I remember exactly where I was when it happened.
On my way to Las Vegas, I popped in a Tony Robbins tape from his Personal Power series.
Tony Robbins is a hugely successful motivational speaker, trainer and writer. If you have a million dollars, he’ll give you his private number and you may call him 365 days a year for a private coaching session.
People either love him or hate him. Those who hate him are usually put off by his hyped up, in your face presentation style. Those who love him are pumped up by his towering presence and contagious enthusiasm, whether it’s on CD, during a live seminar or on TV.
Robbins built his career on…
When Mom cooks a chicken pie, Mom is involved. But the chicken is committed.
Okay, so I’m no Tony Robbins.
I thought the hen chickened out?!
Motivational and informative! Thank you, Paul!
Thank you, Jason. From time to time we all can use a little boost and a kick in the pants.
Paul,
How do you hit a grand-slam every time? Your blog posts are truly inspiring. Tony Robbins would be proud. Thank you for your thoughts, and especially for sharing them to inspire others.
-Derek
Hi Derek, I just enjoy playing the game. Baseball might be a foreign concept to most Dutchmen, but I do like to step up to the plate and take a swing.
Another solid blog, Paul! You are so right! There is no magic pill for success. Everyone wants to see the Wizard but few are willing to pay to do it! 🙂
We have to learn how to create our own magic, instead of hoping for the Wizard. It takes time, talent, commitment and a good coach (like Terry) to make it. No hocus pocus!
Thank you, Paul, for today’s inspiration! In my opinion, Richard Branson exhibited an empowering belief recently when his Necker Island estate burned to the ground. When asked about the loss of years of work building the home and all of the stuff inside it that he had collected from lands far and wide, he certainly acknowledged all of that but turned immediately to the fact that there was no loss of life and his subsequent gratefulness.
That’s the spirit that came out of the ashes. It shows that Branson doesn’t live on an island, but that he’s deeply rooted in reality.
… as a friend of mine used to say:
“When it comes to breakfast, the chicken is interested, but the pig is committed!”
Great read as always – thanks Paul,
Joe
Food metaphors are very nourishing. They’re like chicken soup for the soul.
I knew that eventually you would get around to verbally painting me into a corner to face the music.
People who finally face the music usually start singing to a different and more uplifting tune.
Top notch, Paul! Inspiring and pointed, as always. I especially like your challenge at the close…DO one thing. Today.
Thanks, John. I had to write something to top your latest blog 🙂
When I was just a boy, I dreamed of working in the music business and meeting rock stars… yep, I’ve done that. Twelve years ago, when I learned about voiceover as a career, I said, “I can do that… hey, I really want to do that!” This year among many other things, I’ve voiced three national campaigns. When it was suggested to me that I write a book I thought, “Yeah… I can write a book.” Done.
None of my goals came quickly or without being prepared to seize an opportunity when it presented itself.
I still have big goals and dreams. Although achieving them may take years of patience, practice and persistence, it is simply a matter of time before I check those off my list as well.
Dan Friedman
http://www.sound4vo.com
http://www.procommvoices.com
Dan, you’re living proof that years of patience, practice and persistence ultimately pay off.
We’re often tempted to look at the results of other people, and say to ourselves: “I can do that,” forgetting that elbow grease is not for sale on the shelves at Target.
Great advice, Paul!
Many thanks, Matt. You realize that all of this is one huge ‘note to self,’ right?
PS,
Another thing we have in common! I was trained personally by Tony Robins back in the early 80’s. NLP, NAP, the firewalks, the whole magillah. He still invades my unconsciousness from time to time. Powerful stuff. More to talk about this weekend!
Live with Passion, my friend!
Paul, you have been an inspiration to me before I knew your writings would become so well read. Sometimes I am in awe of your sense of humor in a language that is not your mother tongue but over the last several months additionally it’s your ability to articulate what many people are feeling in a way that resonates. I am in awe how you manage to balance all the things you do so well and with such heartfelt enthusiasm.
Perhaps as we both live with woodwind players some of that music feeds our souls….I know for sure that if you change the way you think about things the things you think about change. I am struggling with one of those right now……but I know the answer has to be worked through and the question should not be buried if it relates to moving forward a love for something that we want to remain part of us even if our business is not perfect. Thanks for doing what you do and keeping us diehards on track.
I gladly provide some fresh ingredients, but my readers have to do their own cooking!
It’s amazing how this blog has taken off in only a few short years. Thanks to people like you, Juliette, the word about Double Dutch spread throughout the US, Europe and beyond.
At Faffcon, I ran into so many dedicated readers and I felt very humbled by their enthusiastic response.
I know you will sort out what needs to be sorted out. Sometimes solutions are right in front of us. It only takes a clear mind and a leap of faith to take our life into a new and exciting direction.
Twenty years ago, I was broke, and raising 3 young boys. All I knew was how “bad things are.” Then I stopped by the library and started reading Tony Robbins’ “Awaken the Giant Within.” And it changed my life. Within a year, I had a new job, was winning awards for radio commercials, was named employee of the month 3 times in one year, and employee of the year that same year. Sometimes, I forget those lessons I learned that turned my life around. Thanks for reminding me, Paul. Thanks for a kick in the butt. 😉
I had the pleasure of seeing Tony in person during a taping at the QVC studios, of all places. Prior to that, I attended one of his seminars in Rotterdam. He is by far the most charismatic speaker I’ve ever seen. He pointed you in the direction of powerful tools. It was up to you to use them, and you did, Scott. Congratulations on keeping that Giant within, alive!
Paul,
Wonderfully said as always – and oh so true! Thanks for your continued ability to say what needs to be said and with impeccable timing.
-Mike
Timing is everything. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and add a bit of Tony Robbins to your mental diet, Mike.
Home friggin’ run Paul.
Looking forward to hanging out this weekend!
Faffcon’s going to be fun, for sure. I’ll be there Saturday and Sunday. In fact, I’m doing one of the opening presentations entitled “Boosting your Business with a Blog.”
Thanks for this Paul! I loved this one.
I heard Tony Robbins once say he did not motivate, but just reminded people of why they did what they did to see, if they still wanted to do it. I completely get that though. If you dont get why we do this…it isnt worth it!
Have a great time at Faffcon. I wish I could make it. 🙁
Peace and best to you!
Steven
Voice123
Community Manager
Robbins hated being called a ‘motivational guru’. His job was to provide a wake-up call, to educate, to entertain and inspire. Coaches can teach you how to best jump hurdles, but you have to run the race.
A quote I shared on my Facebook page from comedian, Jonathan Winters is in line with the overall theme of yet another one of your great blog posts, Paul. That quote from JW –
“If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to it.”
Thanks for the continuous inspiration, Paul. Your blog is becoming almost an addiction.
Kevin Scheuller
Well, I seem addicted to writing my blog, Kevin. My advice: never swim to a sinking ship. Unfortunately, many hopefuls take the plunge when they hardly know how to swim…
He Paul, bedankt voor een inspirerende blog; we hebben de afgelopen zomer veel over dit onderwerp gesproken en dit is andermaal een uitstekende verwoording! In het verlengde daarvan kan ik je zeggen dat wij ook druk bezig zijn dingen niet te ondergaan, maar zelf te laten gebeuren. Dat is een weg met ups en downs zoals je weet, maar het beginnetje is er, mijn eigen website (van m’n lespraktijk) is bijna klaar. Zodra alles werkt zal ik het je melden! Groeten uit een zonnig Utrecht.
Leuk dat je m’n blog gelezen hebt! Je hebt gelijk: een afwachtende houding levert meestal niks op. De mensen die initiatief nemen krijgen de meeste kansen. Ik kijk uit naar je eigen website! Alle goeds voor iedereen, Paul
Thanks very much for sharing this. Just that extra “kick in the pants” I needed to up my productivity level and finish the week off strong!
Usually, I’m not a big fan of kicking my readers, but if it helps you finish the week strong, I am more than happy to oblige! Thanks for stopping by, Kay!
As a very early fire walker, I can atest to the power of these experiences. For too many though, the experience tends to fade if one isn’t truly diligent.
With regards to the blog post and its implications for newcomers to voice over, I might say that many of those entering v.o. are “victims” to start out with, with a mindset that has been formed by being laid off, incapable of finding work, being underemployed, etc. This mindset often drives them into v.o., not as one who is pursuing a dream, but as one who is running desperately from a nightmare. At some point, the bulk of these individuals will look at an audition or a talent agent as a bag of groceries or a rent payment.
Action can just as easily be the realization that what you are looking at is smoke and mirrors. Buying into some bunch of v.o. teachers accounts of the bags of gold available as fuel for your “positive thinking” v.o. career is only slightly better than donning a pair of wax wings in an attempt to fly to the sun.
We often tend to think of winners as those who make the game winning touchdown in the last 5 seconds of the game. WHile not nearly as exciting, I’d prefer my team have a 30 – 0 lead at halftime and work to increase the lead by game’s end.
Using this newfound inner wisdom, ask yourself why and how you got here and if there perhaps isn’t some other use of your talents that would be rewarding and exciting.
Buying into one’s own dreams as opposed to the dreams of others is the best kind of empowerment. The difference with Jobs, Branson and Winfrey is that they as the others zigged, they zagged.
By succumbing to a victim-mentality, people give their personal power away. Victims tend to blame others and blame makes lame. It’s an easy way out.
If your misery is always caused by something or someone else, you don’t have to change. The rest of the world has to change, in order for you to feel better.
There are things in life we cannot control, but we can control how we interpret these things. The firewalk is a powerful metaphor for overcoming one’s fear and doing something that seems impossible.
As you said, most firewalkers look at it as a short-lived sensation and they fall back into their old, comfortable patterns.
“If your misery is always caused by something or someone else, you don’t have to change. The rest of the world has to change, in order for you to feel better.”
I’m going to make a slight modification to that and have it be my Facebook status update for the day.
My small change will be “If you think your misery is always caused…” Since my status update will be out of context with this post and comments.
You nailed it! I should have added the word “think”. If only I would have thought of it!
If it is to be it must start with me! Your timing is perfect for this very moment in my life!
Thanks Paul.
There are no coincidences. Some things just coincide!
That’s right Martin, as long as confidence is backed up by competence. In this business we need both and lots of it!
As usual Paul, I am in agreement with what you say, and in awe of how prolific you are as a writer, and the way you continually express such profound insights. My husband (my own Paul) and I have discussions like this on a daily basis, and to put it even more simply, one must learn to focus on what he or she wants, and not on the lack of it. Tony Robbins, great…Eckart Tolle (Power of Now) great….Paul Rarick, Optimalife Coach,great……Paul Strikwerda, GREAT!
I am in awe that you would mention my name together with these great thought-leaders of today, Debbie. It’s a huge compliment! Thank you for that gift!
Paul,
You spoke from my heart. But if what you said does not resonate with a reader, perhaps this is not the path they are meant to follow. I can’t tell you how many times I have told my family “just a few more minutes” because I just don’t want to stop “working.” It rarely feels like work. I feel so blessed to be in this industry. I love the competition, seeing who was awarded the job (if possible), giving them a salute from my side of the world and saying but the next one will be mine. So, it’s back to editing and on to the next job. Thanks and break a leg!
Hey Julie, thanks for visiting Double Dutch! True commitment results in a tremendous drive to get things done and continued growth. A purposeful life is also a balanced life, and it’s good to pay attention to outside signals. Ultimately, work -no matter how great- is just a means to an end.
GREAT PAUL! Thank you for this wonderful and inspiring post.
On a personal note, in 1976 I was fortunate to get a job at Davlin Studios, one of the top recording studios in Studio City, Ca. I was 18 years old. For well over a year, I cleaned toilets, ashtrays, answered phones and vacuumed the carpets & took out the trash. And each time I walked away from those sparkling commodes and immaculate carpets, I knew I was one day closer to to achieving my dream, to pilot that Trident A Range console, create incredible music and be surrounded by the best talent L.A. had to offer. It was not an over-night realization of my dream. Soon after I was “allowed” to wrap cables and breakdown sessions. I never once was discouraged by the roar of the vacuum or the fumes of the toilet cleaners. They were sweet reminders of my goals. 35 years later, I have never had a job that veered from that dream. Luck? A bit. Staying true to my goals, working and studying relentlessly everyday to reach them? Absolutely! There are no short cuts and your wonderful writing here is proof of that. My cup is always half full and more often than not, overflowing!
Thank you so much for sharing that inspirational story, Cliff. Sometimes you just know where you are meant to be and you’re willing to do everything it takes to turn a dream into reality.
No job is ever a small job and everyone is important. By cleaning toilets, your career effectively started in a Hollywood bowl 🙂
All great reads and again Paul — you’re insight is awesome.
Tony Robbins – okay its helped…I’ll add another aspect that leads to ultimate success — Prayer!
Couldn’t achieve if I didn’t believe!
It has been said that if you can conceive it and believe it, you can achieve it. That might be true to some extent, but we cannot accomplish things on our own. We need to be plugged in to a network of friends, colleagues and family, and do a lot of soul searching to find what we are destined to do.
Some prefer prayer; others meditation. Some use both. Whatever inspires and guides us, we are never alone on this journey. Thanks for reminding us of that, Bob!
Paul,
As usual with your articles, this one is informative and inspirational.
Although your articles are usually fair and balanced, I think you dropped the ball, or at least let it slip a little, by referring to those who fail to ‘get it done’, whatever it is, as losers. Using this word is wrong on so many levels I don’t know where to begin.
In this ‘what’s in and what’s not’, winners and losers culture we live in, we are driven by the fear of being on the negative side of the equation and all the implications that go with it. In so striving we often think and act in ways that diminish our understanding and compassion for others, damages ourselves, and fundamentally undermines our humanity. The amount of pain and suffering this equation has caused far outweighs the benefits that Jobs and Branson have brought us.
We don’t really understand why some people are naturally inclined to do what it takes to be a success or are at least able to put the ‘lessons of success’ into action. Nor do we understand why others don’t when how to do it seems self-evident. Success in anything can be rewarding and fulfilling, yet tenuous and transient. If we can step out of ourselves and see our success as ‘grace impermanent’, losers in the sense you used it disappears from our vocabulary.
Hello Bill, I think I understand your concern about my line:
“For losers, there’s always “tomorrow”.
Dividing the world into black and white and into winners and losers, must come across as harsh and insensitive. There always is a grey area that is so easily overlooked.
I chose the word “losers” on purpose because I was talking about people who have lost opportunities and lost momentum. It doesn’t mean that I am writing these people off. It takes time to find a purpose and a strategy to be on target. At times, the mountains seem too high and the seas seem too deep. Especially under these circumstances, it is important to commit to a life-changing decision.
Steve Jobs, Richard Branson and Oprah Winfrey didn’t become successful because they tried to do something. They DID it! Of course not everything they did always worked out, but living is learning. They never lost site of their dreams and they were able to live up to their personal definition of success.
I encourage and challenge each and every reader of my blog to define what success means in the context of their life. Don’t let others impose limitations on your dreams. As they say, the best way to predict the future, is to create it yourself!
Last summer around this time, I found a copy of Tony Robbin’s “Unlimited Power” in a thrift store for 75 cents while on vacation in upper Michigan. I ripped through that book in a few days and was so pumped, that I was ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN I could increase my business by 30% within a year—and I was exactly right.
Good post, thanks Paul–
Once you make a strong commitment, it can almost become a self-fulfilling prophecy. What we focus on most, is most likely to materialize. It’s not some cheap magic trick. It requires intelligent and purposeful action. You are living proof that you can ride the wave of momentum and reap the rewards of strong commitment.
“Those things you dwell upon the most will surely come upon you.” That quote is often attributed to Buddha.
It’s not quite true.
“Positive thinking without positive action ain’t nuttin’ but happy horse manure.” That quote is often attributed to me. 🙂
BTW – What’s this commentluv thing? Are you trying to steal our identities or something?
That’s precisely why I wrote:
Commentluv is a WordPress plugin that rewards readers by automatically placing a link to their last blog post at the end of their comment. According to the developer, it encourages community and it helps people discover new posts.
If I comment on one of my colleagues and they have Commentluv too, I will get a link to my last post. I’ll keep it active for a couple of months and see where it will take my blog. Thanks for noticing!
Thanks Paul. A very interesting article to read and one with which I am in total agreement. It’s how I focus and handle my life and encourage others to, as well.
Thank you so much, Heather. Every day is filled with golden opportunities to reaffirm our commitment and share with others.
This is great Paul, I’m a great fan of Tony Robbins, Morning Coach and other positive-thinking, inspirational people and books. I found your blog today via a friend on FBook, and I’m glad I did. I shall re-read it and take the contents to heart and put them into action.
Can I reprint this blog on my blog, with credit to you and your URL of course! Thanks.
Cheers! 😀
You may always reprint my articles as long as you mention the source. I’m glad this article hit home with you, but knowing you, this comes as no surprise!
Hi Paul,
Kudos! Another great and timely post. I was just reading posts on a forum from voice talents who were complaining that they “hadn’t landed any jobs in the first month of auditioning…” and “how can I afford to get training when they are living paycheck to paycheck.”
Can you think of any other business endeavor that requires no training, no effort nor investment? Me neither. And VO is no exception.
“Excuses Be Gone!” (a terrific book by Dr. Wayne Dyer) is also an inspiration and is now my personal mantra!
Thanks, Lori
http://www.lorifurth.com
Dr. Dyer is one of my role models. Every now and then, he’s raising funds for public radio and television and I had heard about his latest book.
At Faffcon I talked a lot about today’s “microwave philosophy” of “I want it ALL and I want it NOW.”
I suggest a return to the “crockpot philosophy” of carefully choosing the right ingredients and temperature, and letting it simmer for hours. It’s not instant gratification, but the result is so much better and much more nutritious.
Hello my friends, I just came back from Faffcon in Harrisburg, Pa. That’s the voiceover unconference you might have heard of.
Thank you for your overwhelming response. I promise to get back to you as soon as the new week has started.
Paul,
Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts. It appears that many, including me, really needed this motivation. I will happily tweet this post and I look forward to future words of wisdom that inspire action.
Best,
Tonya
http://www.WorldFootprints.com
I’m so glad our paths crossed, Tonya! Thank you for spreading the word and stay in touch.
Wow, wow, wow. What a wonderful piece, and I am so pleased to hear myself agreeing to all the “committed” things–I am doing all I can do, and it feels great! It does not feel like work at all because I love it. Here’s what I have to say:
When a road block’s in your way, remember that some use those as hurtles. And when life presents you an obstacle, remember when you used to *build* obstacles (courses) as a kid.
Thank you for that terrific quote, Morgan. We seem to forget how much fun we had running these obstacle courses. When did we lose our sense of play?
Whoa, that was good and clear. I condensed this down to key phrases on the back of 1 of my old business cards for quick reminders. It’ll be wedged in the sound proofing where I spend my days.
That’s a great idea, Jack. Since most of my stories are “notes to self,” I should do that too!
Nicely written. I couldn’t agree more. I found the book “Think or Sink” by Gina Mollicone-Long a helpful resource. It’s a simpler, laymen terms type of read to the concepts in Power of Now and NLP practices. And it is just that. It’s a daily practice to condition your mind, but with the right tools and exercises, it gets easier and more habit like everyday. It’s really neat to observe the results! I like your “crockpot” analogy, too. I recently picked up a nice reminder while watching “The Quantum Activist.” In finding the balance in efforts and rewards, remember to do, then be. Hence do-be-do-be-do….. It’s fun!
Hi Joell, thanks for chiming in! The same principles have been formulated by many writers in many ways. The question is: do we allow ourselves to be conditioned by outside forces, or do we take charge of our own lives?
For some, it seems easier to sit in the back of the bus and let the driver determine the destination. I prefer to drive my own bus and choose where I’m going.
Hey there Paul!
Thank you for this. I hope to read more of your blog posts. I found this via Link’d & the voice over group. I barely do voice-over stuff, but really liked your blog. I’ve just had both my hips replaced (before the age of 40!) and have had a hard time, grieving it all… coming to grips with who I had planned to be and who I had wanted to be, physically, versus what I will have to be. In essence, I have to create a new plan, and it really ticks me off. Granted, I am thrilled but afraid to hope that indeed this double THR will mean a life of pain will be gone soon, but I had so much more planned for my husband and kids. Now I know it will have to be different, which doesn’t have to mean worse. I’m going to re-read your post again more slowly this time, but thank you again in advance.
Frannie aka Frances Scott on FB
Hello Frannie:
Your story really moved me. It must not have been easy to accept that sometimes our trusted body can no longer give the support we take for granted. It literally destabilizes us and forces us to make adjustments.
Life after the operation must be a new reality to you. A new beginning. I hope it will be pain-free, even though life is hardly ever painless.
Your new hips will give you strength to overcome the hurdles that lie ahead of you. And if -at times-the future seems to be overwhelming, I know the support of your husband, your kids and the rest of your family and friends will carry you through.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings, Frannie.
Paul,
If “Dear Abby” ever needs a rest, I think you would be the perfect sub. Your compassion seems tempered with wisdom in a way that is quite admirable. Kudos.
Writing is very much like sowing seeds. One never knows where words will land and when spring comes, it’s always a pleasant surprise to see where flowers start to bloom. Thank you for inviting me into your garden!
That’s a great article. thanks for sharing
Thank you, James!