I talk to people each week who desperately long for a new job or would like to start their own business. But when I suggest they invest in a coaching session or a $17 book they recoil in horror. Some state that they don’t want to spend any time or money – they just want me to tell them what to do. A recent 48 Days to the Work You Love purchaser wrote “I don’t want to spend the time figuring out how to use this book. Isn’t there an easier way?” I apologized that I didn’t know any real shortcut – he’d have to actually read the book and apply it to his situation.
It perplexes me to think that anyone expects to get a great job or start a successful business without first putting forth a little effort. I’ve never seen success sneak up on someone; rather, I see it come as a result of having a clear personalized plan of action, and then investing the hard work and resources to allow success to come into view.
I’m told that if you put a turkey in a pen that is 8’ x 8’ and is entirely open at the top, the bird, while we know it can fly, will remain a prisoner in that pen. The reason is that a massive bird like that cannot take off straight up. It has to have a run of 10-12’ to have the momentum to take off. Without space to run, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner in that small jail, even with an open sky right above its head.
I’ve never seen success operate any differently. Athletes don’t become superstars overnight, actors don’t go directly to Broadway, most business people try 3 or 4 things before finding one that works, and most first jobs are little more than a learning process. You can’t fly without first running and you can’t get to success without investing time, effort and money.
I just registered for a three-day seminar in New York City on September 15-18th. The airfare and hotel are significant expenses – not to mention the registration fee. I’m not a speaker – just a normal attendee. Why do I so willingly continue to do things like this? Because I don’t see it as an expense, but an investment. If I spend $2000 on a big screen TV, I’ll never recapture that money – it begins to disappear immediately. But if I spend $2000 on books, coaching or seminars, experience tells me I can perhaps make $200,000 from the ideas and new knowledge I’ll get. I’ve seen that played out time after time.
I expect all my high-achieving clients to read, listen and apply helpful principles. Many of them started their own success explosion by engaging in our Eagles Club Coaching or attending our Coaching with Excellence event. Unfortunately, we hear from lots of others who say they also want more success. But then I see them buy a new car, a new lawnmower, a new boat, and have a $60/month cable bill while saying they can’t “afford” a book or seminar. Why do you think their success is blocked?
I would propose that if you commit to reading and listening to positive materials for 30 minutes a day for 6 months, you can expect to double your income. I’d love to have several of you take me up on that challenge – document it and let me know. If you succeed, I’ll buy your lunch so I can learn from your story. If you fail, I’ll buy your lunch so I can learn from your story.
Decide what you’re willing to put into the process of bringing new success into your life. If you don’t allow yourself enough room to run, you’ll never fly.
Dan, What you state is so true.
I remember being a kid and thinking school was just “easy” for some of the kids that got good grades. But my parents didn’t let me off that easy. They pointed out that I didn’t see the hours after the kids went home at night where they worked hard on their materials. I was taught to do my best and not give up.
Thank you for encouraging and challenging us. We all need to invest in ourselves (time, money, effort, feeding our mind) in order to see great results.
Marcy,
Thanks for your comments. That investment in ourselves really is an “investment’ not an expense. If people believed that it would seem an obvious choice. Thanks for believing –
Spot on Dan! I’ve given out free coaching before. What I’ve found is people don’t take it seriously when they get it free. When there’s money on the line you don’t want to feel like it’s wasted. Investing in coaching has helped my progress more than anything.
Kimanzi,
No cost – no value. How many times have we seen people’s response on that issue?
Definitely! You know, I used to think that way, too. “What?? I can’t afford that!” And where did that get me? Nowhere. How can you correct your stinkin’ thinkin’ without the right tools? Over the past several months, my thinking patterns have changed. It really IS an investment that will greatly pay off, not only for me, but for my children as well. I’ve found that I get “reimbursed” (so to speak) for the expense, too. One big investment is coming up tomorrow & Friday. God has made a way for me to attend the Global Leadership Summit. I’m very excited to find out what He wants me to learn!
Thanks Dan – I needed this. Probably like a lot of your readers, I get frustrated and anxious that things are not coming along as expected – like pursuing that dream job or business. I always have to remember that it’s a process like anything else…and that includes learning (and spending the money to learn) no matter how little each day. It’s those consistent action steps that will eventually get you to where you want to be – whether that’s six months or six years from now. I appreciate all of your guidance in this journey.
I needed that reminder, too, Phil. Thanks!
Phil,
Thanks for your comments.
Thank you Dan for your encouragement. These are all things that I am learning. Even though I have been blessed, I learned that just like with family I have to invest and give it my all. Now I am back in school and investing in my education and moving towards my hopes and my dreams. Keep up the good work Dan and I look forward to reading and investing in my future!
Well said. Thanks for writing this piece.
Dan:
First, thank you for your blog posts, I do enjoy reading them and they have been encouraging to me. I was wondering if you have had any takers on your challenge yet? I would be willing to take that challenge, maybe even blog about it (something I have never done before).
Years ago I was a freelance musician, but for the last few years have been in a 9-5 job that I like OK, but there is very little room for growth there and I would like to grow my music again. During the year I have read a couple of books: Jon Acuff’s Quitter and Seth Godin The Dip the most notable.
So, I am willing to commit to 30 minutes of reading positive materials for the next 6 months and I will try to apply those things that I read therein. In fact, I just picked up an eBook to start with. Maybe you have heard about it, it is called “48 Days to the Work You Love”. LOL!!!
Thank you again Dan for your blog. I look forward to your challenge.
Charles,
Absolutely go for it. There’s no official entry process – I’ve hear from lots of people who have said they are going to do it. Just track your process – and let me know your results.
Dan,
I’d love to take you up on your challenge. I try to read and listen to positive things, but it’s more haphazard and probably not 30 minutes a day. I am also interested in seeing the results of such an experiment!
Karen,
Structure it any way you’d like. Anything you do in this area will move you forward.
Challenge accepted! This is just the encouragement I needed today. I am embarrassed to admit I spend 30 min per day (at least) on Facebook just to decompress from my high stress job. This would be a much better way to spend some/all of that time.
Tammy,
I’m confident you’ll be surprised and awed at what’s going to open up for you.
I was just thinking about this yesterday. I know I have heard you talk about this before. I just started a new job in outside sales and marketing – something I am going to love to do with my talents and abilities. this is something that could revolutionize my productivity. I will commit to this and let you know how it goes. Should I start with one of your books? HAHA! I think Ive already read them a couple times! Thanks for the encouragement!
Just wanted to let you know Dan, that I am recommending your podcast to everyone I know! Also I decided I would see if I could get our county library to buy an audio copy of your book “48 days to the work you love” and also “when passion meets wisdom”. I am hoping that I can help the people in my small community realize the extreme value that your podcast has for everyone. I hope they can catch the spirit of the concept like I feel I have and share it with everyone! Thanks Dan for your life’s work! I think you will leave a great legacy for everyone who knows you.
Love this line: “It perplexes me to think that anyone expects to get a great job or start a successful business without first putting forth a little effort. I’ve never seen success sneak up on someone; rather, I see it come as a result of having a clear personalized plan of action, and then investing the hard work and resources to allow success to come into view.”
I’ve seen this played out time and time again in my coaching practice. Dream, Plan, ACT. Yes, and plenty of hard work and sheer grit and relentless determination.
Read this yesterday. Can’t stop thinking about it so I am going to accept the challenge. Now the question is what to read. Suggestions? I have already read 48 days.
Becky,
You can always browse through me recommended reading list:
https://www.48days.com/reading/
Thanks I ordered 3 from your list. They are See you at the top, POP and What’s holding you back. Can’t wait to get them.
Becky – you’re on your way!
#truth
Enough said.
I will take you up on this challenge starting today!
Hi Dan – I started a week ago. I’ll document the books that I read, materials that I listen too, and my income increase. I’m setting my goal to triple my income.
I am going to start a blog documenting me doing this challenge.