The housing market is not friendly to would-be buyers without help from mum and dad. So many are turning to the sharemarket for help.

Sophie MacPherson, 25, has been investing since she picked up a copy of The Barefoot Investor as a teenager and thought she ought to “dip a toe in”.

After eight years, she plans to use some of it for a home deposit.

MacPherson, who is a policy officer in Sydney, is among the growing number of young people turning to the sharemarket to turbocharge their savings in the hope they will make enough for a house deposit.

The combination of (until recently) lacklustre wage growth, higher rents and soaring home values make keeping up with property price growth a Sisyphean task for those trying to break into the market.

MacPherson was investing monthly into exchange-traded funds in 2022. Although she has stepped it back recently to chase high interest in her savings account, she still has about 50 per cent of her money in shares.

“Ideally, I wouldn’t liquidate my entire portfolio to buy a property, but I would liquidate some to help form a deposit,” MacPherson says, admitting it’s tricky to manage her HECS debt while breaking into Sydney’s “crazy” property market. So, she thinks it’s likely she’ll have to tap her investments.

“If the right property came up towards the end of this year or next year, we would definitely be open to putting an offer on something like that.”

Here is a guide to investing if you want to buy a property within one year, a couple of years or in a decade’s time.

Within a year

This timeframe is too short for investing in financial markets, says Melody Edwards, a financial adviser at Evalesco.

“The chance of losing capital over that amount of time is considerable,” she says. “So unless you’re flexible on your purchase date, to the extent you can ride through something happening, you really want to keep it more secure savings.”

HSBC head of investments Donahue D’Souza agrees that the amount of risk you can take on is tied closely to your timeframe.

“An investment horizon of up to two years is typically seen as short term, medium term is three to five and long term is greater than five years.”

A one-year timeframe is very short for the sharemarket, so if you’re planning to buy soon, cash is your friend, D’Souza says.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t make your money work hard.

Canstar analysis finds a person with $100,000 who put it into a high-interest saving account earning 5 per cent, and deposited $1000 a month, would earn $5018 in interest in 2025.

That means the deposit will grow to $117,018 over the 12 months, even accounting for forecast interest rate cuts in May, July, August and November (as forecast by Westpac).

Someone with a $150,000 savings balance would reach $169,401 over the same period if they contributed the same $1000 a month, while someone with $200,000 would have $221,784.

The First Home Super Saver Scheme, in which borrowers can withdraw up to $50,000 of voluntary superannuation contributions, is another option and offers some tax benefits, as savings within super are taxed at only 15 per cent.

In two to three years

If you’re thinking of buying within two years, you’d still be largely in high-interest savings accounts, says Edwards.

But once you reach three years, you may consider adding a small portion of investments, such as diversified or exchange-traded funds. “You’d probably still be 75 per cent to 80 per cent in cash,” she adds.

D’Souza agrees liquid and defensive assets – those that are less likely to lose value – should still be front-of-mind in this scenario.

“Typically, these types of investments would include high interest and bonus interest savings accounts, term deposits and government bonds, if prepared to collect coupon payments and hold to maturity,” he says.

In three to five years

You have a little more room to play here, but still not a lot.

“You’re probably opening up a bit more in terms of adding growth,” says Edwards. “With three to five years, you would start increasing the growth allocation towards 50 per cent, but you’d try to diversify it as much as possible.”

That is, you’re not putting it all into just Australian banking shares, or US tech shares.

“Especially if the amounts are smaller, in terms of the regular savings that you’re putting into your investments, the easiest way to diversify would be to track an index and that’s the most cost-effective as well. Something like [an ETF tracking the ASX or the S&P500] is something we’d look at, or a diversified growth ETF that might mix the different indices as well.”

For example, ETF providers such as Vanguard offer products based on risk tolerance. Vanguard’s diversified conservative index ETF is described as medium risk, with a three year-plus timeframe.

Its diversified balanced ETF is also medium risk, but has a timeframe of five years-plus.

Others, such as its diversified growth ETF are considered high to very-high risk, and so it recommends holding them for at least seven years.

In 10 years

It’s not uncommon for Edwards to meet clients who want to buy further than five years out, particularly if they want a house rather than a unit, or they have quite a specific property goal.

For that saver, the first step is building up a three- to six-month buffer of living expenses. This is because these savers will invest much more in growth assets, such as shares, which they don’t want to draw down upon for a long time.

“Once that buffer is built, it’s about deploying 70 to 80 per cent of their wealth into growth assets. The rest will be in cash or fixed income,” says Edwards.

Those growth investments will still be in broad ETFs or index funds.

You have a bit more time now, so you can afford to take more risk as you have longer for the market to recover, agrees D’Souza.

“This portfolio is mainly growth-oriented with increased exposure to equities, global equities, and thematic plays.

“Given the higher risk, investors will likely use active ETFs and leverage the expertise of a financial adviser or fund manager to actively manage and adjust the portfolio exposures to increase returns and actively manage the risk,” he says.

If you’ve got a 10-year timeframe, you may consider adding an element of leverage to your investment strategy.

ETF provider Betashares launched a suite of products this year called Wealth Builder ETFs. These products track an index and are leveraged at a range of 30 to 40 per cent, meaning that for every $100 invested, the investor is granted $143 to $167 worth of exposure to the related index.

Betashares says $10,000 invested in the ASX200 from September 2010 to March 2024 would have grown to $30,400, but if that same sum was leveraged at a loan-to-value ratio of 30 to 40 per cent, it would have grown to $37,400.

But, notes Edwards, any time you introduce gearing, you increase risk. “That would be something where you only put in as much as you are comfortable to lose, over that short-term period,” she says.

How do I split it?

It’s not a simple matter of transferring, say, half of your savings into ETFs in one fell swoop, says Edwards.

Instead, you need to figure out what you’re trying to achieve for your deposit and then work backwards.

She gives this example: “Let’s say the starting point is $50,000 and the target is $100,000 deposit and the timeframe is five years – to save the $50,000 you would need to put aside about $192 per week into a savings account.

“A way to potentially grow your savings would be to invest a portion of these funds, keeping sufficient funds as an emergency buffer. We typically target three to six months.

“If your annual living expenses are $60,000, keep $30,000 as your buffer and start your investment with $20,000 and then with your regular savings, direct 50 per cent to savings and 50 per cent into investments.”

If you’re starting with $100,000, and plan to invest a larger amount, say $70,000, she says it’s worth considering dollar cost averaging over four months (so $17,500 in each instalment) to minimise market timing risk.

“We would usually look at dollar cost averaging between three and six months depending on the amount invested and your comfort level. Usually, the more to invest, but less familiar with investments would take over a longer period.”

Although she’s used a five-year timeframe, she says this buyer would have to be comfortable extending their purchase date if markets were to drop and fail to recover within that span.

“The big question [for people trying to save a deposit is] what is the timeframe and what are you looking at to buy?” Edwards says.

“The answers to those questions will help guide us around what’s reasonable, and what might require a little bit more work.”

by Lucy Dean in AFR 03/01/2025

The stage three tax cuts may give you a little extra to contribute to super this year. These are your options.

If you have some holiday downtime, why not take stock of your finances and plan to use the stage three tax cuts to boost superannuation.

While people are struggling with cost-of-living pressures, the tax relief may mean you’ll have more disposable income and possibly even a surplus to invest.

Consider topping up your super because – after reducing your mortgage – it’s the most tax-effective structure for your money. And super is not just for high-income earners. Low-income earners may receive a top-up from the government after tax time of up to $1000.

Concessional contributions

Pre-tax contributions (concessional contributions) provide the opportunity to grow your retirement savings while reaping tax benefits along the way.

While the greatest benefit goes to people earning $190,000 to $250,000, those earning up to $37,000 who derive at least 10 per cent of their income from employment or business receive a low-income super tax offset payment of up to $500. It effectively refunds the 15 per cent tax paid on their super contributions.

The concessional contributions cap is $30,000, up from $27,500 in 2023-24.

The superannuation guarantee (SG) rate increased to 11.5 per cent on July 1, 2024. So, the opportunity for wage earners to make increased voluntary pre-tax contributions during this financial year is partly absorbed by the increase in their employer’s compulsory contributions.

From July 1, 2025, the SG rate rises to 12 per cent.

If you’re aged 67 to 74 and wish to claim a tax deduction for a personal contribution, you must meet the work test – 40 hours of gainful employment in 30 days.

If you can’t meet this test, but met it in 2023-24 and had a total superannuation balance below $300,000 at June 30, 2024, then you may contribute under the “work test exemption” provided you haven’t used this exemption before.

Generally, you have until 28 days after the end of the month in which you turn 75 to contribute.

Catch-up concessional contributions

If you didn’t use the full $27,500 concessional contributions cap in each of the last three financial years (or the $25,000 cap in the two years before that), then any unused amounts may be contributed this year, giving you a bigger deduction and tax saving.

Do this by making a larger personal contribution and claiming it as a tax deduction, or increasing salary sacrifice contributions.

But the catch is your total superannuation balance must have been less than $500,000 at June 30, 2024.

Unused cap amounts can be carried forward for up to five years, so this financial year is the last year to use any unused amount from 2019-20 – use it or lose it.

For some people, it may mean a tax deduction of up to $162,500. And for SMSF members able to use what is called a contribution reserving strategy and make a double contribution in June 2025, it could be as high as $192,500.

Using unused cap amounts can be extremely useful where you need to make a large one-off contribution to reduce capital gains tax arising from, say, the sale of an investment property.

Non-concessional contributions

The non-concessional (after tax) contributions cap is $120,000.

Anyone under 75 – whether working or fully retired – can make an after-tax contribution provided their total superannuation balance was less than $1.9 million at June 30, 2024.

If you haven’t triggered the bring-forward rule in the last two financial years and were under 75 at July 1, 2024, you may contribute up to $360,000 provided your total superannuation balance was less than $1.66 million at June 30, 2024, and up to $240,000 if it was $1.66 million to less than $1.78 million.

So, check your contributions since July 1, 2022. Look out for any excess concessional contributions not withdrawn from super as they count as non-concessional contributions and may have caused you to inadvertently trigger the bring-forward rule – a trap for the unwary.

Downsizer contributions

From age 55, you may be eligible to make a downsizer contribution of up to $300,000 ($600,000 for a couple) where you sell a home that you or your spouse owned for at least 10 years and contribute the proceeds within 90 days of settlement.

A downsizer contribution allows you to boost your super even if you’re otherwise ineligible to contribute due to age or total superannuation balance – you can contribute even if you’re aged 75 or more or have $1.9 million or more in super.

Other contributions

If your income will be less than $45,400 with at least 10 per cent of it coming from employment or business, then consider contributing $1000 to get a $500 top-up from the government – free money. But you must be under 71.

The co-contribution progressively reduces where you earn between $45,400 and $60,400.

You could make a contribution for your spouse provided they’re under 75.

If your spouse earns less than $37,000 and you contribute up to $3000, you can claim an 18 per cent tax offset – a benefit of up to $540. The tax offset progressively reduces where they earn between $37,000 and $40,000.

Boosting your spouse’s super while getting a tax benefit in the process is a win-win situation.

If you’re an eligible small business owner selling your business or an active business asset, don’t overlook the opportunity to make a CGT cap contribution of up to $1.78 million.

And if you’re using super to save for your first home, a voluntary contribution of up to $15,000 will help you get to the maximum releasable amount of $50,000 under the First Home Super Saver Scheme quicker – it takes years to get the greatest benefit from the scheme.

Starting a super pension

If you’re looking to start your first pension, the limit on how much you can transfer into it – the general transfer balance cap – is $1.9 million.

On July 1, this cap may increase to $2 million depending on movements in the CPI – meaning you could get more into the tax-free retirement phase.

So, if you’re going to be limited by this cap (which also affects how much you can receive by way of a death benefit pension when a loved one dies), you may want to hold off starting a pension – other than a transition to retirement pension – until then.

If you started a pension before July 1, 2024, your transfer balance cap will be less. You can obtain it from ATO Online via myGov.

Should you require more income than the requisite minimum, consider taking it as a lump sum withdrawal – partial commutation – because it helps your transfer balance cap.

Now is an ideal time to plan to get ahead of the game before tax time in June, which will be upon us before you know it.

by Colin Lewis AFR 03/01/2025

Change is an inevitable part of any organization’s growth and success. Whether it’s adopting new technology, restructuring teams, or shifting strategies, professionals often lead change initiatives with the goal of improving efficiency, productivity, or innovation. However, one critical aspect is frequently overlooked—the emotional impact change has on individuals.

In the rush to implement change effectively, many professionals focus on the technicalities: updating systems, revising processes, and aligning resources. While these elements are important, they often fail to consider the human element—the fears, uncertainties, and emotional responses that accompany any transition. This oversight can lead to resistance, disengagement, and a lack of support for the change initiative.

The Emotional Impact of Change

Humans are inherently resistant to change, particularly when it’s unexpected or feels imposed. For many, change represents uncertainty, and uncertainty triggers fear. Will the change make their jobs harder? Will they lose their sense of security? Will they be left behind? These are just some of the questions that may arise in people’s minds.

Even well-intentioned and strategically planned changes can be met with resistance if the emotional side is ignored. For example, a new software system may promise to improve productivity, but employees may feel overwhelmed by the learning curve. Similarly, a restructuring effort designed to streamline operations may leave staff members worried about job security, despite no official announcements about layoffs.

This emotional turmoil can manifest in various ways—stress, frustration, disengagement, or even sabotage of the new initiatives. People may go through a psychological cycle similar to the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, and acceptance. When these feelings aren’t addressed, they can slow down the change process, erode trust in leadership, and ultimately undermine the success of the initiative.

The Mistake: Focusing Solely on the Technical Aspects

One of the most common mistakes professionals make when leading change is overemphasizing the technical side and underestimating the emotional side. When leaders concentrate on the logistical elements—such as timelines, budgets, or new tools—they may assume that people will naturally embrace the change if it’s presented as the best solution.

While these technical factors are important, they aren’t enough on their own. If the emotional responses to change are not addressed, employees may feel alienated, ignored, or unsupported. This can lead to a lack of trust in leadership, decreased morale, and ultimately, failure to achieve the desired outcomes.

Moreover, professionals may inadvertently communicate change in a way that seems top-down or impersonal, rather than fostering a sense of involvement and shared purpose. Without an emphasis on clear, empathetic communication and active listening, employees may feel disconnected from the goals of the change.

How to Avoid This Mistake: Leading Change with Emotional Intelligence

To avoid the mistake of overlooking the emotional side of change, leaders should integrate emotional intelligence into their change management strategies. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand, manage, and influence emotions—both your own and those of others. In the context of change, high EQ can be a game-changer in guiding people through the transition.

Here are some key strategies for addressing the emotional side of change:

1. Communicate Transparently and Frequently

Effective communication is crucial during times of change. Leaders should clearly explain why the change is happening, how it will impact employees, and what the expected outcomes are. This transparency helps alleviate anxiety by removing the uncertainty surrounding the change.

Regular updates and open channels for feedback are also essential. When people feel heard and informed, they’re more likely to trust the process and embrace the change.

2. Acknowledge the Emotional Impact

It’s important to acknowledge that change is emotional. By recognizing the concerns and feelings that employees may have, leaders create a space where people feel understood. Empathy is a powerful tool—it fosters trust and collaboration.

Leaders can also create support systems such as mentoring, coaching, or counseling services to help individuals cope with the emotional challenges of change.

3. Involve Employees in the Process

People are more likely to embrace change when they have a sense of ownership. Involving employees in the planning and implementation stages can ease resistance and create a sense of partnership. When employees are given a chance to voice their opinions and contribute to the change, they are more invested in its success.

4. Provide Training and Support

Offer training sessions, resources, and guidance to help employees navigate the change. This reduces fear by giving individuals the tools they need to succeed in the new environment. The more confident employees feel, the more likely they are to support the change.

Change is challenging, but it’s also an opportunity for growth. Professionals who fail to consider the emotional side of change risk sabotaging their own efforts. By leading with empathy, communicating transparently, and involving employees in the process, professionals can guide their teams through change more effectively. When emotional and technical aspects are balanced, change becomes not just a transition—but a transformation that employees can embrace and thrive within.

Human decision-making often hinges on two powerful yet distinct forces: instinct and intuition. While they may seem similar, they originate from entirely different aspects of our being. Understanding these forces not only sheds light on our behaviors but also empowers us to make more informed and balanced decisions. Here, we’ll explore five key distinctions between instinct and intuition, highlighting how each plays a unique role in our lives.

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1. Origin: Nature vs. Experience

At its core, instinct is a biological inheritance. It is hardwired into us to ensure survival, such as the instinct to pull our hand back from a hot stove or the fight-or-flight response to danger. These responses are embedded in our DNA and shared across species.

In contrast, intuition stems from subconscious processing of our accumulated experiences and knowledge. It is not something we are born with but something we develop over time. For example, a seasoned entrepreneur might “just know” when a business deal feels off. That gut feeling comes from years of learning, pattern recognition, and subconscious analysis.

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2. Consciousness: Automatic vs. Awareness-Driven

Instinct operates on autopilot, bypassing conscious thought entirely. It is an immediate, automatic reaction to stimuli, ensuring quick responses in critical moments. For example, flinching when something suddenly moves toward you is an instinctive response.

On the other hand, intuition involves subtle awareness. It is not as immediate as instinct and requires a moment of internal processing. Intuition often manifests as a quiet whisper or a gut feeling that guides decision-making. While it may not demand conscious thought, it is deeply influenced by our subconscious mind and emotional intelligence.

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3. Universality: Shared vs. Personal

Instincts are universal across species. They are the same for everyone and follow predictable patterns, such as the maternal instinct to protect offspring or the instinct to seek shelter during a storm. These behaviors are consistent because they are evolutionarily programmed for survival.

Intuition, however, is highly personal. It varies greatly from person to person, depending on their individual life experiences, knowledge, and perceptions. For instance, a musician might intuitively recognize the right note to play in a melody, while a chef might instinctively know when a dish needs more seasoning.

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4. Complexity: Simple Reactions vs. Holistic Insights

Instinct is straightforward and specific. Its simplicity is its strength, as it enables quick and decisive actions. For instance, hunger is an instinctive drive that signals the need to eat, ensuring we sustain ourselves.

In contrast, intuition is more complex and multi-faceted. It integrates diverse pieces of information—sometimes without us realizing it—into a cohesive insight. Imagine walking into a room and instantly sensing tension between people. This intuitive awareness arises from subtle cues like body language and tone of voice, processed subconsciously into a holistic understanding of the situation.

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5. Timeframe of Development: Innate vs. Learned

Instinct is present from birth or develops naturally without the need for learning. A baby instinctively cries to signal discomfort, and animals instinctively know how to hunt or migrate. These behaviors require no training.

Intuition, by contrast, is cultivated over time. It grows stronger with experience and learning. For instance, a firefighter develops an intuitive sense of danger in a burning building through years of exposure to similar situations. This ability is not innate but honed through practice and reflection.

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Bringing It All Together

While instinct and intuition often work in tandem, understanding their differences can help us use them more effectively. Instinct is our primal safeguard, reacting quickly to protect us from harm. It keeps us grounded in the physical world. Intuition, on the other hand, is our subtle guide, offering deeper insights that draw from our personal experiences and subconscious wisdom.

Imagine facing a critical decision. Instinct might urge you to flee a threatening situation, while intuition could provide nuanced guidance, helping you navigate the challenge more strategically. Recognizing when to rely on instinct and when to trust intuition is a skill that can transform how we approach life’s complexities.

By decoding these natural forces, we gain the ability to align with both our biological heritage and our learned wisdom, creating a balance between survival and self-awareness. Instinct keeps us alive, but intuition helps us thrive.

Which will you listen to today—nature’s reflex or the mind’s wisdom?

When we travel overseas, we regularly find ourselves taking note and appreciating those subtle reminders of home.

Strolling past an RM Williams store in London, coming across our renowned surf or health brands in retail outlets, a famous Australian on the world sporting stage, or familiar brands of food and wine products in supermarkets.

Yet, there’s one major Australian export that is increasingly everywhere, but goes almost unnoticed, and that’s your super savings.

But make no mistake, as your super fund scours the world looking for opportunities to grow your retirement savings: it’s also strengthening not only Australia’s economic and diplomatic ties, but shoring up our growing influence on the international financial landscape as well.

While much of this flows into financial markets with investment in companies, it’s also being invested into ‘real’ assets.

So next time you find yourself in an airport in Vienna or Manchester, driving on a toll road in Italy, the USA or France, using the high-speed internet in regional Germany or spellbound by the magic of AI in the US, home might be closer than first thought. Indeed, there’s a pretty good chance you might even own a piece of these assets yourselves.

That’s the power of super – it gives working people a chance to gain exposure to multi-billion-dollar infrastructure investments that would otherwise not be possible. It lets hardworking Australians invest and own assets as though they’re the wealthiest people in the world.

This is a trend that will only continue as the Australian superannuation system expands – so much so, that capital itself will, in fact, become one of Australia’s most important exports. For a country renowned for its exports, that’s no mean feat.

The numbers speak for themselves – and they’re getting bigger and bigger. As of September, this year, the total pool of Aussies’ retirement savings is $4.1 trillion, or around 149 per cent of GDP – one of the largest pools of retirement capital in the world as a percentage of GDP.

By 2040, this pool of capital is expected to reach around $11 trillion or 193 per cent. Of this, the ‘institutional’ funds (industry, retail and government) account for $2.8 trillion currently, and this is expected to get to just over $8 trillion.

This capital is truly going global.

Institutional funds currently have around $1.2 trillion in offshore investments – or around 46 per cent of their invested assets.

If this proportion holds, the current quantum will need to treble to around $3.6 trillion invested overseas by 2040.

It is likely that this asset allocation will edge upwards somewhat as the Australian economy and the investment opportunities it presents simply won’t grow fast enough to absorb this. To put this task in context, the additional $2.4 trillion that will flow offshore is around 63 per cent of the just under $4 trillion Australia invests in total in overseas assets currently.

Where will it all go? Australian capital will clearly go to all corners of the globe, diversifying across global financial markets and real assets.

Alex Joiner AFR 22-Jan-25

For centuries, the way spiritual energy flows between the inner and outer worlds has been a mystery, guarded by spiritual masters and hidden places of power. But the tides of change are upon us—shifts are happening, and long-dormant energies are awakening. Are you ready to step into the unknown and help shape the future?

The unseen forces at work in our universe are not mere fantasy; they operate with a precision akin to science. These energy flows connect us to the deeper currents of life, influencing the patterns of existence in ways we’re only beginning to understand. As this ancient wisdom resurfaces, it invites us to harness its potential—not just for ourselves, but for the greater good of humanity.

The Awakening of Dormant Powers

The world is undergoing a profound transformation. Places of power, long silent, are reactivating, and their latent energies are beginning to flow. To engage with these changes, we must first understand them. This isn’t about returning to an exclusive knowledge reserved for mystics; it’s about reclaiming what belongs to all of us—a heritage of esoteric wisdom that is as old as humanity itself.

This awakening has the power to reshape the world. The energy it carries isn’t just a tool for personal growth or spiritual awakening—it’s a force for collective evolution. It’s about stepping beyond self-centered goals and aligning with a broader purpose. The question is, will you embrace this call to action or resist the changes it brings?

Crossing the Threshold of Fear

Transitions are never easy. At every juncture in history, there are those who welcome change and those who cling to the familiar. To truly contribute to this new era, we must free ourselves from the grip of fear and conditioning. It requires courage to step into the unknown, but the reward is profound: the chance to participate in shaping a future that benefits all life.

This work isn’t confined to mystics or spiritual leaders. It’s for anyone willing to look beyond the surface and connect with the deeper rhythms of life. The task at hand is immense—bridging the gap between the inner and outer worlds, between the spiritual and the material. But it’s also vital. The patterns we set now will define the coming age.

Building the Bridge Between Worlds

At the heart of this transformation is a bridge—a connection between the visible and invisible realms. This isn’t some ethereal fantasy of rainbow colors and mystic visions. It’s a tangible structure, grounded in the physical world but infused with the essence of the inner worlds.

This bridge is nearly complete, and when it is, it will transform how humanity interacts with the unseen forces of the universe. Accessible to all, it will nourish our collective spirit in ways previously unimaginable. No longer will we depend on intermediaries like priests or shamans to access higher realms. This connection will be personal, direct, and universal.

Finding Your Individual Connection

For each of us, this bridge represents our unique link to the inner world of the soul. You may glimpse it in dreams, feel it in the creative flow of painting or music, or sense it in moments of inexplicable joy. Through this connection, the ordinary comes alive with meaning, and the impossible becomes possible.

As we embrace this new reality, knowledge will flow freely—secrets of how the worlds interconnect, how light can heal and transform, how dreams guide us, and how the hidden properties of matter can be harnessed. This bridge is designed to withstand skepticism and control, ensuring it remains a tool for all of humanity.

A Collective Path Forward

Like the internet, this bridge belongs to everyone. It’s a network of energy and wisdom, guarded by forces of love and light. Its purpose is clear: to empower humanity to live in harmony with the universe, free from the shadows of ignorance and control.

As the masters of love complete this work, the question remains—will you cross the bridge? Will you let go of fear, embrace the unknown, and play your part in this great unfolding? The future is being born, and it’s calling for all of us to rise.

In today’s hyper-connected world, Finding Flow offers an unsettling proposition: the digital age is making it harder to experience flow. With constant distractions from social media, notifications, and multitasking, our attention is fragmented. Csikszentmihalyi explains that flow requires an uninterrupted focus on a specific activity, something that is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain in the age of constant connectivity.

The problem with digital distractions is not just that they take us away from tasks, but that they prevent us from entering a state of deep, undistracted engagement. When our attention is constantly being diverted, it becomes nearly impossible to achieve the mental immersion necessary for flow. Csikszentmihalyi warns that this constant fragmentation of attention not only makes us less productive but also less happy. Without flow, we miss out on the satisfaction and joy that come from fully engaging in an activity.

In the digital age, cultivating flow requires a conscious effort to disconnect from distractions. Csikszentmihalyi urges us to take a step back from the constant noise and prioritize activities that allow us to focus deeply. This could mean turning off notifications, setting aside time for deep work, or creating environments where distractions are minimized. In doing so, we can reclaim the flow experiences that digital life often threatens to erase.

As we face an ever-increasing digital world, the challenge is clear: how can we create spaces in our lives that allow for uninterrupted focus, and in doing so, rediscover the deep satisfaction that flow provides?

In the realm of personal development and goal setting, most approaches emphasize the power of focus, visualization, and strong will. While these traditional models have their place, there’s an alternative that delves deeper into the essence of creation—one that aligns more consciously with the heart, rather than the will.

Creating from the Heart

True creativity, and by extension true manifestation, isn’t born from sheer determination or mental focus. It emerges from an open and receptive heart. Being truly open—allowing space for the unknown and unplanned—is vital for authentic creation. This heart-centered approach requires us to embrace the ability to do nothing, at least for a moment. Not in a passive sense, but in a way that encourages awareness and presence, rather than action for action’s sake.

Contrary to popular belief in many personal growth teachings, which advocate for “creating your reality” through forceful intention and constant visualization, this conscious approach suggests that the most profound changes are born not from active effort, but from an alert stillness. Your consciousness is always creating, even when you aren’t aware of it. But when it comes to consciously creating, the key lies not in willpower but in deep self-awareness.

The Inner Reflection of Change

External changes—whether they’re in your career, relationships, or environment—are always reflections of inner transformations. When inner processes are fully realized, only then does the outer world shift to mirror this change. If we push too hard from the outside—focusing obsessively on goals or outcomes—we risk overlooking the internal shifts necessary to sustain these changes. This disconnect can lead to frustration and unmet expectations, as we are not creating from the true depth of our soul.

The soul speaks in moments of stillness and surrender. It is often when we stop trying, and even when we feel like giving up, that the clearest guidance from our inner self emerges. It is not the act of giving up that brings clarity, but the release of expectations. When we let go of the need to control outcomes, we become receptive to what is, and in that space, we create more authentically.

Releasing Expectations and Limiting Beliefs

Holding onto rigid ideas of what we “should” want or achieve often narrows the creative possibilities available to us. When we are fixed on a specific outcome, such as a job title or relationship, we confine our potential to the borders of what we already know. True creation requires stepping beyond those psychological boundaries and welcoming the unknown.

Instead of focusing so intensely on the specifics of what you desire, consider approaching your goals with openness and curiosity. This doesn’t mean abandoning all desires; rather, it’s about recognizing that what you seek may contain aspects you haven’t yet imagined. It’s about creating space for something new to emerge.

The Power of Self-Acceptance

At the core of heart-centered creation is self-acceptance. No amount of goal-setting, visualization, or positive thinking can manifest a reality that doesn’t align with your true feelings and beliefs. When there’s a disconnect between your inner world and the reality you’re trying to create, confusion and doubt set in. You might think, “I’m working so hard, but nothing is changing.”

Self-acceptance is a form of love, and love is the greatest magnet for positive change. When you fully accept and love yourself for who you are—right now, in all your struggles and imperfections—you naturally attract circumstances that reflect that self-love. It’s as simple as that.

Instead of striving for perfection, embrace your humanity with all its quirks. Humor helps, too. Perfection, after all, is an illusion. The real power comes from recognizing your own inner light, just as you are.

Embracing the Heart-Centered Approach

Creating from the heart means recognizing the beauty and sincerity in your current self, imperfections and all. It’s about sowing the seeds of your future reality by acknowledging the light within you here and now. Rather than focusing on controlling outcomes, this conscious approach encourages you to trust the process, stay open, and allow the most aligned and authentic version of your reality to unfold.

This shift doesn’t reject traditional models of goal setting but offers a deeper, more connected way to create—a way that honors both your inner transformation and the unfolding of your external world.

In a society that often celebrates individual accomplishments and the idea of “going it alone,” Linda Seger’s concept of Web Thinking challenges us to redefine what success really means. Seger argues that true success isn’t about independence or individual milestones; instead, it’s rooted in interconnectedness and the positive impact we make within a larger system of relationships. This shift in perspective calls into question many of our most cherished beliefs about achievement.

Traditional definitions of success—wealth, status, or personal accolades—tend to focus on individual outcomes. The message is clear: work hard, stand out, and earn recognition. Yet, Seger points out that in our increasingly interconnected world, this individualistic mindset is insufficient for the problems and opportunities we face. Real success, she suggests, can only be understood within a network of relationships, where the ripple effects of our actions create meaningful, collective progress.

Consider the workplace: leaders who focus solely on their own rise up the ranks often fail to foster true, lasting success. But leaders who cultivate team cohesion, share knowledge, and support others’ growth tend to create more resilient, innovative teams. Their success is defined not by personal accolades but by the collective achievements of those they empower. Similarly, entrepreneurs who prioritize community impact or sustainability often contribute to a stronger, more interconnected system that benefits everyone—not just shareholders.

In this light, Web Thinking proposes that our definition of success should shift from “What did I achieve?” to “How did my actions positively affect others?” This perspective applies to everything from relationships to environmental stewardship, emphasizing that interconnectedness—not independence—is key to meaningful achievement.

Seger’s approach encourages us to consider how our personal goals align with the well-being of others and the greater good. By viewing success through an interconnected lens, we foster values like empathy, collaboration, and sustainability. It’s a radical yet inspiring reminder that in a truly connected world, our highest achievements are those that strengthen the web we’re all a part of, making success something we can share, grow, and celebrate together.

In a society that thrives on noise, constant activity, and multitasking, the concept of silence often seems counterintuitive to success. However, in Radical Intuition, Kim Chestney argues that silence is a powerful tool for unlocking our deepest intuitive wisdom. In a world overwhelmed with distractions, learning to quiet the mind could be the key to accessing your true potential.

Chestney suggests that we live in a culture that values constant doing—whether it’s answering emails, making decisions, or running from one task to another. But in our relentless pursuit of productivity, we often miss the subtle, powerful messages that come from within. Our intuition, she claims, requires space to emerge. Just like a radio signal, it needs a quiet frequency to be heard clearly.

When we create moments of silence—whether through meditation, nature walks, or simply pausing throughout the day—we allow our inner wisdom to surface. This silence doesn’t just offer peace; it opens a channel to deeper knowing, creativity, and clarity. In those quiet moments, we may discover solutions to problems, gain insights into our personal lives, or receive guidance that we hadn’t considered before.

What if the key to your next big breakthrough isn’t more effort, but more stillness? Chestney encourages us to rethink how we approach growth and success. Instead of constantly pushing forward, we should create space for our intuitive voices to rise from the depths of our being. Embracing silence, she argues, could be the most powerful way to unlock the untapped potential within us all.