The Opportunity of a Lifetime!

We often make decisions based on fear. When faced with a choice between comfort and uneasiness, we tend to side with comfort. Making that decision isn’t necessarily correct or safe; it just appears to be less troublesome to our emotions. A child learns this at a young age and is able to manipulate a parent into seeing the desired outcome.

The problem of being part of the status quo is it locks us into a parameter of common predictions and outcomes. Creativity becomes limited and many of the comforts we enjoy today would not exist. Typing a blog on this laptop is one of the perks of someone being different. Virtually all we touch today was created by someone who dared to have the courage to test the unthinkable.

It’s time we stopped trying to be like everyone else. Maybe not fitting-in is an advantage. Some of the quietest kids in school were the smartest and I always noticed they excelled fluidly at everything. Perhaps being odd or exuberant is a gift. Some of the best keyboardists I’ve known were odd and intelligent people.

How many medical, scientific breakthroughs or technological changes have we lost due to someone trying to be a square peg in a round hole?

The status quo says those people are weird. Stay away from them. Did you ever think perhaps they’ve been staying away from you a lot longer?

We shun those we fail to understand or simply are unable to label. We view those folks as freaks, possibly unstable or dangerous.

People who see things different are interesting to talk too. They are usually gracious when someone takes an interest in their lonely world. We’re all human beings, no matter what our style, flavor or color. Everyone wants to be loved and accepted.

Isn’t taking the time to connect perhaps the opportunity of a lifetime?

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.

10 Reasons Why I Hired Myself

·        I make the rules and break the rules.

·        I get the credit and if it doesn’t work- I still learn.

·        I work my own hours, day or night.

·        I don’t work for a middle-man or the status quo.

·        I connect with people, not work with sheep.

·        I have no use for a gatekeeper, slave driver or corporate greed.

·        I work on my own terms, nothing else matters.

·        I dislike meetings, chants and posturing.

·        I have the freedom to do what I want to do.

·        I want to make a difference and do something meaningful.

 

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.

 

Be Good to Yourself!

The other day I watched one of the most picturesque snowfalls. It reminded me of the type of snow shower we wish for on Christmas Eve. Those soft, heavy snowflakes gently floating down covering pine trees in such an awesome display of majestic quietness.

For at least 10 years, I’ve worked in a basement office with no windows. The drive home is spent focusing on dealing with road conditions, traffic and a driveway in need of shoveling. Upon returning home from work, darkness begins to settle leaving little chance to see the beauty of a heavy snowfall.

We tend to become so caught up in the moment; we often fail to see the beauty around us. It reminds me how much I’ve missed over the years by not taking the time to recognize how marvelous something simple can be. We scurry through our days and years until we become a stranger to outside stimuli. We place ourselves in a loop, unable to stop long enough to notice what we’re missing or even care.

Maybe it’s time we change our minds? Instead of viewing everything as a “push” to get through the moment, maybe we need to spend more time with an open mind. The daily clutter manages to clog our brain with lots of negative and uncreative thoughts. We need an escape plan.

Let’s take the time to enjoy our families, surroundings and life. Put the rat race on hold and give yourself quality time to take a deep breath and observe the very things we take for granted. Separate yourself from conflict, drama and noise.

Be good to yourself.

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.

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.

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.

Marching Toward Opportunity!

My friend, Mark Maxwell, recently told me this story about our deceased and loved high school band director, Mr. David A.Wells after learning of my job loss.

When David A. Wells was looking for a job, he applied at his Alma mater and was turned down. Not willing to give-up, he applied and was hired at Lexington High School (just 7 miles south of his Alma mater). In two years, he turned the music program at Lexington High School into one of the finest in the USA.

The moral of the story:
Stay positive and make the best of the opportunities available.

David A. (as he was affectionately known) was a less abrasive version of General George Patton. David conquered his goals without hesitation or fear. He connected with students, parents, and audiences throughout his life. Mr. Wells had the clarity and vision of the short term plan to reach long term goals. I’ve never known anyone who has mastered those principles so efficiently and effectively.

Through hard work, persistence and perseverance; we succeeded. The gleam in David A’s eyes and his resounding smile was his assurance to us on exceeding his expectations. Those precious moments made all of our sweat, pain, rehearsals and time worth the effort- ten-fold.

I want to thank Mark Maxwell for his thoughtfulness and bringing me back to my roots. Sometimes, we become so caught up in the moment; we fail to realize we have been given the tools to succeed.

Opportunity surrounds us, if we choose to look and march straight ahead. We are only limited by our own fear and parameters we set against ourselves.

This is going to be a blast!

(If you want to discover The Legacy of David A. Wells, order a copy 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 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.