January 20 and 21st 2017 marked two significant days in the history of the United States and greater world at large.
On January 20th a new President was sworn into office (this is not a political blog).
On January 21st millions of people from all over the world came together to march, peacefully, "to stand together for human rights and to protect, defend and
advance human rights, even in the face of adversity."
The human spirit is powerful and when we find something to channel our passions into there is virtually nothing that can't be accomplished.
BUT
Passion alone will not produce results, action does.
Here's what I mean.
Think about our experiences with New Years Resolutions. Every year people begin the year pledging to do "X,Y,Z' this year. But after life happens the excuses start to surface and once they do we suddenly put our "X,Y,Z" on the back burner justifying that "life got in the way." (Side note - head over to my "Your Life Toolbox" program to get help accomplish your New Year's Goals)
For change to happen, to evolve, and to continually change consistent action must always be taken.
Think about what Dr. King was able to accomplish in the Civil Rights movement or Mahatma Gandhi in the India Independence movement. Neither made just one speech, both created change because of persistent and consistent action being taken. Furthermore, and most importantly, they inspired others to adopt the same mentality: take action, take action, take action.
The "Women March on Washington" is amazing. Nothing like it has ever happened in history. Millions of people worldwide participated.
When trying to create a movement, people must keep moving. Many marchers may be tempted to make the mistake of hanging up their marching shoes now that the big day is done and over. For some they will be satisfied with "just being there," being a part of history, and having the pictures to prove it.
Real change continues now - the day after when each person has the opportunity to take another step towards what they want. This is where momentum is created.
Whether you participated in the march, or there is something else you are passionate about, if you want to create lasting change, you got to be willing to stay the course - treat it as a marathon and not a sprint.
Sprints are quick - done and over in the blink of an eye with the finish line always in sight.
A marathon goes on for much longer and the majority of it is run with the finish line no where near in sight for most of the race.
Imagine if today, tomorrow, and every day forward, every person who is passionate about something took action to help bring about the change's they wanted to see.
What actions could these be?
Here are just a few ideas
Volunteer at local organization that shares a similar passion.
Organize meet ups in your community where like minded people can come together and share ideas.
Boycott industries/businesses who do not share the same beliefs as you.
Set up accountability buddies - people who will help hold you accountable in your pursuit of your goals.
Organize educational events for the public.
Utilize your social media feeds to start healthy, positive, and loving conversations. (Hint - arguing over who is right and who is wrong, name calling, and putting others down on social media does little to advance your cause).
Join a Toastmaster group or take a Writing course to improve your communication skills so you can become more effective at delivering your message.
Become an "open minded listener." Learn how to listen. If you want to understand the psychology of your opposition you need to learn to really listen to them. The biggest mistake one can make is to tune out the opposition. Their words (which can only be heard by listening) often contain your keys to winning.
The above short list is just a small tip of the iceberg of what you can do, continue to do, and build on to bring about positive changes for the things you are passionate about.
The potential for change is always there. Now more than any time in history you have a voice. In hte words of Gandhi, "You must be the change you want to see in the world."
Nothing will change with inaction. Everything can change when you take action to create change.
Momentum is created not with the first step, but with the second, third, and fourth.
Take those next steps today - the world needs your passion.
Carpe Diem,
Jesse
http://www.jessebrisendine.com
http://www.facebook.com/1year1000challenge
Showing posts with label motivational. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motivational. Show all posts
Sunday, January 22, 2017
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Lessons Learned from 9 Years of Entrepreneurship
Hi!
Recently I hit a milestone professionally and I as I was reflecting back on it, I thought there were a few insight worth sharing.
September 3rd marked my ninth year of becoming an entrepreneur and making the decision to work for myself. Nine years, I cannot believe that! I still vividly remember the day I walked out of my job as an employee for the last time. It was feeling that was both scary and liberating at the same time.
I remember waking up the next day and one of my first thoughts was: "Now what?"
In the nine years since my career has been filled with ups, downs, lefts, and rights. I have traveled the world and have spent many a long days/nights/weeks/months in my bedroom or office trying to push things forward.
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart, but I promise you this, if you heart is filled with a message to share with the world, and you are willing to be bold and ride the waves of uncertainty, there is nothing better, in my opinion, than calling your own shots, setting your own schedule, being your own boss, and walking your own path through life.
Lessons learned
Do it because you are passionate about it:
Life is way to short to do it for any other reason. No matter how long my days are or how much frustration may enter into them (yes I get frustrated and even pissed off at times) there is nothing else I would rather do. Ask yourself this: at the end of your life would you rather sit on a mountain of money, but feel empty inside, or would you rather sit on a couple coins, but be filled with happiness, joy, and a ton of amazing memories? Pursue your passion and life will deliver.
It ain't easy:
As the saying goes, "If it were everyone would do it." Lots of long days that meld into long nights. You often learn that just because you think you have a great idea doesn't mean everyone else does. Restless nights, take out, paperwork scattered everywhere, odd hours, saying "no" to going out and hanging with friends, and instead saying yes to waking up early (7 days a week). But heck, the time will pass anyways, right, so why not invest that time in the pursuit of what you truly want.
Make sure you have a strong stomach and are prepared for the swings:
I silly-ly (when you walk your own path you get to make up your own words) thought that I was going to be running the "Field of Dreams" of Personal Training (when I first started out) and Life Coaching Services. "If I built it they would come," welllllll it doesn't always happen exactly like that. At first you are often playing for an empty ball park, and while it may not be the most desirable outcome at the time, you know what, something magical happens when your customers do start showing up. You learn to appreciate them that much more. Not every season will be a winning season, the loses make you much more appreciative of the wins.
Put yourself out there:
One thing is for sure, nothing will happen if you do not share your gift with the world. I long ago had the idea in my mind that I wanted to become a speaker and use my voice to share my message with the world. The problem: I never had really spoken publicly or on video. When my first website was set up (the original http://www.jessebrisendine.com ) I decided no better way to kick off my quest to become a speaker than to slap a video on my website for the whole world to see. I have now dug this video up (see below) to share with you. We all start somewhere...
Believe in yourself:
In anything you do there will likely be skeptics and critics. Something I learned early on is to always ask myself: "Does this person (the person who is doubting me) have everything in their life they want in this particular area?" 99.999999% of the time the answer was NO. Often people will cast shade on what you are pursuing because you have the courage to pursue something they want, but are too scared to go after. There will be doubters and naysayers along any path worth traveling. Listen to them, you will never get to where you want to go. Listen to your internal compass and it will lead you to your destination.
Learn to embrace people telling you "No."
We all are in "sales." Some of us may not directly negotiate a price, ask for a fee, or shake hands over a deal, but we are all "selling" ourselves all the time. I'm on the side where I offer services and for people to utilize those services they pay a fee to me. In those exchanges (a customer has the opportunity to invest money in a service I provide) I have been told No far more than I have been told Yes. I won't lie, the initial No's hurt, but if you allow them to, they get exciting really fast because every "No," brings you one step closer to a "Yes." Keep pushing forward in-spite of the "No's," the "Yes's" need you!
Celebrate the little wins:
Often when we begin something new we want to hit a home run right out of the gate and given the choice between a home run and a single, who wouldn't choose the home run? The home run is what brings the crowd to their feet, it is what makes the highlight reel on Sportscenter. Life isn't always a home run, sometimes it is just stepping up the plate and giving your best effort. You won't always be at a 100%, but you can always give 100% of whatever you got that day. When you step up to the plate don't swing for the fences every time, step up with the intention to give your best. When you do that, celebrate the effort, take a breath, and evaluate how you can improve.
Life is to short not to go after what you want:
See above about Passion. We have all heard it before and it is worth hearing again "Life is to short to be miserable." If the work you do does not fulfill you, if the relationship you are in leaves feeling empty, if you go to bed a night dreading the alarm clock in the morning, something needs to change. Your life is precious, you would not be here if that wasn't the case. Treat your life like the treasure it is and you will find a world of wonder waiting for you. Make the changes you know you need to make, life is to short not to.
Have a plan, but most importantly be prepared to work hard:
When I began working for myself I had a vague (at best) plan. The plan consisted of crunching a few numbers and me showing up. What I have learned is the best laid plans will often encounter challenges and no well laid plan will ever be a substitute for a relentless work ethic. Plans help with efficiency and give you guidance as to how to best focus your efforts, but at the end of the day nothing gets things done like an unbreakable work ethic. When things get dirty, be prepared to roll up your sleeves and dive in.
Even as I type, I have more memories, ideas, and thoughts I could share with you, but I think I will save those for later and instead leave you with this:
Time will continue to pass, life will move forward, things will always change, 7+billion people are responsible for living their lives, and you are responsible for living yours. If you do not like how things are going right now, be courageous enough to change it. An amazing life is not given, it is created.
Carpe Diem and thank you for being a part of my first nine years,
Jesse
http://www.jessebrisendine.com
http://www.facebook.com/1year1000challenge
P.S.
If you need help on your journey, and you would like me to be your guide to help you get what your heart desires, you can contact me here. Note, this is only for those of you who are committed to living your greatest life. If you are content to settle and keep things as they are, please do not click on this link.
.
Recently I hit a milestone professionally and I as I was reflecting back on it, I thought there were a few insight worth sharing.
September 3rd marked my ninth year of becoming an entrepreneur and making the decision to work for myself. Nine years, I cannot believe that! I still vividly remember the day I walked out of my job as an employee for the last time. It was feeling that was both scary and liberating at the same time.
I remember waking up the next day and one of my first thoughts was: "Now what?"
In the nine years since my career has been filled with ups, downs, lefts, and rights. I have traveled the world and have spent many a long days/nights/weeks/months in my bedroom or office trying to push things forward.
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart, but I promise you this, if you heart is filled with a message to share with the world, and you are willing to be bold and ride the waves of uncertainty, there is nothing better, in my opinion, than calling your own shots, setting your own schedule, being your own boss, and walking your own path through life.
Lessons learned
Do it because you are passionate about it:
Life is way to short to do it for any other reason. No matter how long my days are or how much frustration may enter into them (yes I get frustrated and even pissed off at times) there is nothing else I would rather do. Ask yourself this: at the end of your life would you rather sit on a mountain of money, but feel empty inside, or would you rather sit on a couple coins, but be filled with happiness, joy, and a ton of amazing memories? Pursue your passion and life will deliver.
It ain't easy:
As the saying goes, "If it were everyone would do it." Lots of long days that meld into long nights. You often learn that just because you think you have a great idea doesn't mean everyone else does. Restless nights, take out, paperwork scattered everywhere, odd hours, saying "no" to going out and hanging with friends, and instead saying yes to waking up early (7 days a week). But heck, the time will pass anyways, right, so why not invest that time in the pursuit of what you truly want.
Make sure you have a strong stomach and are prepared for the swings:
I silly-ly (when you walk your own path you get to make up your own words) thought that I was going to be running the "Field of Dreams" of Personal Training (when I first started out) and Life Coaching Services. "If I built it they would come," welllllll it doesn't always happen exactly like that. At first you are often playing for an empty ball park, and while it may not be the most desirable outcome at the time, you know what, something magical happens when your customers do start showing up. You learn to appreciate them that much more. Not every season will be a winning season, the loses make you much more appreciative of the wins.
Put yourself out there:
One thing is for sure, nothing will happen if you do not share your gift with the world. I long ago had the idea in my mind that I wanted to become a speaker and use my voice to share my message with the world. The problem: I never had really spoken publicly or on video. When my first website was set up (the original http://www.jessebrisendine.com ) I decided no better way to kick off my quest to become a speaker than to slap a video on my website for the whole world to see. I have now dug this video up (see below) to share with you. We all start somewhere...
Believe in yourself:
In anything you do there will likely be skeptics and critics. Something I learned early on is to always ask myself: "Does this person (the person who is doubting me) have everything in their life they want in this particular area?" 99.999999% of the time the answer was NO. Often people will cast shade on what you are pursuing because you have the courage to pursue something they want, but are too scared to go after. There will be doubters and naysayers along any path worth traveling. Listen to them, you will never get to where you want to go. Listen to your internal compass and it will lead you to your destination.
Learn to embrace people telling you "No."
We all are in "sales." Some of us may not directly negotiate a price, ask for a fee, or shake hands over a deal, but we are all "selling" ourselves all the time. I'm on the side where I offer services and for people to utilize those services they pay a fee to me. In those exchanges (a customer has the opportunity to invest money in a service I provide) I have been told No far more than I have been told Yes. I won't lie, the initial No's hurt, but if you allow them to, they get exciting really fast because every "No," brings you one step closer to a "Yes." Keep pushing forward in-spite of the "No's," the "Yes's" need you!
Celebrate the little wins:
Often when we begin something new we want to hit a home run right out of the gate and given the choice between a home run and a single, who wouldn't choose the home run? The home run is what brings the crowd to their feet, it is what makes the highlight reel on Sportscenter. Life isn't always a home run, sometimes it is just stepping up the plate and giving your best effort. You won't always be at a 100%, but you can always give 100% of whatever you got that day. When you step up to the plate don't swing for the fences every time, step up with the intention to give your best. When you do that, celebrate the effort, take a breath, and evaluate how you can improve.
Life is to short not to go after what you want:
See above about Passion. We have all heard it before and it is worth hearing again "Life is to short to be miserable." If the work you do does not fulfill you, if the relationship you are in leaves feeling empty, if you go to bed a night dreading the alarm clock in the morning, something needs to change. Your life is precious, you would not be here if that wasn't the case. Treat your life like the treasure it is and you will find a world of wonder waiting for you. Make the changes you know you need to make, life is to short not to.
Have a plan, but most importantly be prepared to work hard:
When I began working for myself I had a vague (at best) plan. The plan consisted of crunching a few numbers and me showing up. What I have learned is the best laid plans will often encounter challenges and no well laid plan will ever be a substitute for a relentless work ethic. Plans help with efficiency and give you guidance as to how to best focus your efforts, but at the end of the day nothing gets things done like an unbreakable work ethic. When things get dirty, be prepared to roll up your sleeves and dive in.
Even as I type, I have more memories, ideas, and thoughts I could share with you, but I think I will save those for later and instead leave you with this:
Time will continue to pass, life will move forward, things will always change, 7+billion people are responsible for living their lives, and you are responsible for living yours. If you do not like how things are going right now, be courageous enough to change it. An amazing life is not given, it is created.
Carpe Diem and thank you for being a part of my first nine years,
Jesse
http://www.jessebrisendine.com
http://www.facebook.com/1year1000challenge
P.S.
If you need help on your journey, and you would like me to be your guide to help you get what your heart desires, you can contact me here. Note, this is only for those of you who are committed to living your greatest life. If you are content to settle and keep things as they are, please do not click on this link.
.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Never Ever Give Up
We have all heard the phrase "never give up," thrown around so much that it almost sounds cliche.
The problem is that people with the best of intentions and ambitions say it, encourage it, like the idea of it, but fail to follow through with it. This lack of follow through sadly robs many people from the power that resides in this simple phrase, "Never Give Up."
I often think about what all of our lives could be like if we never gave up on our dreams.
The video below is about 15 minutes long and easily one of the best talks I have heard in recent memory on this very important subject.
The speaker is an expert on "Never Giving Up," and persevering when others long doubted that she could accomplish her dreams.
Please do yourself a favor and watch the video below. As you do, listen very carefully to her words. Notice the obstacles she was up against, notice how hard she had to work, and notice the insight she has to share at the end.
As you watch, ask yourself, "What am I am willing to go after, what am I willing to pursue to see come to fruition? What can my life become if I adopt and embody the mantra: "Never Give Up."
Carpe Diem,
Jesse
P.S.
The team you surround yourself with is instrumental to your success. If you need some assistance on your journey, lets talk about how I can help. Click here.
ff
The problem is that people with the best of intentions and ambitions say it, encourage it, like the idea of it, but fail to follow through with it. This lack of follow through sadly robs many people from the power that resides in this simple phrase, "Never Give Up."
I often think about what all of our lives could be like if we never gave up on our dreams.
The video below is about 15 minutes long and easily one of the best talks I have heard in recent memory on this very important subject.
The speaker is an expert on "Never Giving Up," and persevering when others long doubted that she could accomplish her dreams.
Please do yourself a favor and watch the video below. As you do, listen very carefully to her words. Notice the obstacles she was up against, notice how hard she had to work, and notice the insight she has to share at the end.
As you watch, ask yourself, "What am I am willing to go after, what am I willing to pursue to see come to fruition? What can my life become if I adopt and embody the mantra: "Never Give Up."
Carpe Diem,
Jesse
P.S.
The team you surround yourself with is instrumental to your success. If you need some assistance on your journey, lets talk about how I can help. Click here.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
You Are Never to Young to Start Dreaming
You have heard all the phrases, "Dream Big," "If you can dream it you can achieve it," and so on.
Dream quotes, dream expressions, dream sayings... lets face it, they are everywhere.
As a kid one of the first dream statements I can remember is Martin Luther King Jr.'s " I have a Dream Speech."
Why is the "Dream" expression such a powerful one? What is it about telling someone to go after their dreams that makes the statement so much more powerful vs saying go after your goals?
Would Dr. King's speech have had the same impact on us if he would have replaced the word "dream" with the word "goal?" I don't think it would have. I have a goal just does not have the same ring to it as does I have a dream.
You see dreams are something we can all relate to. And they are something we all had well before we even had words.
Many of us get shy when it comes to setting goals, we believe we can't achieve certain ones and we are not deserving of others. With dreams we do not limit ourselves. We can dream the biggest dreams without fear, without judgement after all... it is just a dream right?
I believe that having dreams, big dreams, dreams for what you want in life, dreams for what you want to achieve are so so so important.
I also believe that You are never to young to start dreaming those dreams.
A couple years ago I recorded a video about the importance of dreaming and making those dreams come true.
As I re-watch the video today I am thankful that I started dreaming about being a speaker and coach long before I did it.
What is a dream of yours?
What action can you take, today, to move towards that dream?
Carpe Diem,
Jesse
http://www.jessebrisendine.com
http://www.facebook.com/1year1000challenge
Dream quotes, dream expressions, dream sayings... lets face it, they are everywhere.
As a kid one of the first dream statements I can remember is Martin Luther King Jr.'s " I have a Dream Speech."
Why is the "Dream" expression such a powerful one? What is it about telling someone to go after their dreams that makes the statement so much more powerful vs saying go after your goals?
Would Dr. King's speech have had the same impact on us if he would have replaced the word "dream" with the word "goal?" I don't think it would have. I have a goal just does not have the same ring to it as does I have a dream.
You see dreams are something we can all relate to. And they are something we all had well before we even had words.
Many of us get shy when it comes to setting goals, we believe we can't achieve certain ones and we are not deserving of others. With dreams we do not limit ourselves. We can dream the biggest dreams without fear, without judgement after all... it is just a dream right?
I believe that having dreams, big dreams, dreams for what you want in life, dreams for what you want to achieve are so so so important.
I also believe that You are never to young to start dreaming those dreams.
A couple years ago I recorded a video about the importance of dreaming and making those dreams come true.
As I re-watch the video today I am thankful that I started dreaming about being a speaker and coach long before I did it.
What is a dream of yours?
What action can you take, today, to move towards that dream?
Carpe Diem,
Jesse
http://www.jessebrisendine.com
http://www.facebook.com/1year1000challenge
Thursday, January 14, 2016
You Come from Love
Hey there!
If you have been a part of my journey for any amount of time, you have likely heard me speak on love and the power of it.
I find love to be absolutely fascinating. There is nothing else like it on our planet.
We crave it.
We fear it.
We want it.
We hide from it.
We seek it.
We reject it.
We love to love it.
We hate to miss it.
We confuse it.
We mis-communicate it.
We give it.
We receive it.
We share it.
We spend it.
We use it.
We abuse it.
We fight over it.
We go to war because of it.
We make peace because of it.
We change our lives for it.
We create lives with it.
We treasure it.
We are born into it.
All this and so much more
Further I believe Love is the first language we communicate with. In fact I believe that love is our one true language. It is a universal language that is shared by all living things.
Tragically we can all to easily allow ourselves to be influenced and pushed away from it.
If we only make more of an effort to reconnect with what we have always known, imagine what type of place your world would be?
Recently I stumbled across one of the most beautiful videos I have ever seen. The caption on the video had said this:
"This incredible video shows two newborn twins who still think they’re in their mother’s womb.
Using a new bathing approach called ‘The Baby Spa’, nurse Sonia Rochel gently eases the babies into their new surroundings with warm water and calming music."
As I watched this video I had goosebumps. I smiled and cried witnessing such a pure form of love on display.
As you watch I encourage you to ask yourself:
"What can I do today to focus on love?"
Carpe Diem,
Jesse
http://www.jessebrisendine.com
http://www.facebook.com/1year1000challenge
If you have been a part of my journey for any amount of time, you have likely heard me speak on love and the power of it.
I find love to be absolutely fascinating. There is nothing else like it on our planet.
We crave it.
We fear it.
We want it.
We hide from it.
We seek it.
We reject it.
We love to love it.
We hate to miss it.
We confuse it.
We mis-communicate it.
We give it.
We receive it.
We share it.
We spend it.
We use it.
We abuse it.
We fight over it.
We go to war because of it.
We make peace because of it.
We change our lives for it.
We create lives with it.
We treasure it.
We are born into it.
All this and so much more
Further I believe Love is the first language we communicate with. In fact I believe that love is our one true language. It is a universal language that is shared by all living things.
Tragically we can all to easily allow ourselves to be influenced and pushed away from it.
If we only make more of an effort to reconnect with what we have always known, imagine what type of place your world would be?
Recently I stumbled across one of the most beautiful videos I have ever seen. The caption on the video had said this:
"This incredible video shows two newborn twins who still think they’re in their mother’s womb.
Using a new bathing approach called ‘The Baby Spa’, nurse Sonia Rochel gently eases the babies into their new surroundings with warm water and calming music."
As I watched this video I had goosebumps. I smiled and cried witnessing such a pure form of love on display.
As you watch I encourage you to ask yourself:
"What can I do today to focus on love?"
Carpe Diem,
Jesse
http://www.jessebrisendine.com
http://www.facebook.com/1year1000challenge
Monday, November 30, 2015
Reflecting, Remembering, and Honoring
Today was a day of great forward progress coupled with deep reflection.
It is the reflection I find myself most fascinated by today.
I started to write, but my fingers did not seem able to produce the words I wanted them to, so I opted for a video today.
A V-log (that's the technical term right?)!
As you finish watching the video, please ask yourself:
"How can I live a life that will make the Heavens smile?" "What can I do today to honor someone who I love?"
Looking forward to reading your comments.
Carpe Diem,
Jesse
http://www.jessebrisendine.com
http://www.facebook.com/1year1000challenge
It is the reflection I find myself most fascinated by today.
I started to write, but my fingers did not seem able to produce the words I wanted them to, so I opted for a video today.
A V-log (that's the technical term right?)!
As you finish watching the video, please ask yourself:
"How can I live a life that will make the Heavens smile?" "What can I do today to honor someone who I love?"
Looking forward to reading your comments.
Carpe Diem,
Jesse
http://www.jessebrisendine.com
http://www.facebook.com/1year1000challenge
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