Join the self-employment revolution.
Own Your Work - Live Your Life
free agent - noun: a person not under compulsion or constraint who is self-determining, not responsible to any [human] authority for his or her actions [aka: employment]
I remember the first time I met Joel Boggess in Franklin, TN at the '48 Days' compound. He showed up with 50 other people who were interested in self-employment. He joined our community and became one of the more persistent people I've ever known. He always showed up, he always asked questions and he always took action on what he learned.
Today he's full time self-employed, doing what he loves, with a book and TV interviews and a growing audience of people he influences.
Every day I feel less and less clarity on 'having everything figured out.' But I can show up, ask questions and implement something. Joel inspires me, and his story will inspire you.
Here are some highlights from the show:
He hung up his tie at Morgan STanley on Nov. 30 2006, after discussing with his wife Pei, where they wanted to see themselves in 5 years.
He realized he spent all his time creating wealth for other people.
Hey wanted to discover how he could work in a way that supported them financially, personally and spiritually.
Serving his primary target market bring out 'the best coach in me.'
Quotable quotes from Joel:
"It takes a lot of energy to run from who you are."
"Surrender to who you are, and surrender to who you are NOT."
Joel is currently working on:
His next book, "Speak To Me,"
A seminar series with his wife Pei, "Embracing Your Uniqueness & Finding Your Voice."
In today's show I interviewed member Chris Peek, along with our Professor of 'YOU' Deb Ingino, of MyWiredStyle.com.
Chris is actively working to Brand his idea, but during the process he was profoundly impacted by our YOU course that focuses on strengths and weaknesses and personality styles. Today we discussed this with Chris, and how he's using the info as he builds his business. Below is a note from Chris to our Professor of YOU, Deb Ingino (www.mywiredstyle.com):
Deb - I just wanted to write a word of thanks for providing such life-changing material here at Free Agent Academy. I refer back to your material often, as it has opened a new world of seeing others in a different light. In the past, I would get very frustrated with others for various reasons that I now understand to be related to 'wiring'. Back in my high school and college years, I often thought something was wrong with me because I didn't fit in with the outgoing people. Boy, I wish schools taught DISC and your material. Anyway, FAA has been worth it for many reasons, but your material alone has been a life-changer for me. It's greatly enhanced many of my relationships because I now understand my strengths and how to better relate to those who are wired differently. Thank you for all you do! - Chris Peek
In the show we discussed how Chris will maximize his strengths and shore up his weaknesses as he builds his business. We also got on the topic of what a misperception people have with what personality styles are more 'successful' in our culture and how that limits us.
This is at the heart of everyone who thinks of pursuing self-employment. If you are currently paying your bills through a traditional job, when you break down your fears and concerns and doubts about really pursuing self-employment, you are thinking of the risks. And those risks are primarily two:
Financial & Relational
And they generally come in the form of these specific worries:
Will I end up wasting time and money, and have nothing to show for it?
Will I stress my time with my spouse and kids, and not succeed and have a big payoff to show them?
Will I get disapproval and maybe even criticism or ridicule from friends and family for trying to pursue this, and if it doesn't work out, have less credibility in their eyes?
Listen to today's show that discusses this blog here:
First, let's recognize and agree that we live in a society that is hell-bent on not rocking the boat. Above all, the most important purpose of life is to have secure finances and the socially acceptable amenities, otherwise we'll jeopardize our relationships. Our spouse will be scared and our friends and family won't think we're very important.
And friends, in today's world, this trumps the pursuit of values and purpose and meaning.
Setting that out on the table and looking at it for what it is, helps me deal with it. Otherwise, I start feeling alone and questioning the struggle of swimming upstream. But when I see it plainly, it helps bolster my resolve and faith.
Next, shouldn't the main question really be, "Is it going to be OK if my life is just as it is now…in another 3 or 5 or 10 years?!" You shouldn't get married to someone who you believe you could live WITH, you should get married to the person who you believe you can't live WITHOUT. If you are considering self-employment, it should be because there are major areas of value that you believe is crucial for your life and you see self-employment as the best vehicle that will provide them. Count the costs…sure. But they should be secondary to your convictions.
This thinking led me to posting a Facebook discussion earlier today that asked: "What will suffer if you are still in your current work situation 2 years from now?"
The responses were profound, but not surprising. Reading them however, I bet will validate what you feel at heart. You can review them here: FreeAgentUnderground Facebook Discussion
Lastly, regarding those primary worries…you WILL experience most of them at some point before you succeed. You'll spend more time and money than you had hoped, you'll stress your relationships and you'll endure some criticism. And along the way you'll lose hope, at least for a bit. If it was easy, everyone would do it, eh? You can't succeed and come out unscathed. Most of you spend time every single day watching celebrities and athletes on TV. How many of them do you believe, would say that they got to where they are…easily. "No big deal!" You know the answer. None of them.
It will be hard. But those who make it will testify that staying where they were, would have been even harder. And the payoff is unprecedented.
Today I interviewed a guy I admire a lot. Brian Tuten lives in Pheonix, AZ and is a husband and father to five kids. He's got a 'good job and pretty much everything that people in today's culture aspire to.
Trouble is, he has bigger aspirations.
Some 'cliff notes' highlights here are thus:
Brian wants more from his life, and more for his family.
He and his family have lived on much less than he makes for quite a while, sacrificing 'status' for margin to invest in more meaningful things than late model cars, a big house and all the meaningless consumer items that society normally devotes itself to affording.
Brian pursued knowing himself better, to therefore understand what he believed he was to devote himself to.
Now he and his family are embarking on a great adventure.
Down below are some notes Brian shared with me, and I promise you...there are some quotes that will dramatically inspire you, convict you and make you stop and think about your own life. If you've never fully paid attention to my blogs before, please...read what Brian has to say. If you're more of an audio person, here is the replay of the live show:
Kevin: What was your college focus, what you thought your interest was? Brian: My older brother, by five years, loved computers. I grew up watching him take computers apart and put them back together. He also liked to write a lot of simple computer programs. I did not have the same passion for computers that he did, but I wanted to be like him. We both graduated from college with majors in computer science. My parents were happy because with a computer science degree I could get a good job and computer programming was something I could do well.
So, that is the profession I choose, but while in college I discovered what I was truly passionate about. I have always loved adventure from an early age, but in college I had the privilege of being the outdoor eduction director's assistant. In this position I learned how to teach and lead numerous adventure sports. I fell in love with outdoor adventure and it is still a big part of my life today.
Kevin: What is your quick job history leading to now? Brian: 15-17yrs – Assistant Manager Little Caesars Pizza 17-18yrs – Assistant Manager Entertainment Tonight Video 18-20yrs – Berry College Outdoor Education Department Director's Assistant 21-27yrs – AG Communication Systems/Lucent Technology (telecommunication software) 28-35yrs – Performance Software (avionics software)
Kevin: How/when did your family came into focus...marriage, kids? Brian: A couple of months before I graduated from college, it was my job to train my replacement. Jodi was eager to learn and we spent a lot of time together getting her familiar her new responsibilities. Our first date was teaching her how to kayak on a rain swollen river. I had never met a girl who loved adventure as much as me. So, we started dating (long distance) after I graduated and moved from Georgia to Arizona. Jodi baby sat for a couple who were marriage counselors in our college town and we went through premarital counseling with them (Battlefield Ministries). Our dear friends, Nathan and Jane are the most amazing example and counselors we know. Jodi and I have avoided the majority of the typical marriage issues because we sought and still seek good counsel. We are passionate about growing together and making sure others have the same tools we've had to strengthen our marriage.
After five years of marriage, we were blessed with our first child. A week before Kendall was born, I was laid off as part of a corporate takeover by Lucent Technologies. It was such an amazing experience. I got the opportunity to spend the next six months bonding with my wife and our new daughter. During that time I worked part time as an office manager in our friend's chiropractic office to cover our expenses. When the baby was six months, as a family we started adventuring together. By the time she was eleven months we were able to do canyoneering trips to Zion. One of my favorite memories/pictures is our eleven month old daughter, in her pool floaty ring, swimming through a four foot wide slot canyon with the walls towering high above her. Kids are such a gift and we are only given a moment to enjoy them, so we better make it count.
Kevin: Where/how did your unrest/desire start to manifest for...more and better Brian: Over the last five years I have taken on more responsibility at work and our family has grown from two to five kids. As a family, we have gotten outdoors less and less as my energy has been divided between my job and family. I have felt torn because my heart is to spend more time investing in my family, but my kids are not able to see that, when I spend the majority of my time working. I have been searching for a way to incorporate family, work, and play. I've found that when I do not get enough family time and outdoor adventure in my life, I become restless, irritable, and in general am not much fun to be around. Hope deferred makes the heart sick. If there is an adventure on the horizon or even the possibility of it and hope returns. That is one of the things I love about Free Agent Academy, it creates hope.
Kevin: How did you came to your current idea? Brian: I got the opportunity to attend the Free Agent Academy intensive event in March 2011 to focus on my Idea. As Jonathan Pool walked us through the life of 'hypothetical guy', I learned how the whole picture of our life (the good, the bad, our strengths, our personalities, and our heart) have shaped us into who we are. Then we got to create our wall of perspective and it was such a powerful and revealing journey for me. I found freedom in the transparency, as I got so much out of having others walk through my life with me to point out the common threads that I was not able to see.
Since reading 'A Million Miles In A Thousand Years' by Donald Miller, I have been searching for a story larger than myself to invite my family to join me in. Well, I really didn't know enough about myself to create that story. The Free Agen Academy Idea intensive event gave me the idea filter and through it I found our story.
Kevin: So, what is your idea? Brian: The Funhog Family 50 State Challenge:
As a family, visit each of the 50 states
Experience an adventure per state
Interview ministries (as a family) that have impacted our family
Raise money for marriage and family
Make family the adventure and relationship the journey, showing that a family of seven on the road is not only possible, but only a stepping stone to the adventures to come.
Through our simple yet adventurous life, we desire to inspire the world to seek Christ and to invest in what matters most.
Kevin: What is the hope doing in your soul and spirit? Brian: C.S. Lewis said, “We are made for something greater, but it takes a journey to discover what that is.“ As we have started taking steps towards making this journey a reality, I have started to come alive. The excitement is contagious too as the whole family is coming together to make things happen. I have a thankful heart as this story is just beginning.
Kevin: What are your next action steps? Brian: I have asked for a three month sabbatical from work in order to complete the first stage of our journey (states east of Arizona), starting July 2nd. I am getting tons of ideas for blog content, but I need to create a blog site and get it online. I need to complete the branding->online courses in Free Agent Academy. Then, I need to finish the adventure prep.
I tend to give more focus to 'idea discovery' than business strategy because I know it to be of far more value. The vast majority of biz success stories you hear about, have at the core...someone who pursued something they really cared about and believed in.
On the other side, we see countless examples of people putting all the latest, greatest biz practices into place for an 'opportunity,' only to fail.
As today's Free Agent Underground Show guest, Karen Martin, testified...she's found what she would do for free. THAT...is the gold. I'll put my money behind that anyday.
Now, can you kill a dream with bad execution? By not putting wise business strategy behind it? Absolutely. You need both. But the roots, the core...is the idea and your belief and passion and fit within it.
Karen's desire is to help mothers stay at home with their children. Something she did NOT do well. Her's is not a story of overcoming, but of regret. She felt the obligation, got the big job, made the big money. Her children are older and out of the house now. She sees what she missed. And she's pained to see so many women following in her footsteps, and wants...better.
Listen to the interview with Karen, joined by our guru of idea, Jonathan Pool. You'll also hear her review two other viable ideas she contemplated, that didn't pass her own 'idea filter' created with Jonathan.
But you can start building something you believe in and keeps you up at night with excitement in 90 days. More on that at the bottom of the post.
Contrary to the late night infomercials, this is just the reality. Could you come up with an idea, do the work to get it ready to launch, and start selling and making income quicker than two years? Sure. If you devoted yourself full time to it. But that doesn't happen.
You have a life that is packed full now and you'll be doing great to squirrel away a few hours per week for this. And that's sufficient if you make a longterm commitment to this, sacrifice some of your comfort, do the work and be patient.
Really, the bigger question is…would you commit to something for that long, to get a payoff you believed in?
For me, two things kept me fully committed to self-employment:
I wanted to work at and build my own agenda (and profits), not someone elses,
I wanted to be certain that my family could come first
That was pretty much it. All of my friends were putting in their time, some making a lot of money, some making just a little. Some doing work they were OK with, some doing things that meant nothing to them (and always a few doing work they really didn't believe was moral).
Now, I did so many things wrong. Mainly I had no financial plan. Ever. And for a long time I didn't step back and ponder what I really wanted and was good at. I just went after things pell-mell. Today I'm at the best business health of my life, though let me tell you, it ain't easy street. In my family, we have the same time issues, money issues and stress issues that you do. Our house that we built is still missing most of the trim after two years now, we drive old cars with high miles (1999 Suburban and a 1984 Jeep CJ7), we shop at Goodwill a lot, rarely eat out and the last movie I saw in the theater was The Passion of Christ in 2004.
But the fact is every day my work is building an asset that I own (my retirement fund!), I'm working at what I truly care about and doing tasks I believe in, and when my family needs me…I'm here. I spend breakfast with my kids from around 7-8:30am or later, I usually transport kids somewhere during the day, we almost always have a big lunch with the whole family, I normally go for a run or mountain bike ride, we fix dinner together and talk, then I spend the evening with my wife (though it's often on the couch or bed getting more work done or writing our passions into blogs!).
Otherwise, the only question left is not "When do you want to start?", but "When will it be too late?"
Agent Kevin Miller
What makes it possible is hope and inspiration. And that come from having a plan. See what you'd be getting into with Free Agent Academy membership here with our 40-questions. In starting with us, it's not only possible, but probable, to know what you'd be pursuing, in 90-days. Check out the Questionnaire here
It's all you can do to survive the day and keep everything afloat. Making just enough money every month to make ends meet, spend just enough time with your kids to keep them marginally content, not much time for you to invest in what inspires you, gives you health and makes the days contain any true joy.
You're not OK with this and feel imprisoned. The primary culprit? The amount of time your j-o-b consumes.
You are paid to fulfill certain tasks, but in the corporate world of managing large amounts of business and people, they are wasting your time. They can't help it. Here is an analogy:
We all know that the public school system requires on average eight hours of a kids time in order to facilitate about four hours of actual class learning. Nobody's fault, just the nature of the beast. Then the kids spend another hour or two pursuing extracurricular actives such as sports or drama.
I see that as wasting my kid's time. With the other four hours they save homeschooling, they can study the Bible, learn to cook, enjoy the outdoors, pursue personal hobbies. Then as a family we have time to interact.
It's the same with self-employment, or for that matter telecommuting to a degree. The time spent
Commuting
In required meetings that for every hour spent you get 10 min of value
Watercooler chit chat
Lunch
Busy work that has no real application
Working on misplaced priorities or flat-out meaningless work
...is saved.
Now on one hand, it's amazing you can get paid for wasting so much time. But the costs are your lack of time to:
Be involved in your kid's lives
Be in full union with your spouse
Be available to serve others when needed
Invest in your health and wellness - exercise, cooking good foods
Pursue your spiritual life
Build a legacy
(add in your own hot buttons here, of things you don't have time for but desire)
This is where free agency steps far beyond a luxury or 'that would be nice,' and into a responsibility.
Here are what a couple folks shared about this:
"At least 40% of everyday is wasted in meetings and another 10% to busywork, so at least half of every day. After 25 years in the corporate space, I've found that the further you move up the ladder, the higher percentage of the day is wasted. Having started in the trenches and progressed to the C-level, I've seen my waste time go from < 10% to over 50%. A lot of it is determined by your supervisor's expectations i.e. "you will sit in all these meetings that I want you in, or I will be forced to conclude that you don't care about what I care about." - Scott K.
"Out of the 47 hours spent away from home, at least 10-15 of them could be reclaimed." - Justin H.
Can you really afford for so much of your time to be wasted? Aside from wanting your actual work to have purpose, what things of value in your life, are you not having the time to invest in?
The beauty about having a platform is influencing others. We all care about and believe in things and wish others would listen to us. That sounds egotistical and unpolitical incorrect, but it's truth.
And we readily accept it from those we trust. Choose your favorite expert or authority, celebrity, sports star, even a politician or two. They have one area they excel in, but we generally give them implied credibility to give counsel in many areas.
This is what happens as a free agent…being self-employed. You have a product or service and at the core of it, a message. That…is influence.
I commented on them in the show, posted at the bottom of this page.
Just below, are two of our Free Agent Academy members who have a service that gives them influence. And here are their latest blogs. Neither blog topic is on their core service, but they are enjoying the platform of their influence to speak on things they care about.
And I for one, believe the value they offer is worth sending to you. So this is a great testimony, eh? Because if I'm wrong, I only hurt myself, and lose…influence, with you.
Blog:"Fattening The Children For The Slaughter" Business: S'more Outdoor Founder: Brett Traudt Brett's focus is providing fully equipped camping trips to get people over the hurdle of preparation…and into the woods. But here, he's talking on the tragic epidemic of obese children. He has influence with me, I read it, left a comment, and am believed in it enough to send to you!
Blog:"Entrepreneur Lessons from 50 Cent" Business: The Daily Grind Founder: Dr. David Powers David's focus is great coffee. But here he is talking about entrepreneurship and pursuing your passions. Again, he has influence with me, I thought his blog was of great value, and I'm sharing it with you.
At the heart of our pursuit for meaning is to spend the majority of our time serving people. Serving them in a way we find great joy and fulfillment in, the recipient profoundly values, and we make an adequate or even abundant income through.
Two questions for today's show, and I'm seeking a convergence of them: 1. How would you like to serve people? 2. What is it that you can do really well?
And let me define this by saying...aside from a 'faith based initiative' answer. I know people who love working on cars and are passionate about helping people get their cars in working order. Especially helping single moms and such. Or people who just adore cooking food and delivering food to people. Or folks with a real knack for finance who help others get their money issues together.
What is something you know how to do and love to serve people in doing?
Cause then my desire is...how can we get you doing that in a business? But don't worry about how to monetize it. That's what I'll talk about on today's show.
By show time we had 17 comments posted. I read through and discussed most of them in the show. Here it is:
I led off the show thanking folks for a couple new reviews in iTunes, now giving us 20 reviews and a 5-star rating in itunes. If you enjoy the show, please...leave us a review. You can get to us here: Free Agent Underground Show in iTunes
Next, we've been having some healthy and lengthy discussion at Facebook, as well as having fun with personal posts and pictures. Today I uploaded a bunch of pics from my marathon date night with my wife Teri and our epic Goodwill treasure hunt (some of Goodwill's finest shown to the right). You can connect with me here: - Personal page: http://www.facebook.com/agentkmiller - FAU Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/freeagentunderground
Here are some of the issues covered in today's show:
What good things can you get rid of, so you can accomplish GREAT things? - lack of time - no matter who we are, we fill up every second - we aren't that critical or important - we spend a lot of time working jobs we don't like to pay for crap we don't need - to set priorities you must have a purpose - we stay busy to escape boredom and despair and have status (badge of honor) - we as a culture, look down on folks with spare time - you ARE emotionally and brain drained cause you aren't inspired - you ARE physically tired cause you aren't keeping fit and well - most everyone can save a good hour per day - what if your current job is just overwhelming? Might have to kill it. - if kid obligations are hampering you, is them participating in a sport more important than you fulfilling your calling? You are their example
Public cussing to help grow your business - no, don't cuss, not just for shock value. Be authentic with who you are - be controversial, contrarian and countercultureal. If you are not, you have nothing to offer - you must have and communicate strong convictions (WATCH THIS VIDEO)
For the few of you who aren't mortally wounded that I used the word 'damn', this life-reality is burdening me greatly. Hordes of people are dying from their life circumstances, but feel unable to act and achieve a different reality.
They, we…are all too busy.
I'm sick of everyone being 'busy', myself included. It's disease, much like obesity, that we have inflicted upon ourselves. And it's robbing us (again, me too) of the longings of our heart.
And it's the most socially acceptable disease of them all. Bottom line, being busy gives us status. Having free time means we aren't important or successful. That's just the real perspective of our culture.
And it IS true, we ARE busy. Because we fill, or allow to be filled, every minute of our existence.
I know of absolutely NO ONE who has any free time. Nobody. I know people who are single, married, zero kids and 12 kids. Self-employed, traditionally employed and unemployed. Good health, bad health. Rich and poor. Who did I leave out?
And everybody is wanting for better, lacking peace and fulfillment, and taking on a victim or status role of "I'm so busy cause I'm so unfortunate", or "I'm busy cause I'm so damn important to the world."
Honestly, where did our faith go? I'm father to seven kids. I 'lead' or at least have influence over a core couple thousand folks (10k on the fringes). Guess what? If I get hit by a truck tomorrow and disappear, THEY WILL ALL SURVIVE. I'm not their savior. I may be being used, but my God is a big God who can accomplish His will without me. I'm an available tool. Worthy for sure! But I pull my pants on like everyone else and at best am one of many pawns in a big story that will happen regardless.
My only chance in even being used…is being available.
Being busy and 'so important' is a disease of our culture, nothing more. Nobody is a victim, and no one is that stinkin' important. Can we just get honest?
I am married.
I have a growing business.
I have seven children ranging in age from 1 to 15 years old.
I have a big house with six bedrooms and 5 potties and 5.6 acres.
I have 3 vehicles.
I'm involved in my church and community.
I own another house that we rent.
I am NOT debt free or making so much money I can just spend at leisure (i.e. gross profit vs net profit!), though I'm not deprived of anything.
I have a growing audience of people I have influence over. Interviews, classes. By the world's perspective, I'm 'important.'
I don't just have a book I want to write, but that people are ASKING me to write.
I get testimonials giving me more credit than most pastors receive.
I can make a heck of a case for being busy. For "I can't" and "I have to." But it would be a lie.
Give me a break. There are people dying of starvation. My God states I must lead my kids in knowing Him. And I washed my car. Where is the Biblical or governmental dictate that 'thou shalt have a clean car?!' I spent time on that so I look better in the church parking lot and I don't get dirt on my clean clothes. That's it. It's not wrong, but it's sure as heck not necessary.
There are hordes of people with more on their plate, more in their lives, giving more value to mankind in massive ways, that have more time than I usually admit to.
We simply fill our time because we believe and accept that we must. There is no one reading here who doesn't participate in unnecessary activities.
And you know what…it's OK! It's OK for me to waste some time. I honestly believe that Jesus Christ, during his three years of core ministry, spent some time chillin' out and shooting the breeze. Yes, the Savior of mankind who had to save us all. He laughed, drank wine, enjoyed this creation of earth, and had to call his dandy tribe of disciples to get away and rest and recuperate and rejuvenate. Can you imagine? "We have three years to save the world, it's all on us, we can't rest, we're BUSY!"
Can we just check ourselves and call a spade a spade?
Call me. Email me. If I say "OH, I can't" or "OH wow, sorry but I have to…" you can call me a liar. I can do whatever I please. And I don't HAVE to do...much of what I do. It's a choice. And to save what's most important and the right priority, it's a good decision if I don't do many things, to preserve what's best.
Ever notice that folks living in the projects have cable TV, cell phones, microwaves, cars and probably newer clothes than I do? That's not judging or a lack of compassion, it's just truth. We afford time and money for what we value and choose.
Sure…there are victims. Single mothers left by their husbands. Widows. Orphans. And they deserve our help.
For the other 99.99% of us, we have few real "have tos" or relevant "can'ts" that keep us from being available. We just have an overwhelming list of what we believe we SHOULD do. We watch plenty of TV and movies. We surf the news online and are well aware of our sports teams and show's status. We know plenty of gossip. We read nonfiction books and interesting magazines and publications. We attend shows and concerts. We read the paper. We putter around the house on relatively unimportant things. We spend an inordinant amount of time working for and maintaining a level of western, social acceptance. We invest in things that feed our ego and social standings and aren't serving mankind in the least.
WE ARE NOT VICTIMS.
WE ARE NOT THAT IMPORTANT.
We make time for what we choose.
And most of our longings are within our reach. We just have to decide what we truly want is worth reaching for, more than what we normally reach for.
What do you know you really need? Righteously need?! Meaning, purpose, servitude, inspiration, legacy? - - -
Or…maybe it's just me. Next time you see me irritable and angry and complaining that "I can't" or "I have to", feel free to sucker punch me back to the truth.
In today's show I discussed the book I gave away a few weeks ago, Henry And The Great Society (get it free via PDF here).
Opening notes at the top of the show:
Congrats to all the graduates of our Idea event in Colorado this past weekend (pictured at the right)
Congrats to new Free Agent Academy member Thomas MacDermut from Cary, North Carolina who registered with us just this morning,
The replay of the interview with myself and my wife Teri Miller by a Michigan radio station was posted yesterday here
Asking all those who listen to our shows via itunes to please leave a review.
Most of you reading and listening were going along in your life, only to get hit with, "I feel little meaning or purpose, I spend all day toiling for nothing of worth other than money". But you have no margin in your time and money and are handcuffed. You're best option is to simplify. Do you want purpose and fulfillment and meaning and a legacy, or nice, unnecessary stuff?
Points from the book, covered in the show:
1. Fulfillment in work comes from being invested in it all, from beginning to end. - today in traditional employment, we seldom get to participate from beginning to end and are disconnected from purpose and responsibility. 2. Relationship focused - 'Henry' in the book was fully engaged with family, again, from beginning to end. 3. Henry and his family were Community focused (much more relational) - They had to be, as they relied on those close by cause of geographic boundaries 4. Simple life - They just had much, much less, which led to much margin! 5. Longterm view - Henry was focused on building the assets of his farm, not accumulating amenities - He expected his work to add up to something that could be handed down
Ultimate, Henry gave it all up for EASE and 'MORE' When did we as a culture abandon purpose for comfort? - We work to afford our stuff, and we only buy 'stuff' due to comparison - Until we know the next gadget, we're stoked with what we have. Cooking on an open fire was fine. But along came the wood stove, and soon we couldn't fathom cooking by the fire. Then the gas and electric stove. Then the microwave.
Just over a week ago I was interviewed by a Michigan radio station on self-employment and marriage (thanks to Jeff Beebe). They requested that my wife Teri join me, which was a great honor to me.
The interview is about 50 minutes total, and was live and fully candid. Sharing some of our trials helps us redeem some hard time as I went about self-employment in some unwise ways.
My hope is that it helps you pursue or continue on in free agency with a stronger union in your marriage relationships.
I know both sides...having lost my wife's faith no even a decade ago, and today having her as my number one supporter, encourager and cheerleader.
Today I discussed the blog that got so many great comments, "What if God told you to be self-employed?" I gave the primary concept of the post, read some of the comments, and answered questions and comments from the live audience. Some bullet points:
Your responsibility is to discover what your calling is and go after it, not just give full focus to maintaining or increasing your current status of living,
Do you discount your decisions if there is hardship?
The best way to discern the validity of your decisions is to have wise counsel,
Do you have full confirmation and assurance that being where you are now…staying where you are now…is God's will?
Imagine if you would, a knock on your door one day. As you approach, the light shines from outside. You open, and behold…Jesus Christ in the flesh is on your doorstep.
And He says, "My dear child, I have a path for you, and it's free from the shackles of a job that demands it must be your priority. I have a calling for you that you must take on and build and lead. So yes, the desire I've been building in your heart for something more, and the distaste and pain you have for your current circumstances…are my doing. Now go forth."
The point here is having certainty and dealing with the faith or lack thereof that we have in our own desires and decisions. Most of us pursue what we understand and what is expected of us:
Children of doctors and lawyers often become doctors and lawyers
Children of parents who worked 30 years at a factory generally end up working in a similar type of job
Children of athletes or celebrities generally pursue that
Children of entrepreneurs often pursue self-employment (this is me)
Do you see that? It's not an issue of IQ or brilliance or luck or odds, but of mere exposure.
Most of you reading here, are children of parents who worked at jobs. And we're in a society where this is the cultural norm. Familiarity and expectation rule!
But now back to the opening analogy here. Wouldn't you love to have that bold faced confirmation of the desires in your heart or the pain in your soul? A stone tablet of ten commandments from the sky?
You're probably NOT going to get that. But if you did, what else can we assume will still happen:
You'd still have hardship and trial
You'd probably have an overwhelming, seemingly fatal reality to deter you (think Moses and the Red Sea and no food and no water)
You'd encounter risk
You would make bad decisions and choices along the way
You'd be persecuted for what you believed you should do
We instinctively and inherently expect that if God (or anyone we esteem) confirms a decision we are contemplating, that things should just 'work out.'
They don't. For you believers, go read your Bible and find anyone that God called who just had easy sailing. In truth, if we pay attention to those who DID answer God's call, it scares us. Easier to stay put and accept what the world says...work all day, pay your bills, stay safe, stay under the radar and...exist.
The fact that you have pain in your circumstances, and desires in your heart…demand that you pay attention to them.
Most of your fears and concerns about addressing the pains and/or desires you feel are based around how it may affect your comfort and security. Be honest.
Letting that rule is letting our culture be your God. Jesus Christ (or any leader of historical worth if you believe otherwise) said be responsible about your duties here on earth. I don't want anyone quitting their job, defaulting on their bills and harming their family. God has specific callings for His people that has little to do with avoiding risk, and everything to do with fulfilling His purpose.
Which just leaves the question to you. Do you believe you are right where you're supposed to be, living purposefully and intentionally and paying attention to the stirrings within you? If not, quit finding reasons to stay put. That...will never end. Nothing and no one will show up on your doorstep and give you all the confirmation and confidence and certainty you'd like to have.
And if you are quick to question those 'stirrings', the way to filter their merit is through other people. Not people with agendas and biases toward you either. Think 'mentors' and not 'family.' Wise counsel is Biblical wisdom, and even cultural wisdom. No man is an island unto himself.
I should know. I tried and drowned. Thank goodness for resurrection.
This is next in my series of just sharing real-life testimonials of ordinary people pursuing, progressing and succeeding in free agency.
Victoria Jones is a FreeAgentAcademy member. She's from Texas, a wife and mother and 17 year school teacher. She came into our membership and has graduated from the CALLING course, then YOU, then IDEA, and now...BRAND. That's no easy task. But through the leadership of our Professors and the support, encouragement and counsel from fellow members, she's doing it!
So listen in for our live, candid interview with Victoria and our BRAND professor Jimi Gibson (www.FindYourBanana.com).
P.S. Below the audio links are a list of this week's FreeAgentAcademy new members and graduates. Congratulations to all. Should you be next? Or a better question...why should you NOT be?!
Today we (myself and Jonathan Pool) reviewed Idea course 'Graduation Assignments' from two members, Matt Williams and Brian Yamabe, who recently discovered ideas they want to pursue. Both have jobs, families, and are making it happen. They previously graduated from our Calling and You courses. Now that they have a viable idea that fits their personal 'idea filter', they are in the Brand course putting real legs on the business.
This is the real deal folks. Listen to enough of these and you'll quit thinking that self-employment may not be possible for you.
P.S. My apologies to everyone who tried to tune into our scheduled live show today. Ustream was down for most of the day. We'll be back on Friday at 11am.
This is the easiest truth to discount, the hardest to tackle and the one you'll subconsciously avoid at all costs. Even now, the title alone probably has you a fingernail away from hitting the 'delete' button.
Mainly because the mere term of 'knowing yourself' seems unrealistic. Can we ever really, fully know ourselves. No, I don't think so. And the constant pursuit is ultimately just self-focused and keeps us from serving others.
But in seeking a vocational pursuit that fits us, there is absolutely a level of knowing oneself that can and must be achieved in a rather short period of time, guaranteed. I'm seeing folks do it every week.
People understand that investing in things your passionate about is a key to self-employment success and a joy filled life. The best stories of people loving what they do, and as a result creating wealth and abundance all around them, consist of folks who dove into something they just loved.
But the primary stumbling block is people don't know what they are really 'passionate' about. The definition of passionate is: - having, compelled by, or ruled by intense emotion or strong feeling
If you feel a void here, you are in good, but regretful company. We're in an age where people are less and less aware of, and encouraged in - personal calling, purpose and life meaning.
We're culturally raised up to conform to the norm and pursue safety and security. That is a fact.
The rub is that we are naturally predisposed to desiring calling, purpose, meaning and passion. It rages through our blood. How do we medicate this? We pursue passion voyeuristically. If we aren't truly engaged in it in our real lives, we seek it out vicariously through:
Sports viewing
TV & Movie stories of romance and adventure
Food overconsumption
Sex, drugs and rock and roll
...to name some of the front runners.
Think about it, what rules our media and spare time? Chances are 95% you're engaging in passion vicariously through some outlet. OR…there is one more primary culprit…BUSYNESS. You've filled every spare second with busyness and thus avoid passions altogether.
Thus, when you get an inkling for more in your life, such as being self-employed in something you truly care about…you're faced with…nothing. You can't tap into all the talk of pursuing your passions, because you don't have any that you're much aware of or participating in (viewing is NOT participating).
This is why pursuing more knowledge on careers and businesses and getting more education and certifications is folly. More busyness. Until you discover yourself, the best you can do is just pad your security and comfort.
Discovering the passions that are wired into your heart, and then pursuing them…is your responsibility. It's not about weighing risk or waiting for the right time or letting circumstances get in the way.
Achieving anything of value will include risk, it will infringe on your comfort, time will not open up for it and something WILL 'come up.'
You can and must do it...anyway.
Here is a 1:39 minute video excerpt from Gary Barkalow, founder of The Noble Heart, author of "It's Your Call" and our Professor of 'Calling' at Free Agent Academy. This is straight out of the very first session that you begin with as a member in FAA when you join, it's called 'Alert & Oriented X 3':
So...do you know what you are passionate about? Do you believe you can and should be working at what you're passionate about (be honest, I can handle it)?
Before you answer, let me qualify the questions by asking that you comment within the perameters of something you can offer to the marketplace. I'm passionate about God and my family, but those aren't things I offer to others. In the marketplace, I'm passionate about helping people communicate value they have to offer (marketing and branding) and I'm passionate about helping people become self-employed.
Today we had an enlightening show with guest Jonathan Pool on the steps to discovering your idea for self-employment.
To boil it down, it's a process of knowing yourself and bubbling up to finding an idea that is uniquely from you and fills a need or desire in the marketplace.
The reason 'work' is a necessary evil or down right dirty word in our culture is because
Vocational focus is based on security and comfort instead of meaning,
We've literally bought into the myth that we are not really SUPPOSED to enjoy our work,
Even if we believed in having purpose in our work, we don't know ourselves well enough to know what direction to go.
The few people who do attest to liking their work, often do so as a result of attaching their personal identieis to their positions. Without the money or acclaim, they wouldn't be there.
Truth be told, the vast majority of information out there on self-employment tends to focus on making the most money with the least effort. No different than growing up and seeking out a j-o-b that pays the most, has the best benefits and takes the least personal investment.
Honestly, isn't that the focus? College kids have a goal of finding a 'cushy job.' People brag about big salaries, great benefits, vacation time, company perks...and showcase it by buying lots of stuff to communicate to others their financial affluence. Or by goofing off to showcase their time and financial freedom.
But what does that have to do with PURPOSE?
Name an epic movie that was about padding your comfort, security and social stature. Yet most would have to admit that the story of their life showcases these things as priority.
Of course we have many who are working their fingers to the bone just to survive. They work long hours merely to retain the crappy job they have cause they desparately need the money.
So you want work that has purpose? Work that you WANT to devote yourself to? And as a result of that purpose and devotion, you also create wealth that you can have security in and bless others with?
It won't find you, you'll have to go after it with knowledge and help and commitment. Listen to this interview with Jonathan and you can list out the necessary steps.
NOTE: Jonathan is our lead guide at the March 25-26 'Idea Discovery & Application' Workshop here in Colorado. It's not too late to take a giant step in radically changing your life and achieving free agency. Click the link or email me with questions about attending.
Most people who truly desire self-employment, at the core, just don't have an idea of what they could offer that might be viable in the marketplace. So the desire just remains a pipe dream with little real hope. This is the case with many of you reading, listening or watching right now.
Even if you had an idea that you think might be legitimate, you discount that you could actually make it succeed. Not you. Somebody else, but not you. You don't have what it takes, or your circumstances are just too prohibitive.
Meanwhile we have people from 20 to 60 years old, men and women, every personality style, tight finances, lots of kids, chronic illnesses...who are doing the work and discovering their ideas. This was posted yesterday on our Facebook fan page: "I feel like the obscure dream I've had for years is finally taking shape to a point where I'm getting a plan and a chance to really make it happen. I'm not stopping." Scott M. Lives in Ohio, works in human resources, married 16 years, has four kids
Here is a true statement, "If you are capable of losing weight and keeping it off, you are capable of discovering a viable idea that you truly care about and enjoy and that makes money in the marketplace." It's about hard work and commitment and endurance. That's it. It's not magic or brilliance or only for the super outgoing, risk takers. That last bit especially, is such a myth. Lots of people become self-employed, it's just the mouthy ones that you hear from (like your's truly).
There is a science and art to it though. The science is first in knowing yourself. Figuring out what you care about and what you are naturally equipped to do. If you aren't financially minded and can barely add, you shouldn't pursue being a bookkeeper. Then we must understand your personal circumstances and life design needs so we can filter ideas through that. You may be great at public speaking, but if your life is not conducive to traveling, it may not be the best fit.
The art comes through the step by step guidance, where your brain and heart start sparking and the 'golden opportunity' is not taken from a list or given by a coach, but is primarily cultivated from within you. It's a part of the process. That's the inspiration and big "Ah hah!" moment.
Then, back to the science as we research the marketplace and again, your personal giftings and abilities and available opportunities in the marketplace, and we find your core business.
So the point? If you have 'eyes to see and ears to hear,' which you do or you wouldn't be seeing this, then what is between you and self-employment is just…you. You taking the step to believe, commit and get started.
Again, just like weight loss. No matter how you cut it, the only way to do it is to eat less calories and burn more calories. And to keep it off is to alter your eating habits from this day forth. I've been 6' and 160lbs for as long as I can remember due to deciding on a lifestyle diet 18 years ago and sticking with it to this very day.
So...here are three options for you to get started:
#1 Free Agent Academy Membership $125 This is the least investment for sure. You come in at the basic monthly fee and simply go month to month, progressing through our courses at your own pace, attending the live, weekly classes. You do it from the comfort of your home or office, or a coffee shop. It's powerful and has no comparison.
#2 90-Day MFA (Master of Free Agency) $2,200 Here, I personally walk through our program with you, following each course with a personal consultation (nine total). This accellerates your progress, gives you my personal counsel and allows me to help direct your end product.
#3 March 25-27 Idea Discovery & Application Camp $1,250 This is our live event in Woodland Park, CO (just up from Colorado Springs). It's a powerful, intimate event that grants you access to five of our core Professors (including me) and other attendees on the same journey you are. Plus you're in the majestic beauty in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. We're filling up fast, so this option is fairly urgent.
*Ready to take action but just really unsure of what to commit to? Fill out our 40 question application and I'll personally get back with you. Please only do this if you are able and serious about one of the options above.
The 'right time' will not present itself. You must make it happen. When will you decide it's your time?
This is the best I have for you. My devotion is right here, in helping normal folks like you and I, to achive and live abnormal lives of freedom and purpose.
Meg Hirshberg is a leading writer on self-employment and family. She writes candidly for INC magazine about her experience and learnings as wife to Gary Hirshberg, founder and President of Stonyfield Yogurt, now the world's largest organic yogurt company. Her book comes out in 2012 and she is a recognized speaker on work/life balance issues, particularly those that are of concern to entrepreneurs and their families.
Meg and Gary and their three children endured nearly a decade of hardship and near bankruptcy on the path to succeeding with Stonyfield. In this interview Meg discusses the necessity for having a mission at the heart of the endeavor, not defering and delaying life goals during the process, the temptation of distraction, and why today she's ultimately grateful they stuck it out. OH, and camel poop.
One of our live listeners sent this in immediately after the live show:
Hello Kevin, I listened in on the program today and I have to say it was one of the best interviews I have ever heard on the Free Agent Underground. A lot of wisdom there - excellent, excellent stuff. Thank you. Michael
If you are self-employed (or intend to be) and married (or intend to be) this is a must-listen-to replay. Enjoy.
In today's FreeAgentUnderground Show I gave away a book that has been foundational to my family's life. Literally, it sits on the shelf with a handful of others that are cornerstones to how we live.
The interesting part however, is that I've never met another soul who has read it. And of those that I've given it to, and we've given away an entire case, I've had no one really testify to book's perspective in the way I have.
How is that for a sales lead in? I'm giving away a book that I adore and nobody else does.
Why is it not more popular and widely accepted? Because it condemns our modern way of life, almost completely. Then why do I and my family, who have nearly every amenity known to man, cherish this book? Listen at the link above and find out.
The book is titled "Henry and the Great Society," authored by H.L. Roush. "Henry" was a farmer with a simple life. Progress came in and life became...less simple. By the end, you'll find most of us are where he ended up. For those who can handle this book, I'll be talking about it again with you in the coming days.
We'll be discussing this in our 12pm MT, live Free Agent Underground Show this afternoon. You can join us here.
If you are reading this blog, you probably read other blogs. If you listen to my podcasts, you probably listen to other podcasts. Chances are you may get some business magazines, or you frequently purchase nonfiction, 'self-help' books.
Yes? Me too.
I read, and often get inspired. Which is nice! That's better than letting negative input come into my head for sure. I'd rather we all filled up with this type of input than listen to Black Sabbath and read Stephen King novels for sure.
But let's be honest, we are primarily being ENTERTAINED.
Our lives are what they are today. If they are perfect, then we wouldn't be seeking other input for the most part. Agreed? So, we want something better. We generally want:
More money
More time
More purpose
More peace
Less stress
Less struggle
Less conflict
So we again, read blogs, listen to podcasts, read magazines and books, watch videos, even catch 'self-help' shows on TV (I assume, though I haven't had any type of TV for over a decade).
But, when did we last make a significant change that got us closer to the above seven goals? When did we last ACT ON and APPLY what we learned?!
Folks, I'm preaching to myself here. I sicken myself, actually. I am not a man full of grace and compassion. I'm just naturally NOT. It infects my entire life. I've been well aware of that for years. So why did I read so many other books on so many other topics? Finally, I picked up "What's So Amazing About Grace." Unbelievable, revelatory, life changing book. I read it. Blew me away. Then…I put it down and picked up another great book.
Guess what? I'm still a jerk. I'm just as James 1:22 talks about. I'm a 'hearer of the word and not a doer.' I wasted my time and money on that book if I don't APPLY it.
So, I talked to my core guys about it to help get accountability. Then, started reading it again and put away the other books I wanted to read.
Guess what? I'm still a jerk. But it's coming to mind more. It's needling me more, my reactions are more acute to me. They anger me. I'm starting to temper my reactions and adjust my actions.
How many times should I read that book and how long should I study it and seek to apply it in order to actually change? What if it took me a year, and after a year I was a new man? It would be worth the world to my wife and children.
So leaving that book behind and picking up 'another great book' would be a sin in my life. Spending an hour today reading blogs, listening to podcasts and investing my time elsewhere is in essence saying, "I don't care enough about changing to stay on task. I'd rather be entertained."
I hear so many people that brag about how many 'great' blogs and podcasts and videocasts and books they voraciously read. And yet I see them make no significant change or progress in their lives, year in and year out. They are being entertained. 'Positive entertainment' no doubt, which is better than negative. But it's still entertainment. Let's not kid ourselves or expect much from our time invested in these things, nor lament that our circumstances don't change. I won't impress my wife by reading 20 books on marriage. I'll impress her by changing.
Our primary change does NOT occur by osmosis. It occurs from radical action. Period. Have you ever lost weight by surrounding yourself with diet books and skinny people? Or by throwing out the Twinkies, putting duct tape over your mouth and going for a run?
The average adult reads 10 books per year. The average peer of mine probably reads at least a couple good self-help books per month, and many read one or two a week.
If we truly desire to change, I believe we'd be good to stick with one book per year that we read, study, outline, apply, review, apply, review, apply. And maybe at the end of a year we'll have actually achieved a positive outcome.
You want to be successfully self-employed? Quit taking in loads of content and 'surrounding yourself' with it. It won't help. Act and apply. Our upcoming IDEA event on March 25th is a great place to start.
P.S. Regarding my use of the word 'sin' in the headline. I truly believe that failing to address areas in my life that I know are harming me or others, falls under the definition of 'sin.' Which is...'missing the mark.'
I'm very serious. Our show normally goes for nearly an hour. There is nothing I can offer that will be more valuable than spending that hour thinking about and preparing blessing for your spouse or significant other. If you're single, spend it dwelling on the spouse you want to be and praying for the spouse you believe is in your future. Don't feel called to marriage? Then pray for some marriages that you know need help.
My entire focus of self-employment is based on my belief that it's THE best vehicle for a balanced life of freedom and purpose. And at the core are relationships. So today…you, my cohost Chuck Bowen, myself…let's spend the time dwelling on Valentines…the celebration of intimate affection.
If you want to do anything here, give a quick comment on how you plan on honoring your Love. I'll be preparing some offerings of love for my Teri (pictured here), and prepping for a house full of couples for a big Valentines party at our place.
When someone is interested in beginning the pursuit of self-employment, we have 35 questions we ask them. In today's Free Agent Underground Show I showcased what the questions are and why we ask them. I also shared many of the responses we've gotten from Academy applicants to the questions, which you'll find very revealing.
This candid info will help you look at your own present or future pursuit of free agency.
If you are currently working at a traditional j-o-b and you feel the call or desire to be self-employed, what is the primary reason that you are not yet actively working on a plan to get you there?
I posted this as a question on Monday morning, Feb. 7th and got 14 quick replies that Chuck Bowen and I discussed on the show two hours later. A couple very, very common threads and some candid discussions.
I recommend that you read the comments below to get some candid realities from folks.
Then hear us discuss them in the show replay here:
Today I was interviewed by David Siteman Garland of The Rise To The Top. He went through my personal story to successful free agency, which is basically a great overview of what NOT to do.
On one hand David knew my story would be of interest to his audience. But on the other hand, he knows that many of his viewers need what I offer...Free Agent Academy. So this interview also serves as his personal endorsement. He'll post the video interview at his website on Tuesday, Feb. 8th, I'll notify you.
I strongly encourage you to sign up to receive his new show alerts. He has incredibl insightful interviews with rock star free agents. Also...his new book, "Smarter, Faster, Cheaper" is also a FreeAgent must-read.
Here then is the full interview. I hope some of it hits a nerve for your own pursuit.
SHOW NOTES: I just spent 48 hours with a group of aspiring FreeAgents out here in Colorado. The topic at hand was creating a successful online presence for their business ideas. But underneath it all for every attendee was the nagging question of "Will my business really work?"
In today's show Chuck Bowen and I covered...how to know for sure if your business will work. What actions to take and most of all what paradigm you must comprehend and work under. I referenced our work with hordes of aspiring and successful FreeAgents, plus a new report in the latest copy of Inc. Magazine.
This show content will give you peace of mind and the fortitude to endure the journey.
In today's show I interview Anthony Plack. An IT consultant who wanted to work at something he really cared about at a core level. So he joined us at Free Agent Academy and starting going through the initial courses. He just graduated from our third course, IDEA. In the show he shares how it went. We were joined by Jonathan Pool, our Professor of IDEA who walked with Anthony to the ultimate discovery.
So no hype or theory, hear how it is happening for one guy and it may help you see how it could possibly happen for you.
Chuck Bowen and I discussed the reality that in order to pursue free agency, you should be in a life circumstance that is not dire, where you can do it right. This is not a 'quick fix' or 'bandaid' solution. In getting to the last four questions I posted, number one was:
What are you wanting to address in your life through successful free agency?
Joshua Gordon was with us during the live show, but posted this in the blog comments section:
"I think my pursuit of free-agency is fueled by a deep dissatisfaction with the 'template life' that so many of us have grown up in.
I'm tired of missing out on life opportunities because of work. I'm tired of my 'work' and my interests being at odds. I'm tired of exhausting myself doing ultimately pointless 'busy-work' in an office that determines when, where, and how I spend my energy. I'm tired of not really knowing my daughter as closely as my wife does.
I want the freedom to take my daughter out of school for an afternoon for a date. I want the ability to be completely mobile - to work from anywhere. I want the ability to have a life where work and passion are seamlessly integrated... and where the glass ceiling doesn't exist.
We covered last Monday that in truth, none of us wake up WANTING to change our behavior, we just want changed results. Unfortunately to get different results, we must change our behavior. For us to pony up and change our behavior, we typical won't take action until:
The pain is excruciating (boss or management or job duties are driving us to serious anger, depression or despair that is manifesting itself in our life)
The circumstances are unavoidable and probably forced on us (you got fired or laid off from your job or you are in financial distress)
We must answer to someone else for the results (a spouse demands you make more money, stop traveling, be at home more)
I've lived some of this out. Not so much in work, but other areas of my life.
And here is the truth; Whenever we wait for one of those three realities to finally hit us, the problem is 100% harder to address and overcome. There is no margin to do what's best, you must quickly react just to plug the dam, and you find yourself right back in a different, but still leaky reality. You know the truth of what I write here, as we've all done it. We continue to do it.
And we must stop.
Here is the big, ugly kicker. If you allow yourself to be in one of those three realities, your chances of solving them with SELF-EMPLOYMENT are very, very slim. The stakes are against you and probability is high you'll need to just tuck tail and get another job. Pursuing successful free agency takes some time, patience and margin of time and money. Exactly like losing weight, getting out of debt and creating lasting relationships. We just can't do those things when we are in survival mode.
I'm experiencing the first time in my life where I'm working on building my marriage stronger, even as it's pretty darn good. It's assuring me of growth and health and joy that I'd never experience if I just waited till it's in dire ill health and then try to 'fix' it.
I think of it in terms of my faith. I generally turn to God, crying out for His aid, when I hit rock bottom. I think of spiritual giants as those who wake up every morning, even when things are OK, and depend on God with as much fervor as if tragedy had struck.
I want that maturity. I desperately desire to quit being lazy and complacent and instead pursue better 'health' before I'm sick!
So in your work, is it all you want? Are you working at what you truly care about at your core? Are you working where you are truly gifted so the time flies by unnoticed and you are flourishing in your sweet spot? Do you control your life and time and priorities, or does work come first…before family, personal health and wellness, relationships and your core values? Are you creating wealth and abundance, or just scraping by month to month?
If you answer here is "No, it's not all I want," then you're saying that your LIFE is not all you believe it should be either, as we can't spend the immense amount of time working that we do, without it's impact greatly affecting our LIVES in significant, altering ways.
The question then is…will we wait till things get critical before we step out to change our behaviors and actions? When it's nearly impossible to pursue the best option, as all we have time for is a quick fix?
Or, will we take action now? Even if it's just to start on a path of consistent baby steps?
What are you wanting to address in your life through successful free agency?
Are you in a relevant place to go after this now?
Is your desire enough to get you to act and change your behaviors?
What behaviors need to change - what actions do you need to take?
I'm going to briefly reference what I've laid out above, then spend the rest of the Show addressing questions and comments. You can submit one of two ways:
Post your question or comment or revelation in the 'Comment's section below (do this if you know you can't make the live show)
Be with us live and post your question in the chat room
NOTE: Mark your calendar for Wednesday, Jan. 26th at 12pm MT when we'll be interviewing FreeAgentAcademy member Tony Plack who just graduated from our IDEA course with an incredible idea. Hear the real, unadulterated journey.
First, this was about work and self-employment, and not just theory, we wrapped it up with what actions you can take. This topic comes from so many people who are listening and reading, attesting to be inspired, but not doing anything about it, and I can't handle it.
Second: I know this is a big theological headline, and the point is not that so much as it is, why and if we take action.
Third, I don't have it all figured out. I sit here as a result of more failures than I hope any of you have to face, and I still have plenty of challenges in my own life.
*If you don't believe in God or any higher power, this will still be interesting.
I shared some personal stories, and read from the book of James in my Bible. Specifically James 1:5, 1:22 and 2:14.
Proverbs is primarily a call to seek wisdom. And the number one way is through seeking out and truly listening to God, second is seeking counsel. OTHER people. People who have had success in an area you desire it.
THEN WHAT? If God imparts revelation, what do you do then? Say thanks…and look to God to make it happen? Or is the happening part up to you?
If he reveals that eating whole foods, more veggies and fiber and exercising will help your health, do you say "thanks for the revelation" and then wait for him to make you healthy? Or…must you buy the food and get your butt out the door?
Anyone ever had a food garden that God tilled, fertilized, weeded and watered? Or did you do it? Grateful that God revealed to you the benefits of fresh food? But you still had work to do...
I'm so grateful for wisdom, that God revealed to me through His people. THAT…is the miracle! But I must do the doing.
God revealed so much to so many people in the Bible, but then prodded them to do the doing. He provides the task, YOU…do it:
Moses led the people, why not just God?
Jonah was told to go to Nineveh to prophesy, why didn't God just throw down a tablet?
None of us pursue something different without having to change in some way. And as humans, we don't desire to change, not really. We'd like our circumstances to change, but we'd be happy to not change our personal behavior, habits and comfortable way of life.
We all love surveys because it tells the agragate truth on a topic. A week ago I posted a blog asking "What HAS caused you to take action and change and grow". Many of you responded to that blog, as well as on Facebook. Today, nearly 150 total tuned in to our live Ustream feed to discuss the feedback and what it equated to. It was insightful and convicting, to say the least. Again, this isn't my theory, but real testimonies from many people.
I read through over 20 responses that were incredibly eye opening. I invite you to listen here. You can hit the play button below, or the download link...or if you are an iTunes listener, catch us in there. Enjoy.
This will be inspiring, convicting or challenging. Actually, would be great if you'd tell me how it impacted you. Please comment below if you will.
On Monday we'll be hosting our Show at 9:30am Mountain time to discuss all the replies to my post titled, "What HAS caused you to take action and change and grow." If you haven't yet, I'm asking you to share. It will really help us share the combined truth, I'm as eager to know as you are. Read and comment here "What HAS caused you to take action and change and grow."
But in discussing the subject of 'change' the other day with my two great friends Scott Stearman and Todd Zeller, we admitted that in truth, we (as a people) don't really WANT to change ourselves. We just want a different/better result. If we could get it without personally changing, great! I'd rather my wife just fawned all over me without me making any effort to change my habits of being a donkey towards her. Doesn't work that way. You do reap what you sow for the most part, though thank the Lord for grace.
That's my preface to the following enticement. You don't really want to make the effort to come to this free agent event in 14 days, but you want to be a successful free agent. I guarantee the value you'll get here. You just have to want the benefit enough to say to yourself (and probably your spouse), "Shoot. I really want to stay home and chill, but this is an opportunity that I know will catapult me ahead in really becoming free." That's me at least. I'm usually seeking a reason why NOT to take a big step, like attending a profoundly impacting event. Dumb, but true. I have to really, REALLY feel like I'll be missing out and nearly shooting myself in the foot to let it pass. Almost to the point of feeling guilty for my inaction, procrastination and laziness towards bettering myself. My flesh would rather watch a movie and eat pizza like I want to do EVERY weekend.
In two weeks, I'll be spending 48 hours with a group of people to intimately get to know them, their dreams and business ideas. And give counsel on how to make their efforts pay off, specifically online. We all know that most business transactions are decided upon and acted upon, online. Yet most people seeking to succeed in business, miss the mark. The ultimate point at this event is making sure your idea and business converts to a sale by what you do with your website and online presence.
But even aside from the content of the event, you won't have many opportunities to get so much, for so little relationally. It's not what you know, it's who you know, remember? Lots of truth in that. I don't think you CAN know much, if you don't know the right folks. Wisdom comes from counsel. The event is a decent cost, but aside from a bit of sleeping at the camp, you'll get 48 hours straight in a small group of other aspiring free agents, alongside the following leaders:
You can't get a single hour with any one of them for less than $200. With 28 hours of scheduled, interactive time all together, that would equal $28,000. Now true, it's not one-on-one, 100% focused time on you, I won't claim apples to apples. But in reality I think the combined brain trust and other attendees equate to better value than one-on-one. Your true cost for the class time is about $45 per hour.
You come, and we'll all be invested in you and your business…long term. We all specialize, in launching people in successful businesses. Our relationship with you is as much or more value than the event itself. It's events like these that got myself and the guys listed above to become successful free agents, hands down. Our most successful students are those that make the effort to take action and show up.
There it is. Think deeply about it. Any questions you have for more clarity? Email me personally right now.
We continue our discussion from last week on what ingredients a website needs to convert people to sales in today's marketplace. If that mere sentence makes you feel uncomfortable...like everyone communicating online merely has the ulterior motive to get your money...then I must admit...YES!
Come on folks. Even if we feel like our product or service is pure ministry, can you afford to devote yourself to it without making a dollar? I can't. And further, if you have anything that can fill a want or need for someone else...if it has any value, then people can and should pay for it. Have you ever taken on a job and been willing to work out of the goodness of your heart? Doubtful.
Join us to hear why we did what we did, why our sites are pretty different, but how they are the same. The point? To better understand what you need to do to make your online efforts pay off. Otherwise, it's just a lot of busy work, isn't it?
We had about 40 people in the live chat and answered some of their direct questions, including a quick review of another site. Due to the questions, the show went to an hour...finally stopping when my wife came to pull me to lunch. She just rebranded her blog on parenting and marriage to www.StumblingAroundInTheLight.com.
The audio for the show is below.
This is behind the scenes folks, it's what we all end up wondering with anyone attempting to 'speak' and 'lead' us.
Agent Kevin Miller I like my 'busy work' to pay off...so does my family who likes to have food to eat.
My blog on Ted Williams, the homeless man with the golden voice, being inspirational or not, got a lot of response. I wasn't trying to be a downer (as one reader labeled me, and it's OK), but was pushing for what we fill our lives with under the label 'inspiring.' A lot of listeners joined Chuck Bowen and me on the live call and chat room, here is a snippet of the thread:
Anthonyplack: Can a person say they are inspired, without actually doing anything because of the story? Justhughes: how can we claim everyone is a winner if some choose not to race? Ninanelson: I struggle with this so much, "you were uniquely and wonderfully created to have something unique to offer." Terissamichele: HOW do WE find our amazing BREAK...when we are just a regular person, with some nice talents, have made some mistakes...but have HOPE for greatness?????? CarolyneJ: I differentiate it as I am born a woman like any other woman, I am ordinary in most every way. The difference is I know He has created in me something so unique it is only for me. I AM ordinary, but I can to choose to BE exceedingly extraordianry in HIM! Justhughes: Personally , I've had a really hard time understanding that the point is not the end of the race, but the race itself Anthonyplack: I think there is a a logic problem here... If everyone is special, then no one is special (Incredibles quote). I don't believe everyone IS special, but I do believe everyone CAN BE special. It is just most people don't choose to be special.
Chuck finally hit the nail on the head with what I was pushing for on the topic of 'inspiration,' and Tony Plack in the above chat hit it as well. The point of INSPIRING should be to INFLUENCE and EQUIP others to take positive action in their lives.
And I'll go further to submit that if 'inspiration' does not do that...then it's merely entertainment. Which is fine, let's just not kid ourselves into thinking we are adding to our personal development and enriching our lives by watching Rudy or Rocky or a Hallmark movie.
So now I'm now asking for you to share what has caused you to take action in your life and actually change and grow? Literally, what motivation or circumstance caused you to change yourself, your life, your habits...in a positive direction? What...influenced you?!
Please post it below and we'll be back here to discuss it live on Monday, January 17th at 9:30am Mountain time at the 'Live Show' link above.
The media is awash with warm and fuzzy stories about the inspiration of "The homeless man with a golden voice."
Folks, it's not inspiring! It's despairing. People report crying when they saw the video. I cry at the Humane Shelter at neglected puppies, but it doesn't inspire me.
Let me explain: Chances are you saw the video (here it is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6kI_u3ho_c), which is absolutely entertaining. Homeless guy with an unreal radio voice. And now he's gotten a job and it's this Cinderella story. People ran to it because it was interesting, just like the rubber neckers on the interstate with a car wreck.
Now, I will give some credence to the story of grace. A guy who declined with alcohol and drugs, now gets a second chance. That really is good for him, and a neat story of grace.
But what did it leave YOU with? Millions of folks got entertained, but how is it inspiring for your life? The root definition of the word 'inspire' is: To influence with an idea or purpose
What idea or purpose were you influence with? All we got is that there was some regular guy who went to school to develop his voice, and was good at it. He let drugs and alcohol wreck his life and he's been alone and homeless. For years he was alone and bereft from his family, serving no one.
Now maybe he will, and again…wonderful for him and for those he can now bless with his good fortune.
But you. Chances are if you're reading this, you're not a drug addict or alcoholic. You're paying your bills and hopefully serving humanity in some way. But you probably don't feel you have some amazing talent like this guy.
So where does that leave you? How are you inspired.
You're not.
Let me give it a shot though.
You've GOT to dispel the belief that some people have great talents, and you don't. That does not mean that anyone can train enough to have a great radio voice like Ted the formerly homeless guy. You may not have been created with the vocal chords for that. I wasn't. But you were created with something else. If you can take the leap of faith to believe that, you've just made 80% of the necessary progression. Whatever Ted did not have in self-discipline or personal image value...he at least believed enough in the quality of his voice to write on a scrap of cardboard that his voice was a 'God given talent.' Now that...I like.
Once you can believe that you have some great talent and gift within you...you need to discover what that is. And that's not easy. You probably won't figure it out alone, but will need help. It can be done though. My good friend Jonathan Pool is a master at doing this for people.
Then, you grow that inherent ability. I'm naturally a good athlete. Good coordination, natural muscle development, high pain threshold. I excelled as a pro cyclist because of that. But I probably haven't ridden a bike more than 100 miles total in the past few years. I couldn't keep up with your basic weekend warrior cycling hobbyist today. The great talents on American Idol haven't been dormant, but they've been working their skills for a long time. The show is just giving them a format to showcase what they have discovered and developed within them.
So, we've got to figure out what you have, get you to work refining and growing it to something of true merit, then finding an opportunity will be much easier and sensible than waiting till you're an old man with a cardboard sign on a street corner in Ohio.
Ready to discover and hone the gifting that you have in you (and help you even believe you have anything?)??
Tell you what, let's do a survey. Not some slick little button submission though, tell us and be real…share a bit. Let's see what we've got. Choose one of the five options below and leave a comment. We'll discuss it live on Monday's 'Free Agent Underground Show' at 9:30am MT here on our LIVE page: http://kevinmiller.typepad.com/my_weblog/live.html
1. Honestly, I don't really believe I have some 'great talent' within me (state it, let's talk. It's an honest feeling and you are in good company…it's OK. But let's talk) 2. OK, I can believe that, but I have zero idea what it might be (good, belief is the most important part) 3. I think I may know what mine is, though I've not developed it much (tell us what you think it is) 4. I know my gifting and am actively working to grow it (tell us what it is) 5. I'm living my talent (tell us what it is)
In this Free Agent Underground Show, we had 111 people join us in the live chat while Justin Lukasavige and I discussed the necessary, personal strategy everyone must have for their online presence to convert to sales, and specifically covered the curriculum for our Jan. 28, 2011 "Online Foundation & Strategy Workshop" in Colorado.
If you have anything online now, or expect to...this info, and this event is the absolute best resource I can offer you for making it produce. And this is the only time we are hosting this event this year...next time will be 2012. Listen to the audio below and check out the event info here (click the logo):
It's the start of a new year and hordes of people have resolved to lose weight. The knowledge and resources for any and all to succeed are readily available. Yet we all know fully well that the vast majority will fail miserably. Why? I think we can agree it will all add up in a survey to…lack of commitment. Losing weight is not a have to.
Making enough money to pay the electric bill is a have to or we can't heat our homes or cook our food. And seldom does anyone fail at this, because…they are committed. It's a have to.
Most anyone would like to be self-employed, just as they'd like to lose weight and be fit and trim, looking good and energetic. Regarding self-employment, they'd like to have control over their time, work at what they care about and believe in, make decisions based on what they believe is best and right, and have the opportunity to create real wealth for themselves.
But when it's not viewed as a 'have to,' the majority of people fail. I've heard it quoted that "There is no such thing as trying. You do it or not." That is a stupid saying, all in all. Though regarding some things we believe in, it has merit. Folks who 'try' weight loss fail. Folks who 'try' self-employment fail.
Chuck Bowen joined me in discussing this topic, along with 86 live listeners on Monday morning, Jan. 3, 2011. Here it at the audio button at the bottom of this page. It was the kickoff of us doing these shows live via Ustream, every Monday and Wednesday. Some great comments were made by listeners in the live chat box. Tune in and join us here: Free Agent Underground Show - LIVE
It's the people who are in such pain with handing over their leash to an employer who rules their world and realize it will be their death…that commit to self-employment and succeed. It's the person who realizes that work should not be the God of their life, but their proof of their life shows that their j-p-b takes absolute precedence over anything else in their world, who makes it happen.
Just as it's the obese person who has a heart attach that finally commits and changes.
But does the overweight person change? Just their eating habits…or their lives? We know the answer, it's their entire lives. Their entire day and priorities. They get their eyes set on a new life. I have an overweight friend who has put forth a mental image of herself and even a quote, to be "A pint size powerhouse" in her speaking business.
Self-employment is not just an option on a way of work, it's deciding on a new way of life. And you must list out the fullness of this, then commit to it.
*Listen in the audio button at the bottom to Justin Lukasavige and myself discussing this blog in our Free Agent Underground Show.
This is 100% truth for your business, and your life. You will be well served to conceptualize this right now if you expect your New Year's resolutions to be anything more than a nice little hope list, and your business (or future business) depends on you communicating these points.
First, your business. It can't merely state what the product or service IS and expect anyone to be attracted to it. That would be like you stepping onto a car lot and the salesperson walking over to a nondescript vehicle and announcing, "Here you go, it's a car."
You'll often hear marketers say that you must showcase the benefits, which is true. But often those benefits are in fact…hope. If you buy a Porsche, you don't do so for the horsepower and balance and traction. You do so for prestige. But that is hope. Hope that the prestige will actually translate to you being popular, getting attention and getting that hot date. So in the Porsche ads, you'll often see the surroundings of that hope. Check this Porsche ad out, it's 98% hope, 2% anything about the car: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRbzJ0L1Zn8
With a book title, look at the New York Times bestseller list today. One title out of 35 with a somewhat negative title (see the list here). Hope and positive sells best, it's just been proven. If you've got a doomsday message, better wrap it in a great book cover with a hopeful sounding title or nobody will pick it up.
I like to tell the stories of folks you'll never hear about, how they are succeeding in free agency. I steer clear of the 'rock star' stories that the media focuses so much on. But…I'm gonna give in today. A great friend of mine, Jon Dale (jondale.com), just launched a business and it's already received rock star status:
It's similar to Groupon and LivingSocial in providing us with deep discounts on products and services that we use. Jon sent me something from LivingSocial not long ago that gave me $40 credit for only $20 cost at my favorite restaurant. A no brainer. For referring me, Jon got…nothing except my appreciation.
Which is precisely what makes Moolala different. It gives us something the others don't…credit for who we refer. For people who register under you, and those under them…down to five levels, YOU get credit for all their purchases. It's pretty darn brilliant and a win-win for everyone. Wish I'd thought of this...
In prying people open to discover ideas for the self-employment pursuit, many have some inklings. But they never allow those thoughts and ideas much room or thought, as they immediately discount the possibility:
"I can't see where there is an opportunity to make much money with it."
"Seems like the complexity of making it a reality would be overwhelming."
"There is already so much out there in the marketplace, I'd never stand out enough."
"Maybe someone could make the idea happen, but not me, I don't have the time or discipline or…"
You've nixed the possibility before even letting it out of the cage. Please, please...don't do that! I make a habit of only brainstorming with 'possibility people.' Most of us live in worlds where any new idea or thought is met with 'what could go wrong.'
Folks, any moron can come up with why an idea won't work. The merit goes to folks who shut their mouth on how it might NOT work, and take at least a few moments to consider how it MIGHT work.
Don't be the moron, especially towards yourself and YOUR ideas! We spend our time at Free Agent Academy working on the HOW. I've seldom found a viable interest someone has, and not been able to find a list of five ways that it could come to fruition and produce revenue.
*This blog was discussed in our FreeAgentUnderground Show today, you can hear it in entirely by clicking the audio link at the bottom of this post.
"White Christmas" is a classic Christmas movie that I own and watch every Christmas season along with "It's a Wonderful Life" (my favorite). I was watching the other night and keyed in on a quick exchange between the two leading characters, Bob and Phil.
It's a profound banter about putting off what's really important.
In the scene, Phil is irritated at Bob's focus on work and fame and his lack of effort put into relationships. Here's how it goes, and the point culminates in the last line that Phil rattles off:
As an employee, it takes an amount of discipline to show up for work on time every day, do the tasks laid out before you, appease managers and bosses and cope with co-workers.
As a free agent, it takes SELF-discipline to wake up in the morning with nobody to direct you but…yourself. Nobody dictates when and where and how for your day. You do.
I know the thought of that is daunting to many people. As much as we want to have command over our own lives and our time, as a culture we aren't used to calling our own shots.
We've spent our lives as children with parents dictating everything from wake time to daily tasks. Then into the school system where we respond to our alarm, get on the bus or in a car, show up at school and go to class and do what we're told from dusk till dawn with extracurricular activities thrown in. On to college which has a bit more flexibility but in essence is the same. Then…on to a j-o-b. And again…we generally have a time to show up, a desk to sit at and tasks to do.
So to wake up one morning and there is nothing set in place for us to respond to can be disconcerting and in reality, strikes fear in many would-be free agents.
Here are 6 ingredients to addressing your free agent self-discipline:
…you better plan something now so you escape the things you hate (in 2011)
Read that with the melody of 'Santa Claus is coming to town'
What do you hate? Your job? Lack of time to spend on things that inspire and fulfill you so you are a 'whole' person? Not spending enough time on being a quality spouse or parent? Don't have enough margin in your finances or time to really give to…anyone or anything beyond your immediate needs? Just going through the motions and know you're not creating anything worthy of a legacy? General unrest in your soul?
I have my list too, and it's what motivates me to push through.
It's Christmas time now, full swing. I adore Christmas, I truly do. Some of the most meaningful family and relationship and experiential times of the year.
Yet I find myself trying desperately to prepare now for this next year where I want some new realities in my life. I know that in many ways I won't get a ton of work progress done over the next three weeks surrounding Dec. 25. I'm trying to prepare now, and even plan for small deposits to keep the flame of progress lit. To force me to commit. I have some big visions and expectations for 2011 and I'm pulling long hours to set them in place now.
Hope you are as well. Don't let your quest for 'better' go…don't let the slowing momentum of your personal progress come to a stop. The people you'll bless as a result of your progress need you to stand firm.
Here is an opportunity to commit to progress in your free agent pursuit. Something you can put into place now so that when you wake up Jan. 1 from the stupor of the holiday whirlwind you know that a giant leap of progress in your life is at hand:
This Jan. 28th we'll converge for the first event of the year up here in the mountains, for a first ever event: Online Foundation & Strategy Workshop
Here is the lead in information on the event page: Somebody has a need, and they get word that YOU...your product or service, might be what they need. What a tragedy if they visit YourWebsite.com and don't connect with you. They don't subscribe or email or call or click BUY NOW.
The space between what you have that can truly help someone, and them believing it and committing to you (and giving you money!)…is life and death to your business pursuit. This event is about mastering your online presence.
Learn what powerful tools and resources your unique online presence should consist of, and how to implement them so you convert as many prospects as possible into paying customers and raving fans. We’ll teach you what aspects of the online world fit you and your business, how they work and what it will take to make them work for your personal business.
Check out the full event now: JAN. EVENT PAGE It will not be repeated during the year, so this is your shot. Questions? You can post them here in the comments section or email my assistant directly: email Brenda
Merry Christmas and a more than merely Happy New Year...a New Life Year, Agent Kevin Miller My egg nog tonight, I toast to you!
*Pictured at the top, attendees to one of our 2010 events. Folks who put action to their dreams/goals/callings. And who had a blast up here in the mountains.
This show topic was prompted by an email excerpt from my co-host Justin Lukasavige:
"I have talks with one person at a time. I have single conversations and it really make people feel needed and cared for. I don't rely on a newsletter to close (using terminology from the last event), but rather to keep warm. About the only thing I do to close is to use the phone, email, and dm's on twitter. Those are all 1-to-1 points of contact."
That quote was worthy of a show.
I may be more popular (initially) if I promoted what the late night informercials do, "Make money from home, it's easy…just turn on the faucet and collect your money!"
But since I don't like enemies, I can't lie to you. It doesn't work that way. You don't get a date by being a wall flower. You have to fix yourself up, go out, and approach someone with a decent line. For that matter, you don't get children by remaining distant. Some actual contact is required.
Can I claim being the first to equate self-employment to procreation?
If you are marketing commodities on eBay or putting a competing product on Wal-Mart store shelves, you may not have to make personal contact with every sale you make. Though even then, you'll have to sell yourself to someone.
Most of us however, have premium products that sell for more than the average. To do that, you'll often have to step beyond the front page of your website and actually make personal contact with real people.
We live in a world of employeedom where the majority don't ever talk with the end user, they are insulated from that. And many LIKE that reality. Personally, I can't handle it. If I spend the majority of my day working on a product or service, I have to believe in it and actually have contact with the recipient who will benefit from that. It's a responsibility that can be messy. But…so is raising your kids instead of leaving it to daycares and schools, eh?
Justin had a great quote in the show we recorded, "Your product or service or company can't care…only you can."
Want to hear more, click the play button below or log in to iTunes and search for Free Agent Underground.
See my video interview with the author, direct from his kitchen and my bedroom:
This book launched on Dec. 7th and is solely for free agents. As I say in the interview with author David Siteman Garland, it's not a book to merely read, but to study. It's chock full of today's best marketing info for the 'scrappy entrepreneur who wants to beat the big guys.'
David is the founder of The Rise To The Top where he has interviewed over 275 big thinkers and entrepreneurs and has grown a community from 0-100,000 in less than two years. His new book Smarter, Faster, Cheaper: Non-Boring, Fluff-Free Strategies for Marketing and Promoting Your Business teaches you how to become a trusted resource and create your own community of passionate followers.
This is my 4th interview experience with David, as I'd previously interviewed him twice, and he interviewed me once:
Your life has been going along and you've made it as GOOD as you've been able to, up to this point. Though if you were satisfied to just maintain status quo and coast till you die, you wouldn't be here.
You're reading this, because you desire better than just GOOD:
If given the choice, do you want to see a GOOD movie, or a GREAT! movie?
At Thanksgiving, was your goal to simply have a GOOD meal and a GOOD time, or did you cook and prepare (drive a long way) with the intent to have a GREAT! meal and a GREAT! visit with loved ones?
When you hire someone to work on your house or car or teeth, are you hoping they do a GOOD job, or a GREAT! job?
When you die are you hoping a few people will be at the funeral because you were a pretty GOOD person, or do you want the place full of people there who will sorely miss you because you were a GREAT! impact on their lives?
I have 7 children that will all grow up and probably become parents themselves, and when they realize the immense role that being a parent is, they'll fully be hit with who and what I was as a parent. If they deem I was just "pretty GOOD," I'll be devastated. I want to be GREAT! Not for me, it's what I owe them!
Thus I'm assuming you desire to do truly GREAT! things. To have work and a lifestyle and an impact on your friends, family and world that would be deemed in as GREAT! on many levels.
So your life. If you have a fairly GOOD pattern now, the only way to get to GREAT! is to give up some of the GOOD. Examples:
Taking my kids to soccer and baseball and dance and every extracurricular activity thrust at them or that they are interested would entail some GOOD things for them. But giving up those GOOD things gives time for us to be together and build relationship and have experiences, teaching and training and loving that are GREAT!
Same for me; volunteering with the church to feed the homeless, going to the couples dinner gathering, serving on the board of a non-profit…would all be GOOD things. But giving those up to create something from my heart that will inspire me, inspire others and serve humanity, is GREAT!
Doing house maintenance, catching up on emails, de stressing with a movie, partaking in a hobby are all GOOD. Giving them up to consistently exercise and increase my vitality, energy and good health that will add on years to my life and increase my overall quality of life is GREAT!
Those are just a small sampling of my examples. For you, list out the many, many things that you see as GOOD in your life. Really, good things. Nice things. Fairly worthy things. You will have to let some of them go for the sake of creating and building something truly…GREAT!
I see folks everyday who continually put off the GREAT! things they feel in their heart, as they can't find time amongst all the GOOD. I naturally do it too. Even the GREAT! things I want to do, are hard. And my flesh will look everywhere for distractions and time goes by and…nothing. When I hunker down and discipline myself and shut out all the GOOD things, I create GREAT! things.
If I had to list out the GOOD things I gave up in order to build our dream house before we could afford it in any way, it would be a long list. If I had to list out all the GOOD things that I would have had if I'd taken a healthy 6-figure position with a marketing firm, instead of pursuing my heart into creating a business that is GREAT! in my life, my family's and according to my members and audience…to them, I'd be writing a long time.
It's hard, I understand. It was, and continues to be for me. As a husband, parent, business owner, speaker, leader, servant…
The GOOD things are easier. The GOOD view from my house takes me 2.5 minutes to walk to. The GREAT! view is a 20 minute, arduous run. A GOOD marriage in all honesty, would be so much easier. Striving for a great marriage with my Teri is dadgum hard. Risky, scary, painful. But what's the alternative? To give in to the resistance? Just settle for GOOD? That's not acceptable, even though this world is hell bent on enabling us and convincing us that GOOD…is GOOD enough. Being GREAT! is foolish. "Just stay on your couch and numb and medicate yourself by watching mere stories of greatness, as your soul yearns for GREAT!ness so badly you can't fully deny yourself of tasting it, even as a spectator.
Now the Lord said to Abram: "I will make you a GREAT! nation; I will bless you and make your name GREAT!; And you shall be a blessing." Genisis 12:2
Traditional employment will be easier. Paying your bills, building up some savings, buying a house…is GOOD. Discovering your heart, pouring yourself into what inspires you, creating wealth that you can give away and owning your work so you can direct your life will pay off in GREAT!, GREAT! things.
What GOOD things are keeping you from the GREAT! things gnawing at your soul? There will always be a reason to put if off. Are you putting off GREAT! things so you can have a GOOD Christmas? You'll have to start now if you're going to make it in time for Christmas 2011 to be…GREAT!
Don't wait. Let's go.
*I've lined up students for Jan/Feb/Mar in my '90-Day MFA' (Master of Free Agency) program, but still have openings for December. If not even Christmas shopping and stress and expenditures can come between you and starting your quest for GREAT!, you can apply here: 90-Day MFA info page
Pictured above: The GREAT! Pike's Peak view from Manitou Lake during our morning walk at the Oct. 2010 Free Agent Academy Intensive event, taken by FAA Host, Alan Jackson.
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