Well Rounded

It's great to be an expert at something, or a trade or career that we know like the back of our hand. However, we can't go wrong when we involve ourselves with things that are entirely different from our expertise. I used "entirely different" for two reasons: One, you can view a trade or hobby from a non-competitive point of view. And two, you never know what will trigger  inspiration to help catapult you to a new level of success. 

Take Henry Ford as an example. He built his vast fortune by mass-producing automobiles on an assembly line, but not without first being inspired to do so after hearing about how a meat packing company processed its inventory. In an ironic twist of fate, Berry Gordy got his idea for how he managed his Motown artists from none other than Henry Ford himself. Gordy wanted to build artists in the same manner Ford built cars. And just like that, three entirely different businesses soared (that may not have otherwise existed) due to the inspiration that was gained simply by these men's willingness to be a novice. So the next time you have the opportunity to learn about something new, take advantage and seize the moment, for you never know the ways in which it will inspire your life and your business.

My Three Favorite Five Letter Words, continued...

UNTIL

Alas, the final word of my three favorite five letter words. If you haven't already done so, I invite you to check out posts three and 25 regarding the first two. For today, I want to give the final word, and that is "until".

We all need something that motivates us to keep moving towards the future. For most, it's a goal or a dream that helps us to keep moving. For me, I find that the word "until" is like a bridge between you and that goal or mission. Moreover, it's a tough word because it doesn't let you off the hook. It holds you responsible for your promises. For example, when I'm writing these entries, sometimes the ideas flow easily, other times it's a struggle. When the latter happens, I sit down and tell myself to keep brainstorming UNTIL I come up with an idea or UNTIL my thoughts become clear. It's similar to learning how to ride a bike for the first time and falling UNTIL you get your balance situated enough to ride smoothly. Because what's even more important than having a goal is actually completing that goal, whether big or small. That feeling of accomplishment and knowing that you finished what you started is enough to boost your self confidence to pursue bigger dreams.

Are You Uncomfortable? Good.

Society places a lot of emphasis on comfort. From jeans, to furniture, to luxury cars, competitors spend  millions of dollars each year pitching comfort in their ads in hopes that it will entice consumers to spend money with them. However, when it comes to reaching your goals, this is where you should be least comfortable. The growing process is about expansion, similar to going to the gym and stretching your muscles. Your mind works the same way. In order for it to grow it needs to work beyond its current capacity, (a.k.a. comfort zone), and explore more possibilities. For instance, if you currently own a business, or have a dream of doing so in the future, what more can you learn about this business and what information are you lacking? Are there classes you can take? Seminars or workshops you can sign up for? Trade-shows to attend? All of the above can provide a wealth of knowledge about various industries and always have the latest information on surrounding technology.

Leslie Romine  Uncomfortable Shoes

There's nothing wrong with wanting to have a comfortable life. I think it's safe to assume we all do. All work and no play is definitely not a philosophy that I subscribe to. But I do believe that comfort can lead to complacency, and that in turn, can leave room for someone else to get ahead.

Simply put, you will always continue to grow as long as you are willing to go beyond what comes easily to you.

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??

U Down Wit O.P.P? (Learn from others)

What's the cheapest and most efficient way to learn about life? If you ask me, it would be learning from other people. You know, like OPP--other peoples problems, other peoples progress, other people, period. Whether it's directly from a mentor, a friend, a family member or coming indirectly from an autobiography, a documentary, or a movie, the source itself really doesn't matter. What's important is the lesson. 

Yeah you know me;)

Some might argue that personal experience is the best teacher, but I contend that it all depends on what it is you want to learn. For example, if you're going thorough a difficult phase in your life, it can be helpful to know the ways in which someone else overcame similar struggles.  If someone has accomplished something that you dream of doing, learning about their story may save you time, as well as expedite your learning curve. 

When I would share with investors the idea behind SPR, I would get pissed when they failed to share my vision, or tell me all the ways in which it wouldn't work. But once I learned about Thomas Edison and his invention of the light bulb, or the story of Pandora and the many roadblocks that were encountered prior to its huge success, I began to feel less discouraged, and more motivated. Believe it or not, both of these world-wide, life-altering inventions were once turned down by so-called "smart" investors.

With the world as big as it is, chances are there isn't one person who hasn't walked a mile in your shoes before. So, don't be afraid to find out their background and see how it can apply to your life. After all, you never know the affect your story can have on the next person.

My 3 Favorite 5 Letter Words

My Three Favorite 5 Letter Words on my iPad Screen

Today

Learn

Until

These are my 3 favorite 5 letter words. And they are my favorite because I've come to the conclusion that I can use any one of these words to get me through any situation. 

For example, to write this entry I used "today." It often comes in handy, because for me, it is a word that helps keep things in perspective. 

It's easy to get sidetracked by our past, or to dwell in reliving moments we either regret or would love to repeat. The same can be said with the future, I suppose. Life is filled with more options than we know what to do with, which requires us to make more decisions about the very things that will ultimately find their way into one of the two categories I just mentioned. But even as daunting (or exciting) as "future" planning can sometimes be, it can also overshadow the lessons, adventures & answers that the gift of "today" has to offer . 

It's been said that "the best way to predict the future is to create it"...

So, what better way to do that than by embracing TODAY???