The picture to the right is of me, taken in 2001, just over 6 years ago. I had to dig through my archive of digital files to find that photo. And when I did, I sat and stared at it for a long moment. Yup, that was me.
I feel so far removed from that place and time in my life, yet I remember precisely how I felt - and why.
What started this little mental journey today? It was a blog post that reminded me of that exact moment in time. And it was a post written to me directly...
You may remember Deb from the Confessions From An Internet Marketing Wanna-be conversation here on ClickNewz. Since then Deb and I have had opportunity to interact a bit more, swap a few emails, and she was also logged in to this weeks Webinar.
Her blog post to me was in response to the topic of that webinar: "Planning ahead for 2008"...
So counting down to the end of yet another year and having to face where I am compared to where I’d like to be is NOT a pleasant experience. (source)
That is the piece that specifically struck a chord with me, and took me on a mental journey today - back to 2001. Seven years ago I found myself in a set of circumstances beyond my control. That was the year I went through a major turning point, and set out on the path I am on today.
While I was self-employed in a career I enjoyed, and working from home full time already by then, other aspects of my life were not so positive. I was one year outside of an unexpected divorce and my son was very ill, just to give you the tip of the iceberg.
I had a friend say to me "You are exactly where you want to be in your life." Ha! I most certainly was not! But you are, he said, because you took every step to get exactly where you are.
I could defend myself on that point all day long. But the more annoyed and defensive I became, the more I realized one thing: I may not have held the reigns up to this point... but I certainly can from this point forward.
Its not easy to change your mindset from "victim of circumstance" to "in complete control". And it's not something that happens overnight. But all it takes is one tiny seed to begin that transformation. Or in my case, a rotten realization and a 'well screw that. I'll show you!' attitude.
And I did. Not that anybody was looking, but in the end I impressed the one person that mattered the most: myself.
One small accomplishment leads to another, building confidence and slowly changing that mindset you once held so firmly. Knowing it is possible is not enough. Knowing you can do it is not enough. Taking small steps of definitive action and seeing results... is where real change begins to happen. It starts internally, manifests itself into actions, and gains momentum - until you find yourself on a steady roll in the right direction.
You dont have to change your life overnight. And besides, you cant. But you do have to get a clear vision of your dream, and then figure out what it would take to turn that dream into a reality. And from there, you must take action on it every single day - no matter how small.
I'm living another great example of this as we speak. Almost 3 years ago, I decided I'd like to buy a home. I was not in a position to do it at the time, but was determined to make that happen before my 35th birthday.
Being a single woman with 2 children, it's a huge commitment. Not just financially, but in many other ways as well. But at my age, I'm ready to settle down - married or not.
I had leftovers of my divorce on my credit report. I had lived a debt-free lifestyle since my divorce - which was great for me, but not good on paper. So having zero current or recent history, and some remants of negative history, I was not going to get the interest rate I wanted. I could buy, but not on terms I felt good about. And that of course affected what range I could shop in, among other things.
So what to do? Settle for less than I wanted? Nah... I decided exactly what I wanted, and exactly what it would take to get there. For the next couple of years I paid off old debt (talk about cobwebs!) and took steps towards building positive credit. At the same time, I increased my income and mapped out a plan for a comfortable and consistent future.
These things dont happen overnight. They take time. But time is the one thing we ALL have.
My 35th birthday is in June 2008. All this time I had been hoping to start the process by March or April and find a home to commit to. The perfect house fell in my lap just last week, and I put in an offer yesterday. If all goes well, I may be closing on it by the 2nd week of January.
If I had just wished and wanted, and not taken the action I did over those 2 years, I would not be ready to take this final step. But I did. And I am. And I cant begin to tell you how GREAT that feels!
Nobody wants to wait 2 years for something they want today. But if you dont start taking action on it today, you will still be in the exact same position 2 years from now.
Deb said: And still I am not published as I would like to be. That is to say, I have not published “The Great American Novel.†I’ve published other things, but somehow they don’t measure up to my dream and probably never will.
Its interesting how many points where our lives parallel each other, Deb. One of my driving goals is to become a published author as well (and not at all on the topic people know me for online).
I suggest that you put your goals down on paper - today - and that you map out the steps it will take to turn your dream into a reality. Can you do it in 2008? Can you do it by 2010?
Figure that out, and then take action towards it every single day.
It doesnt matter if you can only commit half an hour each morning to your life dream, or if you can set aside 90 minutes every evening. It doesnt matter how small or seemingly insignificant the steps are. The point is that you move in that direction, consistently... and persistently.
I'm making that suggestion based on my own experience. I'm no expert in that department, but I can tell you that it worked for me. Looking back to where I was, being where I am now, and looking ahead to where I am going... its rather humbling.
I dont pretend to be some genius superwoman with special powers. And I'm certainly not priveledged in any way. And while I worked hard to make positive change in my life, I still dont believe hard work alone will get you where you want to be.
There's some other power at work. Its been called many things. And there are plenty of books written on the topic. One of my favorites happens to be a classic by Napoleon Hill titled Think and Grow Rich. You can download a free copy at that link - and I would highly recommend you take the time to read it and live by the outline it offers.
Another of my favorites is of course the Bible. If you're familiar with the Parable of the Talents, it illustrates a lesson in obligation and responsibility. Whatever 'talent' you were 'given', obligates you to live up to the responsibility of that talent.
You are fortunate Deb, in that you already know what your talent is. The challenge is to manifest it into what it is to become, while making your way through this obstacle course called LIFE. Not an easy feat, but then I dont think it was meant to be.
I look back at the woman I was 7 years ago, and my heart goes out to her. I wish I could go back in time and tell her to hold her head high and stay the course. That all would work out thanks to her determination. Not to worry, and not to doubt, but to just keep going.
Instead, I make it a point to share that message with others when I can. Thank you for giving me that opportunity today, and also for reaching out and initiating a connection with me. I've enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to continuing to do so.
Best,
About Lynn Terry
Wow! My blog post brought out these riches in you? Whew, girl! Can you ever zero in on action steps! I seem to be saying this to you a lot lately: THANK YOU. It's not sufficient, but it's all I've got right now to say. You're the best!
Deb
SNIFF - I feel like crying!
That was so moving. I am so wanting to change my life too...and I can totally relate to Deb.
I know that it doesn't happen over night and that you have to map out a plan - and take action! It's so easier said than done! What is my talent? How can I help others? What do I do? Those are questions I ask myself. Ugh! It's frustrating.
Love what you're doing here!
Way to go, Lynn!!!
Another excellent close-to-home post.
I can relate directly to things in life taking turns you don't plan or expect and reacting by becoming proactive.
It's been a while since I read Think and Grow Rich and I think I'll do it again. I remember how it transcended everyday noise to help me see what was possible in life if you can make yourself see it.
I would also recommend Mark Joyner's Simpleology(just the free one-101). It is a very straightforward and simple to implement process of seeing what you want and taking small steps to get there. I don't make any money off of this.
Don't let anything keep you from getting-THERE-wherever that may be!!!
Best,
Jeff
Lisa,
I don't know how old you are, but I'm guessing you're a young mom, which probably means you're in your twenties. Am I close? So you probably haven't figured out that the things that come easily for you are your talents.
Some people are gifted at propelling their bodies through space: dancers, skaters, athletes, etc.
Some people are gifted with phenomenal people skills.
Others are gifted at dealing with children, some at the preschool level, some at the primary level, some at the intermediate level and others at the high school level.
Some people are gifted musically as singers, instrumentalists, composers, arrangers, conductors, etc.
Some people are gifted as artists or designers.
Some people have an inate sense of style and can pull together clothing and accessories easily.
Others have an inate sense of decorating style and can make a work of art out of a room.
Some people are gifted in the kitchen and can make a feast when many people would look in the fridge and say, "There's nothing to eat."
There are people who are geniuses at word processing or spreadsheets.
There are people who are math whizzes.
Many people are spectacular artisans oro crafters, whether crochet, knitting, tole painting, sewing, needlepoint, embroidery, cross stitch, beading, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, weaving, and the list just goes on and on with this one!
So let me ask you this: What comes easily for you? It's probably in more than one area and may be things you take for granted, like balancing your checkbook or making a budget or doing your taxes.
Give this some thought. Then ask people who know you well what they think you're good at. If people ask you for advice or help, what is it?
I hope this gets you thinking. Everyone has a special giftedness. You just have to open yourself to thinking about it without panicking.
*grin*
All the best to you.
Deb
An excellent post which underlines that we wag the tail and not vice versa. So with that in mind I'll keep wagging and try to change where I am at the moment and move ahead a bit more. Thanks for the inspiration!
Well Lynn when you do publish your book I have no doubt it'll be winner - especially if you share your ideas and advice like this.
I'm printing your post - it's an ideal passage for reflection--especially at this time of year.
Thank you for being such a positive influence!
Sharon
Deb, you are close - I just hit the big 30! HA!
I've been frustrated with myself because I've been learning online business and making money online for about oh about 4 years. I want to work from home and be successful! I've dibbled and dabbled but still have not really executed the proper action steps to make change happen. Mostly due to information overload and analysis paralysis. 🙂
I am still trying to figure it all out and how I fit into the picture. I'm not really sure what comes easily...writing, computer, natural socializer. 🙂
I have some ideas but I think I have to forget about time...I want everything right now! There is no overnight success. Lynn summed it up for me when she said -
"Nobody wants to wait 2 years for something they want today. But if you dont start taking action on it today, you will still be in the exact same position 2 years from now."
I've been there done that. I'm where I was 2 years ago and I do not want to be in this same position 2 years from now!
Thats the key, Lisa 😉 Remember how to eat an elephant (one bite at a time). Even a hike up Mt Everest takes tons of preparation, and is only accomplished by putting one foot in front of the other.
This excellent post Lynn...I cannot tell you how close to home this one is for me...It brought tears to my eyes.....And you know what...I was going to sit down and write my goals for 2008 today...And hence this post is so timely for me...Congrats on your new house. Thank You...
Thank you Sandy - and thank you all for each of your comments here. Deb's post had a similar effect on me (obviously 🙂 ).
The truth is, none of us are "exactly where we want to be in life." And personally, I hope I never am. I hope I always aspire to be more, and to do more - even when I have achieved whatever goals I set for myself, or reached what I thought was my full potential.
Life would be rather boring without dreams and challenges and hopes, dont you agree?
Of course, the point is to know where you're going - so that there is a purpose to everything you are doing.
Amen to that!
Hmmm -- lynn this is incredible.
You story, no doubt, should inspire those of us who haven't gotten so far like you in the world of internet marketing.
Thanks for letting me know that year 2008 can be turned into a great year for me - if I desire and work hard to acheive it.
I WILL 🙂
Lynn,
I usually read your blog daily but for the
last week or so I have been busy finishing
my goals for this year. So I haven't been
reading it. Glad I stopped by today. Great
post.
Lynn wrote: "You dont have to change your
life overnight. And besides, you can't. But
you do have to get a clear vision of your
dream, and then figure out what it would
take to turn that dream into a reality. And
from there, you must take action on it every
single day - no matter how small."
Excellent. I think it was in a book called
"One Minute Millionaire" that I read that
one becomes a millionaire once you make
up your mind that you will do whatever it
takes to reach your goal. From then on
it is just a matter of time until you reach
whatever goal it is you have.
Thanks
Paul
I went looking on my hard drive for "Think and Grow Rich." I found 2 copies. Since I'm pretty sure I got them free (bundled with something else) I don't mind the duplication. It's just when I've bought something I already own that makes me crazy.
Anyway, I also found a workbook to go along with Hill's book. It's by Dr. Joe Vitale and a co-author. I haven't located where this workbook is available. When I do, I'll let you all know. Meanwhile, at the beginning of Hill's book is this marvelous quote from 1912:
“When you work simply for yourself or for your own personal gain your mind will seldom rise above the limitations of the undeveloped personal life; but when you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break bounds; your mind transcends limitations; your consciousness expands in every direction; and you find yourself in a new world, a great world, a wonderful world; dormant powers, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a larger man by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.â€
-- Christian D. Larson, Business Psychology, 1912
Lynn, whether you recognize it or not, one of your gifts is inspiring others as you teach them.
Another thing I wanted to share with the group is a link I discovered in an ad on this blog. It's for a free "test" to determine your e-career personality. It's not like any other personality test I've come across. Here's the uncanny thing: The analysis of my results showed that I am...
Wait for it...
A teacher.
(I wish the administration at the local school saw that in me...)
Anyway, a "teacher" in an ebusiness, is one who communicates information through writing, audio or video. In other words, I am ideally suited to be a content creator. Not only am I already a writer, but I am a performer. This wraps up almost everything I do well into one neat and tidy package, and validates what I already knew about myself but didn't value it enough and didn't see how it fit in with an online business. OMG! It fits perfectly, crucially, spot on, smack dab in the heart of an ebusiness.
Here's the link for the free test, free analysis and free video to explain all the possible roles you are suited for:
http://MyOwnEcareer.com/
My only regret is that I didn't find Lynn until a couple of months ago. What did I ever do without you? That's easy to answer: Not nearly as much as I'm doing now and no way close to what you're going to see in 2008. Look out! Deb's gettin' close. You heard it hear first. And you can all say you knew me when... LOL
Deb
Lynn,
This is one of the greatest post I ever read. It is so real, so sincere, and amazingly touching. A true inspiration post for me.
I believe the challenges that you faced that time is much bigger than what you had written. The feelings of uncertainty may have kill you if you do not have a strong character.
But today, I believe you are am inspiration to many people.
What a wonderful post Lynn. It really touched me - and it's the perfect follow-up to your webinar the other day. Since then I've seriously been thinking, planning and dreaming about what I want and what my goals are - both personal and professional.
I'll be 35 in March, but unlike you I have just begun my journey of online marketing and working from home.
Thank you for this post and your honesty. It's inspiring!
Thank you all for the great comments and the kind words. More than anything, I hope that my sharing a bit of detail inspires you to dream big and work hard to make those dreams come true.
It doesnt matter how old you are, how young you are, where you are in your journey towards success or what your circumstances are. None of us are competing with each other. Only setting out on our individual paths, to achieve our individual definition of success.
I want a home, a place to grow some roots for a change, stability and peace of mind, family and love, to raise my children to the best of my ability, and to write my book.
Those things take money of course, which is why we're all here 😉
Lynn, that was beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes and I can so relate to Deb and Lisa. 🙁 That is what I want, not necessarily to be where you are, but where I want to be...thank you for doing such a beautiful post. I really appreciate your humble attitude and selflessness always. Thank you.
Lynn,
I read this post yesterday and was very moved by it, but didn't have a chance to comment until now. Actually, yesterday I thought you must be an angel sent by heaven to post that message right then, because I was in a state of total discouragement. I have been going through major difficulties, mostly financial and brought on partly by my husband's illness and partly by poor management of what I had (the parable of talents!) In fact, part of what was bothering me yesterday was how much the mess I'm in is my own fault, but I was caught up in that negativity, instead of making concrete goals and a plan as to how to make change happen in a specific time frame. My website is only a year old and to a point I guess I expect too much too soon. Sometimes because the difficulties have been going on for several years I get caught up in a sense of hopelessness that I am not going to get to the other side. Thank you so much, Lynn, for sharing how you did get to the other side of dark times. And congratulations on your house.
Deb, I enjoyed reading what you've written as well, and I agree with your comment that you're getting close. I look forward to seeing big things from you in the future.
Valerie
Thank you Valerie 🙂
It seems to me that the transformation happens in phases. Realization, discouragement, deeper discouragement, then downright pissed off. And its when you get really pissed off that you get mad at the world - enough so to fight back.
Any kind of adversity, trial, hard times, etc is actually a blessing in disguise. When we are comfortable and well fed, motivation is harder to come by. Its easy to become complacent, and that is a hard place from which to stir up strong desire & emotion - strong enough to initiate major change.
I'd venture to guess that it boils down to state of mind. And our complex minds require intense stimuli and challenge to get to the point of 'thinking outside the box'...
Thanks for the inspiring post Lynn.
This is one kick in the pants I needed right now.
Joseph Ratliff
Hey Lynn,
Your post is amazing! There are a lot of blogs that talk about making money online, internet marketing, affiliate marketing, etc, but I find myself enjoying your site the most. Thank you.
We all have some troubles in life, some more than others. I find myself struggling through each day trying to support a family (wife, 3yo, 1yo). We're living paycheck to paycheck and it's a battle every month to keep our utilities from being turned off.
I'm working for a big corporation as a customer service representative which is not a fun job in itself (too many negative people), but the company makes things much worse. After dedicating 7+ years with the company I received a later start time, lost all weekends off, wage capped, denied all christmas vacation, and as a christmas bonus I received a plastic company mug.
The financial burden also causes a lot of tension and stress within our family as well. It's very hard to be happy when you don't know if you can get groceries next week.
Often my wife is irritated that I spend so much time online "trying to make money". She doesn't understand that it takes time to build a successful business online. I try to not say much about what I'm doing online to the rest of my family because they just don't understand the whole internet marketing / affiliate marketing concept.
A few years ago I might have given up on trying... That was before I discovered the teachings of one man. This one person has changed the way I think in more ways than I can describe. One of the hardest things to do is to keep a positive mental attitude, especially when you're around a lot of negativity (either from family, spouse, or job). It takes a lot to take control of your mind and not let these influences bother you.
I find myself turning to this man whenever I'm feeling down and start getting negative thoughts about quitting this online rat race. I turn to him, but he is no longer around. As some of you have already guessed, this man is Napoleon Hill. It completely amazed me that everything he learned and thought about being successful in the early 1900s are just as applicable today as they were back then. I learned that success is within my control and that my failures or the failures of my family doesn't determine my future success.
If you're like myself and don't have a lot of support, then look for someone who you can look up to. If you're interested in Napoleon's Hill teachings, I recommend that you first read the original "Think and Grow Rich". There's a new version for the 21st Century, but I highly recommend you read the original one first and then get the new one. Also there's a CD that you can get called "Your Right To Be Rich" which is a live recording of a seminar that Napoleon did in the 1950s. Napoleon does a wonderful job and the whole experience of listening to him teach recharges your batteries. You can buy both these books and audio cd on Amazon.
~Shannon
Thank you Shannon. I agree with you on Napoleon Hill and encourage people to download and read Think & Grow Rich every chance I get. I have the PDF version, the audio version (by Earl Nightingale), the Law of Success book and also Napoleon Hill's Positive Action Plan on my bookshelf.
Once again Lynn sets the example and I for one hope she reaches her goals as I can't think of anybody more deserving. Have a great holiday season and a super 2008 Lynn
Lynn I also read your post yesterday and wanted to thank you for being honest and sharing it with us. It is a reminder that all of us have bad times, financial stuff, work problems, etc. I know that as long as I "try" to stay positive, I will get to the other side. Feeling those feeling is not always fun, but so necessary for me to be able to let them go. You are such an inspiration to me, not only as an internet marketer, but also as "Lynn". Congratulations on the purchase of your house!
JeanM
Thank you both. The kind words and positive encouragement by all of you means A LOT - and I appreciate it more than you know.
And yes Jean, we all have our issues and our bad days and our rough patches. Myself included. It seems (to me) to be a matter of finding balance. And to realize that's exactly what they are - temporary issues, patches and days - and not give in to the idea that they are what make up the sum of our life. And not allow them to.
Easier said than done sometimes, I agree. Especially when you are overwhelmed or right in the thick of a particularly frustrating phase.
Taking positive action being the key to moving out of that phase, no matter how small. It may seem like a drop in the bucket at the time, but those drops really start adding up.
Incredible post, Lynn - just what I needed to 'hear' this morning! Thank you for sharing it with us, and CONGRATS on the potential house - that is so cool!!
Hi Lynn. I make a point of reading your blog and forum every second day or so and always enjoy reading what you have to say. But this post is one that will remain with me for some time. It is as inspirational as it is heartfelt and I thank you so much for going deep and writing it...especially around this time of year. And you know, for those who are interested in learning more about the media phenomenon that is called "The Secret"...look no further. It is right here in Lynn's comment: "If I had just wished and wanted, and not taken the action I did over those 2 years, I would not be ready to take this final step. But I did. And I am. And I cant begin to tell you how GREAT that feels!" That ladies and gentlemen is "The Secret" in a nutshell. Kudos Lynn and thank you.
That is an incredible post, Lynn! Your words mean more to me than I can express. I'm going to dig out my copy of Think and Go Rich... time for a refresher! Although I set a financial goal for 2008, I need to flesh it out. The "why" behind it is floating in my head, but committing to paper will be far more effective.
Since hooking up with you and your webinar 3 weeks ago, my optimism and motivation for this wild IM journey has returned in full force!
Thanks, Lynn.
Great post Lynn, I can't really add to what the others have said, but it's a philosophy that I've always subscribed to, and it's one of the things that I love about being human ! (that sounds a bit weird LOL being human as opposed to what LOL !?!!) but what I mean is that we CAN take steps to change our path, change our circumstances etc..it may not always work out how we planned but the fact is we can change again and we can keep moving forward we just need posts like that now and again to keep reminding ourselves 🙂
OMG thank you so much for this. It made me cry. Right now I'm in the exact same place as she used to be. I'm one year into an unexpected divorce, trying to take care of two kids alone and failing miserably. My current lease is up and I have no place to go but to my parents and have had no luck finding a job. I feel like such a failure. I have bad credit left over from the marriage that I'm trying to repair but without a job that's not happening. I'm not getting child support and my ex doesn't have anything to do with them besides holidays. It does feel very overwhelming and after being in marriage for 5 years and having someone there to support me to being alone is hard. The only guys I'm finding are only interested in casual sex, I want to settle down. Even if that means alone. This blog really means alot to me and finally it seems like someone gets it. It's almost like my future self came back to give me advice. I love it! Thank you so so much!
Hi Crystal,
I do know how you feel. I've been divorced twice and neither father is involved at all at this point. Not even so much as a card or a call on their birthdays.
It does get easier with time though. That first year or so is the hardest, and you're getting that behind you now. So hang in there, my friend 😉
WOW.
I've been in the same place for the past several years. Fat, broke, and unhappy. And all along I've been blissfully trudging along, letting life "happen" to me. And the fatness, brokeness, and unhappiness never gets better. I think it has to do with being too comfortable with the status quo, and being afraid to make changes - even the good ones.
Not sure what I'm going to do about it.
BUT, I *do* want to congratulate you on the purchase of your house! That is SO exciting! You've worked hard for it, and I wish you the best!
Thank you Nicole. Its not a done deal yet, by a long shot - but I am going to look at it again today and hope to make a final decision.
I can relate to your comments about comfort and change. I am very slow to change myself, even positive change. It takes a lot for me, and hasnt come easy. Positive results seem to help a lot though, and have motivated me to continue forward.
You bring up a great example by mentioning weight and weight loss. That's another goal that requires consistent daily action.
Lynn,
I read this when you first posted it. And it stirred in me a feeling that I need to DO something. So I sat down and put to paper some goals and actions for 2008 for my business. But....
Over the weekend one of my husband's friends from work, was killed in an accident when a car he was working on fell on him. He was a little older than my husband, but it was one of those freak accidents that could happen to anyone. It has hit him very hard.
All of this to lead up to the fact that we have talked about not being happy in our present situation: finances, job, location, etc. But it has just been that "talk". After he found out about his friend, I told him "I am tired of living for 'some day' " Such as "some day" we are going to do this or that. Because 'some day' may just not get here, or we may just not be here. None of us are promised tomorrow.
If we don't start DOING something today for 'some day', it will never be here. So when he is on vacation next week, we have already planned to set aside some time to map out where we are, where we want to be, and how to get there.
When I reread your post today, it just hit me in such a more personal way than just goals for my business!
How very sad, Stacie... I know that must be a very strong and emotional wake-up call. Knowing you both personally like I do, that really hits home.
You're right that its about more than just business. Its about LIFE - which is the primary reason most of us start a home-based business or become an entrepreneur. Because we want a better lifestyle.
I want to be successful, happy, healthy, a great mother, a fun friend, and so many other things - all at once. Life Balance is not easy, but thats the quest most of us are on, I believe.
Lets get together soon *hugs* ~Lynn
Thank you Lynn! I'm so happy for you that everything is going so well now! It made me think alot about my talents and where I'm going and helped me to make some important choices. Thanks for taking the time to write me back. I wish you the best, you really are an inspiration!
The quote below may seem, at first glance, to be kind of obscure or irrelevant. Stick with me here, because this is pretty good stuff.
"Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."
No, this isn't a political statement. I gave you the entire quote to give it some context. This comes out of the center of The Declaration of Independence. What does this have to do with this series of comments? Everything.
Beyond the scholarly rhetoric, what Jefferson is saying here is that people will tolerate many things for a long period of time--even tyranny. Only when conditions become intolerable (and this can be different things to different people) do we take action to overcome the status quo. Jefferson says it's a proven trait of human beings to behave this way. It permeates every aspect of our lives.
True, Jefferson wrote this in the context of tolerating government abuses, but from our own experience we know that none of us changes easily. My take on this is that we need a certain amount of desperation--and how much desperation depends on what we consider intolerable.
Believe it or not‚ I think the secret to effecting positive change is to whip ourselves into a frenzy over our situations and deciding we're not going to take it anymore, whatever "it" happens to be. For one person it might be going up yet another dress size. For someone else it might be one too many creditor phone calls. Another person may have watched her children abused one time too many.
Whatever the situation, regardless of what our level of "comfort" or lack thereof might be, I'm convinced that we can talk ourselves, or one another, into a frenzy of action. Why do I say this? Because a fledgling nation was roused to action through the eloquence of visionaries, overcoming the inertia of human nature to maintain the status quo.
I say those of us who are struggling financially are no less victims of tyrants ruling over us, than the Colonies in the years leading up to 1776. King George and England's Parliament aren't our oppressors. Many of our tyrants live within us. We have met the enemy and it is us. But not entirely.
Regardless of where the "fault" lies for our current situations, whether or not we can control our environment or the people around us, one thing is clear. Our thoughts are under our control. And so are our actions.
I don't know about you, but I almost feel as though getting my business off the ground is a war and here I am, suddenly cast in the role of General, untried and unprepared. So if I'm going to carry out this revolution, I need a vision, a strategic plan and tactics to carry it out. Plus I need a team of officers and advisors, not to mention needing the wisdom to choose my battles to gain the maximum territory with the least amount of effort and collateral damage.
With Lynn as Supreme Allied Commander, does anyone else want to join the revolution? If Jefferson, Franklin, and Washington had been forced to fight alone, we would now live under a different flag. It took an entire nation, united in their resolve and working together to win independece for all its citizens. Who says we each have to fight separate wars? Wouldn't we do more damage together than separately?
I don't know if this metaphor strikes a chord in you or not. I know it's solidified my vision and clarified for me how and where to start my planning.
Anyone else want to sign an internet declaration of independence from the despots of inaction and analysis paralysis?
Deb
Wow! Here, here! Now for me I have to figure out where to start. I have to come up with a plan of action. I can be inspired all I want but nothing will change unless I DO.
We have a saying where I'm from "don't talk about it, be about it"
In honoring myself and everyone who help create such an inspiring post. I've decided that my actions will speak louder then my words. In 2007 and 2008 I plan to "be about it"
Lynn, for the record you Rock Hard Gurl !!!!!
Deb,
Absolutely awesome!!!
You have quoted my absolute favorite passage of the Declaration of Independence. And for a lot of the same reasons you stated!
To paraphrase Nicolas Cage in 'National Treasure': "It is the 'right' AND 'responsibility' of those that CAN make a difference TO make a difference." We all CAN make a difference in our lives AND in others life, so we have the 'right' AND 'responsibility' to do so.
So where do I sign the Internet Declaration of Independence? 🙂
LOL, Thank you Wes 😉
Incredible, Deb - and beautifully written!
That is strikingly similar to the Parable of the Talents, which I referenced in the original post.
I think that one of the (if not THE) keys to success is becoming consumed with your goal. This is what Napoleon Hill teaches in Think and Grow Rich and that concept alone is a huge thought-shifter.
If you are not consumed with your personal goal in life, then what are you consumed with? Food for thought...
Sign me up. Turn off the tv, stop the newspaper. "Im mad as h--- and I'm not going to take it anymore" to quote a line from the movie Network.
So much for me and my anger.
How has this epiphany altered(or solidified) your 2008 goals,plans etc.
Frankly I think the whole country needs to solve some of it's long standing problems. To name one the length and cost of a presidental election.
( gets off soapbox and fades into cyperspace)
Lynn, what an inspiring story. Go on with your bad self! 😉
Hi Lynn... what an inspiring post and one I can really relate to. I guess we all were, are or will be at that point someday, it's how we deal with it that makes all the difference. Excellent post.
"The truth is, none of us are “exactly where we want to be in life.†And personally, I hope I never am. I hope I always aspire to be more, and to do more - even when I have achieved whatever goals I set for myself, or reached what I thought was my full potential."
Lynn,
This quote right there says it all.... Its about never getting to a point where you no longerhave the fire and no longer strive to be the best.
How true can that be for so many people who have grown tired of their crappy jobs, their bosses, the daily grind and anything else negative about working in the corporate world.
I don't want to write a novel here but for those who don't know me, I started at Lynn's site.
But before I made my way to Lynn's site...
I learned step by step, countless hours of reading, multiple failures, being mislead by some of the webs so called "Guru's"
I didn't know anything when I first got into this business. I knew that I liked the ability to work at home, be my own boss and get out from under being kicked around in a business world where I and many others have become nothing less than a number, a statistic if you will.
Once I found Lynn's forum I learned and grew from there. Developing my own style and skills, but learning from a group of people at Lynn's forum who really do care about other peoples dreams and goals including Lynn.
I'm where I am at now. My work ethic is no different - I bust my ass in everything I do. I learn, apply, test and if I fail try again.
I consider myself blessed and now very successful and yet still not where I want to be. I'm not sure I will ever be 100% where I want to be... but thats what inspires me, thats my fire.
However, I am happy. I no longer worry from day to day if someone wants to fire me because of who I am. I no longer worry if I make a mistake will it cost me my job. I no longer worry about pleasing 6 different bosses.
I walk my own path and the path is clear and I know who I am. I also believe that other marketers feel the same and even understand exactly where I am coming from.
Now I am doing what I love and helping others succeed as well. To me there is not a bigger reward. I am able to bless those with what i've learned and give back.
Anyone who isn't even close to where you want to be with your life.. stick with it, focus,learn and always listen to the people who are true in this business, as is Lynn.
Thanks,
Michael S Brown
Thank you Michael 😉 You are such an inspiration. I have really enjoyed watching you make that transition over the past year, and look forward to continuing to work with and alongside you in the year ahead.
KNOWING you are on the right path is an awesome feeling - I can certainly relate. Congrats to you for doing what it took to get where you are - enjoy it!!
Mannnn Lynn...
That was intense! Great post.Can relate on so many levels.
Hey, how bout lunch in two weeks? I will drive up.
Dave
Sounds great - you've got my number! 🙂