Your goal is unimportant... yet absolutely necessary.

[From an Email I Got] - Thanks James!

"Your goal is unimportant... yet absolutely necessary."

Seem confusing? Paradoxical? Actually, goals (or as I like to call them, "intentions") are a paradox in that they're nothing more than an illusion. A transparent veneer behind which true reality hides.

What do I mean?

Well, we've been conditioned to believe we must control the physical plane. The more money, toys and possessions you have, the more valuable you are as a person. This is totally false and yet... somewhat true. (It's OK if you're totally confused right now.)

Stick with me as I pull it together for you...

What you have and what you possess have nothing to do with who you are. Not really. And yet, your accomplishments are a valuable measuring device of your level of consciousness.

It takes a bigger person to beat the odds like Donald Trump, going millions of dollars in debt and still rebounding. It takes a bigger person to go bankrupt several times like Walt Disney and still build a Disneyland...

...To build a Microsoft like Bill Gates and then becoming even more active in pursuing your creative passion.

...To overcome a childhood of abuse and molestation like Oprah Winfrey, turning it around to become the world's first African-American woman billionaire.

A bigger visionary to carry a $10,000,000 check in your wallet and visualize receiving it while living in your broken down van...

...Jim Carrey's visualization became his realization.

Are these people perfect? I can't be the judge of that, but what I do know is that their physical accomplishments are indicative of their intentions and the level of power and consciousness in the area that they pursue.

Intentions are a paradox in that they ultimately are unnecessary and yet absolutely necessary. Regardless of who you are or how you're applying yourself... you and I ultimately have ONE goal: GROWTH!

And growth is what's hiding behind the veneer I mentioned earlier. Your intention is only a means to an end (the ultimate end)... your full self-actualization and growth!

In the grand scheme of things, do you think it really matters how much money you make?

What kind of car you drive? The title you have? The neighborhood you live in? Not really. It only matters to the degree that you apply yourself to something that creates passion in your heart, mind and spirit. And of course, that it necessitates your growth.

Consequently, as you choose your intentions, measure them against the following criteria:

Does this intention create passion in my heart and soul? Do I have a burning desire to achieve this intention?
Does this intention (and its due date) scare me and excite me at the same time? Is it "teetering edge"?
Will this intention cause me to stretch and grow? Do I need to become a bigger person to accomplish it?
Will achieving this intention bless and provide value to others? If I achieve this will I be able to give more?
Will I need help from my Higher Source to accomplish this intention?

If you answer yes to these 5 qualities, put it in high gear and get moving! If you answered no to ANY ONE of them, reevaluate your intention.

Remember a few key principles about intentions:

You are worthy of any intention you choose... You must answer the question, "Is this intention worthy of me?" Are you willing to trade your life (time, energy, commitment) for it to be accomplished?
Growth is the only intention, so learn to enjoy the journey. Once you achieve your intention, it'll automatically be time for a new one. The process of getting there is where the wealth, excitement and experience lie.
Make sure your intention is a BHAG (Harvard's "Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal") that you aren't quiet sure HOW you're going to achieve. By doing this, you'll build your creativity and faith.

Have a big, hairy, audacious week and make your life magnificent!

And if you haven't yet, check out Success Certain Coaching... It's designed to help you achieve your intentions in 21 days, and you can save 20% on it for a limited time.

To your continued wealth and happiness,
James Arthur Ray
President/CEO
James Ray International

P.S. Be sure to catch me as a jugde in tomorrow night's Miss America Live competition on TLC... And for those of you wondering why in the world I chose to do such a thing, here's my answer...

P.P.S. The poncho I received in Peru and gave to Tom Green is now up on eBay... The auction ends January 28th! And if you don't know what I'm talking about, watch the entire show here...