Strike the Match

Discover Your Extraordinary Life

Looking for a way to discover your extraordinary life?  Start a journal.

I started journaling a year and a half ago. There are two rules that I followed:

1. Write every day
2. Write at least two pages

That's it.  Some days are insightful, some aren't, but overall it's been an extremely positive experience.

Do not worry about the quality of your writing, just worry about completing each entry.  If you make the commitment, it will pay off in spades.

Strike the Match.  Take Action, Be Extraordinary.

If you'd like more guidance on journaling and getting in touch with the inner you, check out The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.  It's written for creatives but the lessons can be transferred.

Consistency?

Society prefers the predictable. People feel comfortable when they can reasonably for-see what's around the corner. Consequently, from an early age we are conditioned to be consistent. This is not necessarily for our benefit but for the peace of mind of those around us.

This consistency isn't always a bad thing. It's a hallmark of a civilized society, without it we would live in chaos. But it's a terrible reason to avoid taking action towards your extraordinary life.

Be sure you're choosing your career, your partner, and your political party for your reasons... not your neighbor's peace of mind.

Strike the Match. Take Action, Be Extraordinary.

What Path Are You On?

Are you trying to reach your extraordinary life by taking the path well traveled? Becoming extraordinary is possible on that path but only the absolute best of the best will achieve it. Why? Because extraordinary, by definition, is not ordinary and following everyone else is as ordinary as it gets.

Name off some extraordinary people and then research how they received that label. From Bill Gates to Andy Warhol, almost all blazed their own trail.

Strike the Match. Take Action, Be Extraordinary.

An Act of Creation

"Every act of creation is first an act of destruction"  - Pablo Picasso

Something to ponder as you create your extraordinary life.

Strike the Match.  Take Action, Be Extraordinary

Live Fight Club

Do you ever have an urge to "Live Fight Club"? 

Do you wonder what living at the edge of society would be like?  To live on only the bare essentials.  To be free from attachment to material goods.  To not care what anyone thinks or says about you.

I do.

Strike the Match.  Take Action, Be Extraordinary.

Pick the Right Team

Which option would you choose?

1. To be the worst player on the A team -or-
2. To be the best player on the B team

Option 2 may sound like more fun, but if your goal is extraordinary you should pick option 1.  The only way to be the best is to beat the best. 

If you want to be a Muay Thai fighter go train in Thailand.  If you want to be an investment banker go to New York City.  Whatever your goal, find the A team and get on it.

Strike the Match.  Take Action, Be Extraordinary.

The Strike the Match Group

I'm working on building a Strike the Match group.  I envision it being the following:

1. A place where people say their goals out loud
2. A place that celebrates all actions (starting or quiting, success or failure)
3. A place that encourages focus

My hope for this community is that it will inspire people to take action, to live their extraordinary life.  Myself included.

If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, shoot me an email by 8/15/2008 letting me know that you're interested.  I'm looking to handpick a group of enthusiastic charter members and I figure the readers of this blog are a great place to start.  Early submittals will be given first consideration.

Please include your mailing address in your email as I'm hoping to send you something in the mail in September.

Strike the Match.  Take Action, Be Extraordinary

Their Passion or Yours?

Have you been asked to volunteer by someone who was truly passionate for a cause?  What did it feel like?  Did their enthusiasm rub off on you?  Did you feel compelled say yes?

A friend called last night and asked me to serve on a committee he was chairing.  I had little interest but I respect this person so I spent 45 minutes discussing the opportunity.  His enthusiasm was intoxicating and by the end of the conversation I was ready to sign-up.  At the last second I asked for a day to think it over.  I'm glad I did.

After evaluating the opportunity I realize it was his excitement, not mine, that had me ready to jump on board.  People are attracted to passionate people and his passion had attracted me.  Once I eliminated the emotion it was easy to see the opportunity didn't align with my current goals. 

The experience reiterated my belief that if you don't have your own list of passionate causes, someone will pull you into theirs.  That's not always bad, but it is something to be aware of.  Wouldn't it be better to find an opportunity that you're passionate about as well?

Strike the Match.  Take Action, Be Extraordinary.

Multitasking

Multitasking is so 1990's.  Listing off 25 things you want be extraordinary at pretty much guarantee's you'll be mediocre at all of them.

Unless being an extraordinary at multitasking is on your list, in which case you'll have one bright spot.

Strike the Match.  Take Action, Be Extraordinary.