RWH030: From Poverty To Power w/ Arnold Van Den Berg

No matter what hardships one may face in life, it's never too late to transform one's circumstances and become a successful and admirable person. Arnold Van den Berg, the investor featured in William Green's book "Richer, Wiser, Happier," is a prime example of this. Born into a Jewish family in Amsterdam during the Holocaust, Arnold endured a catastrophic childhood marked by hiding, starvation, and loss. Despite these challenges, he grew up believing he was not smart enough to succeed. However, through hard work, determination, and the right mindset, Arnold transformed himself into a successful investor and a kindhearted, generous person. A handwritten note he wrote to himself 25 to 30 years ago, which he recently rediscovered, serves as a reminder of his dream to inspire and motivate others to take control of their thoughts and create the lives they desire. This inspiring story serves as a reminder that, no matter what obstacles we face, we have the power to change our lives for the better.

The power of self-reflection and holding onto one's dreams can lead to personal growth and fulfillment, even after many years. Joshua Sharfstein shared how he had written down his goals and thoughts in a file decades ago, only to rediscover it years later and be amazed at how clearly defined they still were. This discovery inspired him to devote an entire podcast episode to helping others change their lives by choosing the right thoughts and using techniques to harness their potential. Arnold Mallouk, a guest on the podcast, shared how he was not expected to achieve great things during his early years due to a difficult childhood and lack of academic success. However, by focusing on his goals and persisting despite the odds, he was able to make his dreams come true and even inspire others through his work. The rediscovery of Sharfstein's file and Mallouk's success serve as reminders that our dreams and goals are worth holding onto, and that the power to change our lives lies within us.

Personal responsibility and hard work were key themes in the speaker's upbringing. Starting from his bar mitzvah, when he became financially responsible for his own expenses, the speaker worked various jobs to earn money. He had a paper route, did lawn work, and even worked on a garbage truck during the summer when he couldn't find other employment. The speaker's determination and hard work paid off when he was able to move up to the best flower selling corner in a wealthy neighborhood. However, even on the worst corners, he continued to outperform quotas and prove himself. The speaker's experience of selling flowers in the rain and having a customer buy all of them to help him get out of the rain was a turning point for him, teaching him the importance of perseverance and the kindness of strangers. Overall, the speaker's story illustrates the importance of personal responsibility, hard work, and determination in achieving success.

The power of kindness and human connection can change perspectives and shape one's life in profound ways. Arnold's experience of receiving a kind gesture from a non-Jewish couple during a difficult time in his life opened his eyes to the goodness in people and challenged his biased beliefs. This experience influenced him to be more open-minded and kind to others, as seen in his continued act of buying Girl Scout cookies and sharing them with others. Kindness not only creates a ripple effect of positivity but also releases chemicals in the brain, contributing to overall happiness and well-being.

Passion and determination can lead to valuable experiences and opportunities, even if they don't align with initial goals. For instance, Preston Pysh, despite struggling in high school and having no talent for singing, found joy and success in auto shop class. He became an expert in diagnosing car problems and even competed in an automotive contest. However, after a disappointing experience at a car dealership, he realized he didn't want to spend his life working under cars. Instead, he found an apartment with a friend and began looking for other career paths. Through his experiences, Preston learned the importance of following his interests and being adaptable.

Life can be unpredictable and sometimes harsh, especially when it comes to finances. The speaker shared an experience of being a young adult, struggling to make ends meet, and facing unexpected expenses. His landlord demanded an extra dollar for rent, which led to a series of unfortunate events, including job loss and car trouble. The landlord's attitude towards his tenants was clear: he only cared about getting paid, not their personal circumstances. This lesson stayed with the speaker and influenced his perspective on life and work. Another important takeaway is the importance of persistence and taking risks. The speaker's job search was a long and frustrating process, but he eventually found an opportunity in a place he least expected. He could have given up after being rejected multiple times, but instead, he trusted his instincts and went back to the building where he was previously turned down. This decision led him to a job in a printing department, which turned out to be a great fit for him. Lastly, the speaker's experience highlights the importance of adaptability and learning new skills. He had no prior experience in the printing industry, but he was willing to learn and take on the challenge. This attitude helped him succeed in his new role and build a successful career. In conclusion, the speaker's story is a reminder that life can be challenging, but with persistence, adaptability, and a positive attitude, one can overcome obstacles and find success.

The interviewee's life took a turn for the better when he started working in a clean shop at the Richfield Oil Company despite his academic struggles and low self-image. His experience there reinforced his father's advice that everything learned in the real world would be useful, and he became good at mechanics. However, growing up, he had internalized the idea that he was not academically capable due to the effects of malnutrition during the war and the failure in Hebrew school. This low self-image and lack of interest in academics hindered his academic development. English classes in particular were a struggle as he saw no connection to making money or achieving his goals. These experiences shaped his perception of himself and his abilities.

Success in life and career is not solely dependent on academic achievements or a college degree. Instead, being a "businessman" or "having a product to sell" can lead to financial success, as demonstrated by the speaker's mother's experiences. Her ability to make money despite not having extensive knowledge in various subjects and even while in Auschwitz highlights the importance of understanding the business world and having a strong work ethic. The power of consciousness and determination can help individuals overcome challenges and achieve their goals, regardless of their circumstances.

Despite the horrors and uncertainty of her situation in a concentration camp during World War II, a woman named Manya made a personal deal with God, believing that she would survive. She had an unwavering belief in her own survival and continued to live with courage and determination, even when faced with the threat of death. This story highlights the power of faith, hope, and the human spirit to endure even in the most difficult circumstances. Manya's courage and determination to live, despite the odds, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Our perceptions and beliefs can significantly shape our reality. The story shared illustrates this concept through the experiences of a woman who, as a young girl, believed she was unattractive and undesirable after being rejected by a man she loved. This belief followed her into adulthood, leading her to believe that she was "special" and unique in her own way. Her son, who visited her in a nursing home, was surprised to discover that she had a picture of herself taken alone, and upon inquiring, she revealed that she believed herself to be exceptional. This anecdote underscores the power of belief and the way it can influence our self-perception and the way we are perceived by others. The story also highlights the challenges and hardships faced by the woman during her childhood, including growing up in a ghetto and living in an orphanage, which further shaped her beliefs and worldview. Overall, the story serves as a reminder that our beliefs and perceptions, whether positive or negative, can have a profound impact on our lives.

The speaker's upbringing was marked by conflict and adversity, both from his parents and from societal pressures. His father was strict and violent, while his mother was tough and discriminatory. Adding to this, his marriage to his high school sweetheart was met with disapproval from her family due to religious differences, leading to further complications. These challenges left the speaker feeling frustrated and stuck, until he went through a period of depression in his later years, which ultimately paved the way for significant personal growth. Despite these hardships, the speaker's resilience and determination allowed him to overcome these obstacles and move forward in his life.

Self-hypnosis played a significant role in transforming Jason Brett's life after his divorce. The turning point came when he discovered hypnosis as a way to boost his energy levels and productivity during his depression. However, his journey towards self-discovery and healing began when his wife expressed her desire to leave the marriage. Jason's initial response was to insist on working through their problems, but when she decided to pursue a divorce, he went into a deep depression. His psychiatrist suggested that his anger was causing his depression and encouraged him to explore the root cause. Jason's curiosity about the mind, sparked by his father's stories, led him to delve deeper into hypnosis. Through self-hypnosis, he found the strength to work through his depression and eventually, with the help of a psychiatrist, uncover the underlying causes of his anger. Ultimately, self-hypnosis served as a catalyst for Jason's personal growth and healing.

The use of hypnosis for therapeutic purposes has a rich history, dating back to the early 1900s and the work of French pharmacist Emil Coué. Coué, who is considered the master of auto-suggestion, discovered that his belief in the effectiveness of certain medicines was the key to their success, rather than the medicines themselves. He then began using suggestion therapy, or hypnosis, to heal people, and gained a tremendous reputation for his abilities. Hypnosis has since been used to treat a variety of conditions, including asthma, stress, insomnia, post-traumatic stress, pain, and even cancer. Despite its dubious reputation due to stage hypnosis and early misunderstandings, hypnosis has proven to be a valuable tool in modern medicine and psychology. When used correctly, it can be a powerful way to help people make positive changes in their lives.

Hypnosis, a state of deep relaxation and focused attention, can lead to remarkable physical and mental improvements. The speaker shared a personal story about using hypnosis to help his son, a track athlete, compete despite a sprained ankle. Despite skepticism from doctors, the speaker used hypnosis to help his son overcome the pain and perform at the championship meet. The results were astounding, with the son setting a new personal record and winning the competition. The speaker emphasized the importance of trusting the subconscious mind and its ability to adjust and adapt to situations. He also mentioned the significance of preparation and visualization in the hypnotic process. The speaker's experience with hypnosis led him to believe in its power and inspired him to explore it further. For those interested in learning more about hypnosis, the speaker recommended listening to the podcast interview between Andrew Heumann and David Spiegel, both professors at Stanford Medical School, who discussed the science behind hypnosis and its potential benefits.

Hypnosis, as explained by Dr. David Spiegel, is a naturally occurring state of highly focused attention that can help individuals deal with various issues such as pain and chronic stress. Dr. Spiegel has hypnotized over 7,000 people throughout his career. A useful resource to explore hypnosis further is the Reverie app, created by Dr. Spiegel, which allows individuals to hypnotize themselves. Another highly recommended book on the subject is "The Genie Within" by Harry Carpenter. Arnold Van Den Berg, a student of the subconscious mind for 50 years, read the book and was so impressed that he called Carpenter to congratulate him. Carpenter, an aeronautical engineer, wrote the book not for money but to help people. Despite selling only around 70,000 copies in several years, Van Den Berg's endorsement and subsequent promotion of the book led to a significant increase in sales. The book, which contains valuable insights from various fields, can be life-changing for those who read it.

The power of the mind and self-improvement resources, like the works of James Allen, can significantly impact one's life. In the discussion, Arnold shared his experience of encountering James Allen's books, specifically "As A Man Thinketh," in the late 1960s, which transformed his perspective and helped him deal with emotional issues and anxiety. Additionally, he mentioned the importance of relaxation techniques, like the ones offered by Harry Carpenter's resources and David Spiegel's Reverie app, in accessing different parts of the mind and improving overall well-being. Overall, the conversation emphasized the value of exploring various self-help resources and applying their principles to one's life.

The power of repetition and the connection to one's subconscious can make a profound impact on one's life. The speaker, Arnold Van Denenberg, shares his experience of discovering James Allen's books, specifically "Mind is Master," which he received in a poorly printed form. He was so moved by the content that he decided to reprint the book in a better quality and include a foreword explaining why he was giving it away as a gift. The book resonated with him so deeply that he kept reading it over and over again, and each time he discovered new insights. The subconscious mind, according to the speaker, works on repetition, and the more one reads and repeats something, the deeper the impact it has on one's life. The speaker emphasizes the importance of finding books that speak to one's subconscious and keeping them close, as they can provide answers to questions and guide one's goals and aspirations.

That improving one's inner self is the key to enhancing one's outer circumstances. Both Preston Pysh and Warren Buffett emphasized the importance of self-improvement in shaping one's life. James Allen's writings, as mentioned, emphasized the power of the mind in creating one's reality. Buffett shared his daily routine, which includes exercises to improve his thinking and overall well-being. The subconscious mind, as per J.K. William's book, also plays a significant role in shaping our experiences and conditions. In summary, taking responsibility for one's thoughts, actions, and inner growth can lead to positive changes in various aspects of life, including financial success and personal relationships.

You have the power to shape your life and thoughts, and the quality of your thoughts significantly impacts your experiences. The average person thinks 24,000 thoughts a day, and 80% of them are negative and repetitive. However, by consciously focusing on positive thoughts and goals, you can counteract the negative ones and improve your overall well-being. Warren Buffet and James Allen emphasized the importance of mental and emotional power in controlling the conditions and resources of your life. By recognizing your internal power and actively working to improve your thought processes, you can create a more positive and productive life.

There are various ways to improve your financial situation and upgrade your life. One option is to earn a high interest rate on your cash through a platform like public.com. Another way is to seek expert financial advice from resources like NerdWallet to make smarter decisions and maximize rewards. Additionally, adopting a positive mindset and learning from past experiences can help shape your future beliefs and actions. For instance, focusing on the lessons from past suffering rather than the disappointment can lead to valuable insights. Moreover, physical health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, and efficient exercises like jumping on a mini trampoline can significantly contribute to burning calories and improving bone density. In essence, combining financial savvy, expert advice, positive mindset, and physical health can lead to a positive, healthy, wealthy, and wise future.

A holistic approach to personal growth involves both physical and mental well-being. Arnold Van Den Berg emphasizes the importance of an hour of trampoline work daily for physical health, along with proper diet and plenty of water. Mentally, he stresses the significance of setting clear, narrowly defined goals, visualization, and mantras or affirmations. By repeating these mantras and affirmations consistently, one can reprogram their mind and thoughts towards improvement. An example of this is the mantra "Do it now," which can help overcome procrastination. Additionally, be cautious when communicating with the subconscious mind, as it takes things literally. For instance, if you ask your subconscious why you have a backache, the answer might be that you get a backache when you fall behind in your work. Overall, the key is to focus on becoming better every day and seeking inspiration and answers through consistent effort and mindfulness.

The power of belief and the subconscious mind can lead to remarkable transformations and healings. A personal story was shared about a man who cured his 20-year-old back pain through a book and exercise that tapped into his subconscious. This phenomenon was also observed in the healing waters of Lourdes, where belief plays a crucial role. The placebo effect, based on belief, has been scientifically proven to heal up to 85% of people, as opposed to the 40% cure rate without belief. The belief system can even change genes and DNA, as shown in Bruce Lipton's "The Biology of Belief." Belief in the power of the mind can be compared to prayer, and faith in a mustard seed's size can move mountains, according to Jesus. Quantum physicists support this idea, and group prayer or belief can enhance its effects. The man's father, a Holocaust survivor, testified to the power of the mind, having witnessed a friend's unwavering belief in survival.

Hope and virtue are essential for survival and prosperity, as depicted in the anecdote about prisoners of war and in James Allen's writings on wealth. The idea that money alone does not bring true wealth or power emphasizes the importance of having a good character and serving others. According to Ross Gerber, after a certain financial threshold, additional money has a diminishing return on happiness. Instead, helping others can lead to a "helper's high" and bring significant pleasure and fulfillment. Overall, the message is that focusing on inner qualities, such as hope, virtue, and helping others, can lead to greater well-being and happiness than solely relying on external factors like wealth.

The practice of unconditional love is the key to a successful, happy life. From ancient philosophers like Aristotle and modern thinkers like Viktor Frankl and Preston Pysh, the importance of love has been consistently emphasized. Love is not just an emotion, but an action. By doing loving things, we make a positive impression on our subconscious mind and become the person we want to be. As Mary Baker Eddy put it, "The greatest need of the human self is for love." Even in the face of adversity, such as depression or anger, love and forgiveness can help us overcome and reach our potential. The example of a loving and compassionate person, like Aileen, can serve as inspiration for us all.

Repressed anger can lead to various physical and emotional health issues if not addressed. In the shared story, Rameljack tried to make the speaker believe he was angry at his mother, but the speaker couldn't accept it. Rameljack then asked him to manage his IRA, which the speaker found difficult due to the woman's accent reminding him of his mother's. This realization came as a shock to the speaker, and he felt hurt and angry. Recognizing the irrationality of his anger was the first step towards dealing with it. The speaker then started using affirmations like "I am a loving person" to change his mindset. The best way to deal with anger is to express it, as expressing it allows the anger to dissipate. Repressing anger, on the other hand, can lead to depression, addiction, and various health issues. Anger that goes into repression is repeated often enough to become subconscious, leading to a range of problems, including cardiovascular issues, immune system weakness, digestive problems, and eye health concerns.

Our emotions, particularly anger, can have detrimental effects on our physical and mental health if left unchecked. The Hindu philosophy of Bhava Gada explains that anger can lead to delusion, memory loss, and the ruin of discrimination, ultimately leading to one's downfall. To combat this, it's essential to replace negative emotions with positive thoughts and develop good habits to reinforce positive beliefs. William James emphasized the importance of making our nervous system our ally instead of our enemy by making useful actions automatic and habitual. To break bad habits, it's best to do it cold turkey and resist exceptions until the new habit is securely rooted. By developing strong habits, we can improve our lives and feel guilty when we deviate from them. The power of habits is so significant that it can make us feel guilty when we don't do what's good for us. In essence, the key takeaway is that by managing our emotions and developing good habits, we can make our nervous system our ally and improve our overall well-being.

Success requires intense focus and dedication to a particular goal or habit. This "maniacal" approach, as described by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Preston Pysh, allows individuals to develop instincts and view their chosen path as the right way. Additionally, serenity and peace of mind are crucial components of a truly abundant life, as emphasized by various philosophical and religious traditions throughout history. Money, while important for financial independence, should not be the primary focus, and treating others with respect is a good indicator of character. Ultimately, the pursuit of success involves a balance between mindful dedication, inner peace, and helping others.

Our consciousness plays a significant role in shaping our reality, as quantum physics and various spiritual teachings suggest. Seeking knowledge and understanding what we truly believe is crucial in our personal growth journey. The search for truth should guide us, regardless of religious or cultural differences. William Tiller's quote, "Your consciousness influences others around you. It influences material property. It influences your future. You are co-creating your future," emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the interconnectedness of all things. The speakers' experiences illustrate the transformative power of gaining control over one's thoughts and seeking knowledge, ultimately leading to greater peace of mind, personal growth, and positive impact on those around us.

The pursuit of truth and personal growth can be a rewarding journey. Arnold Van Den Berg, a successful businessman and author, emphasized the importance of exploring various tools and techniques, such as self-hypnosis, reading James Allen's books, and delving into different spiritual and religious practices. These methods can help individuals overcome challenges and make a positive impact on others. Arnold's generosity in sharing his experiences and knowledge has inspired many, and his favorite book by James Allen, "From Poverty to Power," is a must-read for those seeking wisdom and self-improvement. Overall, the journey towards personal growth may involve hardships, but the rewards of helping others and living a richer, wiser, and happier life make it all worthwhile.