What's Your Paradise?

twins-maui.JPG One fellow posted this comment the other day: 

If Joe Vitale really knows The Secret or Zero Limit, he would be retired on a hot beach with beautiful women pampering him all around long time ago. But instead, he has to work hard as being mediocre by publishing a new book once every 6 months for which most them are unsuccessful and a very few slightly successful. So where is The Secret or Zero Limit? Is this the Secret or Zero Limit of how to be a mediocre writer or how to con people into believing that Joe Vitale knows the Real Secret or Zero Limit?

I thought it was funny because it arrived while I was in fact sitting on a hot beach surrounded by beautiful women, one who was indeed pampering me.

But I also felt the comment was relevant because it illustrates a common mistake: thinking your idea of paradise is the same for everyone.

I enjoyed being on the beach, seeing beautiful people, and relaxing. But I wouldn’t want to make it my career. I’m home now and glad to be here.

I love writing. This year I’ve almost published a book a month. I don’t think any of them are mediocre, but some do sell better than others, and some stand out as more inspiring than others. Still, I love writing and I intend to keep doing it.

The lesson is to know what you want, not what you think others would want if they were you.

It’s very easy to imagine paradise for yourself, then project it on others and say they are failing if they don’t achieve it.

Recently I mentioned that one of the founders of Paypal made a ton of money and then retired to the beach.

But after three months he was bored and went back to work.

Paradise is this moment – beach or no beach, books or no books.

Ao Akua,

Joe
www.mrfire.com

PS — The twins in my arms are Susan Klaus and Stacey Oberzan of www.no-more-big-hips.com/ and www.pay-it-4ward.com/. They were part of the wonderful group who traveled from all over the world to attend the Zero Limits event in Maui. It was, well, paradise — just like this moment.

34 Comments

  1. December 13, 2007 at 7:38 pm

    Oh boy,

    another one!

    Dude, why dont you look at billionaires like prince bin talal, bill gates, donald trupm and others.

    why dont they retire or stop working?

    its because that would be boring to them. they enjoy what they do, its not abt the money.

    i suggest you find your passion(s) in life too.

    koorosh

  2. Will Tupper-Reply
    December 13, 2007 at 7:44 pm

    Dr. V, you may not hit a homerun everytime you step up to the plate, but doggone it, man… you keep stepping up to the plate.

    And not only step up, you swing. Every sngle time.

    THAT, to me, is your “secret.” The being consistent, the keeping going, the not stopping.

    That’s why (in part) I bet you’re a success. You keep swinging, you keep hitting. The more you swing, the more often you hit.

    The Reggie Jackson of spirit writing, ladies and gentlemen… a big hand for the one, the only… Dr. Joe Vitale! 🙂

  3. December 13, 2007 at 8:01 pm

    Paradise is this moment? You just stole that from Byron Katie’s ‘Loving What Is.’
    Do you even have any original ideas? Just kidding…I love your stuff. And I agree wholeheartedly. If more people could wrap their head around the concept that they have everything they need to be happy right here and right now…well who knows what could happen?

  4. December 13, 2007 at 9:21 pm

    Joe –
    further evidence: as my dear friend, Mike Seife (R.I.P.) said: “Heaven on Earth is when you live Your dreams…”

    Not when you live someone else’s dream.

    Good for you – and yes, Susan & Stacey are gorgeous, and now I regret not making the trip to attend your seminar. That being said, I sure enjoyed my time – and although I was just home, in Santa Barbara – I enjoyed a bit of my own Heaven on Earth – living my dreams…

    Had my best month ever – (and still have half a month to go…) sales are up 150% for …. the MONTH! Zero Limits? Heck yes!

    Have a great week, and thanks for the pic. I hope you don’t mind if I photoshop it, and put my face in your place for my vision board.

    Best,
    David

  5. December 14, 2007 at 4:19 am

    Aaah, yes, comments as to what “success” should look like are quite subjective. To me paradise, is what I do now, living my life free from corporate stress which I had for decades while working in NYC. Now I live in a rural town in Oregon where life is very quiet and literally a playground where my mate and I are like children; we often skip over speed bumps in the park, and share a mutual interest in our spiritual journey, my business interests and his metal art. Having that day to day inner peace and gratitude for everything, makes living with ourselves pretty awesome, but to some observers the simplifying of both our lifes and having no ego drama, would seem boring.:mrgreen:

    By the way, your book Zero Limits is awesome. I had ordered hoponono books which are hard to find, and they were dull, (for me) as I couldn’t relate to how the hoponono was explained by the authors, but you took a spiritual subject that is difficult to understand, and made it much clearer for me. You are a prolific writer, and I want to thank you for stepping into my reality with your work.

    Marie
    http://naturesmenopauserelief.com

  6. Tammi Hartman-Reply
    December 14, 2007 at 5:58 am

    It amazes me how people without a vision seem to have a passion in taking shots at those who do.

  7. December 14, 2007 at 5:59 am

    Explained very well Joe! You are doing what you love and you are changing thousands of lives all over the world. I have negative responses to articles and you tube videos I post from people who don’t understand too. We are doing what we love and loving every moment of it. It’s not the destination……it’s the journey. Nothing about your work is mediocre. Like you I’ll never retire. I want to keep on changing lives as long as I can. I hope you write a thousand books!
    If you don’t care for the things Joe writes, just don’t read them. Millions of people look forward to each and every book that Joe writes. I guess there must be a bit of meaningful content in there!!!
    Your friend and fan.
    Rico

  8. December 14, 2007 at 7:13 am

    Dr. Vitale,
    You are always inspirational, never mediocre, and a blessing to us all. Thanks for loving what you do, and thanks for your brilliant approach to “paradise.” It’s right here for all, if we just “see” it.

    Thank you again!
    Buz

  9. December 14, 2007 at 7:18 am

    I don’t get how that person thinks your books are mediocre. Most of them have been best-sellers, especially the ones from the past few years.

    They’ve also gotten you on different TV shows, movies, etc.

    Is he confusing you with someone else? haha 😛

    Jeremy
    http://www.fitness-made-fun.com

  10. December 14, 2007 at 7:46 am

    The gentleman who made those comments must have spent a lot of time researching and reading in order to form such an opinion. I love reading your books and blog, and have told many people about you, Joe, because your writing is very easy to read, and comprehensible on all levels of thinking. Thanks for being published at least once every six months! I’ll always have something great to read!

  11. December 14, 2007 at 9:56 am

    Dr. J:

    Well said – well done!

    Thank you for taking lemons and making sweet, refreshing and thirst quenching lemonade.

    I sensed only love and flowing energy in your response – that is the true measure of a man – wherever he chooses to plant his backside be it the beach or Texas!:grin:

  12. December 14, 2007 at 10:15 am

    TIISG

    Well done, for the rest of us, we’re glad you have remained in “Paradise” to write the books we love so much. I am often ask to send people my recomended reading list… so often in fact that it is a draft in my email client. Three of them are yours.

    I recently gave my wife “The Atractor Factor” She read for about an hour, went to the computer and published her book, “Jewels of Awe” it’s now available at Amazon and has started to sell. That what I call good motivational reading!

  13. Anna-Reply
    December 14, 2007 at 11:49 am

    It isn’t about the gentleman who wrote that comment, it’s about us. From what I’ve understood from Dr. Vitale’s work, we should be asking ‘what is it in us that has made us aware of this man’s comments’.

    I don’t always have time to read Dr Vitale’s blog but I did today. I have been questioning myself lately, so this was a timely reminder to stop and, instead of wondering when all the turmoil will end, I need to find my paradise in what I have now.

  14. December 14, 2007 at 11:57 am

    I absolutely love your books. I could not put Attractor Factor down and did not want it to end. Another favorite of mine is Zero Limits. I saw that guy and all I can say is thank you, I love you, I’m sorry, please forgive me….

    Blessings Joe! Keep shining your light and sharing it with the world! We love you!

  15. December 14, 2007 at 12:09 pm

    TIISG

    Well done, for the rest of us, we’re glad you have remained in “Paradise” to write the books we love so much. I am often ask to send people my recomended reading list… so often in fact that it is a draft in my email client. Three of them are yours.

    I recently gave my wife “The Atractor Factor” She read for about an hour, went to the computer and published her book, “Jewels of Awe” it’s now available at Amazon and has started to sell. That what I call good motivational reading!

  16. Hossein-Reply
    December 14, 2007 at 12:10 pm

    It feels like Koorosh just read my mind because I was about to write the same thing.
    Exactly, all those billionaires are active. Even Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson who retired years ago are active in some area like business.

    Love you and thank you, Joe.
    Hossein

  17. December 14, 2007 at 12:17 pm

    Right on Joe!
    All I can say for this person who wrote that: I am sorry, I love you, thank you!

    Read The Passion Test! Oops, besides all Joe’s books 😆

    By the way, I got my car! She is a brand new spunky dark blue Scion xD and I thought that my bad credit wouldn’t even buy me an old wreck from a shady car dealer. I walked into a very nice local dealership and got treated like a queen!

    Thank you, I am sorry and I love you all!

    YOXOMO

    Next project: getting the ex wife 28k before January 15th 2008 :mrgreen:

    http://www.moniquedicarlo.com
    http://moniquedicarlo.blogspot.com/

  18. December 14, 2007 at 12:17 pm

    Wow. All I can say is, imagine if Joe actually listened to that guy – if we all listened to “that guy” in our own lives. Life is too short to spend it brewing over other people’s ideas of who we’re supposed to be. I’m always inspired by people who keep going, because they are following their heart. Thank you for that, Joe.

    Read all of these responses… Joe’s work and supporters speak for him – 1/10 in favor of Joe just on this tiny blog post, and I’m sure it goes on well beyond that. Joe’s work will continue, and we will continue to be thankful for it.

    Joe, thank you for using this example to better your situation, and for writing your books. Keep doing what you love, and you will be supported by people who love, accept and appreciate you. I look foward to writing a book with you one day!

    Namaste

    Lyza

  19. December 14, 2007 at 12:58 pm

    I don’t get it; the guy says Joe “has to work hard” still because you’re really an unsuccessful business guy. How many unsuccessful people hang out in Maui, have 2 Panoz’s, an 80k BMW and the Roadster, and all those other signs of your success? Weird. It really does seem like that person doesn’t know you very well. I’ve been reading your stuff since 1997 and so I love following the progress of your prosperity.

    Joe, maybe you could share with us how many sales each of your books have made (especially the ebooks) and how much they retail for? I think it would be very eye-opening. Or maybe how many of your products actually sell by themselves each & every day?

    It’s weird that anyone could think that a person making tons of passive sales each & every day is an unsuccessful person; I’d like to see them try & duplicate it! Hmmm…I want to duplicate it myself!

  20. Kathy-Reply
    December 14, 2007 at 1:06 pm

    It’s funny, someone can be so critical of someone else’s success. But they are reading your newsletter, we are not reading their’s.

    And if they don’t like what you do, Thank God, they have freedom to choose not to subscribe.

    Kathy

  21. Martyne-Reply
    December 14, 2007 at 3:08 pm

    Dr. Joe,

    It always amazes me to see how people live without and without instead of doing it within and with. I beleive that when you have time to critisize people for not agreeing with you, you need a life, your own life.

    I know I’m busy enough with mine, working, sharing, loving and helping the people that cross my path, I don’t have ANY time to look at people I think are failures. For, if I did that, everyone around me would suffer my being out of my own moment and into someone else’s business.

    Dr. Joe, please just keep being an inspiration for all of us who understand how life works.

    Thanks for being you 😉 😀

  22. Jeannie in Wimberley-Reply
    December 14, 2007 at 3:45 pm

    Dr. Vitale, people like that man are negarive and jealous, so…no matter!

    BTW, thank you SO much for your book, The Key. Michelle delivered it when I wasn’t home, but I was so excited to get it when Icame home from work. I plan to dig into it during my days off at Christmas, when I can give it full attention. I wondered if it was only a loan, but found your written note a few pages in and was thrilled.

    Let’s see what miracles will be wrought in my life from what I learn.

    Have a beautiful holiday season.

    PS: Glad you enjoyed your trip and it’s rewards (smile).

  23. Rev. Dot Schaefer-Reply
    December 15, 2007 at 7:31 am

    😀 From noon to bedtime yesterday, 3 different things happened “miraculously” ater feeling my 4 phrases. I LIKE THIS!
    I REALLY like Maui!
    Was pleased that Dr. Len had gone to school in Iowa…was born on a farm there, and raised in the black earth energy.
    LOVE marketing and have been in it all my life…and I’m 72.
    Have some writings I would like to publish.
    Lots of thanks to you for being a willing vessel for Creation.

  24. December 15, 2007 at 5:58 pm

    Hmmm What’s my paradise???

    Living in Naples .. RIGHT NOW… Writing.. Communicating with people…Brunch on Lincoln Road on Miami Beach….

    Oh yes, and by the way for the man who made the comment Joe quoted…

    Sir, do your homework before commenting… I was in Maui, and I can assure you that Joe was surrounded not only by those blonde beauties…But by a Nordic Goddess and many other GORGEOUS women from ALL OVER THE WORLD!

    I LOVE YOU
    I’M SORRY
    PLEASE FORGIVE ME
    THANK YOU

    Love and Blessings..
    Aymee

  25. December 15, 2007 at 11:37 pm

    I believe that appreciating the current moment is extremely important and I know that you stressed that in your speech in Maui too.

  26. December 16, 2007 at 7:22 am

    Hats off to Joe. To republish such a vitriolic comment and turn it into a learning point certainly takes some guts and suggests to me that he is coming from a real place of ‘grace’. Something many of my law of attraction students are desperately trying to learn themselves.

    Why do ‘rich’ people continue to do what they do, even when they clearly have more than enough money?

    Because they are doing what we all should be doing – working at something that we truly love. A job that is so enjoyable to us, we would continue to do it even if we won the lottery.

    That’s what life’s about – chasing your own dream, not someone else’s. We all have different dreams. Me, I suspect I’d get a bit bored after a couple of weeks at the Playboy mansion!:mrgreen:

    GK Anthony, Author – Law of Attraction in 30 Minutes

  27. AJ-Reply
    December 16, 2007 at 11:52 am

    Hi Ao Akua:

    How can anyone say that you are unsuccessful? I have said this before – you are an inspiration to me. I also have no doubt that you have inspired and helped countless others just by being who you are. And with your books and other material.

    Hey, the pic with the two beauties was a nice touch! If only everyone was as unsuccessful as you! :mrgreen:

    AJ

  28. December 17, 2007 at 11:01 am

    Joe, you’re are right on target. Some people would rather try to steal your passion or convey negative energy. They are the ones that continue to struggle with their own mindset. There are a lot of people that never make it to the beach, are never surrounded by beautiful people, never have a lot of money etc but wake up “happier” and lead a more fullfilled life than the others that have all of these things. Thats the Secret, being happy with where you are, where you are striving to be, and never letting anyone or anything take your positive energy of accomplishing your goals. Keep up “Your Passion” and Happy Holidays.

  29. Lana-Reply
    December 17, 2007 at 7:30 pm

    I think even after you may desire to be acquisitive to begin with, in the end they do not satisfy, ultimately it is your own happiness and meaningful purpose in life which is what most people on that journey have found. I am into Yogananda Paramhansa and many of the keys to happiness are found there in the writing. The key is not to run away from yourself now in a dash to lasso a cloud, find it in harnessing the energies instead of the big hit. I think the path of excess is the path to sobriety in so many ways. Maybe being liberal and tolerant with yourself and exploring your desires until they are exhausted. Today’s ceiling is tomorrow’s basement. I think your desires become more metaphysical and healing as you progress in life…

  30. Bev-Reply
    December 18, 2007 at 4:37 am

    Well if the way you live your life is unsuccessful I want to subscribe! You inspire and give, give, and give some more. A major highpoint in 2007 for me has been to have you come into my life through your books and through your articles. I know I am not alone in that. Blessings Joe – I hope you keep on doing what you are doing and live life by your design. Happy holidays!

  31. December 19, 2007 at 5:12 pm

    You write brilliantly! You’re absolutely one of my favourite authors 🙂

    And for lying on the beach doing nothing? … I wouldn’t want that either 😉 It just sounds so boring.

    Writing – and business – is fun. So why quit?

  32. January 8, 2008 at 7:44 pm

    Hey Dr. Joe,

    Dude, I just want to say how great it was meeting you last November in Austin. I have to say that it was exactly what you had talked about and what I had understood from reading your books which is in essence, the attractor factor.

    To the guy who made the negative comment I can only say that I was able to manifest exactly what I had seen, and totally believed in my mind would happen, which was meeting you. I had no idea how it would happen but that it would and it did.

    Being with those beautiful twins though could be someone’s paradise but I also know that they don’t hold a candle to the beautiful woman by your side that’s with you everyday. I met her too so I know what I say is true.

    And for helping out my young friend from my organization, with the energy you provided and that you put into the talisman is something that goes beyond what that negative man could ever understand. Thank you so much my friend.

    ho’ oponopono Peace and Love

    J.

  33. Thato-Reply
    November 13, 2008 at 7:58 am

    Fist of all Iwanna tell you how much I love you as a role model to me.I started liking you after watching THE SECRET.AND ever since then I have been looking up to you.N ext year I am going to get myself your copy of Zero Limits with my first salary.

  34. What I love most that I learned from you Joe is that “Money Loves Speed.”

    I absolutely love that and live it. And your publishing schedule shows you’re a real master of it. 😆

    Cheers,
    Andrew Murray
    htttp://www.freelawofattraction.com

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