Inspiration Never Comes When Your Fists Are Clenched
A friend of mine was waiting to turn left at an intersection. Traffic coming the other way was completely stopped for a light. And even though oncoming cars had absolutely nothing to gain by driving 10 feet further into the intersection, one of the drivers refused to stop and let him turn.
My friend flashed his lights and motioned for the guy to stop.
Instead, the guy blocked his turn and flipped him the bird.
My friend’s wife opened her door, stepped out of the car, walked across the intersection to the driver, and kindly asked him to back up so they could turn left.
The man grimaced and reluctantly threw the car in reverse.
That’s what it took to get the guy to do the polite thing. (“That’s the power of a woman,” my friend said with a smile.)
When you believe you must compete for every square foot of pavement – even at the expense of a polite courtesy that costs you nothing – isn’t that Exhibit “A” of scarcity mentality?
Not enough pavement on the street.
Not enough air, not enough water.
Not enough beer in the cooler.
Too many people, too many headaches.
Not enough opportunities.
Not enough money, not enough ideas.
You have to fight for everything you ever get.
I don’t know about you, but whenever I work myself into a desperation mentality, my field of vision narrows and I can’t see anything but problems.
Inspiration never seems to show up when I’m thinking that way.
A couple of months ago, someone pointed out to me that there’s a huge difference between working hard and striving. You can strive and not even be working while you stress out. Or you can work hard and not strive, and instead experience the rhythm and flow.
In Martial Arts they talk about relaxing and holding yourself in a state of readiness. Flowing like water. You can only do that when you believe there’s really going to be enough for you.
Last month at our Roundtable meeting, I suggested an affirmation to one of the members:
“I’m not a guy who constantly strives to force things to work. I’m a wise, agile player who harnesses existing forces to get things done.”
I believe there’s always a path you can carve that sidesteps the desperation mentality. You just need to slow down long enough to seek it out.
Rewind almost 10 years and consider where the world was at: An enormous amount of money had been poured into the Internet and it all evaporated in the space of a year.
A lot of folks proclaimed that the party was over.
But the smart ones realized that a ton of assets had been built – on somebody else’s dime – and if they kept a level head during the chaos and confusion, real businesses could finally be built.
(One of my smartest friends actually gave up on building real businesses during the Dot Com boom, because there was so much dumb money being thrown at even dumber ideas.)
The downturn became the new season of the smart ideas.
My friend, I am privy to so many things behind the scenes, the de-construction and re-construction of so many enterprises, that I can absolutely assure you, THIS is the season of the smart entrepreneur: 2010.
I invite you to join the ranks of the relaxed and the ready.
Perry Marshall
About the Author
Entrepreneur Magazine says: "Perry Marshall is the #1 author and world's most-quoted consultant on Google Advertising. He has helped over 100,000 advertisers save literally billions of dollars in Adwords stupidity tax."
He is referenced across the Internet and by The Washington Post, USA Today, and the Chicago Tribune.
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Perry,
Will you be my mentor
There are not very many internet marketers (who are as visible as you are) who are so comfortable in their own skin, transparent, and who obviously enjoy giving to others.
You are exhibit “A” of abundance mentality.
Thanks again.
Profitably Yours,
Kevin Mask
So true. Just watch the guy on the bottom in a mixed martial arts fight, and many times he’s winning just by relaxing and smartly planning his next move while the guy on top is wailing ineffective punches.
I thought yoga was for wimps my whole life….and know I know different. Helps me in a big way. I go when my brain is telling me, no Neil, you need to stay on your desk and get that next e-book done or than new landing page….but when I go to yoga, my business just seems to get better and better.
Good stuff Perry. See you in Austin.
Neil
TurnKeyParlor.com
See you in Austin!
Perry I love reading your blogs and putting into action what I see. I will not be in Austin but for sure will be there at one of your events or at your home soon enough.
Thank you for the value and for everything you’ve taught me.
God Bless.
Hi Perry,
… not only that but I have had clients ask me to do work for them especially because I don’t come by car (remember that Amsterdam has the highest parking charges in the world, and Utrecht is not far behind!).
I agree with every dot and comma! I drive at a leisurely 80kms (50mph) and have guys cut me up all the time, and then find that they are waiting at the next traffic signals. When you only work within 25kms from your home, 80kms an hour is more than speedy enough. Given half a chance I take my bicycle (I do live in Holland) – and I even have a trailer for all my gear
Just take it easy, that’s my motto – but I have to say it is much easier in a more socialist-style* economy, especially if you don’t earn much (like me). It means you can relax because you don’t have to earn so much.
Take care and thanks for all the inspiration! Gemma
*Read: tightly regulated and with serious social benefits.
“What’s the old Army saying – “Hurry up and wait?” Often the best way is to sit back, observe, and let everyone else shake out the situation before you make your move.
All of us have faults which make it uncomfortable for
others. What is your advice, mention the fault once
then let go of it??? Or would you advise the stubborn way to hang in there and see if and when the suggestion is followed?????? this stubborn way always seems to result in loss of friendship. How would you handle such a problem????? John
You have to decide if the fault is fatal or can be tolerated. At some point you just have to make a choice.
hi perry what are you driving at?
Hi Perry,
I’ve been following you for some time because you always make so much sense! I couldn’t agree more about the ridiculous waste of energy displayed by the perpetrator in the traffic scenario you explained here. It perfectly illustrates the lacking in abundance attitude that gets us nothing. I’m going to share your post on my FB.
I also so agree that great ideas don’t have room to surface when your brain is clogged by the stress of what you “have to” or “should” do. Just be and relax and it will come! The challenge is to walk my talk when the overwhelm starts to rear it’s ugly head. Your story is a great visual reminder!
Hi Perry,
I was wondering about your affirmation. I have been taught that your sub conscious do not understand the word no. Is it something you have reflected on?
Best!
Lars
I’m not that sophisticated in the affirmations dept.
Gracias por sus comentarios tan acertados y es una gran verdad no por estar mcuhas horas trabajando es señal de qeu lo puedes lograr hay que ser inteligente y eficaz
Perry, you are so right on. I see so many of my onw clients stuck in this same paradigm of trying to find the one thing that will make them a success. The best ones relax and work, no matter how imperfect their results. Taking action with what they have now is what works for them.
I’ve found that the less pressure you put on yourself the more you will accomplish. This is a great reminder of what is really important in our lives.
Perry,
I have the same problem, but in reverse. I have too much flowing towards me. Opportuniites in fields I never even thought about, opportunities in field I dreamed about….all too too much. My problem is “How do I choose where to put my focus?” “How do I know which one I should use as the basis to everything else?”
Thanks For Another Brilliant Post,
Quantella Owens
Virtuality LLC
Perry, so often you write exactly what I need to hear. I woke up this morning feeling desperate. How was I ever going to meet all my deadlines. The exact words flowing in and out of my head were: Not enough….not enough…..As I read your article, I regained control of my life. That’s why I stay a member of your Renaissance Club.
Get outta my parking spot Perry! You’re not the only semi-good looking copywriter who’s gonna earn 8 figures from the art…
Perry,
I’m sitting here in Costa Rica right now having fun and enjoying life. And it’s here that I’ve gained some of my best ideas and most inspiration.
It’s hard to attract great ideas when you’re mind is like a Monday morning traffic jam.
As you wisely say Perry, it’s so important to slow down and “make space” for inspiration to come to you.
All the best Perry.
David
Absolutely brilliant. Not only the content, which has the kind of wisdom you have accustomed us to, but the form: the storytelling skill you displayed to tease us into your blog is something I’m certain to try and emulate in my next newsletter… if you don’t mind this kind of practical praise.
Cheers,
Jayme.
I think that controlling your focus is the most important skill an entrepreneur can learn. You can focus on the negative side or the positive side of a situation. Your focus dictates your feelings and your feelings the creative state of mind.
Great post Perry….
I agree Perry. I love reading you messages and learning more about what I need to do, to make myself an even better person.
Thanks Perry. Great post. It’s true, never underestimate the power of a woman!