Info You Can't Afford to Live Without - The Crash Course by Chris Martenson

December 5, 2013 - by Amelia Fortes

Rich Grad had the amazing opportunity to be in an intimate board room yesterday with some of the most successful entrepreneurs and investors of our time to discuss The Crash Course by Chris Martenson. Participants included Robert Kiyosaki, Kim Kiyosaki, the Rich Dad Advisors (Andy Tanner, Ken McElroy, Josh Lannon, Lisa Lannon, and Tom Wheelwright), the leaders of the Rich Dad Company and Rich Dad Education, and the Fast Track to Cashflow team from Canada (Darren Weeks and his team). Chris Martenson, the author of the Crash Course, also dialed in for an hour to answer some of our questions.

Robert called this emergency book study because our world as we know it is about to change drastically. As a matter of fact, it is already happening and an even bigger shift is upon us. It is not a question of "if" it is a question of "when" and we know that "when" is very soon. One could argue the details about it all day long but I agree with Martenson and the others in the room, it is better to be aware and prepared than in denial and have no plan of action.

I could try and regurgitate all that I've learned from reading the book and being in that room but it would be best if you learned for yourself straight from the source. I recommend starting with the videos found on the Crash Course website at www.peakprosperity.com/crashcourse

There are 20 chapters divided among 22 videos that are between 3 and 20 minutes in length. It would take 3 hours and 23 minutes to watch everything once. You can study at your own pace.

How to be Unstoppable - Alter Your Relationship With Fear

My gymnastics coach Elias said something to me that I will never forget and have carried with me since I was 13 years old: "There will always be fear but you can USE that fear. Use the fear to push you to do it and get it done!" This was when I was practicing tricks on the balance beam. Anyone that has done cartwheels and back handsprings on a balance beam knows it can be a really scary place to be. That day, I used Elias' words to push me through and stick every landing. He was pleased that his words were effective in that space but if only he knew just how they have impacted my entire life... The balance beam became my metaphor for trying anything new.

Any time I have been afraid, his words rang through my mind. If you try to ignore the fear or pretend it's not there, it works against you. When you acknowledge it and not only act in the face of it but also USE it to move forward, that is where you are launched to new heights you never thought possible.

I actually remember that this is the quote that was sticking with me that had me enrolled in Momentum Education, the training program that supported me in changing the course of my life in all aspects. I remember when I had just taken the Basic workshop, I was still on the fence about taking the Advanced course. When someone said the Advanced course "alters your relationship with fear", it was a done deal. I was in it to win it.

Whether you take a course or try to move through obstacles in life yourself, just know fear will always be there.  When you learn how to be in relationship with it and use it, that is what makes you unstoppable.

Oprah.com - 10 Days to Self Acceptance - Day 0

So there's this 10 days to self acceptance free online program on Oprah.com: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/How-Self-Acceptance-Can-Crack-Open-Your-Life

I'm doing it! First you take a self acceptance test in the beginning and then again at the end.

 

Below are my pre-10-day-plan Results. Let's see what they are after 10 days!!!

 

Your Result:

60 - 79 %

Self-acceptance is like a miracle ingredient that helps you to grow more fully into your true self. Increasing your commitment to practicing self-acceptance now will help you take accountability for your life, play to your strengths and open you to a new level of inspiration and happiness. On the deepest level, self-acceptance activates the law of attraction. The more you accept yourself, the more abundant you feel and the richer your life becomes. It's time to really go for it.

Are you ready to accept who you really are and say yes to your life?


Day 1 reflection coming soon....

With love and freedom,
Amelia Ily Fortes

Student Loan Debt crisis, US Govt Shutdown, & Ivy League school deficits, oh my!

From the US Govt shut down, to Detroit going bust, to Harvard and Yale $30+ mm under water, to hundreds of grads everywhere unable to find jobs with salaries that even come close to matching their annual tuition, it's clear that we have not only a financial/economic crisis, we have an EDUCATION crisis that goes all the way to the top! Do you think we need more "saving" and "how to get out of debt" tips?? No! We need an entire MINDSET shift! This is why Rich Grad exists. We are the only financial educators for young adults that aren't just hacking at the leaves, we are DIGGING at the root. We facilitate conversations with students, lead them through transformational and experiential exercises, and provide the context that every Rich person has. Watch this video, bring us to your campus, and elevate the financial well being of the people you care about. Isn't our future worth it? 

The War of Heart part 2 - Self worth contingencies - Fri. Nov. 15, 2014

To all my ladies and sisters in love. We are in this together.
share your stories. your love. your support. your heart.


I said a while back that part of a belief I used to have was that my self worth was contingent on the amount and type of attention that I received from men. For example,

1. If a man said something fresh and sexual to me, all I was worth was my body and how I look.
2. If a man texted/called me every day, I was finally worth love and attention.
3. If I tried to break up with a man and he "fought" back, even a little bit, that finally meant I was worth sticking around for. Maybe, just maybe, he'd be in it for the long haul.
4. If a man tried to have sex with me even though he barely knew me, that meant I wasn't worth getting to know, I was only worth a quick lay.
5. If a man I had been seeing and dating for a few weeks wasn't ready to be physically intimate in any way with me, that meant I wasn't worth the risk of falling in love "for real". The ultimate rejection.

The list goes on and on but the moral of the story is that... only I can decide how much I am worth.

Self worth is intrinsic NOT contingent on any outside result, element, or circumstance.

FIRST... What are some of YOUR self worth contingencies? Write them down, share them!
THEN... Decide today, RIGHT NOW, how precious, treasured, worthy, and lovable you are. FINALLY... lean back, chill out, and WATCH the universe effortlessly reveal to you JUST how amazing you are.


Part 3 coming soon...

With love and freedom,
Amelia Ily Fortes

Desire & Destiny - 21 Day Meditation Challenge - Day 3 Mindful Moment

Today, make the decision to practice defenselessness. Each time you find yourself involved in a discussion in which you feel compelled to take one side over another or express your opinion in order to sway that of another person, instead, gently let go of the need to defend your point of view. Make a commitment to follow the path of no resistance in other ways throughout your day. Witness how effortlessly your day unfolds as you practice letting go and accept things just as they are.

At Robert Kiyosaki's 3 day Rich Dad event this summer, JW said something that I always remember and repeat often. I'll have to paraphrase as I don't remember his exact words but he said "We lose our power every time we defend ourselves. When we stop needing to defend ourselves, that is how we sustain our power." I'm reminded of this lesson today with the mindful moment offered by Deepak & Oprah for Day 3 of this meditation challenge.

This is what I shall repeat to myself today....
Follow the path of least resistance. Stop trying to control and manipulate the situation. It may feel uncomfortable and frustrating at first because you're used to being a "go getter" and making things happen exactly how you want it to... but Life is so much easier and more fun following the path of least resistance. Just swim through life effortlessly and joyfully.

I love how Deepak said it in the meditation today... a rose does not "struggle to bloom" it just does. It's time to let myself bloom. :)

Desire & Destiny - 21 Day Meditation - Day 1 Mindful Moment

Today is a new beginning, the first step on a very special journey. Along the way there will be new sights to see and concepts to learn. As you travel through this day, take time to acknowledge yourself and celebrate your choice to live mindfully and wholeheartedly! With your mind and heart open, you are creating the space to manifest the life of your dreams.

I've noticed that it is very natural for me to condemn myself and say all the reasons why I suck because I haven't done this or that especially as it relates to my mindfulness practice. "God, I really messed up, I haven't meditated in forever! I'm really slacking..." vs "Wow, I really care about myself and my well being that I am committed to living mindfully and openly".

Makes a big difference. I love it! :)

Learning to talk to and interact with myself lovingly and nicely is a daily, hourly, secondly practice! Getting much better at it!

When it comes to measuring how well you are doing, don't focus on where you're not.... focus on how far you've come! Focus on PROGRESS not perfection. :-)

Have a blessed day y'all!

Do you know yourself in 3D? - The 3 Dimensions of Human Performance

There are 3 dimensions of Human performance:

1. Cognitive (The way you think)
2. Affective (The way you feel)
3. Conative (The way you do)

For the longest time since the days of Socrates and Aristotle, we've been placing much value on our cognitive abilities. "I think therefore I am" was the slogan since forever and our education system is built on developing this ability. IQ seemed to be the only measurement that mattered and self worth was contingent on how high your IQ (or school grades are).

Fairly recently, we started to see some importance and attention placed on PERSONALITY and BEHAVIORS. This is our affective ability and now, there are many assessments for this including fun things like "What color is your Aura?" and widely used assessments like "Myers Briggs". So, people are starting to understand that there is much more to a person than their IQ and letter grades in school.
 

The THIRD dimension, however, is still widely ignored. But thanks to Kathy Kolbe, we now have an assessment that measures our genius in the way we DO things. This assesses our innate abilities and how we WILL ACT when we are THRIVING and SUCCEEDING.

If success is the freedom to be yourself, don't you think it would be beneficial to know yourself in 3D?

Take the Kolbe A Index assessment - discover your true genius not in what you think, say, or feel... but in HOW YOU DO.

To take your Kolbe A Assessment: http://www.kolbe.com (Click on "Take the Kolbe A Index" button on the TOP RIGHT)

Can't wait to know your numbers!

With love,
Amelia

How to manage your finances like a RICH person Part 2 - Rich Grad Poor Grad

Why is talking about finances more taboo these days than talking about your sexual orientation? ARE YOU IN THE FINANCIAL CLOSET? Well, it's time to get out!!!! Please share this YouTube video with anyone who wants a better handle on their finances. Hereeee's Financial nudity part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQCcBb4hNzo

***WATCH PART 1 FIRST!!!!*** http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzmArreP2-E




Rich Grad World is based on the lessons from Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.

WATCH. LIKE. SHARE. SUBSCRIBE!
http://www.YouTube.com/RichGradWorld
http://www.Facebook.com/RichGrad
http://www.Twitter.com/RichGradWorld

How to manage your finances like a RICH person Part 1 - Rich Grad Poor Grad

Are you ready to get naked??? Financially naked, that is! Do you need to budget your money better? If so, watch this video from the #1 experts and facilitators in personal finance Rich Dad Poor Dad Robert Kiyosaki and Rich Grad!!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzmArreP2-E

I'm not allowed to check my phone, email, or Facebook today!

PEACE DAYS

At Rich Grad and Collegiate EmPowerment we teach what a TRUE PEACE DAY is. A peace day is different than your typical day off or "weekend extravaganza". First, let's explore what a peace day is not.

A peace day is not

• Doing all the errands you've been putting off
• Catching up with friends
• Creating to do lists
• Organizing files and/or to do lists
• Setting goals

 A peace day is truly your day to unplug, rest, and just be.

Do not think about

• All the things you should have done
• Work
• Anything you "have" to do

The only thing that can grow without ever needing to rest is cancer. God rested on the 7th day after creating the universe.

We need our rest. We need to feel the guilt and do it anyway!
I know, I know... in a world that rewards crazy accomplishments it almost feels sinful to ever stop, but you owe it to your mind, body, and spirit to just STOP! If you don't, your body (or mind) will choose for you and you will get sick, go insane, or both!

Wouldn't you rather stop by YOUR OWN CHOICE and not wait for your body to FORCE you to stop by making you sick so you're forced to stop? From what I remember of Corporate America, sick days were much more fun to take when I wasn't actually sick. ;)

Think about it. Love yourself enough to do this. You deserve it.

That being said.... TODAY, October 10, 2013 is my FIRST OFFICIAL peace day (it's official b/c I'm posting it on FB.... and we all know it ain't official until it's FB official LOL).

After this, I'm shutting off... I'm not allowed to answer your calls, check my messages, or 'Like' any statuses. Keep me accountable. Hold me to my highest. Support me in ensuring I get my rest!

HAPPY PEACE DAY Y'ALL!

Take at least 1 peace day per week. You deserve it.

XOXO,
Amelia

Are you Emotionally Constipated?

Why do people think that "being strong" means holding your feelings in? holding back tears? holding your tongue when someone has hurt or offended you?
In my opinion, this is just emotional constipation. Stuffing everything down and keeping it all inside for an eventual emotional blow up somewhere down the line. An explosion that ultimately hurts the people you love.... or worse, it turns into a physical manifestation in your body, draining your energy and killing you slowly.

Why do people see "chronic numbing" as an acceptable remedy to stress and pain? Grab a drink (or 2 or 3) at happy hour, smoke a bowl, f*ck that girl. Hell yeah, we're hurting so let's stick, sip, and suck our problems away!
When we numb our pain, we also numb our joy... and then we wonder why it's difficult for us to ever feel anything again... and that's how we become dependent on mind numbing activities. Yes, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat count..... and I am guilty as charged...

What is true strength?
True strength is moving THROUGH your feelings, not avoiding them.
True strength lies in your ability to open up, be vulnerable, and show who you really are... and that INCLUDES your feelings.



Most people can be "strong" if strong means stuffing down your emotions... but can you be COURAGEOUS? Can you find your strength in your authenticity, and vulnerability?
Not everyone will accept you for who you are, that's a reality.... but what's most important is do YOU accept you for who you are?

Shine on. Be seen. People may leave as a result, but those that remain are the only ones you want to keep around anyway. :)

How to Start Your Own Business Part 2 - Rich Grad Poor Grad

How to Start Your Own Business Part 1 - Rich Grad Poor Grad

How to invest in 401k when young, How to retire happy feat. Rich Dad Adv...

Do you want to retire young? Do you want to retire happy? Relying on our employer pension plan worked for our grandparents and parents, but that is not the case today as the rules have changed! Learn about the real implications of a 401k plan and why learning to invest is not only important, but necessary if you want to retire happy... or if you want to retire at all! 

How to invest in Real Estate ft. Rich Dad Advisor Ken McElroy and the Re...

How to invest in real estate and How to get started investing in real estate even if you're broke and without a clue! Learn from Robert Kiyosaki Rich Dad Poor Dad and Rich Dad Advisor Ken McElroy and the Real Estate Guys Robert Helms and Russ Gray. Rich Grad YouTube video on RichGradWorld

Rich Grad, Poor Grad - Financial Literacy for College Students and Young...

Are you or your child graduating college with thousands of dollars in debt and finding jobs that barely cover what annual tuition was (if they're even lucky enough to FIND a job!)??... Seemingly, the next best option is to enroll in grad school however, you need to realize that that's just INCURRING MORE DEBT with STILL no guarantee of finding a job that can cover those expenses. If you thought the sub prime mortgage debacle was the end of it, think again - Student loan debt is greater than credit card debt these days ($830 Billion vs $1.2 TRILLION). There's only one option, get your FINANCIAL IQ up! That's what Rich Grad is here to help you do. Featuring the best of the best educators, professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors - we will support you and your family during these times of need. We won't FIX your lives, but we'll EMPOWER you to change your beliefs, get to the root of the problems, and turn everything around. There's enough money to go around for everyone to be rich. It starts with a choice - do you want to be a poor grad, or a Rich Grad????

Be a Rich Grad. Join the movement!!!!!

Amelia's Love Language Profile

Love Language Profile for Singles

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Your Love Language Personal Profile

Your Scores

• 2Words of Affirmation
• 9Quality Time
• 4Receiving Gifts
• 4Acts of Service
• 11Physical Touch

Interpreting Your Profile Score

The highest score indicates your primary love language (the highest score is 12). It’s not uncommon to have two high scores, although one language does have a slight edge for most people. That just means two languages are important to you.
The lower scores indicate those languages you seldom use to communicate love and which probably don’t affect you very much on an emotional level. Learn more about your primary love language and how to put it to use next to the corresponding badge below.
Not what you expected? If the results don’t seem right, discover some other ways to determine your primary love language.

If the results don’t seem right, here are three other approaches to discovering your love language:

• First, observe how you most often express love to others. If you are regularly doing acts of service for others, this may be your love language. If you are consistently, verbally affirming people, then Words of Affirmation is likely your love language.
• What do you complain about most often? When a loved one says Happy Birthday and you respond, “You didn't get me anything?!” you are indicating that Receiving Gifts is your language. The statement, “We don’t ever spend time together,” indicates the love language of Quality Time. Your complaints reveal your inner desires. (If you have difficulty remembering what you complain about most often, I suggest that you ask a friend or family member. Chances are they will know.)
• What do you request of others most often? If you are saying “Did I do a good job?” you are asking for Words of Affirmation. “Do you think we could hangout this weekend?” is a request for Quality Time. “Would it be possible for you to mow the grass this afternoon?” expresses your desire for Acts of Service.

Physical Touch

A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, and thoughtful touches on the arm—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive. Appropriate and timely touches communicate warmth, safety, and love to you.

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Quality Time

In Quality Time, nothing says “I love you” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes you feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed activities, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful. Whether itʼs spending uninterrupted time talking with someone else or doing activities
together, you deepen your connection with others through sharing time.

Acts of Service

Can helping with homework really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most wants to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter. When others serve you out of love (and not obligation), you feel truly valued and loved.

Receiving Gifts

Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures. Gifts are heartfelt symbols to you of someone else’s love and affection for you.

Words of Affirmation

Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten. You thrive on hearing kind and encouraging words that build you up.

Important to Remember:

You may have scored certain ones of the love languages more highly than others, but do not dismiss those other languages as insignificant. Your friends and loved ones may express love in those ways, and it will be beneficial for you to understand this about them.
In the same way, it will benefit your friends and loved ones to know your love language and express his affection for you in ways that you interpret as love. Every time you or they speak one another’s language, you score emotional points with one another. Of course, this isn’t a game with a scorecard! The payoff of speaking each other’s love language is more of a feeling of “this person understands me and cares for me.” This translates into better communication, increased understanding, and, ultimately, improved relationship.
If you have not already done so, encourage your friends and loved ones to take The Love Languages Profile. Discuss your respective love languages, and use this insight to improve your relationships!

Lesson 35: Cultivating Solitude

I'm in Arizona (Scottsdale) for the 2-day "Redefining Education" meeting with the Rich Dad Organization. Tonight is also the official book launch for Why "A" Students Work for "C" Students - the latest book by Robert Kiyosaki. I'm truly blessed and grateful for the opportunity to be here and learn more!

My 10 minutes of solitude were spent in the yard of the lovely, artsy home of Leslie who I found on AirBnB. I walked around from the private patio off of my room to the pool and beautiful trees, flowers, and plants in her backyard. I felt this overwhelming sense of peace and gratitude as I listened to the birds singing loudly, enjoyed the vibrant greens of the plants, and reveled under the cloudless, blue sky.

I reflected on the concept of being best friends with myself and I immediately thought of my best friend Jake back home in New York. My heart swelled with love and gratitude for him as I remembered we had many silent moments together all over the world and I realized that I was becoming as good a friend to myself as he had been to me for over a decade.

5-15 minutes of solitude per day... TOTALLY WORTH IT!