I’m currently working on a project where I’m in correspondence with some big-time entrepreneurs. These people are doing incredible things which are positively impacting the world on a huge scale. They are doing the types of things which I am secretly (or not so secretly to my wife) envious of.
While I realize it’s not healthy to discount my own success and wish for someone else’s, I also never want to settle for doing less than I am capable of doing. I want to stretch to new levels, and was challenged to do so by these big-time entrepreneurs.
I noticed something interesting happening to me after interacting with them. I was energized. I was more optimistic. I was able to think bigger and rise above my limiting fear and belief.
I came to the realization that they were normal people. If it was possible for them to do these big things, it’s possible for me to them as well. I couldn’t help but ask myself, “How can I interact with people like this on a more regular basis?”
This cemented in my mind once and for all the importance of spending time with those who are already doing the things I want to do. I never want to become stagnant. I want to continually stretch to new levels.
So, in answer to the title of this post, should you stalk your heroes?
Well, stalking might be a little much. But, how about figuring out a way you can spend a little bit of time with your heros? Who knows, it might rub off and that superman cape you have hidden in the back of your closet may come in handy.
Do you spend time with those who are already doing the things you want to do?
– photo by Ben Northern
I don’t think I’d call it stalking but I do try to interact with those that I admire and see doing great work. It’s like applying the principles of Jim Rohn where the people you hang around the most are the ones that influence you the most. Get with the right people and you’re headed in the right direction.
Nice, Joe. Sounds like a solid approach. Jim Rohn is the one who said you’re the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. I think there’s a lot of truth to that.
Joe, what actions have you taken to locate those people that you admire and want to connect with? I have a few things I’m already doing, but I’m always looking for ways to expand my network. 🙂
A lot of it has been stumbling upon someone I feel has a great grasp on what I desire to do. More recently, it was through an introduction at work with a businessman that I’m hoping I’ll be able to connect with better.
Ooooh, I’d like to hear more on this story of the new person you met! Perhaps the next time the 4 of us hang?
Would love to share sometime. It’s amazing seeing what he’s done and where he’s going. Looking forward to a great friendship with him and his family.
Oh and I noticed I wrote work. It was actually church.
Absolutely Michael – I am doing that as well – not stalking – but have a weekly call with 2 women I highly respect and admire and have signed up to go listen to a mentor of mine who is giving a workshop next week. And I agree – I always feel energized and more hopeful that if they have been able to do it , I can too!
That’s great, Ann! Way to be proactive. Who’s the person giving the workshop, if you don’t mind me asking?
My friend and mentor, Dr. Lynne Kavulich, Doctor of Chiropractic, Diplomate of American Clinical Board of Nutrition and Board Certified Anti-Aging Medicine – she is a brilliant woman. But even more than that a lovely Christian lady who is so gracious and generous in sharing her knowledge.
That’s great, Ann. Enjoy the workshop!
Thanks Michael – I know I will!
Excellent reminder… Our circle of influence is probably one of the most important decisions we’ll ever make as they very much so affect our direction and success in life…
Words of wisdom, Rob. I think it’s good to give our circle of influence some thought and to be intentional about it rather then just letting it “go with the flow.”
YES!! This post pumped ME up! 🙂 Just realizing again that these “super heroes” are normal people too… and that I can be like one of them. I agree with you. I never want to become stagnant. The more I taste of “changing the world” the more I want of it and the less I can ignore it. Great post! 🙂
and ps. yes – I do spend some time with the people I want to be like, or that energize me, but I plan to start exposing myself more to these awesome people. Their optimism is contagious. I’ve also been hyper aware of how negativity and hopelessness is also contagious, so I am becoming more intentional about who I spend my time with.
Yes, Alana! “Super heros” are normal too! It’s so easy to put them up on a pedestal but as you start to spend more time with them and get to know them a little better, you realize they’re not any different then you.
Kudos on spending time with those that are already doing the things you want to do!
Funny you should mention superhero…I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately.
DISQUS kind of skews the image, but if you click on it you can see it in original size. Here’s the back of it…the superhero part
Mark,
That’s great! Thanks for sharing. Love it.
Mark,
This is really cool! I feels superheroish!!! 😉 It is you right?
I just saw it on your site, nice!!! I like what your doing over there!
Is it me? Did Batman ever reveal his secret identity?
Hahaha! No!!
Just don’t tell anyone.
It’ll be our secret
Michael, this is easier than we think once we realize what you stated in the post. I’m in Jeff Goin’s Tribe Writers course and his writing and credibility took off just by picking up the phone, sending emails to Steven Pressfield, Seth Godin, Michael Hyatt (just to name 3 I can think of now) – and asking for interviews and reviews. He said it was really that easy. Good job, sir!
Personally, I am meeting biweekly with a group of men that are doing some awesome things for the hearts of men. It’s not close or convenient, but I gain so much each time we meet. I remember stalking one of my heroes, turned mentor, when I saw he was speaking at a Toastmasters meeting one week. I just popped in, talked with him, after which he challenged me on the spot to give an impromptu 5 minute talk (that same hour) on anything I wanted to. Thats what high achievers do – they take risks, get uncomfy often.
Very cool, Michael! Way to network and make those connections.
I’ve read some one of Jeff Goins’ posts where he mentioned he simply asked for those endorsements and interviews. So often we think our heros are untouchable, but they’re simply people too (granted sometimes they’re too busy to respond to all the requests, but often not).
That’s neat to hear you’re meeting with other men on the hearts of men. I know that’s a topic you’re passionate about. Way to pursue it!
So, did you give a 5 minute impromptu speech?
Of course! Had to meet the challenge – that was about 10 years ago! I don’t remember what it was about though 🙂
Nice, way to go!