The Path Toward Enlightenment
This is not actually about enlightenment in the Buddhist sense. I don't know enough about Buddhism to profess enlightenment of that sort. The enlightenment I'm speaking of has to do with current economic and life circumstances from both a consumer and industry standpoint.
A personal anecdote to get this started. My thoughts got going on the laws of compound interest. I recalled tough times nearly eight years ago living in Northern San Diego County and merely surviving so I could do what I wanted to do which is surf. I recall barely having enough money to pay my rent and even cashing in all the change I had saved to get simple stuff, like food. The compound interest in this case has nothing to do with the change and has everything to do with doing what it took to do what I loved. I woke up every morning with my coffee and could walk out on a patio and watch the ocean. That is compound interest of a different sort.
What does this have to do with you? It has everything to do with you and with all of us. It is about enlightening ourselves to do what it takes to live our passion. If you are a consumer and you want to buy a house, times are tough but it's still possible. You have to do what it takes to make it happen. If that means fixing your credit, working harder, putting away a few Starbucks bucks into the bank instead of your stomach, then that's what it takes. If you're struggling with your house payment and want to keep your house, then if that's what is important to you, you will find a way.
Likewise, for those in the industry, if you have a passion for what you do, you will also do what it takes. Sometimes, doing what it takes isn't what we'd prefer to do, but having the end goal in mind is what gets us through. I didn't exactly do what I wanted employment wise in San Diego. I told myself I couldn't afford going to college and work. I found a way. Eventually, I came home to Northern Cal, started on my marketing degree and worked full-time. Guess what? I still surf.
If you aren't willing to do what it takes, then, as one of my favorite authors, Larry Winget puts it, "You are either stupid, lazy or you don't give a damn." So you should ask yourself if you're willing to do what it takes, recession be damned. Ask yourself and be enlightened.
Crediting the source of the quote, Larry Winget is author of a book I highly recommend, entitled, "Shut Up! Stop Whining! And Get A Life!"
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