When the Nameless Draws Near…

Introduction

Life can often feel overwhelming with its unseen challenges and nameless fears lingering in the corners of our mind. Sometimes, we find ourselves waiting for miracles, feeling unable to move forward, or stuck in a cycle of stubborn, self-limiting beliefs. Despite this, there is an opportunity to access an inner strength and clarity – an invitation to connect with the deeper, nameless parts of ourselves. Through intentional practice, like dedicating a mere 15 minutes a day, we can begin to transform our lives.

The Nameless Draws Near

What is the nameless to you? It could be anything from depression, anxiety, or the fear of being seen, to a connection with the divine when the full moon lights up the night sky. Whatever it is, it can either weigh heavy on you or bring an indescribable sense of connection. This practice allows you to observe these nameless feelings without judgment and with curiosity.

Challenging Self-Limiting Beliefs

We’ve all been trapped by negative thoughts: “I’m too old,” “It’s too late,” or “I can’t be fixed.” But what if we choose not to believe these thoughts? Write down one belief that isn’t serving you and decide to stop giving it power. Take action instead of waiting for a miracle. Remember: don’t believe everything you think.

The 15-Minute Method

Fifteen minutes. That’s all it takes to start changing your world. Whether you engage in a creative pursuit, a walk, or personal reflection, this daily practice builds a connection with your inner self and what truly matters to you. It’s not about perfection or grand gestures; it’s about consistent, small efforts that pave the way for significant transformations.

Join the Community

Embarking on any journey is easier with support. The “Get It Done Lab” is an empowering community designed to help individuals achieve their goals, whether it’s financial, creative, or personal. In this space, your unique needs and dreams are acknowledged, starting from where you truly are.

Why Community Matters

Everything we need – love, opportunity, success – comes through connections with others. Engaging with like-minded people who understand and appreciate you can deeply enhance your journey. Remember, this is not something done alone; fostering connections is key.

Embracing Possibilities

Open yourself up to potential and possibility. Allow the gentle, curious part of you to emerge and explore what could be, both personally and professionally. Whether it’s achieving financial milestones or nurturing creative passions, embrace what is possible.

Conclusion

Your life, work, and presence matter. By dedicating small moments each day to focus on what’s nameless and undiscovered within you, you invite transformation and growth. It’s time to stop hiding and start bringing yourself to the forefront. Let’s close with a deep, grounding breath, celebrating the journey ahead. Inhale deeply, hold, and exhale fully. Thank you for being part of this exploration.

Embrace the nameless, and in doing so, discover the richness of your own existence.

What is your Little Thing?

What’s Your Little Thing?

Let’s start with something quite simple. What is one little thing that bugs you? It’s not about what enrages you, but those small annoyances that consistently nag at you. Write it down and feel free to share it, or keep it to yourself. It could be something as specific as the overuse of a word or the inconvenience of your walker catching on runners. Perhaps these small grievances aren’t even worth fixing, yet they linger.

A Step Further: What Delights You?

Move beyond annoyances and think about what delights you. The joy may come from a kind gesture, the productivity of editing travel photos, or spending quality time with loved ones. It’s important to identify these pleasures too.

Aligning with Values

Now, consider what these feelings—of annoyance or delight—represent in terms of your values. For instance, if you’re annoyed by the overuse of “awesome,” it could signify a value of precise communication. Or, if editing travel photos delights you, it might reflect a value of storytelling or preserving memories.

Look at these values and ask yourself: Where else in your life are they present? For instance, the combination of friendship and travel or the simple joy of completion and consideration. This reflection is about recognizing where these values resonate in other aspects of your life.

The Power of Value Alignment

When you align actions with your core values, motivation becomes almost unnecessary. Tasks align with moral beliefs or preferences so intrinsically that little persuasion is needed. For example, individuals who don’t eat meat are aligned with their value system, rendering external motivation irrelevant.

Troubleshooting and Reflection

Consider projects or tasks you’ve been procrastinating on. Is the delay because they aren’t aligned with your values, or do they need more alignment to become motivating? This reflection might also apply to organization-focused values, where simplifying tasks brings peace.

Finding Joy and Connection

I understand that physical limitations, like my own experience with long-haul Covid, can add layers of complexity to embracing values fully. Yet, we can still experience dance, for example, in spirit if not with our bodies.

If certain areas of your life, like writing, seem underrepresented in your values, try to bring them into focus by linking them to your values. Sometimes minor adjustments can imbue tasks with deeper personal significance.

Engage with Your Values

Discovering what irritates and delights you can reveal much about your personal values. Use this insight to enhance parts of your life or address procrastination. Let your values fuel your actions, and enjoy the newfound alignment.

I would love to hear how these reflections impact you. Feel free to reach out, share your experiences, and consider joining us at TheRealSamBennett.com for more insights and updates. Thank you for reading and engaging with this journey toward value-based living. See you next week!

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Starting from Zero – Again?

Introduction

Starting from scratch can feel exhausting and intimidating, especially when you believe you’ve already tackled similar challenges in the past. But what if you reframed that perception? Imagine your journey as a series of concentric circles, each bringing you to higher altitudes. Instead of starting from zero, you’re beginning anew with elevated experience and wisdom. Let’s explore how to embrace these moments with resilience and intention.

You’re Not Starting Over—You’re Moving Forward

Who among us hasn’t felt the fatigue of feeling like we’re starting from scratch? You’ve navigated life’s ups and downs and accumulated experiences, yet here you are, seemingly back at the beginning in a new area. Remember, you are not actually starting from zero. Think of a gyre—each loop may feel similar, but you are reaching new heights and exploring broader horizons with every revolution.

Reassessing the Challenge

It’s easy to get discouraged, to feel like the same old problems are back to haunt you. But you’re not just revisiting these challenges—you’re tackling them with a difference. With each attempt, you’re experimenting with your newfound skills, wisdom, and readiness. This time, you’re more equipped, your bounce-back time is quicker, and you’re charting your course with precision.

Reflect on Your Journey

Let’s pause and look back. As a younger you, what advice would you offer your present self? Perhaps you’d tell yourself to be braver, to impose and assume more. The idea of waiting for permission isn’t as rewarding as taking the initiative and asserting your presence. What would your younger self say to you today? Never give up, take 15 minutes each day to move, exercise, and nourish your well-being.

Action Steps for Today

Combine the advice for your past and present selves. These reflections lead to an action-oriented mindset. What tangible actions can you take right now to enact the wisdom you’ve gathered over time? If nothing springs to mind, focus on something small and attainable, like clearing clutter or writing a thoughtful email. Consistent small steps accumulate to significant progress.

Embrace Change with Joy and Confidence

Release the fear of judgment and welcome the joy that comes from acting on what truly matters to you. Dance to your favorite music or dive into an activity that moves you—not anyone else. Trust in your capabilities and continue venturing forward with the same persistence that has brought you this far.

You are marching forward from a place of strength, not weakness. Giving due credit to the journey you’ve taken is essential—even though you may feel like you’re circling back. Now is a new chapter, a higher plane, a different pace. You’re not starting from zero, you’re starting anew, equipped with everything you’ve learned along the way. What will you do with the wisdom of both your younger and current self? The answer lies in action, fueled by understanding and courage.

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Failure Is the Path to Success

Introduction: Confronting the Fear of Failure

Today, let’s talk about something crucial that holds many of us back: the fear of failure. It’s easy to recognize when fear stops us from moving forward. Questions like “What will people think?” or “What if I fail publicly?” often haunt us. But what if failure is not a stop sign but rather an indicator of progress?

Unlocking the Power of Failure

Admittedly, accepting failure as a part of growth is easier said than done. Many aren’t there yet, including myself. However, reflecting on my own experiences, I’ve learned that failure can indeed pave the way to success.

Here’s the crux: Failure is the only path to success. Failing signifies attempting something new, pushing your abilities and knowledge to the limit. It means stepping into uncharted territories, which inevitably leads to growth. If you’re not failing, you might not be trying anything new, and consequently, stagnating. Remember, creativity is stifled by stagnation.

Failure Leading to New Opportunities

Take the example of my encounter with a publishing house. My initial hope was for a 10th anniversary edition of “Get It Done,” but the plan fell through. Or did it? My agent pointed out an interesting offer hidden in the response email – an opportunity to write about overwhelm, which led to a book deal. The failure to achieve one goal opened the door to a more fitting opportunity.

Physical Failure Transforming into Lived Wisdom

For over two years, I’ve battled long-haul COVID, affecting my energy and cognitive abilities. Energy-draining fatigue meant I had to work differently, which led to the creation of the “15-Minute Method.” My body’s limitations became my teacher, deepening my understanding and commitment to this philosophy, which transformed into lived wisdom.

Real Estate Lessons: Failure as a Catalyst for Growth

A memorable failure occurred when I couldn’t afford to buy a home in Southern California after the building I lived in converted into an Airbnb. This inability led me to an unforeseen opportunity in Connecticut real estate, ultimately resulting in a significant financial gain. Thus, sometimes failure redirects us toward unexpected benefits.

Embracing Failure as a Leader

In leadership, actively seeking situations where you might fail can keep you grounded and innovative. Being a leader often shields you from hearing essential criticism. Embrace the discomfort and vulnerability of failing to remind yourself what it’s like for those you lead and serve.

The Joy of Failing Forward

By now, I hope you’re considering embracing failure rather than fearing it. Start that book, make those videos, or push those sales plans forward. Plan to fail repeatedly at first—and that’s okay. The beauty of failure lies in the learning and opportunities that arise from it.

Welcoming Failure as a Friend

Reflect on your life. Recall moments when failure seemed certain but something beautiful emerged. Let failure be your revered teacher, guiding you to push beyond limits, fail joyfully, and persist with grace. Challenge yourself to fail more often and with less judgment, unlocking the boundless potential that lies ahead.

By sharing our failures and learning from them, not only do we grow personally, but we also encourage others to view their setbacks as stepping stones to success. Embrace failure and discover the lessons and opportunities it unfolds. Visit therealsambennett.com/practicum to learn more and sign up. Join a supportive community that will help you put consistent effort behind your dreams, providing the energy and accountability you need to succeed.

Waking Up Wanting: How Doing Little Things Is the Antidote to Burnout

If you’re like me, you wake up pretty much every morning thinking about what you want.

And then you spend the rest of the day talking yourself out of it.

Or psyching yourself out of it.

Or ignoring it because you spend every waking minute doing the things that everyone else needs you to do.

Sometimes you wake up thinking of what you want in a dreaming way….with a gentle feeling of longing.

Oh, wouldn’t it be wonderful to have my own business and not have to launch out of bed right now and start hustling for someone else…

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to take a trip – to go somewhere special….

Gee, wouldn’t it be great to be able to spend time on this hobby or activity that I love…

Other times, your desire shows up as vicious self-criticism.

Ugh. I can’t believe I haven’t done XYZ yet…

I’m such a failure – I haven’t lost this weight or even started exercising….

I feel like a loser because I haven’t written that book yet…

This early morning self-punishing is a hard way to greet the day, don’t you think?

Other times you just wake up feeling sort of dead and empty.

I don’t even know what would make a difference for me….I’m just so tired of my life….

I’m so sick of going to the same office and saying the same things to the same people over and over again…

Between the needs of my family and the needs of my job, I’m too tired to even know what I want…

And when you repeat this pattern day after day, you wind up with that horrible hamster-wheel feeling.

Because burnout doesn’t come from working hard – it comes from working hard and feeling like it doesn’t make any difference.

So the antidote to burn-out is MEANING.

And a great clue to finding meaning in your life is to look to those things you wake up wanting.

If you look underneath your feeling of dissatisfaction, you may find some interesting questions:

Where is the joy in my life?

Where is the zhuzh? The energy and sparkle?

Where is my power to change things?

These are excellent questions. You may even want to use them as journaling prompts, hm?

Let us take a moment right now to agree that this strategy of “wanting something, then not giving it to yourself all day” is not creating the life that you want.

So let’s think of a new strategy.

We’re going to do this right now.

And here’s our new, easy strategy.

Ready?

1) Pick One Thing You Want to Change

There might be several areas in your life that you want to see changed or a number of things you want to do. Since the purpose of this exercise is to explore this new strategy, I want you to just Pick One.

Pick whichever one bubbles up first for you – big or small.

OK – have you chosen an area of your life you’d like to change?

Great.

Now write that down so you don’t start second-guessing yourself before we’ve even begun.

2) Think of One. Simple. Tiny. Easy. Step.

Write down one simple, easy thing you can do today that will help you make the change you wrote down.

Simple = this step isn’t complicated; you probably already know how to do this.

Tiny = this step will take less than 15 minutes and is easily affordable or free.

Easy = you might even enjoy doing this step.

And I don’t care how dumb it seems. Or how much you feel like it’s not going to help. Because we’re just experimenting, right?

See, it’s your ego that wants to make big moves. Your ego wants to make it an all-or-nothing scenario. Your ego wants to make these big sweeping decisions.

I’m here to tell you your life will change thanks to tiny incremental actions.

Maybe your Simple Tiny Easy Action is to spend 15 minutes cruising some job websites – just to see what else is out there. (Can you see how this moves the inner conversation from, “Ugh I should really quit this job but I can’t afford it blah blah blah,” to “I’m going to just do a little check on what else might be out there for me.” Much more manageable, yes?

Or maybe your Simple Tiny Easy Action is to spend 15 minutes dancing in your kitchen, just to feel the pure joy of moving to music.

Maybe you want to spend 15 minutes writing just 200 words of a book.

Maybe you want to spend 15 minutes reaching out to a friend.

Maybe you spend 15 minutes staring at a blank piece of paper. That’s OK. A little time facing white space never hurt a person.

And here’s the wonderful news: if you do your Simple Tiny Easy Action – your whole day will be different.

It’s possible that the whole trajectory of your life will change.

But – for sure – your day will change.

3) Repeat This Process Tomorrow

And the day after that. And the day after that. And the day after that. And the day after that.

This is how we change our lives.

This is why I wrote the book, “Start Right Where You Are: How Little Changes Can Make a Big Difference for Overwhelmed Procrastinators, Frustrated Overachievers and Recovering Perfectionists” (New World Library).

When people looked at my life and asked me, “Wow, how did you go from being a broke actor in Los Angeles who never had two nickels to rub together to being this prosperous business owner, thought leader, and author?” (hair toss, hair toss)

It wasn’t just one thing. It was a lot of simple, tiny, easy decisions. It was a lot of simple, tiny, easy actions in a lot of areas of my life.

And it’s not just me – I’ve helped tens of thousands of clients change their lives with this process, most recently with our breakthrough 90-day program, The Get It Done Lab.

Sam’s Get it Done Lab has helped me to blow past some serious creative blocks and fall in love with the process. The process is now lifting me rather than crushing me. – Beth Jaffe

I am super excited and happy about the shift that is already occurring in me with the little I have done already and… just the basic shift in attitude…really the most important question regardless…what do I *really* want? That’s what matters. – Jodi Johnson

You can do the same. Starting right now.

Here’s the thing: Every day is precious to us. We do not know when our last day here is.

Do not wait to move forward on having the life that matters to you.

A Manifesto for the Highly Creative Person

We, the people of a grillion ideas, do solemnly declare that as of today, we are officially in service to the world.

No longer will we let our fear, insecurity, procrastination and self-doubt keep us from sharing our work.

Our imagination is at your disposal.

Our innovation is yours to use.

Our stories and jokes and songs and teachings and puzzles and solutions are, as of now, available upon request.

We aren’t going to worry about what you think any more.

You need us too much.

We are going to take our secret passions and multiple areas of expertise and share them without worrying about what our fucking niche is.

We are going to give voice to the truth in our hearts, without feeling concerned that the world won’t get it, because we know the ones who need to hear, will hear.

We are going to haul our inventions, our stories, our screenplays, our paintings, our musings, our poetry, our architectural drawings, our compositions and our “oh, this old thing – that’s just a little hobby” doo-dads and whatnots out of the closet.

And into the world.

Where our work can heal the world in the same way that it has always healed us.

(Look – we were the weird kids. We get that. And maybe we’ve held a bit of a grudge. Now we can see that in this life, everyone gets the same amount of pain. We didn’t have it worse. You didn’t have it easier. We have all struggled to make it to here.)

Now there is no more time for divisiveness. We are here to celebrate that which is best, brightest and most humble about the human spirit.

I pledge my heart and soul to greater good of all concerned.

I offer my brain, my ideas and the work of my hands to the world.

I am willing to charge for my work, or not, and willing to be criticized or celebrated or both.

And whatever happens, I will stay #calmkindandcreative

Fear doesn’t get to run things anymore.

Only love.

We are here to love and be loved.

For love is all there is.

How do you do #CalmKindCreative during times of stress, uncertainty and upheaval?

Share in the comments below.

And don’t forget to download your own copy of the Manifesto. Print it out and post where you can read it everyday.

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P.S. Highly Creative People, or "HCP's" as I like to call us, are the most underutilized resource on the planet. Together we can change that because the world needs our unique talents and genius, and there's no time to waste.

Think you might be a Highly Creative Person?

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