Mental junk from my 20s
For years, I read the books, but didn’t act on what they told me to do.
I’m not sure why.
Part of the reason was because I didn’t really believe it was that simple. There must be something far more complicated I hadn’t yet discovered.
Part of it was mental junk about “Why should I be rich and successful while others around me were struggling?” And “I’m too young. I’m still a kid.” That was in my 20s – when I already had a few kids of my own.
Part of it was because I couldn’t see the HOW. Yeah, you need to set goals. I get that. But I couldn’t see how I’d reach them. So it always felt like a fantasy and never affected what I did.
Part of it was because the few things I thought I was doing right were misguided. In retrospect, I was building castles on quicksand.
Part of it was too much worrying about what other people think.
Part of it was that on many days I felt like a fraud. I didn’t have all my ducks in a row, so who am I to be telling others what to do? (As if any of us will ever get all our ducks in a row.)
Part of it was that I thought there was a right way to do things. I thought that the people on TV and in the news must know something I don’t. So I kept studying and learning. Then one day I realized that in many cases I knew more than them. And often they were wrong.
Part of it was our natural tendency to overcomplicate things.
And I can go on and on…
But one day I saw a video from a ‘guru’ whose work I admired. He talked about how he’d followed the advice in a certain book. I’d read that book 15 years earlier. I’d thought it was nice advice. He’d acted on it.
He was getting hundreds of thousands of views on his videos. I was just another viewer.
It was a turning point for me. Something finally clicked.
I realized that there really is no secret other than this:
- You need to know what you want. This requires some thought.
- You need a plan, or system to get to where you want. Or you get overwhelmed and you never know what to do first. A simple, proven plan that makes sense to you, gives you the confidence and motivation to implement.
- And you need feedback. From someone who has already done what you want to do. Because the steps are simple, but there are a thousand little nuances you only learn by doing.
We each have a choice: To spend the years reinventing the wheel. Or to find a mentor who, in a five minute conversation, can save you 5 days, weeks, months or even years of figuring it out for yourself.
Each month I give away five free “Consistent Flow of Customers” Strategy Sessions to small business entrepreneurs who know they should be able to add $100,000 or more in income in the coming year. They just don’t know how.
If that’s you, keep your eye open for when I make the February slots available.
Please share your reactions in the comments section below.
Dov Gordon
Dov, This is something that related to me.
I sent you an email on this too but now your articles, made me understand actions is required to reach where you want to be.
You will see me in Oasis on 30 Jan for sure…
Kai
Yeah, it’s amazing how we get in our own ways sometimes.
Why wait? Start today.
Dov
Thanks for sharing this, Dov. I’m in my twenties and am currently clearing out this mental junk. I’ve made some half-baked efforts so far, but your article encourages me to take more action. Thanks, again.
@ SLee,
I’m THRILLED to read this. I hope you move through it faster than I did. Let me know if you have any questions.
Dov
as they say in jewish…”NU???”
what should i be doing already?
i heard you speak at kishor and get your newsletters, but i obviously need to be doing something else.
looking forward to hearing more
and thanks!
Hi Zahava,
Welcome!
Re: “What should I be doing already?”
Well, what result do you want?
Dov
Dov,
Great post. Down to the basics & helping us all realize we are not alone in our self defeating thoughts. I can truly relate and will be watching for those spots…
Thank you,
Dennis
P.S. I’m a fellow Planet Perry Member also & enjoy your comments in the forum.
Hi Dennis,
Great to have you here. I’ve noticed and enjoyed your comments there as well.
I appreciate you chiming in here.
Dov
Hi Dov,
Really enjoying all the great info you have been putting out for us…and I am definatly to the tee the exact representation of your 20′s….so I guess I am not going to let fear or uncertainty get to me, and just be about it…I am blessed to be getting all this info thru webinars and these subscriptions! Will be looking for the “Consistant flow of customers” sessions!!
Thanks!!
Hi Robyn,
Welcome! I’m very glad you’re here and finding my work useful.
Thanks for your comment,
Dov
Hey Dov,
Fantastic post and even more amazing that today a guy called Linus, from Sweden, who isn’t even 20, posted a near identical message, albeit in slightly different language!
Suffice it 2 say that I’m inspired!
So here’s saying Thanks for sharing those pearls of wisdom my friend…
Hi Kirk,
Welcome! And thanks for your post.
I know Linus and because I’ve been impressed with how he thinks I recently invited him to join a mastermind of peers that I lead.
But I don’t read Swedish.
I imagine it’s more than slightly different from English.
Dov
PS – To everyone: If you like a post, please ise Facebook and Twitter to help me get the message out to others who’d benefit.
Has always, nice thoughts, and mainly they inspired me to do the things i want to do.
I’m starting a freelancer life i hope i can have my own company soon. Thank you for your motivational posts Dov.
Hi Valter,
Good luck as a freelancer. The most important thing you’ll need is a simple, systematic way of bringing in clients.
Dov
Hi Dov,
I know the results I want, but you’ve made me think of what I’m not doing to get the results:) Waiting for the next strategy session to open, because I definitely need the help.