
05 Aug 10ish Entrepreneurial Possibilities I Can’t Believe Even Exist (for You & Me)
“We get so caught up in the fear of how and what, that we forget to marvel at the fact that it’s even possible in the first place.”
Sometimes I forget how magnificent it is to be living right now.
I get caught up in how challenging, scary and uncertain so much of my (everyone’s) work is that I lose sight of what I get to be a part of.
Last week I had two days back-to-back where I was up until past 4am prepping everything for our Connect With Anyone launch and new crop of students. One of those days started at 5:15am. You can do the math.
That’s not normal for me and it’s not something I’m proud of, but last week, that was what needed to happen.
And when the alarm goes off a few hours later, waking me up to keep cranking on things, is about when I forget how grateful I am…
Part of my late night was due to being deep in a live chat with a LYL Local host in Bangalore who excitedly told me all the details of the monthly LYL events he’s been hosting in India all year. I’m grateful for him – and for the tools to publish that one blog post last October announcing our search for hosts.
Another part of my night was making some real-time improvements to our Connect With Anyone site to have it ready for everyone the next morning. I’m grateful to have the technology to work with my designer across the country to immediately have our updates live for the world to see (and for his willingness to stay up until the wee hours with me).
Sometime early last week a man in Singapore decided to invest about $1,000 to join Connect With Anyone, and he was ecstatic about it. I’m grateful to have built enough trust with all of you to know I’ll deliver on the promise that LYL and our tools represent to the community, even though we’ve never met in person.
I’m also grateful that by some stroke of genius, it’s even possible for one person across the world to easily, safely and instantly pay another.
Do you have any idea how incredible that is??
We have been granted the privilege to live in the most unbelievable time of possibility in the history of the world.
A time where the barriers have been broken down. The gatekeepers disbanded. Where the only thing between you and publishing your first book (and potential future best-seller), is not the permission of some stodgy publishing house, but your decision to sit down and create.
Where a debt-ridden, overweight husband struggling to support his family of eight on a small island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean can decide “enough” – and go on to build a life and business that helps millions make the same habit changes he did.
Where a securities lawyer can decide to trade it all to spend more time with his wife and daughter by sharing his art with the world and inspiring and training others to do the same.
Where a highly paid corporate consultant can press reset to leverage his coding and design chops and build a business that teaches people how to turn their talents into their own online gigs.
Where a burned-out techie could decide to make his mark on the world using tea as the vehicle for facilitating positive human connection.
Where you could decide to learn the guitar from the best teachers in the world (often for free) in your living room. And you could even watch a TEDx Talk to learn how to do it in 20 hours or less. Or take in 14 other TED Talks on Disruptive Career Change.
Where much of the best practical education from the savviest experts in the world is not hidden behind the nearly impenetrable walls of some Ivy League school, but instead waiting for you to absorb free of charge. And you could choose to consume it while sitting on a beach in Thailand or a cafe in Costa Rica to save on living costs while you acquire your new skill. I’m grateful to have done both.
Where, no matter what your beliefs, you can find a tribe somewhere around the world that shares those same ideas.
I’m grateful that I get to call all of the above people good friends of mine. Friends who I didn’t even know existed five years ago. Friends who most the world had never heard of a few years before that.
It doesn’t matter where you came from, what your background is, who you know or what you know.
For every hardship or disadvantage you feel like you’ve had, there is an example of someone who had it worse and prevailed.
I’m grateful that we can find those people. We can learn from them. They can be the ones who make the impossible our new normal.
Sure, it’ll probably involve some nights and weekends at first (or for a while), but that will probably happen at a job you hate too, so what’s the real sacrifice for taking a crack at what matters?
Our fear and inaction is selfish.
We get so caught up in the struggle, the fear, the thrash, the uncertainty, the challenges, the questions of how and what, that we forget to marvel in the pure incomprehensible beauty of what is possible in the first place.
The things that couldn’t even have been dreamed up by most of us ten or 15 years ago now happen every day.
The fact that I get to sit at my kitchen table this morning and write a few ideas down, and as soon as I hit publish, tens of thousands of you will read them. And it’s possible millions will – it might not be likely, but it’s possible. And that is the point.
That three years ago I had an idea to build a community to help people make their difference in the world and that, from scratch, I created courses and tools to help you with that, and that you consume them, you buy them and you graciously thank me for them. And on top of that you’re actually using them to leverage your talents and passions to change other peoples’ lives. And because of you, Live Your Legend has grown into a bigger and more empowering movement and business than I had the capacity to imagine.
Even if it all stopped today, that fact – your loyalty and support – will leave me drowning in gratitude and awe for the rest of my life.
It’s not about whether or not it’s easy.
Because a lot of the time it won’t be.
It’s not about whether it’s always going to be fun.
Because sometimes it’s not.
It’s about the difference you can make. That you can decide to do work that matters – to you and those around you.
It’s about the fact that it’s possible.
That no matter your age, stage, culture, nationality or background, today we get to live in a world where the only gatekeeper between you and living your legend is your desire to get your ass to work and start learning and building.
I see it as our responsibility to do something with that possibility.
To become an example of what’s possible.
Eternal gratitude is the only way I can describe the gift we’ve all been given.
What will you do with it? Tell us in the comments.
-Scott
P.S. In honor of our possibility, I wanted to share the #1 music video and song on my “Inspire Me” playlist right now. I was blasting it all last week.
And because tonight I’m off to see Beyoncé in concert in San Francisco with Chelsea and six friends (I love seeing people doing their thing in real life)…
Beyoncé performed this at the United Nations on World Humanitarian Day on August 19, 2012. It’s called “I Was Here.” Whether you like her or not, don’t judge. Just pay attention to the message.
One of my favorite lines…
“When I leave this world, I’ll leave no regrets. Leave something to remember, so they won’t forget. I was here.”
I hope it sheds some light on your own potential and that of this community. We are capable of so much more than we realize…
Don’t see the video? Click here.
Mike Goncalves
Posted at 18:56h, 05 AugustAwesome post Scott, just awesome man! Love your level of gratitude and focus on all that is possible. Also love how you took the opportunity to focus on several people you know well and highlighted all that they’ve accomplished and made possible for themselves. A great message and reminder about all that is possible for us, for anyone. To be able to hit “publish” and reach thousands, potentially millions of people with with our words, our thoughts, our messages, our work…. Incredible. Wow. The thought really is mind boggling. Awesome video as well. Inspiring, powerful message. Thanks for sharing. Have a blast at the concert…. Cheers!
Scott
Posted at 17:26h, 06 AugustIt’s just so cool to think about isn’t Mike? And it’s on all of us to do something with!
Glad you liked the video – Beyonce put on a heck of a performance last night too 😉
Joy
Posted at 10:36h, 06 AugustI love the synchronicity – I reference this song on my about page because I truly want to live the meaning in all areas of life. When I am exhausted from a big push (as I was yesterday) I remind myself I am living my dream and this exhaustion is far different from the whole body drain that I felt when I wasn’t living it. Sure there are days that I might feel frustrated or discouraged but, at base, I know I am listening to, and living the reality of, my heart whispers…it’s a privilege and a blessing. Thank you for sharing this energy is such a powerful, eloquent way.
Scott
Posted at 17:28h, 06 AugustAnd that is all that really matters Joy. Hard to beat those heart whispers 🙂
Dave Ryan
Posted at 10:59h, 06 AugustGreat post, Scott, and one that comes at a perfect time for me. It’s obvious how much work and passion you have put into LYL. Compound this with your profound gratitude for what you’ve achieved and you get the main reasons I joined the current CWA class.
“It doesn’t matter where you came from, what your background is, who you know or what you know.”
You’re right…today IS incredible! If I decided to change my life at this stage of the game 30, 20, or even 10 years ago, my choices would have been limited, to say the least. Today the possibilities are limitless. And you are helping me and thousands of others do just that.
Thank you.
Scott
Posted at 14:13h, 09 AugustAnd thank YOU Dave. So glad you found your way to LYL and CWA. I’m so excited to see what you do with all of it!
Anita Wing Lee
Posted at 11:34h, 06 AugustHi Scott, This was JUST what I needed to hear! So powerful. So amazing. I already screenshotted parts of your email so that I can share it on social media later.
So beautiful. Thank you 🙂
Just love, Anita
Scott
Posted at 14:13h, 09 AugustWell thanks for the love Anita!
Kathy Donchak
Posted at 11:41h, 06 AugustI started following Live Your Legend and it helped spur the career and family changes we were able to make. It is possible, and I am living proof. I am doing my best work, as a writer and coach, homeschooling our boys, and living a life that is authentically ours. Cheers to you Scott, for all the lives you are changing! http://kathydonchak.com/2014/08/05/why-movement-makers-need-advocates/
Scott
Posted at 14:15h, 09 AugustThis is exactly why I’m so in love with this community Kathy! You aren’t just following along. You are as much a part of taking a stand and making change as anyone else. I’m constantly blown away by the things this community does. You are the perfect example. So awesome to have you here!
Kathy Donchak
Posted at 14:28h, 09 AugustThank you Scott. I think the one thing that can help people with children understand how to LYL, is to see it as an opportunity to teach their children as they make the journey. They will not only see you struggle, but they will see you overcome struggles. This will lead them to live their best life. It is a generational change that will live on and on!
Jason Love
Posted at 12:48h, 06 AugustGreat inspiration Scott.
I have been struggling with online business for a few years now while working my day job. I was recently let go and now I am determined in the next 6 months to make my online business work.
At times I get frustrated, but the fact an online business is even possible gives me energy and makes me realize I have very little to complain about.
Thanks for the Great Article!
Scott
Posted at 14:16h, 09 AugustWell we’re here to help however we can Jason. Sometimes the right real deadline is what it takes. I’m excited to see where the next six months takes you. Keep us posted!
Petra
Posted at 13:26h, 06 AugustThank you for sharing, it will make a difference!
Sandrine
Posted at 13:27h, 06 AugustHi Scott
First comment … kind of intimidating, like stepping in in a big community you’re totally new to (and exciting too ! showing up in the end, after reading your post for some months now! )
Right time for me to read this post, listen to this song (running for the 4th time on my computer and soon on my smartphone)…
So what will I do with it? Let more place for gratefulness in my life; and with the extra energy it gives me, stop procrastinating, and go on towards my ideal job, still to be defined though I have some ideas… hoping I’ll be able to say I Was Here… (and the sooner the better…)
So thanks for your inspiring post and this empowering energy you’re sharing with us.
Wish you a great time for the concert tonight
Scott
Posted at 14:18h, 09 AugustWelcome to the adventure Sandrine! So glad you decided to join the conversation. I bet it will inspire some others to do the same, so nicely done. This is the kind of energy we need around here! And congrats to the end of the procrastination 🙂
SB
Posted at 13:40h, 06 AugustI don’t know what I’m missing but I don’t see the 10 entrepreneurial possibilities the title specified. Especially the last.
Scott
Posted at 17:25h, 06 AugustSorry for the confusion on that!
I counted up the different things I was in awe about in that post (like the lyl host in India and being able to accept payments, etc) and came up with 10. “The Last” was my point about what’s happened in the past three years:
***
That three years ago I had an idea to build a community to help people make their difference in the world and that, from scratch, I created courses and tools to help you with that, and that you consume them, you buy them and you graciously thank me for them. And on top of that you’re actually using them to leverage your talents and passions to change other peoples’ lives. And because of you, Live Your Legend has grown into a bigger and more empowering movement and business than I had the capacity to imagine.
Even if it all stopped today, that fact – your loyalty and support – will leave me drowning in gratitude and awe for the rest of my life.
***
I thought about going back through and putting in actual numbers but it totally messed with the flow so I figured it was best to leave it out.
Sorry if that was a little confusing. I’ve just been in so much awe of all this that the title seemed fitting. Thanks for reading!
Isaac Berglind
Posted at 13:58h, 06 AugustFantastic post, Scott. Too many times I wake up and take for granted all of the resources I have handed to me on a silver platter. For example: water, food, a roof over my head, a country that allows me to do whatever I want with my life, a loving family and much much more. We should do something with these advantages and not only use them to become successful and have/do great things, but also as a way to be able to give back to those that don’t have the things I mentioned above. As Tony Robbins puts it, “No man or woman is truly happy, unless they have found a way to contribute beyond themselves”.
Scott
Posted at 14:21h, 09 AugustPerfectly said – by both you and Tony :).
It’s wild how quickly we take things for granted. The key for me is to just keep taking steps towards doing something with the advantages. That’s always what’s felt right (and has lead to some pretty interesting places…).
lynne
Posted at 15:57h, 06 Augusthi , a great and inspiring post ! dwelling on the positive aspects of life is something we should all focus on. Thanks for sharing.
Alexis
Posted at 16:36h, 06 AugustHi Scott,
Oh my goodness. I started listening to the videos and I have to say how inspiring they are. I feel so empowered because I was able to find my WHY, my purpose in doing this because of what I believe. I even took the time to wrote it down in my notebook. It feels good to no longer be stuck and just move on to the next issue.(smile)
Scott
Posted at 14:22h, 09 AugustNow that is what I call victory Alexis!! You gotta come back and share it with us though. Too much suspense!
Chris Knight
Posted at 16:44h, 06 AugustWhat an inspirational song and images that remind us that we are ALL SIGNIFICANT and that what we do makes a difference in this world. What a beautiful way to celebrate World Humanitarian Day on 19 August each year. Thank you Scott Dinsmore for sharing this beautiful message. It certainly helps to maintain my Focus on building my Inspirational Connections website and business which celebrates and acknowledges the Passion, Purpose, People, Peace and Prosperity in my Life and my ability to help others as an individual and through my network of Soroptimist International members around the world. Namaste and Blessings to You!
Scott
Posted at 14:24h, 09 AugustGlad it connected with you about has powerfully as it did with me Chris. Love the direction of your site too. Congrats!
Helene
Posted at 21:24h, 06 AugustThank you Scott.
I have watched that video when you first shared it @CWA earlier this week, and I couldn’t get my head out of it (not get it out of my head, the opposite ^^). This is where you really see how world-famous artists can really make things change and inspire people to do good (and I finally get your point on Taylor Swift…)
I was listening to it during lunch break yesterday (over and over again) and it helped me having one of the biggest breakthrough in my life in solving an eating disorder problem I have (along with LOYP). It even inspired a blog post (2 in fact):
http://lnc.svbtle.com/the-best-shortcut-to-having-a-breakthrough-how-i-will-solve-my-overeating-problems-12-the-shortcut-to-having-a-breakthrough
Thank you again for sharing all this, and for your dedication. Sometimes I bet it’s hard, even if you have experience. Actually it even gets harder because, you know, the better you get, the higher your expectations go, right?
Don’t worry, you’re doing great, and set up an amazing example for us to make the decision to live the life we love.
These days I am running into a first wall because I am afraid that, with my day job, I won’t have enough time to build something great before I launch my business. But when I read you post, I understand those walls are all part of the game. Somehow, that’s a sign I’m on the right track!
Cheers,
P.S. I also tried to sing the song in Karaoke on Tuesday after listening to it a couple of times… and miserably failed :p But now with a lot of in-shower training, I am sure I can do better!
Scott
Posted at 14:27h, 09 AugustYou’re on fire Helene! And nothing beats a little in-shower training. Glad you’re seeing the light on Taylor too 🙂
And I can’t tell you how incredible it is to hear about your recent breakthrough. The thought that Live Off Your Passion, LYL and Connection With Anyone had a small bit to do with that means more than you know. So excited and proud for you!
James Preston
Posted at 22:53h, 06 AugustThe best post I’ve read of yours Scott! Awesomely inspiring. Thank you.
Although, while it certainly remains my favourite so far, I don’t agree entirely on this line right here….
“That no matter your age, stage, culture, nationality or background, today we get to live in a world where the only gatekeeper between you and living your legend is your desire to get your ass to work and start learning and building.”
Having a son I can testify the commitments of parenthood tends to get in between me living my legend. But between my wife and I, we press on and do our best to make it all work. 😉
I really am scouring the internet for advice for Entrepreneurs with kids. Everyone seems to say similar stuff like “join the 5am club” etc. but no-one seems to have stories about how they did it with kids! I’m just trying to make it work. 🙂
Thanks again and keep Living Your Legend everyone!
Kathy Donchak
Posted at 05:46h, 08 AugustJames,
I saw your comment about how to do this with kids, and wanted to share our story. We have five year old twins and we have made it work. I completely changed what I do for work, and for the first time in my life (at 45) I am writing for my profession. The posts at Live Your Legend spurred me on to really dial in and decide what was holding us back. It is possible to “Live Your Legend With Kids”, as I really think that is the ultimate legacy. Teaching the boys each day by showing them the importance of finding their calling makes us better parents. http://kathydonchak.com/live-small-love-big/
Good luck to you on your journey – if you ever have any specific questions that you do not see on my blog about how we are “living our legend with kids” drop me a line. We all are in this together!
Scott
Posted at 14:36h, 09 AugustThanks for chiming in with the support Kathy and cool to hear this one struck so deep James!
I always have to be very careful with the children topic since Chelsea and I don’t have any yet, but I’ve known too many inspiring and accomplished parents and world-changers to think that it’s anything but doable. The key is having the right models, as with anything.
A few that come to mind – two were mentioned in this post!
1. Leo Babauta of Zen Habits has six kids. He wrote a post for LYL about it how to build a passion business while supporting a family of eight: https://liveyourlegend.net/build-passion-business-supporting-a-family-of-8/
2. Jonathan Fields holds his daughter and wife above anything: http://www.jonathanfields.com/about/
3. Josh Shipp spent 5 years totally reengineering his business from 90% on the road speaking to 10% on the road, all because his wife and new child were the biggest priority: http://joshshipp.com/
4. Rachel and Greg Denning have been permanently traveling around the world with their five kids for years. Currently in Costa Rica I believe. They cover the family topic a lot: http://www.discovershareinspire.com/
How incredible is it to have these models to call on?? Yet another thing I’m in awe of 🙂
Anna
Posted at 01:12h, 08 AugustNo idea how you do it, but suspecting you of monitoring my brain Scott 😉 Every time you write you touch the trough centre, of where my fears, doubts are and smash them, bring that little spark into a big fire again.
Thank you.
Ps. Would love, love, love to go to a Live Your Legend Global meeting. It’s on my Dream Goals List in 2015, even though it does not exist yet.
Scott
Posted at 14:39h, 09 AugustHaha Anna. Well the only way I can get inside your brain is by knowing that I struggle with the same things most people do. Most things I write come from big challenges I’m having and how I’m working through them. We all have more in common than most realize…
And you have got to get in on a LYL Local event! They are listed here: http://liveyourlegendlocal.com
Emily
Posted at 18:43h, 08 AugustYour posts always inspire and challenge me, Scott! With the 24-hour news cycle dramatizing all the world’s problems, it’s easy to forget how many opportunities for good exist right now. You’re right– the internet allows more connection to others and free flow of information than ever before. It is a gift, and to people who are given a lot, a lot is expected. Thank you so much for pointing that out! And this, too–
“…no matter your age…today we get to live in a world where the only gatekeeper between you and living your legend is your desire to get your ass to work and start learning and building.”
I’m passionate about bringing people better, more sustainable healthcare… but I’m barely a pre-nursing student. I’ve often been discouraged, thinking that nobody would listen to me because I’m too young. But everybody has to start somewhere. Thank you for reminding me that this is the information age, and anything you’d want to learn is out there– it just takes practice. 🙂
Scott
Posted at 14:44h, 09 AugustIt’s so refreshing to see someone with new ideas tackling a big field desperately in need of them!
Remember the huge advantage you have coming into the space is your fresh unbiased and un-jaded eyes. That is what will help your ideas get heard and why they’ll likely have a good change of sticking. I think being young and open is an incredible asset! You believe in a possibility that most people in your space wrote off as impossible years ago. That’s the first fundamental step in actually having a chance of happening.
Just like Roger Banister and the 4-minute mile…
Kathy Donchak
Posted at 16:57h, 09 AugustThank you Scott – looking forward to learning more about all of them!
Catherine Cavanaugh
Posted at 14:08h, 10 AugustIt’s really heartwarming to see that people have achieved their dreams. I think sometimes it’s just sticking it out during the times when it’s not paying well, and knowing that you’re doing the right thing. Time makes it successful or not, and without putting that time in, one will never know. I hope to be the kind of person that leaves my own brand on the world, it’s time that will tell whether it lasts or not 🙂
Sebastian Aiden Daniels
Posted at 15:22h, 11 AugustThis was inspiring. Thank you for sharing all of the people who have gone before me and have succeeded in throwing off the 9 to 5. I hope to someday be on that list for creating my own website and self-publishing book succes. We are at a time where knowledge is so easily accessible that we can really go after our dreams. There are no more excuses!
Jessie
Posted at 11:08h, 15 AugustScott, I love how you write about peoples’ amazing success stories! They inspire me and motivate me more than any other subject you write about (although I love the other subjects too)!
I wonder if you have stories about people who are successful in spite of dealing with chronic illness? If so, I’d love to hear them!! Thanks!
The world of knowledge
Posted at 09:37h, 01 September[…] tools – often for free or for just a few bucks a month. There are so many entrepreneurial possibilities I can’t even believe exist. It took a $62.90 investment to start Live Your Legend. How’s that even […]
Penny Roberts
Posted at 09:11h, 13 OctoberI so want to build a healthy, beautiful, passionate and fulfilling life for myself. You and a few others have inspired me and given me enough confidence to finally risk putting myself out there and finding ways to get my show on the road. Thank you!
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