Showing posts with label Hugh Macleod. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hugh Macleod. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Focusing on Yourself?


*   I want to thank  Caroline Gavin for graciously allowing me to be a guest on her podcast show- BlogTalk Radio, Purposeful Pathway on February 27th. I  enjoyed our chat and look forward to speaking with you again!
You may replay the show here.

I often write about doing something meaningful that matters. Sometimes it’s about making a connection, rescuing a life or just helping someone out. Many times it’s about treating people with respect and dignity or just providing inspiration. It should be easy to look around and see scores of people in need of help.
But lately I hit a wall. For some reason, I had absolutely nothing to write about. I understand writers block and have always managed to write my way out of the funk. But this time things were different.
Last night it hit me. My life has changed dramatically after being laid-off a month ago. No more days at work witnessing the daily grind of usual nonsense and being instantly inspired by the next blog topic to address. Am I going through some sort-of post work depression or has it just finally hit me I am not going back to that former life of nearly 32 years?
Why do I feel such a deep sense of aloneness? Perhaps I suffered a mini-stroke in my sleep and the writing side of my brain is not functioning properly? Years ago, I gave up alcohol and drugs and attempted to fill the void with a job. Yes sir, I would make something of myself.
People liked me; I was young and thought if I bought into the corporate package it would lead me to where I belonged. Over the years, I slowly saw the corporate dream dissipate. I discovered “doing the right thing” didn’t matter to those people. Never mind your conscience, it’s all about the latest fad, slogan or mantra.
Phooey!
I realized I was just a “cog for the system” which opened the door and led me to think otherwise. That’s the day I became wide-awake. There was no turning back.
Once you realize you are unable to make an impact you’re spinning your wheels and headed nowhere. So I took the supposed “safe” route and laid-low to maintain my job, until one day the system recognized my age, blogging and supporting my wife’s unemployment hearing wasn’t in their best interests. Thus, conveniently my job was eliminated too.
Hugh MacLeod says everyone needs an “evil plan.” Well not really “evil” in the true sense of the word; just to the point of jumping out of the insanity of living paycheck to paycheck to survive into the position of doing something that really matters. My former employer made that dream a reality for me.
So maybe I’ve been feeling sorry for myself. I finally have the freedom to negotiate my own future; to do what I choose to do. How many people get to go live their dream? When you focus on yourself your world shrinks.
I also realized I have the perfect storm for writing, making decisions on what ventures to pursue and certainly the time it requires to make things happen. Creativity is best served with the least amount of distractions. For a writer, the quiet time of peace is a blessing. What more could I ask in order to do something meaningful that matters?
Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver
Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!

www.successthroughmusic.com
Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.be speaking

Thursday, December 27, 2012

The Icarus Deception/Seth Godin Amazes Again!


Tonight, I finally plan on opening my Kickstarter package from author Seth Godin. I contributed to Seth’s project on Kickstarter awhile ago and although I received the package nearly two weeks ago; I wanted to wait to open the package. The package contains Seth’s new book, The Icarus Deception- How High Will You Fly?. A limited edition book known as the “behemoth” book is also included (it weighs 19 lbs.) and contains a years of Seth’s daily blogs, along with (I’m sure), some surprises.
You’re probably wondering why I waited nearly 2 weeks to open the box.
Well I was going to wait until Christmas, but since my wife and I didn’t purchase gifts for each other, I didn’t want her to feel left-out. Another reason is once I read the book I know I will have to wait quite awhile until Seth publishes another new book.
For me, Seth Godin’s books are just like other’s experience of purchasing Apple products.
The information is so specialized with ideas and the insight is full of vigor, excitement and motivating thoughts for business and life. Plus, I can’t wait to see what other goodies may be in the box.
Seth Godin often writes about where we’ve been and where we should be going. Mr. Godin’s comprehension of education, marketing, business and making art breaks down the truth behind the entire old Industrial Revolution and pushes us to excel towards tomorrow. No one has a better pulse on the future of the marketplace.

Not 1 or 2 but 3 books- WOW!


The Icarus Deception: How High Will You Fly? is available TODAY through Amazon.com.
(Left-image used courtesy of:Amazon.com.)
The “behemoth” edition will be released to the public as a smaller edition entitled: Whatcha Gonna do with That Duck and other provocations 2006-2012; but the cool thing about the limited edition giant book is Seth listed all of us who backed his Kickstarter project by name within the book.
Seth Godin is also making available a third book, V is for Vulnerable: Life Outside the Comfort Zone. The new book includes artwork illustrations by Hugh Macleod and contains 26 of Seth’s basic principles in ABC format for adults.
Looks like I have a lot to read to fill the void. Thanks, Seth!
 (Image-left used courtesy of: Amazon.com.)
Pretty cool, indeed.
 
Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver
Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!

www.successthroughmusic.com

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.