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Contesting: A True Story

by Joe Vitale on August 1, 2007

Back in the 1980s I read a life changing book called Contesting: The Name It and Claim It Game.

It was by Helen Hadsell, billed as “the woman who wins every contest she enters.”

The book showed the practical side of metaphysics. My attract a new car program is in the same genre: the idea is to show how tools like positive belief, visualization, feeling and action lead to concrete results — like winning a contest or manifesting a new car.

Contesting was a breakthrough book for me and many others – in fact, millions of others. The book sold three million copies. A few copies are still floating around, but you’ll pay anywhere from fifty to two hundred dollars for one (unless you’re smart and read this post to the end).

What most people don’t know is the author is still with us.

I talked to her on the phone the other night.

Helen Hadsell is 83 years old and a hoot. She’s vibrant, humorous, active, a hypnotic storyteller, and still as plugged into metaphysics as anyone around. She should have been in the movie The Secret.

Movie producers are in fact considering making a film of her life. I’d love to see that happen.

Helen and I spoke for about an hour. She’s still writing. She sent me her recent autobiography, Confessions of an 83-Year-Old Sage, which I’d love to see published, and one of her lesser known books, In Contact With Other Realms: An Adventurer’s Experiences in Awareness.

She personally knew many of the great teachers of the New Thought Movement, from prolific prosperity author Joseph The Power of Your Subsconscious Mind Murphy to Silva Mind Control creator Jose Silva to the mystical founder of Eckanker, Paul Twitchell.

Helen is delightfully fearless. She calls it the way she sees it, even if what she sees is invisible. She told me I was a monk in a past life who spent too much time “monking” around.

I guess that meant I got tired of being celibate.

She says we knew each other then.

Hmmmmmm…

I didn’t know how to respond to that esoteric observation, so I asked her about her most famous book, Contesting. The story of its birth is a great marketing lesson.

A young man who was so broke he lived in his car, heard of her winning contests with spiritual principles and said he wanted to publish her book explaining how she did it.

He didn’t have any money.

He didn’t have any experience.

He didn’t know where to begin.

But he had a goal: “I want to make one million dollars and move to India.”

Helen had a goal, as well: “I want to make one million dollars and open a center of my own to teach these principles.”

They made a deal: the man would pay a royalty of fifty percent (virtually unheard of today) for every book sold.

The young man drove off to begin his mission. Helen trusted him (though her late husband did not). She let go and allowed things to unfold.

“If it’s meant to be, it will be,” she says.

Six months later the young man returned, this time with a check for Helen.

A large check.

Here’s what he had done:

#1. He rented a mailing list of people who had entered contests.

#2. He sent every person on that list a postcard about Contesting, by the woman who won every contest she ever entered.

Clearly that’s an offer to market match.

You can imagine the response.

The man sold millions of copies of Helen’s book.

He made his million dollars, moved to India, and gave all rights to the book back to Helen. He had achieved his goal.

Helen got her money and opened her center.

This was a win-win-win.

The publisher won, the author won, and all those readers won.

That’s my all-time favorite way to do business.

There are so many marketing and metaphysical lessons in this little story that I urge you to read this post again and consider what happened.

And then apply the insights to your own life.

While you chew on that, here is Helen’s ending advice about life from her unpublished autobiography:

Make Every Day Special

Share a joke, hum a song.

Pass some special joy along.

And if someone should come your way

who doesn’t share your joy today…

THE HELL WITH ‘EM!

Ao Akua,

Joe
www.mrfire.com

PS – Helen is a private person. She doesn’t have a website. She rarely gives out her phone number. She does “Blueprints” on your life path, combining astrology and numerology and whatever her own intuition suggests, for $35. She has a few copies of her Contesting book remaining, which she sells for $10 each (postpaid).  She’ll even autograph them. If you want one, write her at taptap88 at cowtown dot net. Tell her that her old lusty friend Joe the Monk sent you. :)

All writings here are copyrighted by Joe Vitale. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.
If you like the free articles on this blog, let Joe know by buying him hisall-time favorite gift - an Amazon gift certificate. His email is joe@mrfire.com Click Here!

{ 4 trackbacks }

Story of a woman and a homeless man. » Self Improvement Through Technology
August 1, 2007 at 9:12 pm
Ildikó’s Blog » A HUGE win-win
August 3, 2007 at 2:06 am
The Remarkable Helene Hadsell and her odds-defying winning streak — FinerMinds
December 1, 2008 at 4:03 am
Contesting: The book that teaches how to win any contest found | Dr. Joe Vitale at Zero
March 18, 2009 at 10:39 am

{ 84 comments… read them below or add one }

mar December 3, 2008 at 5:35 am

Hi Joe, I would like to buy the book, Could you suggest some way to get it cheaper, I can’t afford this sums they are asking in Amazon, etc. I live in Spain, would it be safe if I write to Helene to the Alvarado address…shall I send the money with my letter. Please help me. Thanks:wink:

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Lora December 3, 2008 at 4:30 pm

Hi Joe,

Interesting story, I wrote to her to the provided email and am curious if I’ll get an answer.

I’d like to support Mike Scirocco’s request for your view on the questions he put.

Thanks and with love,
Lora

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Joe Vitale December 4, 2008 at 7:35 am

Mike, as you probably know, most people don’t read the books they buy. For those who do read them, most don’t implement them. For the bulk of those who bought her book and read it, most didn’t believe it would work. Well, belief rules. Also, there are way too many contests to think people all entered the same ones. The logic of thinking everyone who bought the book would win just doesn’t hold water. Besides, isn’t it wiser to focus on you and your own beliefs?
Blessings,
joe

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Estela Sasson December 4, 2008 at 8:21 am

I saw you in the film The Secret. Thanks for your participation, it was very inspiring. I am very interested about learning and practicing what Mrs. Hadsell has been doing. What would be the best way? I understand her books are difficult to get. Could you suggest something else?
All the best,
Estela

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Sherry December 4, 2008 at 1:47 pm

What is the correct e-mail to contact Helen for a blueprint and a book.
Thanks so much.

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Doris December 4, 2008 at 4:50 pm

Dear Joe,

You and Helen are truly self-awared phenomenal enlightened souls. I count it a privilege to have stumbled on this sight, or might I say destined! (smiles) I have been searching and on the path to self-realization for some time now, first of all trying to figure out who I really am, secondly trying to change my thought patterns to work for my family and I, didn’t know where to start or turn so I decided to meditate for the answers , which I started just yesterday, to my surprise, here I am reading your story, Wow, I can definitely say that angels are right by our side listening all the time, and you and Helen are the angels I needed today!!!!!!! Thank you for your time, wisdom, Knowledge, books, and lectures, that has made a difference in my thinking and always will!!! I look forward to meeting the both of you real soon!!!!!!
Unconditional love to you both!!!!

P.S. I also would love to get a blueprint reading from Helen, thanks for responding.

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yvonne December 6, 2008 at 4:17 pm

I have just been reading about Helene Hadsell and I came acroos this blog entry. I do actually receive some things from you related through other connected sites. My question is about the film ‘The Name it and Claim it game’ that was to be made by Idiko Minko (sorry it I have not spelt her name correctly) ? Thank you

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yvonne December 6, 2008 at 4:18 pm

I omitted to ask was the film made or is it in progress still ! Yvonne

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Frank December 6, 2008 at 7:51 pm

Hi Joe.
I would like to get a blueprint reading from Helen
But the email taptap88@cowtown.net does not work, Help?
Frank

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Laura Davis December 8, 2008 at 5:20 pm

Hi Joe!

I too want to get a reading from Helene. I have her book from many years ago and have taken the Silva Method and so on myself. I remember emailing her when your article first came out and having no success as well. How can I reach her so I can ask her if she would do a reading for me?

Thanks so much!

Laura

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Florence December 11, 2008 at 11:39 pm

Hi Joe.
Could you have Helene contact me instead? I tried taptap88@cowtown.net and was not successful either. I would like a blueprint reading and books.

Thank you so much.
Florence

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Rotimi December 14, 2008 at 12:48 am

I need a blueprints reading from Ms Helene. Interested readers are not getting through with taptap88. What is the best way?
I am 197
6 Silva method graduant from Seattle.
Nemaste
rotimi

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Eric Maizis December 15, 2008 at 7:22 pm

Hi Joe,
The faith that Helene has demonstrated is incredable. You also demonstrate this in your work. Kindred spirits.

Thanks Eric

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rox December 21, 2008 at 5:52 pm

Hi Joe, Do you know how I can get a blueprint reading from Helene? Thanks!!

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Janice December 21, 2008 at 8:54 pm

:smile: I would love to get in touch with Helen … is ther an e-mail address I can write her at …

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Amelia December 22, 2008 at 2:07 pm

Hello, I actually just have a question in regards to The life blueprint, I was wondering if you have any idea as to when they will be available online again.:smile:Thankyou for you’re reply. Amelia

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marion December 28, 2008 at 5:33 am

i would love to get a blue print done from helene i live in australia can you help me

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Cindy December 30, 2008 at 11:53 am

Wow, look at all the people here who wrote recently wanting change for the good in their lives. 2009 is the year! We must all be on the same plane of thought, so to speak. :razz: I’d love the blueprint as well. Joe, point me in the right direction. If she has copies of her book available for a reasonable price, I’d love one. Thanks!

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Peg David January 4, 2009 at 9:23 am

Dear Dr. Joe, I’ve tried EVERY aurl/address given in this post, and have not been able to find the correct one. How can I contact Helene? I would like to purchase a blueprint from her. I was adopted @ 3 months of age, located my birth mother a while back, but she & my birth father divorced after my adoption. I know my birth name and date/time, so I was hoping Helene could really give me “something to go on!” My birth father died in 1983 & I know nothing about him except his name and birthdate and his adoptive parents names. Thank you in advance for your helpful reply! Sincerely, Peg David Onarga, ILLINOIS

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B.R. January 4, 2009 at 2:05 pm

For information regarding The Law of Attraction .. http://www.lawsofattraction.bravehost.com .. It’s an amazing world out there!

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Mita January 4, 2009 at 2:12 pm

Hi,
I live in Swedn and would like to get a blue print from Helene. Can you please help me with her contact info. Thanks

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Victoria February 3, 2009 at 3:40 am

Hello, I would like to get Helene Hadsell’s email address. I just finished listening to an interview from last August 2008. She mentioned that her email address was listed on your blog. I would appreciate it if you could provide me with a way to get into contact with her. Thank you. :mrgreen:

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Debbie March 4, 2009 at 10:04 am

Thank you for sharing this information Mr. Vitale. Thought I’d share that I found a new website for Helen Hadsell’s Delta Science organization, you can find out how to purchase her books or to order a blueprint here: http://www.deltasciences.com/pages/blueprints.html

Good luck and God bless.

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ADA June 7, 2009 at 10:10 am

TE AMO JOE DESDE QUE TE CONOCÍ A TRAVÉS DE TUS LIBROS, NO HE DEJADO DE SEGUIR APRENDIENDO.

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Mari June 18, 2009 at 9:22 am

Dear Joe,
I listened to the interview with Helen a couple of days ago and started to use her SPEC approach – Select, Project, Expect, Collect with my lottery entries. I used the numbers she mentioned in that interview and I won. I have been projecting – hope I am applying the technique correctly – and am waiting expectantly for the results of my entry. On a larger scale I thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and for your generosity to so many people. I also watched the video of your recent visit to Peru – awesome! Thanks for sharing it. Since April 2009 I have bought 8 of your books and am now reading the ‘Internet Cash Machine’. I read the ‘E-Code’, ‘Attractor Factor’, ‘Spritual Marketing’ (first one I bought and gave copies to 3 friends and my partner also read it), ‘Zero-Limits’ – am using the Ho’oponopono and things are beginning to change in my workplace which was a nest of vipers – it is powerful. I say the 4 phrases wherever and whenever I begin to feel angry or sad etc. I also bought ‘Hypnotic Writing’, ‘There’s a Customer Born Every Minute’ and ‘Meet and Grow Rich’ and of course ‘The Secret’. I am creating my website so I am reading anything you and other gurus write about internet marketing, copywriting, online business. I have taken up personal development very seriously and found your books and interviews very spriritually enlightening and educational. Thank you for all your giving. May God bless you always and continue to shine His light on you.

Loads of smiles and hugs,
Mari (from London)

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Bettina Schmid July 5, 2009 at 1:24 pm

I heard the interview and really liked it. I went to her web-site but the blue print is not available on the web at this time. How can I sent for one? Thanks for your help, Bettina

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Chris July 28, 2009 at 4:36 pm

:grin: Dear Dr. Joe,

I’m not sure how I stumbled to Helene Hadsell and your site but I’m glad I did! I will be ordering her book and would love to have a reading done by Helene. I am a firm believer of positive thinking and enjoyed the blog.

Thank you for sharing with us. All the best in your works!

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Valerie September 3, 2009 at 3:28 am

Dr. Joe Vitale
Hi! I have read all of these amazing comments and requests. I have just arrived on this sene,I know nothing of where or what to do next. If you could be a kind soul and explain everything from square 1 to me, that would positively make me feel so grand. I have never heard of Helene Hadsell before in my life; she sounds like a very amazing and astonishing woman. One other thing, I have not read any of her books or your books or watch any vidioes. I am a lost soul with nothing and no money, but I have an inner sense that this is about to change.
Lost in limbo…
Thnx.

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Helena September 7, 2009 at 5:49 am

Dear Joe,
My name is Helena. I live in Ukraine. In my country, the film «Secret» was a huge success. Probably, not only in my country. Recently I learned about Helen Hadsell and her book» «The NAME IT and CLAIM IT GAME» But it turned out that it’s not in my country. And even in Russia. Help, please contact the Helen Hadsel on the translation and publication of her book in Russia and Ukraine. I would be very grateful to you. And not only me, if we give our people the opportunity to also read this book.
Await your reply. Helena

P.S.: I apologize for the error. I do not speak English perfectly

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Kathy September 7, 2009 at 11:00 pm

Hi Joe!

What a wonderful story! I have sent an email to Helen to inquire about the Contesting book. In our current economy, being sure of something as monumental as declaring what one expects; well, I’d certainly like to increase the funds in my checking account for sure.

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Cat September 23, 2009 at 5:22 pm

You can find a ton of info on You Tube if you search Esther Hicks who channels The Group Abraham … all of it for FREE. don’t need to pay.

Lots of info on the Kryon.com web site … again free mp3 downloads. no need to pay.

lots more channeled info about Law of Attraction all over the internet

everything that you need to be happy (healthy, abundance, etc., etc.) is free if you look on the internet

enjoy !

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mike January 11, 2010 at 3:33 pm

would you refer me to internet sites that would have complete info pertaining to law of attraction. most info i have found is incomplete.

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TINA January 19, 2010 at 12:54 pm

I’M HAVING A PROBLEM OF NOT UNDERSTANDING HOW REALLY GOOD PEOPLE OFFER SUCH A REWARDING GIFT OF SELF EMPOWERMENT TO HELP OTHERS BY HAVING THEM READ THEY CAN HAVE THIS SCREAT OF LAWS OF ATTRACTION FOR EVERYTHING BUT ONLY IF THEYN SEND YOU MONEY TO BUY YOUR ON PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF ACHIEVING IT FOR YOURSELF, WHEN THEY CAN FIND OUT ALL THEY NEED TO EMPOWER THEMSELFS VIA INTERNET. I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR OVER 3 DAYS FOR YOUR OFFER OF DAILEY COMUNACATIONS FROM THIS SECREAT ORGANIZATION, BUT INSTEAD I’M OFFER THIS SAME THING EACH TIME. AND I COULD PAY U THE MONEY SO U CAN HELP ME BRING THE LAW OF ATTRACTION TO ME. SURE WHO PRFITS FROM THIS ? MMMMMMM ????/ YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!

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karla February 27, 2010 at 10:37 pm

i really would like to have helene book claim it & win it please reply how to received one for free. thank u

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