Making a Ruckus and Turning Pro

Photo courtesy of: Kjunstorm.

“The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire.”
― Malcolm Gladwell, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
 

You can tell when you are making an impact. The ruckus usually begins after the truth is discovered and the curtain is slowly opened.

Instead of well-wishers, the only noise will be whispers of denial. As the focus expands and the message spreads, the whispers become a loud roar of threats and the attempt to ruin your credibility begins. When the sound is deafening you've hit the motherlode. The risk is great and the reward is huge.

Most fold their cards and go home.

The battle has now reached the tipping point.

Those with the guts, patience and passion push through it.

You've discovered the meaning of turning pro.                                                      

Suddenly, the story becomes about the war, odds, obstacles and the effort. Everyone has an opinion and the rouse begins.You’re a minuscule hero of sorts.

The Giant has been defeated.

You understand success.

And now it’s time to choose another battle and make a difference again.

This is a true warrior!  

What have you done to overcome a battle and be successful? Do you fight for just causes to help others? Or do you just surrender to fear? I’d love to hear your comments and thoughts.

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

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Writer's Block- How to Breakthrough the Obstacles

The last couple of evenings, I’ve had a bit of writer's block. The inspiration to introduce an idea, story or adventure wasn’t within my mind. Lately, I’ve not been over-flowing with multiple thoughts and have been pulling recent blogs out of the thin air. But for two days my mind produced nothing. Frustration at its finest moment!

Why Me?

Perhaps it’s exhaustion from several years of burning the candle at both ends. Maybe I haven’t read enough motivating books recently. I certainly haven’t been able to surround myself with people who inspire success or think between the lines in the rust belt. Whatever the reason(s) it is a common occurrence among writers.

Last night, I decided to take the time and make the situation a positive experience.

How I Beat the Block

I took advantage of the situation by catching up on my responses to people who commented on my blogs, researched the subject of writer's block, stumbled across some thought provoking ideas and realized I have a great success story to share, right under my nose.

When a writer begins to suffer from writer’s block, the mindset slowly shifts from focusing on others to focusing on self. The soul searching experience locks you in a series of self-centered thoughts or emotions. My former tendencies often help provide insight for the psychological condition at hand. Recognizing the problem is the first step in changing the outcome.

So instead of having another unproductive frustrating evening, I broke through the chains to unleash new ideas and possibilities.

What I Discovered

Photo courtesy of: Sami Stoner.

 

The most meaningful take-away was to realize- I have the opportunity and duty to unveil the sweetest success story to ever grace our area. The young courageous lady I hope to interview is currently undergoing a tough schedule between school events and a television taping with ESPN. I hope to bring you her amazing story soon, as her time permits.

Sami Stoner and her guide dog, Chloe's latest inspiring story will be featured on ESPN on Tuesday, October 16th at 7 pm. (Eastern Standard Time). Please don't miss this incredible story of success!

Tips for Writer's Block

The next time you suffer from writer's block:

·        Use the time constructively.

·        Forget about your frustration.

·        View the time as a period of tying up loose-ends.

·        Immerse yourself in focusing on others.

I promise you, the little treasures you will encounter will not only bust through writer's block, you’ll be back at warp speed writing about something meaningful that matters!

I’d love to see your input and comments on this story.

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

http://jimcarver.blogspot.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.

The Power of Believing in Someone!

While attending a funeral, I spoke with the Pastor prior to the services. We discussed the importance of the power of belief in our fellow man. The value of belief can be unmeasurable and is magnified throughout history in stories of success with life changing results . Here is one example of the powerful lesson of belief. 

 The Pastor told me a story of a music instructor that took him under his wing and taught the young man how to play an instrument. The young man had transferred between several different school systems during elementary and junior high school and was unable to play a note or read music.

One day the music instructor called him into the office. He said to the student: “You don’t know how to make a sound out of your instrument do you?” The student shook his head. The director promised free lessons, providing he practiced and made a solid effort. The director also informed the student that one day- a favor would be asked in return. The student agreed to the proposal.

The kid was in awe. Someone actually believed in him and was willing to take the time to teach the skills necessary to play his instrument.

The young student attended the lessons, practiced daily and progressed. He enjoyed performing with the band and establishing friendships within the band program.

Then one day the director called the student into his office. The student thought he was in trouble. The director said: “Remember when we made the agreement- I would provide you with free lessons and one day a favor would be asked?” The student nodded his head.  The director continued: “Well, this summer you will be a freshmen and I want you to go to band camp and play in the marching band.”

The student was ecstatic. Once again, someone believed in him enough to mentor him and provide encouragement. The student participated in various music activities during his four years of high school. Discipline, leadership and perseverance were taught in the music program.

Had it not been for the band director, the student would have quit band and perhaps followed the wrong crowd. He may have never felt the inspiration of someone believing in him.

Today, Dr. Dave Atkins leads a ministry rescuing orphaned babies and children in Thailand. A majority of the ministry is spent rescuing young girls from a life of prostitution. Many of the young girls contract AIDS and die by the age of fourteen due to the sex slave trade market in Thailand, a corrupted Government and Western tourism. It’s a daily human meat market in Thailand.

Warning: Some may find this video offensive or shocking, but it serves a valid point against the degradation of children involved in the barbaric sex slave trade industry.

 Dr. David Atkins is providing many of those little souls with their first real hope of opportunity in life and saving the lives of boys and girls.

All because one man- David A. Wells; believed in him.

That is the power of believing in someone.

 It touches lives and produces a domino effect.

Provide hope and inspiration to someone today. It is priceless!

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

http://jimcarver.blogspot.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.

Gate A is Now Open- Proceed with Choices!

In 1975, I graduated from high school.

Back in those days the options available upon graduation were:

·  Attend College

·  Join the Military

·  Get a job (most likely in a factory)

Gatekeepers controlled information and access to everything.

Our choices and lives were limited and predictable.

The Internet is changing us to a non-permission based society. It has created opportunities and challenges to be discovered in the form of new careers, freedom and stewardship. Every day we have access to data never available to previous generations during their entire lifetime!

We are no longer isolated from the world and each other.

The gates are now open.

Proceed with care.

Follow your passion and live your dreams.

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

http://jimcarver.blogspot.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.

What Really Matters?

Stuff that Doesn’t Matter

·        Last week’s football game.

·        Last week’s weather forecast.

·        Last week’s news.

·        Last week’s favorite television show.

Something that Does Matter

·        Why you finish.

·        What you read.

·        How you treat others.

·        Who you are.

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

http://jimcarver.blogspot.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.

Added Value = Passion and Wisdom

I could tell you that my Rust Belt Chronicles Blog was written to give you added value. You’ve all have heard and read that cliché. It’s a power phrase tossed throughout discussions, meetings, websites, blogs and promotional events. It’s been misused often and sadly where is the value?

When used in terms of making money it is a metaphor, referring to “icing on the cake. “ It may be added value to the business but in this twist of terminology it’s really not adding value to the customer. Somehow, many have taken a term of relevance and replaced it with a sad interpretation of greed, while offering only mediocrity.

I want to build the Rust Belt Chronicles Blog into something more meaningful. The thoughts and purpose of this blog is to express my concern, offer hope and change lives. By challenging the status quo and creating a movement to make a difference in how we are treated in our work environment and how we think is part of my reason for being here.

Too often, we have been brainwashed into negative thinking, self-doubt and fear by those who were suppose to lead us. Corporations, businesses and management forgot we (the employees) are their customers too, not merely slaves for wages.

The Rust Belt Chronicles Blog is also for those who are jobless, laid-off, in-debt, confused about their future or where to look for help. It really doesn’t matter where you live- We all live in Detroit. The industrial age is ending and the good paying factory jobs of longevity are a thing of the past.

Some of you were older workers let go, pushed to the curb and are having a tough time finding a new career. I am here for you. Another entire segment of the population doesn’t know where their skills fit in this new revolution called work.

I want you to have more than a job. I want to help you reach your goals by inspiring and motivating you to become what you’ve always wanted to be. I want to help you discover and build your passion. If I only help a few people every blog I write is worth it. If hundreds of people are inspired, I am truly blessed.

Photo used courtesy of: ana_ng.

Call me a modern day Roy Rogers- where (hopefully) the good guys win. Call me Robin Hood or the guy that fixed Humpty Dumpty.

Just know I care and want to make a difference!

Wisdom Meets Passion

Author and America’s finest life coach Dan Miller and his son, Jarad Angaza have co-written a new book to be released August 28^th entitled- Wisdom Meets Passion: When Generations Collide and Collaborate. You can be a part of some special bonus gifts by purchasing the book. Read about it here.

Dan Miller is the best-selling author of No More Dreaded Monday’s and 48 Days to the Work You Love. Dan Miller also has two websites with loads of community assistance, classes and podcasts at 48days.com and 48days.net.  Jarad Angaza is the president and co-founder of KEZA, an ethical fashion label in East Africa.

Dan and Jared have discovered their passions and lead fulfilled lives.

You can too! 

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

http://jimcarver.blogspot.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.