Book Review: The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau

“The average life represents a life of sleepwalking.”

-         Taken from: The Art of Non-Conformity



Photo:aonc.com.

I recently had the good fortune to read The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau. Although the book was originally released in 2010, it’s a dramatic eye-opener towards the way we view life, work and live. The Art of Non-Conformity is easily one of my favorite reads this year. This is a book that will challenge you to literally think “outside the box”  and lead a remarkable life!

Chris Guillebeau's purpose of writing this masterpiece was to transform your thinking in terms of life and work. His minimalistic lifestyle, thoughts and ideas left me wanting to learn more. Chris rocks the boat in so many philosophies- whether through helping others, having a free spirit, becoming an entrepreneur, travelling the world or leaving a legacy; The Art of Non-Conformity is a book you must read.

Discussions include:

-         Money and “stuff” can’t buy happiness.

-         Little risk, offers little reward.

-         Settling for what’s good enough, represents mediocrity.

-         Find ways to successfully live your dream.

-         To always look for someone’s agenda and motivation.

-         Question authority.

-         Living simple.

Adam Baker and his family are mentioned in a side story within the book. Adam recently produced the film: I’m Fine, Thanks! Chris Guillebeau makes a cameo appearance in the film documentary and I can’t help but think this book inspired the film.

You may recall in an earlier blog, Adam and his family sold all their “stuff” to move overseas and live their dream life. Mr. Baker started his own web business Man vs. Debt and has inspired others to live their dream.

The Art of Non-Conformity is divided into three parts:

1.     Remarkable Life- challenging authority and creating a path.

2.     Reclaiming Work- discusses how we think and where we spend our productive hours.

3.     Power of Convergence- furthering details of life, travel and work.

Photo:aonc.com

Chris discusses his journey from quitting a dead-end job at Federal Express at the age of 19, selling his “stuff” on eBay, becoming an entrepreneur(selling coffee online), moving overseas working as a volunteer with non-profit organizations and his dream to visit every country in the world.

 Chris has succeeded in visiting (as of September, 2012) 188 of 193 countries. Quite a remarkable feat considering he is also an author, speaker, blogger, and travel hacking expert. How he finds the time to do all he does is amazing. Sleepwalking through life isn’t part of his equation.

 The Art of Non-Conformity is a breakthrough of revolutionary ideas to live a life of freedom for anyone tired of the same job, rat race or mediocrity. It’s a wakeup call for those waiting to seek permission to be or do what you’ve always wanted! The Art of Non-Conformity not only explains why you must take control of your opportunities; it gives you permission to act.  

In our post-industrial era it is imperative to realize “the old mindset” isn’t going to allow us to live our dreams. The Art of Non-Conformity allows us the choice between dreaming and succeeding. The book supplies the mental tools to reach new horizons and Chris Guillebeau gives us the courage to do something meaningful that matters!

Thank you- Chris Guillebeau for this gift of art! 

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 Difference Makers!



Photo courtesy of: Silicone Prairie News.

 

Several days ago, I wrote a blog about the apparent political choices inducing a negative outcome between government, employers and employees. The day after the election some companies began to introduce massive layoffs and/ or the reduction of full-time jobs with benefits. I failed to cover some obvious positive possibilities during that blog due to time constraints. So let’s talk about the upside to another seemingly down-economy.

The best time to start your own business is now

The corporate uncertainty has created a seam within industries. Some corporations cease performing specific functions for consumers due to overall costs. Perhaps you know of a simple way to streamline one of those lost services and can start your own business by offering a solution without the overhead or added cost. The idea doesn’t have to be original, it just needs to provide income and grow.

Hours cut, remember that business idea you had? 

You have the window of opportunity to attempt to make it happen. Use your free time creatively and work up a business plan to start your own business. Keep it simple and effective. Focus on specific ways to bring your product or services to market, and then do the additional research as required.

Some other tips:

·        Seek advice from those with a positive knowledge of experience. Don’t waste your time or energy discussing your plan with people who failed, family members who don’t understand or friends who don’t really care. This is the recipe for failure! While they may have good intentions this will produce nothing worth the time or effort.

·        Seek out those in online forums or send emails direct to someone who has professionally succeeded. You’d be surprised how many people will respond with helpful information. Virtually every function necessary to run a business is freely available through the Internet. Study the choices- some are free; others are costly.  

·        Attend business seminars or ask questions of others in small business or local entrepreneurs. Again, helpful advice is at your fingertips. It’s not like you’re asking for secret ingredients!

·        Some small businesses or agencies provide locations (space) to run your operation. Perhaps you need a kitchen setup or a small room for machinery. Spaces can be leased and sometimes grants are available to fund those startups. If not, maybe lease a small building and start your own business leasing space.

I was discovered many choices and sources available when I decided to author and self-publish my book. I studied options and researched the choices extensively to find a suitable situation.

One of the simple pleasures in life is building something and doing the work required to allow the process to mature. Becoming an entrepreneur or starting a small business isn’t something you do from beginning to end in one afternoon. But, it doesn’t require a degree or years of work either to start.

The quality of the people you seek information from and your own passion are the difference makers.

While being laid-off or having your hours reduced can be psychologically or cash crippling, it gives us that one opportunity we’ve possibly never had- to live our dream and do something meaningful!

When the economy is suffering for some, new roads become available.

Don’t allow a scheme to pigeon-hole you into sleep, depression or suicide.

Find your passion or dream, start living and feeling alive.

That’s all we really need! 

I’d love to hear your comments, views or ideas. Feel free to contact me with your questions!

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.

Breaking News: How would you like your Spam?

Photo courtesy of: comedy nose.

Spam is something we are all familiar with as we check our email or scroll through the web. It’s annoying, noisy and begs us for attention. The message is broadcast to separate us for a brief moment from our agenda to focus on something entirely different and convince us of the significance. We have become somewhat immune from the noise as it further reduces our awareness.

The news media blasts us with “breaking news” which is anything but an emergency. Think 911, missing child alert or Hurricane Sandy. Television has basically relegated the latest little information as nothing more than Spam. The repetition of “crying wolf” has numbed us to the point of not noticing when a significant event does take place.

Commercials attempt to steal our minds for a minute of time. Competition is ferocious to “one-up” every other brand during the Super Bowl. For some, Super Bowl Sunday is a Commercial Bowl in conjunction with a football game. While the commercial messages may be spiffy, sexy or different it's only high-dollar Spam.

Today, we live in a connected world. Perhaps we need a new Warning System for relevant information. A system designed to allow a sense of urgency, eliminating Spam from being used in a serious message or news event. By not drawing lines in the sand, we have allowed technology and marketing to blur our vision between reality and fantasy.

Anything less is not worthy of stealing our attention, wasting our time or focus!

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 Difference

Photo by: seekingthomas.

It’s hard to believe we’re closing in on the Holidays which should be a time of good will and cheer. Instead, due to the election, Obamacare, greed and poor business/Union decisions- many people are focusing on the possibility of massive layoffs and the reduction of full-time employment with benefits.

In past years, employees looked forward to raises, bonuses, stock options, longevity pay and possibly, improved benefits. It’s been a decade or more since many have seen any of those positive signs.

In fact for some- the threat of impending layoffs and the corporate chant of “just be thankful you have a job” has been the yearly gift. The message ensures compliance for another year and the morale erodes. The board awards themselves, the CEO and the upper echelons of management bonuses or a raise and the employees receive zilch.

Where’s the value placed on your employees?

The difference between a great and mediocre company is how those businesses treat their employees and customers in good times and bad.

 

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.

Film Review: I'm Fine, Thanks!

 

Back in early July, I wrote about the Kickstarter project entitled: I’m Fine, Thanks! The film is a documentary by Crank Tank Studios, who travelled the country  interviewing people who created their own success, by not settling for mediocrity. (This is the stuff I love to write about and I can't wait to see this motivating film).



The Film Crew of: I'm Fine, Thanks!

 

The film is now available and it's definitely worth purchasing. Director, Grant Peelle, Producer, Adam Baker and their team travelled throughout the United States for two months interviewing and spending time with people motivated to change their life to live their passions and dreams. Rounding out the team was- John Cropper, the Assistant Editor and Camera 0perator, Bryan Olinger served as the Director of Photography and Dustin Koester handling Sound and Audio.

I’m Fine, Thanks features best-selling authors, bloggers, academics, and common folks tired of being stuck in a cubicle or dangling from a corporate ladder. It’s loaded with dozens of stories relating to the moment people became fed-up attempting to live someone else’s life, keeping up with the Jones’s, realizing money doesn’t buy happiness, the despair of debt and in some cases physically sick from job-related stress. 

Two of the interesting stories were the family living in a converted school bus and an author who lives in a cozy 300-square foot home. The documentary focuses extensively on those who realized the potential to live their childhood dreams and the events leading up to that moment. Lots of minimalistic living and the important role of family are heavily discussed in this superb film.

Director, Grant Peelle narrates the story and he keeps the story flowing with thoughts and emotion. You may recall reading about Adam Baker and his family in Chris Guillebeau’s best-selling book, The Art of Non-Conformity. Adam and his wife sold all of their possessions to relieve their debt and move overseas.

My only negative statement regarding the film is the two “F” Bombs used weren’t necessary and it would have been educational to discover how the families actually completed their steps (“The Forge” bus and cozy 300 sq. Ft. home grabbed my curiosity) to change lifestyles.

Who knows, maybe that could be a follow-up project for Grant and Adam, along with how Kickstarter played a key role by crowd-funding this wonderful documentary?

I’m Fine, Thanks is certainly empowering. The Cinematography and editing by Patrick Moreau of StillMotion is excellent. .

Grant Peelle, Adam Baker and crew are doing what the film recommends-

“Live Your Dream- Not The American Dream.”

I’m Fine, Thanks is a career and life changing work of Art! It’s a call to live your life. This documentary proves that despite location, career, wealth and background anyone can lead a fulfilling meaningful life simply by following their own passion and dreams!

Order your copy of I’m Fine, Thanks- today. You’ll be glad you did!

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.

From the Heart!

There comes a time when you must forge ahead.

Write what must be written.

Speak your mind, tell the story and bare your soul.

Bringing darkness into the light and setting the truth free.

No rules, expectations or fear- just pure honesty from the heart.

Words with meaning that deeply matter to those who care.

-Jim Carver

 

November is a great time to begin writing since the lawn care days are over.

Thanksgiving weekend is the start of the next journey!

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 Artist Manifesto

Here’s an essential item for any aspiring artist, writer, procrastinator or just someone in need of an inspirational pick-me-up.

Photo credit: Ashley Goins.

 Jeff Goins the author of Wrecked, penned the Artist Manifesto.  Jeff’s words resonate brilliantly concerning our how to be a creative force of good for the world through art.

He commissioned Mandy Thompson to create the visual art to his manifesto. Mandy did a superb job and she offers various sizes of the print through Etsy. Mandy is a terrific artist in her own right. Her blog looks great and judging from her artwork for Jeff, Mandy has a very promising future doing what she loves to do.

Note: If you enter the word “Manifesto” in the coupon code during the purchase before Monday the opportunity exists to receive a 25% discount off the purchase.

I was fortunate to purchase a copy the beautiful artwork last evening and I wanted to share it with my readers. In case you didn’t take a look and read the first link I posted; you may read Jeff Goins- The Artist Manifesto below:

The Artist Manifesto~ by Jeff Goins

This is it. NO TURNING BACK. No excuses, no delays. Time to sit down and focus. To show up and create. To paint and play and craft. To DREAM and vision-cast.

To make all things new.

This is beauty in action. Life in full swing. THIS IS ART.

There are no ringside seats or sick days. Everyone must play. No second chances. You only get one shot. All you have is today.

THE TIME IS NOW. To inspire wonder and awe. To speak up in a world fast asleep at the wheel.

We’re counting on you. To be creative. To AWAKEN our souls with beauty. To use your heart and hands to bring meaning back into the universe.

Because without you we are all lost.

Life makes no sense without prophets and poets.

We need you to DO THE WORK and honor your call. To tap into the Muse and find your voice.

We cannot do this alone. We have lost the child-within. That part of us content to stare at clouds — at home with magic and mystery. We need your help to find her. So that we can dance and laugh and sing. So that we can BE WHOLE once again.

WILL YOU GUIDE US?

If you are a writer, I highly recommend Jeff’s blog and newsletter. He is one of the best bloggers for aspiring writers in the world! Mr. Goins is climbing the ladder of success and has had an impact on my life. It’s refreshing to see a young man who spends much of his time helping others accomplish their goals.

Jeff has given everyone permission to share his manifesto to anyone through a blog, Twitter, Facebook or any other form of social media. So feel free to share, distribute, or copy The Artist Manifesto.

Better yet, purchase a beautiful copy today!

 Keep it near you to remind yourself “why” you are an artist and “why”- what you do 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.