Why I Gave Up Intentions

joevitaleoffice2.jpg I spent last Saturday with a small group of wonderful people from all over the world who just completed my year long Miracles Coaching Certification Program.

The day was upbeat and buzzing with energy.

But at lunch one person asked me a question that may be on your mind, too.
img00354.jpg  “In the movie The Secret and in your book The Attractor Factor you said you believe in intentions, but in your book Zero Limits you say you no longer believe in them. What do you do now?”

I can see where that could confuse people.

In my new Nightingale-Conant audioprogram, The Missing Secret, I explain my approach to life in a way that clears the air. I’ll try to recap it here:

Today I realize that most intentions are limitations.

Intentions come from your ego and can actually limit what is possible for you to receive.

Intentions are wonderful when you are first awakening to your own power. It’s thrilling to set goals and achieve them. But there’s an easier, better, more magical and even miraculous way to go through life.

I explain this in Zero Limits, where I say there are three stages of awakening.

STAGE ONE:

In the first stage you are a victim. We’re all born into it and most of us stay there. With coaching or the right books or the right movies, you one day break free.

STAGE TWO:

In the next stage you realize you have more power than you ever thought before. In this stage intentions are fun and exciting and useful. You aim your life where you want it to go. It’s exhilarating to manifest things like new cars or a new house or anything else you can imagine.

But there’s a stage after that.

STAGE THREE:

In the third stage you realize you have choice but you don’t have control. You realize you don’t have all power. This is where you surrender. This is where you can receive inspiration from something greater than your ego awareness.

I was filmed for two more movies last week. One of them is all about letting go to inspiration.

For me, I want inspiration.

When it comes, that becomes my new intention.

But the intention comes from inspiration, not from limitation.

The intention comes from the Divine, not my pipsqueak ego.

In short, when I receive an inspiration to do something, it becomes my intention.

So I still believe in intentions, but not those of the ego, but those of the Divine.

Intentions are for wimps.

When I set an intention to do something like, say, write a book, I use my conscious will and my energy and get it done.

But when I allow an inspiration to become my new intention, and combine my energy with it, than I often create something astonishingly unexpected like, say, my own television show.

Inspiration might also direct me to write another book, of course, but the point is, inspiration will often surprise me with something bigger and bolder than I ever imagined before.

As P.T. Barnum said, “Not my will, but thine, be done.”

When you follow inspiration, you get to say (like the Blues Brothers), “I’m on a mission from God.”

How do you know an intention from an inspiration?

Usually by how it feels.

uvs080111-021.JPG  When I was on Donny Deutsch’s CNBC television show The Big Idea last November*, I told him and his audience that the directive to do anything needs to come from your heart, or your gut, not your mind.

When you follow that, you follow your divine path.

It’s different for each person, of course. You may be inspired to enroll in Miracles Coaching or Executive Mentoring to better understand my marketing and metaphysical methods; somebody else may not.

I still use coaches today, and think everyone needs to. We all have beliefs and limitations to release. 

For example, inspiration nudged me into creating my own TV show, called Expect Miracles.

But my ego was resisting it.

It was stretching my self-image limits.

For that reason, I needed Miracles Coaching to help me get and stay clear. As long as I stay clear, miracles happen.

I’m now clear and ready for this TV show to be a mega-success.

And now the investors, actors, directors, editors and writers are coming to me.

Why? How?

Because I cleared the blocks within me, with the help of my coaches, to allow it all to happen.

Another thing I’ve learned and have said repeatedly is that “The Universe likes speed.”

When you are inspired, act and act fast.

If you are inspired and don’t act, it’s a sign you have some clearing to do.

What do you feel inspired to do?

Do it.

NOW.

Ao Akua,

Joe
www.mrfire.com

* You can see my fiery five-minute appearance on Donny Deutsch’s TV show at http://one.revver.com/watch/491047 or www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTYWyVm6NiI 

PS – Please share this blog post by using the “share this” button right there on the lower left under this note. Thank you.

75 Comments

  1. January 13, 2008 at 6:48 pm

    Hi Joe,

    Thanks for clarifying your evolution for us here. I especially like the part about how intentions set by our ‘pipsqueak egos’ feel so different from those arising through Divine Inspiration.

    Most of my life I’ve given myself ‘marching orders’, and my poor little child self hasn’t liked it one bit. I thought I had to work really hard at being ‘good’ at something, and showing I was ‘smart’. Such intentions have always felt onerous, burdensome, dull, and often impossible to complete. I have often feared failure . . . possibly because my heart was not committed to these mentally-derived intentions, and also perhaps because my heart knew Divinity was not consciously consulted in creating them! This is a prime set-up for inner rebellion, don’t you think?

    However, when I write or create something through my heart (which feels directly connected with Divinity), it feels full, gentle, peaceful, and fun . . . even though it may still be a whale of a lot of work. Life is also much easier when I let Divinity be in charge, even though sometimes I still forget. 🙂

    Learning continues, thankfully.

    Take good care, Joe — I’m grateful for your sharing.

    Just one pipqueak to another,
    Pam Pappas

  2. Jane-Reply
    January 13, 2008 at 6:50 pm

    Today I was thinking right along these lines. And as I turned on my computer, here was this e-mail from you. I was reflecting on the Secret – “no blackboard in the sky for what we are suppose to do” and pondering that as I have often felt the inspiration to do things is divine. Perhaps not pre-ordained, or my only purpose, but it does seem to feel like I have been chosen to do things in a way. So grappling with how it all might fit together. Thank you and Blessings.

  3. January 13, 2008 at 6:51 pm

    VERY COOL!!!
    The energy is flowing in you and through you and what I love is that you are down to earth you tell it like it is You are willing to share your story and move on to the next miracle
    I enrolled in your Miracles Coaching Program in December it is and has been fantastic and no matter where we are in journey of life I agree we all need a miracles coach
    Thanks so much
    Lots of Smiles
    Lisa

  4. January 13, 2008 at 6:53 pm

    😎 Very Very cool! Dr. Joe you’ve done it again! You’ve answered one of my most burning questions to date, “How do I know which intention is the right intention?” Coz I have alot of ideas, but have been struggling with which one to choose acting on…it is becoming clearer that the right one is the inspired one. Thanks so very much for sharing this one and for all you do to make this world a bigger brighter more enlightened place! Thanks for all of your INTENTIONS!
    Your most grateful stuent,
    Christina Hope

  5. January 13, 2008 at 6:55 pm

    Joe, thanks for the update. It’s exactly what we’ve been telling people on “The Prosperity Podcast”; you don’t know what mountain there is waiting for you until you climb the one in front of you.

  6. January 13, 2008 at 7:15 pm

    Thank you, one more time for your words. I need to hear them, again, Now to “be” at zero – one with the Divine. I am off to do just that!

    When are the DVDs from Maui going to be available?

  7. January 13, 2008 at 7:16 pm

    Brilliant Joe!

    I believe this is what Florence Scovell Shinn meant when she spoke of the Divine Design. For everything we desire, there is a Divine Design for its manifestation. Sometimes that means no manifestation.

    Some of the most unpleasant (a mild understatement) experiences happened when I used my will to manifest something I thought I really wanted. Once I got it, I realized it wasn’t what I really wanted.

    Fortunately, the universe is a self-correcting system.

    So, now I remind myself — why not save time and just allow the universe to unfold instead of trying to direct it? When I do that, my experience is so much more deeply beautiful than anything I could have ever thought possible.

    As I’ve learned to let go and allow, inspiration comes and flows easily.

    Thank you for stating this so well!

    Much love,
    Frank Butterfield

  8. Gracie-Reply
    January 13, 2008 at 8:06 pm

    This is great Joe – I was definitedly Inspired to sign up for the miracles coaching program – and wrote an ebook before my first session! That was 2 months ago and in less than 1 month, the site will be up, and I will have joined the ranks of published authors. Thanks for the coaching, the promting, and the permission to go with what seemed to be a crazy, yet inspired idea.

  9. Jim Tomlinson-Reply
    January 13, 2008 at 9:07 pm

    Joe,

    I was “inspired” to act and respond to your post. Your point is that Intentions are not organic. For them to be effective they must be inspired?

  10. January 13, 2008 at 10:07 pm

    Joe,

    I loved your blog!! I love the simplicity in explaining a very complex subject and how easy it is to understand the way you write about it. Your writing is an inspiration to me! Thank you,
    Alicia

  11. J C Steele-Reply
    January 13, 2008 at 10:48 pm

    Joe, neat article, well put. I understand what you are saving. Many times something has popped in my head and I sat on it only to see someone else take a similar idea to market. While I was waiting for the planets to line up just so.

    Could you give us some information on how to clear? Or where we can find more information on how to clear, say in a self study format.

    Thanks

  12. Jeannie-Reply
    January 13, 2008 at 11:12 pm

    😎
    Amen Joe!
    Let In-spir-ation sing from Divinity!

    Love, Jeannie

  13. January 13, 2008 at 11:48 pm

    Hi Joe,

    As you already know, I have great respect for your work. I would question the confusion that’s created around your “intention” model and the concept you create. It’s the least clear thing I’ve ever seen from you.

    As you may recall, in my book, “How To Take No For An Answer And Still Succeed,” the act of intention is clouded only by the attempt to control the outcome. The Eastern teachers show us the power of high intention, however, the secret to less stress is directly proportionate to the lack of attachment we have to outcome.

    In other words, we can’t control anything but our actions and reactions. Outcome is completely out of our control, no matter the certitude.

    The higher the intention, accompanied by the lowest possible attachment to the outcome, creates a much more powerful set of actions on our part with the freedom of not trying to control what we cannot control.

    Best wishes,

    Tom Justin
    http://www.howtotakeno.com

  14. January 14, 2008 at 12:33 am

    Thank you, Joe… I really appreciate you explaining the difference between ego base and divinely inspired intentions.

  15. January 14, 2008 at 1:14 am

    Joe
    You give such amazing insight into life. I particilarly liked your comments
    “But when I allow an inspiration to become my new intention, and combine my energy with it, than I often create something astonishingly unexpected like, say, my own television show.”

    This reminded me of when I was sitting at my knitting machine creating a design, it was on a particularly happy day, the design changed before my eyes and out came a wonderful garment and to today I don’t know how it happened because part of the design, was something I did not even know I could do …

    Love your blog and so looking forward to your TV show, in the hope that I will be able to get it in Europe.

    Big thank you – AnneMarie
    May love and laughter light your days,
    and warm your heart and home.
    (from – An Irish Blessing)

  16. Doris-Reply
    January 14, 2008 at 1:21 am

    Dear Joe,
    I really like what you are saying here.:razz:
    Doris

  17. January 14, 2008 at 2:55 am

    Thank you, Joe, for this inspiration, That makes a LOT of sense. Have a wonderful day 😆
    Joy

  18. Angelique-Reply
    January 14, 2008 at 6:41 am

    Thank you, Joe, for a wonderful, clear, and inspiring explanation of the process of surrender to the Divine and why that is so much more effective than trying to run the show from the ego!

  19. January 14, 2008 at 7:39 am

    I LOVE that you wrote down these stages and shared!
    Nerissa

  20. SOLE-Reply
    January 14, 2008 at 8:22 am

    HELLO JOE, SOY DE CHILE, I AM HAPPY FOR CONOCERTE, ME THE OUTCOME OF SATURDAY 4 DVD AND ALSO I HAVE THE 1 AND THE FEAR, WORK WITH THEM IN SPITE OF THE DOMINO THAN ENGLISH LANGUAGE, BUT I BELIEVE IN THE SYSTEM AND IT. .. GO THERE AND ACHIEVE AN OBJECTIVE IS A MIRACLE, BUT CAN STILL SEE GREATER SL, CONCIENTE BE THAT WHAT PIDES CAN GET TO BE A SUPER MIRACLE, THE TRUCO I BELIEVE THAT IS OPENING TO HAVE ONE, HE LEARNED THAT YOU.

    SOLE

  21. January 14, 2008 at 8:29 am

    Joe – the idea of being open to guidance versus trying to completely control one’s life, creativity and outcome is certainly a concept that hit home.

    For many of us entrepreneurs, we are driven to direct using Ego and often can achieve a good level of success using this approach, however deep down we all know there are things that seem to just ‘happen’ in our lives that have made huge impacts on our life. Unexplained bursts of creativity, changes in our personality, a risk that we would not normally have taken but when accepted turns your life completely around.

    Perhaps what you are putting your finger on here is being open to intuition and instinct – simply clearing obstacles out of the way and letting them guide us as intended.

    Jeff

  22. cyndi-Reply
    January 14, 2008 at 9:05 am

    Hi Joe,
    I feel that the difference in energy between affirmation,and intention is what your speaking of. Affirmation has always felt ego driven, where intention feels more from the heart to me. When I state I am willing, or I am in the process of, that is enpowering
    to me. If I just waited for guidance, I would not move forward in any area of my life.
    Just my opinion.
    I was interested in your coaching program, yet the man who called me didn’t
    seem to know much about the program,and he said your coaches do not do
    ”sample sessions” like most of us do in the coaching world.
    Perhaps as you get more organized, I would be interested.
    Happy New Year!

  23. Todd-Reply
    January 14, 2008 at 10:13 am

    Joe,

    Thank you for this blog. Wow! This is SO true in surrendering to the Divine. I remember when I first got interested in metaphysics and such, the word surrender always used to bother me. Because it felt like I was either (a) giving up control, or (b) admitting that I was powerless all along the way anyway!
    I’m now at a place in my life where I’m pretty OK with both (a) and (b)! 😀
    Blessings to you and Nerissa!

    Todd

  24. Jeannie (too)-Reply
    January 14, 2008 at 11:52 am

    This answered a very nagging question that I didn’t even know I was needing the answer to. I’ve “intended” to do something I’ve been “inspired” to do for a long time now, but kept questioning that inspiration. I now know what I have got to do and I don’t “intend” to do it, I WILL do it. Thanks.
    PS: Congratulations on your new television program

  25. January 14, 2008 at 12:59 pm

    I LOVE THIS ONE!

    It has taken me on a new journey of fulfillment and it will be used in my new daily rituals. 😀

    It answered a question that I have held deeply in my heart since learning about LOA and watching, reading, and learning all that I have. The question of WHAT am I doing to ALLOW THE DIVINE into this. I firmly believed that everything we’ve been taught so far was just ego trips on steroids.

    THIS explains the reason why some of us haven’t been able to achieve the things we wanted because the ego trips got too carried away on US instead of putting the credit where credit was due!!

  26. January 14, 2008 at 2:23 pm

    Thanks for the clarification Joe.

    I think I got the gist of it from Zero Limits, but this explanation helps me make better sense of it.

    I also bought The Attractor Factor a while back and haven’t read it. I wonder if reading it now, after Zero Limits, would be counter-productive?

    Also, not to nit pick, but I believe it was Jesus who FIRST said (in the garden of Gethsemene) “Not my will, but thine, be done.” I’m sure many since – including PT Barnum – have said those (or very similar) powerful words. 😉

    Be well,

    Russ

  27. January 14, 2008 at 2:26 pm

    Way to go Joe, I always thought that being inspired is the most mportant “atractor factor” but I could never expresed that openly. I guss I am smart than I thouhgt after all. You inspired me. I don’t have to strive for these damn goals any more. Thanks a million.
    Lidia

  28. January 14, 2008 at 8:34 pm

    Joe thank you for another insightful post . I also want to thank you and Dr Len for sharing what you know about Hooponopono through your book and other media.I really feel like this is the real missing secret, sweet and simple . Not easy ! But sweet and simple. I am amazed how every step we take gets us a little closer to home . Thanks for the reminders and the “hey it”s over there” !http://blog.mrfire.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif

  29. January 14, 2008 at 9:49 pm

    Joe, thank you for this lovely affirmation. Living an inspired life moment by moment is my #1 priority, in spite of anything. I love what you wrote.
    Best Wishes Always,
    Karen

  30. zeca(maria josé)-Reply
    January 15, 2008 at 8:42 am

    Well… I just want to say that I LOVE YOUR SMILE. YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL BEING. YOU ARE PRETTY OUTSIDE(:wink:) BUT YOU ARE MUCH PRETTIER ON THE INSIDE.
    YOU ARE A SURPLUS VALUE FOR THE WORLD AND THE WHOLE UNIVERSE SMILE WITH YOU.(excuse my bad english:lol:

    An lovely and immense blue sky for you!

  31. January 15, 2008 at 12:42 pm

    Hi Joe,

    Thanks. What a relief from the constant urging to force ourselves through an ever narrowing tunnel of limiting possibilities.

    It’s so much easier to follow your inspored desire and correct your course as you learn and grow!

    Love,
    Mandy

  32. Merilee A. Warde-Reply
    January 15, 2008 at 2:35 pm

    :razz:Joe, you continue to shed light and miraculous design on what it takes to GET CLEAR. I know that in the INSPIRED state there is pure joy and energy and sparkles of connection to all possibility. Thank you for the love you share to all you come in contact with and beyond. I deeply appreciate your presence and was thrilled to be a part of your Miracles Coaching certification weekend in Austin. I know that Divine Inspiration is orchestrating my purpose and now with representing your Miracles Coaching Program I know that all my dreams and passions are part of this Divine plan. Indeed a pleasure to know you, and continue your work. We are all walking this life together and what an honor to live an inspired life. Congratulations on your T.V. show, another way to agree with Divine Inspiration!!!
    Praising you,
    Merilee

  33. Joe Kersey-Reply
    January 17, 2008 at 9:38 am

    Joe, You’ve gotta be the luckiest guy on the internet. Your fans are really devoted, and nobody seems to even question you. Whats your “secret”? Does the Law of atraction work that well? I think some of the other bloggs could learn from you.

    Thanks, and keep bloging.

    Another Joe (from Trenton)

  34. January 18, 2008 at 12:34 pm

    Joe,
    I too think that we need to be open to possibilities and ideas beyond what we can imagine. I love to have intentions tho, I love to really know what I want and flesh it out with my visions and even doing it to any degree so I know what it will feel like when I manifest it. Yet I have always said “this or something better”…leaving open the possibilities that there are even better things out there that i could not intend. because I do not even know they are possible.
    I also practice something I call “detachment”…not being attached to the outcome, that way I intend what I want (ask), then I “release” the outcome to the universe, knowing that the best outcome fro me in every way will happen. This way i do not go through disappointment or other roller coaster type emotions. When we get frustrated that what we want has not happened, we block the flow of the energies that are all working together to bring us the best possible result that we want. So in order to stay in a state of happiness, or what I call “Joyful Creating” (in my audio it helps you be joyful and visualize what you want, the perfect state for manifesting), if you are not emotionally attached to the outcome, you stay open to receiving it.
    Also, I EXPECT what I want to happen. These energies combined help the original intention not to get bogged down in any “counter intentions”, because you have released, expected and open yourself to any good outcome.
    Finally, I bless and clear, all the time, as JOe and Dr. Len show in “Zero Limits”…thank you, I love you, forgive me, I am sorry…
    Love, Nan

  35. January 21, 2008 at 1:21 pm

    Thank-you for sharing this wonderful day with us Joe and THANK-YOU for your generous and miraculous gifts to us. If there was to ever be a super-duper get on your way with marketing and miracles it would be all the books, audio programs and DVD you gave all the Certification clients. I’ve listened to the complete Buying Trances audios, and watched the preiemer version of The Secret, love the contributions by Esther Hicks where were not included in the widley circulated second version of the DVD and am currently reviewing your Missing Secret audio and DVD package. The knowledge and love containted in these volumes, combined with inspired action is sure to sky rocket my coaching practice to success. Thank-you thank-you thank-you.
    Love,
    Julie Vohra

  36. January 29, 2008 at 1:56 pm

    You are always my favorite guru. I’ve experienced miracles after I apply what you have taught me in your book.

    Thank you for being a such great teacher for me.

  37. January 31, 2008 at 10:45 pm

    Joe-

    I just got through watching The Secret for the first time. It’s an interesting message with a lot of possibilities. I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but how come it never occurred to you to manifest hair? If people can dissolve cancer and rebuild their bodies, it seems making hair grow should be a piece of cake.

    No offense intended. Just wondering.

  38. February 1, 2008 at 7:29 am

    I’ve answered this before, but the bottom line is, you have to want it to manifest it. I could care less. Or hair less. 🙂 Your question suggests you think baldness is bad. It isn’t.

  39. February 1, 2008 at 9:50 am

    No I don’t think baldness is bad. I personally don’t care either. My SO does. So I think he thinks everyone should. He kept saying “Why doesn’t he manifest hair?”

    It does seem easier to say “I don’t care if I’m bald” rather than face the possibility that you can’t manifest hair.

  40. Chris SD-Reply
    February 4, 2008 at 9:45 am

    Hey Joe,

    I just had a life transforming moment this morning, and I felt compelled to talk about it. Something urged me to look up your blog and see if you had written anything about what I just experience, and sure enough, here it is.

    I have watched “The Secret” and listened to “The Key”. They have all reaffirmed things that I have been aware of for the better part of 20 years now, and that was great. In fact, I have been working hard to “act” on my knowledge this time.

    Well the action paid off, because I came to this very realization this morning.

    After watching “the secret”, and reading the “science of getting rich” and reading “getting what you want” and listening to “the key”, I got that I should be looking for the spark of intuition. I got that I should be striving for the best I can do now and not to worry about the future so much. What was bothering me, however, was that I was still getting attached to the result. I was still worrying about the future, even though I knew I shouldn’t be.

    You are exactly right when you say that intention requires an act of will. I have been so wrapped up in willing things to happen, that I think it had become a habit. Even having it in my mind that I want certain things to happen, I would find myself getting nervous that they wouldn’t happen, or that I didn’t want them enough, or that I shouldn’t want it, or that that’s not what I am supposed to be doing, or … [fill in the blank].

    Anyway, it was the song “Running Down a Dream” that Tom Petty sang last night at the Super Bowl, halftime that triggered it all for me.

    This song, almost encapsulates the entire idea of what is being said here. Now, rather than trying to direct my life, I see that the real key is to see what my life is all about. To explore the mystery of my life. To see what it is that God has in store for me. So rather than directing my future, I feel like I am on an adventure and I am exploring my future.

    This has lifted so much weight off of my shoulders. I still have intention, but I no longer have the attachment to the result. I still think it would be helpful for me to have more money, I still think that I would like to enjoy certain experiences. I still want things for myself and for others (and I believe it is likely that I will attract those into my life). What is different now is that I understand that if that is the right thing for them and for me, it will happen. If it’s not the right thing for them or for me, it won’t (and that’s okay). I finally have a sense of trust in “The Universe” that I never had before. By the way, this totally eliminated that “threshold of deservingness” issue for me. Now, it doesn’t matter to me if I believe that I “deserve” it or not. Before, I could not seem to shake it. I now realize that, even that concept, is very egotistical. I realize that by having those thoughts, I was attempting to wrestle from God the act of judgment. I am now beginning to realize that it is this very struggle to assert control that really belongs to God that has caused so much distress in my life.

    I now find myself more interested in the journey than the destination.

    I still strive to do the best I can each moment, and make the best decision I can make each moment, but I don’t assume that because that action or decision doesn’t end the way that I expect it to that it wasn’t the right action or decision. I simply take comfort in the idea that I’m doing my best and that’s all that’s expected of me by “The Universe”.

    I am now very excited to see where my life will lead, and I hope that our lives will cross again during that journey.

    Thank you for sharing all of these ideas and helping so many people.

  41. June 2, 2008 at 9:56 am

    I love this. Thanks Joe. I am finding the same to be true.
    That is one of the reasons I created the Stillness Experiment. When we are still, we can hear the inspiration. It slows down the mind chatter, which is mostly chatter of the ego. and provides space for the divine inspiration to show up.

    Feel free to join the stillness experiment – it’s easy and free.
    You can learn more at http://www.Balancedliving.com/stillness.html

  42. Usescitte-Reply
    December 18, 2008 at 10:03 pm

    Hello

    As a fresh blog.mrfire.com user i only want to say hello to everyone else who uses this site 😀

  43. nustrisee-Reply
    February 15, 2009 at 3:03 am

    Hello.
    I’m new there
    Nice forum!

  44. Endussyindivy-Reply
    April 9, 2009 at 11:26 pm

    Hello!
    Can somebody help me to find pioneer elite pro-111fd plasma tv. I find one on Amazon, but that one is too expensive
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  45. May 27, 2009 at 5:08 pm

    I have been a dedicated student of the law of attraction for the last 5 years with great results. I am still amazed by all the things and events I have manifested during that period of my life. There are a few big things I couldn’t manifest despite all my good intentions and focus, but after all, maybe it was better the way The Universe intended it!

    With that in mind, I now realize that I recently moved to stage three. I am much more a “Yes man” like Jim Carrey in the movie. I only have a few intentions and I don’t care at all if they are going to manifest or not. Life has been great for me and I am happier than ever. Can’t wait to see what surprise is coming next! Love you. Thank you.

  46. May 31, 2009 at 1:28 pm

    Making an intention defeats the purpose of manifestation. Allowing yourself to follow what excites you seems to bring better results. Using your intuition and understanding and mastering your power seems to be what works best for me. It is not about choosing, it is just about going with the flow. When you make an intention, sometimes it can distrupt the flow. Your desire will always be there, you just need to know the right times to act on them rather than try to force them to manifest.

  47. Paola-Reply
    June 16, 2009 at 1:42 pm

    Hello Joe,
    Can you tell me, why do you sell books, you teach people how to attract money, if you preach about hooponopono.
    We both know that hooponopono is about letting GO, and letting GO
    Please, don’t erase my message, answer me. I think there’s a contradiction in your speech. you teach how to attract money, how to handle situations with the mind, and at the same time you teach hooponopono, about letting GOD choose what is the best for us.
    I would like to talk to you abot this. I think this is important. I’m looking forward your answer
    Paola

  48. June 16, 2009 at 2:53 pm

    Paola, did you read the book Zero Limits?
    Money is not bad or counter to the Divine, but your thinking can be.
    Maybe god is trying to give you money.
    blessings,
    joe

  49. Paola-Reply
    June 17, 2009 at 2:26 pm

    Thank you Joe for your answer !!!

    Paola

  50. CHRIS CLAPPER-Reply
    June 20, 2009 at 6:39 am

    Joe,just a little question.I sign up for a hupnosis class ot help me with my focus, to zero in on the thing that mean the most to me.Have you heard of anyone doing this and do you think it’s a good idea? Thank you so much for your time. You said in one of your books to reach out to people that can help you….Well HELP!

    Thank you so much,because I know help is on the way!

  51. June 28, 2009 at 10:08 am

    Very helpful and positive forum, I have already learned a lot from just reading?

    Peggybird

  52. July 6, 2009 at 4:52 am

    Hi Joe:

    ALCOHOLICS ARE HOOPONOPONO?

    I read inside out many time your book the Attractor Factor since 2007.
    I am just getting to Zero Limits now on audio & had few briefs mins today listening to it.

    Your Post here about the 3rd STAGE You mention, where simple basic I will say, you
    are letting the “Divine, The Universe, God, Ones High Power” guide you & take control.
    An inspiration comes, & you follow it, & add “Thy will be done” or “YOUR Will, Not Mine”.

    That concept is 100% Alcoholics Anonymous A.A. a wonderful body of people.
    I am a Sober Alcoholic (2 years 10 months 4th July Thank God – on a daily reprieve”.
    I had an amazing sponsor, who 30+ years ago got sober, & first 40 ish years of
    as a drinking Alcoholic lead a life of crime in a rough part of a North Eastern USA City.
    (Whitey Bulger was from the same places 😉 )
    This wonderful giving man, a saint, really grasped the principles of AA way beyond putting
    down the booze bottle, AA promotes an amazing spiritual way of life. In fact (I m off my point
    for a second),

    This man my AA sponsor after 7 years sober, told his Higher Power he could serve the Universe better, if he did not have to work 12 hour construction jobs, & “Thy will be done” told his higher power, “I can serve YOU better, if you free me up from construction work, so I can devote my life to getting other drunks sober & on to the good side, of spiritual living full time, & YOU see I am ok for rent & expenses & I will serve you in this way” – He told me from that day on well over 25 years ago, he never had to worry about money, the right amount of money would come from somewhere, even if unexpected bills came, an unexpected check would come in the post for a few bucks more than the bill. (a long forgotten tax rebate etc, things like that).

    To my point STAGE 3 you mention, when I was under the hard traditional AA sponsorship of this wonderful giving man, his Faith in the Higher Power was 110%.

    See us Alcoholics in AA accept we a powerless over booze & sort of general screw ups in life, (hence the boozing – on a v simple explanation). So in AA we accept, that if we decide to take on a task or a problem ourselves (Stubborn Self Reliance is a big problem with AAs – & that malady leads to our downfall or messing up on whatever we to take on. )

    So we accept we will screw it up, & we accept that GOD (High Power – whatever that is for each individual), is the only entity who knows what is best for us, & will guide us on the right path, maybe at the time, it does not seem that way, but it always emerges HE – “Thy Will not my will” is the way.

    So we “Let go” & we “hand it up” to the higher power, & we detach ourselves, while stilling getting on with the To Do list in the real world. (not mean sitting on our butts, waiting for genie to appear). Make the phone calls, send the marketing emails, but we detach from the result & we “let go & hand it up” & its is amazing. (I am a little out of kilter on this recently myself & have to get back to AA Basics on the Thy Will be done). But the “Let Go and Let God” idea.. when I was with my sponsor, & so tuned into this, it was like Fedex 24 hour guaranteed delivery from God.. I would hand by problem up & within 24 hours- usually less, by some act of the universe, the answer would come to me.

    All of this is in the AA Big Book written well over 70 years ago, by Bill Wilson one of founders of AA. Who actually was NOT a writer, & when he wrote the Big Book, he said it was divine inspiration as if his hand guided by the above, took the pen & starting writing. (I am not into Abrakadebra stuff at all! This is his account). In fact I think you can get free online version of the Big Book of AA on http://www.AA.org – might help someone who needs it, that http://www.AA.org link.

    The 12 Steps Book expanded more on the ideas in the 12 steps of the Big Book called Alcoholic Anonymous.

    Now forget Alcohol for a minute, Booze is only mentioned in Step 1 – we accept we are powerless when it comes to the grog.

    The rest of those 11 steps of AA makes an amazing code of spiritual living, for anyone, & it is exactly what Dr Joe Vitale says above in Step 3 of Zero Limits. (and a few extra bonus things AA has in addition!).

    In noticed in the Attractor Factor – They Will be Done or Even better & I used to wonder was Dr, Vitale an AA’er or was close to someone who was, as there was such similar grounding in the concepts & many of the ideas, I was convinced there was some AA influence in there.

    I have to get back in touch with the deeper spiritual side, like anything we can have a bad day & yell & scream too, instead of “Letting go & Letting God” etc..

    When I was at todate my finest deepest level of AA Spirituality with my God sent sponsor, a living Saint. (God Bless him), every day for me, felt like I was walking on clouds. It took alot of hard work to get there, & my sponsor was a hard task master.

    On the road down to the darkness of drinking alcoholism there is serious mental, & spiritual pain, which takes even sober years to clear, its hell, & getting sober is hell, as it is extremely difficult to accept your disease called Alcoholism, but when I broke through all of that, & did my 12 steps, my moral inventory, which released me from judgment of people (most of the time!) & many wonderful Spiritual gifts – I Thank God for sending me the initial hell of drinking alcoholism sliding down that slippery chain to hell, as that was a gift, as breaking through to the other side, I became a much better person. I have a long way to go, but for me I am grateful I am an Alcoholic (and Sober today – Thank God!).

    Now, as usual I have over extended my post here, however, that wonderful “release” as we say in AA “Let Go And LET GOD” is Stage 3 of Zero Limits. (I am looking forward to getting into the Audio now!).

    The Proof? – Well I fought & fought using will power to the point it felt like a Brazilian JuJitsu expert had me in a Choke to NOT go & have that 1st beer, sometimes I even pulled a month sober, but the explosion binge would be worse & worse. One day I woke not remember 3 days, & I said _ “booze goes, or I go! (into the sea with a rock about me neck!” I called AA, & I never touched a drop of drink since, actually today it does not even exist for me – drinking. I do not even notice it hardly no more.
    That is my friend a MIRACLE – and its not just me – there is 3 or 4 million people world wide this past 70 years, who have got sober, experiencing the same miracle in AA. All started off in Akron my a Bill W & Dr. Bob… check out the “big book’ & the 12 Steps book is a great expansion on the 12 steps – That is God in Action.

    God Bless
    Gerry
    kravmagathailand.com

  53. July 15, 2009 at 7:23 am

    Hi Joe, You asked “What do you feel inspired to do?” I feel Inspired to share this with You and Your readers:
    “Inspirational Wisdom is wisdom that is alive and practical.” Inspirational Wisdom is alive in that it does not depend on your will, emotions, or mind. Inspirational Wisdom is practical in that there are things that you do whether you want to, whether you feel like it, or whether you understand them or not. Inspirational Wisdom is a matter of practice. Inspirational Wisdom is a way of life. It is a lifestyle. When Inspirational Wisdom becomes an unconscionable part of you life you will see your will to do things, your feelings to do things and your understanding to do things has changed. You will have achieved Inspirational Wisdom!

  54. Solveig-Reply
    August 9, 2009 at 12:43 pm

    Hi Joe or anyone else who has an opinion to my question. My exhusband found a new girlfriend 6 months ago. Four months ago I read “The secret”, and these days I am reading “The missing key….”. I have already attracted many of the things I have wished for since my husband moved away. For exemple my income was raised so that I can afford to stay in the house with the children. But I really would like to know, if it’s possible to attract a certain person. Is it possible to make my exhusband come back to me, or is it only possible if it’s also his wish?
    I must admit that before he left, I was very bored and actually wished to get separated. You could say that because of that it’s just good for me that I got separated. But now I realise that it was because I didn’t believe/didn’t visualise/didn’t attract my marrige to become a great marrige again. I focused only on the negative things and ofcause I attracted more of those negativ things. Should I keep on visualising how he comes back to me? Or should I focus on me being with the (another) perfect partner. It could be the same visualisation, but when I visualise about my exhusband, it often includes him saying “I miss you”, “I’m sorry Ileft you” and things like that. I hope that anyone can help me, så I don’t focus on something that isn’t in my power.

  55. Paola Verònica-Reply
    September 9, 2009 at 7:23 pm

    Chant NAM MIOHO RENGUE KYO, ten minutes per day, and you’ll see how your life get transformed

    Nam Mioho Rengue Kyo
    Nam Mioho Rengue Kyo
    Nam Mioho Rengue Kyo

  56. Abeer-Reply
    September 23, 2009 at 9:51 am

    Hi Joe,
    I finished reading “the key” after “the secret” and i indeed lived with it a lovely mental workshop which is making me read it for the 2nd time now. i have a question though, sometimes while manifesting … it is so difficult to get totally in the feel it now mode, which is a distracting belief that delays the happening, within this when i feel there is something i want to do but im not sure if its inspired action or a back thought stored in the distracting belief, how can i tell the difference??? it keeps on hitting my mind but then my mind stops doing it cuz im not sure where its coming from

  57. carmen-Reply
    October 8, 2009 at 3:24 pm

    very nice!! and inspiring…

  58. Doug bele-Reply
    November 26, 2009 at 9:52 pm

    Hi Joe:
    I have just listened to the New Wealth Experience recording tonight. Thanks very much for the free Attract Money Now ebook, to which I have started to read.

    Over the last couple of years I have been struggling greatly over my “Definite Purpose”. It has not surfaced! At the age of 59 I feel greatly lost. Which book, or other source, do you believe will help resolve this issue? (I noticed the big list of books that you support in one of the appendix.)

    Thanks again for the recording and ebook.

    Doug

  59. EnLydia Zappo-Reply
    January 1, 2010 at 6:38 pm

    dear Joe, I was very pleased by your explanation…it backs up something the Voice (spirit of God) told me last year….he said I needed to “learn to go the way of least resistance”. shortly after he explained the first precept of it…and that is to say “thy will be done”…..since then he has followed it up with other precepts.

  60. Eve Polanska-Reply
    January 9, 2010 at 4:18 pm

    Dr Vitale, thank you for guiding me into the third stage. Just finished reading Zero Limits…what an amazing journey! Im so happy to live in the current moment. Peace truly feels good 😉 Love, Eve

  61. February 13, 2010 at 10:00 am

    Dear Mr Joe Vitale :

    I know you are a busy person but I know the Universe or my Sub-Conscious or my Energy has prompted me to write this to you.

    I lost my right hand in an accident when I was 21 years old. I didn’t know why I accepted it quickly when I was amputated. While in the hospital, I was already practising writing with my left hand and clipping my toe nails. I was assumed to be suicidal but I was discharged after 7 days.

    What I didn’t see was the harsh reality when I face the real world with only my left hand after that. I was offered a job (in fact, another great job after the first) but I left my job when I felt my skills level wasn’t good enough. I lived with this fear of not being good enough ever since, either because of my skills level and eventually I also pulled in my physical limitations as another factor. That caused me to quit a job whenever I faced a very difficult task in my working place. I always felt I was alone and that it was too unbearable to stay in the job.

    I know you might find it disappointing that I have just left my recent job because of the above reason. But I felt something very different this time. It was my reconnection to the Universe (that’s another story) that told me repeatedly to leave my recent job. I bought an e-book written by Mr Stuart Lichtman and yourself and began to read some of the works written by you. I read “Attract Money Now” and went backwards to read “Zero Limits” and now I’m reading “The Attractor Factor”. Somehow I was guided to connect to you through your works.

    You must have heard this a lot from the millions of people who read your books and this is from me : “Your books motivate me and encourage me when I want to give up yet again.”

    Actually I am currently writing a novel (more like a short story) about 2 people pitting their wits against each other through stock trading in the name of friendship, loyalty, betrayal, greed and love. I am grateful every day that I can write a scene or chapter which will eventually build up to become a complete book project. But when I started to read novels written by Michael Crichton, James Paterson, I begin to belittle myself. That fear would creep up to tell me my project was not good enough. The good news is, I always have the courage to carry on writing my book when I read ( and re-read, and re-read) your books. I find strength when I read how you wrote about asking help from the Universe and take inspired actions when they were given to me. I don’t feel afraid writing my book anymore because I’m not alone in this journey. The energy is writing with me, he just sits besides me like my lost right hand, guiding my remaining left hand to write the story that it has planted in me months ago when I too ignorant to convert it into a book then. It has been there and will always be there. But I need a light to see it. Your books are the switch.

    As English is not my native language in Singapore, I know my book project will eventually needs heavy editing even if I can get a publisher to be interested. But I have to let go and let my book project take shape as I put my trust in the Universe. My strength also comes from seeing my mother who’s already 75 yr old but still have to wake up at 6.00am in the morning to work as a cleaner 7 days a week. I want to earn a passive income so that she doesn’t have to work again. The emotional feeling of telling her that I will take care of the family and pleading her to retire is a goal I nevillize constantly. It will come true.

    Well, I hope you will forgive my blabbering. By the way, I am also listening the clearing audio that you’ve recorded with Pat O’Bryan and the tele-seminar audio sessions by Brad Yates. I want to clear my limiting beliefs each and every day.

    I Love You. I’m Sorry. Please Forgive Me. Thank You.

    Tony Chai

  62. March 17, 2010 at 2:23 pm

    Does this mean I should not read your book “Attractor Factor”? Well, I’m going to do it anyway 🙂 It’s there now and I love it’s beautiful energy. I’m in stage 2 now, BTW. Thank your help. How come I didn’t know all those things before? They are so simple and powerful. I’m so grateful you took the time to write all those truths for all the others. When I read your books I feel taken care of, as if you would be there and show me how much you care,- a truly hypnotic writing! The only bit I didn’t like so far was the one about vegetarians, I am a vegetarian, of course 🙂 and I think you could use “the juice” (like you did in the vid about Napoleon Hill’s books) instead using the “meat” in your comparisons. That’s my opinion and because you became so popular on RFT (RawFoodTalk.com) it would be even more hypnotic to use fruity expressions in your speach. Now I’m off to study your “Hypnotic writing” some more.
    Thank you so much for being!

  63. June 16, 2010 at 1:17 pm

    Hi Joe

    Just read for the first time and then re-read Zero Limits, can’t help telling people about it even my pastor at church !

    Just one question can a person go from victimhood to living with divine inspiration without being a law of attraction deliberate creator. It seems so much easier that way ?

    I believe the truth revealed in the book will lead to me putting everything that’s wrong in my life by “letting go and letting God” rather than striving to control everything all the time.

    Thanks for bringing this wisdom to public consciousness !

    Peace of I

  64. July 15, 2010 at 4:00 am

    I agree Dr Joe. Most material desires and subsequent intentions to fulfill these desires are driven by the desire to feel a certain way (e.g. the desire to feel good or free or secure), which clearly indicates that we don’t feel this way yet (if we are honest with ourselves, we’ll quickly realize that we actually feel the opposite way most of the time (e.g. we feel bad, limited, insecure).
    In my experience, the only useful intention is the intention to create unconditional freedom from the negative emotional reactions to life’s situations, and create a state inner peace that remains undisturbed by the ups and downs of life.

    Dr Claude Windenberger

  65. Lokabhiram-Reply
    December 9, 2010 at 12:05 am

    Hi Joe,

    That is indeed a fantastic blog post. Here I am going to ask something that is not relevant to this blog post.

    In my life I kind of unconciously experienced whatever you have told in your books and movies. There was point when I use to feel down and lazy to take action. Now I feel much better and these days in a particular state of mind I feel very confident and I am taking actions..but for me sometimes the old bad habit (which is feeling down or less confident) shows up and I am not fully taking action to achieve in life. So, I kind of felt that I am not recieving what I deserve. I can understand and feel what you have told in your videos and books but I find it hard to maintain that positive state of mind. Could you please sugest something on this?

  66. January 5, 2011 at 8:33 am

    I really liked the ideas expressed in this blog post. It’s amazing to me how much our ego seems to muck things up, but I understand it has its purpose. I feel inspired to share with you something that I have struggled with for a long time. I really look up to people like you, Anthony Robbins, Deepok Chopra, Morty Lefkoe, etc. The problem that I invariable find is that all of you wonderful people seem to want to profit from the amazing things that you have remembered/discovered/thought up (don’t get me wrong I understand making a living), but if you wanted to really have an amazing end to an amazing life, why not decide to give your information away for free (I understand all of the psychological tricks that go along with charging money)? I think that you have had a really good run, for a long time, and if you were to give away all of your courses, programs, audio, video, etc. for free it could truly touch the lives of millions of people. And you could transition to an advertising/affiliate profit system. Turn your site into a blog, give away all of your stuff, put ads on your site, and recommend products that others offer that you believe in (as an affiliate). This is how you can truly share what you have learned and make the last years of your life the most productive you have ever had. Thanks for reading this!

    • January 5, 2011 at 11:13 am

      Good ideas. I already give away this blog, my podcast, my video blog, decades of articles on my main site, and of course my book at http://www.attractmoneynow.com All people have to do is read the stuff and then implement it.

  67. Bart-Reply
    January 5, 2011 at 4:42 pm

    Joe,

    Great post… but I can see it took a long time to get to being driven by inspirations. I’m taking baby steps to get there myself.

    Also, a higher being than PT Barnum said “not my will, but thine, be done”. I’m talking about Jesus, right before he was to be betrayed in Luke 22:42

    • January 6, 2011 at 3:30 pm

      Yes, that’s where Barnum got it.

  68. Jose-Reply
    January 7, 2011 at 6:25 pm

    I have a photograph of a baby deer and a rabbit touching noses in a beautiful garden in a nature strip, and my subliminal flasher on my computer flashes this photograph in front of my eyes every three seconds for several hours at a time.

    I have a label on the photograph that reads, “everywhere I look my eyes see only beautiful things”

    Guess what, all the bad stuff in my life has disappeared, and I only notice the gifts God has given the world.

    God does not make junk, everything is beautiful – and the true secret to manifesting anything your imagination can dream up is this:-

    Count your blessings, and thank God for “what he has already given us and also what we are about to receive”.

    God is waiting to give us beautiful things PROVIDING WE APPRECIATE WHAT HE HAS ALREADY GIVEN US.

    God loves making beuautiful things, he is like a man who carves a stick and then sits back looking at his wonderful creation.

    When you say, “thank you”………GOD GIVES YOU MORE OF WHAT YOU APPRECIATE.

    If you don’t appreciate what God has made for you, he gets the message that you don’t like what he makes – so he WON’T GIVE YOU ANYMORE, HE WON’T WASTE HIS TIME.

    God feels “wanted and loved” when you thank him, so he will energetically spend more time helping you.

    When you want more abundance for (you and your friends), God gets very excited, and feels very needed, he is no longer unemployed. He feels inspired to move Heaven and Earth to give you what you want OR SOMETHING BETTER AS A HUGE SURPRISE.

    We all feel inspired/motivated to do more when our friends say they love us and appreciate our efforts to help them. (GOD IS THE SAME)
    .
    Wrap our dreams in HUGE HANDFULS OF LOVE, and God will turn on “Light and Love vibrations” to form a resonance to weave awesome magic.

    Wrap your dreams in hate, and a load of bricks drops on your head from the karma mirror giving you back your hate like a boomerang.

    The more you love what God creates, the more friends and abundance you will have in your life.

    Our love for what God has already created, is the energy that powers the Magnet that attracts anything your heart can desire.

    You can attract things, eventually, with a sneaky, decietful approach to manifesting, but the boomerang sends a “dog” to bite you on the bum at some point in the future.

    God has given humans the Free Will to choose to ask him to help or not – but mostly the EGO says, “no, we don’t need help”.

    EGO thinks it is Boss.

    When we admit our manifesting powers are LIMITED by our 5 senses feeding information into the EGO – and we ask God to form a partnership with us, our manifesting powers go through the ceiling because God has infinite ways to give us what need.

    Love God and trust he knows best what we need to have an amazing life. You must ask God, you must believe in his magic, then you must take action steps towards what you know is coming into your life.

    God cannot help you unless you ask him to – because he gave you the choice to live on Earth without his help. He wants to help you, but he WON’T PUSH HIS NOSE INTO YOUR AFFAIRS WITHOUT YOUR PERMISSION.

    We know God exists, we know he can help – ARE WE READY TO TAKE A QUANTUM LEAP?

    A voice called out, “jump over the cliff and I will catch you, because I am God”.
    “I can’t see you, said the man, “so I can’t believe you will catch me”.

    If we don’t believe that God is omnipotent and omniscience and omnipowerful, we definitely won’t ask for his help.

    If you believe that God does not make junk and can help you – he will jump out of his rocking chair and say in an excited voice, “I have some work to do, I feel wanted and loved”

    God sits in his rocking chair for days and days, feeling bored, because NO ONE WANTS HIM. How sad !!!!!!!!!!1

    Love is billions of times more powerful than any nuclear bomb every created, as the entire universe is vibrating particles of loving light and energy that has the name, ‘GOD’. Anything else is an allusion created by the EGO.

    When you reach a breaking point, and drop to your knees and cry out, “I can’t do this on my own, I need you to help me fix my life”,

    GUESS WHAT

    ALL THE POWER OF THE UNIVERSE BURSTS INTO ACTION TO BRING YOU WANT YOU DREAM FOR.

    When you realise you need help, you are ready to ask and receive.

    If you are not prepared to ask for help, YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN, and we know how hit and miss that is, right?

  69. Shenai-Reply
    January 26, 2011 at 12:16 pm

    Dear Joe,
    Can you guide us more about how you know EXACTLY a divinely inspired intention from an Joeego driven intention?
    This is the BIGGEST question I have been asking around lately and I am thrilled to find this blog now!
    For identifying between the two, only an explanation of “usually by how it feels” is not sufficient, at least for me …
    I sometimes get amazing ideas which almost scare me because they are so grand and then I think how can I ever pull this off… and thinking it is my ego that wants to do something so BIG, I remind myself to turn to my self inside and quiet my ego… But what if that BIG idea in fact was an inspiration from the divine…
    Could you please guide us on identifying the two from eachother better?
    I am, too, at the edge of a life-turning point where I am looking at what I do next as a business and would really really love to understand which of the diferent ideas that show up are from my ego and which are from the divine…
    Thank-you!

  70. February 20, 2012 at 11:50 pm

    I commend you for this amazing post!

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