Extreme Book Club

Wishing you a joyous holiday!

2007-12-25T08:42:00.001-08:00

I'm having fun

2007-10-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
You know, since we started this book club, I've been more consistent than ever with my study. Now I'm finding it showing up more effortlessly in my activities. As always, I value all of your input. You guys/gals rock. Thank you for making this a great call every week.
John Lavenia

Resuming October 18

2007-10-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

We completed "Secrets of the Millionaire Mind" this week, and will be taking a week off, as I will be traveling. We will resume the call on the 18th of October with the first week of "Working with the Law" by Holliwell. We will start by reading trough chapter 3 "law of supply". All are welcome.

Keeps getting better

2007-09-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

Hello all,
I'm headed out to London today for some time with business associates helping get our company launched out there. And I'm fired up after our conversation this week. Your participation was totally inspirational and we all gained much this week. I'll see you next week for the first week of "Secrets of the Millionaire Mind".
Cheers,
John Lavenia

Great call

2007-08-31T10:38:00.001-07:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in the conversation and to all our new people joining us.
John Lavenia

Looking for a good camel?

2007-08-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

Hey gang,
It was fun analyzing the story of the slave-turned-camel-trader this week. There was much food for action in this writing. Thank you all for sharing. We will begin The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success this week. See you then, and bring a friend.
John Lavenia

Key to Yourself

2007-08-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

This week there was some valueable discussion on the similarities of the various books we have read, and how our understanding expands by hearing the perceptions of others. You know, I have often wondered how I could hear the message, and yet not hear the message for so long, until I finally hear it again from a new perspective. This is the value of discussing these books on a weekly basis. It accelerates the learning curve, and if we're consistent, we create habits of study that lead to mastery. Thank you all who participate. Bring a friend.

Next week: Richest Man In Babylon!

Cheers,
John Lavenia

Science of Getting Rich

2007-06-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

Many of you on the line this week have just recently joined us for the book club and are reading this book for the first time. Welcome. This is our second round through this book so far and I was inspired to hear about the new distinctions that our veteran members gleaned the second time through. Next week we will conclude the book and then I will be traveling in Australia and New Zealand for a few weeks. I'd like to assign a guest host for the time I will be gone. If someone would like to volunteer, let me know at opportunity@libertyleague.com
See you soon,
John Lavenia

Awesome call

2007-06-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone for sharing so authentically. The call went a bit long this week. Thanks to Michael for writing the book. And remember everyone, big bills on the outside! See you next week for the first half of SOGR.
John Lavenia

Keeping it simple, again

2007-06-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

Michael Losier knows how to write a short and powerful book. "The Law of Attraction" gives us clear specific tools that we can use now. So the question this week was, am I willing to take the action? See you next week for the "Allowing" discussion.
John Lavenia

Don't Think About the Purple Elephant

2007-05-31T19:57:00.000-07:00

OK...so you know you just pictured the purple elephant in your mind.

That's the power of this book...you get what you think about; the all encompassing power of thought.

I absolutely love this book. I love the simplicity of the message and how powerfully Michael Losier presents it in this book. And the practical application of the material - that's what makes this book so powerful. Michael's great understanding and passion for this information is self-evident in the clarity of his explanation of how to apply the principles into your life.

In reading the book again, I was reminded of the power of words and thought. Particularly when Michael talks about the words Don't, Not and No. "Don't be late", "Don't worry", "I'm not going to eat chocolate cake". Well, the odds of that are slim; all I'm going to think about is chocolate cake.

It's vibration...you attract what you think about, whether positive or negative. After reviewing this lesson, I realized I'm often using these words and, as predicted, what I'm saying don't, not and no about has shown up in my life.

What a simple, yet powerful change to make. To be conscious of our language and take a stand to focus solely on what we want, not what we don't want.

I particularly love this book because it's not just about intellectualizing the material, but rather about applying the information. Actually using and applying this information to get what we want.

I guess the reality is, if we are committed to getting significantly better results we must commit to taking the simple actions laid out in this book. By following through with the exercises and taking action. By completing the clarity through contract exercises, formulating our Desire Statement and practicing allowing each and everyday...that's when the power of this book is demonstrated; in the results you achieve when you follow through with the exercises.

I've had the honor of seeing Michael speak several times. Each time I learn even more about the application of this material and have used the law of attraction to bring to me exactly what I desire. Unfortunately, when I am less than conscious about my thinking and language, I've also attracted exactly what I don't want.

I'm excited we are reading this book again, I deserved to remind myself of my own personal power and that the law of attraction is working at all times.

~Shannon Lavenia

Thank you for another great week

2007-05-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

So many of you brought much to the table this week in our third session of Conversations with God, thank you all for participating in our "conversation about the conversation". We'll conclude this book next week and move on to Michael Losier's "Law of Attraction". Cheers,
John Lavenia

Getting out of the box

2007-05-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

Last week I tuned in live from Atlanta where I was hosting a business training for my marketing team and was so excited by the final chapers of Think and Grow Rich that I was probably yelling into the phone with enthusiasm. I know many of you were experiencing the same vibe from this phenominal writing, which I am committed to continue studying along side of the other books we are reading. Which of course leads us to this week's call, the first chapter of Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch. Thank you all for the great (and emotional) discussion this week. This book has challenged many of us with our beliefs that we inherited from generations of ignorant but well-meaning people, and I'm glad it did. For many people, the first time they read it is a jarring experience. One thing I've learned in studying personal development for 20yrs is that I will not make progress by applying the same level of thinking that got me where I'm at. Time to move, my friends. See you next week with chapters 2-6.
John Lavenia

The Power of Decision

2007-04-22T19:37:00.000-07:00

Reading this book again could not have come at a better time. I'm always amazed at how easy it is to slip back in to my "comfort zone". The Comfort Zone of being super busy without getting much done...of avoiding the things that really make the most difference in my life; including goal setting, journaling, meditating, etc.

I've allowed myself to get caught up in the big of little things. Why? I accomplished some major goals and never set new ones for myself. I've been "maintaining"....what an icky place to be!

Reading the chapter on Decision reminded me it is absolutely necessary to decide what I want, take action and commit to having it and doing it. Imagine if these gentlemen waivered in their conviction or vision...what if they wanted to stay "comfortable"? The US never would have emerged...life today wouldn't be what it is. Thank you to them for taking the stand they did! And...what an example it serves to all of us to take a stand in our life for what we are passionate about.

I've set some powerful, HUGE goals for myself...goals I am inspired and moved by! Goals I'm willing to take huge risks and huge action for.

I'm excited, moved, motivated, inspired and, wouldn't you know it, everything is falling into place perfectly for me to achieve everything. It's awesome!

What an incredible book...truly the guidebook to success!

Shannon Lavenia

I Love This Book

2007-04-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

I'll be re-reading Think and Grow Rich alongside the others that we will be reviewing. There is just so much depth here. Our next book will be "Conversations With God" by Neale Donald Walsch. See you next week for our conclusion of "Think and Grow Rich".
John Lavenia

Developing Leadership

2007-04-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

This week reviewed the topics of Specialized Knowledge, Imagination and Organized Planning. Underlying these ideas we see leadership personalities like Henry Ford who made the most of these principles by his leadership character. Truly, it is the building of this leadership character that is at the core of those who get on with life and reaching their goals. Self-reliance is the independent characteristic that can lead to allignment with others on the same path for an interdependent culture that can cultivate organized knowlege, plans, and inductive ideas. We will be discussing more of the Mastermind principle next week, and it promises to be an exciting discussion. I look forward to our next session, and I welcome all our new participants. In service,
John Lavenia

Think and Grow Rich

2007-04-06T11:39:00.001-07:00

I am so glad that we are studying this quintessential classic. I am seeing things in the depth of this writing that I did not discern the first few times I read it. I know many of you are having the same experience. Thank you for your discussion this week. Also a special thanks to Mark Cosby who sat in for me last week. Keep on readin'. See you soon,
John Lavenia

Successful relationships, inventions, breakthroughs

2007-03-23T12:34:00.000-07:00

Having read chapters 11-15 of Joseph Murphy's "Power of Your Subconscious Mind" this week, much of the discussion went in the direction of relationships and marriage. For a long time I have believed that success is the total package, not just health, not just prosperity, not just happiness, but the whole package. And why not? It was mentioned that we have been given dominion over our experience through the use of thought. The dividing line between pleasing life experiences and failure type experiences is the willingness of the individual to deliberately choose their thoughts. Not a new concept, but as Henry Ford said: Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably why so few people engage in it. See you all next week for the conclusion of this book. And remember, our next book will be the classic "Think and Grow Rich" by Napolean Hill
John Lavenia

We're back

2007-03-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to all of you who joined us in Cancun at the Liberty Conference last week. Our call resumed this week with chapters 5-10 of Joseph Murphy's "Power of Your Subconscious Mind". We will continue next Thursday with chapters 11-15. Welcome to all our new participants from all over North America, Europe and the South Pacific. This group rocks!
John Lavenia

Subconscious Mind part 1

2007-03-05T14:10:00.000-08:00

Great talk on the first four chapers of Dr. Joseph Murphy's classic "The Power of Your Subconscious Mind" this week. Thank you. Remember, this coming Thursday March 8, there will be no book review as many of us will be at the Liberty Conference in Cancun hosted by Liberty League International. We'll resume with chapters 5-10 on March 15. Until then,
John Lavenia

Power of Now part 2

2007-02-23T14:10:00.000-08:00

"We got about as lofty and esoteric as possible while still using words"
Personally, I love studying books, philosophy, etc that crosses the threshold of what can be intellectually discerned. Thanks to everyone who participated and took this on. It will show up in your activity as increased flow. It must!
We begin Dr. Joseph Murphy's classic, "The Power of Your Subconscious Mind" this week. Get excited everybody. Read through chapter 4 this week. And invite some guests, this is going to be great.
John Lavenia

The Power of Now

2007-02-17T10:35:00.000-08:00

What can I say after this weeks discussion other than that all my "problems" come from "psycological time". Life flows in the ever present, and to consistently remind myself of that, and meditate on that, I get to be in flow. It reminds me of something I heard Wayne Dyer say: that infinite patience brings immediate results. If what we seek is peace of mind, then this statement is clearly powerful. Thank you all for participating and we'll conclude this book next Thursday. Our next book will be "The Power of Your Subconscious Mind" by Dr. Joseph Murphy.
John Lavenia

Triumphant Conclusions

2007-02-09T11:10:00.000-08:00

I've often said to people I've worked with in business that we must see the end - the wish fulfilled - as the current reality and operate from that place. "Thinking from the end" as Neville called it. What an incredible ending to The Traveler's Gift we experienced as David Ponder received the opportunity to experience his own future, his own guaranteed future outcome. Then, of course, topping it off with our segue into As A Man Thinketh by James Allen, our discussion was impactful for everyone on the call. I am thankful to this group. Thank you for participating. Thank you Dawn, David, Frankie (and his 13years 11months old son), Christie, and everyone who freely shared with the group not only your insights, but also your real life applications each week. We are inspired.
Next week: The Power of Now, beginning through page 88.
See you there,
John Lavenia

Forgiveness and Persistence

2007-02-02T12:01:00.000-08:00

How profound were the sixth and seventh decisions of The Traveler's Gift! And how interrelated. Thank you all for your insight into these two chapters. There is much inspiration for action here, and many of us who are participating in the weekly discussions are seeing the principles discussed show up in our daily experience, and our goals achieved. The group is continuing to grow and a special welcome to all who have been invited as a guest. Remember, this weeks bonus, in addition to concluding The Traveler's Gift we will review the powerful and brief "As A Man Thinketh" by James Allen. I have been informed of a website www.asamanthinketh.net where any of you who don't already have a copy can download one. See you on the call next week.
John Lavenia

Thank you all...

2007-01-27T08:33:00.000-08:00

for another great week. We had many newcomers to the call this week. Welcome to all of you. The energy was tremendous. The three chapters we reviewed obviously impacted us greatly, as indicated by the sharing. I look forward to next thursday with all of you. Until then,
John Lavenia

What Had the Most Impact For You?

2007-01-25T08:51:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love the Traveler's Gift! Andy Andrews is an incredible author, speaker and human being. I've had the opportunity to see him speak and all I can say is "WOW"!

In the first chapters we've read, the most impactful lessons for me are "The Buck Stops Here" and "I am a Person of Action". Learning to take personal responsiblity is so empowering! It's gives me the freedom to know I can create my life as I want it and do not have to be subject to the whims of others. It moves me to take action because I know the actions I choose to take will give me the results I am serious about achieving?

What lesson(s) was the most impactful for you? We'd love to hear about it. Just click on the "Comment" button below and share what you've learned or the impact this material is having in your life.

-Shannon

An All-Time Favorite

2007-01-23T08:11:00.000-08:00

The Traveler's Gift - Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success, by Andy Andrews. I think one of the things that endears people to this book is its story format. Many of the books we have been reading are powerfully insightful and written from the author's perspective and experience. Andy, however, has taken the storyteller approach to a new level with his work. Makes it very interesting. And on our call this week the sharing and feedback was abundant and very excited. Happily, also, is that the noise problem 2 weeks ago has been eradicated. Everyone feel free to bring a friend to the call who would enjoy being a part of these conversations. See you Thursday.
John Lavenia

Win-Win

2007-01-05T12:53:00.000-08:00

It sometimes amazes me how simple and obvious the most profound things are. Win-win is a way of being that has served me in business and in life for years. By contrast, in times of "win-lose" or "lose-win" I have created struggle. Once the win-win habit is formed it just keeps paying dividends. Our discussion this week reminded me of the verse from "Think and Grow Rich" by Napolean Hill- "I will engage in no transaction that does not benefit one and all."

On to the fifth habit- Seek first to understand, then be understood. We actually got to practice this on the call this week and it revealed immediate results of positive communication and "deposits in the emotional bank account". We are learning to be present. I know many of us feel thankful that Steve Covey was able to put in words the depth of his understanding of interpersonal effectiveness and relationships. Thanks Steve.

See you all next week
John Lavenia

Choose the path, and take the action.

2006-12-29T10:57:00.000-08:00

Another insightful week as we discussed the second and third habits of highly successful people. Thank you to all of you who participated this week (Christmas week) in the discussion. I know for myself that the recurring themes of being principle-centered and on-purpose in my activities is one that I deserve to revisit often. Now we're working on developing personal mission statements to fulfill the intention revealed in this book. I'll look forward to hearing from you all next week. Happy New Year!
John Lavenia

New Archived Calls!

2006-12-24T20:40:00.000-08:00

We have begun recording all Extreme Book Club calls and posting them for everyone! The calls are absolutely fantastic...it's great to experience the books with everyone and learn from the different perspectives. It's also wonderful to hear everyone's progress as they apply the information we are learning to their professions, businesses and personal lives.

Be sure to share this blog with everyone so that they can benefit from the incredible environment as well.

Join us on Thursday as we continue with Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Effectiveness...Amen!

2006-12-22T12:14:00.000-08:00

This book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, was such a turning point for me the first time I read it. And now to be reviewing it again, in this group setting, it feels like I've just thrown galoline on the fire of my burning desires that I am now achieving. Just getting through the first couple of chapters and the first habit "Be Proactive" reminded me so much of how easy it is to waste energy on defending points of view, being right, and being concerned with what other people do or don't do. How liberating to remember, Hey- I have a choice. A great reminder. Thank you all for your input on the call this week and we'll see you next week with Habits 2 and 3.
Happy Holidays,
John Lavenia

It's Exciting!

2006-12-18T14:45:00.000-08:00

When we decided to do Steven Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People I was thrilled. I have been listening to the unabridged version of the course and have found it to be incredibly impactful. The key for me has been stopping to take the time to do the exercises. In working through the course, I spent time to develop my corporate mission statement; something that I never took the time to do. John and I developed our mission statement:

To create an environment where people can prosper - financially, personally and spiritually; making it possible for each individual to recognize and realize their true potential.

To promulgate prosperity consciousness by example; developing Leadership in ourselves and others through the principles of integrity, self-reliance and entrepreneurialism.

Having a mission statement, as Covey conveys, provides us with direction. I am able to ask myself, "Is this in alignment with our mission" when I am about to take on a task or have a decision to be made. It's incredibly empowering.

To assist me with reading the book again, I have purchased the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Personal Workbook (see below for details). It's a great tool for facilitating the growth and completion of the application of the Habits.

I can't wait for our first call to discuss what we are all learning and the results we are experiencing as we apply the Habits to our personal lives and businesses. See you on Thursday! Remember...we have a new number. See the post below for details.

Make it a great day!
Shannon

Another Classic Book

2006-12-15T12:16:00.000-08:00

It was a pleasure hearing the personal life interpretations from all the participants as we concluded The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success this week. I will certainly continue to re-read this book from time to time. Now the excitement has turned to The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey. This will be our next book starting this week. And on a side note, thanks to Paul from NC, our next book which is already in line will be The Travelers Gift-Seven Decisions for Success, by Andy Andrews. So we'll have three "7s" in a row. How fun.
The new dial in number starting this week, which should be the one we use for a while is 1-563-843-7585, passcode 742364. This new line will be able to hold more than double the amount of callers as the old line. See you there.
John Lavenia

Incredible Perspectives

2006-12-08T12:25:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a great call we had last night. It is always amazing to hear everybody's perspectives on what they have read and to see what has really had a profound effect on each person. The open conversation amongst the members was thrilling! It is wonderful to be part of a group of individuals who openly explore their lives, importing and applying the lessons we are discovering in the books that we read. Being able to explore different view points and interpretations of the literature is incredibly rewarding!

I loved hearing from people about how the laws of Pure Potentiality, Giving and Karma are working right now in their lives. It was also great to hear how people realized the laws are working in ways they weren't even aware of so now they can be more intentional in their lives. I reflected on my own life and how I am consciously and unconsciously experiencing the laws in the results I am having in all areas.

Thank you to everyone who was present and everyone who shared.

Remember How Powerful We Are

2006-12-07T18:48:00.000-08:00

The book we are reading this week, Deepak Chopra's Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, has served as a reminder of just how powerful we are. Everyone has an extraordinary potential. Even the opening statement, by Brihadaranyaka Upanishad IV.4.5 (glad I don't have to pronounce it), "You are what your deep, driving desire is. As your desire is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny", served to remind me of what drives me to success - desire!.

Reading through the first three Laws: The Law of Pure Potentiality, The Law of Giving, and the Law of "Karma", I was excited to recongize once again what I am capable of in this life. I have achieved an extraordinary amount of success in my life and was reminded of why that is...because I have chosed to live my life by the laws. I am not infallable but I remind myself often of the laws that direct the path of fulfillment and success - the laws that enable each of us to manifest success in all areas of our life, physical and spiritual.

Slowing down to enjoy life, to focus on the joy and happiness that surrounds us, living is peace is what Chopra directs is the key to realizing our potential - the key to tapping into our inner self and potential that lies hidden but accessible. In this busy, hectic world...even more hectic and busy with the holidays, it is great to stop and take the time to breathe, to cherish a sunset, to relax with my dogs, to enjoy (not just gobble down but really savor) a well cooked meal, to live in peace and respect for everyone. I notice, personally for myself, that the busier I get, the more hectic I allow my life to get, the less at peace I am with people and the more in judgement I tend to be, supressing my own potential and being of negative cause in the world rather than positive. As discussed in the law of Karma...what am I creating for myself???

When I choose to slow down and be conscious of the laws, living in balance and piece is when I realize explosive levels of personal, professional and physical success. It's awesome!

There's so much to talk about with just these first few pages...I can't wait for our discussion tonight. What a great book to follow Power vs. Force!

-Shannon

The book club has launched BIG

2006-11-28T17:56:00.000-08:00

To have fun and broaden our understanding of great books: this is the purpose of our recently started Extreme Book Club call. And what a call it has been. In the first few weeks we have had capacity attendance and much enthusiasm from the participants. I figured that since people often ask me what books I am reading at any given time that this would be a good way to not only let them know, but also to share the impressions and interpretations that have come as a result of having read and consciously applied to my life the ideas and principles of the great teachers of modern times.

As I write this, the group is completing our second book - Power vs. Force by Dr. David Hawkins, and we had "kicked off" this weekly call with the classic - The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles. One participant, Darrell from California, said that the book club has given him a bit more structure, as he is also an avid personal development reader and finds himself sometimes in 20 or so half-read books! My intention will continue to be to alternate between the more simple reads and the more esoteric or intellectual. Our next book, as of this writing, will be The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra.

I know for myself that having created a weekly agenda where I comment on a book has increased my personal understanding and having an opportunity to hear other impressions and interpretations has expanded my understanding of the variety of perceptions of any given writing. The discussion group meets every week, excluding holidays, at 11pm Eastern time (GMT-5) on Thursdays. Our intention is to post recordings of the sessions on this site for those who may miss a call or who could not access the call live if we've exceeded the conference bridge capacity. Anyone who has an interest in personal growth is welcome, and it is my continued pleasure to be able to serve and facilitate this forum.

In Success,
John Lavenia
Tucson, AZ USA