The Valued

Curiosity Cures!

2012-04-29T07:01:00.001-07:00

Ask yourself this question.

Is everything I know now enough to get me to the next level of my success? Is it enough to get me away from the current circumstances I wish were different?

My philosophy is simple; if you don’t know it, learn it!

Whether you’re trying to start a business, in a relationship, or launch an idea, you should normally be in a state of curiosity, hungering to excel beyond current stages in life and exploring the future. In this article we will learn how curiosity works to our advantage and how anyone can succeed with the practice of it.

Fill in the holes.

Many of us are convinced we don’t have what it takes to be successful in our ventures or relationships. We come across problems that run us through familiar episodes, with no recognizable progress, and that life could be far better if we just knew how to avoid them and/or had the know how to move on. Well, lets take a look into the power of curiosity.

First, Here are some opinions on what curiosity is that are interesting.

- Curiosity- is a voluntary form of exploration; also it involves an element of fear combined with motivation. (The Encyclopedic Dictionary of Psychology, Pg. 136, Kruuk, Hans 1972)

- I also like what Robert B. Gagosian shared, (President & CEO of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership). He suggested curiosity is thinking beyond what you normally think about. Also, if you were climbing a mountain and you see a ridge; curiosity to him is what is beyond that ridge and how am I going to get to it. What does it look like? Will it be something scary or something interesting? In essence, he put it, excitement beyond the thought process.

- However, curiosity in my definition is- the willingness to experience change after a question or performance is followed through.

In essence, it is an effort to fill in holes that connect all the loose ends of our intelligence quota, getting us from where we are, to beyond where we want to be.

Curiosity motivates us to fill in the holes where we lack information, the link that links our present stage in life to where we desire. This is what I’m calling you to do my friend, and fellow entrepreneur, get curious. Become curious enough to learn what the next stage in your life calls for and how to move into it. When people are working on ideas and business plans, or even their relationship, it’s the curiosity that renews their motivation and continues them into what the future holds. They are curious enough to withstand the ups and downs to see how the future will turn out, whether for better or worse. You should know this, considering things don’t always go the way you want them and stress is no stranger, yet you suffer the worse for the wake of the best. Everyday you utilize your eyes of judgment by observing, researching, and finding out where results come from and how others are getting them.

Imitate?

When someone who resembles success or is known for some great achievement speaks, do you listen?

We tend to be more influenced by others that resemble success, than we are of them average. If you know someone resembling a stage in life that you desire, feel compelled to imitate him or her in hopes of accomplishing your own goals; sort of in a role model fashion. When I observe other folks that resemble success the way I define it, I gravitate towards them for a sense of revelation on how they did it, and how to work things out for myself. I refrain from asking you to measure yourself up to anyone, but know that you can enjoy the happiness, freedom, and comfort that you desire by observing and learning from others how to move on for the better.

The reflection

I remember when I was 20 years old. I knew how I wanted to succeed in life financially and what kind of family I wanted, but I’d yet to make up mind where I was going to start in life. I then, working at Best Buy as a cashier had an experience that inspired my efforts for success. …I had a customer ready to check out, he was a middle aged black guy, perhaps in his early or middle thirties, and suave. He, his wife, and kid seemed to be happy, comfortable, and well off together, (the kind of life I’d been dreaming of). A Wife, kid, terrific salary, luxury vehicle, and expensive home were of the which.

After checking them out, we parted ways; but I was curious in what kind of vehicle he drove – something that’ll in fact convince me it’s possible. I peeked out the front of the store and this guy drove a brand new Range Rover, one that I sure dreamed of having. Now I don’t know what he did for a living, but just being in his presence gave me a new face in the world and I started to imitate him, sort of like a role model. I saw a reflection of him on me and got a little bit of revelation on how I should be doing.

In your venture or relationship, be confident you can do the same as those that are happy and, perhaps better. Whoever you witness to be achieved and comfortable in life, know that they went through what you’re going through now, (time).

And no, I am not saying wait on someone to come into your life for inspiration. You need to get moving on your own! …Move!

Be patient with life, triumph comes after the hard work has been defeated and, that you’ve learned the valuable lessons of making immature and failing decisions. Sure we have the right to get frustrated, I get frustrated at times too, but I don’t let frustration hinder me from moving forward. I stay curious.

Everything above was once at the bottom.

People move forward with curiosity, with the expectation of experiencing change after a performance. Mountain climbers have a desire to climb to the top of a mountain and look over the city and/or vast land. This is curiosity. They are curious of how the top feels and what it’s like to be above everyone – sort of like a feeling of high – some do it for pure sport. But the prime factor remains, they all have to start from the bottom, humble the ruff terrain, slippery slopes, and uncertainty. There is no other way to rock climbing, (everyone must climb, from the bottom).

Know that if you don’t have anything to bring you down or struggle with, how can you possibly know when you’ve reached success. …What did you have to fight? Success isn’t weighed against your ego or emotions, nor is it where you are, or what you have, but the results that are manifested after what you’ve worked for and gotten past. …What rejections and struggles presented themselves? We all get slapped in the face, bump our heads, and kicked in the foot, but that’s the trial of doing what’s right for you. No one wants to see you succeed, but they don’t make the calls for our life.

The Math of 1+1+1

What is hard work? …How do you define it? ~Hard work can be defined: not giving up at every difficulty, looking beyond obstacles and seeing the victory. Ignore the statistics. Fearlessness. Also, continuous learning through reading, studying, extensive research, practicing, and simply asking for some “know how.” Curiosity! All of these are ingredients for the brainpower to move beyond your circumstances. The numbers you absorb, resources you utilize, people you connect with, questions asked, and mistakes. Everything you learn gives you that much more depth to edge over onto the next level and, makes you that much smarter than the next person. Never feel disheartened because you have to step foot out of your comfort zone, or faced with a duty outside the norm. No height ^ should be too high for someone who looks forward to being more than what they are. Everything at the top must start from the bottom!

Do this as I say it, (Look up): Now ask yourself what is up there for me to accomplish and, how do I get up there from down here?

It’s simple; (brainpower + fearlessness + trying) …that’s the Math. (with no particular order.) Admit it, if you knew how to do something that moved you further in your career or advanced your relationship in just one day, you would do it right? …Sure! …I can’t imagine anyone wanting to move to the next level, with the option to make his or her situations better in just a day, but defiantly choose not to. If you could get “know how” from your local store, you’d be the first one in line with everyone else! …Including POTUS himself! You’ll think everyday is Friday payday! When people want to move on, they do it; they move on! `So move on, learn how to, and do it. Move with the power of curiosity. Make the effort!

Just be patient for results. Nothing happens overnight, usually.

You should actually pass this on to a friend to tap them in on the power of curiosity.

For more expert analysis on what curiosity is, visit the link below and look for title, Curiosity.

Have a great day!

www.discovery.com

Renew

2012-04-09T17:44:00.012-07:00

Have you ever wondered what kind of great people there are on this earth we never heard of? With over 7 billion people on this planet, do you think everyone has potential to make a difference? I do.

What we do know is there are billions living far below their potential. Many of them, behind from failed experiences, and some still sorrowful over past hurt. Whether it was someone they met, a choice made, or not made, they find something or someone to blame for an excuse not to move on, and as a result, they stand idle.

I want to inspire everyone today to move on from the past that hinders you, and strive for the dream that empowers you.

new birth

When the roads get tough and the storm gets in your way, know that you were built to last, and to achieve. Achieving is in your bloodstream, but personal past and failed experiences have taken you far beyond the opposite of success and what you had planned for your life. Poor preparation, lack of guidance, and no moral support from anyone have you wanting to blame everyone who didn’t help you, and they didn’t have a darn thing to do with your mistakes. (Any bad decisions you made were by your lack of judgment). Understanding how powerful influence from others can be, you must know what you’re sure about and what’s uncomfortable to you.

Wanting the best for your life can be stressing. You try so hard to do the right thing, it turns out for the worse, and when history takes its punch at you-it’s too late to duck. You were looking one way but walking the other, and now you can’t seem to easily break free from the current circumstances you've gotten into.

I’m sorry!

growth

From this day forward, call a bluff to all disturbances and setbacks that happened in your life. Failure, delay, criticism, rejection, break-ups, punches, and emotional hurt; these were all meant to defeat you and ruin your life. You were never supposed to make any progress after these took place, but you’re stronger than that. Know that your desire and vision for a better life reaches out further than the short-end of the stick. When you face problems, (tuff roads and storms) you are supposed to look beyond them and see the better ahead; prepare for your achievement. We all deal with different issues, but we all have a morning in us, a morning that is brighter than failure and bigger than mean people. You were not made to be defeated; no one was made to be defeated, (but somehow you think so). For so long, you've been living with regret and all other negative emotions because you think you are supposed be the one with nothing to lose.

That is a lie!

Think of it this way. My high school friends, I can’t tell you the last time I saw them. Some were cool and some were mean (dogs), but I couldn’t remember what any of them stood for, or any of the mistakes that put me in trouble with them.

What am I saying? The mistakes and people in your life now, won’t always be in your future, they’re just a part of life and life is what you make it! Renew!

After witnessing many thunderstorms and tornadoes, I've realized they are weak. (They really are). "They cause so much havoc, yet the clouds never forfeit their brightness, nor do they stoop low from the sky." The earthquake can call a great rumble, "but there’s still no crack in the comfort of the blue sky."

"You are those bright clouds!" "You are the blue sky!" You stoop down, nor crack under pressure for anyone or anything. Turn your strife into hope for the better; you still have your beautiful smile, strong heart, cheerful attitude, love, and a plan for your life. These things are important to be a successful you, and no one can ever take these away. (Unless you let them!)

Folks from all over have garbage (Criticism, Hate, Punches, Rejection) and are willing to put it off on anyone they can find in their way. Know that your dreams are worth more than the garbage people give, and that you’re not the garbage. You’re not a trash can either!

whole life

This very moment, I want you to look up! (Do it)! ...Starting today, (You should always be looking up), looking forward for an opportunity to start and raise a very successful family, business, or organization. I’m sure it’s difficult and discouraging when efforts go to waist, rejection sets in, and hard work goes unnoticed, but you must stay hungry for the results you desire.

You’re not the only one with bad experiences, there are plenty of people in the world who’ve experienced failures also, but they gave their hopes a second wind and moved on to success. They realized they have their whole life in front of them, and you do too.

Learn from your mistakes. Meditate from an honest perspective what happened and how can you avoid them in the future. If need be, find blame in yourself; sometimes blaming yourself can help you move on, (you’re not perfect), you make bad decisions too. The good thing is, you don’t have to keep making them! The past will not show up in your future, unless you allow it! Learn from your mistakes!

Just like other people and myself, you have your (own) whole life in front of you with plenty of time to make up for mistakes. I want you to believe in yourself and ability to move forward from failed attempts and into the future, taking with you nothing but the lessons learned from them. Worrying about the future isn’t quite the way to get there, hoping-and-working for it is.

Live renewed!

Dreamer or Doer?

2012-03-28T12:51:00.029-07:00

Intro

If tomorrow was the day you can walk inside the reality of your dream, how long would you stay there? Whatever the product of it is, (family, CEO, big home, car, vacation, relationships, moral achievement) would you feel any regrets for not making this come to life any sooner? Well, maybe you should, given the fact it's your dream and you only want the best for your life. But how is it that you've not gotten there yet? ...Simple, you've giving up the vision, or, you are moving haphazardly towards your ultimate destination. You took a few paces forward, then lost your breath as if you've completed the marathon.

It not over until it's over!

Any vision for a better life can be fulfilled when the person behind it plans and believe in their ability. Losing confidence and giving up aren't the doorways to success, they just give you an opportunity to stay right where you are today. "To be someone of understanding", I know there are many pursuing their dreams, doing what they want to do and working hard at it - then others, dealing with circumstances that has them on hold, "I know this". We all don't make it to the top of the hill when and how we want; but there is never a reason to give up or place a dream off to the wayside just because the reality of it isn't in the near future.

As a matter as fact, you're in the future now; what are you making of it? You have all the life and desire you need to bring dreams to past with a little bit of patience and carefully planned - hard work.

The name of this article is Dreamer or Doer. Why?

Because you know, like I know, that there are many folks well behind in their life. Lack of motivation and will has them stuck in limbo. They're dreaming but not doing. I want to motivate millions of these potential entrepreneurs who haven’t made a move for the better to make one, because I'm waiting!

The greatest luxury that we all have is the ability to dream, to establish a vision that’s perfect in our image and can fit no one except us. We may relish it how we want and expand it limitlessly. There are many people taking advantage of this luxury but they’re not acting on it. Many are giving up well before they give themselves a chance to succeed and as a result they end up dealing with circumstances they didn’t originally have purpose for. Each day gone by without any action makes the dream appear further away and the hope of it diminishes under self-pity. Second and three times guessing get the best of them and they forget who they really are and what they stood for. And then we wonder, are they Dreamers or Doers?

Purpose of Effort

Lack of purpose or plain laziness is really where the problem is for so many with potential. Unbelief in the purpose of effort has many reluctant to pitch their efforts of a business idea or project. They're hesitant to move forward for fear of responsibility or fear that nothing will work itself out, and all effort will become a waist of time. To add to that, they’re impatient with the process of building, as if everything happens overnight. What they’re lacking is a can do attitude; this is unacceptable and would keep anyone in a snug between idle and destination, delay and advancement.

If building a business or project with lucrative potential is one man or woman's dream, then they must be convicted in their heart that grudging from home over the extra work that has to be put in won't make it go away. You can't start excited about a new venture and then feel bombarded the minute challenges show up. If you have to put in some work you didn't expect, so what, get past it. Don't fail to realize that when you're doing something bigger, that something has the challenges you didn't have when you were doing nothing. Being afraid to move forward and achieve something is definitely not the way to bring your dreams to past.

Failure isn't denial, it is delay, but effort moves you forward!

Can Do

To pursue with love and purpose, I found, is the right way to pursue any idea. The purpose keeps you focused on what’s at stake and you can clearly define what benefits are in it and how it benefits yourself, and others. You’ll find it hard for anything to distract you because your world evolves around what you love. Make sure you find love in what you’re pursuing. Stop trying for a new venture every time you wake in the morning, looking for a get rich quick scheme; that's what I did and it didn't work, stick with one project. No more looking for the path of least resistance or the best approach, instead, learn the right approach and go from there. I promise things will work out! Trying for a million dollars tomorrow will have you working harder for a purpose you probably couldn’t explain. Doing what you love will build, build, and build to be more than you thought because you were working on it with passion and not paying attention to the payoff. Sure you can expect a payoff, but don’t passion for money, just monetize your passion.

For some reason, many of us know what we love but we’re not making any moves. Is it something you’re afraid you won’t achieve, or are you afraid to achieve? Are you waiting on someone? Who? I hope not. These are legitimate questions because people are scared of responsibility, to fail, and independence. Yet, these same folks wish they didn’t have a boss or had financial abundance. You need to have a can do attitude if you’re going to be independent or see any kind of financial gain; you have the ability to do so! There are people all over the land that are willing to help you, but I agree that the hard part is finding them. ...Oh, and so you’ll know, no one is going to come out of anywhere and start assisting you with moving ahead. You need to be assisting yourself. People only like to help those who are helping themselves.

The Start
The greatest tragedy is when the weak nature of regret takes over the mightiness of a Dream. You've let lack of substance, or failure identify you, and now it tries to follow you everywhere you go.
Do as I say: Take your right or left hand,... and reach out in front of you. ...Your desires and dreams reach out further than the short-end of the stick. Where you are now is not failure, you still have an opportunity to reach out for more in life, (you just need to retrieve that vision coupled with the hope God has given you).

So starting today, you will no longer sit back on the sidelines watching everyone pitch their efforts onto the playing field. You will be enthused, stay consistent in your efforts, stay confident in your ability, read, and most importantly stand patient. Nothing happens overnight. These are some key ingredients for getting to the end of what you start. Stop giving up, you been performing that episode long enough. Make a will and make an effort with fearlessness and unrelenting drive in bringing your desires to past. I know there's a big house with great landscaping that you want, an expensive new car, big bank account, or power within your hand to make things happen where you see fit. I know purely this is what you want and that there is something greater you see for yourself. But, you have to become and stay motivated.

To create a spark within you, start to visualize yourself calling the shots at your business, taking charge, and giving the orders on your plans. You’re the boss, the writer, or leader! From now on, people will move at your command, asking what is it that you need and how you want it. They will take messages for you acting as your support so that you can fulfill other priorities.

This is the way it is supposed to be for those of you dreaming of independence. When you’re the head it’s your world, your construction. You’re the one on top! So fly away leaving the old and useless behind. Get off the sidelines! Experience the sport of an entrepreneur! Fly high towards the blue skies that await you! Start dreaming and start doing.

The Next Entrepreneur: Pt.1

2012-03-19T19:35:00.015-07:00

It's okay to set standards in life, but many of us are setting limits on our successes so soon, that we never get a chance to help out someone who's in need of a little inspiration. No matter how you are fairing in life, never be enough of who you are until you know you have motivated and inspired others to become better at what they do. I understand you just want to be happy in your life, but I beg you to be an influence in others. Your presence stimulates maturity and has a direct impact on how they make career decisions.

Every young adult is looking for someone who they can imitate, and look up to for inspiration. They want information along with their will. We as leaders in business should make every effort to continue the legacy of entrepreneurship in America, and beyond. Reach your hand out to someone you see is struggling. Just simply saying I believe in you, in itself, can really inspire someone whose head is down. They want a word from someone who resembles success, especially if there's not many people in their life supporting them. You'll be amazed at what you can do with just a few words. You may not be around for the results, but it isn't about you; it's about them. They are the next entrepreneur! Success doesn't just belong to us, it belongs to anyone who respects the sport of an entrepreneur and works hard in it.

Quick scenario: I remember after I separated from the U.S. Navy in 2010 (USS Nassau LHA4). I had been out for five months and ran into this nineteen year old lady, at Office Depot, who was writing a mystery-fiction book. She was unsure to pursue getting published. She'd been looking at the fact that she wasn't popular, like Stephen King or someone, but didn't realize as long as she can write a compelling query letter, an agent would be willing to show interest in representing her to publishers.

Well, being that I recently had my struggles with learning how to get a book published I saw this as an opportunity to help someone who is in the same boat I was. I thought, why not give her some information that'll keep her afloat. As soon as we both checked out, we stepped outside and I discussed with her how to Google sample query letters and what research she should make before sending the letter off to anyone. I told her if she needed a little more substance to help her, she could go to a local Barnes & Nobles and look at a jacket flap to see how already published authors wrote theirs. She took my advice. Three months later she emailed me to tell me that she had an agent to like her book and that agent will represent her to an independent publisher. I felt good I helped someone beat the worrying with a stick and moved on with their project. My advice and experience influenced her to move on from fear and make a decision that would only complement her hard work.

So you see, we have to help others too, yeah we all have our own lives to live and struggles to struggle with, but we had help once in our life also, remember? Doing this will allow us to keep up with the legacy of great entrepreneurship in America. Don't be selfish! Never just please yourself, there is always someone there to reach out and make a difference in their life. Maybe the next great entrepreneur. Someone made a difference in you, now its time to return the favor.

Built to Achieve

2012-03-19T19:16:00.004-07:00

You and I were built to achieve something! We have evidence of our ability to do so because within all of us there's a quality skill and talent with opportunity to expand limitlessly, but we have to discover it. From this day forward make it your priority to define your skills and talents and apply them to what you love to do. Find what your heart desires, there is new life inside of you wanting to get out and achieve something. Move with purpose, confidence, and be of good courage, always! Believe in yourself, cause I believe in you!

Why the Wait?

2011-11-09T09:10:00.010-08:00

Many of us thought about a terrific business idea, but never quite got it off the ground because of distractions and people in the way. Let today be the day you move past what or who has been in the way of your dreams and start progressing toward a plan you conceived of a long time ago. There is a place you want to be in life, and there is no reason why you should delay progress any longer or wait on others to help you. We are involved in the development of our dreams by ourself. Look around. Ask yourself, who has helped me move any closer to my dream so far; no one! This is because they may not want what you want in life. This was my problem for a while. I failed to realize that everyone sees success differently, and therefore, they couldn't be serious or passionate enough about helping you move up in life.

I thought a lot of my peers pictured financial success like I did, but turned out they'd rather an ordinary nine to five like the rest. There is nothing wrong with having a ordinary day job, but my goals were more lucrative bound. I never planned on working for someone the rest of my life -instead- I chose to channel my writing and other creative ideas to an abundant, prosperous lifestyle, and I'm on a damn great path to getting there. I have completed a whole line of children books, working on my second one, have a successful blog, and everyone within the Toastmasters community love my articles. Shout out to the Toastmasters!

Those old peers are behind me.

It's good to keep people around that make us happy-but we also need people who will help us build. If you can't rely on anyone, which you probably shouldn't, rely on yourself. If you can adopt an attitude of relying on yourself for everything you do, you'll get well further in life than you thought you can, because you know progress ultimately relies on your effort. If you fail, it's because you allow failure to identify you, it's no one else fault.

Friends are fun and family is great, but the closest thing to you is your own heart, effort, motivation, and you. You have to put these things to work if they are to bring you any fruition out of what you are doing. Stop waiting! I believe in you. Keep your hope alive and take life by the ropes; Don't let it go!