Step One: Stop Listening to Yourself – You’re Too Smart
Ever noticed how often successful people; the ones that achieve just what they want in the face of insurmountable odds are…stupid? How many times have you thought to yourself, ‘if they can do it, anyone can – right?’ The thing is, they may be awesome because of their idiotness, and not in spite of it. Think about it – Smart people weigh up the pros and cons, take intelligent risks and proceed with wise and measured caution, benchmarking their decisions against the wisdom and experience of others. Dumb people just do it. Smart people listen to those who are smarter than themselves to fully understand a scenario and are realistic about their chances. Morons couldn’t care less – they just start and allow momentum to carry them. Smart people often don’t even start; dumb people use reckless abandon as a tool. Stop trying to be smart – smart sucks. Just find what you want, even if it’s crazy, and then go after it like an animal. The energy you create will gain its own momentum and then weird things start happening. Opportunities will come to you and before you know it, boom, awesome life!
Step Two: Be Selfish
The world is filled with selfless people. They’re so committed to helping others at the expense of themselves that sometimes they manage to help neither. To be useful to others you need resources, and to gather said resources, you need to be focused on your own success first, and other people’s second. The airline safety drill says, ‘Always attach your own mask before helping others.’ Why? Because you can’t help them when you’re choking for life. Feel uncomfortable? Good – because change feels strange, but if what you’re already doing isn’t working, you need to fight through that feeling and get to the other – epic – side.
Step Three: Stop Setting Goals—Visualize It into Being
I know you’ve heard it before, but why aren’t you doing it? That’s what a coach said to me after I said that I understood visualization and the importance of it. Visualization is not seeing realistic goals already being achieved, (well it can be), but that’s not the best possible version. Instead of being afraid, map out a path and visualize the end result. Visualize something that gives you a feeling of raw energy inside. Create a mental scenario that makes your blood boil with excitement, so much so that it’s all you can think about. Feel it. Taste it. Experience it, not as if it’s coming, but as though it’s already here, right now. Want a new car? Drive it, smell and feel the interior, see the paint. Want to live a freelance life? You’ll see things like cheap hotels, awesome technology, amazing views, skateboards attached to backpacks and new food being tasted in large crowds. You’ll see grateful clients, pride from your loved ones and other people reaching out for advice. 2017 is coming up and is yours for the taking. But when that smart person tells you it can’t be done, remember – you’re way too stupid to listen to them. At least, I hope so. Featured photo credit: Rhys Knight via knighttime.com.au
