The Secret Behind "The Secret"

I have been a long-time user of "the Secret," or "the Law of Attraction" for years, and even began building my business on it's base principles. What's funny is, it was not until I learned of the move "The Secret," that I found a name for it. "The Law of Attraction" is a very powerful concept; however, I fear that it - like many things that the masses eventually catch onto - is soon on the verge of being either watered down from its true significance, bastardized in the same way people find something catchy, and try to make 20 million weak copies of their own version of the original, or both.

You see, we happen to live in a microwave culture of instant gratification where people want what they want NOW, but don't want to put in the work necessary to earn what it is they want. We live in a culture where 100 some-odd kids show up at a school sporting event, and EVERYONE gets a trophy or medal just for showing up, regarding whoever was the best at the event. People expect to get an A+ on projects that they only gave Cliff Notes effort for. These are the people who stand to weaken what the true meaning of "the Law of Attraction" is all about.

I read another blog that described the following in terms of how "the Law of Attraction" is used:

"How to use the Secret:
- ASK: the universe for what you want
- BELIEVE: act, speak and think as if you have already received it
- RECEIVE: feel the way you will feel when you receive it"

It is NOT this easy to use the Law of Attraction!

There is a KEY ingredient missing in the above caption between "Believe" & "Receive," and that ingredient is WORK. You must put in work to get what it is you want, and as long as people either forget or ignore that key ingredient they will not achieve the things they want in life. People can sit and want all they want, but rewards come to those who go after them. Remember ... there is scripture that tells us "Faith without works is dead."

The "HRJR philosophy" was birthed from "the Law of Attraction;" however, whereas people wish to believe that wanting, believing and wishing is all that it takes to get the things you want in life, I really would like to see what a person has to show for him- or herself if they just sit in a room; start from and with nothing; and do nothing for an entire year, but believe that friends and wealth will miraculously find their way to him or her. One year later ... that person will be alone and broke.

It just does NOT work that way. You can "ASK" the universe (or God - or who/whatever you deem your higher power to be) for the things you want. You can even "BELEIVE" that it will be yours ... in fact YOU SHOULD BELIEVE IT WILL BE YOURS! However, you must understand that you WILL be tested to prove your worthiness before you "RECEIVE" the things you want.

True champions and successful people don't just "become" such. They put in work. They reach their limits and then go beyond them ... and sometimes it's a painful process.

Look at what Jesus had to do in order to reach HIS level of success.

"The Law of Attraction" works ... but only if you work it!

Respecting the Craft

What do you think about singers and rappers getting leading movie roles? Do they deserve it? What do you think?

The late great Paul Robeson was called a "Renaissance Man." He was was a multi-lingual actor, athlete, operaticconcert singer, writer, and civil rights activist.

If a rapper wants to take their advance money or record proceeds and create their own movies - as have Percy Miller (Master-P) and Dame Dash, then so be it & God bless them ... HOWEVER ... Every artist who dedicates himself or herself to their craft hates to see anyone just slide in from the outside and run the risk of making a mockery of it.

Queen Latifah and LL Cool J are a couple of entertainers who got their start in Hip Hop, but are also considered serious actors. Both also committed themselves to being professionally trained out of respect for the craft of acting. Will Smith also got his start in Hip Hop, and was one of the first to really make a successful transition from rap music into acting. However - and he will be the first to admit - Smith was "playing" when he was rapping. His television show was his transition from playing to working ... and when he began working ... Well ... his work speaks for itself.

The one thing that links this all together is that there must be a true respect for the line that's being crossed. When there are people out there who are putting their entire being into their craft with little to no results, to see someone come along and catch a break and make a mockery of it ... that's dangerous.

The true talent is not in being on the screen or on the album or on the stage ... that true talent is making being on the screen, album or stage look easy.

Now ... Why have I shared this?

Well ... Entertainment, in all of its forms, is one of the most lucrative industries in American Society. It is one industry where it appears people become successful and wealthy overnight.

Appearances, however, are rather deceiving. You see the hundreds of shots Michael Jordan and Larry Bird made on TV, but few - if any - have seen the thousands of shots they missed in private practice. You hear the 10 or 12 songs that make it to your favorite CD, but you don't hear the other 40 to 50 some-odd other songs that weren't quite as up to par.

It takes work in order to be truly successful. Some people do land under a truly lucky star. Some people do catch a break that may not seem fair to the work others put in trying to attain a similar goal. Ultimately, people waste too much time focusing on the success and breaks that other people are experiencing instead of putting in the time, research; and most importantly, the work necessary to achieve their OWN personal success - and there is where the essence; dare I say - the secret, behind why those who are truly successful are truly successful, and why those who are not ... are not.

Regardless of the area or industry, success is a craft unto itself ... As is mediocrity ... and failure.

If you wish to cross the lines of failure or mediocrity into the arena of the successful ... you must respect the craft of the successful. The only way to become truly successful is to respect the craft of success and earn the respect of the successful.

Do this ... and when your time comes, you will be accepted into a universal fraternity that has no end.

2009 ... The New Era of Motivation!

Early in the month of December, I began counting down the days on my Facebook page. For the entire month, my home page read:

"H. Reed Jr asks, ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEW ERA OF MOTIVATION?! Countdown: 'X' Days."

After that I would write a small motivational line with whatever space I had left in the caption box. About half way through the month, people began asking me, "What is this 'New Era of Motivation' all about?" It has been a question that never got a straight answer ...

Until now.

Ever since I decided to become a Motivational Speaker, I have struggled with what KIND of speaker I would be. What would my style be? Well ... in my preparations to bring 2008 to a close and jump feet first into 2009, I have made my decision.

The New Era of Motivation shall be about and based on the following:

Aggressive Responsibility

Aggressive Accountability

Aggressive Commitment

Aggressive Networking

In order to succeed and excell in today's world climate, one must be aggressively responsible, accountable, and committed. You must also be willing to break out of your little shell and learn how to network and get to know other people so that you may be able to help them and or have them be able to help you. If you lack any of these traits; or are the least bit weak in exhibiting them, you will have no one but yourself to blame for the life of mediocrity you may cursing yourself to.

In short ... come 2009 ... I AM NOT PLAYING AROUND!! I wanted 2008 to be my breakout year, but God had some other plans for me. My skills needed honing and sharpening. The finest of steel must go through the hottest of fires, and believe me when I tell you that 2008 was a HOT year - and not "hot" as in the spectacular sense.

Additionally ... There is no room in this new era for excuses. Things do not always go as planned, and that's alright - however ... when they don't go right be able to give a reason to explain it as opposed to trying to have an excuse to try & get out of it.

That's just a taste ...

Buckle up ...

We're going on a WILD ride!

The Act & Art of Becoming Successful

"The act & art of becoming successful is not for the weak or faint at heart. You can either hate on the successful or succeed over the hateful."

What do I mean by that?

It has often been said that "success is a journey, not a destination to be reached." I also submit to you that success is a responsibility to be earned and appreciated, not a title symbolized by materialistic things. Jewelry goes up & down in value. Houses burn down. Cars depreciate in value the minute you drive them off the lot. So what does it mean to have these things if you have to maintain and replace them? This is not success. Being successful is being in a position to CHOOSE. Being successful is being able to CHOOSE having a $500K house that you might want, but being wise enough to buy the $350K house that you need.

However, allow me to dig deeper.I have been honored to meet and even befriend a few people who are successful - some are even well known celebrities. Here is my assessment: They are just as human as anyone else. What separates them from everyone else is the level of intensity in their work ethic. In a nutshell ... successful people work harder, thus they are rewarded higher.

It is the "HRJR philosophy" that wanting or proclaiming your success is not enough. Wanting or proclaiming you are going to have more or be more than you are does not automatically entitle you to become successful. What it does is draw to you the attention of the universe or whatever you deem your higher power to be. If you want to be successful, and you are so bold as to take a stand in proclaiming it, you begin being tested.

Successful people face their challenges as tests and they study, practice, prepare, and eventually overcome. Successful people do not allow fatigue, pain, and even rejection to stop them. Donald Trump overcame personal debt of over $900 MILLION dollars, and is now worth over $50 billion dollars. Singer/Actress Jennifer Hudson LOST the American Idol talent competition, but WON an Oscar a couple of years later.

The difference between the people on the stage (successful people) and the people in the audience, is that the people on the stage put in the work to be out there. What makes them more successful than others is that they do what the people in the audience don't or are unwilling to do. They put in the work to the point where they make it look easy. It is at that point that so-called "regular" or "average" people think they can do what they see. Some may even TRY doing it, but don't succeed. Others don't care to put in the work necessary - but continue waiting & expecting opportunity to someday come knockinng. This is how "haterism" is born.

There are less successful people than there are "regular" or "average" people because only a select few realize that you have to work towards being successful in order for success to find its way to you - and even FEWER people who actually put in the work necessary. There are playgrounds, high schools, and colleges all over the country that have thousands of talented athletes, but how many of them actually have what it takes to make it to the professional leagues? Dozens.

In the end, this is not a "black & white" issue. Success comes in varying shades of gray. There are varying degrees & levels of success. These levels and degrees are comparable to the combination of a person's desire and commitment to succeeding. For example, even the benchwarmers in the professional leagues are making high six-figure salaries.

So ... the choice is yours. You can either put in the work and get what you have coming to you; or you can do nothing, and continue to watch and be a spectator. You can either be the person paid to be on your particular stage or you can be the person in the audience who pays the person on that stage.

Coming Out of the Dark!

Hello Friends,

I know I've been gone for quite some time now, but hey ... we ALL have lives to live. Basically, I have been dealing with the pressures and stresses of the times the same as many of you. For some reason, there's a belief that those who have the heart and or talent to be more vocal than others must have everything going right in their lives. Let me tell you that nothing can be farther from the truth! If nothing else, those who face their fears and take a stand before the universe are the ones the universe actually comes after the most.

As I bring 2008 to a close; and I reflect on all that this year has put me through, I find myself to be a stronger man because I have survived it. I have taken on the responsibilty of being a motivator, a postive influence in people's lives ... an "Investor in the Human Spirit!" Unfortunately, in accepting such a great responsibility, the hardest obstacle to overcome is facing and overcoming my own demons. "There can be no testimony without a TEST!"

Anyway, I got my blog stat reports for the past couple of weeks and have watched my numbers slowly drop. That tells me that I have not been paying proper attention to YOU my readers. I understand that you may look to me for an encouraging word, and it's my responsibility to provide that for you. WELL ... it's time for me to step my game up!

Honestly, I have also been spending a lot of time doing some networking on Facebook. I have also been doing a lot of "mini-venting" by way of posting short quotes or thoughts that bore deeper meanings. Those quotes were accepted by different people in different ways. Some people were motivated. Some people thought I was being cruel. To those who were motivated, keep digging in and fighting harder. To those who were offended ... I'm not going to apologize for striking an uncomfortable nerve. Just learn to dig deeper and fight harder.

I'm going to focus on making sure there is something here for you to draw from at least twice a week. I ask that you forgive me for my absence, and have faith in my return! Here are some thoughts to keep you focused until we meet again!

"Some things ... MOST things that people 'leave in God's' hands, He gives right back to them for them to work out for themselves."

So many of my challenges for this year are close to being far behind me! God is great and will truly put no more on us than we can bear, but you must understand this ... God (or whatever you deem your higher power to be) will see you through, but you are the one who must work through it. There's a saying that goes "an idle man is the devil's playground." When you're just sitting around doing nothing, the devil is just having his way with you. He's making it seem to feel so good just sitting there doing nothing. Notice, I said "seem to" because nothing and no one ever gets better by nothing being done towards the goal of getting better.

We are like mice in a maze. God knows our destinations, but the twists and turns that we take to get to that destination - those are OUR decisions. Whether we find walls blocking our way or the path continues to open and unfold before us, that's beased on the decisions and choices that WE MAKE.

The "maze" that has been known to me as "2008" is coming to a close. I am just a few weeks away from a whole lot of new opportunities, but at the same time, I also know that there are challenges on the horizon. You can't step your game up and NOT expect there to be new challenges waiting for you! "Coming out of the dark" allows us to see the challenges ahead. "Coming out of the dark" stronger allows us to be able to face and overcome those challenges.

"Let's Play!"

The Party is Over ... Now the Work Begins - FOR EVERYONE!

Ordinarily, I make every effort to avoid political discussions on THIS blog; however, given the magnitude of this recent change in our country's leadership, I would be remiss if I did not share some thoughts on it.

In a few words, I too am incredibly overjoyed to be able to be living in these great times; however, every party must, at some time, come to an end and we must all return to work.


I believe it is most important that everyone - especially African Americans - realize that although we, as a people, may share in President-Elect Obama's victory - that victory is NOT a "golden pass."

There is STILL work for US to do to better ourselves.

Consider this: Jackie Robinson was the first black to play Major League baseball. That alone did not open the doors for everyone else. What DID become open was the OPPORTUNITY. Brothers still had to step their game up to get themselves into the Majors.






Granted, we can now BELIEVABLY tell our children they CAN grow up to become president - but we should also finish that off with showing all the work that President-Elect Obama had to do to prepare himself for this opportunity.

New Relationship - Old Friendships?

Normally, I stay away from publishing relationship advice as I am by no means perfect in my own; however, a friend asked my advice concerning a new relationship she was getting into.

Below is her question and the answer I gave. I thought I'd share it because I'm sure many people are going through the very same thing.

"If you are starting a new relationship, should you end your frienships with the opposite sex? Why or why not?"

I do not believe in the practice of burning bridges; especially, when the people involved are people you have established good and strong friendships with. Granted, there is always something great about getting with someone new, but that person should be willing to embrace your world and welcome you into his. Anyone who wants you to turn away from the people you have known for years should make you question how good he actually is at building relationships himself.

It's one thing to be leary of old boyfriends ... EVERY MAN (even those who don't want to admit it) will ALWAYS be leary of the men who have come before him (and the same DOES apply to women). However, it is a truly confident man who knows that his woman is now WITH HIM (and the same DOES apply to women).

I once had a friend who - for all intents and purposes did just what you are asking about - she flat out ended our friendship to appease her (then) new man. She married him, and they are living happily ever after. However, after almost 15 years our paths crossed again and she apologized. I accepted her apology ... but we haven't spoken since - and that was nearly a year ago.

Excluding those people who are truly virginal going into relationships, we all have our past relationships. We have all done some kind of "dirt" in our lives. However, with every new relationship we are faced with an opportunity to reinvent ourselves. There are two things that we know for certain regarding old and new relationships ... we know (1) all about the people we were involved with; and, (2) all about WHO WE WERE when we were with them.

The advice I would give in THIS scenario ... Consider this:Any man (or woman) who wants you to give up your friends for him (or her) should be equally willing to do the same for you. If he (or she) is so willing, then you need to consider the fact that building a true friendship (what should be the basis of every romantic relationship), is something that holds very little meaning to such a person.

PICTURE ME ROLLIN!!

What you are looking at is my goal for 2009.

It is the new Chevrolet Camaro ...
and it hasn't even hit the salesfloor yet!

If that's not a good enough image for you, check out the video below.

Don't worry about whether or not it's me driving in the video because when I get it, & bring it home, the windows are going to be tinted and you won't be able to see me anyway ...

but like Tupac said ...

PICTURE ME ROLLIN'!!

"Small & Teachable" ... Ehhh ... Not Quite!

I recently received some feedback from a presentation I did not too long ago. For the most part, from what I could see, the feedback was good. Out of five or six positive remarks there was one negative one.

The contact person for the group I spoke before suggested that had I allowed her to work with me, the results would have been better. She further suggested that since I had not followed her directly, that perhaps that negative comment was a result of the Lord trying to tell me something. She then suggested that I "stay small and teachable."

"Small and teachable."

Well now ... Here's my take on that.

The Lord is ALWAYS telling us something; and since only HE knows it all, there is always room to learn more which is why we must always remain humble & teachable.

One may start small, but the word "stay" is a word of permanence. As you know there is so much to be gleaned and interpreted from The Word. In the book of Genesis, the Lord says for man to "be fruitful and multiply."

In this context; the context of self-improvement, it can be taken to believe that in order to become better one must learn and grow, which is why I continue to read and read and read, then act and build upon what I have learned.

For example, what if Bill Gates "stayed small" and just kept tinkering in his garage? What if Donald Trump "stayed small" and decided to just own a Century 21 or Remax office? What if Quincy Jones "stayed small" and decided to just be a local background jazz musician? What if Russell Simmons "stayed small" and just kept enjoying the NY club scene and then unnamed yet burgeoning urban street style of music and art which later became Hip Hop?

By the way ... Like it or not, agree with it or not, the fact remains that (probably next to professional athletics) Hip Hop is the source of more self-made black millionaires in history. Bottom line ... The list of examples can go on, because no one who is successful in ANY given field "stayed small."

Don't get it twisted - that means "Please don't misunderstand me" - We must all seek out tutors and mentors in order to take yourself to the next level. You take what you are taught and you incorporate it into whatever your vision is. That is the one thing that everyone I just named above have in common.

I know where I am in my game right now. I know what I want to do and what I have to do to get there. The main difference I have with the person who inspired this particular post can be traced back to an ancient Chinese proverb which (paraphrased) goes, "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." Although I have long ago learned to humble myself; at the same time, I also have a very strong personality. I look forward to humbling myself to those teachers who appear when I am ready for them.

In short ... I have my vision, and when I want to elevate my skills ("step my game up"), I seek out my teachers, and I suggest you do the same. A lot of times you will find that there are people who genuinely want to help you; but at the same time (and perhaps even subconciously), they want to incorporate you into their vision - which might not necessarily be in congruence with yours.

My studies have taught me - and I pass along to you - that when seeking out a mentor, you should want to choose someone who not only is doing what you want to do, but has or is succeeding at what you're looking to do. Although I have the utmost respect for the woman who offered to mentor me - who claimed to have "25 years of public speaking experience," she herself is not doing what I see myself doing once I have accumulated even half as much time in the public speaking game.

I understand - and even profess that everyone must start somewhere. No one worth their salt actually starts out at the top. A close friend my mine once told me, "the only thing you can do starting out at the top is digging a hole." That phrase keeps me humble at all times! However, NONE OF US can achieve or will ever fulfil our true potential if we "stay small."

Now "teachable?" Absolutely. None of us are or will ever be too old to learn something new. I don't care what kind of work you currently do or what dreams you're fulfilling; if anyone you meet along the way says, "I've seen it all," and genuinely believes it ... RUN LIKE HELL!! That person will be the one who gets you jammed up the hardest!

So ...

You'll have to forgive my stubborness, in that although "starting small" may be necessary, "staying small" is NOT an option.

Should Your Credit Hinder You From Getting a Job?

On another blog that I follow, the following questions were asked:

"Should your credit report hinder you from getting a job? Is that a form of discrimination? What do you think?"

I was moved to not only answer those questions, but share them with you.

Personally, my credit score has had more ups and downs than a pole dancer on a heart machine, but the reality is that one's credit history is a decent indicator of one's sense and level of responsibility. For example, I was very irresponsible in my early to mid 20's, but as I continued to mature and get more focused at getting my act together, I began to learn just how important my credit history is.

I remember a job interview that used my credit report as a part of its hiring criteria, and they asked me about my credit history. All I could tell them was that the only way I could improve my future was to get that job. Getting that job would allow me to make up for the past (paying off my debts), and thus improve my credit history moving forward.

Again, your credit report shows how responsible you've been regarding paying your debts. Basically, if you prove that you're responsible paying your debts (handling money), it's a safe barometer that you're capable of handling other responsibilities.

Sadly, the only people who might feel they've been discrimanted against are those who might have not gotten a job based on or in part of their credit history.

Let me now finish this blog the way my friend finished her blog ...

What do YOU think?

I Already AM Who & What I Planned to Become & So Can You Be!

Let me ask you a few simple questions ...

What do you want to be that you cannot be today?

Who or what is stopping you from becoming that person?

Here are the answers ...

NOTHING ... You can be anything you want to be, and be it starting today!

YOU ... You are what is stopping you from becoming the person you want to be!

A couple of years ago, I made the decision to become a Motivational Speaker. A year or so later, I made the decision to write a motivational book to inspire people to take a look at themselves, and see who they are now so that they may take the actions necessary to become better than they are.

Now ... I'm not on the New York Times Best Seller List (yet); and my book has not quite yet found its way to Oprah's book club, but these are only temporary things. You see, before I woke up ... I was sitting on Oprah's couch and she was holding up a copy of my book. After I was on her couch, I was standing in an arena with tens of thousands of people paying attention to my every word. I was taken to that arena by way of a private limo. After my delivery at the arena, that limo took my back to the airport, where there were no lines or checkpoints because the limo dropped me off right at the door of a private jet.

"Wake Up Harold ... YOU'RE DREAMING!"

Yeah ... so? Where do you think great things come from? What do you think it was that made Christopher Columbus want to venture out beyond where others believed the world ended? What do you think it was that made fortunes for men like Russell Simmons, Bob Johnson, George Lucas, Stephen King, & Stephen Spielberg - or women like Oprah Winfrey, Whoopie Goldberg, Toni Morrison, & Terri McMillen? The one thing all of these people have in common is that their success is a result of their putting in the work necessary to manifest their dreams into reality.

The point being ... Everything we have in our hands and around us - EVERYTHING THAT IS TANGIBLE started out as a dream in someone's mind. God gives us dreams to show us what we are capable of having, creating or becoming. Our mansions and cars and custom-made designer clothes, and jewelry are all out there waiting for us to claim them. They're already ours ... we just have to build ourselves up to being worthy to have them.

Everything I have set out to become and have, I became and now have. Everything I plan to become and want, I already have and am. All I have to do it is put forth the work necessary that will unlock the proper universal combination that is going to open the vault to my goals and manifest my dreams into reality.

Many of us know famous people. True story ... I shared a stage with Wyclef Jean. Granted ... it was at our 8th grade graduation ceremony, but I can still say I shared the stage with him! He would always bring his guitar to school and play it during recess, and whenever our teacher would allow him to during the day. We wound up going to different high schools, but we ran into one another at different parties - and he would always tell me how he was working on his music, going to the recording studio and making demos tapes to get a record deal. I remember the last time we saw one another was at a talent showcase around 1993, about a year before his first record with his group "the Fugees" came out.

Many celebrities have come out of my hometown. Like I said, many of us know famous people. To go a step further, many of us know people who are more talented than some of the famous people we know. The only thing that separates them from many of the people who stayed and remain around the way; however, is the work that they put in to be what they become.

I am proud to say that I have not made less than six figures since 2006; just a short four years after entering my chosen career. The fact that I've made this achievement is not super -miraculous either. I started at one place, and then through working hard and networking harder, I was able to put myself (and my family) in a better position. Many of the people who trained me and got me started in my career, are still making what they're making because they've chosen to stay where they are and keep doing what they're doing. The only thing separating me from them is the work I put in to be where I am.

Whatever it is you want to be, you have to see yourself as already being it. You have to see yourself already possessing the things you want. The more vivid a picture you create of yourself being and having these things, the harder your brain will work towards providing you with ideas to manifest those dreams into reality.

Dreams don't just come true by osmosis ... A person's successful reality is nothing more than a dream manifested by the use of elbow grease during the day, and the burning of midnight oil at night.

What we have become and what we will become are direct results of the work we've put into our lives - or not. So ... don't hate on those who have what you want. Instead ... get up off your butt and get yours for yourself.

YOU may not see it, but I already AM who & what I planned to become ... What about you?

The Fragility of a Young Mind ...

A couple of days ago, I spent 3 hours with a 16 year old girl ... a 16 year old girl who wanted to hang herself. Her home & family life is so messed up, that she sees suicide as her only way to find peace and solace.

Our children are so precious. I do not understand how people can be so cruel as to abuse their children - be it physically or emotionally. I allow very little to touch my heart in my line of work, but kids ... kids do it every time.

I'm not going to get all mushy ... I'm just venting a little.

Please cherish your children.
I know what they can turn into when their not properly cared for.

THREE TIMES IS THE CHARM!!

I just completed my third tele-seminar with "Teaching New Thinking," and like the previous two ... it went great!

I want to thank TNT President, Chyrell English, for all of her confidence, coaching, belief and encouragement.

I also want to thank my (Groove) brother Fl. Antuane Brown for referring me to TNT. These past three seminars have given me a wealth of experience; and were it not for him, I would not have been pushed to dig deeper!

Finally, I want to thank all of the many members of TNT who took the time to sit in and participate. I hope I have been able to make a contribution to the betterment of and in your lives!

God Bless!
H.S. Reed, Jr.

HRJR & TNT Pt.3 - LIVE Tele-Seminar TODAY @ 3pm EST!

Hey There Friends!

TODAY at 3pm (Eastern Standard Time), I will be conducting a tele-seminar based on my book "Find a Way to Make a Way: You're Either Part of the Problem or You're Part of the Solution!" for an organization called "Teaching New Thinking.""

Teaching New Thinking" is a leadership group within the AT&T corporation. Earlier this year, one of my brothers, Fl. Antuane Brown dropped my name to them and they asked me if I would be interested in doing a tele-seminar. Hell, I'm still a baby (or Neo) in the public speaking game, so I was like "SURE!" After my seminar in August, they asked me to come back in September. After last month's seminar ... well like the old show biz saying goes, "Always leave them waniting more!" They told me that was just what their people wanted ... MORE. So I'm going back for a THIRD performance - BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

If you're not doing anything at that time, it costs nothing to dial up and sit in.

There are a lot of things that I know I crack jokes about, but when it comes to self-improvement and encouraging people to step up and take control of their lives ... that just is not a laughing matter!

For more info just follow (or copy & paste) this link:

http://www.teachingnewthinking.com/whats_new

Take Care ... Hope to HEAR you there,


H.S. Reed, Jr.

Do Women Expect Too Much From Men?

In addition to writing this blog, I am an avid reader & responder of a select few myself. A blog I read today was based on the question below. I was not only moved to respond to that blog, but even more so moved to share that response with you.

Here's the initial inquiry:

"Do women expect too much from men? For some women I know, they expect men to be the head of the household, make major decisions, and to make sure that their families are taken care of financially, mentally or physically. Is that too much for a man to bear?"

I believe that when a man and a woman make the decision that they are going to unite and make a life together, they must have an understanding of what they expect from one another. What actually happens, however, is that some - or a good number - of men and women get so caught up in the sex, the romance, the dinners, the gifts, the love of and with being in love ... that a very significant detail gets lost in the shuffle. The next thing you know there's a trail of rose petals leading to either the bedroom or a bubble bath with champagne and candles all around, a brother is on his knee, a ring is given, and a year and some change later ... "I'ZE MARRIED NOW!"

Seriously, if a woman wants a man to be all of these things, then she must submit to some degree and allow him to be these things. This submission is not one of subserviency, however, no ... it is one of support. Without a doubt, I am the head of my household. However, even though I may be the rock of my household, my wife is MY ROCK. She is the one who has to suffer while I vent about the bad day I've had at work. Emotionally ... she is my safety net.

I love seeing independent women do their thing. I love to see sisters like the one played by Gabriel Union in the movie "Daddy's Little Girls." However ... (and it helps to better understand if you saw the movie), such a woman - if she wants a man to "be the head of the household, make major decisions, and to make sure that their families are taken care of financially, mentally or physically," she must submit and allow him to do so.

Now ... on the flip-side, the man must cherish this submission his woman gives him, and he must not take it on some "Ralph Kramden" superiority ego-trip. A "real" man accepts his woman's submission and treats it as a valued asset, for deep down, the male ego is fragile. I have seen very strong male friends reduced to little more than emotionally disturbed smurfs by nothing more than his woman either cheating on him - or planting the seed in his head that she did. If you want more of an example of what I mean, listen to R. Kelly's song "When a Woman's Fed Up."

In the end ... when you have a man and a woman who communicate and establish what it is they expect from one another you have the foundation of what can become a strong relationship. The only thing constant in life is change, and as we grow older we all change. You will not be the same person next year that you are today. When in a relationship, you have to learn to grow WITH your mate so that you don't grow AWAY from him or her.

Communication is the key. HONEST & FREQUENT communication is the "Master" key.

Phishing on Facebook

Hello Friends ...
For those of you on Facebook:

If you have received a bogus link from a friend that has been jacking up your account or computer, please accept my apologies ... There is a virus or at the very least a huge "Phishing" expedition spreading around on Facebook.

"Phishing" occurs when your account has been hacked and the hacker then goes about causing all kinds of havoc by using your account to spread viruses and all other nonsense. MySpace had this problem big time about a year ago.

Make sure your anti-virus programs are up to date and CHANGE YOUR FACEBOOK PASSWORDS so that the hacker(s) no longer have access to your account!

I Don't Want to Be an Icon - I Want to be an Idea!

There's not much more to say after that!
Guess what book is going to be next on my readnig list?

What is Your Effort Worth?

Every year I receive a statement from the Social Security Administration that tells me how much I can expect to receive in Social Security, Disability, and or Medicare benefits - along with an explanation as to how these benefits are estimated. Another part of this statement outlines what my taxable income has been ever since I started working.

(I would suggest that you reach out to the S.S.A. and sign up to receive this statement ... it doesn't cost a thing! www.socialsecurity.gov)

Anyway, I was looking over the statement and I asked myself, "How much have you earned since you started working?" Then something inside said, "Add it up silly!" So I did just that. I added up every dollar I earned going all the back to my very first job in 1986. In the 21 years that I have been drawing an income (2008 not included), I have earned over $757,000.00. That's an average of roughly $36K a year. Again, that's an AVERAGE of all the years combined - because during those early years I WISH I was making that kind of money.

But then I got to thinking ... I'm not even 40 yet. I'm not even halfway through my career yet. If I was capable of earning just over three quarters of a million dollars in the 21 years leading up to and nearly half-way through my career, how much am I capable of earning; more importantly - MAKING over the course of the next 21 years?! Oh yes ... there is a difference between earning money and making money!

Right now, as I said above, I am nearly half-way through my career as I only plan on giving my "9 to 5" 20 years of my life. So in "guess-timating" what I stand to make over the course of the remaining 11 years of my career, which will be followed by my pension ... the future looks pretty bright. Add to that the fact that I am now more aware of the importance of financial literacy than I once was ... the future looks even brighter. Even taking into consideration and preparing for life's ups and downs, twists and turns, bumps and bruises ... the future looks even MORE brighter. Additionally, I'm taking into consideration the fact that I am in the process of building my own business NOW so that I actually have something worth while to do once I do retire from my "9 to 5." So - like the song goes ... "my future's so bright I gotta wear shades!"

We all agree that you can't know where you're going if you don't know where you've been, so why should you not do what I did and evaluate your financial history up to this point in your life? You should evaluate - not what you've done with that money (since it's already been spent), but what you can do with the money you stand to earn (or make) moving forward. You know how people always ask the question, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" Well, take that question and project your earnings into the answer. Then ask yourself "Am I capable of doing more so that I might earn (or make) more?" I know I started this off talking about the past, but what I'm really trying to get through to you is the concept of paying more attention to the future.

The future ... the future is a strange beast. The future is a beast that we all must face. The future is a beast that we cannot fight and win. As long as we're blessed with another day, the future becomes more and more prevalent in our lives. Do you want to know why we cannot beat the future? The reason why we cannot beat the future is because as each day comes, the future disguises itself as the present, and just as the greatest trick Satan ever pulled off was convincing the world he doesn't exist, the greatest trick that the future pulls off is that we pay more attention to the disguise it discarded (the past), and the disguise it now wears (the present).

I know I cannot beat the future. I know that the future is going to come. Therefore, my strategy is to see where I want to be and start building towards it now. The only places where the tallest buildings in the world started out that way was in the architect's imagination and on his or her drawing board. However, once the time came to make those sketches and blue prints a reality, they had to start with a foundation and then build up.

If you want to be amongst those with few to no financial woes, then you're going to have to evaluate what you've done up until this point in your life. Then you'll have to determine where (and how) you want to end up. Finally ... you'll have to get up off your butt and put in work. If you want to see how it's done ... watch me! If my life were a book right now, the title would be "Success at the Ground Floor." You see, I have a dream which I transformed into a goal, and now I am on the grind of building my skyscraper of personal success one brick at a time. Now success ain't no spectators' sport! If you want it for yourself then you're going to have to go after it for yourself. No one is going to give it to you.

I am reminded of a question my wife asked me the first time she was asked by a newlywed couple how much she would charge them for some pictures she took at their wedding. In response to her question, I asked her "How much is your effort worth?"

If you get that statement from the S.S.A., you will learn exactly what your past effort was worth. I hope that you do get that statement ... and then I hope that like me, you begin evaluating your past so you can even better chart out your future.

Remember ... Fortune Favors the Brave!

Lighting Strikes TWICE in the Same Place!!

Yesterday I conducted my second tele/web-seminar with "Teaching New Thinking," and it went GREAT!! There was a lot of interaction and tremendous feedback. I even learned that one of the listner/participants is a pretty high ranking Vice President in AT&T's Marketing division!

The seminar was somewhat of a "sequel" to the one I gave last month, in which I reviewed a few excerpts from my book "FIND A WAY TO MAKE A WAY! You're Either Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution!" When I was done with last month's seminar, I was told that I had to return and speak more about finding a way. There's a saying in show business that goes "always leave them wanting more," and apparently I not only did so last month - I did so yesterday.

At this time, I want to thank my brother Fl. Antuane Brown for submitting my name to "TNT" as someone worth listening to, and I also want to thank Chyrell English, National President of "TNT," who has become a true believer in the HRJR vision! The existence of these people and their placement in my life is living proof that when you are true to following through on your goals and dreams, God will supply you with the people and resources you need to make it the rest of the way!

This afternoon Chyrell shared with me some feedback she received from yesterday's seminar and I'd like to take a moment to share it with you:

Chyrell,

I really appreciate your commitment in ensuring that we are exposed to a good quality of relevant personal development information. I don’t know how you learned about Harold Reed Jr., but I am thankful.

Mr. Reed’s message was truly inspirational. But more importantly, it is REAL. Anthony Robbins, Donald Trump and Oprah have all made it. Their success and national popularity are highly commendable, but for the folks who are still “trying to find a way to make a way”….they are sometimes “perceived” as unattainable.

I learned yesterday that Mr. Reed is still working his “real” day job “while” pursuing his dream. Plus, he has a realistic timeline in place to test the water to see if he can realistically make the transition from his day job to being a Motivational Speaker and get paid the big bucks! Too often we forget the sacrifices!

Thanks again for all that you do!

T. Bradley
Curriculum Designer - AT&T Mobility Business Learning Services

It really makes me feel that I am truly getting through to people when I get feedback such as this. Like Ms. Bradley acknowledged, it's one thing to see people who have already blown up and are doing what we feel to be impossible for ourselves. My story is going to be a different one.

Everyone who learns about and follows what I'm doing will be seeing what I choose to call "Success at the Ground Level."

Thus far, speaking for TNT has been the biggest thing I've done whilst in my humble beginnings as a professional speaker, but that would never have happened if others didn't believe in me and the message I bring.

What is that message?
Get up off your bottom and do it yourself for yourself!

Remember ... Fortune Favors the Brave!

The "New Face" of the HRJR Blog ...

Hello Friends,

I have been blogging for a couple of years now, however, for the past several months I have been toying with the idea of creating a new blog. The reason being is that I believe that there are things I have to say that everyone should hear (or read), and there I things I want to say that not everyone can handle.

I am by no means a believer in political correctness. I do not believe in candy-coating things so that it makes other people feel all warm & fuzzy just because they don't want to be made to face ugly truths and realities.

However, I am also a businessman; and although personal feelings do tend to play a part in how people conduct their business, people should not allow their personal feelings to be the cause of why others don't want to do business with them.

Yesterday, I conducted a seminar for a leadership organization that is affiliated with AT&T. I concluded the tele/web-seminar with a very powerful affirmation that people wanted to write down, but did not have the time to. So, I gave them the web address to my blog. I gave my blog address to close to 100 people in one shot. I learned that many of those people listening in on that seminar have the ability to really help my speaking career rise to higher heights ... but might not be very much inclined to do so if exposed to some of my personal beliefs and opinions that may make them uncomfortable.

With that said, I now have two blogs.

This will be my "professional" blog. It will contain only inspirational & motivational messages. On the other hand ... Don't get it twisted ... I'll still be bringing it real. However, my political views, my views on issues regarding racism, and any of societies other ills will be reserved for my "personal" blog.

So welcome to the NEW face of the HRJR Blog!

Find the Message Within the Message!

People Rarely Experience Pain After Repairing Errors

because they are spending their time

Getting Over All Limitations & Setbacks.

You see, if you go about studying some

Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth,

you will be one of those fortunate few who are

Finding Answers In The Heart,

and by staying true to our dreams and those lessons learned,

We Eventually Achieve the Life That He wants for us!