Which transformational truths apply to you?

As you know from previous writings truth and trust play a big role for me and everything we do at AMC LLC. I have told you about my visit to Sedona in November 2007. I had the pleasure to personally meet Brandon Burchard. He is the guy who wrote the book: Life’s Golden Ticket. I really love the way he presented the story and hope some day in the future to put leadership, talent development, and growth strategies into a similar frame. 

Brandon is a pretty amazing guy, especially because of his own life story. He barely survived a car crash when he was young. After recovering he realized that he needed to live a different life. He basically got a second chance and that is what his book is about. If you like to hear him tell his own story about that incident, you can click on this link:  

 http://youtube.com/watch?v=kbOnb3rk6-w 

Ever since meeting Brandon personally and reading his book I have kept an eye on what he is doing. As Laural Langemeier taught me: “If you want to achieve success,  surround yourself with those who are already successful.” I wouldn’t necessarily say I am surrounded, but at least I am in touch. I encourage you to look for individuals you are impressed with or admire, and try to get in touch with them or follow their lead. 

While I am in the process of using some of the material I have created about success, and build it into an E-Book for you, Brandon send me an e-mail with some of his latest revelations. He is a great writer. He puts things plain and simple. So, instead of trying to paraphrase, I give you part of what Brandon send me below.  What we are talking about is transformational truths. Some of them will appear basic and maybe even trivial. On the other hand, that is the beauty of awareness. It does not have to be complex or hard to comprehend. I believe it is actually better when it is simple - kind of like this commercial about the pain killer where they say: “Apply directly to the forehead”. 

(Brandon’s text shown in italic) 

Transformation Truth #1:
Either you are truly moving forward or you aren’t.

We were all born to move forward: to crawl, to walk, to run, to grow, to push ourselves diligently toward our destinies and dreams. Unfortunately, many of us have let our fears and the need for safety weigh us down. We’ve stopped taking the leaps and bounds and chances needed to get us closer to the life we desire. Tragically, too many of us have settled into jobs that lead nowhere, relationships that sink our spirits, and habits that hold us back. To prevent that or become more focused, ask yourself these simple questions on a regular basis: Have I been charging ahead in life, standing still, or falling behind? Am I truly moving forward toward my dreams, or am I simply conning myself into believing that I’m just “waiting for the right time to make my move”? What do I need to do today to boldly start moving forward in life?   

Transformation Truth #2:
Either you’re doing work you truly enjoy or you aren’t.

Most of us know that our life’s purpose is more than just a paycheck, and that a life of meaning is not limited to a life of means. Yet many of us suffer the self-imposed misery of doing unfulfilling work simply to make ends meet. Is what you are doing something that you whole-heartedly enjoy? Do you get happily lost in your work on a regular basis and feel like you’re truly growing, contributing, and making a difference? If you cannot answer with a resounding “Yes!” to these questions, then you already know it’s time for a change. It’s time to face that and take action.

Transformation Truth #3:
Either you are truly being yourself or you aren’t.

Each day we have a choice to make: Will we live authentically or adapt to the world around us? When we choose to be authentic, we show the world our raw, unpainted, genuine self. We act in accordance with our convictions and we openly share our personality and passions with other people. Living like this makes us feel alive, connected, and “real.” Unfortunately, many of us choose instead to adapt to the world the way a chameleon does, changing our true colors in order to blend in. Living like this makes us feel hollow and disconnected. It makes us avoid ourselves in the mirror and creates a repeating whimper in our minds: “Please stop acting this way; it’s not the real you, and there’s someone special in here waiting to be let out.” How are you living your life—are you showing the world who you really are, or are you putting on a facade in order to fit in and be accepted? That answer probably says a lot about how you feel on a regular basis.

Transformation Truth #4:
Either your relationships are truly supporting you or they aren’t.

The quality of our lives is shaped by the quality of our relationships. Indeed, the people in our lives who treat us with kindness, respect, honesty, and understanding have the ability to lift us to our highest heights. On the flip side, those who mistreat us, disrespect us, lie to us, neglect us, or abuse us often have the power to pull us down into the depths of despair. Think about the people surrounding you: your family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors, acquaintances, romantic interest. Are any of these people holding you back from being your best? Are any of them making you feel small, stupid, unworthy, unloved, or uncared for? If so, who are they? Now the important part: Why in the world are you allowing these people in your life, and what are you doing right now to surround yourself with supportive and inspiring people? 

So I hope you checked out these transformational truths and reflect on which ones focus your awareness. When you have found what resonates best with you, take action. Awareness is 50% of the solution (maybe even more), but if you don’t take action towards your goals and passion, or change what is holding you back, the best awareness will not be much help.  I look forward to your comments. 

Axel Meierhoefer, President AMC LLC