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Jeffrey (8)
Alex (7)
Jean Sarauer (7)Why You Should Jump Off A Cliff…
ByHey everyone,
I wanted to share a story about my defeat at a stormy cliff on the coast of Montenegro. At the end I’ll tie that in to exactly how you can blast yourself past any obstacles that stop you from achieving success in internet marketing (or anywhere else in life you want to succeed).
-Before Twitter, Squidoo, And Making Money With Ridiculously Named Things-
A few years ago I had the chance to jump off an 80 foot cliff (24 meters) into the violent waters of a stormy Adriatic Sea. This is before I had ever thought about how to earn money on the internet, before I ever had any desire to build a business from scratch, and way before I had ever heard of things like Twitter and Squidoo.
I was on the coast of Montenegro and there were 4 of us taking turns jumping off of a smaller, less threatening cliff. It was storming but we only had a couple days so we weren’t about to let that stop us from climbing out on the jagged rocks to throw ourselves into the ocean.
The smaller cliff was still fairly high but with every jump the 80 foot monster loomed over us, daring someone to jump. We heard from locals that people jump off it all the time but it was hard to ignore the plaque mounted in the cliff honoring a kid who fell to his death.
-The Jump-
Finally one of us (an Australian) decided he would be the first one to go. He climbed his way up the side of the cliff and after more than a few 10 second countdowns he threw himself screaming and thrashing into the stormy waves below.
When he came up he was ecstatic. I knew at that moment that not only was it possible but it was fun and simple too. I knew exactly what to do: the exact same thing as the Australian. And I felt the desire to have the same exhilarating experience.
I knew everything I needed to know and felt everything I needed to feel. I wanted to jump.
-The Fall-
But I didn’t.
I didn’t admit it to myself at the time (we never do) but I let fear take over.
I let my apprehension stop me from doing what I wanted to do.
I let all the possible negatives keep me from doing what I knew I could do.
I let a moment of doubt hold me back from a chance to reach out and live my desires.
I hesitated when I had the chance.
I had a choice and I chose not to jump.
I had knowledge of what to do and I had the power of desire on my side and I still didn’t jump.
I watched the Australian jump and saw how incredible the experience was for him.
-How To Jump Off A Cliff And Succeed At Internet Marketing-
Listen, there are people out there who will try to discourage you and people who will build you up. But in the end the only one who can make you choose whether to stop or reach out and go after your desires is you. Nobody else has that power. Nobody.
Go out and find your desires and find someone who has already been there. Someone who has already accomplished what you want to accomplish. Find out how they did it and believe that if you follow their example you can reach the same success. Now you not only know it’s possible to reach your goals but you know exactly how to reach your goals.
If you know what you want, and believe in how to get it, the last step is willing yourself forward. Past all your doubt, fear, and hesitation. Will yourself to jump off the cliff. Because you know it’s possible and you know to do exactly as the person before you.
And when you throw yourself towards your dream, do it with everything you’ve got. You might not get another chance. Jump. Now.
Peace,
Darren L Carter
ps – Leave a comment (hurdles you’ve overcome, general feedback) and I’ll make sure to respond to you. So far all of the feedback from everyone has been amazing.
pps – Yes, that is me in the picture =)
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Twitter: bloggersmarket
says:
Hi Darren,
I guess I should follow the rest of the comments to this piece stating that this was a remarkably well written post.
Short, powerful, point taken!
If this is an indication for your future writing, I doubt that you will have to overcome many of your own fears to achieve success.
Lead On Darren!
Jeffrey´s last blog ..Bloggers Market WordPress Secrets…It’s Coming
Twitter: slcroft
says:
Hey Darren,
Another great post, I love your style of writing, so laid back yet so informative., must be the Japanese culture rubbing off on you..
You have a wonderful knack of telling a story and tieing it in somehow to what we are doing.
By the way, checked your alexa ranking lately, below 450,000 in less than a month, way to go.
Keep up the good work.
Simon
Simon Croft´s last blog ..What Is All The Fuss About Traffic?
Hey Simon,
Thanks. I’ve been out here in this small town (with no English speakers) for 2 years so I’m sure I’ve absorbed a few things I’m not even aware of.
Just saw the Alexa ranking. Thanks for pointing it out! I just found out about Alexa recently so this is pretty cool.
I’m thinking about doing a short blog post about storytelling soon (I had a mentor a while back that gave me some advice that I really thought was good on this topic) What part of storytelling do you think people might be interested in?
Peace,
Darren L Carter
Twitter: sallyneill
says:
Hey Darren, I had a sneaky feeling you didn’t jump that wouldn’t have made for such an interesting blog post now would it. It’s the age old saying of you regret more the things you don’t do than the things you did do, Sally
Sally´s last blog ..In It To Win It Blog Traffic Update
Hey Sally,
Thanks for the comment. You’re starting to know me too well =)
It’s true. You regret the things you didn’t do. I’ve used regret over missed opportunities to motivate myself in a lot of different areas of life.
Peace,
Darren L Carter
Twitter: jblack2012
says:
Darren,
Just stopping by to continue the conversation. Great blog you have here. I really like the idea of following your journey as an internet entrepreneur. We’ve got to get you your own product to sell. That is where the real money is!
Take care,
Joshua Black
The Underdog Millionaire
Joshua Black | The Underdog Millionaire´s last blog ..What do The Texas 2-Step and The Success of Your Small Business Have in Common?
Hey Joshua,
Thanks for stopping by! I enjoyed reading through your blog too. I really feel like I’m starting out as an underdog when looking at how many people have been so successful before me.
Peace,
Darren L Carter
Twitter: jeansarauer
says:
I loved your story and how you tied it in to the bigger picture. Plus, you surprised me. I totally thought you were going to jump.
But really, holy cow, you were brave to even think of jumping. Or maybe you were just totally crazy because there is no way in heck I’d even think of it. Well, maybe if they had people in boats down on the water and they were handing out cake. Then I might. Otherwise, no way.
Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..Exclusive Blog Content: Spark of Genius or Flash of Insanity?
Hey Jean, I appreciate the feedback. I’m glad I had you in suspense during the story! I was hoping it wouldn’t be a let down that I didn’t jump.
I think you were right about me possibly being totally crazy (maybe). Thanks for the feedback. Love your blog by the way!
Peace,
Darren L Carter
Hey Darren,
As usual, you impress me with your creativity and amazing life stories that can tie in with internet marketing and helping inpire others! Pure genius!
I’ve also been thinking about this thing called fear and how many people just end up with analysis paralysis and don’t just get out there and do it. Looks like you are definitely leading by example and taking action on this marketing journey.
Hats off to you my friend! I’m really looking forward to seeing your success story and I mean it.
Bailey
Bailey Ing´s last blog ..Anyone Else Feeling Overwhelmed? Three Simple Strategies To Get You Back On Track
Hey Bailey, Thanks for the comment. It’s been really helpful being part of such a supportive group of people. Really everyone that I’ve run into while blogging has been that way. You being close to the top of the top commentors list means I have you to thank for a lot of the support, Thanks!
Peace,
Darren L Carter
Twitter: icebluebanana
says:
Hi Darren,
You know, before I saw Alex’s comment I thought that perhaps he was the Australian who took the first jump. Would have been great…oh well.
Anyway, I completely agree with what you are saying. I have heard people say things like “preparation is key to success” all of my life. But, it is funny that sometimes people will prepare for days or weeks or months, then when that moment of no turning back comes, they choose to give up.
Yeah, this is also the point where people make mistakes from which they never recover. I am reminded of something that Nick (at nicholascardot.com) wrote a week or so ago – he said that in his gym there is a poster that says (something like) “You will miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Great thoughts Darren. I am glad that you commented on Alex’s blog.
Have a *great* day!
mark´s last blog ..Is The internets Makin’ Yins Stupiter?
Twitter: Alexwhalley23
says:
Great quote Mark, Im writing that one down!
Alex´s last blog ..Administration does not drive traffic! (I need your help)
Twitter: icebluebanana
says:
Hey Alex –
You should check out Nick’s site. Well, there are actually two -
1. sitesketch101.com is about blogging & it is really good.
2. nicholascardot.com is about leadership. I did a guest there once, which was fun. It is a great site.
mark´s last blog ..Is Work/Life Balance just a scam?
Thanks for the references to those other blogs Mark. I hadn’t heard of them before but they are good.
Peace,
Darren L Carter
Hey Mark,
Haha. Maybe it was Alex and he is keeping it a secret from us?
Really great comment. “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” That’s so true. Doesn’t matter how much you train if you never take the shot.
Thanks for coming to my blog. I checked out yours and I really liked what you have to offer there. Thanks!
Peace,
Darren L Carter
yo yo mate
spot on, we cant mess about or hesitate
this is our chance, grab it with both hands
we got to lose our inhibitions big time
we are going to do this
and we will meet up on some beach
for a party soon bro
make that a date
ps. internet going missing.. now that will be some serious
s**t going down there my man… he he, made me laugh that did
peace…nicky
nicky´s last blog ..I DON’T CARE ABOUT TRAFFIC!
Nicky, Can’t wait for the party! I’m liking the new layout for your blog. Keep up all the good work over there so we can make sure the party is amazing.
Peace,
Darren L Carter
Twitter: Alexwhalley23
says:
Aha trust the Aussie to go first! Go you good thing.
Hey Darren, This is seriously well written mate! Firstly the heading gave me a chuckle and I just had to read, but then you managed to integrate a fantastic story, seriously, I was there with you man – I hate heights!(24m Yikes) and still give a great lesson. I could heed the words of this post sometimes. I think we all could at some point, even the infamous AJ.
I like the analogy of throwing yourself toward your dream. There’s no time for self doubt that way. Great stuff Darren, I think I’ll stick around
Alex´s last blog ..Administration does not drive traffic! (I need your help)
Thanks Alex!
Your comment means a lot, because your blog was pretty well-written and helpful itself. You had a lot of great things that I took some good advice from that hopefully I can reproduce with my blog. Thanks!
Peace,
Darren L Carter
Wow, Darren,
you are speeding ahead and it is a great pleasure watching your progress in such short weeks of our coaching with Alex Jeffreys. Absolutely amazing what you have done to “our” blog theme. Inspires me to twist and tweak mine in the near future as well! Brilliant!
Now, your post is excellent too and you have presented more than an analogy here. Great cliff jump story and even when you didn´t do the jump at that time, it still did you good as it lead to this powerful calling to face one´s fears and do it.
There is an infinite power in taking planned action, backed up by a good teacher or coach and a supportive group of like-minded folks. Just like the folks Alex has brought together.
Thanks for yet another fantastic post and I can´t wait to read your next one.
Have an awesome day
your friend
Mirko
Mirko Gosch´s last blog ..KEYWORDS: The Golden Basics About Keywords And Google´s Keyword Tool
Thanks Mirko!
I actually went and got this theme right after checking out your blog because I liked it so much.
Really valuable comment you left. Oddly enough, I hadn’t even thought about that experience for a long time and then suddenly I remembered it today and it connected with all my internet marketing goals and I went straight to my computer and churned my post out.
I’m glad you liked it!
Peace,
Darren L Carter