How does Quitting fit into Persistence?

Quitting and Persistence would seem to be mutually exclusive. I have found, however, that quitting can be a key component in persistence, when used strategically.

Persistence indicates a willingness to continue to pursue a goal - whether it be getting an ice cream cone, pursuing one's true love, or fulfilling a lifetime goal. We approach each with singlemindedness, which is often a strategic mistake. While there are often many paths to a destination, we as individuals are not always suited to all paths.

If I wanted to summit a mountain, I can choose to climb it, parachute down to it, take a helicopter, or even just take the road that ends at the top. Some routes are harder than others, some possess unique rewards, but all end at the same place. If I choose to drive up, and my car breaks down, do I head back to the city, fix the car and go another day? Perhaps. I can also "quit" trying to make that path work for me and start climbing up. If I break my leg, I can "quit" walking, call Helicopter R Us to rescue me and take me the rest of the way. Despite "quitting" twice, I still summit the mountain.

Regrouping, stepping back, taking a detour, and changing direction are all valid ways to "quit" while still working toward your eventual goal. The question is how far behind will it take you? Will your rewards push you to your real goal?

When you have a clear destination, don't be afraid to "quit" trying to arrive there the way you intended to. Be open-minded, and ready to see other paths. As long as you keep your true north, you will always get there eventually.

Time is a Matter of Perspective

My two oldest children are looking forward to a trip to visit their Biological Father (BF). Since they were told the tickets were booked, they talk about the trip everyday, to everyone who'll listen. They are looking forward to swimming, and the zoo, and playing video games - and of course, seeing BF.

They are so excited one of their teachers asked us when the trip was - sounded soon. In actuality, it is July! To kids, Christmas or their birthday is always tomorrow, and Halloween must happen once a month. As adults, our understanding of time is a burden unto itself - getting through the harsh, cold winter, surviving the long, hot summer. Hoping the Christmas season doesn't start before the last Christmas ends.

How do you use YOUR time? Is it your ally, or enemy? Can you stay in the moment during something joyful, and speed time up when life is bad? We often do just the opposite. Start being aware of your perspective of time - we all have the same amount, but how you look at it will determine how you spend it!

Hard Choices

I had a high-paying job come my way this week. A sales position with the promise of a six-figure income in 12 months - more than I've made to date. It wasn't commission based, and was a straight-forward, good situation.

The only catch was that they wanted 100% commitment. They knew of my speaking and coaching - a quick Google search was enough for them. All I had to do was give up my dream.

I turned it down. I may be financially strapped, but I will not give up my dream that easily. 100K would solve a lot of problems right now, but stepping out of my dream would destroy me inside, and I'd end up without the 100K or my dream.

I will continue to pursue my passion. I will not let the enemy steal my future!

Why am I back?

To be perfectly honest, I've resurrected this blog because it came up fairly high in the search engine if you look for "Rich Hopkins", and since I'm competing with both a musician and a stunt double for name recognition, I thought I better take advantage!

Isn't it amazing how often we overlook resources that we've gathered or created? At Toastmasters last week, a speech was given using a box full of old photos and journals from a University class over 100 years ago. The speech was about how eventually our lives are just dust, and what matters is the 'dash', and that we better enjoy it while we can.

As the evaluator, I couldn't resist pointing out the potential for an all out keynote speech from this material, a website, a book - so many things that the riches in that box could lead to.

Is it time for you to reassess your resources? What do you have in your possession right now that could change your life? When was the last time you cleaned out your attic, closet, or garage?

The people around us often become 'lost resources'. Who do you know that could make a connection to help you change direction in a job, or even just a casual dream? Do you walk into local stores and meet the people close to you?

We can sit and wish we had something or knew someone, or we can go out and find it for ourselves. And sometimes, its in our own backyard.