// Defeating the Enemy: How to Conquer You!
// Apr 11th, 2008 & filed under Business, Learning
(Note: this is a fairly long post, but read it carefully. I hope it inspires you to quit messing around, and get your act together).
Do you ever feel like almost everyone is ‘making it’ except you?
Do you ever get frustrated, because you know you’re better than what you get recognised for?
We’ve all been there. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth. In fact, I was barely into me teens before I was in a position where, if I wanted anything, I was going to have to work and save up for it myself.
Of course, my struggling mum took care of the basic necessities of food, and rent. But, if I wanted cool trainers, or wanted to do something with my mates which cost money, then I had to fork out the cash from the little I earned at the local fuel station, washing cars, and putting the magazines and supplements into the weekend newspapers.
Not much has changed since then. Sure, I get by. In fact, I’m probably well within the top 10% richest people in the world, but then, if you own your own home, have a car, and can afford a holiday once a year, then you’re in the top 6% or so (or so I’m told).
The reality is, as much as over two thirds of the world may be in poverty, the society I live in eats up money like a plague of locusts through a field of corn. It’s hateful, but it’s life!
For years (up until 15 months ago) I’ve battled with the emotions expressed in the opening questions of this article, thinking I’m better than this…
You’ve been there, right?
However, a blast into reality hit me recently. I’m not any better than what I am.
Just stop right now, and let that sink in. You are not any better than what you are.
———————–
Has it sunk in yet? Good, because if this is the first time you’ve thought about this, then it could be a turning point in your life.
I’ve no desire to be rich. I would, nevertheless, like to be able to buy a laptop without feeling guilty about the fact that I can’t really afford it. I would like to be able to buy one of those nice ergonomic chairs without thinking it’s extravagant, and beyond my needs.
So, how am I going to attain to that position? Is someone going to do it for me? Never!
The ball is in my court
This is why I’m releasing a premium theme, and why I’ve started designing for individual clients. Sure, I want to help the community. I hope everything I provide will meet a need, and people will be happy with it.
But, it’s also me taking matters into my own hands. Realising that I have to conquer the deceptive voice, which keeps telling me I’m better than this when in reality, I’m not. I’m only as good as I am. So, if I want to earn more, then I can’t complain about not earning more until I grab the bull by the horns, and do something about it.
A lesson from Hollywood
Have you ever seen, ‘Good Will Hunting‘?. I can’t remember all the particulars, but the young guy in the film (Matt Damon) is a real genius. He solves mathematical problems in minutes or hours, when it has taken several of the worlds top mathematicians years to solve them.
There’s a scene in it, when he makes fun of a guy who thinks he knows everything. Damon tells him, that everything he knows is regurgitated from books, and he’s spent thousands of dollars on an education he could have gotten for free in the library. I’m not against college or university education, but he makes a valid point.
Anyway, Damon has his own issues. He’s one of the smartest guys in the world, and yet he’s a bum. Drinking, fighting, and working as a cleaner in the local college. His intellect could change the world, but it isn’t. Not because he can’t, but because he won’t!
You might not be the most intelligent in the world, but that’s not what’s stopping you. You are stopping you.
Live your dreams
You are responsible for where you are now. Quit making excuses.
If you’re a struggling web designer, why are you struggling?
- Is because you don’t know your profession?
- Is it because you don’t understand the needs of the market?
- Is it because you’re too lazy to improve your skills?
- Is it because you’re afraid of failure?
The above excuses are things you can change.
Be innovative. Think different. Become a leader. Whatever it is you want, just do it!
Great post!
Only just recently myself have I actually really gotten anywhere with my business and sometimes it just takes a lucky break but if you improve in the areas you mention (last points) you will be ok when the lucky break happens.
Encouraging Armen.
Inspiring post Armen.
Dreams and ambitions are powerful movers.
My dreams and ambitions usually led the way. Sometimes I followed. Sometimes not. But life is like that - you live and you learn.
I’ve been poor. Dirt poor. And I’ve been filthy rich.
And in a huge way, it was the, ‘I’m better than this’ moments that jerked me awake and up and out of each circumstance.
I wasn’t happy being dirt poor. And even unhappier being filthy rich.
So with a lot of hard work and soul searching, I’m finally satisfied with the dreams within my grasp. Because this is where I’m meant to be. Not there.
Jermayn - I’m glad it was a help to you. I know how you feel my friend, and that’s why the post resonated with you. Remember keep at it, and give more. Give more to developing your skills, and give more to providing a better experience for your customers.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Cat - “This is where I’m meant to be”
What an awesome thought that is. That should be our target. Being able to say, “this is where I’m meant to be” and knowing it, is a great comfort.
Thanks for adding to the article, Cat.
I agree entirely with what you write. You have to put yourself out there and where you are is where you got yourself. I agree with attraction and action, and all the motivational/inspirational articles I read. I’ve written many myself. OK, fine.
This is what I want to see addressed: what if it goes nowhere? What if you give it all your best shot, you face the fear and do it anyway, and nothing changes? In 10 years, I don’t want to do the same thing each day that I do now…but what if I am? There is my only fear.
That and I can’t buy a Macbook and pay my taxes in the same year.
Good articles you write. Have you released your rockin’ theme yet?
hiya!
recently stumbled across your blog, while surfing the net regarding web design matters (I do that every now and then). Just want to say excellent site, (since I’ve discovered it in the last hour I’ve been browsing through and following your links).
Also, this particular post is very inspirational and motivational… and resonates with not just designers I think, but with anyone who wants to do anything or get anywhere.
So well done again, and I’ve bookmarked you
Christine - Excellent question!
I wouldn’t call myself an expert, but speaking from experience, I think the short answer is to try again. Hardly anyone has ever fulfilled their goals the first time around. Persistence and belief is key.
What I wonder is, can you push yourself to achieve goals, and still be content with where you are at present? If you can do that, then you’re in a good place.
Theme release is coming soon, I promise!! It’s taken way longer than I thought, but I just couldn’t have released it in good conscience any earlier.
Sulthana - Thank you. My intention was to strike a cord with everyone in this article, but because most of my readers are interested in design, I narrowed it’s focus at the end.
I’m glad you liked it. If no one benefited from it, I know I did just by writing it.