PoleDance A Man and His Pole   Sexy Pole Dance by Avram GonzalesYou know, what can I say? While hanging with the ladies from Access Consciousness, Kim Estock, Rikka Zimmerman, and Solei Hannahs… after watching them take on the pole – I was egged on to give it a whirl myself.

This was my first ever pole dancing experience, and Rikka Zimmerman caught it allll on video with her iPhone.

I figured, what the hell? Lets go ahead and post this for everyone to enjoy!

Guys? (and Gals too) When’s the last time you ever dove into something head first that you were extremely uncomfortable with?

I was surprised at just how much fun I ended up having with it.

You just never know until you give it a shot!

First time to Vegas – Anastacia Hauldridge’s InspirACTION Challenge

Ever been to Vegas? It can be a bit intimidating or overwhelming for anyone who’s never been…

Such was true for me when I traveled to Vegas last August and tore the town up.

Ace Pic 150x150 First time to Vegas   Anastacia Hauldridges InspirACTION ChallengeAnastacia Hauldridge aka the Ace of Spades takes her InspirACTION Challenge by traveling to a place that she’s never been before – Las Vegas! Enjoy her video montage and awesome musical selection in today’s episode of InspirACTION!

I met Ace about a year ago through Facebook and what I love most about her is her abundance of energy and exuberance for life!

Connect with Ace on Facebook or on her blog.

Interesting Point of View – Access Consciousness Tool

I was recently inspired by Dr. Dain Heer and Gary Douglas – founder and co-founder of Access Consciousness and a special teleclass that they put together called “Interesting Point of View” You can download or listen to the 37 minute class by following the link below.

Right Click to Download the Interesting Point of View Audio

Dandelion Interesting Point of View   Access Consciousness ToolDain Heer put forth an awesome challenge on the call asking people to use the interesting point of view tool for an entire day just to see what happens. I knew the second that I heard about it that it would change my life forever.

In the video above, I describe what it was like for me to use the interesting point of view Access Consciousness tool for not only one day – but three full days.

Every time something came up where I felt judgment about myself, other people, my body, the situation or even just hearing stories from other people about things going on – I was able to use the tool. Every time I told myself “Interesting Point of View, I have this point of view,” I felt things shift.

Sometimes the shifts were dramatic, other times I would feel it shift only slightly. In those instances of slightness, I would simply say again, “Interesting Point of View, I have this point of view,” and it would move again.

I found myself in a place where I was less the effect of the hills and valleys we’re so used to experiencing. I felt as though I were sailing straight through calmer seas instead of battling against the tide.

I found peace in tranquility in the silence and quieting of my mind.

So, I encourage you to listen to the audio, watch the video, and try it for yourself. I challenge you!

In the comments below, tell us how the “Interesting Point of View” has worked for you. Did you take the challenge? What was your experience?

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