Andy Swan » Seeking greatness….a personal odyssey resumes

Seeking greatness….a personal odyssey resumes

December 28, 2009 – 1:47 pm

2009 whipsawed me in more ways than one. Despite this, I remain upbeat…much to the chagrin of my enemies, who are numerous.

See, I understand that my wealth lies not in my bank statements, brokerage account or salary level…… but in my mind.

Its capacity to produce income and wins is beyond reproach. Therefore, it is an extremely valuable asset. In fact, it is capable of creating so much wealth and paper money that it makes paper money virtually worthless to me….which may seem like a contradiction, but I can assure you is not.

“But Andy,” you say, “isn’t the fact that you lost money in 2009 evidence that your mind is NOT the asset you think it is, you blowhard?”

And with that, you’ve nailed the great caveat.

The mind, as an asset, must be asked….no, DEMANDED!….to produce.

For most people, this occurs very rarely….typically in times of great peril. Indeed, you will recall stories where someone you knew did something you never thought him capable of, and saved his ass from destruction in the process. Once the storm has passed, he retreats to the cushions of his favorite sofa. There, he can resume the atrophy of intellect via fervent cheering for the set of teenage ball-tossers that happen to adorn his favorite uniform. Cruise-control into the coffin.

For others, “the great ones”, life works differently. To them, comfort is an indication of atrophy. These men understand that the mind must be called upon to produce. They understand that resistance is to be sought out, for it results in strength and therefore cements the outcome of victory.

It is in this task that I have failed in 2009. Instead of consciously seeking resistance, I required a subconscious revolt of the mind to bring it upon me. This pattern of “win big, lose medium, get hungry again and repeat” has defined my life since I was 9 years old, and has served me well so far. But it is clear to me that to be great, one cannot let hunger fade, regardless of his feast. And this, for me, is the challenge of a lifetime.

So, here we go….again. Let the resistance begin.

Steve Suhrheinrich

Well said Andy Swan. It's focused action that makes us win bigger each year. Action that leads to greatness will inevitably be uncomfortable at times. It's the extra hours, the extra people you meet, the extra effort you put into what you do well. Th resistance lets you know that you may achieve something important when you get done. May you feel resistance all year long.

nike shox

If a jewel falls into the mire, it remains as precious as before; and though dust should ascend to heaven, its former worthlessness will not be altered.

andyswan

Nice

Aviah Laor

throwing the TV to the garbage is a great start

Gregory

Wonderful Post. Thanks.

Claytone

Good stuff, Andy!

When people ask me who I read and why, I am going to point them to this post.

andyswan

I really appreciate that, thanks.

ruang

Awesome mantra: "Win big, lose medium, get hungry again and repeat"

It's easy to remember the 'win big, lose medium' part, but when I win big, I often forget to 'get hungry again'. Even when things are going well, competition is still a bitch, and hunger is the cure.

andyswan

Agree. The challenge for me is to stay hungry without losing medium!

Dave Pinsen

It would be interesting to read a concretized version of this post, i.e., one that was specific about your successes, set-backs, and missed opportunities this year and things you plan to do differently next year.

Peter Fleckenstein

Fantastic post Andy, from start to finish. I'd like to add that you nailed not a truth, but THE Truth.

That human beings were put on this earth to use our minds (free will) to create value (assets). We are here to demonstrate creation.

If your post is any indication of what's to come in 2010 we can expect great value to be created by you.

Best in 2010 Andy!

andyswan

Thanks! I agree :)

joewheeler

Reminds me of two blasts from the past

#4 Burn Ships
http://andyswan.com/blog/2008/12/01/10-startup-commandments/

Nothing to lose
http://andyswan.com/blog/2009/04/07/nothing-to-lose/

andyswan

Being quoted on my own blog.....that's livin

LScott

"Victory becomes, to some degree, a state of mind. Knowing ourselves superior to the anxieties, troubles and worries which obsess us, we are superior to them." A quote from a smart successful man. Basil King I think luck helps too. :)

Mark Essel

We're synchronized Andy. Today I've decided to kick my own ass into more ferociously focused working.

Such a odd asset the mind, we're continually looking for methods to hack it into action. The moment we let up, procrastination or relaxation set upon us like tireless dogs.

andyswan

Burn a ship or two :)

stringsn88keys

People need to hire you as their "life coach".

Of course, that would never happen--too many people just want to be coddled, and something tells me that you'd rather claw your eyes out than accept a job as a "life coach".

andyswan

That's what partners and friends are for....a two way street that scoffs at the idea of exchanging paper.

Malcolm Lloyd

Your first paragraph is full of awesome, have you been taking writing lessons from The Fly? This sounds like something he would write, "Despite this, I remain upbeat…much to the chagrin of my enemies, who are numerous."

WRT to the full post, I find that you speak the truth yet again. The mind does need to be demanded to produce, otherwise it is content to live out life consuming the various passions of others while producing nothing of value. As an avid consumer and sometimes producer, I find that it is far easier to lapse in the complacency of what others provide rather than creating something that others desire. It's my worst personality trait and one that I fight with daily.

andyswan

Thanks....I have no problem admitting that le Fly inspires me. Your comment is spot on.