Are You an Artist?

My friends, Michael Michalski and Stephen Rager create Art. So does author Jeff Goins. Grant Peelle is also living his dream has an artist.

Some of these folks have been creating their Art or years. Stephen Rager gets up every day at 5:00 a.m. to start his project before going to work. Michael Michalski has been creating his own music for years and loves it. Jeff Goins is an up-and-coming author, speaker and blogger, while Grant Peelle produced an award-winning documentary.

Every day, these folks have a common thread to make a difference through their Art. Whether it’s a part-time or a full-time operation, these artists are on the cutting-edge daily. It’s what motivates them and allows their talent and gifts to shine. While some may take their work for granted, those of us in the trenches understand the vulnerability and risk.

They know out of every 30 people, 29 will say they’re wasting their time. Those folks know rejection and failure will happen. They wear their hearts on their sleeve and brave the pain. Because pain and failure are their friends too! It’s understood the path they chose is tough.

Artists also know it only requires one idea, song, book or movie to breakthrough. Perseverance and shipping a product are what gives them the courage to stand-out. Despite success or failure, they understand tomorrow is a new day. It’s another chance to begin again.

Artists don’t float through life settling for the status quo or approval. That’s not Art, it’s a job. No these gentlemen push the boundaries from their soul. It’s not a choice, it’s a duty.

Artists understand their passion to make a difference and touch someone else’s heart and soul! Deep down inside they’d have it no other way. It’s why they exist and what makes them unique!

Are You an Artist?

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.

Connect the Dots!

 

The Industrial Age was always about control. Control has kept us fighting in every conceivable way to enforce their will over humanity. The MC, Ringmaster, referee and manager were hand-picked to manipulate the desired results for the “Big Kahuna”.

Control allows no compromise, variation or opportunity to pick door #3. No chance to stand-out, raise the bar or do great things. The sooner you comprehend this message; the sooner you’ll stop feeling like the ball inside a pinball machine.

Take risks, challenge the status quo, think outside the box and don’t settle for rhetoric, quick fixes or mediocrity.

Embrace this time knowing we are on the cusp of change. In the post-industrial age you have a responsibility to create something remarkable, significant and inspiring.

Connect the dots.

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.

 

Risk is Now the New Safe!

We see people in the workplace going through the motions, completing task after given task. A few of those folks take the time to add value to their work while most just see the cycle of repetition as a means to receive the next paycheck.  Sometimes it’s due to an overworked environment and less than optimal staffing; other times it’s a case of employees accepting mediocrity.

It amazes me how many employees are habitually lulled to pointless tasks just to appear busy at work. How you can spend years doing the same thing over and over and not somehow feel cheated.

Instead of being productive with your time and life, you allow your boss, company or yourself to trade your mind for a physical quest in exchange for a fee. For compliance and obedience your most valuable asset has been shutdown. This was the way of the Industrial Age.

The message has been sent that you aren’t able to do anything else in life. Accept your role, surrender your dreams and stay in line. It’s all about fitting in and being a team player, don’t make a ruckus, do what you are told, don’t ask questions. Consider yourself, lucky to even have a job!  

This conditioning ensures you will never attempt to break-out of the prison walls. Never thinking of your future, take a risk or recognize opportunity. The parameters become an accepted form of fate. It doesn’t have to be this way.  

We are all capable of doing remarkable feats far more than we ever imagined. If you’re not moving forward you’re running backwards. Don’t waste valuable time trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. We only get one life, don’t waste it on stupid stuff.

Life can be rewarding, fun and prosperous if we step outside the gates. Do what you’ve always dreamed about. Find a way, set goals and make it happen. Don’t wait for permission, do it now. Research your ideas on the internet, seek good advice from entrepreneurs, take a class, but start now.

The Industrial Age is dying. Being a compliant and obedient employee has always been a dime-a-dozen in numbers. That’s not living a meaningful life, nor does it bring success.

Be rare, unique, creative and motivated. That’s what the new frontier is about.

Risk is now the new safe!

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.

Risk or Opportunity?

 

"You can have everything in life that you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."

~ Zig Ziglar

Since I stumbled upon this nugget of wisdom from Mr. Zig Ziglar, I have often used it to promote others through my writing. My first book was based on this philosophy. I wouldn’t be surprised if the next book is written for someone special or the audience attached to that person.

I’ve often blogged about people going out of their way for others or examples of courage and bravery. It’s the least I can do to give back to those special people and my audience.

This is part of the battle I fight daily. Where to sometimes draw a fine line and either go to the edge or just bust the door down. Careful consideration is required and wisdom is heeded.

Slowly building a following, which look forward to what subject I tackle next or attempt to eradicate is always interesting. The opportunity to make a difference is too important to keep silent. The responsibility to serve others is a key to understanding success.

It’s not an easy road to travel due to risk. The possibility of success always exceeds the risk factor. Any great achievement was mastered by overcoming the fear of risk. History shows this correlation time and time again.

Giving into fear is true failure. By avoiding risk we stagnate, suffer and never enter the race. We never learn the tactics to improve our process. Never understand what we are capable of doing or perfecting. Subsequently, we avoid the opportunity.

It’s pretty tough helping someone achieve what they want, if we can’t overcome our own fears. Responding to someone with: “I’m sorry, I’d love to help you but…..,”- just doesn’t cut it and isn’t helping anyone. That’s not what Zig suggested in his motto.

By clearing the hurdle of risk, we can begin to make a difference in something meaningful that matters for others!

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.

Why? The question we should always ask.

Photo used courtesy of: Good Eye Might.

I was always the kid who went where he was told not to go. The curiosity of “why” was all I needed. As you can imagine my experiences have multiplied throughout my life. I’ve been a bit daring, risky and walked to the edge.

The quest to understand behaviors and thinking processes have consumed my thoughts over my years of existence. Sometimes I’ve been burned, hurt or rewarded for my desire to understand people, places and things. I’ve fallen over the edge many times and somehow bounced back. Some folks never do.

But there isn’t much I wouldn’t change or do differently.

My journey has given me the ability to understand both sides of many issues. It has allowed me to look fear in the eyes and forge ahead. It has given me the ability to see and feel people’s closed minded thoughts, emotions and fears.

I understand why the masses just follow the rules and others choose to become a linchpin. It has given me the ability to engage people from a different perspective.

Most of all, curiosity increased my ability to follow a different drummer.

It’s a walk on the side of no turning back and taking chances.

I can look outside the box and embrace the moment.

Because, the only thing that really matters is: “Why.”

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.