They Say

This week, I spent quite a bit of time in my local used bookstore. Honestly, it’s more of a happy place than anything else and I often find myself getting “lost” amongst the shelves for hours at a time. 

One book in particular has been calling to me for quite some time and I’d done my best to resist it up until this week.  

If you’re a bookworm like myself, you know exactly what I mean about books “calling.” That book was Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. 

Yeah that one. Every millionaire, finance expert and money guru has preached about this book in particular. Personally I didn’t think I was ready to have that conversation about myself as I was seriously (not seriously) enjoying the financial pity parties that I was throwing for myself. 

But alas, I got my hands on a copy and even got my boyfriend a copy as well so that we could read together and discuss it. 

I started reading it in the car and before I knew it, I had spent fifteen minutes in my car reading. 

I COULD NOT PUT THE DAMN BOOK DOWN.

So I’m reading and trying not to highlight half the damn book as I go and I stumble on a quote that triggered me. 

If the thing you wish to do is right, and you believe in it, go ahead and do it! Put your dream across, and never mind what “they” say if you meet with temporary defeat, for “they,” perhaps, do not know that EVERY FAILURE BRINGS WITH IT THE SEED OF AN EQUIVALENT SUCCESS.

I think that sometimes we are conditioned to seek counsel from others before making steps forward. 

I remember all of the “theysayers” in my life as I was figuring out my plans post high school. 

Plan A was the military. 

“They” told me not to go into the military because I would be killed (as if I couldn’t be killed as a civilian just as easily).

I spoke about how my corporate job was taking a toll on my mental and physical health. 

“They” told me to “play the corporate games” because I didn’t need to quit my job without six month’s worth of savings or a new position lined up. 

I could go on and on. 

The point is, hardly ever will “they” tell you to do what you want to do or what’s best for you.

Who are the “they” people in your life?

Are “they” holding you back? Are “they” pushing you to go forward?

Be mindful of the “theysayers” in your life.

Most times “they” don’t know what they’re talking about.

Nine times out of ten, “theysayers” operate in fear.

“They” also have their own concerns, fears, and insecurities that “they” are wanting to project onto you. And the moment that you go against the grain and things fall apart, they rush to remind you that “a hard head makes a soft ass, or I told you so” or whatever the fuck else makes them feel good about being right about your situation. 

But they are nowhere to be found when things go right. Or, they change up the narrative to give you a faux congrats and the “I knew you could do it” bullshit. 

It happens. 

But as Napoleon said, EVERY FAILURE BRINGS WITH IT THE SEED OF AN EQUIVALENT SUCCESS. 

I’ve tried and failed at many things. The things I’ve failed at provided tools and resources that led to my successes. The things I’ve succeeded at were the very things that “they” didn’t believe I’d succeed in. But then again, who the hell sets the standard for success anyway?

YOU DO!

Perhaps you find yourself surrounded by “theysayers” who also function as the “naysayers” in your life. I’m here (along with Napoleon) to remind you to pursue that passion that keeps you up at night. 

FUCK WHAT “THEY” SAY

Making Moves After 5

Guess who’s still thugging it out without being in the claws of Corporate America?

 

Me.

 

Let me tell you. It’s rough. I thought that I was prepared but not nearly as much as I needed to be. Luckily I’ve got all of the right people encouraging me to continue pursuing my dream despite what the bank account says.

 

For those of you that are still pushing through the hustle, bustle and bullshit of corporate spaces, stay strong. And by stay strong I mean keep yourself motivated enough to plot your escape!

 

Until you stop spending 40 hours working toward someone else’s goals and not your own, you’ll continue to be unhappy.

 

I’m serious. Regardless of how drained and burnt out you are, take a few minutes to work on your own passions…..otherwise you’ll continue to stay on the carousel.

 

Make moves after 5!

 

I don’t want to preach so I’ll keep it brief. Hopefully these 3 tidbits of advice replay in your head more than the JG Wentworth jingle.

 

 

Write it down

I know. It’s all in your head. What happens if you get distracted by a phone call? Then it’s the “what did I just come up with” conversation with yourself. 9 times out of 10, the bright idea will come back to you when you’re in the shower yet again without a pen or paper in sight. Write it down…….the first time. You could literally be “forgetting” a million dollar idea that could change the trajectory of your life.

 

Chip away at it

I never said that it had to be done all in one day. If you’re a person like me that tries to force themselves to do something, you’ll do it but it won’t necessarily be as gratifying that it would if you did it organically. Start small. Eventually you’ll get to a place where it consumes you. Then you’ll be struggling to focus even while you’re at work like I did.

 

 

Connect

Network with those folks that have done what you want to do. Don’t know where to start? Google! YouTube!

 

Social media is one hell of a storehouse of information. Or maybe you’re a people person. Take advantage of the networking opportunities that your job offers. Everyone only comes for the free drinks anyway.

 

 

Once you’ve done all of that. Repeat.