Fueling your tank

What inspires you? I am inspired by hearing the stories of those that have faced extreme struggles and then rallied to do something great. I am inspired by the people that follow their passions no matter what the critics say. I am inspired by those that stand up for a cause that is bigger than themselves.

It is a good thing to know what inspires you. However, I have found that what motivates you can be different from your inspiration and equally as important. I was watching the replay of the 2006 Ironman in Kona yesterday. The stories and people are amazing. One father was in Kona for the third time with his son who had C.P. John Hoyt, the father, placed his son in a raft that was strapped to John's waist and started the swim towing his son behind. For those not familiar with Ironman, the swim is the start of the race, and it is 2.4 miles in open water! John was quoted as saying, his son was his motivation and was the true athlete. John was just loaning his son his arms and legs for the race. Another participant was a 76 year old nun who was completing her 20th Ironman.

These stories make me want to get moving and do something great. But, have you ever done this and then run out of steam shortly after starting? Yea, me too. Why? Inspiration can set the fire, but without motivation and passion, the fire quickly runs out of fuel and dies. Most people would think finding your passion would be very easy. But, this is something that I have struggled with. I have often thought, "I enjoy .... But is this a passion?" Many people also say, "I would like to do ....... But I do not have the time." We all have obligations, but if we cannot find the time for our passions, stress levels increase, our health is effected, and our relationships suffer.

Updates and Forecasts

So I have not blogged in almost a month. There have been some good things recently that have happened that I want to share. First and foremost, I have a job! I will be the newest Financial Representative of the Wilmington, NC office of Northwestern Mutual. I am very excited to take this next step in my revived career. So, before I officially begin working, I have to study and pass an extensive list of state and federal exams. Secondly, the Monkey is finally starting to gain some weight!

I have always been one to look forward to the next challenge. With my A.D.D. ,this can sometimes be an issue as I end up with too many things 90% finished. The job search is done, check. Now what? As Mitzi will tell you, I tend to do things all or nothing. That said, the first new goal is to once again be a top producer with the new company. I also need to refocus on my training as the Kure Beach Triathlon is in 7 weeks. I am planning on two or three more races this season, but my big goal is to do Ironman in 2012. Why, you ask. Why not? In the words of Yoda; "There is no try, only do".

How is your hammock? Like a pastor I know, well hung.

Now there is a statement that will get your attention. What does this mean, you ask? Interpretation. It is said that the English language is hard to learn if it is your second language. The reason is that words can take on different meanings based on their context. Is there a story that explains the title in more detail? Yes, but that is for a different post.

So where am I going with this post? Interpretation is just as important for the person receiving the information as it is for the person sending it. This might sound obvious, but let's think about it for a moment. How often have you said or have heard someone say, "that is not what I meant"? A single statement can have multiple meaning based solely on the inflection of the speaker's voice and the context. As the case with the title of this blog post, interpretation can give you a good laugh. However it can also be the cause of war, political unrest, or the outcome of a sporting event.


So remember, when you are playing WBT with your friends under the new or old rules, how others interpret it may determine the length of the game!

Bulletproof

Now I am not talking about liquid courage. If you could not fail, what would do? Skydive, swim with sharks, drink the water in Mexico? It has long been said that the fear of loss is greater than the desire for gain. I truly believe this. The fear of loss or failure can be crippling. In the position that I am in presently, I am a having to make choices that will determine the direction of my career. Should I take the safe option, the option with training wheels, or the option without a safety net?

When you think of the greatest baseball player of all time, what is the first name that pops in your head? I am guessing it is Babe Ruth. Babe Ruth hit a amazing 714 home runs during his 10 year career. A record that still holds in the American league, and is in the top 5 all-time. What is interesting is that Ruth also struck out 1,330 times. Ruth wasn't worried about striking out, he simply kept swinging for the fence. What a great life lesson.

It's like deja-vu, all over again.

Yogi Berra makes you think. Today is the beginning of week two and business day 8 that I did not go to work. I started my day just like last week by straightening up the house and working on the never ending swingset project that is reaching a conclusion.

Today, I had a phone interview with a company that will remain nameless. I learned one place that I do not want to work! This is good news. No reason to jump into a new job that I will be looking to get out of within the first year. I am meeting with another company tomorrow and looking forward to that.

I am remaining positive and focused by beginning to train for my next triathlon and checking projects off my list. As Zig Ziglar said, "People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily".

Week one is almost in the books.

Heading into Friday, I am feeling very good about my 1st full week off of work. I have managed to exercise 3 days, keep the house clean, cook dinner and brownies, and make a lot of progress on Riley's playland for the backyard. I have started to lose track of days, which means it is time to start moving forward.

I have come to the understanding that a career, not just a job, in the financial advising industry comes with several things. One of those things however, is not a salary. This is a pill that I am starting to get more comfortable with. I am reminded of what Zig Ziglar said; "Money isn't the most important thing in life, but it's reasonably close to oxygen on the "gotta have it" scale. "

So, the plan is to spend the next few days in evaluation and reflection. I wish the water was a little warmer, so that I could paddle out. Since that will not be an option, I guess the next best thing will be a good bike ride. The funny part, is that my gut is already telling me what to do, I just have to get on board with it.

Tuesday is gone with the wind.

Who doesn't like a good Skynard song? So far I have kept busy during the day. It is amazing how many things that needed to be done that kept being pushed out because there was not enough time. My legs are a little sore tonight after the weight training this morning and the 12 mile bike ride this afternoon. If only Mitzi was not a teacher, I might add House Husband to my resume.

This being said, I am still quite focused. I know that I am not going back into the mortgage game. That chapter of my life is over. I do not regret the experience at all. However, I feel that I took that road as far as I could. So where am I going. As many people know, my interest is in financial advising. There are several options to look at closely. The two broad categories are working for myself or working for a company. There are positives and negatives for both.

So what to do? Well, based on the title of this post, let's see what Skynard has to say;

" Forget your lust for the rich man's gold
All that you need is in your soul,
And you can do this if you try.
All that I want for you my son,
Is to be satisfied.

Boy, don't you worry.
You'll find yourself.
Follow you heart,
and nothing else.
You can do this,
if you try."