by Marc Allen
Keep doing it. Do it long enough, and you’ll get good at it. Every form of art and every kind of business has a craft to master. If you stick with it long enough, you’ll master the craft of your art or business. Then all you need are the next two steps.
3
IMAGINE YOURSELF BEING SUCCESSFUL DOING WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO.
Visualize your success in any way you can, as clearly as you can. This is the visionary part of this Course. Take at least a few minutes a day to imagine in whatever ways you can that you become successful doing what you love to do. Just let yourself dream; let your imagination go.
If you have trouble visualizing, take five minutes a day and brainstorm with yourself. Ask yourself how you could be successful in your art or business, and play with different possibilities that come to mind. One very effective thing to do is to make a list of several What Ifs, and write out different possibilities.
Keep playing with different possible scenarios, and have fun with the process. This is the stage where you’re building your castle in the air — which is where it has to be at first. Feel free to let your imagination get as carried away as possible.
Let your spirit be free to dream. It all starts with a dream; then you start to imagine how that dream could possibly become a reality.
Then you find all kinds of creative ways to move — gradually and inevitably — toward your success.
4
MAKE A PLAN, AND TAKE THE FIRST OBVIOUS STEPS.
Once you’ve built your castle in the air, start putting a solid foundation under it. Take the first obvious steps that come along.
Eventually, make a plan: a simple, doable plan you can summarize on one or two sheets of paper. Take the next obvious steps to implement your plan.
If you continue with this, your success is inevitable. Over time, you’ll create plans that will become the blueprints of your success, the architecture of your abundance.
Don’t forget, in the words of James Allen in his classic book, As You Think:
Be not impatient in delay,
But wait as one who understands:
When spirit rises and commands
The gods are ready to obey.
We all have a creative spirit within us — regardless of the words we choose to describe it — and when with our will and our spirit we dream and affirm, the creative forces of the universe rush in to support us.
IT STARTS AND ENDS WITH LOVE
Do what you love to do — not only will money follow, but you’ll find far greater rewards as well: satisfaction, fulfillment, even self-actualization.
Do what you love, and the greatest rewards of all will follow. You’ll find yourself discovering that your life has a great and glorious purpose.
The ultimate purpose is to transform your life
and your world
by doing what you love to do.
THE SHORT COURSE
1
Decide what you want to do with your life.
Decide to do what you love.
2
Do it, in whatever way you can, and keep doing it.
Sooner or later, you’ll get good at it.
3
Imagine yourself being successful
doing what you love to do.
4
Make a plan,
and take the first obvious steps.
SUPPLEMENT B
THE EXPANDED COURSE
BOOKS, AUDIO, AND VIDEO TO ENHANCE THE COURSE
Each lesson in The Millionaire Course has one or more books, audios, or videos recommended to accompany it. It is certainly not necessary to work through all this material, but each one is highly recommended, because it enhances the impact of the Course.
See the Recommended Resources section that follows to find how to get each one.
THE EXPANDED COURSE
Make no small plans,
they have no magic
to stir your blood.
Make big plans,
aim high in hope and in work.
— Daniel Burnham
Designer of Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
BOOKS, AUDIO, VIDEO
The Architecture of All Abundance by Lenedra J. Carroll (New World Library, 2001). A brilliant set of tools, filled with keys to success (see the frontispiece of this Course, page xvi).
The Art of True Healing by Israel Regardie (New World Library, 1997). A meditative journey to greater physical, emotional, and mental health.
As You Think by James Allen (New World Library, 1998). A classic work on self-empowerment, written in 1904 and absolutely current today. For over fifteen years, I felt this was the single best book I ever read. It’s still right up there in the top five.
The Bhagavad Gita: A Walkthrough for Westerners by Jack Hawley (New World Library, 2001). This classic sacred work has been called “India’s greatest contribution to the world.” This book is in my top five as well.
Calm Surrender by Kent Nerburn (New World Library, 2000). Great advice from a great soul, told in wonderfully readable stories.
The Chalice and the Blade by Riane Eisler (HarperSanFrancisco, 1988). One of the most important books of the twentieth century. There is an excellent abridgment on audiocassette, condensed and read by the author (New World Library, 1997).
Conscious Evolution by Barbara Marx Hubbard (New World Library, 1997). Neale Donald Walsch said this was one of the eight greatest books of the twentieth century.
A Course of Love presented by Mari Perron and Dan Odegard (New World Library, 2001). Gets right to the heart, right to the essence of what is important in life, what makes life worth living. A monumental work that is spawning study groups around the country.
A Course in Miracles (Foundation for Inner Peace, 1975). A now-classic work that has inspired and changed the lives of millions.
Creating Affluence by Deepak Chopra (New World Library/Amber-Allen Publishing, 1993). Simple and brilliant.
Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain (New World Library/Nataraj Publishing, revised edition 1995). A classic that has shown millions how to improve their lives and the world. Shakti Gawain feels The Path of Transformation is her best book; I feel Creative Visualization is. There are audio and video versions as well.
The Creative Visualization Workbook (New World Library/Nataraj Publishing, 1995). Filled with powerful hands-on exercises.
The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity by Catherine Ponder (DeVorss Publications, revised edition 1988). I believe it was from this book — though it may have been another one by the prolific Catherine Ponder — where I found the great affirmative words “In an easy and relaxed manner, in a healthy and positive way, in its own perfect time, for the highest good of all.”
Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser (HarperCollins, 2002). A wake-up call. When we change our diet, we’re changing the world.
The Green Money Journal — A socially and environmentally responsible magazine on business, investing, and consumer resources. (PO Box 67, Santa Fe NM 87504; (505) 988-7423; web site: www.greenmoney.com).
A Guide to Zen by Katsuki Sekida, edited by Marc Allen (New World Library, 2003). A simple, clear, and profound guide to Zen meditation.
How to Think like a Millionaire by Mark Fisher with Marc Allen (New World Library, 1997). Shows simply and clearly that wealth is a state of mind — and shows how to attain that state.
Living in the Light by Shakti Gawain (New World Library/Nataraj Publishing, revised edition 1998), also on audio. Many people feel this is the most important work of one of our leading visionary writers and speakers.
The Living in the Light Workbook by Shakti Gawain (New World Library/Nataraj Publishing, revised edition 1998).
Living the Liberated Life by Eckhart Tolle (Namaste Publishing/Sounds True, 2000). A transcendent talk on audiocassettes and CDs by a great modern teacher.
Letters to My Son by Kent Nerburn (New World Library, revised edition 1999). Powerful, beautifully written advice for everyone — no
t just someone’s son.
Meditations by Shakti Gawain (New World Library/Nataraj Publishing, revised edition 2002), also on audiocassette. Highly beneficial guided meditations.
Money Magic by Deborah L. Price (New World Library, 2003). Gives you the eight money types — one of which you’ll definitely identify with — and shows you how to become a “money magician.” If you have issues with money, this book is great therapy.
The One Page Business Plan by Jim Horan (The One Page Business Plan Co., 1998; website: www.onepagebizplan.com). A simple and clear guide for creating short, effective plans.
The Path of Transformation by Shakti Gawain (New World Library/Nataraj Publishing, revised edition 2000). Tools for transforming our lives and healing our planet.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle (New World Library, 1999). A brilliantly clear book that lives up to its subtitle: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment. If enlightenment seems too remote or impossible, this book can help you dissolve a great amount of fear, anger, and anxiety of every kind. It is already becoming a word-of-mouth classic. It’s the best book I’ve ever read. Available on audiocassettes and CDs as well.
The Power of Partnership by Riane Eisler (New World Library, 2002). One of the most important books of the new century. If you want to improve your life or your world, read and ponder this book.
Practicing the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle (New World Library, 2001). Essential teachings, meditations, and exercises from The Power of Now. A powerful work.
The Realization of Being by Eckhart Tolle (Namaste Publishing/Sounds True, 2001). A transcendent talk on audiocassette and CD that takes us beyond words. As he speaks, the pauses grow longer and longer, and he slowly, gently, and humorously guides us into the actual experience of the grace, ease, and lightness we find within when we let go of our resistance to what is.
The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason (NAL-Dutton, 1988). A classic with a simple message you’ve heard before but probably aren’t doing: Save 10 percent of your income!
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey (Simon & Schuster, 1990). A classic. The second habit is a great key: Begin with the end in mind.
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra (New World Library/Amber-Allen Publishing, 1994). Simple yet powerful principles that can easily be applied to create success in every area of your life. A brilliant work. Available on audio.
Simple Truths by Kent Nerburn (New World Library, 1996). The work of a great soul.
Simply Living: The Spirit of the Indigenous People edited by Shirley Ann Jones (New World Library, 1999). We can learn much from the wisdom of indigenous people all over the world.
Small Graces by Kent Nerburn (New World Library, 1998). Everything by Kent Nerburn is worth reading, both for content and for his level of mastery of the craft of writing.
Stress Reduction and Creative Meditations by Marc Allen (New World Library, 1995). An audiocassette with guided meditations and affirmations that can have a powerful impact on your life.
Stress Reduction and Creative Meditations for Work and Career Audio by Marc Allen (New World Library, 1999). This audiocassette can have a wonderful effect on work and career.
The Ten Percent Solution by Marc Allen (New World Library, 2002). Filled with simple solutions to so many of the seemingly complex problems we face.
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill (Fawcett Books, 1990). The classic that has inspired millions.
Two Zen Classics: Mumonkan and Hekiganroku translated and with commentaries by Katsuki Sekida (Weatherhill, 1977). This book and Zen Training form a deep and complete course in Zen, written by a wonderfully self-effacing and humorous master of Zen.
Visionary Business: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Success by Marc Allen (New World Library, 1996). Filled with practical, concrete principles that show how to first imagine and then create success. Also available on audio.
The Visionary Business Workshop Video (Visionary Communications, Inc., 2003). A powerful ninety-minute seminar given by Marc Allen.
A Visionary Life: Conversations on Personal and Planetary Evolution by Marc Allen (New World Library, 1998). How to first envision and then create your deepest dreams and highest aspirations.
Work with Passion by Nancy Anderson (New World Library, revised edition 1995). How to do what you love for a living. If you’re having trouble finding your passion, this is the book for you.
Zen Training by Katsuki Sekida (Weatherhill Publishers, 1975). A complete course in Zen meditation by a modern master who was a great writer as well.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
Websites
For information about other New World Library resources and authors, go to:
WWW.NEWWORLDLIBRARY.COM
OTHER HELPFUL WEBSITES
WWW.BOBBRINKER.COM — excellent financial advice from the host of the radio program “Moneytalk.”
WWW.CHOPRA.COM — features the powerful, soul-awakening work of Deepak Chopra.
WWW.CONSCIOUSEVOLUTION.NET — gives us the wonderful work and global vision of Barbara Marx Hubbard, author of Conscious Evolution.
WWW.ECKHARTTOLLE.COM — more information about one of the greatest writers and speakers of our time.
www.GREENMONEY.COM — a guide to socially and environmentally responsible investing and business.
WWW.IDEALIST.ORG — a global coalition of individuals and organizations working to build a world where all people can live free and dignified lives in a healthy environment. Their website lists, with descriptions, over 24,000 active nonprofit groups in 153 countries.
WWW.KENTNERBURN.COM — more in-depth material about a great author.
WWW.MARCALLEN.COM — more in-depth material about the author of this book.
WWW.MONEY-THERAPY.COM — a very useful website for those who still have not mastered money featuring the work of Deborah L. Price, author of Money Magic.
WWW.NAMASTEPUBLISHING.COM — features the powerful, life-changing work of Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now.
WWW.PARTNERSHIPWAY.ORG — learn how to bring partnership into every area of your life. Features the work of Riane Eisler and The Center for Partnership Studies.
WWW.SHAKTIGAWAIN.COM — more in-depth material about a writer and speaker who has had a great positive impact on the world.
SEMINARS
For information on seminars and speaking engagements of Marc Allen, go to:
WWW.MARCALLEN.COM
WWW.MILLIONAIRECOURSE.COM
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
To acknowledge everyone who has influenced this Course is impossible, for it includes in some meaningful way everyone I have encountered throughout the entire course of my life. We all have an impact on each other, whether we know it or not.
I have tried within the Course itself to acknowledge everyone who has had a specific, major impact on my life, and I’ve attempted to the best of my ability to describe what that impact has been.
But to fully acknowledge everyone who has influenced this work, I have to acknowledge everyone I’ve met and even all those I’ve never met — for we are all connected in mind and spirit, and we all influence and affect each other in countless ways we will never fully understand.
Most of all, I want to acknowledge you for reading these words at this moment. You are contributing in your own way to the evolution of humanity, and to a better world for all.
Be in peace.
INDEX
A
abundance, 140, 167
architecture of (your), 33, 39, 44, 188, 189
consciously choosing, 112–13
accepting what is, 115–16
action and inaction, 247–48
adolescence, 184–85
adulthood, 185
adversity. See problems and obstacles
affirmations, 10, 13, 23, 30, 67, 109, 175, 176, 193, 267–68. see also under goals
all-inclusive, 34–35
to counteract/correct negative, limiting b
elief, 170–72
working with your, 30–32
agreements, making clear, 135–36
Alice in Wonderland (Carroll), 130
Allen, James, 9, 65, 73, 75, 77, 116, 138, 194, 276–77
Allen, Marc
website and seminars, 290
appointments and disappointments, 156–57
arbitration, 137
architects. See also under abundance vs. gardeners, 187–88
Architecture of All Abundance, The (Carroll), 33, 39, 188, 189
argument-settling technique, 134–36
simplified, 136–37
arguments, settling, 133–34
artists, 11–13
short Course for, 273–78
As You Think (J. Allen), 9, 65, 73, 75, 77, 116, 138, 276–77
“Ask and you will receive,” 71, 94, 255
attitude. See also half-empty and half-full glass
that brings success(es), 256
toward money, 23–24
B
being, 70, 212
four levels of, 214–18
going into the realm of pure, 232–33
joy of, 238–39
belief(s), 89–90. See also core beliefs
about money, 141–43
about time, 139–41
limiting, 170–71
we are limited only by our, 167–68