1. I’d Like To Start By Saying Thanks…

This is the first post of hopefully many to come, but before I get into what “this” is, first I’d like to say…

I’d like to thank someone, actually I’d like to thank a lot of people (and these are in no particular order) - Bob Proctor for his teachings in SGR, Bob Taylor for his discussions and leading me to Bob Proctor, the writings of Mark Victor Hansen and Bob Allen in their recent book - Cash in a Flash, the teachings of Gay Hendricks in his book - The Big Leap, the quote posted by a guy I met recently, Cam, which went - “He who knows but does nothing, does not yet know” - Aaron Rook for being the first external influence to really plant the idea into my head just short of a decade ago that we’re actually (not just hallmark card fluff) capable of so much more (and the science behind it) , my parents for raising me with the freedom to develop on my own without the traditional restrictions one might be raised with (teachings of responsibility and choices rather than the iron fist), my friends’ Zach and Iain, for being my moral compasses at different stages of my life, my wife for her support and encouragement while I take on this journey, the universe for bringing all this together, and this list could go on and on.  There are certainly many more people I’d like to thank for helping shape the “me” I know today, and I will, in time (and more than likely to your face).

But on top of all that, there’s one more person I’d like to thank before I get into the beginning of my story, and that’s Kurt.  A good friend of mine with whom I grew apart for a while despite our close proximity, but who recently started a blog detailing certain aspects of his past, present, and future I’m sure, and in doing so, combined with that quote in the previous paragraph, has given me the kick in the ass (alright, the strength) I needed to start this - something I’ve been meaning to do for a while, but thanks to I think, the “critical voices” described so well in Cash in a Flash, until now did not think I could (What would people think?  What if I sound like an idiot?  Do I actually know anything that people might find useful?).

It’s funny that I can study so much about and from incredibly successful people (over the last 6 months), who believe in and teach that we can do anything (and how to do it), but perhaps the strongest source of strength and confidence comes from a close friend.  I guess it’s not really funny at all, quite intuitive really, but either way, I’d like to say thanks.  ’Cause really, that’s the point of what I’m hoping to do with this – help in whatever way I can to light fires under the asses of anyone who might find themselves in a similar boat (thinking there’s more they’d like to do than “this”, and more they’re capable of doing, but perhaps for one reason or another, haven’t yet).

One thing I’m certain of is that more or less my whole life, I’ve been nothing but blessed to have arguably the best friends (and family) a guy could ask for, and a significant amount of them, just crazy talented, and in my opinion completely beyond the scope of the word capable.  And there have been a certain few who’ve recently expressed about themselves the exact feelings I’ve been having and following, and so if by doing this, I can provide that “spark” that has been provided for me – or any kind of help/motivation/support whatsoever, then this will have been totally worth it.

And I’d even go a step further and say that ideally, for anyone in “this boat”, this forum can serve as a starting point for coming together, working, sharing, and growing together, ‘cause one thing that is stressed again and again (and again) by just about all of anyone who teaches the path to success – in any field – is that if you’re goal is lofty enough (and it should be), then accomplishing it is next to impossible to if you try to go it alone.  But with the support of a team of like-minded people, the odds are almost reversed (the story of Muhammad Yunus and what he’s helped 1000s of women do, maybe more importantly how he’s helped them do it, should be proof enough).

But basically, for me, it all boils down to this.  If we’re not living our lives the way we want to, what are we doing?  And by saying that, I certainly don’t mean in greed and selfishness, rather, quite the opposite - on  a path chosen because it’s what you love and are suited to do, a path we might choose much easier if it weren’t for the pressures of money and time (be them real or perceived), and to succeed not by competing, but by sharing, helping, and growing together.

And a further extension of this, if there’s something we’ve always wanted to do, think we’re capable of doing it, but have not yet tried, then, is that really the story we want to be telling in years to come?  The lesson we want to pass down to our kids?  I can’t quite see myself telling my kid(s) they can do anything in life they want if I haven’t tried, and don’t fully believe it myself.  And I’ll fully admit, I’m not innocent of this non-action (100% due to fear), but that’s all part of the rest of the story, and the motivation for starting.

So if you managed to make it the bottom of these ramblings and have something to share, feel free to reply to this post and let me know (seriously - positive, negative, I don’t care.  Criticism and skepticism are just as welcome as support and encouragement, so let’s hear it).

Cheers, and hope you’re having an even greater day than yesterday…