Fixpert

Russell Simmons has always been a figure that’s inspired me, so I was stoked to hear that he has a new book out called Do You! The full name is actually Do You!: 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve Happiness and Success and I think that’s a pretty good description of what you can expect if you read / listen to it.

I’m only about 30 minutes into the audiobook version from iTunes (which is abridged, if that matters to you), and I just had to stop listening so that I could post this for ya’ll. He’s covering a lot of lessons that I’ve learned in the past, but have a habit of forgetting, and so it’s great to get these reminders and positive re-enforcement. I’m sure there are new lessons that I’ve yet to learn too.

Imagineer That Ish: Visualize What You Want in Great Detail

In 2005, I was unhappy with my job so I started daydreaming about my ideal workplace. I imagined every mundane detail, such as my desk, my chair, my monitor. I thought about what kind of co-workers I wanted to work with, what type of environment I was in, and I imagined the projects that I was working on. I really imagined it, I visualized myself sitting at my new desk.

In doing this exercise, I changed my thinking from the negative thoughts that I’d been having — focusing on what I didn’t like about my current situation — and started to think positively about what I wanted to steer towards. I felt so much happier, and felt a new sense of excitement about my future. That exercise led me to my current job, which I’m extremely happy with and grateful for. By the way — my new job is very close to what I was envisioning in 2005.

That experience led me to habitually daydreaming about everything that I wanted. For example, I started imagining what kind of house I would live in someday. There’d be a garden and I’d grow, cook, and eat my own veggies. There’d be a cute kitchen with lots of natural sunlight streaming in through the windows. Everything inside and out would be painted bright colors, and it would be a happy place. As soon as any thought like, “oh, but I couldn’t afford a down payment right now,” entered into my head, I’d just block it out and continue with my daydream.

Sometimes my dreams are somewhat meaningless — but always positive, like imagining being a bird soaring through the canopy of trees in a huge old-growth forest. I don’t shut down those daydreams either, I just let them happen and if they don’t appear to apply directly to my life, maybe they will one day, or I can turn those images and ideas into a creative project like a drawing or cartoon.

Your Biggest Enemies

Self-Doubt

This has become a core principle of mine, and it’s been learned through so many different types of experiences. I have to say, self-doubt is the #1 killer of your ideas and dreams, the #1 roadblock to becoming the best person you can be. And that’s really what this is all about, not becoming someone else — becoming the best you possible. Don’t be your own worst enemy, pay attention to when you’re thinking negatively about yourself and put it to a cease. It’s a bad habit you can get into, and therefore it’s a habit you can break out of if you pay attention. Stop the self-doubt.

Naysayers

Don’t listen to naysayers. Sometimes they’re hard to spot, because they might be people that love you, like friends and family. They might be giving you what they think is helpful advice, but if they’re injecting you with self-doubt, you have to make a conscious effort to tune it out. Be aware of the people in your life that do nothing but spew negativity and poo poo your ideas, they’re people that you don’t need to be around. Think about the people in your life that are positive influences, that inspire you, and invest in them. And, try to be that type of positive influence when they come to you with their ideas. Don’t become a naysayer yourself!

I try to avoid negative people whenever I can. If I meet someone new at a party and notice that they are super cynical, or mean, or complaining a lot about silly stuff, I usually write them off and the relationship goes no further. I know that’s harsh, but I realize that I’m pretty sensitive to, and influenced by, the people that I surround myself with. I need positivity in my life, or else I start to get bummed out and lose steam on my projects and goals.

The Alchemist and The Secret

In Simmons’ new book he says:

“Visions are God’s way of communicating with us.”

…which really struck a chord with me. I am also listening to The Alchemist right now, and this quote from Simmons relates directly to the themes expressed in this book. In The Alchemist, the author talks a lot about “omens” but he’s describing the same phenomenon. The book is a fable, all about realizing your personal legend — becoming the best possible you — and learning to pay attention to messages in your life that are in support of your goals, your legend.

I’m also reminded of The Secret, which is worth listening to on your headphones in the background while you work this afternoon — and it’s free. It touches on a lot of the same ideas that I’m mentioning here, although I’m a little bummed that the production style that they chose for the film makes it feel so much like propaganda. I think there are some valuable lessons in The Secret, you’re just waiting for them to pitch you some $400 magical ointment or something.

Anyway, stop reading this post and go download Do You from the iTunes music store. I know it’s like $20, but just do it and listen to it while you work at your desk today. And really listen, take notes anytime he says something that sparks your imagination, then come back here and let me know what you thought about it!