DISQUS

Christopher S. Penn's Awaken Your Superhero: Once You Step Up, You Can Never Go Back

  • Chris Brogan... · 2 years ago
    The most profound things I've learned in 2007 are as follows:

    * There's a huge difference between being busy and doing something. (most recent revelation).

    * Humans are still the most important focus of everything I do.

    With regards to stepping up, and/or spending time with your instructor, I think that's amazing. You've certainly expressed your growth a great deal here on this site over the last several months. It's exciting to watch, and inspiring for those around you.

    I find that what I'm learning at present is that I've hit a wall, and that I need to move up my game to another level if I'm to continue doing things that I think matter to others and to myself. You've been helpful in that regard.

    Peace and more discoveries to us all.
  • Connie Bensen · 2 years ago
    In 2007 I made a commitment to change careers & joining those in new media. People like @jowyang & @chrisbrogan have been so generous in their mentorship.
    I've learned that:
    - I thought I was satisfied with the status quo, but I've found I LOVE the learning curve enough to launch myself into a new career as a Comm Mgr

    - my genuine interest in people allows me to provide similar mentorship to others & that's very gratifying to help others (whether it's my coworkers,customers or peers)

    *it's all about learning & sharing
  • Dr.Mani · 2 years ago
    My 'profound knowledge' this year:

    Email will wait in my inbox, even if I check it only 2 times in a day.

    And life still goes on.

    Surprising, initially.

    Liberating, ultimately :)

    Nice post

    All success
    Dr.Mani
  • Michael bailey · 2 years ago
    I've learned that just because I am passionate about what I do, that is not enough.

    At the end of the day, there are bills to be paid.

    My unrealistic dream of someone taking notice of what I am doing, stepping in to help me out financially, has been shattered.

    In the end, nobody is going to help you - you must help your self.

    Many times I have wished that I didn't know anything at all, for ignorance is bliss as they say.

    However.....I /WANT/ to make a difference and I /WILL/ make a difference - I'm taking steps at working smarter, and not harder, which is longer learning cycle than I ever imagined.
  • Dennis Mahoney · 2 years ago
    Profound knowledge can come from any source. It is that moment when you say to yourself “I get it!”

    In the martial arts there is a problem I call rankism, where people only listen to those that are higher ranked then them and look down at those lower ranked, kind of mirrors many other ‘isms’ in our society.

    Chris is a student at the martial arts school where I study and teach but that doesn’t mean I can’t learn from him in the martial arts or especially in pod casting.

    PodCamp Boston 2 was an example of profound knowledge for me. All I can say is, “I get it!” and thanks.
  • ChefMark · 2 years ago
    engaging others in your possibility is the key to having that possibility become reality.

    You can have literally ANYTHING you want if you authentically get people to engage in it and see it as a possibility for themselves.

    And also, integrity: Do what you say you're going to do, it's the key to all success in life.
  • Michelle / chel pixie · 2 years ago
    I've learned the most in the last few months by doing. I keep doing and continue to push forward and breakthrough. We both know I've hit my walls but I've been persistent in the knowledge that I can do more. I can do *anything* that I want. I can make my life what I want it to be.

    What ChefMark says here matters, if you do what you say you're going to do, then you've shown you're willing to work hard to achieve what you want.

    That was reinforced this morning. These things *are* in my reach, they always have been, it just means continuing to do what I know well (hard work) and being open to learning new things along the way.

    One last thing, do not allow your past to help you put down your accomplishments. Leave everything negative behind. You have a choice to make yourself who you want to be. Only you can take that away through fear or influence of others thoughts. Don't let that noise get too loud. Believe in what you've done and what you are capable of and then do it.
  • mike mcallen · 2 years ago
    I have had many instances of pushing boulders in my life. Each time this happens I make that realization and then I make a change.
    Learning for me is the greatest enforcer of a rich life. If I am not learning something new, I tend to fall into the Sisphean ways.
    In my head the grass is always greener. But always remembering that you can only control life right now. So enjoy it, but keep learning and looking for new grasses to enjoy.

    (Newest realization while writing this--> I sort of live like a cow. :))

    Great Post Mr Penn.
  • Dave Delaney · 2 years ago
    Connect, connect, connect. It is with real life interactions that we grow. The relationships we have online and strong and are becoming stronger, but are really solidified at the conferences and unconferences we attend.

    I have learned that you must network and connect in order to move forward in your life.

    In the last year I have moved to a new city where I knew nobody. Organized a BarCamp with 530+ in attendance. Found a fantastic job with a truly great company and group of people. Bought my first house. Made some great new friends.

    Get out there and connect with your communities. Then come back online to share your stories.

    Cheers Chris. Always love your work.
    Dave
  • John Wall · 2 years ago
    Happiness and pleasure are two different things. What gives you pleasure will not necessarily bring you happiness.
  • Christina · 1 month ago
    The most profound piece of knowledge I've recently acquired would be that life functions as a story. The same elements that make a story exciting, engaging, and good are the ones that make a life meaningful.

    And while I wish I could say I came up with that myself, I got it from Donald Miller's new book, "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years."
  • indiaholiday · 1 month ago
    yes you are right mr. Brogan