Today I’d like to focus on mindset and how so often times we need to get out of our own way.

 

We’re living in a world today that gives you the potential to do real meaningful changemaking work if you allow yourself to do so.

 

I see a world where we have the tools to create transformative and meaningful work that can build a better tomorrow, regardless of how much wealth you grew up with or what school you graduated from. 

And I’m not just some guy who is saying that.

 

I’ve seen it. I’m a part of it. You’re a part of it.

 

I’m constantly blown away by the future of work and what people are doing these days to both do what they love and make a difference in the world.

 

When I first starting interviewing the successful entrepreneurs and game changers of today, I wanted my interview process to be organic, so I kindly asked that each person I interview introduce me to someone who they think I should interview.

 

That led me to interviewing people from all different walks of life.

 

Digital Nomads like Natalie Sisson, The Suitcase Entrepreneur.

 

Mindfulness Gurus like Raghunath

 

Wall Streeters

 

Former Corporate CEOS

 

And here are two things I have learned from all of this.

 

1. You can be anyone you want to be.

2. You need to get out of your own way.

 

When we shift from being an observer to becoming an active participant in our lives, something interesting happens. What's often found is that the greatest obstacle to accomplishing our goals comes from inside.

 

Most of the time, we just need to get out of our own way.

 

I've seen it in the students I've taught who want to carve their own path instead of the ones that their parents or society say they should follow.

 

I've seen it in myself when it came to taking my first entrepreneurial leap. Heck -- I feel it in myself as I share this with you write now.

 

I've seen it in the extremely successful entrepreneurs I interview who, before launching their business, came face-to-face with their fear of failure.

 

Often times all it takes to get out of our own way is just a subtle shift in thinking and focusing on the positive. Easier said than done, I know, but don't take my word for it. Listen to Jay Stolar. Jay struggled with intense bouts of depression throughout his life. He never felt exactly like he was enough. In his new music video called #MyOwnWay Jay says, "If you get out of your own way, you can accomplish anything."

 

In his music video #MyOwnWay (which benefits the Love is Louder movement), Stolar spreads the message that happiness comes from how you look at your situation and your willingness to love yourself.

 

Enter Jay Stolar

 

With a marker in hand, Stolar writes the word "Buried" on the reflective surface of his mirror. Others line up to share their deep seed of negativity and write their word, as well:

 

"Disfigured"

"Dependent"
"Not enough"
"Depressed"
"Destructive"

 

Perhaps you too have a word that embraces your greatest fear. Being rejected. Failing. Go ahead, write it down right now or if you are driving, say it out loud. I’ll wait.

 

What's my word? "Stuck." If I look at my life right now in one way, I can feel incredibly stuck. After my wife's severe case of Lyme Disease poured concrete over our feet just four days after we said "I do", it's become a daily struggle to not feel stuck. She went from running a half-marathon to sitting in a wheelchair in a matter of weeks. And for a vagabond like me, "Stuck" is a tough emotion to feel. But if I invert this word and focus on the positive like Stolar demonstrates, my word can become "Focused." And someone with wanderlust, if I am not forced to be focused, It's incredibly tough to sit still and focus on the present.

 

If you were to invert your word and focus on the positive, what would it be? Free? Beautiful? Human? Supported? Everything? Alive? Healthy? Never give up?

 

As a teacher, an entrepreneur, and just a guy who wants to be the best version of himself, I've seen my fair share of destructive criticism. There's a whole lot out there that tries to hold you back. Don't let yourself join that crowd.