Our Eight Fundamental Principles are each important in their own right, yet there is an interconnection between them-each one is a pillar and serves the other. When all are present, the whole becomes much greater than any of the individual parts.

The stories and life experiences of these exceptional individuals confirm what I have come to know after thirty years of work as a psychologist, peak performance coach, and spiritual teacher. An integrated life, combining a strong spiritual foundation with a healthy personality and adaptive psychological capacity, leads to a happy and productive life. I personally have found meaning and purpose in serving others. I have had significant successes, learned from my mistakes, and have been able to recover from extreme difficulties and setbacks. A spiritual foundation has provided me with a deeper wisdom and understanding of life's challenges and given me the inner strength to persevere, even when life has become difficult.

On November 15, 2008, I received a letter from my major investment company stating that they were going out of business and would default on my first trust deeds. They mismanaged funds-perhaps to a criminal degree-and left me with very distressed property that was a cash drain, not an asset. I had lost all my income and needed to recreate my life. I am not alone. There are millions of people doing the same thing. As I mentioned in the introduction, this is one of the motivating factors for this book. I know these principles work. I have used them in my life, and we have heard various stories from well-known sports figures on how they have employed these principles as well. I now live in Phoenix, Arizona, have used these Eight Principles to see me through to better times.

The lessons and wisdom shared by our athletes are neither abstract nor ethereal. The stories are real and down-to-earth. These struggles have been real. Some of these athletes have bled in the ring or in hospitals, and all have persevered to obtain noteworthy life achievements. None were handed a silver spoon in life, and all appear to be stronger and wiser as a result of their passion, hard work, and desire to fulfill a sense of purpose and follow their hearts' inspiration. I believe in the truth of their stories and the power of these principles to guide and direct our lives. I have used them in my own life and have witnessed thousands of people find strength and meaning from them.

Of the Eight Principles, spiritual awareness lays a foundation for the successful application of the others. Spiritual awareness implies that you have experienced something greater than yourself which embraces the universe. This greater presence is known to be comforting and supportive. It may take different forms, but the essential factor is that it is loving, wise, and powerful. When you feel embraced by this presence, you are safe, comforted, and protected. You learn that there may be a difference between your personal plan for success and happiness and the divine plan.

When you learn how to let go of your mind's limited ideas and willingly accept a bigger, more expanded view of life, the process of surrendering your ego and learning to align with your higher self or soul becomes possible, yielding a greater sense of peace and serenity. This process of letting go actually allows for a greater abundance of love, joy, friendship, and well-being. A real and tangible relationship with Spirit allows for a deeper sense of trust in life. The big picture begins to emerge from your limited, clouded vision of life to include a deeper understanding of your purpose and how you can learn from your trials and tribulations. Life's successes are not only measured by material gains, but also by your increase in virtues such as patience, compassion, wisdom, and love. Inner peace is the result of letting go, not from the successful acquisition of greater financial wealth. When you are able to attune your will with the Divine will, then life gathers a different momentum. You are guided and directed to new and different people, places, and experiences which yield greater rewards than you have previously conceived. The phrase, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all things shall be added unto you," is a road map for success. This is not an easy road, nor a road without tests and challenges-it is a warrior's path.

The benefit of a spiritual life or path is that is supports the development and implementation of the other principles as well. The spiritual principle is not sufficient by itself, but it will facilitate the development all the others as well. I will show how they all work together.

Your Ability to Adjust Allows You to Adapt to New and Changing Realities.

Your ability to adjust to new and changing situations is vital. If you get stuck doing the same thing, you will become obsolete and antiquated. If you cannot change, you will be very troubled in difficult times. Change is synonymous with non-attachment. Sometimes it is necessary to be able to let go. If you are holding on, you may not be able to adjust to new circumstances. A strong spiritual life teaches you how to let go by transforming your identification with your mind, your body, and your emotions. As you let go of your ego identity, you will discover a deeper, more expanded sense of self. The process of non-attachment allows you to change without all the anxiety-especially when you deepen your trust in life's process and accept what comes in the moment. Successful spiritual practice creates mental flexibility, a necessary component for adjustment. You will be able to change more easily and without all the emotional drama that often is associated with letting go. When you trust that life is unfolding as it should and have the deeper awareness of intuitive guidance, then adjusting to new situations becomes much more graceful.

March 12 & 13

Palm Springs Convention Center

I will be speaking both days at 10:00 am and available for book signings and talk. Please come by and visit. I will be at the Dixon Golf booth.

People often ask me about my work with golfers. My method has evolved from my training in clinical psychology, yoga, meditation, and business coaching. It is an integrated mind, body, spirit approach to life and the game. It is field tested and I know it works.

If you would like to read a brief article about my method, click here.