If you've experienced Genius Bootcamp, then you already know what it means to be stuck in a story. You know how easily the mind can spiral. And you’ve seen what happens when you let go of the drama and realize that what you really want can be created from absolutely nothing.

Here’s the truth:
It doesn’t matter what your story is.
It doesn’t matter what’s happened in your past.
It doesn’t even matter what’s happening around you right now.

You get to CREATE—from a completely blank slate—starting today.
Watch the video below to find out how.

But first, let me share a message I received from a reader over fifteen years ago. What I want you to notice is how much her story seems to matter to her. Yes, she eventually had a few questions—but notice how long it takes for her to actually get to the point.

TLDR: If you feel like you need to unload a mountain of background before making a request…
you’re probably stuck in a story.

So, what’s the problem with that?

Well, the way we think about our circumstances is often the very thing keeping us trapped in them.
We relive the past. We retell the details. We replay the struggle.

And all of that keeps us from stepping into the new life we want to create.

If you really want to experience transformation, you need to think differently about what’s happening now.
People are either focused on what IS, or they’re focused on what could be.
You can’t do both effectively at the same time.

For years, I couldn’t bring myself to publish her message.

I flagged it way back in 2007, thinking, “Someday, I’ll write about this.”
But every time I sat down to do it, I felt overwhelmed.

She was kind and generous in her praise, and her desire for help was genuine. I know her heart was in the right place. But what she didn’t realize was how deeply stuck she was—not because of her circumstances, but because of the need to keep thinking about them.

(Side note: she was remarkably cheerful and optimistic—something to be admired! But still… her focus remained firmly fixed on what IS.)

If you make it to the end, I’ll show you a more powerful, lawful way to ask for help—not just from mentors like me, but from life… and from God Himself.

Ready? Let’s go.

She wrote:

Hi Leslie,

Your own personal story and Felicity's sound A LOT like mine, and your husband's and Richard's (including the rich brother's), A LOT like my husband! I'm a 37 year old, lifetime LDS woman; wife and mother of five, ages 9-16. I love teaching (any subject; especially gospel/self improvement/light & joy increase), learning and playing, especially out on cool days in the warm sunshine (preferably mountains or ocean).

We have almost broken through! I can feel that we are right there! There are just a few more steps!! We have been all over the place too; for seminars, energy work, book groups, mastermind groups, home study courses and daily emails and I LOVE YOUR STYLE!

I feel like, if there's anyone I could learn from most effectively and efficiently, covering all areas I want to cover, along with my personal beliefs; it's got to be you! As far as I am aware, you are not doing any public speaking right away and I am at the point of desperation now, and am coming to you for suggestion, I hope your heart will be softened and everything is aligned so that you can read. Once we do break through, we plan to lift others and put all of this positive energy you share, right back into the "system", building Heavenly Father's kingdom...

For several years now, thank goodness, my husband and I (married 1990 in St. George temple) have been attracting teachings on abundance, healing, change/shift, etc. Your own story is almost word for word the same as ours, minus a child or two due to miscarriages and 1 stillborn.

My husband read your book, The Jackrabbit Factor over a year ago when some associates at a conference/seminar we were at recommended it, to help him figure out what he wanted. He LOVED it! We've been on your email list ever since.

I finished it and your "Hidden Treasures" book when invited to be in the book group I'm in currently with an active radio/tv guest speaker from here in Utah county. These books are FABULOUS!

It all started out years ago after getting completely out of debt besides our house, then losing our position. We were real excited about Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover" and "The Millionaire Next Door" (it was a start!), then realized that a more inward change was needed.

On to Carol Tuttle and her book / seminars. We've done Mastermind groups with Bob Proctor's books, several of Robert Kiyosaki's books and Anthony Robbin's. We've done "The Passion Test", "Now Discover Your Strengths", and "How Full is Your Bucket?", and Jack Canfield's, "The Success Principles". We even did James Ray's "Harmonic Wealth" weekend in San Diego, CA.

Eventually we signed up for another training program, which alone was $7,500 that we didn't have in savings (probably still paying on that); but wanted to BE SERIOUS/DEDICATED! Because, we KNOW that things can change for us! My husband signed up, but hasn't completed this other program. I even signed up for a Million Dollar Woman Professional Speaking course to promote the value and ability of a woman.

All of these programs have been very helpful and I know we have changed energetically / intellectually, quite a bit. We are a VERY rich family in all other areas. We really do feel blessed, and like our R.S. President said to me recently, "If anyone knew your family was struggling, I'm sure they'd be on your doorstep pleading to help!" And they already have been!

We once had a 4,200 sq. ft. dream house (1998-2000) and a savings of 9 months living expenses, but couldn't hold it. I think it was because of guilt. But, we recognize that now. We have had on-going miracles of things showing up for over 10 years off and on when the need arises. I won't even tell anyone, but, it still shows up! Amazing. (I would just cry as I recognized the hand of Christ in our lives.)

We've had piano lessons DONATED by a young woman saving for college when we told her that all three of our children she taught would no longer be able to attend lessons. She somehow got it out of me that we just couldn't afford it with our financial situation, and pleaded with me to continue on...without charge for at least 9 months before she left for college!

We've even been given a "free of rent" 3,700 sq. ft.home to live in within the exclusive Alpine Country Club, for seven whole months at one point, utilities was all that was expected to be covered!

We have never missed out on Christmas. Santa is real, did you know that? We've had the biggest Christmases EVER delivered to our doorstep via Santa's helpers; just after I had finally broke down and told our 5 kids, ages 3-10 at the time, that they were NOT naughty, but Santa just wasn't coming because he is just an idea, that *we* would be Santa's to our neighbors instead, and experience just as much joy through the little secret actions we would do that would cost us nothing.

And they were fine with it! (I cried again!) We have such amazing children! And THESE things are HUGE! I'm beginning to sort of feel like a con-artist! YIKES!

But, WE WANT TO GIVE BACK!!!

We have served faithfully in several leadership callings in the church, and our testimonies have not wavered. We have donated time to our community and children's schools. We have attended the temple regularly, and like you said, "babysat for others who really needed it" and similar acts.

We've even donated our money when we have received large tax returns, etc. Our children have worked hard, earned money and bought their own clothes, vision contacts, violin lessons, trampoline, and inflatable pool for summer. (We bought the inflatable pool because our bank card declined when we went to purchase our pool pass. This was very sad, not to mention embarrassing).

SO... while so many things are going well for us, we have wondered how we could ALSO be creating so many difficulties for ourselves:

• Miscarriages
• A stillborn
• Loss of job- lay off in that AT&T crash in 2000,
• Loss of car, which (after all the blood, sweat and tears to finally pay it off), was landed on by a very large deer and totaled during a time when we could NOT afford to purchase another and make a payment
• Child with loss of hearing
• Moving 13 times in 17 years
• Husband on and off with jobs for the last 7 years and STILL trying to figure out what he really wants and what skills and gifts he has to share that are worth FINANCIAL income (not to mention the "normal" little things that happen in married/family life).

Thank goodness our credit has ALWAYS been VERY good! I have always managed to do "extra" work on the side of raising and sometimes homeschooling our children. I, from the time we married (like you), worked outside the home until the 1st child. Back to work syndrome hit after just a week or so back. From then on, when we still lived in So. Cal, I ran a very successful, small child care/ preschool business out of our rented home, taught swim lessons in my parents back yard pool, and for the past 12 years now in Utah have done little things here and there.

Years ago (after my husband's 2-year layoff of regular income, working 3 jobs at a time after having gone from a high paid executive with AT&T) I started my Reading Specialist certification, and have been tutoring out of our home for 4 years now. It has been very successful and I have seen the need, and feel very blessed to have something to give that has a fairly big "reward" as Bob Proctor puts it ($25 +/ 45min. session), for my "at home" service.

Every once in a while, with my own children having so many needs while I've been tutoring, I have felt like screaming.

But, for the most part, they have been very considerate and understand the need; therefore, I believe, are willing to work with me! I have been able to, just this summer, train a very capable young gal to tutor with me and she takes over when it is necessary that I travel for a 2nd business I am working with; Healthy Chocolate.

Thank goodness we were making SOME through my businesses, because for the past year, my husband has been without good income, and then the opportunity he was investing in fell through, and we have been without work again.

After our credit card debt began to pile up, and we were then struggling to make the payments of those too, we decided that to keep good with all finances, we needed to ask for help.... uuuuggghhhhh! As you can tell, this is NOT something we are okay with and are not in the practice of doing!

So, like the church suggests, we went to family first, with no luck (still working a little bit on the no bitter feelings, no judgment thing- some of them LOOK to be literal multi-millionaires, who knows? They either refused or suggested telling the Bishop...interesting when some of them serve on the High Council and you'd think they'd KNOW).

So, a very close friend of mine and her family (family friends), bless her heart, is donating $800/month to our family, and the Bishop is helping us in making up the shortage after what I am making. My husband's inner shift is happening, and I am continuously learning and changing generational beliefs and patterns that I didn't even recognize (of course). Those about being provided for, and that money represents another tangible evidence of God's love for me to which I do NOT need to feel guilty about, but just find good to do with.

My family is good; therefore, start there! Because of the success and joy we feel in our family, our dream is to start a family business that builds stronger families. I know you have similar interest. We have a great business plan and title we plan to change our LLC name to. We really feel that this could be successful and fulfilling AND allow my husband the opportunity to use skills that he has which previously have not been used for financial reward.

We feel like we need to get a stronger financial base before we plunge in to it. We've got 3 boys and one girl that all plan on serving missions for sure. Because we had them all very close together (within 3 1/2 years), they could all be serving VERY close and over lapping time periods. Who knows, they may all go out and have no problem coming up with the remainder of the money they need to pay for themselves, but, we want to be financially free to choose by then, now only starting in less than 5 years! (our last may choose to go also; but she's a girl, 9 years old and not chosen yet).

All of these wonderful programs, CD's, learning sets like yours and Bob Proctor's are available for a price. We love them, and want them all, of course. I have already downloaded and am working through the free ones. It all sounds familiar, but, I'll DO IT AGAIN! I am NOT asking for free stuff!

Didn't you say it took you 7 years? Maybe I'll skip a few years and go straight to bed and start creating better! ;) Do you have any suggestions for stubborn people like me?

I've never really considered myself stubborn, really; but why else would I be "stuck"! Thank goodness we are a happy, healthy family! But, money has been known to bring people down. It is quite heavy if you aren't doing it right. After all, here we are, coming upon Christmas again! When will WE get to be the ones to GIVE!???

I know it's up to me. Do I just picture our family going out and buying all of the gifts and food for a needy family? Picture the excitement, being grateful for plenty of $100 dollar bills in my hand, then going from my hands to the check out girl like, "my pleasure, got that covered!..."?

The fun of wrapping and dropping the gifts off to an non-expectant family? I am not trying to be silly or sarcastic, I am totally serious! You may see a pattern already, I have a feeling I am not alone! In our last Stake Leadership meeting, after breaking off to our auxiliaries, it was brought to our attention that one of the biggest problem issues for our Relief Society sisters is finances. A lot of the sisters have not attracted or been willing listen to this information. SAD! Maybe soon.

If you do see a pattern, or have felt inspired with the knowledge you have, if you would kindly lead me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated. You are wonderful. Thank you for your time; for all you have been willing to learn, share and sacrifice. You have touched many lives for good!

I responded:

Hi Michelle, ...yes, we do have a lot in common.  As I've talked with others who have been down the same path as you and I, I've been told that two things in particular have been of the most benefit. One doesn't cost anything and the other does, so you'll just have to follow your heart on this one.

Maybe you've already seen it, but if you haven't, I'd suggest setting aside 1 1/2 hours to watch a free video we have on our site.  It was taped while we were on vacation in Idaho, so it's kind of goofy and my hair isn't done and I squirted some foundation on my shirt in the bathroom RIGHT before we started, but I think you'll enjoy it and discover something new. Let me know if it helps and then we can go from there in terms of additional recommendations if you still need some. Warmest regards, Leslie

She replied:

Leslie,

Oh my word!  I can hardly believe this!  My prayers were answered again!  Thank you sooooo much for your response!  I know you didn't need to do that and that your time is just as valuable (but more) as mine...THANK YOU!!!!  I am so grateful. Do you mean the stickman video?  If so, I LOVE IT!  I did watch it, and that's where I discovered my love for YOUR style over others.  I had already read all of your stuff and loved it, but I hadn't heard you or seen you teach.  I love how you just teach it as a simple truth!!

I now have my husband, girlfriends, neighbors and their dogs watching it all around the states! I DID learn a lot. I must be shifting because even though I have "heard it all", it's kind of like the scriptures, and like Bob Proctor talks about, there's just something that happens with repetition and a different style/approach each time you hear it!

I'm like you; now that I know I love your style (it just sinks in easier, you know), I'd drive any distance, pay any amount (even if it is on credit) to spend time in/with your energy! For now, I will stick to a new Bob Proctor set, "The Art of Thinking" that I manifested just yesterday!  I bought it from a wonderful friend who went to his big Coaching Conference in Florida and came home with several sets to sell. I wouldn't have asked her about it though, had I not seen it on yours and his "Insight of the Day" emails. Just having this in my possession is "the law of attraction in action!" in itself!! ;)

I'll keep working on this until I hear more from you.  I am sooo excited!  You have made my day, week, month... Smiles!

Okay, reader—here’s my commentary:

First off, congratulations if you’ve made it this far!

I genuinely appreciate this woman’s praise, and I truly feel for her in her dilemma. Honestly, I’m grateful she took the time to write it all out, because this is such a common challenge for so many people. So let’s break it down.

✅ Does she have a firm handle on what’s going on in her life right now? YES.
✅ Is she pretty clear about what’s happened in her past? Absolutely.
She gave us lots of details on both.

But did you also notice how her mind seemed to be spinning? She could hardly explain one piece without veering into another side note. So many parentheticals. So many detours. You can feel her urgency not to leave out any detail that might matter.

It was dizzying—for me as the reader, and probably for her, daily.

When I first opened the message, I expected to see a clear request—something I might be able to respond to with real help. But as I read through paragraph after paragraph, I found myself skimming to locate the actual questions. Not because I wasn’t interested in her story, but because I was more interested in knowing how I could help.

And to help someone, I first need to know what they want.

Finally, buried near the end, she asked three questions:

• Do you have any suggestions for stubborn people like me?

• Do I just picture our family going out and buying all the gifts and food for a needy family? Picture the excitement, being grateful for plenty of $100 dollar bills in my hand, then going from my hands to the check out girl like, "my pleasure, got that covered!..."? The fun of wrapping and dropping the gifts off to a non-expectant family?

• If you do see a pattern, or have felt inspired with the knowledge you have, if you would kindly lead me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated.

So essentially, she wanted to know if she should visualize those things—and if I could lead her in the right direction.

Honestly, that’s a lot of backstory to get to a few vague, and frankly, half-hearted requests. The answers to these questions are already in my books.

When I look at how many words she spent on her story compared to how few she used for her request, it’s clear to me that she wasn’t really seeking direction—she just wanted to feel heard and understood. Which is okay, if that’s what she really needed.

But if I’m honest, it also sounds like she doesn’t fully know what she wants at all.

The dream of “giving back” seems like a noble attempt to find something—anything—that lights her up. And I get that. I’ve been there (and wrote about it). But that dream doesn’t seem to hold enough passion for her yet, or she wouldn’t be asking me to tell her what to do with it.

She mentioned she’d read Jackrabbit Factor and Hidden Treasures—but it appears she hasn’t yet applied what’s taught in them. It’s easy to fall into the trap of “ever learning, and never [being] able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” So here’s what I’d say to her: stop signing up for new programs until you’ve done something—anything—with what you’ve already learned.

Jackrabbit Factor teaches that when your dream is vivid and your desire strong, inspired next steps begin to surface naturally. You’ll know what to do because you’ll be ready, committed, and emotionally connected to your vision.

A better approach:

Here’s some advice—not just for getting help from a mentor, but even more importantly, for getting answers from God.

God doesn’t need a full history lesson. He already knows. Of course, “He lives to hear [your] soul’s complaint,” but let’s not stop there. He also asks, “What do you want me to do for you?”

In this woman’s case, instead of sharing her entire life story, I would have loved to see her spend that same energy painting a vivid picture of what she wants. What if she had written about her dream life as if it were already unfolding? Can you imagine the clarity she might have gained? Or the inspired ideas that might have surfaced on their own?

That’s when help becomes powerful.

If you want someone to lead you, they need to understand where you’re trying to GO—not where you’ve BEEN.
And if you don’t know where you’re going, how can anyone’s advice possibly be helpful?

In conclusion:

Be mindful of how much energy you spend retelling your story—and start putting that same energy into creating your vision.

Design your future. Add passion and purpose to it. Then trust that you’ll be guided toward it—step by step—by divine direction.

Create your vision, present it to the Lord, tell Him what you would love, and ask Him to show you the next right step. You don’t even need to be 100% confident He’s guiding you. Just know that if you move forward with faith, He will.

And that’s when things start to change.

_________________

•   To discover how to start choosing more effectively now, read The Jackrabbit Factor (FREE!)  
•   If you want more step-by-step guidance on creating the life you really want, join me in the Mindset Mastery program.
•   If you want my help overcoming that giant obstacle right in front of you, learn more and sign up for Genius Bootcamp.