Today’s awesome video post is by guest writer Matt Wilson, co-founder of Under30CEO.com. Matt’s mission is to lead people to go out and do what they are passionate about instead of falling into the rat race and playing by corporate America’s rules. You can follow him on Twitter @MattWilsonTV
You Can Be Whatever You Want When You Grow Up
We were all told we could be whatever wanted when we grew up. So why isn’t anyone doing it?
Are you designing your life so it’s fun and exciting? If not, quit! Or at least make it exciting!
Life is about the accumulation of stories. Are you writing your story? If your story is boring now, it will probably be that way for the rest of your life.
Sit and think—what am I passionate about?! How can I turn this into viable cashflow. There are people out there doing it now and it’s because they struggled with this question day in and day out. Most people don’t think it’s possible, so they don’t bother.
Focus on your goal. Whatever it is that you want to do, dream it, live it, do it. Stick to your plan and execute.
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Cody, thanks for the opportunity to blog. Hope this inspires more people to go live out their dreams like you!
Thats the problem with so many schools. They crush childhood dreams! Well no intentionally but the way the system is setup it shifts people away from those dreams because everyone is so scared about landing that job and developing their resume.
It risky to go against the system and take a different path but that is what makes it so rewarding.
I agree with Jared that a big part of the problem is the school system. American education is set up to mold children into ideal workers, which means taking in formation and out-putting it as quickly as possible without necessarily being changed or affected by it (sounds like a test, to me). This is a great system for fleshing out the ranks of exciting professions like fast food restaurant employee or Target Sales Associate, but not great for helping the next Einstein or Picasso develop.
We’ve been fortunate that our media and governmental system is conducive to individuality, which has allowed us to flourish on a global stage when competing and working with cultures that focus on the group rather than the individual, but how much long can we really hold on to such an advantage when each generation is becoming more and more standardized?
I’m sure there is a link between this increased standardization and mental disorders like depression and ADHD as well: people don’t feel right with the lot they’ve drawn and can’t figure out why they aren’t leading more exciting lives (especially when, according to everything they’ve ever been told, THIS is what life is all about).
Something to think about. Good post and very important stuff for people to keep in mind.
Nice job, Matt. I am one of the thousands who spends every waking moment asking myself what I want out of life and how to get it. Hopefully the answer comes soon.
Has it become a societal norm to bash the corporate world and professions like accounting? Although I just flat out didn’t like what I was doing from 9-5, the stigma attached with the corporate world added to my displeasure. I’m glad I eventually left, but I spent a great deal of energy feeling bad about “selling out” when I wish I had spent more time and energy developing what I feel is the most important “trait” that successful entreuprenuers have; getting things done.
Any job, but especially in the corporate world, is a great place to develop the habit of seeing a problem and finding out what needs to be done, and then just doing it even though you might not particularly enjoy some of the steps. That way, when you do find something you’re passionate about, you’ll have developed the habit of figuring out what needs to get done, and then just flat out doing it.
Wonderful post! I think this is the key to living a fulfilling life. Even Jesus said that we should be like children if we want to get into God’s kingdom.
It is my belief that when a person can tap into their passion and figure out what fuels it, then they can starting learning how to use it more frequently.
Chuck