Read It Again-- Why Being reminded works.

Growing up, I would think that once I read a book or took a class on a particular subject, I was all done with learning what I needed to know. My, how things have changed. With age and experience I've realized that being reminded of such things are just as important. It's been a saving-grace for me many times as rereading certain books, for example, provided new insight and sparked inspiration when I needed it most. It has also helped keep the information fresh in my mind. I'm not sure if I fall in the minority or majority when it comes to this but it's been really effective in helping me reinvent myself in many ways. 

Fearful or Fearless?

Many people think that celebrities or pro athletes don't have butterflies or aren't afraid before they perform; that the spotlight is reserved for a special select group of fearless people. I mention this because no matter who we are or what we do, we're all afraid at some point because it's part of the human experience. If you're a on top you fear falling off, if you're still climbing, you fear you'll never make it to the top. Fear escapes no one, and I'm no exception. If I follow my dream what will people say about me? Will I fail? But if I don't, will I regret it?

In this aspect, we're all the same. The difference, however, is the ability some have to overcome fear that others do not. The fear of criticism is very real, so much so that I'm willing to bet it's one of the primary reasons (if not THE primary reason) why more of us don't pursue our passion. But regardless of where you are in your life, you're going to get criticized, and everyone is going to think they have a right to judge your decisions. So for this reason, you might as well get moving and go after your dream. You'll only regret it if you choose to forget it. And like they say--don't let someone dim your light just because it's shining in their eyes.

Learn to Draw (from your past)

To look back on our past is often discouraged and sometimes even frowned upon. We're usually told to "move on" or "forget" about the things that happen to us along the way but I believe such advice has the potential to prevent us from growing and evolving into the person we are meant to be. So for this reason, I'd like to talk about the idea of "drawing from your past."

We've all had things happen to us in our lives that we'd rather forget, or not acknowledge. But what if those events happened in order to prevent you from experiencing something worse? They say everything happens for a reason, so if that's true, then why not embrace the not-so-good the way we do the good? Although during the time you may feel defeated, unfortunate circumstances are not for nothing. They're put in place to either teach us something or help us to appreciate what we already know.

I think it's also important to note that drawing from the past, is not the same as living in the past. It simply means that you use your experiences to help avoid making the same mistakes  again. Likewise, if you are successful at something, reflecting on the journey that it took to get there may help inspire you to reach for new ground.

The bottom line is, we can't stop all bad things from happening to us, but we can choose how we deal with them. After all, the only difference between a good day and a bad day, is our attitude.

I'm M.A.D.!

I keep a lot of little sticky notes next to my computer with quotes and phrases that help me stay focused on my goals. There's a note in particular that always jumps out at me. It reads: Are you M.A.D.? This acronym stands for "Making A Decision," and for some reason, it always moves me into action.I like this question because for me, it turns what would typically be a negative thought into a motivating message.

M.A.D. Make A Decision

Interestingly enough, many inventions and technological breakthroughs happen out of frustration and pure dissatisfaction by what the current market has to offer. For example, James Dyson, creator of the Dyson vacuum, became frustrated with the design and lack of mobility of the Hoover vacuum he owned, thus inspiring him to invent one that he felt better suited his and the consumer's needs. Likewise, this same idea can be applied not just in business but in life as well. I think it's safe to assume that we've all done this at some point in our lives, whether it was for personal, professional, health, or spiritual reasons. That's the great thing about this life we're living. If we don't like something, chances are, we can change them. That can be good and bad, and that's not to say it won't come without a sacrifice, a price, a risk, or even a little controversy. Or if you're lucky, you can get by unscathed. But either way, the important thing is that you Made A Decision. Some we'll be proud of and some we'll regret, but without them we gain no personal growth.

So now it's your turn--What about your life has you M.A.D.?

3 Favorite Five--Pt. 2

My Three Favorite 5 Letter Words on my iPad Screen

About a week ago a reader bought to my attention that I still have yet to finish giving the remaining two of my favorite five letter words (Thank you, by the way, you know who you are). I initially wrote this particular entry on August 26th of last year, so allow me to briefly recap before I continue, just in case you've recently joined our blog. The first favorite 5-letter word I listed was "today," and for me, it basically represents keeping in perspective the current moment, or living in the present rather than what happened in the past, or what needs to be done in the future. And now for my second word: "learn."

The word "learn" is very interesting to me. For example, I particularly like how, within itself, there are two specific words that appear: "earn" and "ear." Further explained, when I'm faced with a challenge, the word "learn" reminds me that it isn't a coincidence that in order to earn more you have to learn more, and in order to learn more, one thing you must do is use your ears. It's also my favorite because the act of learning is never ending.  The opportunity to learn is everywhere, whether it be going to school, or engaging in dialogue, or simply by observation of someone or something. No matter where you are or what you're doing, there is always something that can be learned.  It's just a matter of opening your mind enough to receive new information. So I must ask you--what words keep you inspired??

REMIX! (You don't have to be original to do something great)

I used to think that in order to be creative you had to be original. But as I get older I've discovered that it couldn't be further from the truth. Originality and creativity are two completely different things. People are constantly modifying existing products every day. How many different ways can you make a vacuum or a blender? 

The same goes for professions, especially the music business. The list of artists and producers who've made a hit from sampling another's grows with each passing day. Don't get me wrong, I'm not implying that creating your success based off riding the coattails of others is the way to go, because it's definitely not. It never pays to try and be like someone else. But I am saying that you can be inspired by someone or something and from that, include what makes you unique, whether it be your size, your style, your culture, your background, your thoughts or your vision. Chances are you'll reach many people who appeal to your creativity simply by modifying an existing idea. After all, you don't have to reinvent the wheel to sell a new car, do you?

Managing What You Make

We, as a society, place a lot of emphasis on making things--making products, making changes, and I'd like to think everyone's favorite, making money. But on the contrary, very little emphasis is placed on managing these things once they're made, which, in my opinion, is just as important, if not more.

There are countless success stories about people reaching the top, only to fall off because they failed to manage the heights and responsibilities that came with it. A musician can make a song, but how they manage that song to guide it to become a successful hit is a completely different task in itself. I tend to refer to this concept often when I consider creating something. What will I do with it after? When it's money I want to make, what will my next step be once I have it?  If it's a product or an idea I've got in mind, what will my plan of action be once it's complete?

So with that said, I'll leave you with a saying my Pops once said to me: "Son, everything you make has to be managed and how you manage it, is what makes the difference."