Control Your Destiny

Last night, I went to a training of Gregg M, whose family owns a multi-billion dollar company in the U.S. I was keen to listen to his talk especially that his theme was “Control Your Destiny.” I think that’s a better title for this blog…hmm.

He actually talked about what I’ve been trying to express here, being your own boss, and I also learned something new…the 3 types of “You” and they are the Yesterday “You,” the Present “You,” and the Future “You” – the “You” that you want to be, realizing your full potential, believing in yourself, and making your “massive” dreams a reality. I so much enjoy attending these trainings, because if you think about it, when was the last time you actually paid attention to your dreams, your BIG dreams? Are you actively pursuing them or are you just busy with your Present “You” – focusing on day to day activities.

Everyday, I hear people complain about their boss, work, tasks, colleagues, but every single day, you’ll see them drag their feet to the same offices. No choice, you say? What if I AM giving you a choice to work for your dreams, to work on your Future You, the “You” that you want to be? I, for instance, gave some people the rare chance to attend the same training of this extraordinary multi-millionaire (in dollars, take note) for free! Not all grabbed the chance though, because they are busy with their Present “Them.” In my opinion, when it comes to our time, money, health, education, talent, etc., we are all given the choice how to use it, but whoever or whatever controls our destiny influences the choices that we make.

Who controls your destiny? You should, because nobody else will, or worse, somebody else will.

Fire Your Boss

Nah, I didn’t mean that. I don’t want you to fire your boss. I just want to encourage you to work for yourself. If there are reasons why I quit the corporate world, I found better reasons to work for myself. This is not in order of importance though but in the same order as in the list of reasons 'Why I Quit.' Here goes:

Top 10 Reasons to Work for Yourself or Be in Business:

1. Salary. There is no salary, only profits. You decide how much money you make.

2. Promotion. You own the ladder instead of climbing the ladder.

3. Balance. You take the day off when you want and spend it with whom you want. Declare it a holiday today!

4. Job Satisfaction. You have no 'job' but you are taught to make money work for you instead of you working hard for money!

5. Training. Real-life application of what you theoretically learn inside the conference rooms. You don't learn swimming or riding a bike by reading and discussing about it; you go out there, get wet, fall flat on your face, and do it again!

6. Travel/Location. Your commute can be 5 seconds from your bed to your PC.

7. Rewards. Unlimited.

8. Recognition. Fulfillment.

9. Loyalty. To your family, not your boss.

10. Self-Development. As Robert Kiyosaki said, "Leadership is not optional in business." You bring out the best in others and you bring out the best in you.

I therefore tell you not to seek job security but to seek freedom instead, for the MORE you seek job security, the LESS control you will have over your life. The more you give up control (control over how much you earn, what time you sleep or wake up, how much time you can spend with loved ones, etc.), the more you give up your freedom. Your job will always demand more from you and will ‘dictate’ how you live your life. As the saying goes, "You can't finish your work, but your work can finish you."

So why stay in the rat race when you can start your own business now? Risky? I don't think so. Sharon Lechter said, “Our definition of risk is allowing your financial destiny to be under someone else’s control.” I couldn’t agree more.

It’s easier too if you are willing to learn and have a business mentor to learn from. Business is a totally different world, where you can get lost without a guide. You might be wasting both time and money being with the 'wrong' people. You owe it to yourself to try.

Be your best!

Out of My Comfort Zone

I can't help but share this very timely text message that I received a few days after I resigned. It went like this:

"You won't fully enjoy a boat ride unless you remove the rope's knot from the river bank...
Your dog won't fully enjoy his/her 'dog life' unless you remove the chain on his/her neck...

Lesson?

NEVER ever limit yourself when it comes to happiness. Learn how to let go and take risks. Life is much beautiful outside the comfort zone."

Thanks to RG. I would like to add though: "You can't unleash your full potential unless you let go of people (or jobs) that are keeping you from using your true potential."

Spread your wings and prepare to fly.

Be Your Best!

Why I Quit

Top 10 Reasons to Be Part of The Corporate World (or Not!):

1. Steady Paycheck. The boss dictates how much you and I get.

2. Promotion. The company makes it more and more difficult for one to get promoted. Promotion eligibility is so restricted making it almost impossible for anyone to level up for a certain period no matter how deserving! Talk about control, huh.

3. Balance. Most, if not all, people in the rat race do not have the time for the more important things in life due to long days and weekend work. I know some who work 12 to 16 hours a day! I wonder what their loved ones have to say.

4. Job Satisfaction. You are taught to work hard for money instead of making money work hard for you!

5. Training. Someone who lacks training and experience gets promoted to be your supervisor or manager. Great.

6. Travel/Location. Bosses show favoritism and give some employees better assignments, better offices, and better trips (that come with bonds)! The boss can assign you to any company location and force you to double travel time and expenses. No choice.

7. Rewards. The reward for a job well done is...more work!

8. Recognition. Your boss or peer takes credit for accomplishments which were supposed to be yours.

9. Loyalty. I don’t know about you, but I have been a modern slave (an employee) for more than 8 years, and I couldn’t bear the thought of spending another year!

10. Self-Development. I am always doing my best for the companies I worked for, but they are not doing their best for me!

In fairness to the past 3 companies I worked full-time for, I am grateful for the experience, skills development, training, acquaintances, professional and personal relationships I acquired while working there. It’s just that my mind already opened to a whole new world (naks!), and it’s too obvious to ignore.

I thank one of my favorite authors, Robert Kiyosaki, because I now recognize how we were ‘brainwashed’ to work for money instead of money working for us. We were trained to be professionals minding others' businesses instead of minding our own business. I now see the opportunity to work WITH your family instead of FOR your family.

I was a blind follower for years, but not anymore! I just quit the corporate world about a month ago, and it felt sooo good, the sweet taste of freedom! You should try it. :-)

Until next post.