So you think it might be time to start your own business, eh? Thinking about entering into the world of the Entrepreneur? Are you disciplined enough?
There is much required of you when making the leap of Faith to do so. More than just money to invest, time to invest, books to read, cds to listen to, meetings and seminars to attend. Oh yes, much more than that will be required of you if you are going to succeed in your own business.
Ever since we were young we have been trained up to obey orders in our life. As a young child it was your parents who instructed you on what was right and wrong. Then we enter our school years and our teachers began to instruct us. Finally we enter our adulthood and for 95% of us our boss continues the pattern.
What time you wake up in the morning, where you live, what you drive, when you take your vacations and so on are generally determined by your job. I chuckle when I think back to high school and see the similarities of working a job vs. attending school. The evidence that we are trained up and programmed to perform certain responsibilities each day are too similar.
Mon-Fri you attend school from 7amET - 3pmET, amazing, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. The typical expression for a full time job is working Mon-Fri from 9amET - 5pmET, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. In school you were told when you were to switch classes. At work you are told when you can take a cigarette break. At school you had a set time for lunch. At work, you do too!! At school you needed permission from your teacher, or the principal, to take time off from school for whatever reason. At work you have to request time off from your boss. We can go on, but I think you get the point.
As an Entrepreneur there is no one that is going to stand over you and tell you when and where you need to be everyday. What projects need to be completed? How many hours per day you are going to work? How much money you will earn every week for doing so? Oh no, it is nothing like that at all. As a matter of fact, if you are not self disciplined enough to work, even when you don't want to, there is no way you will ever make it as an Entrepreneur.
So I ask the question again, "Are you disciplined enough?"
Are you willing to get out of bed everyday and work 8-10 hours, or more if required, without having to report to anyone? Are you willing to work hard without much compensation at the start of your business venture? Are you willing to invest time and money into getting your company up and running? Can you handle the criticism and negative feedback of your peers and family while you start to pursue your dream of becoming financially free? Will you commit to your business plan, making necessary changes as you go, and persevere long enough for your business to establish itself successfully in the marketplace? Will you consistently do what it takes, long enough, without needing to be told what to do next?
When you are your own boss, you must hold yourself accountable. If you don't get up in the morning and go to work, work won't get done. It may seem like an easy thing to do, however, it is an even easier thing not to do!
I have been an Entrepreneur since 1999, and let me tell you, it has not been easy. There have been plenty of times when I chose to play with my kids instead of make phone calls that needed to be made for our business. Slept in late and missed important phone calls and/or appointments. Procrastinated getting work done and wasted entire days doing nothing. The list goes on, however, there is one thing that I did do right......
I kept moving forward. Over the years my wife and I both have learned how to utilize our time efficiently. How to be great stewards with money, not to focus on how much you make but how much you keep. Proven the theory that written goals are much more effective than not writing them down. Waking up in the morning when you don't want to is necessary, and also staying up late, in order to build a successful business. That delaying your gratification for just a little while can lead to much better decisions long term. We realized that we are not perfect, only Jesus can make claim to that, yet were determined, committed, and willing to persevere long enough, until we were able to get it right!
How long will it take? Only God knows, each of us are different. For us it has taken nearly 12 years, however, the results were worth the investment!
So, how about it? Are you disciplined enough? We believe in you! Make the decision to get started, and do it today.....
In Christ,
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage
Isagenix Nutritional Cleansing
Showing posts with label the Unaverage Average. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the Unaverage Average. Show all posts
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The weakest link...
Saturday afternoon we spent time with Josh and Karly Knapp, and family, in Kalamazoo. Our two families are quickly becoming very good friends! Around 6pm or so we decided to visit Apple Knockers in Vicksburg for an ice cream. Yummy....! Afterwards we walked to the local park so our kids could run out some energy before we ended our visit and returned back to Allegan.
While at the park, my oldest son Talen, was on the swing. One of my favorite things to do is twist my kids up in the swings and let them fly! So I did, and he had a blast. This of course led to the other kids, Tyrus and Alexis, wanting to do the same. Once they had finished, I asked Talen if he wanted to go again, this time we would twist him to the maximum and see how fast we could get him zinging!! Talen was all for it! He sat on the swing and I began to twist. Higher and higher and higher, to the point where he barely had anywhere to hold on and there was no more chain to twist. He was literally higher in the air than I am tall. As I released him, giving him a bit of an extra push to start the spinning out quickly, he was off, and I mean he was flying. As we watched him spin, round and round and round, about halfway through the ride, one of the links snapped, and Talen quickly found himself lying on his back laughing and also wondering what had happened. As for the rest of us, we were laughing and in shock that this happened. Nobody was hurt and the experience was very much enjoyable.
After this had happened, while we went back to our vehicles to head home, I told Josh that somehow I was going to turn this event into an article. I mentioned to him that there must be a lesson we can learn so that the article will have value to those who are reading it. With some thought, we came up with, "The weakest link."
So here is the lesson. As we learned from this experience, Talen, Tyrus and Alexis, all spun on the swing. However, when Talen went the second time, something happened. Just one of the links snapped, and the chain was broken. Can anyone say teamwork? Think about each link on the swing as a member of a team. When each link is working in unison with each other, everything works properly. However, should even just one link break, the whole team feels the effect. It only takes one sour grape to ruin the bunch.
Teamwork is extremely important for just about anything you do in life. At your job, there is a team of people who are each responsible for a particular task.
Many times you will hear of situations or circumstances where someone on the team is not performing their job to the best of their ability. When that happens other people have to pick up the slack. This can cause animosity amongst the team and create major issues in the overall productivity.
Yet there are other circumstances where the team members not only perform their job with high levels of productivity, they also go over and beyond their call of duty. Thus creating a team which is strong and capable of handling any task sent their way. There is power in working together as a team.
As another example, think about a family. First of all there is the mom and dad. Before becoming a couple, each was their own individual. Once getting involved in a relationship, they then became a team of two. It does require work to make a relationship last, and it will require effort and sacrifice on both parties to make it happen. Then enters children. Now the team just became larger. Each member of the family has its role to play in the team, especially as the family/team continues to grow. In our family we are known as, Team Curtis Family. Melisa and I have four children. When all six of us are working together as a team, life can be pretty good. However, should even one of us, adults or children, not play our role, things can get crazy, FAST!!
Dads are expected to work and take care of the financial aspects of the relationship, while also devoting his time to the family. Moms are always busy taking care of the house, raising the children, supporting dad, just to list a few. (Women/Moms are amazing!!) Then the older kids are needed to help with chores around the home, in addition to their studies, and also assisting with their younger siblings. The younger children also play a huge role on the team.
It is their job to keep their older brothers and sisters in line. They have to lead by example, constantly reminding their older siblings to stop fighting, wash the dishes, and do their homework. Heh heh, and you think I am joking!! (Well, kinda, but if you have younger children you know what I mean!)
My point is, regardless as to the exact circumstances, or situation, when you work as a team, productivity is at its peak potential. Six hands working on the same project will always outperform one, in theory anyhow! There is power in numbers.
So remember, the next time you are working on a project at work, cleaning the kitchen after dinner, or twisting on the swings at the park, it only takes one weak link to break the chain. Work as a team, grow as a team, and win as a team!
Blessed to be a Blessing,
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage
While at the park, my oldest son Talen, was on the swing. One of my favorite things to do is twist my kids up in the swings and let them fly! So I did, and he had a blast. This of course led to the other kids, Tyrus and Alexis, wanting to do the same. Once they had finished, I asked Talen if he wanted to go again, this time we would twist him to the maximum and see how fast we could get him zinging!! Talen was all for it! He sat on the swing and I began to twist. Higher and higher and higher, to the point where he barely had anywhere to hold on and there was no more chain to twist. He was literally higher in the air than I am tall. As I released him, giving him a bit of an extra push to start the spinning out quickly, he was off, and I mean he was flying. As we watched him spin, round and round and round, about halfway through the ride, one of the links snapped, and Talen quickly found himself lying on his back laughing and also wondering what had happened. As for the rest of us, we were laughing and in shock that this happened. Nobody was hurt and the experience was very much enjoyable.
After this had happened, while we went back to our vehicles to head home, I told Josh that somehow I was going to turn this event into an article. I mentioned to him that there must be a lesson we can learn so that the article will have value to those who are reading it. With some thought, we came up with, "The weakest link."
So here is the lesson. As we learned from this experience, Talen, Tyrus and Alexis, all spun on the swing. However, when Talen went the second time, something happened. Just one of the links snapped, and the chain was broken. Can anyone say teamwork? Think about each link on the swing as a member of a team. When each link is working in unison with each other, everything works properly. However, should even just one link break, the whole team feels the effect. It only takes one sour grape to ruin the bunch.
Teamwork is extremely important for just about anything you do in life. At your job, there is a team of people who are each responsible for a particular task.
Many times you will hear of situations or circumstances where someone on the team is not performing their job to the best of their ability. When that happens other people have to pick up the slack. This can cause animosity amongst the team and create major issues in the overall productivity.
Yet there are other circumstances where the team members not only perform their job with high levels of productivity, they also go over and beyond their call of duty. Thus creating a team which is strong and capable of handling any task sent their way. There is power in working together as a team.
As another example, think about a family. First of all there is the mom and dad. Before becoming a couple, each was their own individual. Once getting involved in a relationship, they then became a team of two. It does require work to make a relationship last, and it will require effort and sacrifice on both parties to make it happen. Then enters children. Now the team just became larger. Each member of the family has its role to play in the team, especially as the family/team continues to grow. In our family we are known as, Team Curtis Family. Melisa and I have four children. When all six of us are working together as a team, life can be pretty good. However, should even one of us, adults or children, not play our role, things can get crazy, FAST!!
Dads are expected to work and take care of the financial aspects of the relationship, while also devoting his time to the family. Moms are always busy taking care of the house, raising the children, supporting dad, just to list a few. (Women/Moms are amazing!!) Then the older kids are needed to help with chores around the home, in addition to their studies, and also assisting with their younger siblings. The younger children also play a huge role on the team.
It is their job to keep their older brothers and sisters in line. They have to lead by example, constantly reminding their older siblings to stop fighting, wash the dishes, and do their homework. Heh heh, and you think I am joking!! (Well, kinda, but if you have younger children you know what I mean!)
My point is, regardless as to the exact circumstances, or situation, when you work as a team, productivity is at its peak potential. Six hands working on the same project will always outperform one, in theory anyhow! There is power in numbers.
So remember, the next time you are working on a project at work, cleaning the kitchen after dinner, or twisting on the swings at the park, it only takes one weak link to break the chain. Work as a team, grow as a team, and win as a team!
Blessed to be a Blessing,
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
It pays to be patient!
So what exactly does it mean by delaying your gratification anyhow? Patience is not something we are born with, though some personality types are pretty laid back and seem to have more of it than others!
Over the years it has been my observation that when we take our time and think over any decision we make, the outcome is generally better than if we act on impulse. Naturally, as humans, when we want something, we hate to have to wait for it. We want it now!! This type of emotion can really get us into major trouble. There is a 4 letter word that comes to mind when talking about this subject. Anyone care to guess what it is?
D-E-B-T, debt!! Since we live in an instant gratification world, if you can't afford it, charge it. Watched any television lately? Have you seen the ads for new vehicles by chance? Do you notice their marketing plan is to influence you to go finance a new car? The majority of America drives around in vehicles that they couldn't afford. There is nothing financially smart about leasing or financing a vehicle. However, most people when they go to buy a new car only care about one thing, getting the new car! As long as they can afford the monthly payment, they don't care about the interest and payments for the next 5 years. (How many people get that car, then within 12 months, are already wanting a new one?)
Take that scenario above and think about what happens next. You take your car in, after only owning it and making payments on it for 12 months, and try to trade it in. Your car, which you financed $26,000, is now only worth $14,000 for the trade-in and you still owe $23,000 on your loan. Uh-oh, that is negative equity, and that is definitely not good. How many people then try to roll over that negative equity into an upgrade, using some of the available rebates, and finance the new car, which was sticker priced at $35,000, yet your loan is for $39,000? Ahhhhh, you got the new car you wanted, more debt, more negative equity, and a higher monthly payment. :-(
Lets look at this situation from a different perspective. Lets say you wanted this nice car, which brand new would cost you $26,000. Though you could put 20% down, and finance the rest, you decided to delay your gratification. Instead for the next 12 months you continued to drive your existing car, which you owned outright, and set aside money each month in your budget to save for a new car. Now you decide it is time to get the car. Instead of looking for one that was brand new, you find the make and model of the car you want, which happens to be a year old now and has 11,000 miles on it. Because you delayed your gratification, and saved money for the past 12 months, you make an offer of $14,000 cash, and they take it! So, what happened?
Because you waited 12 months and saved your money, you were still able to buy the car you wanted, however, it was a year older with 11,000 miles on it, but you saved $12,000 plus interest. This is just one example of delayed gratification.
Now without thinking on the lines of debt, let's talk about the harder form of delayed gratification. That would be not buying something, though you have the money and can afford it. One of my mentors once said, "If you think spending money is hard when you don't have any, having money and not spending it is even harder." Can you fathom that? If you have the money, why wouldn't you buy what you want?
And the survey says? That is the reason you have a lot of money. Heh heh, think about it. The people who learn to delay their gratification, make smart investments with their money, and put off buying pleasurables until they really can afford it, avoid the trap that most of us fall into. Instead of getting what they want through acquiring debt, they save and invest, then pay cash for what they want. You will quickly realize, the more money you have, that cash is simply a tool. Once you are able to purchase anything you want, the things you want change.
Delaying your gratification is tough. We live in a world where everyone judges you based on your status in the community. It is sad how we live our lives, more concerned about what other people think of us, as opposed to living below our means and making smart decisions for ourselves. We make impulsive decisions that cost us big dividends in the long run just to "show off" our success. Before you make any major decisions in your life, in any area of your life not just financial, set a new 24 hour rule for yourself. Never buy on impulse, always think it through overnight. Ask yourself; Do we need it? Is it worth it? Can we afford it? Why do we want it? Is it a good investment? What is our return on investment?
You will be surprised at how thinking a decision through, being patient, can save you from making some really big mistakes. We are not perfect, and have learned by making plenty of mistakes ourselves. Though delaying our gratification is not always fun, in the end, it has always paid off!
Blessings,
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage
Over the years it has been my observation that when we take our time and think over any decision we make, the outcome is generally better than if we act on impulse. Naturally, as humans, when we want something, we hate to have to wait for it. We want it now!! This type of emotion can really get us into major trouble. There is a 4 letter word that comes to mind when talking about this subject. Anyone care to guess what it is?
D-E-B-T, debt!! Since we live in an instant gratification world, if you can't afford it, charge it. Watched any television lately? Have you seen the ads for new vehicles by chance? Do you notice their marketing plan is to influence you to go finance a new car? The majority of America drives around in vehicles that they couldn't afford. There is nothing financially smart about leasing or financing a vehicle. However, most people when they go to buy a new car only care about one thing, getting the new car! As long as they can afford the monthly payment, they don't care about the interest and payments for the next 5 years. (How many people get that car, then within 12 months, are already wanting a new one?)
Take that scenario above and think about what happens next. You take your car in, after only owning it and making payments on it for 12 months, and try to trade it in. Your car, which you financed $26,000, is now only worth $14,000 for the trade-in and you still owe $23,000 on your loan. Uh-oh, that is negative equity, and that is definitely not good. How many people then try to roll over that negative equity into an upgrade, using some of the available rebates, and finance the new car, which was sticker priced at $35,000, yet your loan is for $39,000? Ahhhhh, you got the new car you wanted, more debt, more negative equity, and a higher monthly payment. :-(
Lets look at this situation from a different perspective. Lets say you wanted this nice car, which brand new would cost you $26,000. Though you could put 20% down, and finance the rest, you decided to delay your gratification. Instead for the next 12 months you continued to drive your existing car, which you owned outright, and set aside money each month in your budget to save for a new car. Now you decide it is time to get the car. Instead of looking for one that was brand new, you find the make and model of the car you want, which happens to be a year old now and has 11,000 miles on it. Because you delayed your gratification, and saved money for the past 12 months, you make an offer of $14,000 cash, and they take it! So, what happened?
Because you waited 12 months and saved your money, you were still able to buy the car you wanted, however, it was a year older with 11,000 miles on it, but you saved $12,000 plus interest. This is just one example of delayed gratification.
Now without thinking on the lines of debt, let's talk about the harder form of delayed gratification. That would be not buying something, though you have the money and can afford it. One of my mentors once said, "If you think spending money is hard when you don't have any, having money and not spending it is even harder." Can you fathom that? If you have the money, why wouldn't you buy what you want?
And the survey says? That is the reason you have a lot of money. Heh heh, think about it. The people who learn to delay their gratification, make smart investments with their money, and put off buying pleasurables until they really can afford it, avoid the trap that most of us fall into. Instead of getting what they want through acquiring debt, they save and invest, then pay cash for what they want. You will quickly realize, the more money you have, that cash is simply a tool. Once you are able to purchase anything you want, the things you want change.
Delaying your gratification is tough. We live in a world where everyone judges you based on your status in the community. It is sad how we live our lives, more concerned about what other people think of us, as opposed to living below our means and making smart decisions for ourselves. We make impulsive decisions that cost us big dividends in the long run just to "show off" our success. Before you make any major decisions in your life, in any area of your life not just financial, set a new 24 hour rule for yourself. Never buy on impulse, always think it through overnight. Ask yourself; Do we need it? Is it worth it? Can we afford it? Why do we want it? Is it a good investment? What is our return on investment?
You will be surprised at how thinking a decision through, being patient, can save you from making some really big mistakes. We are not perfect, and have learned by making plenty of mistakes ourselves. Though delaying our gratification is not always fun, in the end, it has always paid off!
Blessings,
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The invisible realm...
In a previous article I had talked about being consistent when building an internet business even though there might not be measurable results at the start. Regardless as to what results might be, or might not be, visible, never underestimate what is happening in the invisible realm...
There is a saying that says, "what you do today will affect tomorrow," or "the results you have in life today are a reflection of the decisions you made in the past." This illustrates the point that something is happening whether you realize it or not.
We did get involved in a couple of business opportunities, while on our journey to find the best home business for us, where we learned the truth of the invisible realm the hard way. Let me explain!
When we started building our very first internet business, we began putting advertisement out all over the net. Our friends and family were quickly aware that we were building a business, as they seen our advertising and products when they came to our home. There were cds, dvds, newspapers, brochures, etc. that we began sending out to people who shown an interest in our opportunity. Everything we did always had our name, phone number, email address, and website on it.
For about 6 months we were consistently at it. My wife and I were just sure with all this effort we would certainly have 100's of people chasing us down and becoming customers. Though we did see some results, not much, we started to get burnt out. We didn't understand why this was happening? What were we doing wrong? Slowly our efforts began to decrease and we were starting to get discouraged.
Interestingly enough after we had all but stopped all of our advertising efforts, it seemed business started getting busy. We were receiving emails and phone calls in regards to our business. There were orders being made on our website and we had no idea where they were coming from. When we spoke with some of the people who were responding they were telling us how they found one of our cds at a friends house. Or how they inquired about our products months ago but were not able to get started at that time and now they are ready. One guy even said that my brother told them about our business and gave him a dvd! We were reaping what we sowed!!
As you can imagine we were pretty doggone excited, so we decided to start back our advertising, sending the cds, dvds, newspapers, brochures, etc. in order to keep the momentum going. You probably guessed it, since we did stop our advertising for a few months, eventually the flurry of activity we had died off and we were back to working hard with little results again. Even though we knew what happened last time, we just plain gave up. A few months after we quit the business we found another opportunity. Now here is the kicker, we had people who started calling us about the other company we used to be in. Again, the seeds we sowed were starting to sprout, though it was too late. There was even one lady who we spoke with more than a year prior who was finally ready to get involved, and we were no longer with the company anymore. :-(
So here is my point! You have to realize that everything you do will have a consequence. Sometimes it will be an immediate return, however, in most cases there will be a period of time that goes by before your result is manifested.
This is another reason why it is very, very important that you decide what business you want to get involved with. Make sure it is something you are passionate about and are willing to commit long term, NO MATTER WHAT! Looking back on it, if my wife and I would have never left that initial opportunity.....?
Ah well, the best learning opportunities generally come when you make mistakes. So here we are today, we understand that there is an invisible realm, that everything we do today will affect tomorrow. There are times when it doesn't look like our business is growing, and other times when it is exploding. The important ingredient is to remain consistent. Your efforts will pay big dividends once you understand how this works. It is kinda like the "law of Karma." You know, "what goes around comes around." If you plant good seeds, then you will reap a good harvest!
Learn to use the invisible realm to your advantage. Believe in what you are doing, set a plan of action which consists of daily, consistent activities, and execute your plan with Faith knowing that your desired end result is within reach and will come to pass.
Many people will get started, sadly, only a few will finish what they start! As Winston Churchill said, "Never, Never, Never Give up!"
In Christ,
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage
There is a saying that says, "what you do today will affect tomorrow," or "the results you have in life today are a reflection of the decisions you made in the past." This illustrates the point that something is happening whether you realize it or not.
We did get involved in a couple of business opportunities, while on our journey to find the best home business for us, where we learned the truth of the invisible realm the hard way. Let me explain!
When we started building our very first internet business, we began putting advertisement out all over the net. Our friends and family were quickly aware that we were building a business, as they seen our advertising and products when they came to our home. There were cds, dvds, newspapers, brochures, etc. that we began sending out to people who shown an interest in our opportunity. Everything we did always had our name, phone number, email address, and website on it.
For about 6 months we were consistently at it. My wife and I were just sure with all this effort we would certainly have 100's of people chasing us down and becoming customers. Though we did see some results, not much, we started to get burnt out. We didn't understand why this was happening? What were we doing wrong? Slowly our efforts began to decrease and we were starting to get discouraged.
Interestingly enough after we had all but stopped all of our advertising efforts, it seemed business started getting busy. We were receiving emails and phone calls in regards to our business. There were orders being made on our website and we had no idea where they were coming from. When we spoke with some of the people who were responding they were telling us how they found one of our cds at a friends house. Or how they inquired about our products months ago but were not able to get started at that time and now they are ready. One guy even said that my brother told them about our business and gave him a dvd! We were reaping what we sowed!!
As you can imagine we were pretty doggone excited, so we decided to start back our advertising, sending the cds, dvds, newspapers, brochures, etc. in order to keep the momentum going. You probably guessed it, since we did stop our advertising for a few months, eventually the flurry of activity we had died off and we were back to working hard with little results again. Even though we knew what happened last time, we just plain gave up. A few months after we quit the business we found another opportunity. Now here is the kicker, we had people who started calling us about the other company we used to be in. Again, the seeds we sowed were starting to sprout, though it was too late. There was even one lady who we spoke with more than a year prior who was finally ready to get involved, and we were no longer with the company anymore. :-(
So here is my point! You have to realize that everything you do will have a consequence. Sometimes it will be an immediate return, however, in most cases there will be a period of time that goes by before your result is manifested.
This is another reason why it is very, very important that you decide what business you want to get involved with. Make sure it is something you are passionate about and are willing to commit long term, NO MATTER WHAT! Looking back on it, if my wife and I would have never left that initial opportunity.....?
Ah well, the best learning opportunities generally come when you make mistakes. So here we are today, we understand that there is an invisible realm, that everything we do today will affect tomorrow. There are times when it doesn't look like our business is growing, and other times when it is exploding. The important ingredient is to remain consistent. Your efforts will pay big dividends once you understand how this works. It is kinda like the "law of Karma." You know, "what goes around comes around." If you plant good seeds, then you will reap a good harvest!
Learn to use the invisible realm to your advantage. Believe in what you are doing, set a plan of action which consists of daily, consistent activities, and execute your plan with Faith knowing that your desired end result is within reach and will come to pass.
Many people will get started, sadly, only a few will finish what they start! As Winston Churchill said, "Never, Never, Never Give up!"
In Christ,
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage
Monday, June 28, 2010
The more you get to know them...
We have all met people we don't know for a first time. Generally most people are consciously aware that making a first good impression is important. However, what I have found to be of more value is the authenticity of a persons character the more you get to know them....
This is very obvious with children. Have one of your children's friends come over to stay the night and you will more than likely see their best side. It is easy, and requires very little effort, to act in a way, that you want people to think, is how you are for short periods of time. However, keep these kids at your home for more than a night and usually by the 2nd day you start to see their true colors.
Too many times we are fooled by the impression we make of someone when we first meet. This is also why it is important that we don't give too much trust to someone that we do not really know. Take for example young couples who start dating. Many young people make the mistake of thinking they are in love way too early in a relationship. If you want to know whether or not the person you are having feelings for is your "night in shining armor", the best thing you can do is get to know them better, and this will take some time.
In the business world it is extremely important that you are who you say you are. Whether you are at work, at home, at church, at the mall, or anywhere else for that matter, you need to be you. Don't be two faced! There is nothing worse than meeting someone, just to find out later they were not the person you thought they were. Character does matter!
Character is what you do, who you are, when no one else is looking. If you act one way when engaged with others, however, act completely different when no one else is around, then you have a Character flaw. Sooner or later people will see the real you.
It is just like the boy who always lies. He will tell his friend one story, his teacher another, and yet his parents a completely different story than he told the first two. Think about how difficult it is to not only remember your lies, but who you told what to? Would it not be easier to just tell the Truth, ALL THE TIME?
Though first impressions are important, lets make sure we are not trying to fool people into thinking we are something that we are not. Take pride in your Character, live your life with Integrity, and cherish your relationships!
Have a blessed day!
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage
This is very obvious with children. Have one of your children's friends come over to stay the night and you will more than likely see their best side. It is easy, and requires very little effort, to act in a way, that you want people to think, is how you are for short periods of time. However, keep these kids at your home for more than a night and usually by the 2nd day you start to see their true colors.
Too many times we are fooled by the impression we make of someone when we first meet. This is also why it is important that we don't give too much trust to someone that we do not really know. Take for example young couples who start dating. Many young people make the mistake of thinking they are in love way too early in a relationship. If you want to know whether or not the person you are having feelings for is your "night in shining armor", the best thing you can do is get to know them better, and this will take some time.
In the business world it is extremely important that you are who you say you are. Whether you are at work, at home, at church, at the mall, or anywhere else for that matter, you need to be you. Don't be two faced! There is nothing worse than meeting someone, just to find out later they were not the person you thought they were. Character does matter!
Character is what you do, who you are, when no one else is looking. If you act one way when engaged with others, however, act completely different when no one else is around, then you have a Character flaw. Sooner or later people will see the real you.
It is just like the boy who always lies. He will tell his friend one story, his teacher another, and yet his parents a completely different story than he told the first two. Think about how difficult it is to not only remember your lies, but who you told what to? Would it not be easier to just tell the Truth, ALL THE TIME?
Though first impressions are important, lets make sure we are not trying to fool people into thinking we are something that we are not. Take pride in your Character, live your life with Integrity, and cherish your relationships!
Have a blessed day!
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Living a life of gratitude...
Everyday is a new experience. Some mornings as we awake the sun is shining, birds are chirping, there is a nice cool breeze blowing through the trees..... Yet there are other mornings, like that of today, when you are literally woke up by the sounds of crashing thunder, the sky is lit up with lightning, and the rain is pouring down. Power surges throughout the house. What incredible power God can display! Nature is truly remarkable...
Each morning, regardless as to the circumstances with the weather, employment, financial challenges, relationship issues, and so on, it is important that we see the good of our situation. To learn to appreciate the blessings that we currently have and get to experience. The fact that we are alive and have the incredible ability to grow, change, love, care, prosper, see, taste, touch, and live life! To have a roof over our head, food on the table, clothes to wear, car(s) to drive, and much, much more!
To live a life of gratitude is to spend time noticing that which you do have. Those in your life that you do love and they love you. All the opportunity and material pleasures that each of us have been blessed with. It is consciously making the decision to love life and embrace change. Every morning we are given another gift! How do you choose to use your gifts?
Many people seem to get caught up on the negative events, or circumstances, of their life experience instead of focusing on all the good. It is easier to see the negativity in our lives, as opposed to the positive. I challenge you today to unplug your mind from any negative, focus on the positive side of life. Not everything in life will be perfect. You won't always be able to keep a positive attitude. There are times on our journey when we will be confused and have a lack of understanding why certain events are occurring. However, all this will come to pass, and in the process you must be grateful for the person each adversity has molded you to become.
When you come to a place of understanding that we are constantly growing, that challenges and struggles are part of everyone's life, then you can learn to embrace these situations. You can learn to live a life of gratitude, giving praise for every blessing, big or small. Nobody said life was going to be easy, however, it sure is one heck of an experience. There is no better movie, than that of the one you are currently filming, everyday of your life.
We are a blessed people! Give God some praise this morning. Thank Him for all your blessings and start to live your life with more gratitude today!
"Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change!"
You are awesome!
In Christ,
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage
Each morning, regardless as to the circumstances with the weather, employment, financial challenges, relationship issues, and so on, it is important that we see the good of our situation. To learn to appreciate the blessings that we currently have and get to experience. The fact that we are alive and have the incredible ability to grow, change, love, care, prosper, see, taste, touch, and live life! To have a roof over our head, food on the table, clothes to wear, car(s) to drive, and much, much more!
To live a life of gratitude is to spend time noticing that which you do have. Those in your life that you do love and they love you. All the opportunity and material pleasures that each of us have been blessed with. It is consciously making the decision to love life and embrace change. Every morning we are given another gift! How do you choose to use your gifts?
Many people seem to get caught up on the negative events, or circumstances, of their life experience instead of focusing on all the good. It is easier to see the negativity in our lives, as opposed to the positive. I challenge you today to unplug your mind from any negative, focus on the positive side of life. Not everything in life will be perfect. You won't always be able to keep a positive attitude. There are times on our journey when we will be confused and have a lack of understanding why certain events are occurring. However, all this will come to pass, and in the process you must be grateful for the person each adversity has molded you to become.
When you come to a place of understanding that we are constantly growing, that challenges and struggles are part of everyone's life, then you can learn to embrace these situations. You can learn to live a life of gratitude, giving praise for every blessing, big or small. Nobody said life was going to be easy, however, it sure is one heck of an experience. There is no better movie, than that of the one you are currently filming, everyday of your life.
We are a blessed people! Give God some praise this morning. Thank Him for all your blessings and start to live your life with more gratitude today!
"Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change!"
You are awesome!
In Christ,
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage
Friday, June 25, 2010
Article writing is a learned skill...
In 2005 I shut down my very successful carpet company in Virginia very suddenly. Many people thought I lost my mind. If you knew that I was letting go a half million dollar per year business and partnering with a complete stranger in an industry I knew nothing about, you'd probably agree with my critics!
I remember once we made the move getting a brand new HP laptop computer that was way more advanced than any PC I ever owner prior to that. Even more, with my carpet company I never used a computer. I was very old fashioned, did everything by hand, and still have the filing cabinets full of paperwork to prove it!
My partner on the other hand was a College Graduate for computer technology. This dude is a freaking whiz on the computer. I remember the first time I went to his house and he was working online. He was fast when it came to typing, and his ability to type good quality articles was amazing. He told me, "my fingers type what I think, simple as that!" What an awesome skill. Me, on the other hand, I remember him asking me to copy and paste something and I didn't even know how to do that. :-)
There was a time when I really thought there was no way I could ever write articles. It took forever just to draft a basic email, so the thought of typing sales copy, or articles, for any internet based business seemed highly unlikely. Besides, how would I know what to type about anyhow? I just wasn't creative enough to make it happen.
Interestingly enough, over the years a few things started to happen. We had many failed business ventures, and our share of good ones too. On our journey I have been fortunate enough to mentor with some great thinkers and top income earners in our industry, read hundreds of self development books, listened to countless hours of audio albums, watched many hours of online videos relative to our business and so on. It is amazing the amount of information that you can feed your mind, and when needed, you can log in to your own personal database, subconscious mind, and pull out the necessary files that have been stored throughout your life experience.
Take that ability, which we all have, and 5 years of typing on the computer consistently everyday, and now my fingers type what I think. It is actually very cool! The only thing that I need now is a little inspiration about what to type, then I just sit down behind the computer and allow my thoughts and fingers to do the rest of the work. Mind you, in order to type good articles, it is helpful to consistently continue to add new content to your mind daily.
Qondio has offered a great platform for me to also continue to sharpen my skills. Though I realize I am not the best Blogger or Article writer out there in my niche currently, I am determined to get better. As time goes by it is inevitable that my article writing will take off and all the time, effort, and sacrifice will be worth it!
So if you are just starting out online, or have been marketing for some time, have heard about article writing and think you just can't do it? Think again! Here are a few tips to get you started.
First of all, like many authors talk about when writing a best selling novel, they type everyday. Even when they have no idea what to write about! They simply sit down at their desk and begin to write. After just a little while of doing so, words begin to fill the paper, then your creative mind goes to work.
Second, start off easy. Write about your life experiences, your children, spouse or significant other. Re-live some of the childhood memories you had growing up that helped mold you into the person you are today. How did you get started in your business, job, or current niche? What are your dreams, passions, desires, and goals that you have set forth for you to accomplish on your journey? Blog about your favorite Sports teams, etc.
Finally, just begin, and begin today! There is no greater loss than that of time. Time is the only thing that money cannot buy you back, GUARANTEED!
I am going to begin writing more articles in regards to our home business. Part of what I will do is study videos and literature, while taking notes, then type an article on what I learned. You would be surprised at how easy and effective this is at educating your audience on your product or service.
Take a look at what you are currently doing. How can you use the information that you have learned in a way to teach and educate others. If you offer value to the marketplace, it is guaranteed that you will have an audience that will read your articles. Besides, after a little while of doing it, article writing becomes fun and quite addicting. Give it a try, stick with it, and you won't be sorry! After all article writing is a learned skill, and to get really good at anything, it is going to take time and practice!
In Christ,
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage
I remember once we made the move getting a brand new HP laptop computer that was way more advanced than any PC I ever owner prior to that. Even more, with my carpet company I never used a computer. I was very old fashioned, did everything by hand, and still have the filing cabinets full of paperwork to prove it!
My partner on the other hand was a College Graduate for computer technology. This dude is a freaking whiz on the computer. I remember the first time I went to his house and he was working online. He was fast when it came to typing, and his ability to type good quality articles was amazing. He told me, "my fingers type what I think, simple as that!" What an awesome skill. Me, on the other hand, I remember him asking me to copy and paste something and I didn't even know how to do that. :-)
There was a time when I really thought there was no way I could ever write articles. It took forever just to draft a basic email, so the thought of typing sales copy, or articles, for any internet based business seemed highly unlikely. Besides, how would I know what to type about anyhow? I just wasn't creative enough to make it happen.
Interestingly enough, over the years a few things started to happen. We had many failed business ventures, and our share of good ones too. On our journey I have been fortunate enough to mentor with some great thinkers and top income earners in our industry, read hundreds of self development books, listened to countless hours of audio albums, watched many hours of online videos relative to our business and so on. It is amazing the amount of information that you can feed your mind, and when needed, you can log in to your own personal database, subconscious mind, and pull out the necessary files that have been stored throughout your life experience.
Take that ability, which we all have, and 5 years of typing on the computer consistently everyday, and now my fingers type what I think. It is actually very cool! The only thing that I need now is a little inspiration about what to type, then I just sit down behind the computer and allow my thoughts and fingers to do the rest of the work. Mind you, in order to type good articles, it is helpful to consistently continue to add new content to your mind daily.
Qondio has offered a great platform for me to also continue to sharpen my skills. Though I realize I am not the best Blogger or Article writer out there in my niche currently, I am determined to get better. As time goes by it is inevitable that my article writing will take off and all the time, effort, and sacrifice will be worth it!
So if you are just starting out online, or have been marketing for some time, have heard about article writing and think you just can't do it? Think again! Here are a few tips to get you started.
First of all, like many authors talk about when writing a best selling novel, they type everyday. Even when they have no idea what to write about! They simply sit down at their desk and begin to write. After just a little while of doing so, words begin to fill the paper, then your creative mind goes to work.
Second, start off easy. Write about your life experiences, your children, spouse or significant other. Re-live some of the childhood memories you had growing up that helped mold you into the person you are today. How did you get started in your business, job, or current niche? What are your dreams, passions, desires, and goals that you have set forth for you to accomplish on your journey? Blog about your favorite Sports teams, etc.
Finally, just begin, and begin today! There is no greater loss than that of time. Time is the only thing that money cannot buy you back, GUARANTEED!
I am going to begin writing more articles in regards to our home business. Part of what I will do is study videos and literature, while taking notes, then type an article on what I learned. You would be surprised at how easy and effective this is at educating your audience on your product or service.
Take a look at what you are currently doing. How can you use the information that you have learned in a way to teach and educate others. If you offer value to the marketplace, it is guaranteed that you will have an audience that will read your articles. Besides, after a little while of doing it, article writing becomes fun and quite addicting. Give it a try, stick with it, and you won't be sorry! After all article writing is a learned skill, and to get really good at anything, it is going to take time and practice!
In Christ,
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Modern Day Spamming Technology...
Will it ever end? Of course Spam will not, I am referring to the ignorance of those people who fall for the latest and greatest technological spamming techniques that present themselves in the marketplace.
Anyone else sick and tired of the automated, "make $400/day with our system," calls yet? We thought Social Media spam was annoying, well, this takes the cake. My question again, why are people falling for all this crap?
As we were walking back from the lake this afternoon I had received a call on my Isagenix business line. With some ads on Craigslist, and websites all over the net, it is quite easy to harvest my number. There is nothing more annoying than one of those automated lines promoting the easiest, most cost effective way to have prospects calling me all the time. If their system is so great, then why are they trying to sell me on it? Use the system to build the largest, most profitable business ever and stop wasting time trying to find the next idiot to buy into your idea. (They are making $400/day on the people who actually believe them and buy it!)
OK, so I am a bit irritated with all of this. I apologize in advance, however, it is quite obvious that a large majority of people online are still uneducated. Here is a quick lesson for anyone reading this, are you ready?
In order to build a business and create an income, YOU WILL HAVE TO WORK! There is no lie greater than, "our system will build your business for you." Just plug and play, set and forget, kick back and sip your martini while we do all the work for you is plain NONSENSE!!!!
"Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth."
The only way Spammers will ever cease to exist, this will probably never happen, is for people to stop falling for their tricks. Blackhat marketers are all over the latest and greatest ways to trick average people into giving them money. If people would lose their instant gratification, get rich quick mentality, then the effectiveness of these tactics would cease to exist!
If we were not hard wired with a get rich quick mentality, explain why Lottery sales are still up, even in this down economy? I have used this quote several times, and I will use it again here, "Empty your purse to fill your mind and your mind will fill your purse." Benjamin Franklin understood that the key ingredient for success was education. Spammers are making a ton of money because they are taking advantage of those who are not properly educated.
A quick tip, when you do receive one of those annoying calls, be sure and press 9, as it is supposed to take you off their mailing list. If you sincerely want to make $400/day working from home on the internet, be prepared to have to learn, work hard, sacrifice, and commit for some time in order to make it happen!
You can do it!
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage
P.S. Think about it this way. How long have you been employed? Are you making $400/day yet? How hard do you currently work for what you are making? Now ask yourself if one of these miracle systems sounds realistic? Common Sense could save you a lot of Cent$!!!
Anyone else sick and tired of the automated, "make $400/day with our system," calls yet? We thought Social Media spam was annoying, well, this takes the cake. My question again, why are people falling for all this crap?
As we were walking back from the lake this afternoon I had received a call on my Isagenix business line. With some ads on Craigslist, and websites all over the net, it is quite easy to harvest my number. There is nothing more annoying than one of those automated lines promoting the easiest, most cost effective way to have prospects calling me all the time. If their system is so great, then why are they trying to sell me on it? Use the system to build the largest, most profitable business ever and stop wasting time trying to find the next idiot to buy into your idea. (They are making $400/day on the people who actually believe them and buy it!)
OK, so I am a bit irritated with all of this. I apologize in advance, however, it is quite obvious that a large majority of people online are still uneducated. Here is a quick lesson for anyone reading this, are you ready?
In order to build a business and create an income, YOU WILL HAVE TO WORK! There is no lie greater than, "our system will build your business for you." Just plug and play, set and forget, kick back and sip your martini while we do all the work for you is plain NONSENSE!!!!
"Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth."
The only way Spammers will ever cease to exist, this will probably never happen, is for people to stop falling for their tricks. Blackhat marketers are all over the latest and greatest ways to trick average people into giving them money. If people would lose their instant gratification, get rich quick mentality, then the effectiveness of these tactics would cease to exist!
If we were not hard wired with a get rich quick mentality, explain why Lottery sales are still up, even in this down economy? I have used this quote several times, and I will use it again here, "Empty your purse to fill your mind and your mind will fill your purse." Benjamin Franklin understood that the key ingredient for success was education. Spammers are making a ton of money because they are taking advantage of those who are not properly educated.
A quick tip, when you do receive one of those annoying calls, be sure and press 9, as it is supposed to take you off their mailing list. If you sincerely want to make $400/day working from home on the internet, be prepared to have to learn, work hard, sacrifice, and commit for some time in order to make it happen!
You can do it!
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage
P.S. Think about it this way. How long have you been employed? Are you making $400/day yet? How hard do you currently work for what you are making? Now ask yourself if one of these miracle systems sounds realistic? Common Sense could save you a lot of Cent$!!!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Modern day language and professionalism?
Am I just old fashioned? It seems the modern day language contains profanity as the main adjective regardless as to the situation or circumstances when engaged in conversation.
Being a contractor there was a time, before finding Christ in my life, that this form of language was acceptable to a certain degree. However, even during the days of my "potty mouth" there was a time and a place where it was just plain unacceptable.
Just going in for a simple oil change these days at the majority of mechanic shops you have to keep your windows up to protect your children from hearing these obscenities. I can recall one particular instance when we needed to get our oil changed and our usual mechanic was booked for that day. So, instead of waiting, we stopped at a new shop which had just recently opened. I felt like we were in the middle of a Rated R Infomercial. The mechanic meant well, I am sure, however, every word that came out of his mouth was preceded with a 4 letter adjective. My wife and I were both very thankful that our kids were sleeping in the back of the van during this occasion. Interestingly enough once he looked in our van and seen the kids he did acknowledge that his language was unacceptable and apologized. Needless to say we have not returned to his shop since.
This is not just a random occurrence either. Everywhere you go people use profanity as acceptable language. As a matter of fact, recently I had a young lady request I measure a carpet job for her. We set a time to meet and when I arrived she was not there. On our third attempt to connect with her via the phone, she answered and once I reminded her of our appointment she said, "Holy S??!, I forgot." Now I am not being judgemental, however, it just seems that there should be a certain level of professionalism and courtesy, especially when dealing, or meeting, with people you don't know.
Again, that might just be it though, since it is "acceptable" language in today's culture, nobody sees anything wrong with it. Personally, I beg to differ.
That raises my second point about Professionalism. Is it too much to ask that when a contractor, or anyone in the service field, is meeting with, or working with, a customer that they display a level of professionalism. Like I mentioned earlier, when I used these same adjectives fluently when engaged with friends, or not around children, never would you catch me talking in that manner with potential clients.
Perhaps I am a 30yr. old, behind the times, husband and father of 4, whom still believes in moral values and good ethics. Or, perhaps we live in a day and age where illustrating good character and integrity just don't seem all that important anymore?
Either way, how about we have a little consideration for those of us who don't appreciate the use of profanity in conversation.
In closing I am reminded of a family that was interested in our Networking Business. We went to their home and shared with them the opportunity and products.
While we were there one of their children came into the room. He was a young white male, probably 14 or 15, and told us he was going to be a professional rapper. I asked him to rap for me, so he did, you can imagine the language he used. Once he finished his little rap I then proceeded to ask him if he could rap for me without using any profanity. Interestingly enough he said, "I can't rap without swearing, it wouldn't sound right."
It seems many people these days can't talk without swearing, after all it wouldn't sound right?
Blessings,
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage
Being a contractor there was a time, before finding Christ in my life, that this form of language was acceptable to a certain degree. However, even during the days of my "potty mouth" there was a time and a place where it was just plain unacceptable.
Just going in for a simple oil change these days at the majority of mechanic shops you have to keep your windows up to protect your children from hearing these obscenities. I can recall one particular instance when we needed to get our oil changed and our usual mechanic was booked for that day. So, instead of waiting, we stopped at a new shop which had just recently opened. I felt like we were in the middle of a Rated R Infomercial. The mechanic meant well, I am sure, however, every word that came out of his mouth was preceded with a 4 letter adjective. My wife and I were both very thankful that our kids were sleeping in the back of the van during this occasion. Interestingly enough once he looked in our van and seen the kids he did acknowledge that his language was unacceptable and apologized. Needless to say we have not returned to his shop since.
This is not just a random occurrence either. Everywhere you go people use profanity as acceptable language. As a matter of fact, recently I had a young lady request I measure a carpet job for her. We set a time to meet and when I arrived she was not there. On our third attempt to connect with her via the phone, she answered and once I reminded her of our appointment she said, "Holy S??!, I forgot." Now I am not being judgemental, however, it just seems that there should be a certain level of professionalism and courtesy, especially when dealing, or meeting, with people you don't know.
Again, that might just be it though, since it is "acceptable" language in today's culture, nobody sees anything wrong with it. Personally, I beg to differ.
That raises my second point about Professionalism. Is it too much to ask that when a contractor, or anyone in the service field, is meeting with, or working with, a customer that they display a level of professionalism. Like I mentioned earlier, when I used these same adjectives fluently when engaged with friends, or not around children, never would you catch me talking in that manner with potential clients.
Perhaps I am a 30yr. old, behind the times, husband and father of 4, whom still believes in moral values and good ethics. Or, perhaps we live in a day and age where illustrating good character and integrity just don't seem all that important anymore?
Either way, how about we have a little consideration for those of us who don't appreciate the use of profanity in conversation.
In closing I am reminded of a family that was interested in our Networking Business. We went to their home and shared with them the opportunity and products.
While we were there one of their children came into the room. He was a young white male, probably 14 or 15, and told us he was going to be a professional rapper. I asked him to rap for me, so he did, you can imagine the language he used. Once he finished his little rap I then proceeded to ask him if he could rap for me without using any profanity. Interestingly enough he said, "I can't rap without swearing, it wouldn't sound right."
It seems many people these days can't talk without swearing, after all it wouldn't sound right?
Blessings,
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Not what you might think...
I have been reading, with great delight, a book called, "The Millionaire Next Door." It is fascinating the information this book contains.
When you think of the affluent, what is it about their lifestyle that stands out most?
Is it their high consumption of possessions? In other words, do you think that Millionaires live in big fancy houses, drive luxury cars, wear expensive suits and Rolex watches?
If you watch television or any Hollywood production film these days, you probably think that rich people live an extravagant lifestyle.
Interestingly enough, ask anyone, that is not affluent, what they would do if they were given $10 million dollars. The majority would immediately start listing off material possessions they would buy.
"I would buy a new house, no, 2 or 3. Of course I would get rid of my piece of crap Honda and buy a couple of Ferrari's. For sure I would tell my dead beat boss where he could go! Buy new clothes, shoes, big screen tvs, oh yeah nothing but the best! Probably give some money to my family, especially my mom and dad........" These are some of the typical answers you might hear.
Well, guess what? That is not at all the way the majority of Millionaires think, nor live. The "bling bling" lifestyle you might imagine is a trap that most Americans fall into. They believe that being rich means having nice things. The more you have, the bigger your house, the nicer the cars illustrates success.
That image couldn't be further from the truth.
The "bling bling" lifestyle can be better summarized as the "keeping up with Joneses" lifestyle. It is the high income middle classers, who have been programmed to believe, that is success. "I am a lawyer, I must live in a nice home and drive expensive cars in order to give off the image that I am good at what I do."
Now I am not picking on any particular class or profession, however, this book has really opened my eyes. When I was 21, I also had that "keeping up with the joneses" lifestyle. I thought the new cars, nice clothes, flashy jewelry was a genuine sign of success. You know what, that is how everyone, who made less money than I did, also thought.
Because I had 3 new vehicles, new work trucks, nice property, DEBT UP TO MY EYEBALLS, I appeared to be successful. "You can't hide money'" they would say.
What if the average self made Millionaire drove around in a pick-up truck, lived in an average middle class neighborhood, and owned a small plumbing business? What if he didn't have any "bling bling" and would never spend more than $100 on a pair of shoes, or $399 for a suit?
The truth is, most Millionaires are not what you might think they are. Accumulating wealth is not what you might think it is. Have you ever learned the difference of "Realized" versus, "Unrealized" income? How can someone making $84,000/yr have a net worth 10 times more than someone who earns $330,000/yr?
Think on that for a while, more in another post.
Be blessed!
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage
P.S. "Empty your purse to fill your mind, and your mind will fill your purse." - Benjamin Franklin
When you think of the affluent, what is it about their lifestyle that stands out most?
Is it their high consumption of possessions? In other words, do you think that Millionaires live in big fancy houses, drive luxury cars, wear expensive suits and Rolex watches?
If you watch television or any Hollywood production film these days, you probably think that rich people live an extravagant lifestyle.
Interestingly enough, ask anyone, that is not affluent, what they would do if they were given $10 million dollars. The majority would immediately start listing off material possessions they would buy.
"I would buy a new house, no, 2 or 3. Of course I would get rid of my piece of crap Honda and buy a couple of Ferrari's. For sure I would tell my dead beat boss where he could go! Buy new clothes, shoes, big screen tvs, oh yeah nothing but the best! Probably give some money to my family, especially my mom and dad........" These are some of the typical answers you might hear.
Well, guess what? That is not at all the way the majority of Millionaires think, nor live. The "bling bling" lifestyle you might imagine is a trap that most Americans fall into. They believe that being rich means having nice things. The more you have, the bigger your house, the nicer the cars illustrates success.
That image couldn't be further from the truth.
The "bling bling" lifestyle can be better summarized as the "keeping up with Joneses" lifestyle. It is the high income middle classers, who have been programmed to believe, that is success. "I am a lawyer, I must live in a nice home and drive expensive cars in order to give off the image that I am good at what I do."
Now I am not picking on any particular class or profession, however, this book has really opened my eyes. When I was 21, I also had that "keeping up with the joneses" lifestyle. I thought the new cars, nice clothes, flashy jewelry was a genuine sign of success. You know what, that is how everyone, who made less money than I did, also thought.
Because I had 3 new vehicles, new work trucks, nice property, DEBT UP TO MY EYEBALLS, I appeared to be successful. "You can't hide money'" they would say.
What if the average self made Millionaire drove around in a pick-up truck, lived in an average middle class neighborhood, and owned a small plumbing business? What if he didn't have any "bling bling" and would never spend more than $100 on a pair of shoes, or $399 for a suit?
The truth is, most Millionaires are not what you might think they are. Accumulating wealth is not what you might think it is. Have you ever learned the difference of "Realized" versus, "Unrealized" income? How can someone making $84,000/yr have a net worth 10 times more than someone who earns $330,000/yr?
Think on that for a while, more in another post.
Be blessed!
Ron - TheUnaverageAverage
P.S. "Empty your purse to fill your mind, and your mind will fill your purse." - Benjamin Franklin
Friday, April 16, 2010
The Unaverage Average?
One of the God given abilities we have been blessed with is "free will." This means we can decide whether or not we want to seek an average, or unaverage life. So what exactly is the Unaverage Average?
The Unaverage Average started as 3 average guys seeking to live an unaverage life. In other words, we want to live our life to the fullest, leaving behind a legacy for our children's children. In the process we want to positively impact the lives of hundreds, thousands, even 100's of thousands of people's lives in the process.
See many people are conditioned to believe that in order to live an awesome lifestyle they have to somehow be born special. In other words, only people that have natural talents, like sports players, musicians, etc. can live in amazing homes, drive sweet cars, and live abundantly blessed. Or, people have to be born into Wealth, as if that lifestyle is not available for the average person. However, that is not the case.
Besides, even those folks who have went on to be professional sports players, or famous musicians, actors/actresses, etc. had to start somewhere. Every one of us has been born with our own unique talents and gifts. We have seeds of greatness planted inside each of us. It is up to us, however, to use those talents. God makes no mistakes, and He created you and me to live an abundantly blessed life full of Joy, Peace & Love! So I ask you this, what are you doing to tap into your potential? What are you most passionate about?
The Unaverage Average was designed for those people who want more in life. They are not ok with living a "settle for" lifestyle. Regardless as to the resistance and criticism they may receive on their success journey, they are determined to persist until they have reached their full potential. (We believe you will never reach your full potential, for as you grow and reach your goals, bigger and more fulfilling goals will emerge. The point is we will live our life to it's fullest all the time, so that when we go home to Glory, we will know that we gave it everything we had while we were here!)
Simply put, what are your wildest dreams? How can you impact the World in such a way that you will be remembered even after you are gone? Do you choose to life a life of priorities or obligations, like most do? Is money going to be the determining factor for how you live, or is God's abundant blessing going to provide you all that you need and more?
The truth is God wants to bless you abundantly in all areas of your life! After all, how can you bless others if you are struggling? The blessing is there for you, you simply need to receive it! Here is some great advice, "Look at what everyone else is doing, then do the opposite." It is true, most people will follow the "herd" and settle for an Average life, as if that is the noble thing to do? Yet, only a few, brave, courageous people will strive to fulfill their greatness.
At the Unaverage Average, we invite you to join us on our journey to living an abundant lifestyle and we challenge you to do the same! "We will do today what others will not so tomorrow we can do what others cannot!"
May God bless you abundantly in all that you do, AND, may you receive His abundant blessing!
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." - Mark 11:24
In Christ!
Ron - www.theunaverageaverage.com
The Unaverage Average started as 3 average guys seeking to live an unaverage life. In other words, we want to live our life to the fullest, leaving behind a legacy for our children's children. In the process we want to positively impact the lives of hundreds, thousands, even 100's of thousands of people's lives in the process.
See many people are conditioned to believe that in order to live an awesome lifestyle they have to somehow be born special. In other words, only people that have natural talents, like sports players, musicians, etc. can live in amazing homes, drive sweet cars, and live abundantly blessed. Or, people have to be born into Wealth, as if that lifestyle is not available for the average person. However, that is not the case.
Besides, even those folks who have went on to be professional sports players, or famous musicians, actors/actresses, etc. had to start somewhere. Every one of us has been born with our own unique talents and gifts. We have seeds of greatness planted inside each of us. It is up to us, however, to use those talents. God makes no mistakes, and He created you and me to live an abundantly blessed life full of Joy, Peace & Love! So I ask you this, what are you doing to tap into your potential? What are you most passionate about?
The Unaverage Average was designed for those people who want more in life. They are not ok with living a "settle for" lifestyle. Regardless as to the resistance and criticism they may receive on their success journey, they are determined to persist until they have reached their full potential. (We believe you will never reach your full potential, for as you grow and reach your goals, bigger and more fulfilling goals will emerge. The point is we will live our life to it's fullest all the time, so that when we go home to Glory, we will know that we gave it everything we had while we were here!)
Simply put, what are your wildest dreams? How can you impact the World in such a way that you will be remembered even after you are gone? Do you choose to life a life of priorities or obligations, like most do? Is money going to be the determining factor for how you live, or is God's abundant blessing going to provide you all that you need and more?
The truth is God wants to bless you abundantly in all areas of your life! After all, how can you bless others if you are struggling? The blessing is there for you, you simply need to receive it! Here is some great advice, "Look at what everyone else is doing, then do the opposite." It is true, most people will follow the "herd" and settle for an Average life, as if that is the noble thing to do? Yet, only a few, brave, courageous people will strive to fulfill their greatness.
At the Unaverage Average, we invite you to join us on our journey to living an abundant lifestyle and we challenge you to do the same! "We will do today what others will not so tomorrow we can do what others cannot!"
May God bless you abundantly in all that you do, AND, may you receive His abundant blessing!
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." - Mark 11:24
In Christ!
Ron - www.theunaverageaverage.com
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