What I Believe In

Today I would like to share my heart. I would like to speak to fellow men. I want to share what I learned in 2011. I have been struggling for years within this inner battle of motivation – money versus purpose. I have always felt I have a greater purpose to serve the world. But I’ve gotten so sidetracked by trying to support a family, earning a living, growing wealth and otherwise worrying or focusing on money.

When I am really honest with myself and I notice what actually gets me up and provides the energy behind a lot of the action I take, I notice that getting money has been at the root of it. I’ve also noticed that whether I get money or not, that it doesn’t change my level of fulfillment. Sure, I may feel relaxed for a moment about money, but I am still in a scarcity mindset and focused on money.

I have known for years that the way to a more fulfilled life, a wealthy life, where I am in the ‘sweet spot,’ is when I live a more purpose-filled life. I’ve been trying to get there, but I’ve been distracted along the way.

A few months ago, I realized just how much my actions driven by money had been affecting those around me. In my business, I saw how almost everyone I had spoken with for two years (hundreds of people) I had been driven by money and it showed itself in those conversations. I saw how I had driven people away from the true service I wanted to provide. I had put a wedge in between me and them.

It was only when I saw the true effect of my actions on the others I wanted to help, that I became complete with my selfish desires and primary motivation of money. I noticed my selfishness. I noticed the part of me that was focused on money. And I committed right then and there to a primary purpose-driven motivation instead.

And I’ve been so rested and relaxed since. I know who I am even deeper than before. I feel authentic. I feel like I’m not trying to get anything any more, or prove anything any more. I feel I deeply desire to be of service.

I am standing up for myself and what I believe in as a man. I’ve drawn a line in the stand for who I am and what I stand for. I believe I must be an example first and foremost in my own life. I believe that the foundation of being a leader in this world requires me to get my own house in order. And I mean every aspect of my life — career and purpose, money, savings, relationships, family and emotional and physical health.

I believe the most important thing is to live up to my OWN internal standards on these things. Society may have standards, but my own internal standards are the guiding force in my life. And not living up to them is what eats away at my integrity and my soul inside.

My commitment for the rest of my life is that I live in integrity, that my actions match my own inner standards that I have set for myself. My commitment is to also invite every man I speak with to join me in this commitment, even if he is already doing so.

I believe a world full of men and women committed to their own inner standards will revolutionize the world — from the inside out. This is what I stand for, and this is what I believe in. I just happen to coach men and take them on adventure trips of a lifetime as my way of expressing and giving back to the world.

May you live aligned with your own inner standards for 2012.