I just got back from an inspiring couple hours with my friend and Under30CEO contributor Michael Peggs. Throughout the course of a couple beers, we got into some pretty deep, philosophical stuff about life, business, and the future. What came of it was this:
Whatever you believe your future to be is true. You just have to show up.
The problem is: most people just never show up.
Lots of people have big dreams and ambitions, but it’s only the people who execute them who are actually successful. Everyone else quits, stops showing up, listens to the naysayers, or throws in the towel. They never push through the struggle or truly act upon what they want to do in life. Their dreams, stay dreams…
It’s all about your beliefs.
In the most humble way possible, I know what I am “destined” to be. Not in some bullsh*t way– but I know who I’m going to be because my mind is made up. Why? Because my parents raised me with the confidence to make it happen. My dad always told me “whatever you want to do, you can figure out a way to do it,” and my mom has always thought everything I’ve ever done and will ever do is amazing. So, as a five year old kid, crushing it at the lemonade stand, I pictured myself in the boardroom overlooking my empire. Because of these beliefs I know I’m well on my way.
When P. Diddy was asked if he ever doubted himself, after about a three second pause, exuding confidence like only Diddy could, he flat out said no. The man has never shown doubt in himself.
As Thomas Edison said, “The most certain way to succeed is always just to try one more time.”
It’s the damn truth. You just have to show up and try one more time. Sure, being successful takes incredible sacrifice, the ability to go through hardship, and a high tolerance for pain…. so, if you don’t believe that you have what it takes to go through this, then give up now. But, if you’ve always truly believed you were going to make it big, then you are already that person. Congrats. You might not be to the end goal yet, but you’ve made it.
Stop Stressing
Over the last six weeks, I’ve never been more stressed in my life launching our members-only travel platform, Under30Experiences. When Peggs asked me why I was so stressed, I had no answer. We came to the conclusion that I want it to be successful so badly that I was literally working myself to the point of insanity. If you’ve read my health and fitness content lately, on going beast mode, or increasing productivity, you know I believe as much as anyone that stress will kill you. I sure as hell don’t want to grow old quicker than I have to. So it’s time to stop stressing. Here’s how…
First, understand where stress comes from.
It’s quite simple– stress comes from thinking about things in the future that you can’t currently control. You’re late for work. Well, guess what– you’re already late. Sure, you can control how late you are by blowing through traffic lights, but guess what, it’s already been decided– you are going to be late. You have two options at this juncture– stress about it or don’t. TRY your hardest to chose the later. Remember, you are already that insanely successful person if that’s what you believe— you don’t have to stress about it.
Secondly, understand that you’re already late for work and what is done is done.
Want to understand this concept? Educate yourself and watch the Buddha documentary on Netflix. There is a part where the narrator says, “If you understand the glass is already broken, then each moment with the glass is precious.” That’s what Buddha believed. Just like when Neo goes to see the Oracle in the Matrix. The Oracle already knows the vase is broken and doesn’t care. You look at the world a whole lot differently when you have the mindset of a person who already knows what is going to happen- in this case– that you are successful.
Lastly, understand the concept of being present.
I used to think this hippie term was some esoteric thing, until I read Leo Babauta’s post via Zen Habits on being mindful. It’s all about focusing your thoughts and energy into the present time. Instead of thinking about how your boss is going to yell at you, suck it up, and enjoy the ride you are on at the present time. Appreciate the fact your car is working, and that you are blessed to even have a job. If you are present, then you’ll again remember– you are on your way of becoming that successful person and this is just a bump in the road. Enjoy the journey.
Imagine a world where you believe you are successful.
All you have to do is show up and execute.
Matt Wilson is Co-founder of Under30Media and Adventurer in Residence at Under30Experiences.
Follow @MattWilsontv
