Today's article topic is such an important one. We all struggle with the issue of procrastination. It is so easy for life, or fear or countless other obstacles to get in the way of what we know we need to be doing RIGHT NOW to get to where we want to be.

When it comes to our finances, putting off dealing with the realities of our situation can feel like the only possibility. It can seem like such an overwhelming challenge and besides, we don't really know what to do to fix things.

All of this is a process. No one expects people to flick a switch and suddenly have amazing organizational skills, perfect credit and financial savvy. Just like getting fit takes time, so does this. The important thing is that, as you begin your financial journey and start looking at the daily actions you can be taking to improve your situation, you are not alone. Abundance Bound is there to help you any way we can, and we very much look forward to the opportunity of doing so.

Until next time - to your prosperity!

Miata

P.S. Los Angeles Actors - Please join us for a powerful live seminar coming up next week Thursday, August 2nd at The Network Studio. Details below!

How do we define success? And, more importantly, what does it take to achieve it? For actors, those answers might be "Being a series regular on a night-time drama" and "Consistently honing my craft and auditioning regularly." For a photographer, they might be "Shooting a cover for National Geographic" (or Cosmopolitan, depending on preference), and "Constantly shooting in different conditions to increase my skill." It will differ from person to person, and from art form to art form, but I want to give you one key to what it takes that applies across the board, be it art, business, finance or sport:

"The secret to your success is determined by your daily agenda - by the daily decisions I make, and the daily disciplines I practice" - Dr John C. Maxwell

I heard that statement in a lesson a few years ago, and it is something that has always stuck with me, because I fundamentally believe that it is true. Another way of saying it is that, if what and where I am today is a direct result of my previous actions, what I am tomorrow depends on what I do today. The problem is, most people underestimate what they can do today, and over estimate what they can do tomorrow.

Now, if you think about this for a minute, you will see how true it is. You constantly hear "I'll do it tomorrow." I know I say that, and then, when it doesn't happen tomorrow, it becomes "the next day," then the next, then the next, until either we hit a crisis and do it at the expense of something else, or we just never quite get around to it.

Taking acting as an example: how can you book any jobs if you don't audition? And how can you audition if casting directors aren't seeing your headshot? And how are they seeing your headshot unless it is being put in front of them? So how many submissions are you or your agent making today? How many workshops are you attending today? What networking are you doing today? What are you doing today to hone your skill so that, when the opportunity arises, you perform to the best of your abilities? But maybe making that phone call to an agent is uncomfortable, so you put it off to tomorrow, and traffic is really bad tonight, so that networking event can wait. You get the picture.

The same is true in your finances. If I am struggling with debt, what can I do to get out from under it? Can I call the credit card companies and beg for a break? Can I tear up my bills, move, and hope they won't find me? You certainly could, but it wouldn't be recommended. Instead, wouldn't it be better to make more money, shave some money off your expenses, pay a little less in taxes, put a solid debt plan in place, and move forward freely, rather than constantly worrying about how you are going to handle those student loans? Again, what expenses can I track today that can be used as tax deductions? How can I work a bit more today to make that bit of extra money I need to cover those expenses? How can I alter my spending habits today so that I have to worry less tomorrow? (For assistance with this, please email us at info@abundancebound.com with the title "Chart of Expenses" in the subject line, and we will send you a very detailed excel file to help break down your income and expenses, and identify where you could trim, what you need to improve etc.)

Oscar Wylde said "every action of the common day makes or unmakes character," and, beyond that, everything you do today affects where you will be tomorrow.

There are two kinds of pain in this arena: the pain of discipline, and the pain of regret. Now, especially when it comes to our finances, we can play now and pay later, or we can pay now and play later. The problem is, payment compounds, and increases with time and missed opportunities. So if you suffer the pain of paying now - of discipline, of doing the things you need to do long after the mood in which you said them in has gone, of paying attention to your actions today - you will get to play a lot longer in the end.

FREE Abundance Bound Teleseminar: Understanding the Artists' Prosperity System

Thursday, August 2nd from 4:00 PM to 5:15 PM Pacific

If you're an artist who is tired of always struggling financially, join us for this FREE class where you will gain an understanding of the steps that will allow you to take control of your money. Learn about Abundance Bound and the ways we will support you on your journey towards financial stability.

This class is taught via tele-seminar so you can be anywhere in the country (and, in fact, the world). All you need is a phone!

LIVE Seminar Hosted by The Network Studio - Los Angeles

"The Actor's Guide to Money Management (TM)"
9 Easy Steps to Take Control of Your Finances

Thursday, August 2, 2007
7:30 PM to 10:00 PM Pacific

The Network Studio
14542 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 203
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Are you dedicated to your craft but tired of being a "starving artist?" Are a lack of time and money obstacles to your success as an actor? Do you have "day jobs" that you hate but still feel like you're broke? Do you wish you knew how to start taking control of your finances?

It doesn't matter how bad things are right now! The good news is you can get on top of your finances, without sacrificing your acting goals and dreams. This fun and interactive workshop is designed to give you tools you can implement right away, leaving you more confident and more in control when it comes to money, leading to increased happiness and productivity in terms of your acting career. You will learn specific strategies to get financially organized, eliminate debt, increase cash flow and develop passive income.

Cost: $15.00

To register please contact The Network Studio
E-mail: thenetworkstudiomelissa@gmail.com
Phone: 818.788.2075
(You do NOT need to be a member of The Network Studio to register for this event)

This class will sell out quickly so don't wait - REGISTER TODAY!

The Artists' Prosperity Boot Camp

New Boot Camps Start in September - Reserve Your Spot Now!

This is a 10-week intensive program (taught by teleseminar), where participants learn AND implement each step of the Artists' Prosperity System. Students will get financially organized, improve their money mindset, create debt plans, start developing passive income, and much more!