Posts Tagged ‘motivation’
will on August 31st, 2010
Do the work, and the excitement will come!
Last week was one of the most productive and enjoyable weeks I’ve had in a really long time. It was one of those weeks where I found myself singing, “Oh, what a beautiful morning” as I skipped out the door heading to work each day. Everything was going my way!
At the start of this week, however, my song had turned into a quiet hum; and my skip, a lazy gangsta lean. “What happened…where’d it all go,” I found myself thinking? As it turns out, the excitement I cultivated last week fled with the lack of productivity I settled for over the past few days. I didn’t do shit this weekend except be lazy and have fun with friends. I neglected and avoided work at all costs. As enjoyable as that was, by the end of the day yesterday, I was back in the sulky “what am I doing with my life” mood of 2 weeks ago, having forgotten that I do have a purpose, a goal, and a task to complete.
Not feeling too well this morning, I took a sick day and decided to do some work. I have a script due tomorrow that I’ve been avoiding writing because, well, I’ve never done it before and don’t know what I’m doing, or if I’ll be any good at it. You know…the usual complaints that keep me from working. I hesitantly turned on my computer and returned to the script this afternoon; and 2 hours later I was running around my apartment, animatedly acting out scenes in my underwear, fueled by the anticipation of seeing my words come to life. The excitement, energy and productivity of last week had returned!
I realized that, quite simply, if you do the work, the excitement will come. The work itself is a motivator; especially if it involves doing something that can and will lead you to fulfilling a dream. I implore you to think about the work you’ve been avoiding as it relates to your goals and dreams. Sure, it can at times seem incredibly daunting and/or boring; but the truth is, you gotta do what you have to do in order to do what you want to do. And what we all have to do, is work. Performing the tasks laid out in front of you could very well be all the motivation you need to keep your passion alive, and return excitement to the monotony of your day, and your life. So…let’s get to it, shall we? Yes, lets!
will on August 23rd, 2010
*gracefully exits bar with flair, stumbles to nearest pizza joint, buys two slices and logs into Wordpress for iPhone*
A friend of mine had a birthday party this evening; at which I surprisingly (and tipsily) mingled and networked like I never have before. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was the current grind and ascension mode I find myself in these days, but I was really ON tonight!
I met a handful of people, with whom I engaged in a variety of both comical and profound conversations, that I really hope to see and talk to again! Some of the conversations I had tonight were truly amazing (don’t ask me to repeat them in this, my drunken stupor), and, really, right on time in terms of where my life sits at the moment.
The only problem was…well, it was two-fold. For one, I keep forgetting to get the contact information of the people I meet. I met, and engaged in awesome dialogue, with several people tonight. Some asked to exchange contact information, because they wanted to continue our conversation; but I only gave them my personal business card- forgetting to get their information for myself. I really need to get better at the whole exchange. Most of the time I just dug up and handed out my card quickly because I was so wrapped into what we were discussing. Which leads me to point number two: I think I may talk or talk about myself too much. I’m not entirely sure of this- it may just be insecurity, my mind or the alcohol talking- but, sometimes, I get the sense that I’m speaking too much in order to make a point.
Please believe me when I say that this is not intentional. I assure you! I’ll be the first to admit that my insecurities play a big part in hindering the “success” of my social interaction- which, at times, lead me to manipulate conversation; but more often than not, my attempts at opening a dialogue with someone comes from a heartfelt and pure source. At any social event, the question, “so, what do you do?” inevitably arises, at which point most of us tend to pretend as if what we do is what we actually want to be doing, if you catch my drift. You can, many times, see clearly, the disdain people have for their jobs. It is the avoidance of discussing or even mentioning what they really want to do that sends me into, I guess, what is Will-mode- which, for some equates to arrogance and/or being preachy.
When encountering less-than excited [read: defeated] answers to such a question, most of the time, my response comes from a place of trying to propel my conversation companion to the next level of his or her life. Or, after perusing their thoughts and using personal example, I look to assist them in identifying what it is they really want, as opposed to encouraging complacency with what it is they’ve settled for. On some minute level, yes, I do want to make an impression on them and want them to remember me. But on the whole, I really just want to help them grow as individuals. That’s my thing! Regardless of all the mundane and trivial tasks of our day-to-day lives, we all have something- living deep within us- that represents what we aspire to do and to be. I know I spend a lot of time trying to find that thing and figure it out. I can’t help it if I wish to help others find success in that area of their lives as well.
If we are all here, and aspire to live the lives that our creator purposed us for, why do we discount, push aside or ignore those people here on earth who just want to see us grow and evolve?
I’m not trying to talk your ear off, lecture, or bore you. I’m just trying to help…and motivate you. Really.
will on April 18th, 2009
although it is a saturday, today, april 18, 2009, marks a full year since what i call the “divine intervention” occurred in my life. it was a year ago today when google gave me my walking papers and sent me on my merry way.
in the last month or so, i’d been pretty upset about this particular anniversary. i thought for sure that by the time a year slapped itself around i would have a full-time job, or was gaining sustainable income promoting my book, etc. but alas, unemployment has been my friend for many months now. approaching today with positivity looked quite difficult.
standing in this moment, however, i feel a lot better than i anticipated. this week i’ve been working and learning in a temp position that will carry on into next week and, perhaps, other small gigs in the future. the money’s not tremendous, but it does fix a few holes in the foundation. it’s been a challenging, but fun and refreshing job, and couldn’t have come at a better time. in addition, stemming off of the great work week i had, while taking a shower this morning i had one serious career-building brainstorming session. i thought about all the ways in which i need to start taking risks, making an effort and creating a brand. my whiteboard is now covered with tasks and ideas for me to follow through on; and i feel inspired and excited to move forward.
see, this is why i love the spring. everything flourishes and gets rejuvenated. i’m pushing myself harder and futther this spring and summer than i ever have. from my writing to my social life & fitness. hopefully it will all pay off. my groove is just around the corner, and i’m almost there. so job or no job… today, i’m celebrating!
will on January 25th, 2009
2009, for many people and for many reasons, represents a time of hope, and a chance to find fulfillment and foster change. i recently watched oprah’s best life week series and was struck by a piece of advice from suze orman. she suggested that we all use the year 2009 to lay the foundation for the next 5-10 years of our lives. she was referring primarily to our finances, of course, but it’s really a very sage piece of advice for all areas of our lives. and so i’ve taken it upon myself to evaluate my life as it is right now- look at what i do have, think about what i want, and use 2009 to lay a solid foundation for the next decade of my life.
i find myself, this first month of the new year, in the midst of the most difficult, frustrating and uncertain time of my life. in the last two weeks alone i’ve wanted to let go and give up on several occasions. i have no career, no money, and no social life; and find myself struggling just to get out of bed in the morning. as i begin to approach my 30th birthday, i don’t really know what i want out of and for my life, but i am holding on as tight as i possibly can to my faith that this rough patch is only temporary, and the best is yet to come.
one beacon of hope- something that i do have to work with right now- is my book, “evolution of a man: a journal of self-discovery.” in the last few days, i have completed the final draft, and am ready to publish and release my work. all i have to do now is come up with $1,500 or so for self-publishing and distribution. finishing this project is a tremendous accomplishment for me-words can’t express how proud and excited i am. laying the foundation for my career begins with this project. this book is the only brick i have to lay in place right now. i may be struggling with financing, but at least i’ve got a product- so i can breathe a little sigh of relief. i know that i want a career as an entertainment and motivational entrepreneur (read: mogul), and this book, in my opinion, gives me a great opportunity to begin such a career; but the question that still hangs over my head (and one that i truly hope to figure out in 2009) is “what do i want to do?”
******************************
career aspirations aside, i’m doing a bit of groundwork in my personal life as well. i am really serious (this year more than ever) about staying healthy and fit, and being social offline and outside of my apartment. in the past couple of weeks, i’ve been working out like crazy in my home wii fit- bowflex equipped gym. the deal i made with myself was to work out for an hour a day, 5 to 6 days a week. 3 days a week i do half an hour of cardio on the wii, followed by a 20-30 minute bowflex workout; and the other 3-4 days i’m strictly wii-fit (aerobics, yoga and strength training). working out hasn’t been nearly as difficult as i thought it would be- especially after meditating in the morning. usually i avoid working out at all costs, but something in me has changed. i still don’t look forward to hittin’ the gym so-to-speak, but now that my spirit is on board, it is now much easier to talk myself into working out than to talk myself out of it.
getting my social life together, however, is going to be more difficult. when it comes to being social (mostly with people whom i’ve never met) i am more of a wallflower than a butterfly. it is my goal to dramatically change that in 2009. i really need to get out, meet new people, try new things, and further open my mind. being a creature of habit, i’m very set in my ways, but i have made a promise to myself to get out of my own way and enjoy all that new york city has to offer. i combed the pages of this week’s time out nyc magazine, and highlighted many events all over the city that sparked my interest. there’s definitely some really cool stuff out there, and i can’t wait to get started. the biggest obstacle for me these days, though, is braving the cold weather of winter. I HATE BEING COLD! but i’ll just have to suck it up, buy some thermal underwear, and call it a day until mother nature brings the heat once again.
******************************
i have no doubt that 2009 will be a great year for me. there’s much to do and much more to look forward to. i’ve lost myself in the last 8 or 9 months, and it’s really important to me that i get my life back. although i’m not entirely sure of where i’m going, or what i’m doing, i know i will find my footing very soon, and begin to lay the foundation for an incredibly bright and successful future. here’s to 2009!
yes i can! 
will on November 26th, 2008
it’s been so long since i’ve posted anything here that my wordpress account needed a reminder as to who i am… i apologize!
after having a pretty nasty stomach virus thing- that pretty much wiped me out for the better part of a week- i’m back in action as your local media entrepreneur. i must admit though, despite having recovered sometime over the weekend (it’s now wednesday), i still couldn’t get myself to do anything productive. i have an assload of work to do- including finding a job and preparing a plan and marketing materials for my book; but i really haven’t gotten anything done. aside from an interview here and there, i’ve remained almost completely stagnant when it comes to book and career promotion.
i doubt myself too much. i believe in what it is that i’m trying to accomplish, and even further, believe in what i have created thus far; but i still find myself asking, “who wants to listen to me? what do i have to offer?” because of this, the mountain of work on my desk never gets smaller, and the ideas swirling around in my head never get implemented, or even drafted.
i went to see dr. eye candy yesterday, and as usual, he helped me sort through my problem. the frustrations and fears i have about my life and myself right now are totally normal. sure, i may be pushing them to the extreme (as i tend to do everything in my life), but the fact that they exist at all only prove that i’m human. my problem isn’t so much doubting myself as it is my lack of discipline and drive. most people choose to work for someone else because they lack the discipline, determination and motivation it takes to build a business of their own. not everyone can be an entrepreneur. taking an idea and building a company from scratch is an incredibly daunting task that very few people (in comparison to the worlds population) are able or willing to do. so they abandon their dreams, and settle for a life of punching in to mr. boss man’s time clock. i’ve already made the decision to be more than somebody’s employee… i just have to now apply myself!
if i am to be the success and inspiration that i dream to be, then at some point i am going to have to suck it all up- the fear, frustration, and doubt- and get to work. i am the only one who can make this happen- make my dreams come true. i have to force myself to live a work life that is conducive to my ascension and success in media. it’s incredibly hard work, but there is no other option for greatness. only 120% discipline and drive will do. nothing less!
