Hey there,
Happy Sunday and Aloha from the island of Hawaii,

I’m grateful beyond words to have spent the last week “back home” on the Big Island. It is such an incredibly special place for me and I’m better because of my time here.

What are you the MOST grateful for this morning?

Did you just skip over one of THE best questions of this day? Really answer it. It feels good.

So last week’s topic was on the importance of being in balance – especially if you have big dreams inside of you.

And forget big dreams. Just going through life every day these days requires one to be incredibly balanced. And if you’re not then stress and fear are what follow. 

Always.

So I’d like to continue on the topic of balance a bit more.

Theres an old Buddhist teaching about balance that I love. It goes like this: “When you squeeze an orange, orange juice comes out. What comes out of you when you’re squeezed?”

When I’m not “in balance” and life squeezes me what comes out of me is impatience. I notice it especially when I’m driving.

Very bad Buddhist driver sometimes.

One thing I’ve learned from all these years of teaching is that most people just need to be turned up a little bit in some areas and turned down in other area.

Balance.

I’ve been coming to this beach every day since I got here and one thing that’s so clear is how out of balance most people are physically. Most everyone I see is overweight and out of shape.

Like really sloppy.

For all you actors reading this you have no excuse being out of shape.

None.

ZERO.

In a profession where so much is outside our control the things we DO have control over, we most own. And being in shape is on you.

I’m not saying it’s easy getting back into shape when we’ve let this slide but I am saying it is on you.

So own that.

And that leads to the point of today’s newsletter and one of my favorite topics and the worlds greatest lie.

Ready?

People don’t change.

Now it is true that MOST people don’t change because most people lack the mental toughness and discipline to change behavior and patterns that aren’t working for them.

But “people don’t change” is complete BS.

So let me ask you a question. What pattern or behavior in your life is not working for you?

The next question Id like to ask is this. Have you tried to change it with little or no success?

And finally, would you like some help?

If yes then hit reply and tell me one thing about your life you’d like to change that you’ve been struggling with. I won’t share this with anyone but soon I’m going to extend something to you alI that I’m incredibly excited about – the keys for successful, lasting change in your life. I’ll keep you posted when it’s ready so be looking for that announcement.
In the meantime, the next time we hang out together Christmas will have come and gone. And even if you don’t celebrate Christmas next week I have a present for YOU so be on the lookout for that as well.

Until then I’m sending you and your family my best wishes for a safe and incredibly happy holiday.

Aloha,
Jim