Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

So last weekend I was up in Orlando in one of those mom-and-pop tourist shops. I was pretty astounded when I saw a sign in BIG BOLD letters right in the front when you walk in, that said “NO CASH REFUNDS.” I couldn’t believe someone would approach their business and be as concerned about their…

Many people foolishly give up in a negotiation environment, before they’ve even sat down across the table from their “opponent.” Here’s why: A lot of who wins in the negotiating process, has to do with “power,” and who has it (and who doesn’t). But here’s a little secret about power, that’s going to help you…

I’m not much of a guy for celebrating my birthday, because for the most part — every day is my birthday in the sense I’m living the life I want, doing what I want and who I want to do it with (and who not!). However, seeing the smile on my wife and daughter’s face,…

Just a quickie message today — tomorrow be on the lookout for my Birthday Sale — and remember, you’re going to need to act quickly to take advantage of it. If you don’t already subscribe, today’s the last day to get your hands on this month’s Seductive Selling Newsletter. Take a FREE 30-day test drive…

Tomorrow’s Halloween here in America. I enjoy this holiday for a few reasons — one, is because it was always great to see my kids go trick-or-treating. Both of my sons have been too old to do this for a while now, but we all go as a family with my daughter, who’s still only…

Peter Drucker, who died at the ripe old age of 95 just a couple of years ago, was an influential business thinker, economist, and a university professor. Drucker was famous for a number of his theories, including: His theory about simplicity, which said, “Corporations tend to produce too many products, hire employees they don’t need…

There are lots of reasons people are uncomfortable with getting old (or maybe I should say getting “older”.) Some of us are concerned about not having good health. The thought of being held hostage by your own body definitely is very disturbing. Others are concerned about losing friends and family and ending up alone, and…

Boy I know the subject line of today’s tip sounds somewhat morose, but it’s not. And I also know it took courage for you to open this e-mail, simply because the subject line IS somewhat intimidating. Well, kudos to you for being courageous — I’m going to do my darndest to make it worth your…

I gotta be honest here — I never in a million years thought I’d be discussing, let alone quoting Rachael Ray, but you know, in life.. there’s a first time for everything I guess. Rachael Ray has her own syndicated talk show, she hosts two other programs on the Food Network, just stopped hosting two…

Earlier this week 1,200 people got together out in Phoenix, Arizona, to attend the 97th annual conference of the Association of National Advertisers. Now before I tell you more of this story, stop for a moment and consider just how powerful that last sentence is. What a stronghold advertising has here in America! I mean,…

In spite of my gruff exterior, there really aren’t too many things that get me irritated. Reason being, about 15 years ago I was in a client’s office one day and I noticed a plaque hanging on his wall. He was a recovering alcoholic and the plaque had part of The Serenity Prayer inscribed on…

A long time ago when I was in elementary school, I had a weird experience that I still remember to this day. I’d been out sick from school one day, and the following day when I returned, when I walked into the room, many of the students were running around in a panic, while others…

My computer guy told me he just finished posting up another live interview I did with one of my clients. If you’ve been unsure about ordering one of my products or about getting involved with one of my coaching groups, then this interview may clear a few things up for you, or answer some questions…

Here’s something interesting: Down in South Beach in Miami, there are now vending machines for your pets. While you’re out strolling down the boardwalk melting into the sidewalk, you can grab a chew toy for your dog or some catnip for your cat, and even some Vaseline for your gerbils (just kidding about the Vaseline).…

Muhammad Ali was one of boxing’s most flamboyant and skilled athletes ever. His talent in the ring was also matched by his talent outside the ring, especially his ability to draw attention to himself by being outrageous and boastful, and by creating the Ali “character,” who was certainly larger than life, and larger than the…

A few mornings ago I was listening to two guys pissing and moaning while I was working out at the gym. I usually have my headphones on and am pretty oblivious to all this kind of stuff, but these two guys were in classic “preacher” mode and so I turned the volume down on my…

You know how all these success gurus and industry leaders tell you to write down your goals? And that if you don’t write them down you won’t be a success? Well, I’m not one of them. I don’t write down my goals. I do write down action steps of things I need to do, and…

Erik Johnson, from Newark, California, has been a long-time offline newsletter subscriber of mine, and he also owns all my information products. Erik recently sent me this note: “Craig I was just watching CNBC’s “High Net Worth” and they were interviewing Sheldon Adelson (Forbes 3rd Richest Man in the World for 2007). When Sheldon Adelson…

Here’s what happens when you’re able to tap into a huge nerve of your prospects, and develop a devoted and compliant following. Back in 1968, Dr. Kenneth Cooper wrote a book called Aerobics, that would forever change the lifestyle — and life-span — of the population of the world. (Think for a moment, how many…

Ever wonder why newspapers sell? Or why people will listen to the nightly news over and over again, even when they somehow “sense” that not everything being reported may be true? The answer to both of these questions is actually one and the same. Do you think you know what it is? O.K., pause for…