Note from Jonathan: I’m excited to introduce to you this guest post from Mike Routen of Route to Freedom. Mike is someone to look up to when it comes to taking risks and living a life of adventure. I’m grateful to share his important message with you here.
Its funny how we can put on virtual blinders and not be aware of the many possibilities that life presents to us.
This state of mind almost kept me from one of the greatest experiences of my life, Antarctica!
PS: Anything you can do to help share this on your blog, Facebook, Twitter or wherever you hang out is much appreciated. We need to get this message spread!
I have a vision for my work, and my writing.
And I confess, sometimes I stray from that vision.
Sometimes I lose track of what I really want to say, and start thinking about what might be popular instead. Rather than creating something I feel inspired by, I start thinking about what might be viral.
And then I slap myself.
Every time I’ve written something that matters, I’ve allowed my energy to be unrestrained. I’ve poured my heart out because I can’t contain it.
If you’re like most people, you have no problem working hard, and making sacrifices to reach your goals.
We’re told stories about great heroes and revolutionaries that defied the odds by working hard, giving things up and making tough choices. You realize that sometimes you need to suck it up and grind when the going gets tough.
It’s a game of Joy Someday. You’ve gotta put in the time if you want to make it happen. The spoils go to those who tough it out.
You have a great idea. You’ve got plans. Well-thought-out plans, as a matter of fact.
You have advice from mentors and you even have data to back up your strategies. You’ve scoured the campaigns and case studies of other successful projects.
But then comes the blinding truth of reality.
Your plans don’t match up with what you’re experiencing in the world.
You have two choices: rigidly stick to the plan, or change course mid-stream.
The difference between mediocre success and legacy creators is defined by these crux decisions.
