Are You Connecting with People?



Two weeks ago, I found myself unemployed. Laid-off, as in job eliminated. Nearly 32 years at the same organization and I was tossed to the curb. The same organization laid-off my wife 6 months ago, after nearly 33 years of service.

It was an interesting month. Our health insurance expired in February and I just learned my knee buckling is actually due to a rare bone disease. What else could go wrong? Oh yea, let’s not forget our debt.

Most people drowning in debt would be stressed out. Panic would be the normal agenda. Granted, the day I was informed of the bad news my head was spinning at times. But the relief to finally have the freedom to develop my own business overshadows debt at the moment.

In a way it seems like a gift. The push to do what I’ve always wanted and the courage do so with no excuse. I knew the moment I was axed- that day would change my life. I’ve been dreaming about being able to work on my own terms for some time.

We have options and we have a plan. Some might work, some won’t. It gives me the chance to do what many would like too, but few do. Many people loose interest after a setback or a few months of attempting a business start-up. I’m the guy who doesn’t quit, once I decide to start.

That’s why I know I will be successful.

 I’ve got the kind advice and friendship from folks at Dan Miller’s 48Days.net and one of the finest financial counselors from Dave Ramsey’s own personal team in Nashville to assist us. With the help of The Good Lord above and the driven passion to succeed- we will be successful.

Fortune has also smiled on my development of new friends. I am amazed at how many of my friends have written books and have their own businesses. These entrepreneurs are quality individuals who are in it for the long-tail, not fly-by-night results. Most importantly, they really do care about their clients, customers and associates.

Through networking, slowly creating a tribe, a guest post and sharing the truth with my readers; I am now seeing a surge in growth. My website traffic nearly doubled in January! I must be doing something meaningful.

 Connecting with people gives us options we never knew existed. By connectiong and building relationships, doors open that previousely were closed. We no longer have to seek permission or wait our turn. The old barriers are crumbling.

Thank you- to my mentors, friends and readers!

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.

Flying Low?

If you want to fly low under the radar ok; but those days are numbered. Risky is the new safe. I no longer placate Industrial Age tactics, attend worthless meetings or kiss the status quo. I have a new boss and a new mission.

It doesn’t require drinking the company Kool-Aid, repeating the morning chant or evaluating myself to give someone the opportunity to critique me or pretend to have a vested interest over my career! I no longer wear a name tag, answer a phone with a scripted impersonal message or have to hear “It’s Monday already” or “Thank God, it’s Friday.”

My weekend never ends and I have the freedom to create my Art day or night. Simply unfathomable thinking for those stuck in the Industrial Age.

I’ve watched people waste their time and life by showing up. Doing time on a job that no longer inspires while sucking every last good emotion dry. Somehow, that sounds like an imprisoned life. The only hope is the next payday, weekend or vacation. I call that existing, not living.

Flying low means you’ll never know your true capabilities. It ensures you’re stuck repeating the same day as yesterday. Never knowing the impact you might have made. Like Zig Ziglar once said: “If you aim for nothing, you’ll hit it every time.”

Is that why you got out of bed today? Is your purpose to sleepwalk through life? I don’t think so. We know how easy of a trap it is to fall into daily. Wake-up!

For 100 years, people have  brainwashed us to follow the system like a herd of sheep. Taught to accept circumstances and notions that only perpetuates someone else’s gain. The gatekeeper’s tell us what the norm is and we follow. After all, if you want to stay on the island, they’ve convinced you to submit your heart, soul and money.

You can alter the flight path. Once you decide to change; the system will lose interest in you and you in it. The gatekeepers will battle with you over control and compliance. When you remain strong in the truth and it decides you can no longer be manipulated, the system will find a way to toss you aside.

It always does. Domination waits for those begging to be picked.

When I was laid-off a couple of weeks ago, I knew God was actually giving me my freedom to be able to do what HE wants me to do. He’s been preparing me for this time for decades. My “old job” was merely a way to pay bills and exist.

My new gift is to soar as high as possible in doing 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

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 Bridge to Becoming an Artist!

 

12 Steps to the Bridge:

 

·        You get a great idea and go to work late because formulating and documenting your idea is more important than a job.

·        The goals you follow aren’t someone else’s.

·        Your family, friends, and co-workers think you’re crazy by doing something radically different.

·        Criticism doesn’t slow you down.

·        You quit attending cubicle nation and forge your own path.

·        The only formal meeting you attend is with your tax accountant.

·        Success or failure is just a speed-bump in the journey.

·        Fear no longer prevents you from doing something meaningful that matters.

·        Decisions you make are no longer based on selfish motives.  

·        You no longer go to battle because you are told too; you do so because you must.

·        You realize you’re an Artist with the ability to change the world.

·        You no longer have a job; you have a Dream to Live.

Once you cross that bridge there's no turning back. You've turned pro and have the duty, responsibility and freedom to do something remarkable. Create your Art and make a difference with the people YOU touch!

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.

Will Christmas push you over a Fiscal Cliff?

One of the largest problems in our Government is debt. The current rage in our Nation’s capital is focused on debt relief for our country, before we fall off the “fiscal cliff.” With the approaching Christmas holiday, how many shoppers are struggling with personal debt? Our Government has imaged itself after its citizens; mortgaging our future to become slave to the lender.

The notion that somehow we can stay ahead of the impending train wreck is wishful thinking. Memories of 911, the recession and other economic factors should have been a wake-up call for us, but many folks continue to charge and dig themselves deeper in debt.

Sadly, many people are living from paycheck to paycheck, charging repairs, large expenses, trips and Christmas gifts. A risky business in today’s world; just to keep up a tradition at any cost. Unfortunately, we live in a society that justifies spending based on our emotions, and desires. After all, everybody we know does it and we must keep up with the Jones’s.

The only problem is the Jones’s are broke too!

This year my family won’t be purchasing gifts and yes it will be strange; due to our debt and the fact my wife was laid-off in June. So we will get together with family, have a traditional meal and count our blessings.

Jesus is the reason we should be celebrating, not how many gifts or how many cool toys we received. We’ve basically eliminated having to deal with Black Friday, snarling shoppers and traffic jams along with the accompanied stress of purchasing decisions.

Less stress, demand and financial pain sounds like a good plan.

Somehow, after avoiding our own “fiscal cliff” our attitude must change. Borrowing into oblivion is not the solution. Getting out of debt is the only answer. Living a façade to impress others is foolish, stressful and unnecessary.

Just don’t wait for a magic cure from our Government. Moving the cliff only delays the pain. It’s up to you to climb the mountain or scale the cliff.

Living debt free is the only freedom for a stable 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

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.

Raising the Bar of Leadership!

 

“Do not take the agenda that someone else has mapped out for your life.”
― John C. Maxwell

Hold On

The quest to push “the powers in charge” is simply a call for integrity and accountability. One of the main reasons for the lack of those morals is fear. Management plays the fear card and employees respond. Government practices the same measures. Although those in hallowed offices and chambers view it as a form of strategic marketing management- it's not!

A plan designed to hold people in fear, keeping them from recognizing truth and limiting their resources. In truth, it’s a deployment of walls within a calculated plan to harness your mind and productivity. Business and Government have manipulated the public successfully for years. The plan worked extremely well until it contributed to the fall of the Industrial Age.

Blinded By the Light

Greed, power and corruption led to a blinded future. The outcome few cared about. The end-game played out and the deck was stacked. Those who bought into the cycle of fear lost. Only a few walked away unscathed.

The gatekeepers under those at the helm are actually fueled by a higher degree of fear and caution. The ability to placate both ends of the spectrum, while maintaining position or elective status is a stressful job. Selling out their souls for a title to serve the employees or voters in mass requires the skill to not recognize “the man in the glass.”

Come Together

We need people to become involved in politics and business for honest reasons. The heck with party lines- let’s fix something broke. Recognize the playing field and develop a sound strategic plan based on principals to bring integrity and accountability back to our purpose in life.

Stop the whining and babble. We want honesty, truth and something worth standing up for. We want to feel alive and live a purposeful life.

Last Train to Clarksville

 I believe we have forgotten our strengths and our ability of courage to create change. We’ve become numb from listening too much, believing everyone else’s agenda or just plain given up.

Enough’s- enough, let’s reclaim our spirit, our freedom and our rights.

What can you do to create positive change today?

“We cannot become what we need by remaining what we are.”
― John C. Maxwell

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.

Today, You have a Choice!

Photo used courtesy of: "CAVE CANEM".

 

 

The only choice worse than making the wrong choice is to do nothing.

The crowd that could make a difference is the mass of people who fail to show.

The 80/20 rule applies to most everything including voting.

Today, we have the opportunity to let our voices be heard.

Don’t waste one of our most precious freedoms.

It’s your opportunity, privilege and duty to vote today.

We’re waiting to hear from 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!
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.

Take the Money and Run

Photo courtesy of: Alan Cleaver.

We live in a society where truth is often overlooked to support incoming money through marketing strategy. Nothing is really sacred or off limits, particularly in the rust belt, when seeking funding.

Stories can be spread to justify the means of private funding, elections or the passing of a levy.  When funding is by means of corporate money or a total lack of backers, the spin begins.

Urgency of power is all that matters. If an idea can be bought, it can be sold.

Why do Issues desperately in need of fixing remain broken for decades, while “special Interests” are seemingly satisfied?

Once upon a time, specific unwritten standards existing such as truth, honor and dignity were important. Not anymore. If someone has enough time, presence and money, the story can be developed, just like Hollywood.

Repeat the chant often enough and it becomes believable.

Few question the motive, details or accuracy.

Worse yet- few people really care!

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.

Lifestyle of The Minimalist?

My wife and I spent a couple of weekends working around the house on junk removal. We moved into our house quickly and really didn’t have the time to sort through items. We’ve accumulated over thirty years and it was time to seek the help of a waste removal service.

I’ve read a lot recently about writers who become minimalists. Minimalists are people who sell or do away with nearly everything they own. This allows the freedom to relocate, travel and reduce living costs dramatically. Less distraction equals increased focus on what matters in your art or life!

Lifestyle of the Minimalist

·        No vehicle, car payment, insurance, gas, upkeep and repairs.

·        No house payment, insurance, upkeep, services, appliances and taxes.

·        No TV and monthly cable costs.

·        No excessive waste of resources.

·        Wages become less a factor.

As you can see this eliminates some of the largest expenses during a lifetime. Instead try renting a small apartment with minimal furnishings or travel the world. A laptop could be used for entertainment, reading and writing. Minimalistic living sounds simple, especially if you’re single, young and want to experience life.

Would this lifestyle work for us? Only if we had several storage sheds to keep many of our possessions from our childhoods, hobbies, activities, books, and music. It’s nice to know if things become desperate, instead of feeling like we're trapped; we have the ability to become instantly mobile. This actually opens many new possibilities for experiencing the fulfillment of life.

Wait a minute. Oh yeah, all the critters, what would become of them? I guess we will have to wait a few more years.

Those with the Least Toys Aren’t Broke

I’ve worked around several people who retired early (and wealthy) just from driving a motor scooter, riding buses or walking to work and shop. We always thought of those folks as odd. I now know they saw the world differently and their goals were successful.

Those folks were early stage minimalists, never caring to follow the pack or keep up with their friends and neighbors. Their reward was early retirement and freedom from saving money.

The new lifestyle is an alternative to work or travel, go wherever you want, whenever you feel the urge. No strings, nothing holding you back-just a huge world in front of you! Interesting concept.

One Man’s Junk…

The folks offering junk removal are making a good business in recent years due to scrap metal prices and home foreclosures. Trash removal was once thought of as a dirty business. In recent years it has become quite lucrative.Today's waste management services aren't like Sanford and Son. 

I must admit there is a certain feeling of power throwing away junk into a waste container. The house is more organized, I can find my way through the basement and it was invigorating to separate yourself from things with no real value. Clothing and items of any value can be donated or sold on eBay. Scrap materials can be sold. Perhaps a new side business could be started with some increased knowledge and a truck.

Keeping up with the Jones’s (they’re broke too)

It’s ironic how we follow the crowd and attempt to keep up with the Jones’s. We become so ingrained in our lifestyle never noticing the forest through the trees! Spending money and living broke. 

Hoarding?

During the process I found it easier to relate how a hoarder must feel with an insurmountable task of sorting, decisions, stress and guilt. Not an easy job!

We figured we are getting older and why keep objects never used? If we want to become minimalists or move, the next step will be less cumbersome!

So roll up your sleeves, go through closets, shelves, drawers and cubbyholes. See what treasures you can find. Discover what you could give to someone in need. The rest of the objects are placeholders, occupiers of free space, most commonly known as junk!

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.

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.

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
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www.paradisefitgranola.com