Sky Fortress Manifesto
Version 1
12/27/09

This document is a guide for optimizing the mind and body to efficiently pursue self-motivated projects and castles in the sky. It has an emphasis on confidence, discipline, and meditation. 

"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them."
    - Henry David Thoreau 
    
    
* Strong, stable, Confident, and focused. 
- Strength comes from within, and is tapped through breathing techniques, meditation and focused planning. 
- Strength is displayed with good posture, being present, peaceful, and articulate.
- Practice confidence even in times of uncertainty. Make clear decisions.
- Meditate for 10 minutes in-between major activities to clearing the mind, increase focus, and regenerate the body. 
- Create the presence of success, passion, and power. 


"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat."
Theodore Roosevelt 


* Organized, Efficient and Productive
- Each day has two 4 hour work chunks in it. Schedule them in, and pre-determine goals to accomplish during that time. 
   - Make lists to break down complex tasks into manageable pieces. 
   - Use a stop watch to time out 4 hour chunk.  
   - Make it enjoyable and productive. 
   - Schedule celebration meal after completion.   
   - Be determined to set and complete goals. 
   - Plan to finish before midnight. Do not go beyond 2am unless it is due the next day.

   
"All high achievers plan their work and work their plan, for they are
keenly aware that "luck" is most often being prepared to take
advantage of a situation."
-- Unknown
   
   
* Self control, good health, and clear minded.
- True wealth is health. The body is a Vehicle for the Soul. 
- Breath deeply and consistently. 
- Eat good nutrition. Fruit, Vegetables, and light. No High Fructose Corn Syrup, or damaging chemicals.
- Increase Stamina comes from good diet, discipline, exercise, balance, health and wellness. 
- use short meditation between activities to clearing the mind, and calming the body. 

"The greatest wealth is health."
   ~Virgil

   
* During times of low motivation, discouragement, or unhappiness:
- Recognize that it will pass with time, so relax. Be with it.
- Take a break. Gain energy from silence, breath deeply. 
- Identify any breakdowns, and create inspiring possibilities worthy of your life. 
- Stress is invisible, and can be difficult to understand. Don't jump to conclusions.
- Suggestions:
 1) Relax. Sit in the park, go for a walk, Daydream, or Nap.
 2) Exercise. consider: stretch, biking, walking, running, or Dancing. 
 3) Music. Search for and listen to good music. Music alters moods.
 4) Self Expression. Write poetry or journal about recent events. 
 5) Creative expression. Draw a picture or do artistic graphic design work. 
 6) Socialize. Talk to a friend. Share a story or Ask a question.
- times of difficulty can be followed by accomplishment, progress, and joy. Just need a change in perspective, or a feeling or productivity or creativity to turn it around.

"When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure."
    - Peter Marshall

"If you fell down yesterday, stand up today."
H. G. Wells

* Social interaction and other people
- share yourself with others. Let them know what you are up to. 
- The more open and up-front you are, the more connections can be made, and more likely the other person will be open and up-front.
- be curious and concerned with other people's lives by asking genuine questions. What makes them unique?
- Search for people who could contribute to creative projects or would take part in social events.

"If you want to build a boat, do not instruct the men to saw wood, stitch the sails, prepare the tools and organize the work, but make them long for setting sail and travel to distant lands."
- Antoine De Saint-Exupéry


The ultimate goal is a healthy balanced life that facilitates productivity, enjoyment, wisdom and long-term success. 

e.piphanies.com