Newsletter for May 2008: Discover Your Passion and Go For Gold!

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If you know you have a talent or ability, put it to work! If people have said, "You're a natural!" or "You could make a fortune at that!" why not believe them, and explore the possibilities? The world needs all the help it can get! Do not hide your potential. Remember the children's story of the "Little Engine That Could." Like a mighty locomotive that starts slowly and builds momentum until it becomes unstoppable, proceed in the direction you want to go. 

In my June 2007 news letter I wrote about achieving success beyond our wildest dreams. When we follow our passion and persevere, the results can be astonishing! (You can read that issue online at: http://www.rodgerblaker.com

Then I received emails from people saying they don't have a grand passion, or feel stymied. Some said they "don't know what I want to do with my life," while others wrote about having a dream, but "no idea how to get started." Obviously, one short thought can't address all the complexities, but here are some reliable steps that have worked for other people.

First, let's acknowledge that some people really are stuck, confused or possibly depressed and may need something more than "self-help" or advice. It's always dangerous to give flippant or easy advice, and if you've "tried everything and nothing seems to help," please consider seeking a personal coach, counseling, or some other professional consultation. Why stay stuck?

But let's also acknowledge that most of us could achieve far more than we have in our lives. Most of us know, deep inside, that we could (and perhaps "should") get out of our comfort zones and "go for more." Let's talk about that.

Having coached lots of people, my first advice to anyone who lacks direction or a definite dream, is "start walking." Just begin! Too often we hold ourselves back with some version of "yes, but." We say, "but what if it's a mistake?" or "What if I invest time (or money or my reputation) and then change my mind?" My answer is always the same: "So what?!"

Nothing is ever going to change unless you get started. Take action! Of course it may turn out to be the wrong action! Of course you may change your mind, make a mistake, or hit a dead-end. So what! Unless and until we take action, nothing will ever change. There are no guarantees in life. Take action. Start. Begin. Fall down, skin your knee, get up and go again.

I love the quote from Ray Bradbury about taking the leap and "building your parachute on the way down." Most risks in life aren't all that big. You may risk a few hours, even a few months of your time, but you'll learn something, meet some interesting people, maybe have some fun and if you eventually change your mind, you'll at least have an interesting story to tell your kids. Begin!

Next, there's the bugaboo of "fear." Fear stops all of us at times. Fear is real, although it's often exaggerated. And so I always advise my clients to look for the smallest, safest first step they can find. My clients often hear me ask, “What is a baby step you can take?”

Human beings love big, dramatic leaps! We love the over-night success, but life isn't like that.

To start a business, visit a few websites. Borrow a book from the library. Make a few phone calls, visit the Chamber of Commerce, or talk with someone who has built a similar business. There's no need to invest your life savings right away! Take small, safe steps. But ACT! Get started!

Finally, use the principle of partners. When Jesus sent his disciples out, he sent them "two by two." Find someone who understands your dream and ask them to support you. Be careful, because some people will laugh or criticize your dream, so find a cheerleader and ask them to help you, to talk things over, even hold your hand if you need it. I often tell individuals and groups I speak to that each of us must have a board of directors to keep us focused on our vision and for accountability if we're going to reach our dreams.

To find your passion, ask yourself what interests you. If people have said, "You're a natural!" or "You could make a fortune at that!" why not believe them, and explore the possibilities? The world needs all the help it can get! Do not hide your potential. Remember the children's story of the "Little Engine That Could." Like a mighty locomotive that starts slowly and builds momentum until it becomes unstoppable, proceed in the direction you want to go. 

"A day will never be anymore than what you make of it. Practice being a doer!" -- Josh S. Hinds

"Fear of the unknown is the worst of all the fears; it kills the creative powers that come from Curiosity." Dr. Nirvikar Dahiya

"Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade?" -- Ben Franklin

"I couldn't wait for success, so I went ahead without it." -- Jonathan Winters
 

This is a story of two contrasting groups of people. I have a friend who is part of a Mastermind group of four entrepreneurs. They meet every week to encourage and support one another and what strikes me is how productive they have been.

My friend was sharing how he went back and counted the projects and initiatives this little group developed over the summer last year. Between them, they developed three new books, launched several new websites, and one member launched a whole new enterprise.

While estimates are always risky, my guess is that these "summer projects" generated substantial revenue by end year end last year, and it will propel exponential growth in the years to come.

In contrast, I know too many people who work only part-time during the summer. Now, obviously, I want everyone to enjoy a relaxing summer but at what cost?

Every year I write that summer is the time to get a jump on your competition. Every summer I note that while most people are on vacation, this is the time to build your business.

NOW is the time to dream big! NOW is the time to organize your fall campaign, your special events and your end of year triumph! NOW is the time for action! As a coach, I am convinced that the work you do during the summer will largely determine your level of success for the entire year.

Yes, of course you should take the kids fishing, have some picnics and enjoy the long summer days. (And, in the Southern Hemisphere, avoid getting caught in the "winter doldrums.") But as Brian Tracy has advocated for years, when you work, work flat-out. Work hard! Work smart! Work with full concentration and full attention.

If you would like coaching to build your business, please contact me. Let's get a jump-start on the fall. Contact me by email at: rodger@rodgerblaker.com.  Let's make this your best year ever!
 

Check out these bits of dialogue that would never occur in any John Wayne or Clint Eastwood western. Enjoy!

"I reckon I'll have me a half-caf double latte with a twist. IN A DIRTY MUG!"

"Gentlemen, rather than get caught up in mindless reaction; let's draw upon our feminine selves for a more intuitive solution."

"Can we postpone this duel till 12:05? I gotta use the little boys room."

"Injuns! Quick, pull the wagons into an irregular dodecagon!"

"Y'know, Badlands Pete... a roaring campfire, good coffee, nice prairie breeze, just you 'n' me... what say we put on the rhinestone gowns and dance a jig or two?"

"Let's see... hardtack and pemmican... that's three grams of fat, seven grams of protein, and two starches."

"You 'n' Slim round up them strays, and I'll tell Cookie to get started on the gazpacho and the fondue."

"That's him! That's the yella-bellied varmint who shot my therapist!"

"He was a strong man, a good marshal, and I reckon he had a keen eye for interior decoration."

"Hey, Buck, do these chaps make my butt look big?"

"It's like I keep tellin' ya, Earl: men is from Tombstone, women is from Dodge."

"HANG HIM HIGH, BOYS!! ...Okay, now a little to the left... .Oooh! Stop right there. Perfect!" 

Rodger Blaker works with executives, small business owners and professionals who want to grow in their business and create an extraordinary life!