A mastermind is a group of people working together, thinking and sharing ideas. Thru masterminding, we gain valuable insights and bring new perspectives to our work and our personal life. This process can help you see solutions and possibilities that you have never thought of before.
* What could a mastermind do for me?
Many people think masterminding is all about business. That probably is because financial success is a fairly clear measure of how the power of masterminding can make a difference. The good news is that we can use the marvelous power of the mastermind to make positive and lasting changes in our personal lives as well.
Mastermind groups can help you find solutions to your everyday problems whether they are related to relationships, money, or health. It doesn't matter what area of your life you need help in, masterminding can provide insights and inspiration, combined with the best of advice, counsel, and encouragement for your personal situations.
* How come I have never heard of them before?
That's because most mastermind groups are not called that. MasterMind is a technique that many of us use in our everyday life without even realizing it. A few examples of MasterMind groups are: a company Board of Directors, the Presidents Cabinet, a church board of deacons and/or elders, the U.S. Congress, a school PTA, a family strategy meeting or a business brainstorming session. These are all great examples of mastermind groups in action. There are many, many more.
* How does a mastermind work?
The entire Mastermind process is based on an ancient principle that has been proven time and time again: When two or more people come together in a spirit of harmony and trust to work together towards a common purpose or goal, their combined energies are many, many times greater than the simple sum of their respective individual energies.
* Is this a new process or has it been around a while?
While the process of masterminding has been around for centuries, Napoleon Hill is often given credit for introducing the concept of mastermind in his book "Think and Grow Rich". In this best-selling 1937 classic, Hill says "The human mind is a form of energy, a part of it being spiritual in nature. When the minds of two people are coordinated in a spirit of harmony, the spiritual units of energy of each mind form an affinity, which constitutes the "psychic" phase of the Master Mind".
In 1727, Benjamin Franklin and 12 of his friends formed the Junto - a club dedicated to mutual improvement. They shared a desire to improve themselves, their community, and to help others. The Junto is recognized as the first MasterMind group organized in America.
Many things that resulted directly from Franklin's early MasterMind sessions are still in existence today. The Junto gave us our first public library, the first public hospital, volunteer fire departments, police departments, paved streets, the University of Pennsylvania and more.
* What makes a successful mastermind group?
Actually there are several factors. First, for a Master Mind group to thrive and be of maximum benefit, total honesty and trust is essential. This HAS to be a safe environment for everybody. Confidentiality MUST be maintained within the group. All participants need to know they will be listened to in a nonjudgmental environment and whatever they say will be kept in confidence.
Next, positive energy is important. You are looking for positive and proactive people. It's important to be involved with people who want to succeed and also want YOU to succeed! Look for optimistic people who expect positive results and good things to come. Their participation will give the group the best chance to be effective.
Seek out those people who are good company and who enjoy helping and celebrating the success of others. Shared values will help ensure you are growing in a mutually satisfying and beneficial direction.
Also, your group will gain maximum benefits when each member has different experiences, talents and skills to contribute to draw upon. People from a variety of professional backgrounds will have different perspectives and will provide healthy challenges and great ideas for each of you to learn from and grow with.
* How do I get started with masterminding?
Your first step will be to decide what type of group you are wanting to be a part of. You will need to ask yourself if you are initially wanting professional, personal or spiritual growth. Are you interested in solving problems, reaching goals, maybe identifying your "Life Purpose" ? Take time to identify what you are looking for. With as much clarity as you can, write down what you are looking for.
The next question to ask yourself is whether a group fitting to your needs already exists, or if you should form your own. The easiest way is to begin with who you know, associations you have a connection with and/or your local media. You may already have a close circle of associates who would be a perfect fit for your MasterMind group.
There are also a number of agencies that will locate or set up a MasterMind group for a fee. The internet is a great resource to use when searching for a group suited to your needs. Remember, if you do not find one that is a match, you can always begin a group of your own.
* What would you suggest?
Our suggestion to you is to get started today. One easy way to do that is to have a mini-mastermind with a friend to get the beginnings in motion and you can grow from there. Mastermind is a proven success process and can be a marvelous way to help you realize your dreams and reach your goals!
About the Author:
John ("Dealey") Carpenter Dealey, International MasterMind expert, entrepreneur, philanthropist, author and self-made millionaire is dedicated to helping people solve problems, finish strong and reach their goals with "ease and grace."
Learn how MasterMind SOARING, a time tested and proven program, can help you enjoy even more success in your life: http://mastermindsoaring.com/
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* A MasterMind group? What's that? 
