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I don’t watch movies about zombies or vampires, not unless there’s some comedy in it or a psychological insight about the rest of us, but recently I watched a documentary called, How to Be a Billionaire, which got me thinking about zombies.

Let me explain:

The three billionaires featured in the film are all big thinkers.

And I’m talking BIG.

They are not zombies at all.

One wants to create passenger flights to the moon (!) for you to take your sweetie for a honeymoon. At the same time, he wants to bring back ore from the moon and sell it back here on Earth as a precious metal. He expects it to be a trillion dollar business.

Another created a social media site with his wife and sold it for $850,000,000. Apparently AOL saw the value in it for reaching millions of people. But when it bombed under the new ownership, the couple who originated the site bought it back – for only $1,000,000. They are now investing in even more businesses and revamping their own original software.

Yet another billionaire is creating life-like looking robots of people like you, with the idea of eventually installing your consciousness in them (!)  so you can live forever. Yes, he’s really working on this attempt at immortality.

Each of these billionaires is thinking so big, it may appear insane.

In fact, one of the billionaires said, “If you go to a party and tell your idea to people and they don’t think you’re crazy, then you’re not thinking big enough.”

That’s so important, I want to repeat it –

“If you go to a party and tell your idea to people and they don’t think you’re crazy, then you’re not thinking big enough.”

Besides thinking on a scale most people never entertain, none of the billionaires were pursuing their dreams for the money.

They felt the dream and the pursuit were more important than the money, though they welcome the money to continue the dream and the pursuit.

It reminded me of Walt Disney’s famous quote, “I want to make money from my movies so I can continue making movies.”

All of this got me thinking about my own mission in life.

Am I thinking big enough?

In April I’ll be releasing my new book and new online course, called The Awakened Millionaire.

The book is a manifesto written to set a fire under people to ignite them to go for their dreams, pursue them with passion, and be OK profiting from them, too.

Manifesto launching April 2016

The book is a stir to action subtitled “A Manifesto for the Spiritual Wealth Movement.”

The online course will be through The Awakened Millionaire Academy, and will be a complete how-to on transforming yourself into an Awakened Millionaire.

I’m psyched about all of this, but the documentary made me question how big I was thinking.

The billionaires thought in terms of reaching a billion or more people.

I was thinking in terms of reaching a million.

Obviously, I need to think bigger.

As I brainstormed ideas on how to elevate and expand my dream, I thought of “Zombie Millionaires.”

It would be a great book.

Probably a great movie.

I doubt I’ll do either, but the idea of  Zombie Millionaires made me realize that most people pursuing money are like zombies.

They are dead to their dream.

They are sleepwalking through life.

They have stuck beliefs about money.

What if I awakened the zombies of the world with my new book and online course?

I’m kidding around on one level and expanding my mind on another.

I know a fellow making a movie about zombies who learn meditation. It’s his clever way to get people to practice meditation by drawing them in with a story about zombies.

Whatever I do with all this isn’t important.

What you do with it is.

So, are you thinking big enough?

Are you reaching a million people?

A billion?

More?

What would you do if you thought like a billionaire and were devoted to service and making a difference on a grand scale?

What would you do if you were an Awakened Millionaire?

Ao Akua,

joe

PS – If you want to know more about how to become an Awakened Millionaire, please go see http://awakenedmillionaireacademy.com/

Member BBB 2003 - 2016

I’ve been in Los Angeles filming my own TV show.

Right now it’s being called The Attractor Factor, based on my bestselling book, but it could end up being called The Awakened Millionaire, after my new book coming out in April.

But the story behind the TV show is far more amazing than the title or the fact that I have one.

You see, ten days before the filming, there wasn’t a show at all.

On the set of my TV show

This miracle manifested in just over one week.

How?

I’m glad you asked.

People have wanted me to have my own television show for over ten years.

Right after the movie The Secret hit the online world, and mega shows like Larry King Live had me on as a guest twice, and Oprah aired several shows of her own on the subject, Hollywood corporate types called me in.

They wanted to discuss a major TV show. At one point I sat in an office with several women who run the major network prime time shows, and Lisa Nichols and I were considered for our own show.

We’d be dual hosts and play off each other.

We’d take turns coaching people.

Both Lisa and I loved the idea.

But as time went on, they didn’t pursue the show.

At least not with me.

I’m told that happens every hour in Hollywood.

At another point during this frenzy for The Secret, a Cuban businessman wanted me to have a television show for the Latino market.

He didn’t seem to care that I spoke little Spanish.

He was going to pair me with a popular Spanish movie star, and we would co-host a TV show.

That petered out, too.

But it wasn’t more than a year or so later that yet another group of people came to me, wanting me to have my own show.

These were actors and actresses and behind-the-scenes workers in the movie industry.

They were all fans of me and my work.

They came to my home; I went to theirs.

We had many exciting meetings discussing my own show.

But after a few months of travel and talk, I got tired of it and pulled the plug.

It just didn’t feel like the right time to do this.

The kicker was when I was robbed in LA.

I took that as a sign to stop.

I did.

At yet another point in this adventure, I “had lunch with God” and was going to create an entire television network.

Not just a single show, but a network that would air numerous positive shows.

It was going to be called The Abundance Network.

I met several times with an investor, friends in the media, and more.

We were excited and passionate.

We planned big things.

But that didn’t materialize, either.

Years went by.

Then, in mid February, a man I met 17 years ago — 17 years ago!!!! — contacted me.

He told me he was producing TV content for Amazon, and that Amazon was buying tons of film and shows for their Prime Members.

He also said he wanted to shoot some episodes of me.

I had no idea what he meant or where he was going or what he expected, but I’ve learned to remain open-minded and to nod and say YES to most of life’s opportunities.

Even though I was beyond busy with promotional plans for my new book, The Awakened Millionaire, and my new online course, The Awakened Millionaire Academy, I said I would find a way to fly to LA for a single day of shooting.

I did exactly that, too.

The original plan was for me to film about 18 five-minute episodes.

It would simply be me talking to the camera about subjects I always talk about, from the Law of Attraction to The Missing Secret and more.

It sounded quick and easy.

But the day before I was to leave Texas and head to LA — the day before!!! — I got an email from the producer saying they now wanted to film an entire television talk show with me.

He added they wanted to film a dozen full-length shows.

In one day.

They said they were going to have a set, two chairs, and a number of guests take turns sitting in the hot seat. That I was to talk to each, coach each, and help them through a breakthrough — live and on camera.

I’ve done this before, of course, when I filmed the episodes for The Secret Mirror and The Secret Reflection, both online products of mine.

But I’m being told about this change the day before my flight leaves!

But this story doesn’t stop there.

On the morning of my flight (!), as I’m packing my luggage, the producer asked me to tweet a notice to my followers that if they could get to LA, they could get on the set and be part of my studio audience.

That was before I even got to the airport!!

Are you beginning to see how miracles take place?

You prepare for them and intend them, but then you let go for the Universe to take over the details.

And when the Universe sends you your cue to act, you must act, even if it’s the day before or day of your flights and you are already busy doing other things.

This is how my own TV show came into being — within only ten days.

After ten years of incubating, it only took ten days to manifest. 🙂

And yes, we filmed 14 episodes – in one day.

I’m not sure when it will air or what is next, but I remain open, willing, and grateful.

Stay tuned.

Ao Akua,

Joe

PS – On the day after my marathon television shooting, I requested an Uber car to take me to the beach. It was time to relax. The driver was an upbeat but struggling reggae musician. He said he was grateful for his life, his family and all he was doing. He smiled big and his heart was open, but I could sense his impatience with his music career. So I told him I was once homeless, had been in poverty for more than ten years, and was now in Los Angeles filming my own TV show. His head reared back and he bellowed a “WOW!” of excitement. I added, “Stay the course, my friend. In time, dreams do come true.”

Note: You can learn about The Awakened Millionaire Academy at http://awakenedmillionaireacademy.com/

New book coming in April

Member BBB 2003 - 2016

A while back a delightful woman asked me some questions for an online magazine for Czech readers. She published the exchange at http://www.kofibrejkonlajn.cz/pozitivni-mysleni/36-exkluzivni-rozhovor-muzete-mit-vse-po-cem-touzite-rika-joe-vitale.html I thought you’d be interested in reading it in English:

1. Dear Joe, thank you very much for making this possible. You probably don’t know that but you are successful in the Czech republic too. We know you from The Secret and we have access to the most of your books. I read and I also heard it on one of your audio sessions that you were homeless once and now you have this amazing life and career that people usually dream of. I know that this didn’t happen over night but tell us what was “IT” that changed your life. Was it a person, a book or…your inner voice?

Answer:
People have often asked me what was “it” that changed my life. The right answer is “Everything!” I did EVERYTHING. I read books, listened to audios, attended events, kept working on myself, trying, failing, learning, improving and more. I had to DO IT ALL to become successful. There was no “one” thing. Certain books helped me, such as Claude Bristol’s The Magic of Believing. But largely, it was doing whatever seemed like the right next thing to do that got me here.

2. What were you dreaming about as a child? Do you remember?

Answer:
Oh, yes, I remember. I wanted to be a magician. I was going to be like Harry Houdini, and be famous for my great magic and stunts. I also thought I might be a baseball player, and be known player like Babe Ruth. I also thought about being an author. Since I always loved books, and still do today, becoming a writer seemed like my best bet.

3. I read and watched The Secret, which was the first platform for people in the Czech republic to find out about the Law of Attraction. I started practising the LOA, but I was suddenly afraid of my thoughts, because I couldn’t control them. I also felt that the book was only the introduction to the whole philosophy of the manifestation. There were things that were missing, which left me looking for more information. The “ Action” part was also never mentioned and I felt that only visualizing would not get me too far. If you could list 3 things that people should do every day to manifest all they want in their lives, what would they be…?

Answer:
This is a big question. I think The Secret and other books and movies are just introductions to the Law of Attraction. There’s much more to learn. I have entire courses, like The Missing Secret, and my Miracles Coaching program, to help people understand these deep concepts. If I had to list three things to do, they’d be:

1. State your intention. What do you want?
2. Get clear. When negative thoughts arise, realize they are just thoughts and don’t feed them.
3. Take action. Results are a co-creation of what you do and what the Universe does through others.

4. I read your Hypnotic marketing and hypnotic writing and I have to say it is very powerful. It hasn’t been translated to Czech language yet unfortunately. I hope that it will be soon after we publish this interview.  Where do you get your inspiration for you books? Do you first test everything and then write about it.

Answer:
I get ideas from everywhere. I read a tremendous amount and get ideas from what I read. i also have inspirations and follow through on them, testing them on myself first. If they work for me, I share them with others. I see myself as a scout who rides ahead of everyone, tries out what he sees, and then returns and shares his secrets with others.

5. In our magazine Kofibrejkonlajn.cz (coffeebreakonline –but written in a funny way) we also write about procrastination, work ethic…and so on. You are the author of so many books, you teach, do online seminars, travel the world, you are a musician with 4 albums; it seems to me, that you don’t have a problem with procrastination. Or if you have, you sure know how to beat it  Can you give us some advice or tips on how to be productive? (please tell us also about your daily routine if you have any)

Answer:
This is another big subject. People who procrastinate are doing one of two things: They are either afraid of failure or success, or they are trying to do something too big. In other words, people have unconscious beliefs about success. They may fear it or they may fear the opposite of it, failure. Either way, they will hesitate to take any action to protect themselves.

Also, if people are trying to create a big project, they may feel overwhelmed and stop. They need to break down the big project into little steps; something they can do each day to make progress. I work every day on my goals. I read every day, write every day, exercise every day, meditate every day, and rest every day. Living and doing moment by moment, I achieve massive results. Anyone can do this.

6. As you are a “guru” for millions of people through your work, we think that even a “guru” needs his own  “guru” sometimes. Is there an author or a person that inspires you?

Answer:
I have MANY authors who inspire me, from Bruce Barton and Vash Young to Debbie Ford and more. Ralph Waldo Emerson and Mark Twain also inspire me.

7. You meet lots of people through your live and online seminars, and they talk about their struggle with money, in relationships, or at work…. what do you tell them? Is that one thing that you want them to always remember?

Answer:
I tell them “This, too, will pass.” In other words, what you are struggling with will pass, what you are worried about will pass. It’s the nature of life to move things along and change them. But you can accelerate that change by focusing on what you want, clearing yourself of limiting beliefs, and taking action. The sun will rise again. It always does.

8. What are you working on now?

Answer:
Numerous things. I have two new books coming out: “The Miracle” and “The Awakened Millionaire.” I have new music coming out, on top of the 15 albums I’ve already recorded. I have an Authorship Program about to be released, to help first time authors get published in 12 weeks. I’m of course always working on my Miracles Coaching program. And most recently I have become interested in strongman feats of strength. I have been bending horseshoes, nails and spikes, and steel bars. I may write a book about it. I’m enjoying life.

9. Would you be interested in coming to Prague to have a workshop or a seminar? Do you travel to Europe often?

Answer:
YES! I would LOVE to visit there. I have been to Europe many times, and love the countries and their people.

Ao Akua,

Joe

PS – New book coming April 2016:

New book April 2016

One night I was watching my favorite television show, Modern Family, when I heard a line so funny that I’m still laughing.

The daughter, attending a hi-tech college, said some genius students in a lab taught a monkey to play the saxophone.

She added, “We don’t know if the monkey is any good because all he plays is jazz.”

The joke reminded me of one of the principles in life I live by.

In short, beware of invisible monkeys.

I don’t mean monkeys in the world or in the zoo.

I don’t mean monkeys in science fiction or on television shows.

I mean monkeys in terms of what people try to pass to you when you aren’t alert or looking.

Beware invisible monkeys

While the phrase “monkey on my back” refers to drug addiction, it’s also relevant in another way.

Let me explain:

Years ago I was reading the book Tell to Win by Peter Guber when he told a story I never forgot.

Guber was working with and for Jack Warner, the legendary founder of Warner Brothers, and complaining to the giant that all people did was bring him problems.

Warner gave him advice neither he or I have ever forgotten:

“You’re the zookeeper, and every single person that comes in the office comes with a monkey. That monkey is their problem. They’re trying to leave it with you. Your job is to discover where the monkey is. They’ll hide it, or dress it up, but remember you’re the zookeeper…Think of that visually. Make them all take their monkey problems away and come back with a solution.”

I love that.

I became more aware of all the people who write, call, email, visit or want to see me – and the invisible “monkeys” they try to leave with me.

They want me to solve their problem, finish their business, handle their challenges, or in some other way do something for them that they themselves can’t or won’t do.

In short, they are trying to pass off a monkey.

It’s the same for you.

People often call you, visit you, ask to meet with you, to do one thing: give their monkey to you.

If it’s your job to accept monkeys, so be it.

But most of the time the “monkeys” we get offered are simply other people’s problems. They are trying to get us to fix them. So they come to us to “drop off” their monkey.

I don’t argue that sometimes people need help. Lord knows I’ve been there.

But way too often people are shirking their own duties and responsibilities and passing their invisible monkey to you, hoping you will deal with it.

You then have the proverbial “monkey on your back.”

The way around this is to be alert.

Watch for the invisible monkey.

It may be disguised as a compliment, or a gift.

It may be called a domesticated monkey who won’t be a real problem and they are asking you to care for it.

It may be presented as something good or good for you.

As long as you can see the monkey, and know it is being offered to you and you don’t have to accept it, then you are at choice.

You are free to accept the monkey or return it to its current owner for them to deal with.

You are then monkey proof.

I wrote a song on my last singer-songwriter album that conveys this message.

“The Hook” is a reminder to not take the “monkey/hook” that is offered to you throughout the day.

Latest singer-songwriter album

Someone says something mean and your tendency will be to “take the hook” and get mad.

Someone pulls out in front of you in traffic and you’ll be tempted to react to “the hook” and do or say something nasty.

But you don’t have to take the hook or the monkey.

As long as you are aware, you can stay neutral.

You can remain at peace.

I love monkeys, I just don’t want one on my back – even if he can play the saxophone.

Ao Akua,

Joe

PS- You can watch a music video based on my song “The Hook,” off my bestselling One More Day album, right here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27m7Qcxcul4

Member BBB 2003 - 2016

Back in 2006 I held the world’s first Canine Concert.

It was a publicity event to promote my 1998 book on P.T. Barnum, There’s A Customer Born Every Minute, which was revised, expanded, and reissued in 2006.

Many people donated their time and talents on a mind melting hot and humid Texas day to help me.

Little did any of them know — including me — the karma we triggered.

Let me explain…

The Canine Concert was a playful hoax, a publicity stunt, an idea given to me by the legendary prankster Alan Abel.

Alan is a genius.

He is a “professional media prankster.”

Before and beyond Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart, Alan, as one newspaper called him, was “The Rembrandt of the ridiculous.”

Alan started his career in the 1950s with a fake organization called S.I.N.A.: the Society for Indecency to Naked Animals.

The crusade wanted to clothe critters.

Alan made national news, ignited a craze, and became infamous.

DVD reveals lotto hoax by Alan Abel

Alan helped me get media attention for my book The Attractor Factor with a fake lotto win in 2006, which was turned into the short documentary Humbug!

He also wanted me to run for U.S. President later, on the “Common Sense” platform.

I passed.

But I went to Alan for ideas on promoting my Barnum book.

He offered the Canine Concert.

The idea behind it was to put on a show “for dogs only.”

I thought it was wild, didn’t know if it would work, but was willing to try it.

I sent out a survey to my list to find out what kind of music their dogs liked. The majority vote was for rock and roll.

So I went looking for a local rock and roll band that would be willing to play at a sound level only dogs could hear (like using a dog whistle), and who would play for the fun of it.

The band Porterdavis and me in 2006

I’m a lifetime member of the Society of American Magicians, and knew many entertainers through the local magic club. Many of them donated their time to help me. And one (hypnotist C.J. Johnson) introduced me to the band, Porterdavis. The group agreed to play at my wild stunt.

There were more volunteers, of course.

I had a beautiful live mermaid (Lisa Nicks), a performing magician (John Maverick), an MC (Kent Cummins), P.T. Barnum (played by Kevin Coyne) and even a protesting cat.

Protesting cat made the news too

Three news crews came to film the people, the dogs, and me.

We all had a good time and we parted after the event.

And here’s where the story gets juicy…

Years went by and one day I received an email from Daniel Barrett, the lead singer for Porterdavis.

He wanted to have lunch and ask for some advice about a career change.

I remembered him, of course, and agreed.

Over lunch, Daniel told me he was planning to start a program to help first time musicians write, perform and record their own music.

What Daniel didn’t know is that my secret dream was to write, record and perform my own music.

Think about this.

Daniel had no idea I wanted to become a musician.

I had no idea he wanted to help people become musicians.

Yet we met — years after he did the good deed of helping me at the event — and our karma balanced out.

Daniel has so far produced five of my 15 albums, including an album with me, Daniel, and Grammy nominated singer Ruthie Foster.

Is this all amazing or what?

DVD of the famous event on Amazon

But the story doesn’t stop there…

We’ve been having problems with our wireless Internet for a long time.

I finally jumped online and searched for someone nearby to come to the rescue.

I called a listing and left a message.

I didn’t think much more about it.

Later the same day, a fellow named Randy called me back.

“Are you the Joe Vitale that’s the self-help guy?” he asked.

“Some say I am.”

“Then we met years ago,” he explained.

“We did?”

“Yes. You gave me my first job when I moved to Texas.”

“I did?”

“Yes. I was the protesting cat at your canine concert.”

P.T.Barnum and a mermaid, too!

I was surprised, delighted, and impressed.

Again, a good deed from years ago returned.

Karma had balanced the tables again.

Neither Randy or Daniel (or me) had any idea that their giving in 2006 would lead to new business and new friendships almost a decade later.

And Alan Abel, the man who offered the Canine Concert idea to me, is still (at age 90) writing and hoaxing. I’ll be publishing his autobiography soon, so he won out in this karmic play, too.

There are probably lots of lessons in this story, but here’s a big one:

Give joyfully and without concern for return and the good karma you trigger will come back to you multiplied and spilling over.

You don’t need to do everything with money in mind.

Sometimes helping a good cause, or helping a friend, without concern for pay or pay back, can lead to spectacular unexpected miracles later.

Call it good karma or canine karma.

Either way, it’s pretty cool.

Do it and Expect Miracles.

Ao Akua,

Joe

PS – Watch a brief clip about the Canine Concert, created and narrated by Nerissa Oden, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjJl1wqtsRQ  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjJl1wqtsRQ

Note: There is a DVD of the event, created by Nerissa Oden, for sale at Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Worlds-First-Canine-Concert/dp/B000V246RK/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452085530&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=canince+concert.

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