How You Can Make a Difference!

There comes a time in your life when you must take a stand. Whether it’s the bully on the block, the narcissistic boss or the broken system; sooner or later- enough is enough. If you’re waiting for the right time to do something, it’ll never happen. It starts with one voice and that voice is yours.

Maybe you’d like someone else to lead the charge?  Don’t hold your breath. We’re all waiting for someone else, so it’s going to be a long wait. That’s why it has to be you. Someone has to be the leader and it must be you.

I’ve spoken out many times for what I believe in and what I am against. I’ve taken risks and will continue to do so. It isn’t about winning or losing, it’s about doing right verses wrong. At the end of the day, I can look in the mirror and know I stood for a cause, belief or circumstance and made a difference.

We teach our kids to “just say no to drugs” but as adults we compromise our integrity, morals and beliefs just to fit in the crowd, job or neighborhood. Is it any wonder they would have a tough time when Mom and Dad submit to peer pressure? Behavior becomes an accepted norm once nobody cares. Governments and organizations understand this fact and use it to support their cause.

Once nobody cares the next assumption becomes relevant. It's the accepted sordid truth, though it’s not. When nobody takes a stand the lines become blurred and it’s difficult to change. They’ll call you ‘crazy’ and use you as an example of convenience.

Deep down you will know you’re different and it’s ok. Because you are the one who takes a stand and will bring us back to the truth. Together, we will succeed. We can’t do it without you.

Stand-up, because- this is your time!

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.

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/

Home of the Brave?

When dealing with something new, unexpected or financially challenging, we sometimes hear people mention “how awful” the situation was to endure.

Some folks never think of the ordeal as an opportunity for a positive outcome, educational experience or simply fate.

By reinforcing fear, we set the wheels in motion to expect the worst.

The tale of fear is perpetually encouraged, until someone breaks the cycle.

Running your life by state of fear is a guarantee to never find a cure, solve a problem or change the world.

Bravery, courage and wisdom silence fear.

Far less popular or easy, but quite effective, rare and noble!

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.

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^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.