They say damn Hu$$le you made it ,I said nah you just think basic! – Nipsey Hu$$le
I recently published part 1 here after a few moments in air. For part 2 I wanted to focus on the community around you that can really set you apart from most people if utilize correctly. It takes guts and a little bit of craziness to leave the normal 9-5 world so finding supporters can go a long way. People might understand why you are doing it, but its all good. There will be times when things will get rough and if you have the wrong people around you, you will forget about why you are doing it.
Moment Of Truth
As I started telling friends and family about my desire to leave and start a new adventure, I was greeted by mostly naysayers. I didn’t make it a secret that I was unhappy, I learned that some bosses will try some funny tactics to get you to stay. Sometimes they will offer more money or vacation time, but having that extra stuff will not make you happy. You will want more a year later. Remember one more year turns to five very quickly.
I was gone like when The Lox wanted out of Bad Boy minus the thousands of supporters chanting free The Lox. I didn’t have many supporters or anyone calling me telling me, hey your not happy bounce. I knew a few people that hated their jobs but many would not try to make it better. I was not that dude! My biggest supporter at the time was my wife, which was all I needed. After that I was lucky enough to meet some very good people that would help me tremendously. To say I wasn’t afraid of the new journey would be a lie, but having a new base of supporters really helped me. Identifying your support group can really go a long way. Seek positivity because the negative comments can sway you to do things that you may not want to do.
Startup Community
The Startup community has to be the best. I dare you to reach out to the founder of a startup or even a team member. You will be surprised as to the support they will give you. Total strangers will stop and actually talk to you in a genuine way. They will pick apart your thoughts, sometimes even destroying them, but will be there to help you build the foundation you need. The startup community is full of aspiring game changers. They are looking to help people build their careers, they want to see you succeed. They want to help you succeed even if your the competitor simply because they understand the risk you are taking and love game changers. They believe in the power of paying it forward, which is huge. The amount of knowledge shared in the community sets it apart.
Are You Living
Ask yourself if I passed today would I be remembered for the right things? Did I leave the legacy I set out to create or am I squandering precious time on the wrong things that I hate? Ask your peers how you are doing. Check your emotions at the door and really analyze the answers people give you. Are they telling you things to better yourself or are they haters? If they are haters, its all good we need them also. Listen to them, and also listen to how they are telling you things. Chances are they are the people you definitely do not want to be like. Take it as a learning experience.
Think about why you want to do it. We all have bills to pay, but if money is your only motivation then reevaluate your goals. Making money doesn’t always guarantee success or happiness. When I first left my job that pay cut really hit! Was the initial journey hard? Hell yeah it was! However, I am much happier now. Take the opportunity to day dream, to get off the radar and put lyrics to paper. What I mean by that is to make those dreams you hear on a track a reality. Dreams do come true, and they start with a purpose. So dream a little, get the ball rolling. It wont get any easier until you try.
There’s no clear path to the pursuit of happiness but there are multiple paths and attempts if your willing to give it a try and live life on your terms. Is the startup world for everyone? No its not, but don’t let the world dictate your life. The American Dream can be anything you put your mind to. Doing the norm, or listening to others is a sure way not to reach your full potential or achieve the American Dream. Get that basic way of thinking out of your mind and hustle hard in any hustle that you pick!
