The problem with the future

HAPPY NE!!... Ah, wait... It's already nearly March?!

I thought time was only supposed to fly when you are having fun?

The new year has felt a bit like the old year continued. Kind of like 2015 - 2.0. 

The problem with the future is that you just can't see what's coming. And if you like sticking to a plan, that could be a bit of a challenge. 

Recently I completed work on a 3 year business proposal for a Dynisty project. When planning like that and I am always amazed at how much stuff you can actually anticipate if you put your mind to it . I am  also equally amazed at how little we know about the future. 

How could we? It is the future after-all and we are not there yet. But we can dream and that helps make it more tangible even if it is only in our minds. 

Then, the other problem kicks in. We get stuck dreaming about this world that doesn't exist yet and we neglect to do the hard work now. In the present. 

LEARN FROM THE PAST. 

FOCUS ON THE PRESENT. 

BUILD FOR THE FUTURE.

My Weapon is music

“My Weapon is Music.”

This year, more than any other I have felt the pain of the world lay heavy on my shoulders. 
Whether it be the killing in France, the massacre in Kenya or the Fees must fall struggle in my own country and home town. 

Not to mention my own personal struggles and those of close family and friends.
2015 has really had a heavy gloom about it. 
Indeed this world is so broken and in desperate need of a Saviour.  

Jesus Christ and the message of the Gospel offers a real hope and light to these dark times.

With so many thoughts swimming in my head and emotions that toss about like waves...
The message needs an outlet and my weapon of choice is music. 

How to reach the summit of your dreams

Honestly, I'll probably look back on these days and realize that they were part of the tipping point.

I have often found that conferences, workshops, seminars and the like are a great catalyst for motivating me to change gear or broaden my perspective. But if you are also like me and live far away from any major cities [East London, South Africa is not exactly a hot spot] And add to this a full time job and 2 small kids, that gives you very little margin to attend such functions. 

Enter the Internet and its wonderful opportunities

I recently signed up for Michael Hyatt's online webinar, The Influence & Impact Summit. And I must admit that I've been blown away with how cool it has been to enter into Hyatt's world of friends who are successful business people, best selling authors and leaders in their industry. 

I have always thought his tag line as "Your Virtual Mentor" was a good one and with this Summit he takes the position as a virtual mentor to new heights. Giving us great insights on creating a platform, introducing us to his influential friends and even going as far as opening up and interviewing his lovely wife of 37 years. 

The highlight for me

Was definitely the great line-up of speakers but top of my list has got to be his interview with John Maxwell. I've been a fan of his for many years and I always find it insightful when he is interviewed. Michael's questions were very thoughtful and thought provoking.  

What I also found really great was the positive attitude and willingness to share that each of the speakers presented. 

There is not much time but you might be able to catch a few of these interviews while they are still up. Or you can catch Michael's latest launch, How to skyrocket your impact. 

In Summary;

If you are really looking to make an impact in the world around you and achieve a higher level of success in your life, then finding great mentors is essential. 

And as the saying goes: "When the student is ready, the teacher appears." 

So the question is: Are you ready?

There is no such thing as writer's block

"Seriously. You have gotta be on another tip to understand the science that Seth Godin drops."

Those were the words of a friend of mine as we were discussing Seth's blog posts at 1 am in the morning, and he is absolutely right. 

Seth is a Jedi Master when it comes to dispensing his ideas and challenging the status quo.

In a recent post, that you can read here. He basically says it as it is and in about 12 short sentences he takes a sledge hammer to the world view of many creative artists (Myself included); saying that there is no such thing as writer's block. 

After reading it about 5 times my brain was like...

"Do you understand how deep this is? Do you get what he is saying here?"

In a nutshell: 

Your world view that makes you believe that such a thing as writers block exists is stopping you from the creating the very thing that you so desperately want to create. 

Where as you refuse to see that through discipline, commitment and daily practice you can push past the lizard brain that holds you and your art to ransom.

If you wish to become a prolific creator. You need to show up. Day in and day out.

Side note: SUSDAT - Stands for Shut Up, Sit Down and Type

Recommended reading:

Linchpin - By Seth Godin

Do the work - Steven Pressfield

The War of Art - Steven Pressfield

On Writing - Steven King 

Analysis Paralysis - (A Quote from Bruce Lee to get you over the hump)

Sometimes I over think things. When I do, I try to remember these words from my hero the Legendary Bruce Lee: 

"If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you will never get it done."

Do yourself a favour. Set a time limit. And then take action.

One step from stupid

One step from stupid 

A popular saying goes: "We are all one step away from stupid."

And that's an important fact to remember. 

No matter how smart you are (Or think you are). No matter how well things are going, you are capable of making a mistake and doing something stupid. 

Mistakes happen. 

Failure happens. 

What is more important is how we respond to those situations.

Happy April Fools Day! 

Yes, No, Maybe

Let your yes be yes.

And your no be no.

If anything changes, I'll let you know.

Don't second guess your team's commitment to the cause. It undermines their authority as well as your own. If you have taken the time to truly get to know your team you will know where they stand and get on with the work. 

The 10 year overnight success

We see it often but we seldom realize. 

Amazing achievements that seem to come from out of the blue. 

The reality is they didn't come from no where, they were grafting under the surface for what seemed to them like an eternity. Quietly putting one foot in front of the other, stepping on their journey of a thousand miles with little to no recognition whatsoever.

Until... One day. 

Gravity can no longer hold them and the stars are perfectly aligned.

The years of pressure have formed a diamond that cannot be denied in value.

We knew they were talented. That was never really the question. 

Do they have staying power? 

Can they go the distance?

Congratulations to the true superstars!

Their achievements should be celebrated.

The 10 year overnight success

We see it often but we seldom realize. 

Amazing achievements that seem to come from out of the blue. 

The reality is they didn't come from no where, they were grafting under the surface for what seemed to them like an eternity. Quietly putting one foot in front of the other, stepping on their journey of a thousand miles with little to no recognition whatsoever.

Until... One day. 

Gravity can no longer hold them and the stars are perfectly aligned.

The years of pressure have formed a diamond that cannot be denied in value.

We knew they were talented. That was never really the question. 

Do they have staying power? 

Can they go the distance?

Congratulations to the true superstars!

Their achievements should be celebrated.