Your Tools are Only as Good as You Are

We are in incredible times, are we not?

When I was a kid, I was a big fan of the Jetsons.  I used to dream of having my own space car that would whisk me to whatever destination I wanted in a matter of seconds.  Everything seemed so much easier for the Jetson family.  Meals were compacted, jobs were automated, and there seemed to be no limits to the world’s potential progress and growth.

So, fast forward to today.  How close have we come?

Well, not too far off.  Ok, maybe we don’t have flying cars, but some people spend so much time on airplanes that it might as well be their chief mode of transportation, but I digress.

The point is we have created so many innovations to eliminate our own investment in our lives, that we have given the power to the machine, instead of realizing WE are the creators of it.  I know that throughout my personal journey as a businessman and human being, I have fallen victim to the same “quick fixitis” that comes with being a journeyman entrepreneur.  Like so so many people, I wanted something or someone to do the heavy lifting for me, because I wanted that instant gratification of success.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I am an advocate of maximizing my efforts, but the key word here is EFFORT.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say.  There are talkers in this world, and then there are doers.    The people that are able to marry effort with innovation are the ones who realizing their goals and dreams.

When I began my journey in this industry, I found myself in a sea of new information.  I was hearing things I had never heard.  Seeing things I had never seen.  Some of it was a little overwhelming.

Alright, ALL of it was overwhelming.  One of the great many lessons I have learned from being involved the network marketing industry is your greatest strengths coupled with your greatest weaknesses will be exposed.  The tricky part is being able to know when to revel in one, while not ignoring the other.  I think we all know which one we lean towards.  And THIS is what I believe separates the herd.  I know that if I crumble or buckle or begin to make excuses for why situations aren’t going my way, I will never address honestly what I can do to improve my situation.  As we have discovered in the past few years, the idea of work your whole life and get the gold watch doesn’t exist.  The word “business” was never part of my vocabulary. I was a storyteller.  So, I started to look for ways to take my “idea” of  freedom and make it into a reality.  Being responsible for my family and all the responsibilities that come with it is a daunting task to say the least.  I believe that what happens in our minds is what is translated into our actions.  Following a dream involves investing in it.  If I look at my life and all that I perceive will  “keep me from realizing what it could be.  Conversely, that same life that I am looking to enhance takes work and input.  So, I choose to look at how that is my driving force and my WHY for continuing.  Whatever doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger, and I have yet to see anyone die from looking to improve their station in life.

So, what’s this all about Rick?  Well, I’m glad you asked, I’m gonna tell you.

In the words of the late, great motivational speaker and entrepreneur Jim Rohn, “In order for things to change, YOU have to change.” He also said, “the same wind blows on us all.  It isn’t the wind that determines you’re destination, it’s the setting of the sail.”

Like it or not, trees grow from the roots up.  If your soil is good, you get proper food and sunlight, and you are placed in a plentiful forest, most likely you will thrive.  However, sometimes even with all the right elements in place, we can experience a period of dormancy.  Whichever plant we may be will determine our growth.  If our roots are not cultivated, then we are sure to whither and die away at the first sign of bad weather.  The well rooted plant will always sprout new branches in times of prosperity, because of the preparations that were made at the beginning of its life.

Be confident in your development.  Remember, you are the captain of the ship.  The greatest captains learned from their experiences because they weather the greatest storms.  Seek out your own personal investment in the abundace of others.  Realize that we are more well served by becoming better carpenters before we look to build the house.

If you are interested in becoming part of the network of leaders we follow and mentor with, sign up for my 14 day free newsletter.  What goes in will definitley be what comes out.

As always, I wish you all blessings and a bright and abundant day!

To Your Ultimate Success and Happiness!

Rick Herbst

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