Using IM to win the lottery is self-destructive

[alexb5784]

I'm sure that many people have wanted to say what I'm about to say, but maybe didn't want to hurt people's feelings or seem mean. However, I can't sit back and watch people hurt themselves like this. And please know that I'm giving advice that I follow myself. I'm not all talk and no game and if anyone disagrees with me, then fine. And I'm posting this in public, because I believe it can help many people. And this isn't a post about buying a lottery ticket for fun, but about depending on the lottery to improve your finances when you are broke and live a life of deprivation.

This is a response to TheFlyingMan’s post on winning $20 million through the lottery. TheFlyingMan, you don’t have to agree with me on this, but please know that I’m telling you this because I want you to be happy and live the life you really want. I really do care.

Depending on the lottery to send you a massive amount of cash to help you improve your life, is self-defeating. You are spending your time trying to beat a system that is set up for you to fail. I know that it feels good to dream about winning. You may even believe that all this money will change your life for the better. You may think it will be the answer to all of your problems. But let’s look at the truth.

You don’t believe that you can earn more money through your own efforts. And as a result, you believe that the only way you can have what you want, is by having someone else give it to you (the lottery, inheritance, money as a gift, finding money on the street, etc).

Buying a lottery ticket in the hope of improving your poor finances, isn’t taking positive action towards attracting more money into your life. Depending on forces outside of your control (the winning lottery numbers), allows you to dream about being rich, but not do the neccessary work to make it happen through your own actions.You are expecting a combination of numbers and fate to control your finances. And even if you win, you aren’t creating value for your society, but taking it away. The lottery settlements come from the taxpayer’s pocket, so therefore you are taking away taxpayer's money without working for it. And the government knows that it’s nearly impossible for a person to win the lottery, so they sell people tickets, knowing the system is set up for failure. They sell hope and dreams…the easy way.

It’s so much easier to figure out ways to hit the lottery or win money at casinos, than take responsibility for our poor finances. It’s easier to expect outside forces to change us, rather than to admit we created a life we don't like. There is no one to blame for our problems but ourselves. You can't experience the best in life, if you think the worst of yourself. Be honest about why you have less than what you need. If you are broke, then you need to be honest about it and do something positive to change your situation.

TheFlyingMan, I know you don’t think you can make more money on your own, because you have poor finances now.You don't have enough money to get what you need, yet you spend your extra cash on lottery tickets. If you believed that you were capable of increasing your income through your own efforts, you would:

• Get a better paying job
• Manage the money you have now better and begin saving & investing
• Ask for a raise
• Improve your skills, so that one day you can eventually earn more money
• Start your own business (online or offline)
• Lower your expenses so that you will spend less than you earn

These are more secure ways to attract more money into your life. The odds of succeeding will be millions of time larger if you take these approaches, as opposed to playing the lottery.

You many not want to do these things, because you might believe:

• You can’t find a better job
• You can’t afford to quit the job you have
• You don’t have the skills necessary to get a better position
• You don’t know how to start your own business
• You are afraid to go into business for yourself
• You don’t think you can offer anyone services in exchange for money
• You don’t believe in your ability to succeed
• You believe that you are destined to be broke
• You have never succeeded at anything in life
• You believe that someone/something/some situation is holding you back
• You’re too old or too young to change
• You don’t live in the right city/country/planet/universe to make more money

If I were you, I would immediately stop playing the lottery. I would then look at the reasons why I believe that I can’t bring in more income at this moment. I guarantee you believe that you have nothing to offer another person and that the lottery is the only way to “Get Rich”.

Focus on why you believe you aren’t capable of creating more money by yourself right now. You can find a way to make $10 or $100, if you really think about it. Be creative. You can find ways to make more money right now. Be in control of your finances, don't give it up to chance (the lottery).

Many people believe that because Intention Manifestation and Law of Attraction is considered to be a New Age concept, that it’s magical. This is far from the truth. There is nothing magical about IM or the Law of Attraction. It’s not magic. It’s just a principle of life. The only difference is that you are consciously aware that the principle exists. It has always existed, but you just didn't know about it.

You have manifested a life filled with lack, because that is what you have unconsciously wanted. Your thoughts are those of deprivation and you get it. You might not like it, but you created it. Take responsibility for yourself and change your life. Begin to act and think like a person who believes in their ability to meet their own needs and stop expecting other people and chance to make you happy.


I used to think that other people had to take care of me, and I would get upset when they didn't meet my needs. But we can't expect our boss, parent, girlfriend, boyfriend, or the lottery to give us what we need to improve our lives. Therefore, I started taking responsiblity for myself. I'm self employed and I've raised my fees while providing better service. I cut back on buying things I didn't need. I started saving for things I wanted. I found a way to go back to school and the time to study. And now I'm attracting more money and positive people into my life, because I don't take anything from anyone, but I give more of myself to others.


Look at the reasons and notice what feelings you have about your current finances. Then figure out ways to express those feelings in another way. If you're feeling broke and deprived, then there is a reason. It's not the money that makes you feel broke, it's something inside of you. Maybe you've never had what you wanted in life, and you continue to feel this way through your money. Get in touch with those feelings and work on replacing them by taking responsiblitiy for your life.

It's not about the money, but the feeling you have about yourself. People who are confident, are rarely broke. People who trust themselves, are not living in deprivation. People who love themselves, get what they want in life. It's about feelings, not money. If you have less money than you want, then you need to improve your relationship with yourself. Poor finances means you really don't care about yourself. When you are broke, you're abusing yourself by denying yourself what you need and want. Learn to improve your self-image and change your beliefs.Then you will begin to make more money, because you will be able to offer more service to others.

I can't stress this enough, but true wealth starts on the inside. And yes, it's not easy to change. But if you don't change, you will continue to get what you're getting now. It's your choice. And the reason why people are attracted to getting rich quick, is because they don't want to go through the pain of change. But the pain is temporary.

Comments and critique from everyone are welcome. If you prefer, you can PM me. And sorry this post is so long, but I just had to say something. I really want everyone in these forums to be successful and happy.

Good luck!

[I AM]

Hello alexb5784,

While I was reading your post, a saying came to mind:

Argue for your limitations and sure enough they are yours.

Best of luck to all.

[Kylark]

What a well-written and thoughtful post. Thank you.

This morning I had the intention to read something really useful about I-M.

I agree that wanting to manifest money by winning the lottery means you're not as open to other channels in your life.

I feel I don't have much to offer the world. I really enjoy certain things, like playing viola, but I feel like I missed my chance to go professional with that.

When I think about what I want to do with my life, it usually involves art or performance, but then I say to myself that I don't have the skills, or that the demand isn't there, or that it's hard to make money as an artist or performer.

[alexb5784]

Kylark,

There is a way for you to make a living as a performing artist. You just have to get creative.

First, I wouldn't ask other artists who are struggling financially and careerwise for advice. They will only complain that's it's impossible to make a living doing xxx. You don't want to be around people who think everything is hopeless. It might seem comfortable to be around these folks, but it's not good. Get uncomfortable and approach successful people. They will usually be happy to give you advice.

I would try to find successful artists in your area. You could begin by contacting professors at universities and colleges with music departments. Or you could look for concerts being given by artists and try to get an informational interview. Some may not be available to speak to you, but try anyway. Maybe you could work in the music industry for a classical radio station. Or maybe you could write your own music and make your own music, while holding down your current job. Maybe you could work for an online music site or magazine. The possiblities are endless.

Again, some people will say "Oh, you can't make a living at..." but there are people who have found ways to get what they want.

If you really want this, you have to be hungry for it. In other words you have to be willing to search for what you want, instead of waiting for it to appear to you.

Good luck

[TheFlyingMan]

Hey Alexia, much thanks for the post, I appreciate it!

I don't buy the lottery that much, after intending $20 mill (I didn't plan it in the lottery, I planned to make it by starting a different business - A holistic center for psych, physical training, spirituality, etc as per Think and Grow Rich), I just had a very strange dream that asked me to buy the lottery, so I bought one ticket, and that's all.

I am following my dreams, I am returning to uni this year to study psychology which I've always wanted to do. Just that it will be a struggle, as I have to stay at home for 6 more years at least (the amount of study it takes to become a registered psych), and I have to rely on working part time in my current business and on my savings for those years.

I just don't want to stay at home for the next 6 years; I'm 25 at the moment, and will feel like the biggest loser if I am still at home till I'm 31. But with the upcoming studies, I don't see how I will be able to make the money to move out - and still study well - hence I was hoping that the dream is not some rbbish dream, and will be able to help me rent a place for a few years until I finish my new studies.

Please tell me your thoughts!

[annie]

Originally Posted by TheFlyingMan

I just don't want to stay at home for the next 6 years; I'm 25 at the moment, and will feel like the biggest loser if I am still at home till I'm 31. But with the upcoming studies, I don't see how I will be able to make the money to move out - and still study well - hence I was hoping that the dream is not some rbbish dream, and will be able to help me rent a place for a few years until I finish my new studies.

Please tell me your thoughts!

I just wanted to highlight these thoughts of yours.......Remember your current thoughts shape your future life. IM comes in all forms....like these negative thoughts that you probably didn't give a hoot about.

"I'm 25 and I'm planning on attending school for the next 6 years. I'm sure I'll be able to figure out a way to make the money to move out because I'm industrious and creative. I'll figure out a way! "

[Pagoda]

Originally Posted by alexb5784

You don’t believe that you can earn more money through your own efforts. And as a result, you believe that the only way you can have what you want, is by having someone else give it to you (the lottery, inheritance, money as a gift, finding money on the street, etc).

Many believe that every penny you have ever "earned" came to you through your thoughts, feelings and the Law of Attraction. Doesn't matter if you traded dollars for time, invested in stocks or real estate, started a business, bought a lottery ticket, recieved an inheritance, or won it on a game show.

Originally Posted by alexb5784

And even if you win, you aren’t creating value for your society, but taking it away.

Bull. I think you must have a pretty narrow definition of what constitutes value.

Many, when they spend a dollar on a lottery ticket they receive well over a dollar's worth of hope and optimism in return. They feel good. And if they are smart, they buy their ticket early so they can feel good all week!! (If they didn't receive some value for their dollar, they wouldn't buy another ticket the next week.)

And if by chance they do win, you have no idea what value they will create once they receive the money. (It isn't required that the value come first, and the money second.)

And if they squander all the money and receive no joy from it, you still don't know what value was created. I mean losing millions can be a pretty valuable lesson. And maybe that is the lesson they "Intended" to receive all along.

[alexb5784]

Originally Posted by Pagoda

Many believe that every penny you have ever "earned" came to you through your thoughts, feelings and the Law of Attraction. Doesn't matter if you traded dollars for time, invested in stocks or real estate, started a business, bought a lottery ticket, recieved an inheritance, or won it on a game show. .

You have misunderstood my point. All of us work and earn money, that's life. But the problem is, most people don't earn the amount of money that they really want. They believe that the only way they can get more, is to have someone else give it to them (the lottery, gifts, marrying a rich person,etc.) They don't create anything, but want to experience all the rewards of those who do create value.

And the reason people want to get rich this way, is because they don't have faith in their own ablities to generate the extra income themselves. My whole post was about expecting everything outside of you, to change your life. It was about not taking responsiblity for poor finances and being broke. If you're broke, you have to be honest about it and create postive ways to change your situation. The lottery as a problem solver is not practical. By depending on the lottery, you're saying to yourself "Well since I believe I can't make more money, I'm going to wish for it by playing a game."

Originally Posted by Pagoda

It isn't required that the value come first, and the money second.).

Do you realize that you have just defended stealing? People who steal don't create value, they take it away. Stealing comes from deprivation, because it means that you take that which you don't have. Stealing means "I don't have what I need and I will never get it, unless I take it from someone else." And stealing doesn't have to be material, it can be emotional too. Stealing means "I can't trust and depend on myself to meet my own needs."

What is value? Value is a positive feeling. Value is love. It's giving yourself to others in a positive way. For example, by writing content that helps people change their lives, Steve has created value. Mother Teresa created value. Your doctor creates value because he/she helps you improve your health. You create value everytime you tell someone you love them. Why? Because you make them feel good. You're giving love.

Giving value means that you're generous in such a way, that it allows you and the other person to experience love, enjoyment, health, gratitude and appreciation. Value is Love. Giving value means you make a positive contribution mankind. Value doesn't always have to equate making money. McDonald's makes lots of money. But does McDonald's create products that are valuable to your health? Drug dealers make money, but do they help the neighborhoods they damage?

What does the lottery create? I'm not talking about taxes for schools, etc. I'm talking about the feelings of the people who play the lottery. It creates false hope. It creates dependency. It creates hoplessness. If you play the lottery for fun, then fine. It's entertainment to you and if you lose, you could care less. But the majority of people who play have poor finances and are looking for "The Good Life". And playing the lottery is a way for them to dream about "getting rich" without working for it. It allows them to continue to feel "I can't have xxx unless someone gives it to me."

There are people who have won the lottery and have helped others. I don't deny that. BUT it's the people who play religiously, who are broke and live in deprivation, that don't create any value. Winning the lottery is rare, though it can happen. But it's not a practical way to become wealthy. Why? Because you're not being responsible for your finances. You aren't facing the fact that YOU created the situation that makes you broke today.And if you want to become wealthy, you are going to have to change who you are.You're going to have to change your old habits. You're going to have to deal with limiting beliefs about yourself. You're going to have to learn to trust yourself. You're going to have to face the honest truth. And most people would rather live in denial, than change.

The real question is "Why do I expect everyone else but me, to be responsible for my happiness?"

My post is about taking responsiblity and being in control. The lottey and game shows won't solve your problems. You have to look at what beliefs and feelings created your present reality. People are broke for a reason. Look at those feelings of "being broke" and change them to feelings of "I can get out of this and begin to be in control of my life. I can depend on me. I don;t need someone else or something outside of me, to make me happy." It's not about the money, it's about how you feel about yourself. People who love themselves, treat themselves well. And being poor and broke, means you don't love who you are. You're being abusive, because you are denying yourself a life which you really want. You're telling yourself "No you can't have what you want. So just long for it and want it, but you'll never get it. You're not worthy of your desires."

I guarantee that if you start treating yourself better (respecting yourself), your finances will improve. I know this from personal experience.

[judge45]

I think there's a huge difference between buying a lottery ticket and depending on it to make you rich.

If the LoA is about you sending out thoughts of financial abundance, then who are we to say how it should manifest.

I sometimes buy lottery tickets, when it feels right, but I don't give it much thought after that.

If I won, that's fine, if the universe delivers to me the means to make the money I desire and it's not winning the lottery, then so be it.

Depending on winining is asking for trouble, having options is fine by me.

Jeff

[Pagoda]

Based on LOA,

If you invest in business with the feelings of hope and desperation, the business will not make the money you intend.

If you invest in the stock market with feelings of hope and desperation, you will not make the money you intend.

If you buy real estate with feelings of hope and desperation, you will not make the money you intend.

And if you buy a lottery ticket with feelings of hope and desperation, you will not make the money you intend.

It doesn't matter what action you take, if it is done with the wrong feelings, the results will not live up to your expectations.

(If that was your message I wouldn't be debating you Alexia. But you seem to have singled the lottery out as the "wrong way" to make money.)

I'm sorry, but if you put your money down and you take the risks, you have earned your money when you win. It is as legitimate as any other legal business dealing.

[renie408]

We buy lottery tickets fairly often. Not every week, but probably close to it. We don't smoke, drink or do drugs. We have two kids and a minivan. Its worth the ten bucks a week to have that delicious daydream about what we're going to do with 'our' money. I am always secretly convinced that we are going to win, but I am not sitting around banking on it, either.

BTW...if you feel like a loser before you win the lottery, then once you win it, you will just be a rich loser. My best suggestion would be to find a better way to keep score for yourself. If the amount in the bank is what you are using for reference, then Mother Teresa was a big, fat loser. Ok, a skinny loser. Whatever. There's nothing wrong with money. But there is nothing right with it, either. Money just 'is'.

[alexb5784]

Maybe I wasn't clear abou the subject of my post, and I'm sorry. My post was about not taking responsiblity for your finances and expecting things outside of you, to improve your life. I was just using the lottery as an example, because it's a popular way for people to try to get rich.

It's not about winning money, but about the feelings you have towards money in general and yourself. If you play the lottery for fun, then why not?
But if you play because you think this is the only way you can live the life of your dreams, then it's self-destructive. You're saying to yourself that you can't have what you want unless someone else gives it to you.

If you invest in business with the feelings of hope and desperation, the business will not make the money you intend

That's all I was saying. I'm sorry if I was unclear. And I agree with your above quote.

cheers

[renie408]

>>But if you play because you think this is the only way you can live the life of your dreams, then it's self-destructive.<<

I was thinking about this subject this morning. I agree with the statement above. In a way, if you are thinking, "I have to win the lottery to get what I want." and the buried thought behind that tacks on"...because that is the ONLY way I will ever have it." Then you are actually coming from a negative place and you are sabotaging yourself. While I don't *think* this particular situation is a problem for me, I have been having to analyze the WHY's of my wants to make see where they are coming from. I have trouble distinguishing between something I want from pure desire and things I want because I think I should want them or because I think they will validate me or for many other reasons that are, in reality, negative.

[Pagoda]

I think we all agree, we just were approaching it from different angles.

Thank you for the discussion. I for one have a clearer understand of what I believe because of this conversation.