Nick Cifuentes

Wake Up.

This post has nothing to do with social media, online marketing or any kind of branding of the sort. This has to do with life, and I think sits well for an end of the year reflection and 2009 outlook we should all consider.

I think we all have taken this approach - a place where we ‘play it safe’. We think standing by our guards and doing the everyday over and over and over again is going to bring us our just rewards. It might…but in the longterm - is that going to make you happy? I know we need to understand the difference between what is the right thing to do, and what is the smart thing to do - that’s normal. But, think if you were to walk on the other side of the line for a moment - where chances are taken and risks are made - would that work for you?

Is making sure your 2009 budget is where it needs to be going to make you ultimately happy - or are you going to regret not allowing yourself to take those few chances, and speak up - and help push things further beyond a stable budget - all because you were afraid to say yes.

I am not trying to be Tony Robbins here, nor am I suggesting you sacrifice precious revenue on chance. But I am suggesting you think about your life and choices for a moment. How often have you regretted not doing something because you were afraid? Speaking up at a meeting or to your boss - jumping in on a business opportunity that might help your overall goal - even though you were unsure.

My point is not to ramble, but I think denying ourselves a chance at taking part in the conversation - even though we might be a bit timid at first, or might feel out of our element, it’s crucial to realize what you are missing out on, and more importantly, what you are withholding from yourself. There is chance for growth around every corner - even in a chaotic world as today’s is. Your business, your life, your every second is worth something - don’t scold those assets you have by not enjoying and saying ‘I want to do that’ instead of being too afraid. You have no idea the amount of opportunity you could be missing out on by not attending a function or going to a lunch, or just saying I will do it, even if you aren’t sure or maybe thinking this isn’t for you.

Stop Being Afraid.

I know I probably sound like I am rambling a bit - but I am just personally disgusted with those who don’t want to take control of their lives, instead of their lives controlling them. Spontaneity I believe is one of our greatest fears - the ability to take a chance every now and then, without having to ‘think’ so much about it. To go out your ’safety’ zone and experience life, instead of always trying to be the ‘comfortable’ self we seem to be OK with on a regular basis. Go out of bounds every once and awhile, speak at the panel you always been too nervous about, take those lessons you’ve always laughed at or been to nervous to try, open up that new location you are not sure is going to work, climb a mountain, fly a plane, get a tattoo, etc, etc…you see my point - loud and clear!

Stop running away from life, and take hold of what you are, and what you really want to be. Stand up and speak, and stop holding back - you are only hurting yourself. Whether this relates to your work environment, personal life, relationships, friends, family or whatever you believe this could be applied to, stop holding back. Be the person you’ve always wanted to be, stand up and speak your mind, take a chance and go for it!

I am so tired of the people who just do what they do without enthusiasm, or any kind of desire to be better. You are too comfortable - if that makes sense. You are too tied to the everyday and comfortable with that. Stop treading your feet and take chances, open up and take part in life - you will be amazed by what you could discover and what might come of that.

Everything you do is calculated, from the moment you get up to the time you go to sleep. I can’t understand how people can be so comfortable with that.

I say this too often to people I know, and now I want to say this to you: you have one shot in this life, one time to make the most of what you do everyday worth it. Stop holding back and quit being afraid to take chances. I promise, you won’t regret it!

fin.