A Wonderer’s Guide to a Successful Life

With Grit, A Positive Attitude and Failing forward, I can say. “A Life Well Lived”

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Author, writer, speaker and advisor, living with Motor Neuron Disease (MND). In a former life, chief technology officer (CTO)

  • The Power of Thought

    The power of thought is truly transformative—it’s the force behind turning intangible ideas into tangible reality. The universe, often perceived as formless or abstract, gains shape and substance through the influence of our thoughts. Every creation begins in the mind, and the Original Substance of the universe flows in alignment with those thoughts. Everything you see in nature, every process unfolding, is the visible manifestation of this principle.

    We live in a thought-driven world, where the universe is shaped by ideas. As these ideas form in our minds, they give rise to physical reality in one of three ways: through direct materialization, active motion, or even the necessary process of creative destruction. While this concept—that thoughts drive the universe—may feel abstract or difficult to grasp, it’s deeply rooted in how your thinking creates and shapes the reality around you.

    Take the Tree of Life, for instance—a powerful symbol found in various mythologies and philosophies around the world. Whether it’s the Tree of Knowledge from Eden, bridging heaven and the underworld, or other forms of cosmic trees, they all embody the universal truth that thoughts are generative. Just like the Tree of Life, every idea held in your mind sets growth and creation in motion.

    When we open ourselves to directing our mental energy—be it in trade, commerce, or our creative endeavors—we channel this energy into constructing our thoughts into reality. It’s important to understand that no thought can leave an impression on the universe without producing a corresponding form. Humans, as thinking beings, hold the incredible ability to originate ideas, reshaping existing forms and creating anew. Every innovation, invention, or act of creation starts as a thought.

    Grasping the connection between thought and reality empowers you to see the immense strength within yourself. If you’re merely working with the ideas of others, you’re holding back your true power. To fully harness your abilities, you must take inspiration from nature, make it your own, and focus your energy on bringing it to life.

    At the heart of this philosophy is the assertion that all things come from one universal source—a single Original Substance that takes shape based on our thoughts. Whether it’s creating forms or producing motion, thought is what sparks magic, turning the imagined into the real.

    In summary:

    • Thought is the fundamental force that creates all things.
    • Every thought held with focus and intent has the power to form its imagined outcome.
    • Your thoughts, channeled through intense concentration, hold the ability to shape your reality.

    Building wealth—or achieving any goal—requires learning to think in a precise, disciplined way. It’s not just about thinking what you wish to think—it’s about aligning your thoughts perfectly with your vision. This level of focus and truth takes significant effort, but it’s the most rewarding work you’ll ever undertake.

    It’s natural for external influences—poverty, illness, doubt—to create opposing thoughts in your mind. But mental strength lies in holding onto abundance, health, and belief, even when surrounded by challenges. This resilience transforms you into a MASTER MIND—someone who can shape fate and manifest desires.

    The key lies in embracing the idea that there’s one unified universe, which responds to focused thought. Once you accept this, you lose doubt and fear, and gain the freedom to create what you want. Repeat and internalize this belief until it becomes second nature—let your thoughts consistently reflect creation, not hesitation.

    Don’t waste time questioning why this works—accept that it does. Every doubt or conflicting idea will only hinder your progress. The science of achievement begins with unwavering faith in your ability to influence the universe through thought. With focus, effort, and belief, you hold the power to shape your destiny.

  • An Easy Explanation of Quantum Computing

    Imagine you have a really big maze, and you want to find the fastest way out. A regular computer would go through one path at a time, checking each turn to see if it leads to the exit. This takes a long time.

    Now, imagine you have a magic friend who can go down all the paths at the same time and instantly tell you the best way out. That’s kind of like how a quantum computer works!

    Regular computers use tiny switches called bits that can be either 0 or 1—like a light switch being on or off. But quantum computers use qubits, which can be 0, 1, or both at the same time (this is called superposition). That’s why they can solve some problems much faster than regular computers.

    It’s like having a superhero brain that can think about many different answers all at once, instead of just one at a time!

  • Chapter III: Is Opportunity Monopolized

    No one is destined to remain poor because opportunity has been taken from them. While some people may attempt to monopolize wealth, true wealth itself cannot be contained—it is an ever-expanding force. Instead of focusing on what others have, why not turn your attention to developing new ideas and technologies that have the power to change the world?

    It’s true that if you work as an employee, your chances of becoming an owner are slim. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. If you begin to take consistent, purposeful action, you’ll soon find yourself in a position where you no longer need to rely on someone else’s employment. Opportunities are more abundant than they appear—especially in today’s world, which offers more potential than at any other time in history.

    Opportunity is like a tide, constantly shifting with new technologies, regulations, and competition. Many of the industries and careers that exist today weren’t even imaginable a few years ago. Whether you’re an inventor, an entrepreneur, or a specialist in a particular field, opportunities are waiting for those willing to ride the waves rather than fight against them.

    If you feel held back, understand this: it’s not other people keeping you down—it’s your own beliefs. The reality is that laws, regulations, and industry changes create openings for those who know how to navigate them. Specialists who help organizations adapt to these changes are in high demand, proving that opportunity exists where others see obstacles.

    Wealth follows a consistent pattern. Those who understand and apply this pattern will rise, while those who resist change and refuse to adapt will remain in place. But ignorance and laziness are not permanent barriers—anyone can choose to step onto the path of opportunity and be carried forward by its currents.

    Wealth is not a limited resource; it is an ever-expanding pie. There is more than enough for everyone who understands how to create and claim their share.

    Just as the universe is made from infinite raw materials, wealth is not something that runs out. Nature itself is a vast, inexhaustible storehouse of resources and creative energy. Learning to harness this energy—both within yourself and in the world around you—is the key to prosperity.

    The impulse to grow and expand is built into life itself. Intelligence seeks to enlarge, consciousness seeks to stretch its boundaries, and all of existence moves toward greater expression. The universe itself is a living force, constantly evolving toward more life, more opportunity, and greater abundance.

    You are not poor because of a lack of wealth in the world. You are only limited by what you have yet to learn. Those who embrace the principles of consistent action and creative growth will rise. The question is—are you ready to move with the tide?

  • Give the man a fingernail, and he will take the thumb

    The idea behind “Give the man a fingernail, and he will take the thumb” reflects a broader concept found in various cultures, often warning against unchecked concessions or overgenerosity. Here’s how similar sayings or ideas appear across different cultural contexts:

    1. **Western Cultures**: In English, the common equivalent is “Give an inch, and they’ll take a mile.” It warns that granting even small favors can encourage others to take advantage.

    2. **Chinese Culture**: A similar expression might be found in the proverb “得寸进尺” (dé cùn jìn chǐ), which translates to “gain an inch and want a foot.” It’s a caution against greed and pushing boundaries.

    3. **Japanese Culture**: The phrase “許してはいけない小さな過失” (Yurushite wa ikenai chiisana kashitsu) can loosely connect, emphasizing how small mistakes or allowances may lead to bigger consequences.

    4. **Middle Eastern Culture**: An Arabic saying goes, “من شبك شبك حبّة” (Man shabak shabak habbah), meaning “If you open a crack, they’ll make it a hole.” It implies that even a small compromise can lead to larger issues.

    5. **African Proverbs**: In Swahili, there’s a saying, “Ukishangaa ya Musa utayaona ya Firauni,” meaning “If you’re surprised by Moses’ actions, you’ll see Pharaoh’s.” This illustrates that once a precedent is set, things can escalate unexpectedly.

    6. **Indian Culture**: In Hindi, there’s the phrase, “सर पर चढ़ाना” (sar par chaDhana), which means “letting someone climb on your head.” It warns against letting others take undue advantage of kindness.

    These sayings show how universal the idea is, even as the metaphors and contexts differ. What’s your take on it? Do you see this theme in your creative work or stories? I’d love to hear how you might interpret it in your own voice!

  • The Buddhist Parable of Two Arrows

    I’d like to tell you a story—it’s called the parable of the two arrows. It’s a teaching from Buddhism and is often used in mindfulness practices or ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). 

    Here’s how it goes: Imagine you’re walking in the woods, and all of a sudden, an arrow strikes you in the arm. Ouch—it really hurts! It’s bleeding, and the pain is intense. That’s the *first arrow*. But then, your mind kicks in and spirals into overdrive: “What if I bleed to death? What if this gets infected? How will I get home? What will happen to my family if I can’t make it back? What will happen to *me*?” That’s the *second arrow*. 

    The Buddha explains that the first arrow is the actual pain—whether physical or emotional—that’s just part of life. It’s unavoidable. But the second arrow? That’s what we create ourselves. It’s all the suffering we layer on top of the pain through fear, resistance, and catastrophizing.

    This story highlights an important idea: while we can’t always stop that first arrow, we *do* have a say in how much power we give the second one. Suffering, after all, isn’t just about the pain we feel—it’s about how much we resist it. There’s even an equation that comes up in ACT: Pain x Resistance = Suffering. The more we fight or deny what’s happening, the more suffering we end up with.

    So, what’s the takeaway? Next time you’re facing something tough—whether it’s physical pain, difficult emotions, or even troubling thoughts—remember this story. Ask yourself if you’re adding a second arrow. Instead of resisting, try to approach the pain with self-compassion and kindness. For example, you can gently place your hand where it hurts and just allow yourself to acknowledge it. Or rate your level of acceptance—are you at, say, a 3 out of 10? Then think about how you can nudge that toward more acceptance, even just a little.

    It’s a simple reminder, but it’s powerful. Pain is part of life, but suffering doesn’t have to take over.

    So what are the Takeaways

    The Second Arrow parable teaches us some profound lessons about pain, suffering, and how we relate to life’s challenges. Here are the main takeaways:

    1. **Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional**: The first arrow represents unavoidable pain—physical or emotional. But the suffering (the second arrow) comes from our mental reactions, such as fear, worry, or resistance. The key lesson is that while we can’t avoid all pain, we can influence how much suffering we experience.

    2. **Mindfulness and self-awareness reduce suffering**: By cultivating awareness, we can notice when we’re shooting ourselves with that second arrow—spiraling into negativity or resistance. Mindfulness helps us pause and respond with more clarity and less reactivity.

    3. **Acceptance eases resistance**: Fighting reality only increases our suffering. Accepting what is, without judgment or resistance, allows us to face challenges with greater calm and resilience.

    4. **Self-compassion matters**: Being kind and gentle with ourselves when we experience pain helps soften our emotional reactions and fosters healing.

    5. **You have the power to respond differently**: The story reminds us that while we don’t control everything that happens to us, we can choose how we respond. This empowers us to navigate difficulties with more lll> and inner peace.

    Ultimately, the parable is about developing resilience, emotional intelligence, and kindness toward ourselves.

  • That Dog Won’t Hunt

    Sometimes things just don’t pan out the way you’d hoped. I guess you could say “that dog won’t hunt”. But hey, life has a funny way of teaching us patience and resilience. Here’s to dusting off, moving forward, and finding new ways to tackle the challenges life throws at us.

  • Embracing Volatility: Why Market Swings Are Your Best Friend

    For many investors, stock market volatility feels like a rollercoaster ride—thrilling for some, stomach-churning for others. The instinctive reaction to sharp market drops is often fear, panic selling, or retreating to the sidelines. But seasoned investors know the truth: volatility is not the enemy. In fact, it’s one of the best opportunities to build long-term wealth.

    Volatility Creates Buying Opportunities

    Market fluctuations create temporary mispricings, allowing patient investors to pick up high-quality stocks at discounted prices. When panic sets in, even companies with strong balance sheets, durable competitive advantages, and solid earnings can see their stock prices tumble. This is when disciplined investors step in, recognizing that the market’s emotions don’t change a company’s intrinsic value.

    For example, during the 2008 financial crisis, even blue-chip companies like Apple, Amazon, and Johnson & Johnson saw their stock prices plummet. Investors who bought during the downturn and held on saw massive gains over the next decade. Similarly, when COVID-19 sent markets crashing in March 2020, those who bought into strong businesses at low prices were handsomely rewarded as markets recovered.

    The Key: Focus on Fundamentals

    When volatility strikes, the goal isn’t to buy just anything that’s dropped—it’s to find high-quality businesses that are temporarily undervalued. Here’s how to identify them:

    1. Strong Financials – Look for companies with low debt, strong cash flow, and consistent earnings. These businesses are more likely to weather downturns and emerge stronger.

    2. Competitive Advantage – Companies with a unique product, brand strength, or market leadership tend to rebound faster. Think of how Amazon dominated e-commerce, or how Microsoft’s enterprise software remained essential through market cycles.

    3. Dividend Strength – Companies that consistently pay and grow dividends signal financial health and confidence in future earnings. Dividend reinvestment can accelerate portfolio growth, especially when stock prices are low.

    4. Long-Term Growth Potential – Focus on businesses that have a history of innovation, strong management, and an expanding market rather than short-term price movements.

    A Practical Approach: Dollar-Cost Averaging

    If timing the market were easy, everyone would be rich. Instead of trying to guess the bottom, a smart approach is dollar-cost averaging—investing a fixed amount regularly, regardless of price. This strategy smooths out volatility and allows you to accumulate shares at lower average prices during downturns.

    Final Thoughts: Volatility Is Your Ally, Not Your Enemy

    Market downturns are inevitable, but instead of fearing them, use them to your advantage. The best investors don’t panic when prices fall—they see opportunity where others see risk. When you buy great companies at bargain prices, you set yourself up for strong returns when the market recovers.

    So, the next time the market dips, don’t run for cover. Instead, see it for what it is: a rare chance to pick up high-quality stocks at a discount—and build long-term wealth in the process.

  • CHAPTER II. THERE IS A SCIENCE OF CREATING WEALTH

    There is a Science to creating wealth, and it is exact process like mathematics. There are certain laws which govern the process of acquiring wealth; once these laws are mastered and utilized by anyone, they will obtain wealth with mathematical certainty.

    The ownership of property and wealth comes as a result of doing things in a consistent way; those who do things in this consistent way, whether on

    purpose or accidentally, become wealthy; while those who do not do the work in this consistent way, no matter how hard you work for work’s sake or how able you are, without following this consistent way will remain poor.

    It is a straight forward law that like causes produce like effects. Therefore, any man or woman who learns to do things in this consistent way will infallibly obtain wealth.

    The above statement is true is shown by the following facts:

    Obtaining wealth is not a circumstance of environment, if it were, then certain neighborhoods would become wealthy just because of location. While other neighborhoods would become poor;

    or the inhabitants of one state would have wealth, while those of an another state would be in poverty.

    Yet, everywhere we see rich and poor living in the same environment and often employed in the same activities. When two people are in the same location, and in the same business, and one obtains wealth while the other struggles in poverty, it shows that building wealth is not, primarily,

    a matter of environment. Some environments may be more favorable than others, but when two people in the same business are in the same neighborhood and one obtains wealth while the other fails, it indicates that building wealth is the result of doing things in a consistent manner.

    The ability to do things in this consistent manner is not due to the possession of talent, for many people who have great talent remain poor, while others who have very little talent get rich.

    Studying the people who have gotten rich, we have found that successful people are on average a lot like us having no greater talent or ability than you. It is evident that they do not get rich because they possess talents and abilities that others do not have, but because they tend to do things following a consistent manner.

    Getting rich is not the result of saving or be7 “thrifty”; many very budget driven people are poor, while unrestricted spenders often get rich.

    Getting rich does not mean doing things which others fail to do or are afraid to do. Two men in the same business often do almost exactly the same activities to run their business yet one gets rich while the other remains poor or loses money.

    From all these things, we must come to the conclusion that getting rich is the result of following a consistent path.

    If getting rich is the result of doing things in a consistent manner, and if like attracted like, then any man or woman who can emulate the actions of others can become rich, all of this is supported by exact science (a science whose laws are capable of accurate, measurable, expression.

    The question then arises whether this consistent manner may not be so difficult that only a few can follow it. It’s not true, as we have seen, thus far that natural ability is no a requirement. Talented people get rich, and those appearing to be incompetent are able to get rich. intellectually brilliant people get rich yet this isn’t a requirement, we have seen even foolish people get rich; physically strong people get rich and weak inadequate people get rich.

    Some level of ability to concentrate and comprehend is essential; but in as far as natural ability is concerned anyone who has sense enough to read and understand these words can certainly get rich.

    We have now seen that it is not a matter of environment. Location does count for something the heart of the Sahara Desert and expect create a successful business.

    Getting rich involves the necessity of dealing with others and where there are people to deal with But that is about as far as environment influences wealth.

    If anybody else in your town or city can get rich, so can you; and if anybody else in your state can get rich, so can you.

    It is not a matter of choosing some particular business or profession. People get rich in every business, and in every profession; while their next door neighbors in the same vocation remain in poverty.

    It is true that you will do best in a business you like, and is fun for you; and if you have certain talents which are well developed, you will do best in a business which calls for the use of these talents.

    You will do best in a business suited to your location. For example an ice-cream parlor would do better in a warm climate than in a cold one.

    Aside from these general limitations, getting rich is not dependent upon your engaging in some particular business, but upon your learning to do things in a consistent manner. If you are currently in business, and others in your locality is getting rich in the same business, while you are not getting rich. Remember locations are able to support multiple same businesses. Think of how many car washes are often on the same street or sweet shops. If you are not achieving financial success it is because you are not doing twat the other business person is doing.

    No one is prevented from getting rich by lack of money. We live in the greatest time in history where the barriers to entry into business are low. As you raise money the increase in financial wellbeing enables efficient and rapid growth; but no matter how poor you may think you are there is money that can be raised. If you begin to the rule of consistent manner in doing your activities you will begin to build wealth; and you will begin to have your own money. The getting of financial support is a part of the process of building wealth and it is a part of the result that invariably follows the doing of business activities in the consistent manner.

    You may be the poorest man on the planet, deeply in debt; neither friends, influence, nor resources; but if you begin to follow work work pattern in a consistent manner. You must be impeccable in your implementation of the consistent manner to begin to get rich, for like causes produce like effects. If you have no financial support, you can get

    Financial support. If you have chosen the wrong business and you are not happy, you can change into the right business for you. If feel you are in the wrong location, you can change your location; and you can do this by beginning in the today and

    in your current location to do things in the consistent manner which enables success.

  • The Story of What Shaped My Attitude Toward Money

    **The Story of What Shaped My Attitude Toward Money**

    When I was growing up, I didn’t realize that my parents didn’t have money. For a while, it seemed like everything was just fine. But looking back now, the signs were always there. My dad got laid off regularly, a pattern that seemed almost inevitable. I recall my mom struggling to pay the bills, often crying while she did it. There was always more month left when the money ran out.

    My mom ran a child daycare out of the house, and she often took on a second evening job. Sometimes it was at Straw Hat Pizza, other times at a record store. My dad, bless him, did not handle money well. It just seemed to slip through his hands like water. The awareness that my parents were struggling financially started to dawn on me when I was about 10.

    Dad was always chasing get-rich-quick schemes. For a while, he had a second job as a janitor for a carpet cleaning company. I would tag along to help. I remember everyone in the office smoked, and my job was to clean the ashtrays and empty the trash cans. On the ride to and from the carpet cleaning place, my dad would share his dreams of wealth and the latest money-making scheme he had bought into.

    But the reality was harsh. Dad got laid off so often, and the schemes cost more money than they made. His spirit was broken. So, Mom had to step up and carry the family of four kids. We were on food stamps and free school lunches while I was in middle school. The strain on my parents eventually led to their divorce, and Mom had to refinance the house to buy out Dad’s portion.

    I vividly remember my mom’s shock when they did their last tax return together. The tax preparer asked if there were any investment gains or losses, and to my mom’s surprise, Dad had already lost his portion of the house payout chasing some commodities scheme. It was a harsh lesson.

    Dad called me once to ask if I wanted to take over paying for some money-making newsletter. Since Dad hadn’t made any money from it, I refused. Another time, he called saying God told him to ask me about some investment scheme. I replied that if it was good, the hedge funds would have automated it, so it would be computers trading ahead of you to take your money.

    These experiences shaped my attitude toward money in profound ways. I learned to pay myself first by putting money into savings. My cars were quickly paid off and driven over 100,000 miles until it was a case of “check the gas, fill the oil.” I set my investments up to pay me so I wouldn’t have to liquidate anything if I lost my job.

    I made sure to pay for both Kristina and Alec’s college education to ensure they started adulting with no debt. The habit of saving money became so ingrained in me that if anyone wanted to talk about money, I became that 10-year-old boy watching my parents struggle. I swore to myself to never be without a safety net.

    These experiences, as tough as they were, taught me invaluable lessons about financial responsibility, resilience, and the importance of a safety net. They shaped my attitude toward money and ensured that I would never find myself in the same situation.

  • The Right To Be Wealthy

    CHAPTER I. THE RIGHT TO BE RICH

    Living paycheck to paycheck is both stressful and limiting. Achieving a full, complete, and successful life is nearly impossible without financial means. Wealth provides the freedom to pursue personal growth and fulfillment. No one can reach their greatest potential—whether in talent, intellect, or spirit—without the tools and resources that money enables access to.

    Human growth—be it of the mind, body, or soul—requires tools, and society often judges individuals based on their possessions. As such, understanding the science of acquiring wealth becomes foundational to societal success.

    The primary objective of life is growth, and every living being has a natural right to develop to its fullest potential. For a person, this means having unrestricted access to the resources and opportunities necessary for achieving mental, spiritual, and physical fulfillment. In essence, the right to live a rich life.

    This discussion does not seek to glorify wealth itself but rather emphasizes the principle that riches are a means to live a prosperous, fulfilling, and abundant life. Settling for less when one is capable of more runs contrary to the purpose of nature, which is to foster advancement and evolution. Every individual should aspire to power, elegance, and richness in life as a reflection of self-actualization. To accept anything less is to diminish one’s potential.

    The truly rich person is someone who is living the life they are fully capable of living. In today’s complex and advanced world, attaining even a basic level of wholeness often demands significant financial resources. This aspiration for wealth stems from a deeply ingrained human desire to become all that we are capable of being. Success in life is defined by this realization of potential, and achieving it requires access to tools, which are often only obtainable through financial means. Thus, understanding the principles of acquiring wealth is indispensable.

    There is no shame in wanting wealth. The desire for riches is a desire for a more prosperous and fulfilling life. It is natural and commendable. A person lacking such aspirations is rare and, arguably, missing a vital connection to life’s opportunities.

    Human existence thrives through three vital aspects: the body, mind, and soul. None of these aspects should be prioritized at the expense of the others. Complete fulfillment requires that all three be nurtured equally. To focus solely on spiritual growth while neglecting physical and intellectual development—or vice versa—is to live an incomplete life. This interconnectedness underscores that wealth, as a tool, plays a critical role in harmonizing these three dimensions.

    Neglecting one aspect of life diminishes the potential for wholeness and leaves aspirations unfulfilled. This drive for completeness manifests as a desire for more—a reflection of the innate human yearning to achieve and express untapped potential.

    Moreover, play, rest, and recreation are essential in the pursuit of wealth. Regular opportunities for enjoyment and creativity, paired with continuous learning, enrich life and open new avenues for achievement. Travel, cultural exploration, and exposure to art and beauty further enhance personal growth and creativity.

    To live fully in spirit, one must allow love to flow freely. Love, expressed through connection with family, friends, and community, is an integral part of life’s richness. The joy of giving and sharing is a natural extension of wealth. Without material means, one cannot fully contribute as a partner, parent, citizen, or individual.

    It is through the intelligent use of resources that individuals enhance their physical well-being, expand their minds, and nurture their souls. Therefore, the pursuit of wealth is not only justifiable but essential for achieving a full and meaningful life.

    Desiring riches is a natural and rational aspiration for any person. Focusing on the science of acquiring wealth is among the noblest studies, as it empowers individuals to make the most of what life has to offer. By striving to realize our potential, we not only enhance our own lives but also contribute to leaving the world better than we found it.