Taking action, pursuing your dream and your passion. When I was 19 I received some great advice from Gerald Chun, a successful businessman (who is also a family member). I have to tell you, I appreciate it now a lot more than I did at the time. He told me there are three things that you should do if you want to pursue success:Jared Easley is a self-described “everyday guy” who is passionate about connecting with others, communicating, leveraging new media & cultivating a community of like-minded citizens. He is married to his amazing wife Rachel & they have a beautiful daughter named Lana, and they live in South Florida. You can listen to his inspiring podcast Starve the Doubts at http://starvethedoubts.com where he interviews individuals who are creative, unique, interesting & taking action. Recent episodes include: Pat Flynn, Stu McLaren, Chris Brogan, Michael Hyatt, Jon Acuff, Andy Traub, and Krystyn Chong.
- Always treat people the way they want to be treated
- Always do your best
- Starve the Doubts
I think the first two need very little explanation, but it is the third point that really stuck with me. “Starve the Doubts” This phrase embodies the importance of taking action – action that can lead to some amazing outcomes. Consider the story of Andy Andrews for example.
Maybe the best way to explain, is to share with you a recent example of this in action. Earlier in this year, I discovered that Michael Hyatt would be speaking at a private, 3 day conference in Boca Raton, Fl – not far from where I live. When you see private conferences, they are usually specific to an industry or group, and unless you are already part of this association you will not likely be part of the event. I could have let this single fact stop me right there. But I did not let this initial doubt stop me. I asked myself “what if I could get permission to attend, just this one segment of the conference?” I reached out to the contact on the Association of Finance Technology’s webpage, an individual named Erin Thomas. In an email I asked if there was any way that I could attend just the segment that Michael Hyatt was presenting. She finally agreed to allow me to attend for a small fee. Knowing the right person can make all the difference. Erin was able to help me move one step closer to meeting Michael Hyatt in person. When the date in March finally arrived I was able to check in and meet Erin face to face. She mentioned that another individual had reached out to her in the same way and was attending Michael’s presentation as well. I scoped out the conference room, and found an open seat up in the front row. Having arrived early, I took the time to walk around a bit and was able to find the other attendee who also “starved the doubts” to be in the room that day. After a few minutes of conversation, we noticed that Michael Hyatt was standing off to the side just behind us. We both agreed that now was the time to say a quick hello. We actually had the opportunity to share a very nice conversation with Michael before the presentation began. The presentation itself was on the topic of SHIFT: Leading in Turbulent Times, and was filled with useful information and invaluable advice for dealing with challenging times we find ourselves. The lessons were powerful, but the experience was unforgettable, all because I chose to “starve the doubts.” Of course, starving your doubts does not make them disappear. Sometimes they get even louder, especially at first. At any point a dozen voices could be shouting things like: “Why would this association consider letting you attend,” “What am I doing here,” or “Even if I do make it, I’ll never get the chance to get close enough to meet Michael Hyatt. ” But as time goes on, the doubts weaken. Eventually, it becomes a habit to not feed them to begin with. Now that is a great place to be! So how can my story help you change your life?Change Your Day
Dare to ask “What If?” Think about a dream you have, and entertain the possibilities of what could be if you overcame the fears or doubts you had. Picture how your life could be different. Part of starving the doubts, is first identifying what they are.
Change Your Week
Who or what do you need to know to make this dream a reality? Often a key relationship or piece of information can make all the difference in moving a dream forward. Look at your dream and ask yourself: Do I know anyone who could help make this a reality? What information, if I knew it, would make all the difference in the outcome?
Change Your Life
Take Action – now that you know what your dreams could lead to, and you know who or what will make a difference in accomplishing your goals, it is time to take action! So much of this step is about momentum. Prepare, step out in faith, and then work at it, all the while, starving your doubts. The results will be life changing.
Jared, what a great story! I actually had a similar situation with MH speaking at a real estate conference here in Austin last month I think. However, unlike you, I didn’t even try to see if they’d let me in. What great encouragement!
Ellory – I know that I have let past opportunities pass me by. I am glad to hear that Jared’s story has been an encouragement to you. We never know what is possible if we don’t try.
I’m all about putting myself out there and the risk associated with pursuing big dreams. By the way, you’ve really landed some big interviews. I’m interviewing Dan Pink on July 1st and I’m already feeling a little intimidated. Thanks for sharing, Jared!
Drew – your interview with Dan Pink will be awesome. I know that Jared is all about adding value to his listeners, and I have no doubts that you will do the same – enjoy the experience!
Dude! Awesome post 😉
I really appreciate everything that you are doing to Starve the Doubts Jon! Thank you for sharing this with your readers!
Some stories are just too good not to share! I love what you are doing, and the inspiration you are creating in others – “Life Changer” is really the right description!
When you have a humble and giving attitude like Jared, it’s hard not to succeed!
Wow what awesome info! Great to hear that Michael Hyatt story. Thanks to Jared and Jon for this great post!
Jim – thanks for taking the time to “hear” the story and comment
Very cool! Jared is the man.
Absolutely. He is a real example of getting out there and making great things happen.
This is great, I love the idea of “starve the doubts”! Way to go Jared.
Memorable and effective – it just works!
I’m starving my doubts with my Dojo. Can’t wait to launch to that next level. Thanks for sharing this awesome story. I heard it from Jared, and hearing your side gives me encouragement.
Remind me not to mess with you!
This sensei won’t harm you but lead you to success 😉
Alex – I really like your Dojo concept, I look forward to spending some time there myself!
Great post! I think everyday we have to remind ourselves to Starve The Doubts so we conquer our fears and take our lives to the next level. Way to go Jared. Thanks for sharing Jon.
Shey – thanks for your comment, you make a very good point about this being a daily habit.
I really like that phrase – starve the doubts. I’ve found working with clients on their careers that they tend to get hung up when the first obstacle presents itself. That is a big part of coaching – moving past that obstacle to what is really possible. The folks who win in the long run don’t take the first no!
Never accepting “no” seems to be a reoccurring theme in life, no?
Great article. I love the thought that change is cumulative. Changing your day, can lead to change in your week which can ultimately lead to a changed life. Superb advice! Thanks guys.
Well said, Chris. Big change can be daunting, but momentum is invaluable, adn that often starts with just a small change.
Fantastic post Jon and Jared. I am not sure why it took my six months to find it. They story of meeting Michael Hyatt is great. I have been teaching my kids to starve the doubts on small things. Sometimes you get surprised with what happens when you just get over it and ask. And besides, who is going to say No to a cute kid.
Keep up the great work.