mind control – Karol Gajda

You’re Not Lost So Stop Trying To Find Yourself

Read this if you’ve been trying to find yourself …

“Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.” – Bil Keane

The topic of “finding yourself” comes up regularly on blogs and in person conversations. We all seem to be a bunch of confused people who aren’t sure what’s happening or why.

Good. :)

We should embrace the fact that we don’t know exactly what’s happening from moment to moment.

Who knows where this relationship will lead?

Who knows if this is opportunity or a dead end?

Who knows how the recipe you’re trying for dinner will turn out?

Not knowing is where the fun lies.

I used to be extremely uptight. I needed to know everything about everything about everything and if something was just a little bit off I would become stressed to no end.

Embrace Uncertainty and Live Certainly

If you’re trying to find yourself it means you’re either living in the past or the future (or both!).

Do you know what happens when we live thinking about and planning for every contingency?

When something unexpected happens (and it will) we’re actually less prepared to deal with it. Instead of being in the moment and dealing with what’s happening right now, we live in the future and the past.

“Oh no! Why did this have to happen to me?”

“Oh no! What will I do about this tomorrow?”

How about this instead: “Let’s figure out how to deal with this situation.”

Robots, Machines, and Feelings

Somebody recently mentioned to me that you can’t help how you feel, not quite going so far as to calling me a robot.

“You can’t turn off your feelings.”

She’s right. You can’t. Humans think and feel.

What you can do is live with the moments as they happen as opposed to wondering about the past and stressing about the future.

You can learn how to deal with anything in a positive, beneficial way.

Note: Although my body is a machine (yours is too if you want it to be), I’m not a robot. My heart and mind are real just like the next guy or gal. ;)

Don’t Watch The Past In The Present

Say you’re into basketball and your favorite team is in the NBA Finals. Is it worth watching the games after the series is over? No. Unless you’re a super-fan, it’s all about watching the moments unfold in front of your very eyes.

Why should life be any different?

It shouldn’t.

Don’t Watch The Future Before It Happens

You buy a lottery ticket and have already spent the money you haven’t (err, won’t) won. You plan a trip and imagine exactly how it’s going to turn out.

This sets us up for incredible disappointment. Instead of buying a lottery ticket, buy a sandwich. Instead of imagining a trip down to the last detail, give it space. Imagine a fantastic time with lots of unknown variables.

In the paraphrased words of Denis Leary:

“Live life moment to moment, street to street, beat to beat.”

Special comment love request:

1) How are you?

2) How do you live moment to moment?

(Also, remember: Only first or full names in the name field. No URLs/branding.)

Sweet Soup Saturday #015 (Something I Forgot Edition)

In which I discuss a lot about the future!

Last week in my vegan travel article I neglected to mention one of my favorite breakfast foods: oatmeal! Plain oatmeal with whatever fruits I have handy. Usually sliced bananas, strawberries, or kiwis.

Filling, nutritious, available in some form everywhere I’ve been, and easy to prepare. Go oatmeal!

—

Last Sunday I spent all day on a Slakkline (aka slack line; pictured to your right) and it was incredibly fun, exhausting, tiring, and fun. I’m considering picking one up.

—

If you’re reading this on my Web site you’ll notice two new images in the sidebar. Since you’re probably not reading this on my Web site, but through e-mail/feed reader here is what they are.

First, MindControlMethod.org has a 125×125 image in anticipation of its release:

This is a very niche product and you might not be in the market for it, but it’s on a really powerful topic that’s close to my heart. I know it will help a lot of people.

And second, I’m working on a free “manifesto” called The American Dream Is Dead (Long Live The American Dream!) and I added an image for that in the sidebar as well. I began working on this manifesto early this year and then put it aside. It probably would’ve been good to release it on July 4th, huh? ;)

The release date on this is soon, but undetermined. I’ve written all the core content, but I’m still undecided on a few aspects of it. I expect it will be released within 3 weeks. (The design takes time.) :)

Sweet soupy links …

The Daily Brainstorm Blogazine

This is an interesting new aggregator of blog posts, of which this blog is a part. With so many blogs being a part of it, I don’t know how valuable it will be to each contributor, but it will be interesting to see what happens.

Boredom Is Public Enemy No. 1 by Jeffrey Tang

I fully agree. Boredom never results in anything good. I would venture to guess, based on my own experiences, that most cases of depression or drug addiction (alcohol, cigarettes, and harder drugs) are caused by boredom. (I’ve never been addicted to drugs, for the record!)

Veganism and Vegetarianism: Are They Healthy? by NYU Professor Marion Nestle

You know, I’m not a big fan of University, but as for social proof I know you’ll probably listen to a Professor more than little ole me. By the way, this video is hosted at BigThink.com. It’s an awesome site I learned about this week and I will be the first to admit that while I was sore and barely walking from the Slakkline I spent hours watching videos here. It’s like TED, but different.

Four High-Protein Vegetarian Alternatives To Soy by Matt Frazier

Because, for whatever reason, people still believe you can’t get protein without eating meat. I’m not sure if I told this story before so I’ll make it super short in case I have: last year in Franz Josef, New Zealand I went on a hike with 6 other people. All were meat eaters and all said eating vegan is no good, can’t possibly be good, you need meat for energy, etc, etc, myth, myth, BS. 2 hours later they all went home tired. I continued hiking for another 2 hours. Wusses. ;)

The Elements of Change by Leo Babauta

I’m really pissed at this article. Not because it’s bad, but because, dammit, I wish I wrote this part: “One last note, to anyone making changes: you will fail. I don’t say that to discourage you, but to release you from the fear of failure … because if you already know it will happen, then there’s no pressure to avoid it.”

That “release you from the fear of failure” part kills! If perfection in blogging was possible, that would be it.

Back in the days when me and my friends would hear an amazing guitar riff we’d joke: “That’s it, that is too good, I quit, take my guitar.” I feel the same about this. Leo, you’re damn good. But I won’t quit. ;)

Let’s Hang Out At BlogWorld!

As a last note, I will be at BlogWorld in Las Vegas October 14-16! BlogWorld is maybe the largest social networking conference in the … wait for it … world! If you’re a blogger or an aspiring blogger it will be a great place to network.

And what’s more important than hanging out with me? I’ll tell you what: nothing! ;)

If you decide to register let me know when I get to the USA so I can give you my cell number and we can hang. If enough RidiculouslyExtraordinary readers decide to go I will hold a special event … like dinner … or a Karaoke Party! The Weekend Pass (the one I bought) costs $395. If you want to save money on the hotel you can stay at one of the cheaper hotels on the strip. Or find a roommate to share the costs at Mandalay Bay (where BlogWorld is being held). Or CouchSurf!

That’s all for this week. I hope your July is going well!

Questions/comments/wanna walk on skinny pieces of fabric together? You know what to do …

Sweet Shit Saturday #003 (How To Order Edition)

In which I place an order with the Universal Restaurant …

A couple months back, the 21st of February to be exact, Steve Pavlina wrote an article that really connected with me. I’ve been reading his stuff on and off for about 4 years now and while I don’t always agree with him, I respect that he’s so clear and open about his life.

(Speaking of Steve Pavlina, I’m tentatively planning on being in Vegas for his October 29-31 workshop. Join us? You can bet my Halloween costume will be ridiculous.)

The article in question is called How To Order.

I’ve read it a few times (and again just now) and I’ve been thinking about it a lot since February. In a way, it’s similar to my Mind Control Method. But it’s different. And it’s public. And I’m going to place an order in the paragraphs that follow. ;)

In this article Steve (we’re on a first name basis now? sure…) talks about the Universal Restaurant. Just like a food restaurant, to get what you want at the Universal Restaurant, you have to place a specific order.

You wouldn’t walk into a pizza place and state “I’d like a pizza” without saying exactly what kind of pizza you want, right?

So when setting goals or synthesizing dreams, why do so many of us make vague statements like “I want a lot of money” or “I want a hot girlfriend/boyfriend”? It just doesn’t make sense.

Don’t ask for a romantic partner. If you want a geeky, vegan, bisexual, happily jobless girlfriend who gives amazing blow jobs and loves to travel, then order that. Order it loudly enough so your waiter can hear you, and people at nearby tables will say, “I didn’t know that was on the menu. I’ll have one of those too… with a twist of lemon.” (excerpt from How To Order)

The best part about ordering is you don’t have to be perfect: “One of the best ways to get what you actually want is to take your best guess, and order it.”

It might not turn out quite right, much like when you order something at a restaurant and your dish isn’t exactly what you wanted. That’s OK. There will be other meals. Accept the order you placed and move on.

“Here are the rules: Decide what you want, order it, receive it, and digest it. It’s not rocket science. Don’t make it complicated.”

Thanks Steve.

So here’s my order with the Universal Restaurant:

“A geeky, vegan, bisexual, happily jobless girlfriend who gives amazing blow jobs and loves to travel.” HA! Kidding. ;)

I feel like reading that the first time might have made you uncomfortable. It’s easier to read the second time, yeah?

So here’s my actual order:

A tall, musically-inclined, skinny, vegan, minimalist, atheist, working from anywhere (or quitting-the-job-soon) girl who will challenge me, isn’t older than me, and who likes to (or would like to) travel the world and go on lots of rollercoasters (literal and figurative).

Although let’s not get crazy Universe. By tall I mean woman-tall not me-tall. 6’5″ (~195cm) would be too tall. ;) Based on the order, it’s assumed this woman is not in credit card debt and has the ability to live/work anywhere. Since assuming is a bad way to place an order, I just made it clear. To make it even more clear: I’m not going the married/with boyfriend route Universe. That has happened 2 too many times. ha! So, single please.

That was a rambling order, but sometimes food restaurant orders are rambling as well. That doesn’t mean they don’t turn out spectacularly.

I know what I’m ordering is incredibly rare, and I don’t even know if I’ll like the meal, but that’s the whole point. I’ll let you know what happens. :)

Want to place your order for anything at all? Since the order has to be loud (meaning, public) you can place it in the comments below. Or place your order on your own blog and link to it in the comments below for the rest of us to read.

Onward with sweet links!

Man-Powerin’ Across Michigan by Jason Leyrer

If I can’t use my blog to highlight something cool one of my oldest friends is doing then what good is it? About a year ago Jason and I talked about doing a bike ride from Chicago (his current home) to Detroit (our former home). Then I decided to leave the country. The awesome thing about Jason is he doesn’t give a shit. He’s going solo!

And even better, Jason’s raising money for prostate cancer research. If you’re so inclined, please support! BONUS: If you e-mail me your receipt I’ll send you a copy of How To Live Anywhere. Figgity-fantastic, chyeah? (Unrelated but related: I wrote about a trip I took with Jason, and another friend Adam, here: The Persistent Shower Companion or Early Mornings At The Munich Airport.)

Seven Weird Habits That Will Change Your Life by Jonathan Mead

I think we have a theme today. Jonathan’s first habit is “engage in time travel” and, in a way, it’s similar to my Mind Control Method. But again, like Steve Pavlina’s How To Order, it’s different. :)

How To Practice Walking Meditatation by Tammy Strobel

I did this regularly in India and it felt amazing. I haven’t done it much in Thailand. Err, not at all in Thailand. It’s not a priority, but it is a valuable experience none-the-less.

James Randi’s fiery takedown of psychic fraud on TED.com

I’m pretty sure James Randi would hate the “How To Order from the Universe” information above considering the content of this video. Or maybe not. Psychics are frauds. Ordering from the Universe (and my Mind Control Method) works for other reasons and it’s not rooted in the “supernatural.”

The 8 Habits of Highly Effective Bloggers by Annabel Candy

My favorite is #7: Effective bloggers are persistent. This holds true for anything you want in life. I’ve known Annabel since her blog had something like 200 subscribers. She’s up to about 1,300 now! Congrats Annabel!

The “Do What You Love Show” Episode 3: Speaking 7 Languages With Benny Lewis by Baker

I had the pleasure of being on the first Do What You Love show back when I met up with Baker (ManVsDebt.com) in New Zealand last December. I still haven’t met Benny, although he’s in Berlin and I might just it make it out there for a bit this Summer. Baker and Benny are two of my favorite people. No joke. Here they are in one place!

Questions/comments/wanna sing outlaw lullabies? You know what to do …

Mind Control For Fun and Profit! (or How To Brainwash Yourself)

I have a secret to share with you. Click here to find out what it is…

How would you like to be able to condition someone to do anything?

I have a secret to share and I want to apologize for not telling you sooner.

I’m a long time student of mind control.

I’ve been using it selfishly for far too long and I think it’s about time I shared my top secret technique with you and the rest of the world.

Before you get any ideas…

The mind I control is my own. You too can control your mind to magically force yourself to accomplish things you previously thought impossible.

The problem with a lot of people not reaching their goals is they haven’t properly brainwashed themselves.

This isn’t just about positive thoughts and affirmations or writing down your goals.

While that stuff is all well and good it doesn’t produce results like my Mind Control Method. (Patent Pending or something.)

You should know, in advance of learning Mind Control, that failing is normal.

That said, if done right (it will take you a few tries), this has a 100% success rate.

Since a very young age I’ve had the incredible ability to achieve, acquire, or do virtually anything I’ve ever wanted. And the reason is I use the Mind Control Method.

When I was in 6th grade I used Mind Control to get a full University scholarship. (I don’t know how it is where you live, but in the U.S. Uni is very expensive.) It materialized 6 years later and I never had to pay for the Computer Science degree I didn’t use. :)

In 8th grade I used Mind Control to pay for a class trip to Chicago, Illinois.

While in University I used Mind Control to keep from ever having to get a job and to build a $100,000+ per year business at age 23.

I have many more examples, but you know I hate fluff so that’s enough of that…

How To Perform Mind Control (On Yourself!)

1) Write down what you want to happen in letter form. That is, write a letter (not a sentence; a detailed letter) to your future self explaining what already happened (even though it hasn’t happened yet). Date the letter and specify the date your goal was reached.

If you don’t know how to begin let me help start you off:

“Hey [your name],

You already know all of this by now, but some amazing things have happened in the last 6 months…”

And then start explaining what you did and how you did it even though it hasn’t been done yet. Sounds complicated. It’s not. Just do it. It’s essential to the brainwashing aspect of Mind Control Method.

“Karol, WTF, you just said writing down goals doesn’t work!”

That’s not exactly true, so please bear with me here.

2) Read the letter aloud. Seemingly insignificant, but auditory stimulation is important in Mind Control.

3) Believe. Do you believe what you just read aloud? If not, start over with Step 1. That means throw away your letter. Don’t use it as a “draft” for your new letter. Start over. Clean slate.

If you write something like “Man, it’s so cool that I won the lottery. Life is so good now.” the Mind Control Method won’t work. Why? Because there is absolutely no way you will ever truly believe you won the lottery.

Keep repeating Steps 1-3 until you have the wording so vividly clear that it feels like what is in the letter has already happened.

4) Take action. This step is where I feel like you might get caught up. But it doesn’t have to be difficult.

Begin the process of doing what your future self already knows has been done. Take it step by step as you’ve already described in the letter.

You might think this doesn’t work, but you’ve seen one of my letters already. My last Mind Control Method Letter is where Accountability Statement #1 came from. Obviously I changed it around and turned it into a blog post, but within 2 weeks of writing that I increased the readership to this blog 14-fold. And the readership keeps increasing beautifully.

The whole Mind Control Method process should take hours, not minutes. It’s not a fast process whatsoever. If you find yourself not enjoying the process it may be because what you’re writing about in your letter isn’t something you truly want.

I’ve never taught or talked about my Mind Control Method before. I always had a feeling people might think it’s dumb and wouldn’t use it. Which would be a waste of time all around.

I know you’ll use it, because you’re a Ridiculously Extraordinary Person. We don’t try. We do. We use The Iron Mind and we take action.

Go, go, go!