Be Brave Not Safe

I was talking with my son who described a typical conversation that a dreamer (I mean goal seeker) has.

He and his brother are attending college, working towards their degree in Exercise Science. These guys are jacked!

He mentions to a friend: “I’d like to be a fitness model and even act one day. You know, like Arnold Schwarzenegger.”

His friend said: “You can’t do that, I mean that is Arnold Schwarzenegger!”

My son responds with: “He had it harder than I do and made it big; so why can’t I?.”

My son finishes our conversation with: “Dad, I know that all 4 of us (boys) are going to be millionaires.” Music to my ears 🙂

The biggest obstacle to wealth is fear. People are afraid to think big, but if you only think small, you’ll only achieve small things. ~ T. Harv Eker

My son’s perspective is exceptionally clear. No one achieves their dreams and goals overnight. It takes consistent and NEVER-ENDING effort chipping away at it on a daily basis. Then, when you achieve your goal the world looks on and remarks: “S/he is so highly favored and lucky!”

No, No, No. The achiever simply made NO EXCUSES and did WHATEVER IT TOOK to achieve their goals and dreams!

What is the definition of luck? When preparedness meets opportunity. Want some luck? GET PREPARED for the abounding opportunities!!!

How does one prepare? By reading positive, constructive materials and listening to the same. Attending training. Thinking BIG! Working hard and smart. Not by sitting, waiting and wishing.

Only YOU can ensure YOUR SUCCESS!

What is the one resource we ALL have the same amount of and once gone (often squandered) can never be recouped? Time!

“Don’t let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.” ~ Earl Nightingale

Consider the fact that EVERY human being on this planet has been given 24 hours EACH AND EVERY DAY! How we spend (or invest) that time determines our future. Some invest their time to achieve greatly; we each can do the same to fulfill our own goals and dreams!

There are obviously daily requirements which totally occupy our mind when we cannot otherwise invest our time such as: sleep (~7 hours), work (~8-10 hours, excluding commute). So far, we are at roughly 15-17 hours consumed. This leaves 7-9 hours each weekday (not counting the extra time on weekends) for other activities (personal hygiene, eating, exercise, commuting, household chores and just plain “downtime” after these other activities are complete) when we CAN engage our mind on learning (for OUR future).

How can we invest our time on learning during these available times? By reading positive and constructive books and/or listening to similar audio programs.

A simple approach to creating the discipline of reading is to devote (at least) 15-30 minutes per day just before retiring each night and/or upon awakening. Night is best for me…

And, we often fail to realize the many opportunities we have to listen to audio programs. The most consistent time to do so is during our daily commute (to work or school). Let’s say our commute is 30 minutes each way to/from work. By listening to an audio program during our commute we are spending (at least) an hour per day “in class” (more if/when there is a traffic jam, or our commute is longer). So, load up your iPod/iPhone with audio programs (they support more than music 🙂 ), carry your earbuds where-ever you go and listen to something that will advance your future; while driving, working out or…You get the picture.

You may be asking: “What about time with family?” A very good question! My response: I spend TONS of time with my family. In fact, this afternoon I’ll be “on the slopes” skiing with my son. And, we can do this (invest in learning) together. For example, during travel time to/from our adventures we’ll often listen to an audio program. Perhaps today’s will be “As A Man Thinketh” – click here to stream or download for free!

The best resource I can recommend on the topic of Making Best Use of Time (and other relevant habits) is “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” It is available as a book or audio program, and there is an edition for Teens!

Relevant quotes:

“Self-discipline is a form of freedom. Freedom from laziness and lethargy, freedom from the expectations and demands of others, freedom from weakness and fear–and doubt.” ~ H.A. Dorfman

“If we don’t discipline ourselves the world will do it for us.” ~ William Feather

In future posts I’ll share additional strategies for Making Best Use of Time, towards achieving our goals and dreams.

My wife asked, “Have you told everyone what “Be Brave Not Safe” is supposed to mean?”

Since my answer was “No”, I figured there is no time like the present.

In my introductory post I outlined the purpose of this blog.

I’ll start by sharing where the phrase originated…A local rock band (KaelumWay), who I absolutely love, just released a new song (Overthrow) with lyrics (I’d rather be brave than safe), that provided inspiration for the name of the blog.

Now, let’s define this phrase (Be Brave Not Safe) by chopping it into its 2 parts (brave and safe).

I like the Dictionary.com definition of brave: possessing or exhibiting courage or courageous endurance.

The term “safe”, for the purpose of this blog, refers to:

• Taking the path of least resistance
• Staying put in an unfulfilling (even bad) situation because it is “easier” to stay the same vs. making a change
• Doing things just because everyone else is
• Not doing things (that could be done to achieve our goals and dreams) because of F.E.A.R. (false evidence appearing real)

It is my hope that this blog inspires and educates others to Be Brave (possessing or exhibiting courage or courageous endurance towards the achievement of their goals and dreams) Not Safe (not taking the path of least resistance).

Makes me think of a quote:

Do what you need to do as quickly as possible so that you can do what you want to do for as long as possible. ~ Author Unknown.

That’s it in a nutshell.