What’s Driving your Business?

So I’ve spent the past few days re-working my business plan for the Satori Method – my new online health and fitness membership website.

One of the business plan models I’ve been looking at wants me to address questions such as:

• What separates you from your competitors?
• What factors will give you competitive advantages?
• What do you think your major competitive strengths will be?

I’ve come to the conclusion that it really matters how I answer these questions because unless I have one thing crystal clear - where I am coming from? I’m going to set myself up for failure.

You see I know one thing for certain, when we compare ourselves to others, focus upon what others are doing, get into a mindset of competition – then its becomes an Us vs. Them attitude.

I’m not going there!

This is a very unhealthy way to think and act. Competition, unless it is against your own limitations, just breads more fear and ego-based competition.

The mindset that worked for the ancient martial arts masters also works today. Their practice was built upon the principle of Budo. Budo is a way of training and living that leaves your egoic mind and its fears in the dust. Budo is considered the higher path. This path is one of respect, loyalty, integrity, giving, joy and Love.

For me Budo means it’s not about trying to be better than others, but rather respecting others and helping to building strong bonds and a sense of community.

Budo is about standing behind your actions with integrity. This includes being professional in business and being loyal to your customers.

It’s not about ‘taking’ but rather about ‘giving’ – without always ‘wanting’ something in return – that’s living with integrity.

In Budo relationships are not approached as ‘business arrangements’. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against having sensible and profitable business arrangements, I’m talking about having a core value system that isn’t just focused on me, me, me.

Budo also teaches us that to be successful, whether it is in business or life, you have to come from your heart – so for me that means its all about about giving and serving others.

When I say giving and serving others I am not suggesting you do this so that they will love you or even think that you are a very ‘giving’ person. From that attitude there’s still ego tendency. I’m talking about being so thankful for all that you have that you just want to share your knowledge, talents, techniques, products, services, whatever … because you are so filled with joy and gratitude that the most natural (and essential) thing for you to do is to serve by giving back.

So I choose not to see my business through the eyes of competition and the ‘get your piece of the pie before its all gone’ attitude. This is an abundant Universe and there is plenty of good stuff out there for everyone.

If a person (or business) were to build themselves upon these principles - respect, loyalty, integrity, joy, and Love, well they would never experience selfishness, competitiveness, self consciousness, greed or lack.

Bottom line, living Budo is all about finding that inner-joy and then living and expressing life from there.

I just had to share what came up for me while re-working my business plan. It helped me to get really clear on what is important to me :-}

I love sharing the things I’ve learned from the martial arts, meditation, and my personal experience of life. That is what the Satori Method is for me, a way to offer incredible health and fitness programs, mindset techniques, and stress relief tools - because I’m grateful for all that I have been given and I want to give back.

So if my ‘competition’ needs a hand, I’ll be glad to give it. That is what my competitive advantage and my competitive strength will be … truly though, in Budo we have no competitors or enemies :-}

I think I’ll put that in my business plan.

Till next time,

Tristan

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Today’s To-Do: Workout

Did you know the number one excuse people use to not regularly exercise is that they can’t find the time. However the average American watches more than four hours of television per day!!

Wow, do you think watching that much TV could be considered an addiction?

What are we avoiding? Exercise makes you feel great. The sweat pouring down your checks, the stress that you blast away, the deep breaths that give you life, the sexy muscles you develop (whatever gets you there).

But I have too much work, I like TV, I don’t have the energy, I don’t have the motivation, whatever … at some point you just have to say enough is enough.

New mantra: “I am going to take better care of myself. I deserve an awesome workout TODAY”.

Just do it.

In health,

Tristan

Skip the Middle Part

Of all the Life Mastery tools I know, this is probably my second favorite in my toolbox.

I discovered it about two years ago, in a moment of great frustration … (although I think it took me my entire life to be able to ‘get it’).

Satori Tip: Sometimes a great insight (Satori) awaits you … it’s right there, ready to breakout of you, but you can’t quite see it. However even in your frustration (or intense depression) it’s just beneath the surface. The Insight: Never give up … stay the course … because a Satori often needs great provoking.

Please allow me to share with you how I discovered the Satori I now call Skip the Middle Part.

In the past Sabrina (my wife) and I used to squabble over silly little things, and unfortunately we had the experience of turning them into silly big things.

During a squabble we would say things to each other that we didn’t really mean … you know those things that come out of your mouth when your feeling defensive, accusatory or just plain irrational. These reactive jabs would eventually drive the ‘silly little squabble’ into an argument.

I think it was in our need to be heard, to be seen, to be understood … that our frustrations would get the better of us. I have since realized that the nature of the human ego is to try and find things to feel hurt about (or to start a fight about) because it already feels hurt. Behind that hurt is usually an ego that feels unloved or unlovable.

Anyway these squabbles really sucked and we were both really fed up with the drama.

One day, in my great frustration over all of this, I had a Satori. I realized that I was tired of trying to be right or trying to be understood. I was just done with fighting. I knew that when the next disagreement came up, I would actually change how I responded.

I know that that sounds simplistic, but true Satoris usually are very simple.

Let me further explain …

Just because we have the power to change how we can respond, doesn’t mean that we’ll do it. Being able to recognize that we have ‘options’ in the middle of a tiff usually won’t register on our emotional radar; when we’ve been seduced by our egoic hurt, pain or anger we lose that ability. It takes something beyond our normal way of thinking and feeling to push us back into clarity and ultimately our True Self.

I think the last squabble before my Satori had been the one that woke me up. I was just done … mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I needed to grab love by the balls if you will.

I was determined that the next time we had a squabble I would not get all worked up and feed the drama. It was time to do something different. I knew that normally I would have to go through the process of ‘processing’ the argument, healing my wounds, forgiving her and then forgiving myself … and finally returning to my loving self. As I’m sure you will agree this can take a LONG time and it consumes A LOT of energy. And if we don’t make it through that phase then the relationship ends up getting destroyed.

I think the real depth of my epiphany came from being so frustrated that I asked myself these simple questions:

Why can’t I just be kind and loving as soon as I recognize that I’m feeding the drama?

Why do I have to wait to get back to that place of love when I can just Skip the Middle Part?

I realized the only thing that would stop that from happening would be ME (ego).

I could do what I usually do, ‘choose’ (I love this reframe – we choose everything – our power lies within our choice) to hold onto my feelings of being hurt, misunderstood, angry … process them … OR I could just let it go and skip the middle part.

Satori Tip: Sometimes people tell me that they can’t let go of it right away; they need time to heal and to process. Well I understand that, really I do, but I also know that sometimes ‘processing’ is overrated. ‘Processing’ can be extremely self indulgent and down right unproductive. Processing can draw-out a negative experience and actually imbed that negativity deeper. However, what I’m about to tell you can end this vicious cycle, in case you ever find yourself stuck in it.

The manifestation of misunderstanding and conflict between people is normal. It’s also normal for us to have emotions flowing through us. We should always take the time to express our concerns, fears, hurts and so on. But it’s what you do while it’s coming out and after its come out that counts the most!

Yes, feel the emotion, let it move through you. Let it tell you which direction to go. You can either expand or contract. Definitely don’t suppress it; but don’t indulge in it either. You have to let go of your need to be right, to be understood, to be your ego; if you don’t it always gets ugly. But if you truly let go and then immediately refocus upon your True Self, the aspect of you that is loving, compassionate, humble and sincere … well you’ve just Skipped the Middle Part.

The bottom line here is that the Middle Part doesn’t need to take so long. It’s ok that there is friction or conflict in life, in fact it is essential as the contrast helps us to grow. Conflicts in relationships are beautiful expedients to help us evolve faster. But conflict doesn’t help anyone if it isn’t used as a tool to improve ourselves. Today I use Skip the Middle Part as one of the most important life mastery tools that I have. It gets me where I want to be in the fastest and shortest amount of time possible. I always look at what I may be doing/thinking that is causing or feeding the conflict and then I Skip the Middle Part.

This Satori has greatly improved the quality of the relationship between my wife and I. We don’t argue at all anymore, but we still squabble a little :-} It’s all good though and we’re totally in love with each other. Any conflict now brings us more clarity and deeper connection. I think we must have both had this Satori at the same time, because we both stopped reacting towards each other around the same time. The good news is even if the person you ‘get in to it with’ doesn’t willingly change, they’re going to be affected by your new way of being, and consequently they will change too.

I use the ‘Skip the Middle Part’ in business too.

For example The Satori Method website (http://www.satorimethod.com) is to be launched by the end of the summer. I have no idea how this is going to happen as there is so much to do. I could ‘choose’ to feel overwhelmed and frustrated, but I’m just choosing to Skip the Middle Part. I see and visualize the website finished. It is beautiful and filled with amazing workout videos, meditation and qigong lessons, life mastery tips and nutritional guides. I see you being a very happy member of this new online virtual training studio too :-} (You can get registered for the Grand Opening HERE)

This new way of approaching my life has been amazing. It brings out the best in me, it saves me a lot of time and energy and it helps me to manifest exactly what I want in my life.

I encourage you try this way of being … just SKIP THE MIDDLE PART … it’s actually easy to do (providing you know how to let go), and remember to return to love.

So what is my most favorite Life Mastery tool?

I’ll save that one for next time :-}

Warmly,

Tristan

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Life Mastery Coaching, Stress Relief and Meditation.

If you are interested in my upcoming Group Coaching Course in Austin, Texas, July 20th-August 10th, 2008 - Please Click Here: All Ways Zen :: Life Mastery Coaching, Stress Relief and Meditation.

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The Casual Diet

Satori Vitality – The Casual Diet

Last night in my Satori Sport Class I discussed the eating program Sabrina created to counter balance all of the ‘wedding’ calories we have been consuming (we’ve attended 4 weddings in one month!).

It is a two week plan that she calls “The Casual Diet”. That means it’s not too strict but it definitely cuts extra calories out and helps you to trim up.

Why don’t you try it out for two weeks with me and we’ll see what happens. You can download The Casual Diet for Free HERE.

In health,

Tristan

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Meditation for Beginners

10 minutes of meditation time in the morning and evening is a great way to start out with meditation, but always know that you can sit for longer if you prefer. Often I really enjoy a 60 minute meditation; this extended time allows me to go deeper into the stillness. I recommend working up to this however … 60 minutes of stillness can seem like an eternity to the mind.

The bottom line is that it doesn’t matter how long you meditate, but rather the quality of your meditation :-} My main recommendation is that you try to make meditation a daily practice … consistency is what leads to meaningful results. For help with developing a step-by-step meditation practice, one that yields amazing results check out The Art of Mushin.

Warmly,

Tristan

Getting In The Sweet Spot

I really like the expression, “Getting in the Sweet Spot”, from the art of surfing. The Sweet Spot is that perfect place on the wave where you, the board and the wave are all in alignment with each other. It’s pure art and physics in union.

When you’re riding a wave, especially when you’re in the barrel (a.k.a. tube), there is a moment where everything comes together … you’ve timed your paddling strokes and caught the wave in the best spot, you’ve stood up and perfectly balanced yourself on your board, now all of your training and preparation allows you to enter into the power of the barrel - - and WOW, this moment is a total thrill, (providing you stay right in the sweet spot). Once you’re in that perfect place it’s all about being present to the moment and enjoying the ride!

Check out this example of getting into the Sweet Spot!!

For me the expression, “getting in the sweet spot”, represents a way of living that acknowledges the precarious nature of timing, balance, preparation and living in the moment. If that surfer had changed anything in how he entered into that wave, well he would have been chewed up and spit out (staying true to surfer lingo). Of course you don’t have to be a surfer to see the parallel here to living life in the Sweet Spot, and we all know what happens when we screw up … ‘wipe out’ time!

We all wipe out though, that’s part of the learning process, but learning from each fall and continuing to refine our skill is what it’s all about. With the right training and experience we eventually learn how to bring it all together … then getting into the Sweet Spot of Life (and staying there) becomes a natural way of living.

If you’re having difficulty getting into the sweet spot of your life you may be interested in my Life Mastery Coaching Course. The course is offered locally (Austin, Texas) but is soon to be released on DVD and online. Be on the lookout, it’s coming soon :-}

You can read more about my Life Mastery Course HERE

Warmly,

Tristan

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Big Day!

Wow … in just a few hours we’ll be married!

Thank you to everyone for such kind and inspiring thoughts you have been sending us.

Love

Tristan & Sabrina

Daily Dao ~ Celebration of Love

“Remember that you have a limited time on this earth, take chances and don’t hold back from fear.”

A few years ago I decided on a much deeper level to stop holding back in my life. I realized that our time on earth is truly a very short visit. Since I had been in love with a very beautiful woman for many years I decided it was time to ask her to marry me. Last year I proposed to Sabrina, it was a beautiful night, very romantic and very prophetic for me. I am pleased to say that this Saturday is our marriage celebration!

Sabrina is my support, my catalyst, my best friend and most of all she is my excuse to pour love into the One. The One being the Divine. I see Sabrina as one of the gifts God has given me in my life to show my love and shower that same love, on to her. This weekend I am marring the woman I love with ALL of my heart.

Grateful,

Tristan

The LAST Missing Secret - Course

There are tons of other people out there talking about the law of attraction, manifestation, the power of positive thinking, affirmations, visualization, goals setting, etc … why is this course any different?

Honestly there are insights in my 5-Week Life Mastery Coaching Course that almost no one else is talking about; insights that will make all the difference in how you FEEL when you achieve your goals and manifestations. Have you ever worked really hard to attain something and still felt empty inside? Why is that?

I’ve noticed that many teachers of the principles behind the movie, The Secret, are talking about ‘the missing secrets’ behind the secret … have you heard about those yet? They have talked about the two main areas that weren’t really addressed in the movie - taking action and removing unconscious blocks. These two ‘missing secrets’ are extremely important … BUT, and this is a BIG but … they have left out the most crucial element behind the law of attraction and acquiring things or experiences. Sounds like a gimmick right? Another secret … come on!

Well I don’t mean to come off as arrogant or self righteous … but honestly, there is a deeper secret that isn’t being talked about, at least not enough. That deeper secret is YOU. Yep, YOU are the LAST missing secret. But which YOU am I talking about here? Your programming? Your social identity? Your memories?

These can’t be the real YOU.

Would you agree that what you believe and what you want in your life depends upon which ‘part’ of YOU we are focusing upon? There are the beliefs that you have collected from others. Well those aren’t YOUR beliefs. There are the habits that you learned from others. Those aren’t YOUR original habits. There are the goals you may have borrowed from your parents or teachers. Those aren’t YOUR goals. There is the reputation that others have given you. That can’t be who YOU are either. So who then is the real YOU? Well the truth is there are really two YOUS, (although sometimes it feels like there are many!).

The beauty of my 5-Week Life Mastery Coaching Course is learning how to uncover your True Nature and learning how to mindfully differentiate between the Conditioned YOU and the Conscious YOU; this is the LAST missing secret behind knowing how to manifest the life YOU really want.

Come join me for an exciting ride packed with 10-hours of Life Mastery training. Once you know how to re-connect with who you really are and discover what you really want … then and only then can you manifest the life you TRULY want to be living, CONSCIOUSLY!

Get Registered Now: (Click HERE to Register)

I have offered up most of the spots to my students at the Austin Zen Dojo, but I do have about 10 seats left. If you would like to see all of the details about my Life Mastery Coaching Course please click HERE.

Jump on this fast - it’s only $180!! (many people are telling me this is ridiculous … you can click here to see why I am doing this).

Schedule for this Event:

5-Sundays from May 4th through June 1st. 1:30-3:30pm at the Austin Martial Arts Academy - 5000 Bee Cave Road, Suite 210, Austin, TX. 78746.

Warmly,

Tristan