Future Shock

Next year, 5 years, 10 years – How will your life be different from today? Will it be different? How do you feel about that? Are you truly living a life fulfilled; personally, spiritually, financially? Have you ever thought about such things or are you just “workin for a livin” and getting ready for the weekend? If this is you, and you are happy and content with that – great! (Really!) I am envious because you have found your calling and you are living your dream. Two things that I feel really are the heart of the matter when it comes to leading a life fulfilled.
On the other hand, for many, your purpose and vision for leading a life fulfilled is quite different. I find that spending time doing the things that I need to do vs. the time I spend doing the things I want to do are directly related to the amount of self-fulfillment I experience. I don’t mean this on a day to day basis, I mean this more in the “grand scheme” of things. By this I mean what happens today, happens today and only slightly affects the long-term goal (what I call my “slight edge” mentality – after the book The Slight Edge by Jeff Olsen). What that means is I have spent time to define how I would like my life to look, but still have not conquered the “need to” bits so my purpose and vision have not yet been fully realized but I know I am on the right path.
I speak with people about whom they are & what they see in themselves and most tell me that they do have goals and dreams, but they don't actively pursue them or feel they have reached a point where they are not going to acheive them due to any number of restrictions or beliefs they may have. Whether real or imagined, many (if not most) use words like happy, content, or doing OK to describe their life, yet as we talk, these very people will then tell me that they although they want to see new places, they “don’t like to travel”; or they wish they could help their children with school, but they “don’t have the time”; or would like to have a bigger house, but they “can’t afford it”, or whatever – you get the point. Whether it’s money, time off from work, or some sort of limiting belief in their own ability – I regularly meet good, honest, hard working people whom I know are the proverbial “ship without a rudder”. I know, because I was one of them, and I can spot you a mile away.
I’m here to tell you that if you want more out of your life, you can have whatever you choose to create. I believe that a person creates his own destiny through belief, desire, and knowledge. Do you have a clear picture of where you are headed – are you looking at it daily and measuring your progress? Can you commit to it? Your future does matter – YOU matter. My Dad always said, "Do something that matters". I have tried to do just that by participating in businesses that are of benefit to other people; but I never felt I was accomplishing anything. I now know that lack of success was because I really didn’t have a plan for me.
We all influence others. The internal satisfaction that what I was contributing actually did matter was just not there. It is very refreshing to have found something. Being a part of the TEAM matters! Your children learn by watching you; your coworkers assimilate with your behavior; your “significant other” will adopt learned behaviors based on what they see in you. If you have no plan, you become complacent and frustrated, these breed discontentment, and that breeds negative thoughts and actions. Would the world be a better place if we all understood that we have a purpose and we are earnest and positive in the pursuit of that which we feel will make us complete? I think yes it would – tremendously so.
I’m not saying that any of this is easy, it’s actually a bit difficult - but the results are priceless. I have seen it in others in my community that have acheived great success and am convinced that dream, struggle, and victory bring the best rewards in life. Life isn’t/shouldn't be just making money, it’s about the experience, caring and sharing, loving, and in my community, making a difference. I’ll cover that in another post. For now consider, just what does your future look like? Will you choose “more of the same” or will you choose to step up and create something extraordinary? I’d like to help you take action if you are ready. Information is free, what you choose to do with it is another thing.

Live well – Be Well

Stephen

Survive vs. Thrive

The other day I was talking with a friend about current events in politics, education, and religion (my favorite subjects). I really enjoy talking about ideas - Later, I got to thinking about the differences between those who are truly living their life vs. those who are merely existing at some level of perceived comfort. What I mean is that it is my percption that many, if not most, of the people I know as friends, aquaintences, coworkers, family; are in fact "leading lives of quiet despiration".
On the surface, many have the appearance of what is called "comfortable" living; nice house, decent car, the proverbial "good job", kids are doing ok, etc - you know, the "I'm doing OK" mentality. However, behind the scenes for many there's; credit debt, mortgage, bills, job, health issues, stress, Kids (?!), etc. Whatever it is, many people just can't seem to stay ahead of "things". Life can be very frustrating when you are in "survival" mode; Similarly, there are those that budget their time and money, have the bills paid, actually like and enjoy the challenges that come with kids, and also have the "good job". However, I feel that they too are also in this same boat - perhaps they just don't know it or choose not to recognise it. Because in both of these scenarios people trade their time for money - they are a slave to their money, most of their decisions are made for them, life is not easy, and decisions are risky because income is finite.
Consider these - even if you are self-employed -
Employment: Who sets your alarm clock every day? determines when you take your lunch & how much time you may have? determines when & how long you get to go on vacation? Do You, or does your boss/business?
Money: Why can't I afford to pay cash? When can I retire? Will I ever have enough money to do so? How many more years will I have to not do the things I'd really like to do, so I can "save" enough to be "comfortable"?
People: I can't stand my boss, my coworkers, or my neighbors. Perhaps you are divorced or don't speak to members of your family or children?
I ask people these questions every day and I hear in response - "I'm going to have to work forever; I'll never make enough money to retire; My job doesn't have a retirement package; Social Security will take care of me; I have enough investments to be comfortable; I'm happy to go to work everyday, sometimes on weekends and holidays too; Owning a business is too risky; I don't have time." and a slew of others, Really?!
The financial state of our nation is in critical stage - if the US were a patient, it would be in ICU and the phone call to the priest imminent. If you don't believe it - you simply are not paying attention or don't want to. How much longer will you believe that your job, or any job is secure and/or will provide you with the kind of money you're going to need in the coming decades? The stock market is over-inflated and the government just keeps printing money, messing with the interest rates, and telling us that we can spend our way out of this hole. Why has it become acceptable to "survive" the current economy? The time to step out & take charge of your life is now more than ever before!
I firmly believe that to truly live, you must find a way to thrive in finance, health, and relationships with others. Had I not been exposed to a huge community of people who live this way, I may have never even known that this is available to "regular" people who are willing to learn. There is an old business model that is coming back very strong in the 21st century called Direct Marketing. What would your life be like if you could systematically generate unlimited residual income through a home-based business? Income that is sustainable and long term, for you and your family. What if you could simply work from home on your terms. You set the hours, you determine when you work & when you play. How about being a stay at home mom/dad where you have the opportunity to educate and discipline your children instead of relying on someone else to do it? Would you consider this thriving?
My business partners and I have invested our futures in community building within the health and wellness market/industry because it is strong, growing, and promises to continue be the most lucrative business market now & for the forseeable future.
The thriving lifestyle is not easily obtained and getting there can be risky. It requires 100% comittment, lots of hard work, and persistence; but to those who choose to follow this path, the results are well worth the investment. Success in health, in finances, and in your relationships will allow you to thrive and live the life you want. What will your life look like in 5 years? Will you continue to survive, or will you choose to thrive and join us? What if?
This country was founded on education, personal responsibility, and free market ownership. I hope you join us in our cause to bring about positive change through the rebirth of these principles in every man, woman, and child in this country. If you are interested, I look forward to hearing from you at www.the-team.biz/mv974607 or you can e-mail me directly at stephen.hartka@the-team.biz

Be Well - Live Well

Stephen