It is up to You to Save the World

05 May 2009

The Battle for Your Mind

There’s no place in this world for a free thinking man…and that my friend is the problem. Several groups of people have let themselves be captivated and hypnotized by the mainstream culture. I’m not saying it is you, but it very easily could be.

You’ve been told what to think, what to feel, and what to say, and even though it didn’t feel right at first you’ve found yourself in the unfortunate position of being influenced by it. We are told what to buy, why we want it, and why we are worthless without it. We’ve been told what career choices are honest and ethical and we’ve even been told who we need to look up to.

Your life is a reflection of what you make time for

Ask yourself this…who do you look up to? Who do you pay attention to? Now, ask yourself whose life yours best reflects. Are you a product of the people you are told to pay attention to or the people you really want to model? I’m not saying you need to copy someone’s life, but you are a product of the places in which you spend your time. This means if you spend more time watching Oprah (unless you are trying to get an education in branding) than reading books, blogs, or content by those you wish to model, then you are in for a letdown.

If you want to become the next millionaire startup, a best-selling author, or a pro blogger, then you need to make sure that your life (where time is spent) reflects that commitment. This means less procrastination, less excuse making, and more action. More action leads to more achievement, which is what will help you build the momentum you need to succeed.

If you are reading this blog, then the chances are high that you are one of the people that believes in changing the world through action. I’m guessing you aren’t a quitter either. However, we’ve all managed to get sidetracked, especially during this “recession.”

How to Make it Out Alive

There are a few keys to making it out of this bad economy alive. Keep in mind though, that I don’t believe this economic “crisis” is such a bad thing. I believe that this is nothing more than a glaring opportunity to turn the tides in our favor…to start the transfer of wealth back into the hands of the doers and away from the leeches. The time has never been better to build a successful business or startup and it is up to you to help save the world. Here’s what you need to do:

You need to be a case study of what works and what doesn’t. Study the masters in your profession and learn to emulate what they do well, while casting away what they don’t. Take a look at the dinosaurs of your industry and examine what you can do to fix their flawed systems and improve them. Take these concepts and create your own business based on your vision. Use social media to your advantage…network the hell out of your industry. Be a mover and a shaker and stop relying on others to do the brunt of the work. You know what must be done, and even though the task is great, if you can rise up to this challenge then you will create something that no other man can take away.
People need leaders and you can be one of them. People are being led like animals to the butcher. Position yourself between where they are now and where they are going and then be the one to divert them to safety. Be the guidepost that people can turn to and you’ll create an army of devoted fans and followers. These days, you don’t have to be a rockstar to become one. Your ideas are original, innovative, and genuine. Show people why you care. Show them how you can help. Show them what they can become if they hitch themselves to your vehicle.
Take measured risks and allow yourself to live once more. Quit worrying about what could go wrong or what you could have done better. You’ve got to live, work, and breathe in the now. Go with your gut and trust your instinct, regardless of what the doubters say. Don’t listen to people that have never been in your shoes. You are the expert and the professional. Anyone can play armchair QB, but you are the one running this show. There is nothing that they can do to you that cannot be undone. There are thousands of stories of people that have lost it all and gained it all back and more. The worst case scenario is that you get knocked on your ass and learn one way not to do things. The best case is that you become a hero. Being scared is OK, but being too scared to take action is something that will haunt you forever.
Don’t ever give up…ever. Jimmy V said it best and he was right on the money. You’ve got one shot at life, don’t let one single thing get in the way of you being happy. Spend your time in winning relationships, whether they be personal or business. Keep pushing that boulder uphill until you get there…no excuses.
You are going to get a lot of ridicule along the way. Great ideas meet tons of resistance. You are changing the game and people do not like that. TOUGH. In order to dominate the world, you will need to learn how to face opposition big and small. Learn to ignore the opinions that do not matter.

If you follow your heart, your passion, and your gut, you will find that people will be drawn to you. You are a mover and a game changer…you are a source of inspiration for many. Eventually, your disciples will become strong enough to start their own army. Soon, you’ll have legions of friends and fans willing and able to heed your every word. Those that fight you will have no ground to stand on.

The gatekeepers will fall, with your help. The world is facing a crisis, and people need you now more then ever. Your ideas are needed now more than ever. It is up to you to save the world. Are you up for it?