Recently, I spent some time in Washington, DC and it got me thinking about how many opportunities we have in this country and other similar countries that afford us the freedom to start our own businesses. I’d love to put it into words as well as Seth Godin, but since he is a bestselling author, here’s an excerpt from his book, “Tribes” that sums it up perfectly:
The Obligation
Not too far from us, a few blocks away, there are kids without enough to eat and without parents who care. A little farther away, hours by plane, are people unable to reach their goals because they live in a community that just doesn’t have the infrastructure to support them. A bit further away are people being brutally persecuted by their governments. And the world is filled with people who can’t go to high school, never mind college, and who certainly can’t spend their time focused on whether or not they get a good parking space at work.
And so, the obligation: don’t settle.
To have all these advantages, all this momentum, all these opportunities and then settle for mediocre and then defend the status quo and then worry about corporate politics-what a waste.
Flynn Berry wrote that you should never use the word “opportunity.” It’s not an opportunity, it’s an obligation.
I don’t think we have any choice. I think we have an obligation to change the rules, to raise the bar, to play a different game, and to play it better than anyone has any right to believe is possible.
Who can argue with that? How many people have given you trouble for starting your business, your “pyramid scheme”. Honestly, I don’t know how those people make it through the day with no freedom in sight. It’s easy to sit back, follow the rules and chastise those who are trying to do something extraordinary. It’s so much harder to put yourself out there and challenge the status quo.
My hope is that nobody gets discouraged by the naysayers and gives up on their business. If you haven’t yet, go out and get “Tribes” by Seth Godin. It’s an easy read and has some great material.
Your partner in success,
Ryan
Great post Ryan. Thanks for the reminder.
You are right! I do like. This is an excellent read and I agree an easy one. While reading I found myself thinking, “I will sure be going through this more than twice!” The book is very thought provoking in many ways. I especially thought it is a read well suited for anyone who ever thought they might like to “make a difference”, in anyway…
.-= Robin Lynn Brooks´s last blog ..What’s All This Buzz about Social Media & Tribes? =-.
yes, we are given a responsibility..and, we will deliver!
Together much is accomplished!
Thanks for inviting us to be a participator to create a better future!
Great article Ryan,
People like that don’t even affect me anymore, their comments go right over my head
The reason most people are depressed is because they have no dream, or no hope of being able to change their lives.
.-= Sharlene Stevens´s last blog ..Action Plan To Reach Your Goals =-.