The only way to take control of your life, raise your standard of living and move beyond merely surviving is to create your own unique product or service that you offer to increasing numbers of people in exchange for the things of value that you desire. This simple formula applies to countries as well as people. A self-sufficient economy has its own products or services of value to export to the world. Similarly, a self-sufficient individual has something of value to exchange in the global marketplace. That thing of value is based on your natural talent, skill, or interest—in other words, your passion!
It may seem quite presumptuous
but still, just hear me out
The only thing that’s stopping you
is that you’re plagued with doubt
You need no one’s approval
for the things you want to do
The most the world can tell you
is what THEY’VE seen to be true
But trust me when I tell you
less than you have tried and won
They simply chose to disregard
what men said can’t be done
Accept someone’s opinion
you accept their truths and fears
Don’t be surprised if, therefore, you live
not YOUR life but theirs!
Again there’s no one out there
who can know what you can do
The only expert in your life
You got it, friend: It’s you!
For butterflies DO fly quite well
despite what experts say
Without a doubt you too can fly
and have things go your way!
So, guidance? Yes. Approval? No.
Don’t switch the two again
And from now on the question is
not “if”, but “how” and “when!”
“How much money do you think I can make in my business?” “Do you think I’ll be successful as an artist?” “Do I have the right personality type to lead my team?”
I often get questions like that from customers and clients who seek my input on their undertakings.
In listening to one particular client’s questions last week, it became evident that despite many of the great ideas and dreams she had over the years, she never pursued them to her own satisfaction. In determining what was holding her back, I realized that, as a result of her own feelings about her potential, she was asking for input from others in a distinct way. It seemed she was awaiting the approval of others she assumed were further ahead in the journey, or whom she thought somehow had a handle on what was possible for her. She wasn’t asking for advice or guidance, but rather approval and permission.
The suggestion I offered to her—and to you—is that the ultimate determining factor in whether you succeed at a particular task is not what others think is possible for you, but rather the degree of personal conviction with which you pursue your goals. There is no expert who can predict what you are capable of. There is no guru who can intuit whether you’ve got what it takes to be successful.
Even “known” laws of physics are limited by human perception. According to a piece I once read, the butterfly’s body design and wing structure violates all principles of aerodynamics. In other words, according to “expert” opinion, butterflies can’t fly. But fly they do, don’t they?
* * *
Note: Fans and followers of the book, Chicken Feathers and Garlic Skin: Diary of a Chinese Garment Factory Girl on Saipan may now request copies here on Saipan by emailing me walt@passionprofit.com, or Amazon.com.
Note: Ever wanted to direct your friends and family to a set of websites that said good things about Saipan? Do what I do: send them to www.bestofsaipan.com!
* * *
Until next week, remember, success is a journey, not a destination!