Goal or Project- What are you planning?

Goals Anyone?

It’s time to begin thinking about goals for next year. Before long the New Year will be upon us, so it might be a beneficial period for thought. You may want to review this year’s goals as well and see if those goals are becoming a reality. It’s a great time to cultivate our thoughts of future endeavors.  

One Day at A Time

There are some of us who find it better to take things one day at a time. It helps to keep us grounded in who we are and what we do. The less we forecast the better off our mind’s function. Obsessing over a grandiose idea is a recipe for failure. I like to keep things simple. Life can be challenging enough without our help.

Project Time

Some people wrap themselves so strongly into goals it prevents them from seeing what’s in front of their face. That’s why I prefer to create a project, instead of numerous goals. It’s nice to have flexibility and not set deadlines. The freedom to create and the necessary time to finish the project is paramount to success!

Degree of Success

There is a greater feeling of success at performing one significant goal, instead of being mediocre with succeeding in a group of goals. Making a direct impact is a sure-fire way to make a difference. A series of small goals can be great for positive reinforcement, however; isn't any large goal in reality consumated by a series of small steps anyway? The risk is larger, but the reward is greater!

I never have particularly cared to be locked into someone else’s goals, because goals should be personal. When you are working towards someone else’s goal it’s just that- someone else’s! The procedure becomes a game or exercise, hardly worthwhile.

 A tribe of people interconnected for the same reason can create a common goal if the motivation is shared throughout the tribe. Being stuck in an organization doesn’t carry the same degree of thought, excitement or cause.

So pick a goal, tribe or project.

Whatever- you choose.

Just make it noble, realistic and genuine.

Follow through with the intent.

At the end of the day- it’s all that matters!

What goals or projects are you planning?

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.

Checkout Anytime you Like, But you Can Never Leave

In one of Seth Godin’s recent blogs, I was inspired by several notions and wisdom.

Some valuable lessons from Seth’s blog:

·         Associate closely with those who emphasize and are experienced with productive failure.

·         Surround yourself with those who are motivated to make a difference daily.

·         Breakthroughs throughout history (music, software, athletics) are geographically located by attracting tribes of followers.

·         Relocate if you must, in order to join the tribe and become part of the creativity.

You can Checkout Anytime you Like, But you Can Never Leave

Living in the rust belt isn’t a place where ideas are flowing. The mindset is often discouraging and anti-productive. Consequently, it’s tough seeking out others with the same ambitions, goals and desires. Our local community is full of people who have experienced failure. The problem is few understand the greatness accumulated from productive failure.

Same Old Story

Many people in the rust belt have followed the status quo all of their work life only to be laid-off or shuttered from the industrial age.  Lacking other skills and every ounce of confidence shattered by the belief in a system that by being compliant ensured their success (until someone, somewhere else, could perform the duties cheaper). The low self-esteem, depression, shame and prevailing attitudes prevent those folks from moving on.  Creativity stripped from their souls.

Heart of Gold  

We have people within the community who want to make a difference. Many churches, organizations and people with huge hearts have donated selflessly their time, money and energy. But we need more.

We need people who can break down barriers and actually solve social issues. Instead of wasting funding (because we’ve have always done it this way). We need new ideas to promote prosperity verses a lifetime of dependency through aid and charity. We need to teach those in poverty the skills necessary to provide a plan to change their life. Only then, we will see dramatic results.

Where the Action Is

When I think of geographical breakthroughs music most often comes to mind. Prevailing musical styles and trends have always been a source of crowd sourcing and formation of human tribes. New Orleans (jazz), Nashville (country music), Seattle (Grunge), England (The Beatles) easily come to mind. It’s no accident software start-ups were created in certain parts of the USA.

Many of the most unique writers, financial experts and life coaches  are all located near Nashville Tennessee. Dave Ramsey, Jon Acuff, Michael Hyatt, Dan Miller and a host of other folks reside near Nashville.

One of my former classmates, Terri Lynn Weaver (who I played in a rock band with), is the first female State Representative within the State of Tennessee. Prior to her political achievement, Terri recorded a #1 Christian hit record and won a Dove Award. She is one of the sweetest and genuine people you could ever meet. Well done-Terri!

 

Former Cleveland native, drummer, Jimmy Clark and his beautiful wife are involved in the Nashville music scene and are great people! Jimmy has worked tours with Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift and Van Halen, along with many other big names in the music scene, through his Nashville connections. There really aren’t many recording artists in Nashville, Jimmy hasn’t toured with or provided the backbeat for during his career.

Coincidence? I think not. It seems personality, wealth and success have a common factor just like fashion, music, software, architecture and cuisine- the act of creativity has its own geographical reaction.

Easy Livin’?

I’ve definitely got Nashville on my mind for a future location to live.  Surrounding ourselves with people thriving on ideas, creativity, and success is exciting, motivating and stimulating!

People will flock in droves to the latest trend or the next “big thing.”

When will a breakthrough occur in the rust belt?

Who will lead us from the rust belt to the success belt?

Somehow, I believe Seth Godin has better wisdom.

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.

Planting the Seeds of Success in Your Life?

Late at night, I usually find myself blogging. It seems to be the quietest time to write. No noise or distractions; just a laptop, Microsoft Word and myself.

Some nights when I have no idea of my blog topic, I actually write my best blogs. I am amazed at the quality of some of those posts.  Other nights, I spend hours writing a blog and the views are dismal.  My writing doesn’t mean much without your following or input.

 I don’t stay up half the night to feed my ego or to appear in an online paper, forum or to become an overnight sensation.

 I write to inspire others and remind us of our capabilities. I write to give people hope, inspiration and ideas. I instruct others in how to be successful and live their dreams. I share my growth to give back to others. I write because I care about you!

I cannot think of a better way to do something meaning that matters!

I wasted too many years being a spectator in life. Following rules, other people’s agenda and spinning my wheels thinking it would someday payoff. The truth is it was a complete waste of valuable time. The blind leading the sheep down the same path daily, never arriving at a worthy destination.

Life is too short to be driven on a one-way, dead-end street. Success doesn’t follow that course. The fuel of success starts with courage and passion. The road to success is sometimes built upon failures, learning from our mistakes to create a smooth ride by way of perseverance.

My writings may take you down a different path. I occasionally call out an injustice or explain hidden criteria. That path won’t always be comfortable or easy. You may not agree with me or like me. 

My hope- is my message plants a seed.

When the time is right- even a small seed will grow!

Are you planting the seeds of success in your life?

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 Recipe for Failure and the Path to Success!

Some businesses become so distracted by committees, meetings and the “push” of their immediate attention, the vital questions are no longer asked. It’s assumed all resources or possible processes are in place. Nothing could be further from the truth. The larger the organization the easier it becomes to fall into this mindset.

Poor leadership with little accountability from the senior management is the tip of the iceberg. The incompetence flows down to middle management and the lack of proper assessment continues. When the culture of a business is in a state of flux or change, fear becomes the only thing that matters.

Consequently, the organization is spending unnecessary funds, cutting services or budgets to compensate.  The focus on the results never leads to the correct question to improve the situation. Wash, rinse, repeat.

The denial continues because of fear. Nobody wants to be “that guy or gal” and risk their job by taking charge of making decisions or pointing out the real issues. It becomes solely about survival.  

The Recipe for Failure

·        It’s far easier for middle management to blame upper management and vice versa.

·        It’s far easier to spend time putting out fires, than to seek the source.

·        It’s far easier to rubber stamp everything instead of the risk of stepping on someone’s toes.

·        It’s far easier to assume all of our ducks are in line.

·        It’s far easier to operate by fear, instead of leadership.

·        It’s far easier to tackle problems we believe we can resolve, instead of the real issues.

·        It’s far easier to attend a “generic how to seminar” or hire a company who wants to tell you what you want to hear in order to achieve re-occurring business.

The Path to Success

 

Management and employees need to have the ability to offer suggestions and ask “why?” When the sub-culture of an organization is based on fear the costs are staggering. The manifestation of a larger problem exists when the culture of a business isn’t in-sync with the organizational goals.

I am now offering consultation advice services for businesses that want to turn their situation into a successful business strategy. Let me assist you in discovering the recipe for success. It doesn’t cost a small fortune and the only requirement is to have an open mind and willingness to change the internal dynamics of your business.

Don’t allow fear to permeate throughout your organization. The first step of any successful philosophy is admitting a problem exists. I have the ability to discover and develop a structured plan to resolve what is keeping your company from “doing something meaningful.” 

I won’t tell you what you want to hear. I will address the action needed to turn your organization into a winner. Together, we can map a plan of success for your business!

Please contact me, if I can be of assistance to your organization, business, or non-profit. Thank you!

jimcarver55@hotmail.com

 Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Consultant, Author and someone who cares about:
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.

Replacing Stress with Success!

Your business and life aren’t as sophisticated as you believe.

The inability in keeping situations simple stops you from succeeding.

Keep it brief, short and concise!

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.

Who Builds The Road to Success?

"You can have everything you want in life, if you will just help enough other people get what they want"- Zig Ziglar 

I've noticed in discussions concerning being successful, one of the obstacles often shared is the attempt to diminish the desire of someone from becoming successful.

It’s a roadblock between taking the leap and doing what you did yesterday. The belief in your desire is an advantage towards climbing the steps to success.

Yet, we let one opinion or more dissuade us and prevent us from becoming what we were meant to be. We have given others the power to approve our present and future. Why?

Whatever happened to “the little engine that could?”

Why don’t friends and family  share our enthusiasms, dreams and ideas? 

10 Reasons- Why others don’t support our ideas:  

1.     Fear

2.     Lack of Interest (their lack of interest)

3.     Risk

4.     Change

5.     Envy

6.     Competition

7.     Jealousy

8.     Growth

9.     Financial Gain (for them or us)

10. Lack of Knowledge (their lack of knowledge)

```

Whose Got Your Back?

All ten reasons are beneficial to our growth as a person. The educational and personal experience substantially offset the risks of most ideas. Even failing helps us to grow and improve ourselves.

Risk has always offered a larger reward. Doing something scarce drastically increases income. Competition pushes us to excel and succeed. It separates us from the pack and quantifies goals.

Fear keeps us from moving forward and people know how vulnerable we are to fear. Does the fear represent someone being worried about our relationship changing? Who owns the fear- you or them?

Some folks just don’t want someone to accomplish something they can't. Perhaps the people you are seeking approval from believe they are higher up the social ladder. If you often seek their advice, this could be the case.

People like the comfort of feeling they are in control. The truth is- only if we choose to relinquish our control. Giving someone else the power to alter or decide our finances, life or career is unwise.

Do we value an opinion because it is in our best interests or theirs? Is our decision based on their income or wealth? Do they share any common knowledge or perhaps the topic isn't interesting to them?

It’s nice to have peers, family or others onboard; unfortunately don’t be surprised if there is a lack support or if the first problem you encounter-the negativity jolts like a sonic boom from those closest to you.

No Permission Required

While I was writing my first book I kept it low-key until I was nearly done. I didn’t want opinions or distractions. I found support from people within the industry to be the most positive influence. This gave me the opportunity to develop friendships with people I barely knew and in some cases were total strangers.

Being able to standout and be a lynchpin requires effort, passion and perseverance. The journey begins within you.

"You don't have to be great to start, but you do you have to start to be great"- Zig Ziglar

 I hope you reach a decision on your own dreams, desires and destiny. Take charge of your own life. You’ve waited too long for permission. It’s not necessary. Not anymore.

Grant yourself the power and start today!

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<sup>rd</sup> 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.

Sharks and Dolphins and the Sea of Success!

When you start changing your life and heading towards success- be prepared to fend off sharks!

 Sharks are people who smell blood when anyone attempts to rise above them.  Sharks prefer you swim below their level. When they sense you are near success, they circle and eventually attack their prey.

I have witnessed this several times since I began writing my first book. First, the sharks didn’t believe I would follow through. Once they realized I was serious, a few initiated attacks. I believe the sharks felt I would take the bait. Perhaps, the sharks hoped I would react and give up? Maybe, I would be intimidated enough to go back to my predictable life? Not this time. Not anymore.

One way to prevent shark attacks is to hang with the dolphins. Dolphins are people within your network that support you and keep sharks at bay. When surrounded by dolphins, you benefit from the safety net of numbers. So, rise above the water and swim with the dolphins!



Photo used by kind permission of: jurvetson.

Warning- Once sharks finally realize the hunt is over; they usually attempt to get close to you and appear to provide support.

Don’t be fooled a shark is still a shark!

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<sup>rd</sup> 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

Fly like an Eagle

Living in the Rust Belt has taught us a valuable lesson. The odds of working at one company throughout our entire career are about as likely as pigs learning to fly.

With the economy suffering, many people are unemployed. What better time to start your own business?

Photo used courtesy of: Ricymar Fine Art Photography. 

Starting a business can be simple. Just figure out a need and deliver the results. Just offer a simple need that people are looking for in their daily lives. I know it sounds easy, but it’s true.

Now here’s the tricky part:

Whatever you decide to do- do it better than anyone else. Take the time to reflect on how you can provide something and add enough value to the service to make yourself stand-out! Impressing your customers goes a long way with referrals and loyalty.

If you want to be successful and compete against existing business you must do something the competition doesn’t do.

Marketing yourself is crucial for your starting your own business. Figure out your niche business and how to reach your clientele. Perhaps business cards or flyer's might be all that you need. Internet sources such as experienced professionals, group forums, Google searches or associated organizations are among those who can provide useful information. Don’t be afraid to steal an idea.

Feel free to email me with any questions you have.

Persistence and time are your friends in this process. Stand by their side and you will eventually prosper.

Perhaps you will need a simple website to get started. Google and WordPress offer free access to building your own website. Another option would be to hire someone to create a site specific for your needs or purchase a premium site through WordPress.org.

There are many excellent books and social media sites available to pickup tips, facts and provide education for entrepreneurship, creating websites and marketing with social media.

Author: Chris Guillebeau

Chris Guillebeau has recently authored a new book entitled: “The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future.”

 The $100 Startup has a wealth of great start-up ideas and solid time-tested methods towards achieving success. Many of the entrepreneurs discussed in the book started with $100.00 or less to create their own income or small business. Chris keeps things simple within a do-able formula to launch your idea.

I can’t think of a better time to experience the freedom of being an entrepreneur. Immerse yourself in learning how to create a future income in something you love to do. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune; require multiple college degrees or an army of employees and an array of real estate.

The educational opportunity alone is priceless.

Besides, why wait for pigs to fly when you can fly like an Eagle today!

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