Closure- A New Walk Begins!

Sometimes, it’s best to cut line and let the fight go. Move on and move forward. Set your sights and ambitions on new goals. Let go of the mental prison and know closure can be a win of itself.

Closure gives us the opportunity to reach new boundaries .It’s a winning feeling of exhilaration. A new door opens and an old door closes.



Photo used courtesy of: Ian Sane.

It’s the peace we sought. The battle is over; the struggle between good and evil has been resolved. The fear is over. The anxiety and stress no longer controls us.

Closure is freedom. It’s the movement of our spirit from a protective mode to a wide open horizon of possibilities. A chance to pursue our dreams and realize the sky is the limit.

Closure is God’s grace... The gates are open and a new era begins.

It’s time to do something meaningful. Do something you’ve always wanted to do. Scale a mountain, run a race or make the world a better place.

Don’t look back and don’t look down. We can’t afford to go back to that place.

A new path awaits you.

 Go.

This is your time.

Your destiny awaits you!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/
www.successthroughmusic.com

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3^rd 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.

Oscar Pistorius- A True Champion for a Cause!



Oscar Pistorius during 2011 World championships Athletics in Daegu.
Photo use courtesy of: Eric von Leeuwen.

I had the pleasure of watching Oscar Pistorius; the double amputee runner from South Africa compete in the Olympics. Oscar is known as the “Blade Runner” and “the fastest man with no legs.”

Through the use of technology with legs built of carbon fiber blades (a product available since 1996); Oscar was able to finish eighth in the finals of the 400-metre race. It’s an amazing feat to have “world class” speed without legs.

At the end of the race, as athletes fell to the ground (to catch their breath) and celebrate; I watched Oscar walk away and congratulate various competitors. I couldn’t help to think the most victorious runner should have been Oscar.

Sometimes finishing the race is just as important as winning.

We’ve come a long way with technology in a short period of time. Athletes have become bigger, faster and more competitive. But to witness a man run a race without legs in the Olympic Games is something many of us thought would be impossible.

Oscar had to seek permission from various committees (the gatekeepers) in order to be eligible to compete. Surprisingly, the committee granted him permission.

So, if a double amputee can run in the Olympics what’s stopping you from living your dream? Oscar has been training for years, what’s your excuse?

Most of us have all of our limbs but stopped ourselves from believing we can accomplish our goals long before the race.

Some of us started to pursue our dreams only to turn away at the first leg of the race, because things got tough.

Far too easy to walk away then battle the competition, controversy and gatekeepers.

Not Oscar.

Mr. Pistorius overcame the physical and mental odds along with the controversy. Nothing stood in his way to achieve his goals. The message sent to other amputees was one of hope, inspiration, and freedom.

That same message should resonate with all of us, in all we do.

Never give up hope, succeed to reach your dream.

Oscar Pistorius became a world-class Olympic athlete.

Starting is the only thing that matters. We’re never finished because there is always another race. The long term results are a culmination of everything we do.

Oscar’s perseverance, desire and passion displayed something meaningful that matters!

Congratulations to: Oscar Pistorius, a true champion for amputees, technology, South Africa and mankind!



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
www.bestofvegaswebsite.com
www.paradisefitgranola.com

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3^rd 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.

Will the Circle be Unbroken?

I was born and raised in the Rust Belt. My parents instilled the notion of working hard and being honest and polite. As I began working, those principles seemed to be the best way to stay out of trouble and keep a job.

I spent years believing those basic principles would somehow lead me to a deserving future. My reasoning was people would recognize those strengths and somehow my efforts would be justly honored.

Photo used courtesy of: Tony Fischer Photography.

It certainly wasn’t the case once I was hired in a factory. Employees were just a cog in the wheel, nothing more. The expectations were to produce as much as you and a machine could yield. Anything less in production was grounds for a tongue lashing from the boss and if production didn’t improve you would be fired. If you met or exceeded expectations- the only guarantee was more of the same and a paycheck.

Most of the people I worked with drank alcohol to escape from reality. I was no exception. It was far easier for people to drown their misery, dreams and future with alcohol or drugs. Many of my co-workers lived in poverty, didn’t have a GED, or any hope for a better future. Most of those workers lived on the poor side of town.

They had resigned themselves to a dead-end job and a lifestyle of disease and early death- all for a lowly paycheck! Their kids would become part of the vicious cycle; often dropping out of high school in order to receive a weekly paycheck at the same factory Dad worked; purchase a souped-up car with big tires and soon marry their pregnant girlfriend.

Will the Circle be Unbroken?

Eventually, I landed a non-factory job and received a promotion to become part of management. I thought my hard work had finally paid-off. I was excited to implement my ideas and improve the functionality within the area of my responsibility and possibly further improve employee relations.

My excitement slowly turned to dust when I approached my boss with ideas and he just looked at me and changed the topic entirely. After attempting to get his approval several more times, I learned to do whatever I could change on my own to improve processes.

The realization that I was just a cog in the wheel and nothing more led me to believe it was his style of management. Do what you are asked and you will be rewarded with a paycheck and benefits. If you attempt to innovate, stand-out or create change, you become a problem.

Sadly, it has taken me years to understand the true nature of this concept. I was naive and wanted to believe I could make a difference. I spent years wondering why any business would operate in this fashion with so much at stake. Why wouldn’t you want to be all you could be?

What I learned is the same concept that infiltrated the manufacturing industry was no different in the non-industrial workplace. The exchange of a paycheck for hours of conforming was all that is required. Nothing less, nor anything greater is appreciated. Mediocrity- at it's finest!

I believe we can do better. We must do better or our businesses will suffer the same fate of the dying “industrial age.” An outdated business model that served to pigeon-holed employees to be a “cog in the wheel” and nothing more- ensures our failure to innovate and implement change within existing businesses. It negates our ability to create a new working business model that rewards effectiveness and linchpin behavior. 

If you are just working for a paycheck, you’re really not living.

Trading time for pay- solely to exist- isn’t our future!

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
www.bestofvegaswebsite.com
www.paradisefitgranola.com

Mr. Seth Godin

Several blogs ago, I mentioned some cool startup projects seeking funding using Kickstarter. I was happy to be able to contribute to Seth Godin’s unique publishing transformation idea, which sought $40,000.00 in donations to publish his upcoming book- "The Icarus Deception: Why Make Art?" The dollar amount was exceeded within 3 hours on Kickstarter. So far, the project has more than 3,900 supporters and earned more than $267,000.00.

The project funding ends on Tuesday, July 17^th.

Seth’s has built an amazing tribe of followers who are very loyal towards his art. If you get an opportunity to catch his blog or purchase any of his books, do so. If you want to hear him speak at a conference- act quickly; Seth Godin’s lectures sell- out in a matter of minutes.

Why? Because what Seth offers is rare and sometimes free. His foresight and advice in marketing and business is cutting edge. His broad marketing research is undeniable.

Mr. Godin initiates trends and proves their success by accomplishing the act himself within the public’s view. No test run, no survey, a decision is made and without fear, he walks the talk.

Seth is willing to take risks because he knows the art he creates are opportunities.  Opportunity’s are the future and the future is now!

Besides, Seth has created a tribe and a tribe of people can make things happen quickly. He is relentless in his ideology and is always pushing the boundaries. Change is constant so his followers are never bored.

Mr. Godin often states the importance to finish, do it, ship it or simply get it done. Fear is not an option. That’s why he has the Midas touch. The Kickstarter project is an excellent example of this concept.

Congrats to Seth Godin and his tribe!

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
www.bestofvegaswebsite.com
www.paradisefitgranola.com

Why I Created - THE RUST BELT CHRONICLES BLOG?

The Rust Belt Chronicles is a result of witnessing, watching and learning the habits of the Industrial Age mindset. The years of going from a boom town to perhaps the new (move over Youngstown, Ohio) - "The Rust Belt Capital of the World" in sunny Mansfield, Ohio has taught me not to accept the rerun of "Ground Hog Day" from the rust belt theater.

The mindset isn't limited to the remaining or former factory employees. Over the years, it has extended itself throughout various institutions, corporations, and businesses rewarding those: that don't question authority, are unable to think for themselves and strive to be a "cog in a wheel" and nothing more!

Except these days, there is no gold watch. Instead you are laid-off, downsized, outsourced, or re-structured. Oh, by the way; all those years of being compliant, following the manual, and accepting mediocrity basically qualifies you for a job in food service.

The Rust Belt Chronicles is also for CEO's, Presidents, Vice Presidents, Senior Management, directors, supervisors, business owners, public relations, marketing, and human resources (?) personnel.

It's not 1959- the old rules of marketing, public relations and employee treatment have changed. The top-down management approach is ineffective and the marketing approach of many businesses is outdated. It's time to change how we manage and do business.

What was once a blessing- is now a curse for many people living in the Rust Belt.

But it doesn't really matter where you live- when it comes to the Industrial Age. We are all in the same wagon train. The American dream has changed profusely.

We sense the frustration in dealing with something you don't understand or was never mentioned at school. That total feeling of futility and not knowing what to do next. Perhaps you're laid-off, jobless, hopeless, tired of being a "cog in the wheel", mentally beat-down, emotionally drained and verbally abused or bullied.

The Rust Belt Chronicles is about:

1. Evaluating your life and your goals.
2. Discovering your passion to find the work you love.
3. Thinking "outside-the-box."
4. The courage to conquer fear.
5. Breaking down the barriers in the workplace.
6. The power of social media marketing.
7. Eliminating debt, so you can live like no one else.
8. Starting your own business or becoming an entrepreneur.
9. Doing something meaningful, that matters.
10. Ending procrastination and doing it now!
11. Giving you the personal tools to work with to achieve success.
12. THE FREEDOM TO LIVE YOUR LIFE TO THE FULLEST.

Whether you are an employee, management or unemployed- we can turn this predicament around. The old days are gone. It's time to move on, recover and change your life.

Please join me by following The Rust Belt Chronicles as together- we will make a difference!

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
www.bestofvegaswebsite.com
www.paradisefitgranola.com

What message are you sending?

Photo courtesy of  Kevin Dooley.

A mediocre band director conducts the musicians and sets the tempo.

 A great band director inspires the musicians and the audience.

The great band director realizes he is leading people to invoke a mood or tell a musical story by creating art, while making a powerful impression to the listening and watching him (customers and musicians).  

The other band director is merely showing up and doing what is required.

What message are you sending to your audience (customers and employees)?

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
www.bestofvegaswebsite.com
www.paradisefitgranola.com