No matter who we think we are, there are some events that simply redefine us. These experiences challenge our paradigm of the world. They force us to reexamine our truths, limitations and reasons for living.
Through defeat, redemption, triumph or revelation, these glorious ah-ha occasions reshape our perception of possibility and the lens from which we view our unique potential.
I recently attended marketing mogul, Brendon Burchard’s, celebrated Experts Academy in Santa Clara, California. It was a game changer.
Burchard has followed in the footsteps of Stephen Covey, Harvey MacKay, Wayne Dyer, and Tony Robbins – to become one of the undisputed most significant entrepreneurs of the twenty first century. Shattering records in every category of influence, including, publishing, social media, and events-driven metrics, Brendon Burchard’s so-called experts’ industry has fundamentally changed the game – and there’s no turning back.
I’ve been following Burchard’s work since the infancy of my consulting firm in 2012, but this was my first live event. I’ve gulped the Kool Aid, and I’m hooked. An indescribably talented presenter, theatrically conveying one empowering point after another, Burchard’s Experts Academy was equal parts love-fest, bass-thumping house party, world-class networking session, techie curriculum forum, and marathon professional pep talk.
By the end of the week, I’d made powerfully inspiring new friendships, closed a few collaboration deals, and picked up a handful of new clients – from around the globe. Nobody packs in this much tangible information, this much fun, this much inspiration into four days – with this much heart and style. No wonder this New York Times #1 Best Seller has millions of followers on Facebook, and carries the number one spot on YouTube, iTunes and Amazon.
This is meant not to be a review of Burchard’s exceptional event, but a thoughtful reflection on my top three take-aways. So, let’s have a look at how I’ve been utterly transformed by this experience.
1. Brendon says, we must “bring the joy” to everything we do.
Our ability to inspire people, including ourselves, comes from a commitment to generating our own energy, advancing our own purpose, and helping to improve the lives of those we mean to serve – with unyielding joy. Experiencing Brendon’s spirited enthusiasm first-hand was one of the most motivational, profoundly contagious experiences of my life.
2. Now is my time.
Celebrating my 40th birthday in November of this year, I’ll be starting the next decade with a commitment to launching my business with specific strategies designed to deliver world-class content and leverage my effective reach. I’m done justifying procrastination to postpone trying new things that terrify me. Fear no longer serves me; I will stop spinning my wheels; I will commit to taking steps in support of my dreams; I will learn by doing, without fear of rejection or failure. I’m on the path of my own choosing and it’s my time to really get serious about my work.
3. Brendon says, “The main thing is to let the ‘main thing’ be the main thing.”
Focus, plain and simple. While I am easily overwhelmed by the expansive directions to choose from, my single task is to pick one (at a time), pursue it relentlessly; master it completely. Following my own 3-step method, I will simplify my focus, achieve clarity with intention and resolve, and stay inspired by the inescapable rewards of success. With each successive accomplishment, I will follow with a new focus, over and over again.
As an educator, I thrive first and foremost as a perpetual student – for that reason, I believe personal and professional development should be mandatory.
Life is about finding meaning, taking risk, pushing ourselves beyond expectation. And so I challenge you to join me. Before the end of 2014, commit to getting inspired and launch something prolific. Bring the joy. Commit with unrelenting clarity. Focus on one thing at a time. And stay in touch. It would be my great honor to support you in your journey. If there’s anything I can do, please just let me know.