the ultimate gift

We tend to get tunnel vision when we’re only thinking about ourselves. The big picture becomes impossible to see.

Things eventually get real small and the pressure goes up.

Ironically, it’s through service - the efforts that bring forth a greater good, the energy that positively affects others - that the self’s needs truly get met.

As life’s possibilities and passions begin to be realized, the world opens up, gets bigger, and the pressure goes down.

Once things become more about others and less about ourselves, do things really begin to matter.

This is the only way to spend one’s life for maximum meaning to emerge.

This pursuit of life’s purpose, and the hope of finding it, is the great obsession of many who desire to make a difference in the world.

And to make a difference - to leave more than you take - is the ultimate accomplishment… and the ultimate gift.

mirror

Sometimes it’s necessary to make changes to things that may have long been apart of who you’ve been and who you are, but are now holding you back.

“I was doing superficial comedy entertaining people who didn’t really care: Businessmen, people in nightclubs, conservative people. And I had been doing that for the better part of 10 years when it finally dawned on me that I was in the wrong places doing the wrong things for the wrong people.”  - George Carlin on evolving his comedy act in the early 1970’s.

Whether it’s tweaking your act, adjusting your business approach, or revamping how you manage your relationships… the key is awareness followed by immediate action. Truly look at yourself inside out. Pay attention to what hasn’t been working in life up to this point. Then decide if you really want to make some changes. If your motivation for change is more about wanting to rather than needing to, your results will be greater. 

If you’re honestly in the right place, doing the right things, with and for the right people, then commit to doing everything you can not to screw it up. Look in the mirror, make the tough decisions, and continue making the necessary changes as needed. You really can’t afford not to.

“Peaceful Warrior”

The motion picture version of author Dan Millman’s classic book, Way of the Peaceful Warrior had a big impact on me for a variety of reasons. First, like the book, it is simply one of those movies that gets you thinking… about the positive. It encourages a person to reconsider what’s really important in life. Second, it’s honest. The storytelling combines optimism with the challenging realities that life throws at us sometimes. Without being an overblown, fairy-tale-type film, the movie’s message is able to inspire while not coming off predictable. Finally, we’re left with the all important take-away. Co-star Nick Nolte (Soc), lists the three keys to life. Here they are, in order, complete with my take… Get the movie & read the book, you’ll be glad you did!

1. Paradox - Things aren’t always what they seem; sometimes they are the opposite of what logic would dictate. In order to be more, we often have to become less; we have to serve. Sometimes what appears good on paper, is actually poison for the soul. Blazing new trails and being true to yourself is uncommon in these times where conformity is king. Don’t settle. Seek what’s true for you… especially if it goes against the grain. You will what you will.

2. Humor - Don’t take yourself and everything in this life so seriously. We have to be able to laugh at ourselves. It invigorates the soul and prolongs life. Find the humor in situations that gnaw at you. It’s there, you just have to look in the right places. Laughter is medicine for the spirit; the elixur of life.

3. Change - It’s inevitable. The unhappiest people in the world are 1) those who don’t really know what they want, and 2) those who resist change. Figure out what really inspires you and then face the inevitable challenges that come with pursuing a dream. The alternative to embracing change is stagnating in the status quo… and for this writer, life is just too short for that.

It’s the journey of course, not the destination, that yields true happiness. So why is it so hard for most of us to be in the now and enjoy the moments of the journey? The revelry and regrets of yesterday, and the promise of tomorrow are often attractive distractions. But they are just that… distractions that block us from really living today. It’s an ongoing effort for most, but one that we cannot afford to do without. BUY the movie. BUY the book.

the time of my life

Frequently rushed → Usually on time.
Moderately successful → Occasionally frustrated.
Incessantly driven → Rarely lazy.
Temporarily crazy → Partially idealistic.
Consistently optimisitc → Endlessly learning…

nobody from nowhere?

The Internet is the great equalizer especially if you are a “nobody from nowhere” - someone without a famous pedigree, a fat wallet, or exceptional circumstances. Nothing has leveled the playing field giving us all access to the world market quite like the Internet has. But to make a name for yourself in any endeavor, you must create a product and brand that is visible and viable. What do I mean…?

Visible - First, people have to know about you and/or your product, and where to get you and/or your product.

Viable - Second, you and/or your product must be capable of solving problems quickly and easily.

Visible + Viable = Valuable

Visibility without viability, or viability without visibility equals little/no perceived value. This is a big problem!

If what you do is perceived (notice I said perceived; it may or may not be in actuality) to be a commodity, then you have a steeper hill to climb. If something is a commodity, and everybody has it or can get it easily, its value goes way down. The challenge is to make what you do appear unique, therefore in low supply, therefore very valuable. Put a different spin on the tried-and-true. Intend to break the mold. Create something that would get your attention. If your product isn’t necessarily unique, the way you deliver it must be. Capitalize on what makes you, YOU!

Unsigned bands and artists for example, are definitely a commodity. Everyone is vying for attention and fans. Actually making money from their music is not the focus of most.

TAXI founder, Michael Laskow made this observation regarding independent musicians:

“Success is mostly just about getting heard. Success is feeling validated.”

With whatever you do, sometimes simply having people pay attention is compensation enough and a good start. The Internet can create opportunities, but you must deliver the goods once you’ve got a foot in the door. If you want to transcend being a nobody from nowhere… become visible, viable, and ultimately valuable. If you wanna get heard, then you must separate yourself from the herd.

Are you hearing me?

Uncommon Time

“Uncommon Time” (1:07)

Consider getting better at identifying the right time vs. the wrong time for things… right now.

Groove Machine

“Groove Machine” (1:10)

Recognize that thoughts are things and that minds have moods. Get into a positive groove regarding your thinking and your actions.