Jan/102
limited possibility perspective?
Do you suffer from LPP? A lot of people do and don’t realize it. What is it?
Simply put… the Limited Possibility Perspective is thinking that you can’t, more than believing that you can. It is operating from a scarcity mentality that tells us that dreams cannot or do not come true.
Great things are accomplished by those who dare to dream.
Those who refuse to accept the status quo.
Those who take intelligent risks and live on purpose.
Those who embrace and expand their perspective of possibilities.
Those who courageously step out and take action over apprehension… often in the midst of adversity and uncertainty.
If all this sounds like a bunch of positive thinking, motivational and inspirational nonsense to you… then you are likely suffering from acute LPP right now.
Limiting our possibilities makes the world appear very small. Physics tells us that when spaces get small, the pressure goes up. The world of possibility is vast. Options and opportunities are everywhere. But you have to look for them. You have to see them. Sometimes “seeing things” is the best thing.
But this same world is full of nay-sayers and dream stealers ready and willing to tell the rest of us what can’t be done and isn’t possible in their opinion and from their perspective. It appears as though they get great joy from pounding and pouncing on others’ ambition when in fact they are just running scared themselves. Run from these people. Distance yourself from dream stealers and instead surround yourself with dreamers who decide to do each and everyday.
Regardless of our individual definitions of success, or the actual outcomes, greatness is reserved for those who pursue it. And this greatness exists within the pursuit of possibility.
“Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who believed that something inside of them was superior to circumstance.” – Bruce Barton
©2010 Tom Leu
Dec/081
go your own way
This is Malcolm Gladwell (The Tipping Point, Outliers) discussing the band Fleetwood Mac’s story as an illustration of the often very long time it takes to truly become great at something. The video’s comment below prompted my writing that follows: (gotta love Mal’s hair…)
“I don’t doubt he is correct about the time it takes to achieve greatness. To me this isn’t a big breakthrough. The hard part for most people is finding that special thing to put their energy into. Why aren’t more authors and thinkers pointing out this aspect of success?, identifying one’s calling…because it’s only natural to devote energy to something when you believe it is really worthwhile. This is what I believe separates the top 5% from the rest (finding their niche) which isn’t easy!” - coreydmont, from YouTube.com
As a writer, observer and participant, here is my take:
Finding your niche… discovering your destiny… uncovering your calling… this is the hardest part of being “successful.”
Knowing the what you should be pursuing has to precede the how you’re going to get there. Many people get this backwards.
A lot of well-intentioned and ambitious people exert tremendous amounts of time and effort pursuing undertakings that are wrong for them. They get so wrapped up in the doing that they don’t stop to consider if what they’re doing is what they should be doing.
The what you should be doing is that which exists at the intersection of your passion AND your talent. A calling must marry one’s interest as well as their skills. It’s that thing you do that few others can do as well or as uniquely as you do.
It’s not enough to just enjoy something; it’s not enough to be good at something… one’s true calling or destiny or life’s work HAS to contain both elements. A passion for – and a knack for – must co-exist. Passion PLUS talent produces necessary perseverance required to turn your calling into a career.
Next, this calling has to be specific and focused. No one can be good at everything… nor should you try. One must specialize and then organize. Countless hours, days, months, and even years can be saved if you really stop and consider the “what” before the “how.”
Once you know that, then do that, for as long as it takes. Maybe even for 10,000 hours over the next ten years…
Real “success” is enjoying the journey doing what you’re supposed to be doing… to “Go Your Own Way” – regardless of the outcome.
©2008 Tom Leu
Dec/080
action over apprehension
Think about this: Knowing how to run assumes you’re already walking. In terms of success in life, many people think they’re running when in fact they’re barely walking; some aren’t even standing yet. So how do you turn your passion into purpose; your desire into decision; your excitement into execution? Action Over Apprehension… More than just a tag line, this is about the art of eating an elephant, one bite at a time. Action is fear’s antidote. It kills it, fast. But there is a continuum that exists between preparation, perfection, and procrastination that’s important to recognize:
Preparation = the pre-polishing = the required foundation.
Perfection = the polishing = the necessary distinction.
Procrastination = the re-polishing = the debilitating destruction.
It’s important to objectively observe where you are at with any given project, assignment, or task at hand. Don’t kid yourself. Where are you really? Are you researching and creating in the preparation stage; building the foundation? Are you refining for excellence in the perfection stage; separating yourself out from the competition? Or are you rehashing the preparation and controlling the perfection stages thus procrastinating your progress? Your truthful assessment here will influence and affect your outcome.
“If everything seems under control you’re not going fast enough.” - Mario Andretti
Sometimes things happen gradually, but they do happen provided you do something first. I didn’t exactly set out to write my first book. I started by writing a weekly column of about 500 words each for a local newspaper. In my mind, that was doable, but not an entire book…are you kidding me? The same thing happened when one 60-second radio spot per week eventually turned into an entire audio CD program that I engineered, produced, and published. This wasn’t exactly on the radar at first either. I often think of the cold water in the swimming pool analogy… do you jump in, wade in, or opt out altogether? You have to make the decision to turn negative debilitating energy into positive, dynamic energy. You have to be “soldiers under command”… going into the fray, yet afraid.
Everyone gets scared and apprehensive at times, it’s normal. But when you’re scared, uncertain, or not confident… those are the times that action is an absolute must. Get up and DO something, anything. “Failing Forward” is better than “Stagnating Still.” Turn and run straight into the unknown by facing your fears. By simply taking small action steps each day, you are systematically disassembling and deactivating the fear that is attempting to paralyze you in the first place. This action builds on itself geometrically – eventually fueling you on to greater achievements and accomplishments than you ever thought possible. If you have the courage to begin, you’ll have the courage to succeed.
“Some people take no mental exercise apart from jumping to conclusions.” - Harold Acton
Finally, you have to learn how to separate your intentions from your actions. We measure ourselves by our intentions while everyone else measures us by our actions. Nobody really cares what you’re going to do tomorrow; they want to know what you are doing today. The late Nascar great, Dale Earnhardt used to say, “Don’t tell me what you’re gonna do; tell me what you did.” At the end of the day, that’s all there is… Action Over Apprehension.
©2008 Tom Leu
Dec/081
opposition confirms progress
When a car zooms by you while you’re out driving what often pops into your mind? Maybe something like: “That person’s crazy – look at how fast they’re going - who do they think they are?” On the other hand, the slow car gets the “what’s wrong with that guy – he’s hardly moving - what’s his problem - get out of my way” reaction right? Why do we seem to get upset when things are moving either too fast or too slow for us? Regardless of the speed, progress usually comes coupled with obstacles and opposition.
When you come up against opposition in life, there are often only two possible reasons for it: 1) You shouldn’t be doing what you’re doing or 2) You’re doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing. I want to focus on the latter of these two scenarios.
Opposition often confirms progress because progress makes some people uncomfortable. Another word for progress is change, and change is something that most people don’t like. When others try to slow you down or discourage you from pursuing something otherwise positive, chances are you’re on the right track. When something is moving forward or moving ahead, this fact immediately causes attention and focus to be placed on that which isn’t making as much progress (or standing still). Certain people who try to slow us down with “good intentions” are really those who I call dream stealers. Dream stealing often comes disguised as “good advice.” Beware. Distance yourself from dream stealers; those people who take energy & inspiration from you rather than give it to you.
Just know that if you’re a motivated person who has ambitious goals and blazes trails that you will run into opposition, interference, and setbacks. It’s not a possibility but a certainty. But remember to use this opposition as confirmation that progress is being made. History is full of accounts depicting people with good ideas, causes, and crusades that had to endure and overcome intense struggle and opposition before breaking through and eventually making an impact. So keep the faith, stay the course, and surround yourself with winners who embrace change, endorse progress, and envision a better future.
“Be good and you will be lonesome.” -Mark Twain
©2008 Tom Leu
Jul/080
good isn’t good enough
“If you are willing to satisfy people with good enough, you can make just about everybody happy. If you delight people and create change that lasts, you’re going to offend those that hate change in all its forms. Your choice.” – Seth Godin
What’s it gonna take…?
What’s it really gonna take to get to the next level?
You’ve got to know how to effectively communicate with people in all areas of your personal and professional life and know how to SELL YOURSELF.
World-class is the phrase that comes to mind. Depending on your specific aspirations and goals, your business and your marketing have to be world-class. Sounds big and intimidating doesn’t it? It should. Because to really have a legitimate shot at “making it” or becoming ”successful” in whatever you do, your total package better be world-class. Your equation better be complete. Otherwise, unfortunately, you’re fooling yourself and potentially wasting a lot of time.
You see, being good isn’t good enough. You’ve got to be GREAT.
You’ve got to be a PRO:
Professional – have compelling presentations of your product or services that separate you from your competition.
Responsible – consistently do what you say you will do, follow through, over-deliver, and be accountable no matter what.
Organized – know where you’re going and be committed to figuring out how you’re going to get there.
Always look to spend your time engaged in “high-payoff” activities; those efforts that will produce the biggest return on your investment.
Put down any vices, devices, or distractions that hold you back. Think world-class, become a professional, and stop trying to please everyone. Don’t settle for mediocrity. Become great at what you do. Great sells itself. Always has, always will. It’s your choice.
©2008 Tom Leu
Jul/080
I Don’t Care Anymore
“I Don’t Care Anymore” (1:06)
Real success requires the journey be more important than the outcome.
©2008 Tom Leu
Jun/080
nobody from nowhere?
The Internet is the great equalizer especially if you are a “nobody from nowhere” – someone without a famous pedigree, a fat wallet, or exceptional circumstances. Nothing has leveled the playing field giving us all access to the world market quite like the Internet has. But to make a name for yourself in any endeavor, you must create a product and brand that is visible and viable. What do I mean…?
Visible – First, people have to know about you and/or your product, and where to get you and/or your product.
Viable – Second, you and/or your product must be capable of solving problems quickly and easily.
Visible + Viable = Valuable
Visibility without viability, or viability without visibility equals little/no perceived value. This is a big problem!
If what you do is perceived (notice I said perceived; it may or may not be in actuality) to be a commodity, then you have a steeper hill to climb. If something is a commodity, and everybody has it or can get it easily, its value goes way down. The challenge is to make what you do appear unique, therefore in low supply, therefore very valuable. Put a different spin on the tried-and-true. Intend to break the mold. Create something that would get your attention. If your product isn’t necessarily unique, the way you deliver it must be. Capitalize on what makes you, YOU!
Unsigned bands and artists for example, are definitely a commodity. Everyone is vying for attention and fans. Actually making money from their music is not the focus of most.
TAXI founder, Michael Laskow made this observation regarding independent musicians:
“Success is mostly just about getting heard. Success is feeling validated.”
With whatever you do, sometimes simply having people pay attention is compensation enough and a good start. The Internet can create opportunities, but you must deliver the goods once you’ve got a foot in the door. If you want to transcend being a nobody from nowhere… become visible, viable, and ultimately valuable. If you wanna get heard, then you must separate yourself from the herd.
Are you hearing me?
©2008 Tom Leu
Jun/080
Uncommon Time
“Uncommon Time” (1:07)
Consider getting better at identifying the right time vs. the wrong time for things… right now.
©2008 Tom Leu
Jun/080
Groove Machine
Recognize that thoughts are things and that minds have moods. Get into a positive groove regarding your thinking and your actions.
©2008 Tom Leu
Jun/081
dream stealers
Distance yourself from dream stealers; those people who take energy and inspiration from you rather than give it to you. Dream stealing often comes disguised as good advice,“for your own good.” There are two types of dream stealers… those who view you as:
1) a Nut – These people truly feel that your endeavors may be unrealistic or are unattainable. In an effort to be protective, they try to kill your enthusiasm in the name of helping you avoid future disappointments. Though their intentions may be good, the poisonous message they’re sending is that you aren’t good enough. Only you can decide that.
2) a Threat – These people cannot, or will not support you completely because you and your ambitions make them feel bad about themselves. You are a mirror to their own perceived inadequacies. There are strong elements of competition, jealousy, and envy present. They often react uninterested and/or apathetic to your efforts because you are inadvertently calling theirs into question. These are the worst kind of dream stealers that need to be avoided at all costs.
If you can’t turn them off, at least try to turn them down.
“We are all either building our own dreams or building somebody else’s.” – Jeff Olson, The Slight Edge
©2008 Tom Leu
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Tom Leu is a writer, speaker, photographer, and teacher with degrees in Psychology and Sociology. Tom's RockStar Way™ brand uncovers the extraordinary "images" within music, marketing & motivation.
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