After what was arguably the most intense business growth period of my life, I arrived in Maui yesterday for a 10-day personal retreat.
And while I’ve got some great story’s to share with you about this (later), there’s a much greater purpose behind this post….
…About why you might be stuck at a certain success plateau and not even know it.
To prove it, let me tell you a personal story.
Currently, I reside in Los Angeles, CA… and to be honest, it’s not really where I want to live anymore (and I’ve felt this way for at least 9 months).
So with this level of clarity, you might ask yourself: “So why the heck have you stayed there for so long Max (you idiot)?
And I’ll tell you why…
Because despite the fact that it has been uncomfortable, I’m already there! Meaning, even though it’s not the best case scenario, I’m already familiar with it so there is a certain level of comfort and dependability staying put.
Which if you go to a deeper level, really means that I have a fear of change…of the unknown….of being in uncertainty.
… which is why taking a leap into something new can feel more intimidating and scary than dealing with your current reality.
Can you relate?
So here’s what I have done to START to shift my reality…
- I’ve put my notice in to leave Santa Monica without a clue about where I’m going to call home next…
- I’ve asked my assistant to sell or give away pretty much everything I own (gotta love detachment)…
- I’ve returned to Maui to lock into a creative, visionary space and figure out what I really want…
- I’m doing a WHOLE LOT of meditation and yoga to stay centered and clear (this is necessary)…
Why am I sharing this with you?
Because if you’re reading this right now, I imagine you’re a lot like me. You see yourself as a visionary. You have a big bold desire to make a difference in the world. You prize freedom as your highest value…
… And, you have become pretty comfortable in your discomfort.
So while you know that it’s possible for you to have more success, more wealth, more freedom, and more impact…
… The steps necessary for you to get there seems more challenging and intense than actually staying exactly where you are.
And in case you didn’t get this message loud and clear as you read this, understand that this pesky little resistance to change is also the EXACT reason for why you have not created the wealth, freedom, and impact you desire.
Because if you want these things, and you don’t have them right now, that’s definitely a sign that it’s time for a major shift…
Right?
If your asking “OK Max, what do I do from there then?” And here’s my response:
- Allow yourself to suffer. I know that sounds intense, but one of the things I say ALL THE TIME is “You won’t change until you suffer enough.” Because until you really FEEL the discomfort, you won’t have the URGENCY to do things differently. So start by allowing yourself to really feel the frustration of your circumstance. It will be excellent motivation to change…
- Get out of your environment. The reason I take SO MANY little trips away is because it always helps me get a bigger perspective…and fast. If you’re feeling stuck, plan a mini-weekend retreat. Just get away. Go some place quiet. Some place with nature. Just GO! You’ll see how STUCK you really are by your resistance to leaving quickly….even if it’s just for a few days.
- Immerse yourself in learning. Whenever I don’t know what to do, I become an excellent STUDENT again. Go to courses, listen to audio programs, read books, etc. People create these things in their moments of sheer brilliance. When you’re not feeling that way, utilize their amazing resources as your guidance tools.As a total side note, this is an AWESOME opportunity for you to learn from some “ordinary” people who are doing extraordinary things…
- Surround yourself with Enlightened Entrepreneurs. I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again. Most people think you are crazy for taking the risks you do, standing in your truth the way you do, and driving your business forward the way you do. We don’t. We appreciate it, support it, and encourage it. So when you say you need space, to clarify, to re-charge, to get-away….we get it….and that gives you permission to go with it.
I could go on and on about this….but I’m going to remove myself from my addiction to create content for you and go swim in the ocean instead. In a funny way, that feels more scary and challenging to me than continuing to create stuff like this for you.
So if you enjoyed this and got something of value, please share your thoughts below.
Much love,
Max
P.S. Got any great people for me to connect with while I’m here in Maui?
Hi Max,
Love the creativity that you come up with like that picture and message on the beach. How hard is it for you to really let go of everything and just relax other than your routine of meditating and yoga? I know for me it’s hard to do. Actually I see how much you do and get overwhelmed just thinking about it although I know you have a whole team helping you, but that took time to get established. So I’d like to know realistically how long it took you to go from just yourself doing everything to creating your big successful event and having a team to support you?
Thanks Max – so very true and came at a great time for me. Thanks again!!!!
This totally resonates!!!
One of the most valuable things that every happened to me was getting “evicted” from my home by an infestation of insects that took over 8 weeks to fully eradicate! When I left my home that first day with only the clothes on my back, my keys, wallet, phone, and baby tortoise, it felt like my whole world was crashing down around me. Little did I know that what was crumbling was actually a whole bevy of beliefs that were holding my spirit hostage. As I was “forced” to live without the things that had come to define me, I began experience a new paradigm of freedom which created space in my life for unimaginable miracles.
Once of those miracles being, ending up in San Diego for the phenomenal Sold Out Seminar Secrets live events.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it ever more….Thank you, Max!
I hope your swim was wonderful! I am stuck and I know it. Thanks for always shedding light.
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one going through this right now. I’ve also resorted to the emerse in study routine hoping that something will click. I spent more time down at the beach with the dog today. Just trying to give my mind the space it needs to work through this block. I hope my flash of enlightenment comes soon…
Good luck with your move. That’s brave.
You’re so right! It’s amazing how much suffering we go through before we actually change, even when we know it’s in our best interest.
Best of luck finding the location of your dreams.
So do you move to a lush and lovely area or to an area where you can do more good than most human beings could? I’ve wondered that myself.
Here’s what happened. Over a year ago I was given a vision as to what our next home would look like and it was in the vicinity of NC I thought. I drew the house I was seeing in my mind…, a beautiful pond in front and it had a very long driveway up a slight hill. The house had a pool in the back yard and a large barn looking building next to it. The inside is incredible and of course has my recording studio and offices for my staff.
I posted this drawing on my wall next to my phone and looked at it every day. My husband and daughter thought I was funny but I didn’t care. I knew this would be ours one day.
Last week we took a vacation and drove around the South East to visit our two sons in TN and SC while looking for our house. We took the picture with us and I kept it at my feet so I could see it.
We had driven over 1000 miles and we were now on this tiny back road all curvy and back woodsy when I finally said, “God, this is like finding a needle in a haystack and my husband will become discouraged before we find it. If we’re ready to receive it, please can you help us out here?”
Not more than 20 seconds later my husband pointed to the right of our car and said, “Look Kel, there’s your pond!” I looked past a row of evergreens and saw the pond with the stair step fountain. Then we saw the long driveway…..and as we drove slowly past we saw the house in all it’s glory sitting up on a slope just like I had drawn it! We both gasped. It is exquisite and I have chills just telling you about it.
Now this may sound far fetched to a non-believer but you’ve got two very sane people who can testify to its truthfulness. We both grew up in Vermont and found our house on a street called Viewmont in South Carolina. It’s not for sale…..YET……but when we are ready to receive it we know it’ll be ours.
My business MUST succeed to make it happen. This house will be a house of love for more than just my family. It will be a place of refuge for those who need it.
So I’d suggest spending time seeing your ideal place Max. You’ll find it, I can assure you, because you BELIEVE.
Kellie Frazier
dot com
Dear Max
http://www.planetranger.com/site/php/jnl_browse.php?uid=774&jid=7040
I am smiling a huge smile for you
You are on an amazing journey. I know that meditating is really keeping you centered with all the drama of your present life. You are putting a lot of energy behind your intention. Meditation and yoga keep me centered. I love the picture of the baby falling asleep. I can only imagine all the things he did that day! We are all that baby on some days. Isn’t it a miracle that “sleep” even exists. Meditation is a miracle too. Keep meditating and visualizing your new home. (I loved the story about the house that Kelley found in South Carolina. Wow! That is wild.)
The workshop, (sold out secrets) was a heart opening experience. I am still learning from it now. I see that being in balance with my energy leads me to my perfect work in the world every time. Saying no sometimes is inspiring. It means we are paying attention. We only need to be prepared and pay attention each moment so that we can make the choices that lead us back to ourselves. Thank you for being who you are at this moment. May you stay in your authenticity. Sending you peaceful balance, Rona
Hi Max
I’m totally with you and being stuck is horrid. Good going getting rid of your possesions sometimes drastic measures to rid yourself from baggage can really be liberating.
Don’t forget the small stuff, change can come from really unexpected small things, I always thought my life would change through some big business decisions, moving continents or some big personal event. Well, I’ve had and made all those happen and it never really felt like anything much changed in the end, my life around me changed but I pretty much stayed the same.
I never thought that being attracted by the pretty colours of a cookbook in a second hand bookshop in Tacoma would finally change me, heck I was travelling, what did I need a cookbook for but I bought it anyway. 8 months on, everything is different, Vegan World Fusion lured me to dreaming. I just saw the happy people in the photographs and all the beautiful colours and places in the book and thought waaaaw. After 20 years of deserts, conflicts, politics, being a Middle Eastern specialist I “ate” myself into a different life, one of green and joy. I’m not there yet but I’m walking down that road. If you make it to Hawaii, check out their restaurant on http://www.blossominglotus.com. I may or may not stay in the Middle East but I won’t be the same person.
I followed your career from the day you wanted to try to get everyone to meditate. I’m not surprised you need to make some changes, you’ve been on a rollercoaster. You’ve done great and will continue to do so but easy does it, you can’t “force” change. I’ve noticed the little voice gnawing at you over the last year through your blogs, don’t worry and follow your own advice
. You are a lucky person, surrounded by positive loving people, something you’ve worked at but also something you can be grateful for. You will do just fine in the end and I’m sure all will be happy to see your forthcoming thoughts, myself included. Take care.
B.
Max- As usual I love that fact that you only speak when you have something of substance to offer. You are authentic and have truely connected with your soul-purpose which is truly inspiring on many level’s. You are the quintessential role model for the enlightened visionary-
Look at what you’re doing Simon . . .
You’re doing it right.
That freakin’ Rocks!
Thank you!!
PS
Only for selfish reasons. . .San Diego ain’t bad. . .
Maxilicious!!
Beautiful Maui!! so glad yr there! Hmmm I wonder if you will move back to beautiful Encinitas! It’s paradise here! big love and Big hugz !! LIVE LOVE THRIVE!! <3 <3 <3 Lotsa Love and Light Rox Box
beautiful photo
Oh dear Max…you got me giggling the “notorious” MamaRed rumbly laugh when I read this. I sooooooo know what you mean about getting uncomfortable enough to do something, to get your bum and get going. I’m doing the same thing and the joy is so is my hubby…I came home from SOSS to find him clearing out even more stuff than he had done before I left!!!!!!!!!!!
There are many more things to go through AND we’re doing it AND I get to tell you amazing one, SOSS was a massive heart centered change for me…whether business or not, my heart is different and I’m grateful for the opportunity to once again step into what I really am about!
lots of love and hugs
MamaRed
I DO FEEL STUCK IN THIS HUMAN MIND OF SURVIVAL !
IT IS TIBET ALL OVER AGAIN FOR ME ! SOS
Max, I heard of your father. My best wishes are with him! Only to lt you know that you and your family are being loved and tidal waves of support, love and softest wishes flood to your family! JGD – Margot
So much change! It’s like we’re being called to lighten our loads, travel lightly and trusting — or else we suffer. If I can be of any service to you, please let me know. It takes a visionary to hold space for a visionary. I don’t have much enthusiasm for building an empire, just serving those who make a difference for so many others. Love to you and your family.
Hi Max – I love your title about being stuck. I am a breathworker who got stuck in the womb and have been stuck in my life now for about 7 years. At a high plateau – doing work I love for a non-profit I helped found that is right on purpose for at least part of my life! But stuck in a place of personal aloneness, no spouse, no close family (except my son), no white picket fence. Oh, woe is me! I loved your comment about “feeling the pain.” Well, I’ve been feeling it, and moving through it (when you have a kid and a spouse who’s addicted and you’re in the middle of divorce, the pain doesn’t go away just because you feel it).
But what I realized today is that although I have been doing well with everything and slowly healing from my profound grief about the situation with his dad – I have not had the inspiration of fellow pilgrims around with more experience than myself. And now my son is almost 16 and he is pushing the limits of this life I have created here and he wants something more.
As a breathwork practitioner, trained almost 30 years ago by Leonard Orr and most of the early teachers of breathwork in this country, I was taught about the importance of embracing physical immortality, and the endlessly expansive nature of true Spirit. Well, a couple of years ago, I began slipping on this. I decided I would just get old and die, like most people. But what I failed to notice was why I made that choice.
There is something I lost the ability to integrate, to stay on top of – lost the ability to fully feel, and I got stuck. And now being stuck so long, even with all that I know, has made me start to feel like I want to leave – and so, I decided to get old and die!
I realized that with the “failure” of my dream for this one very important close relationship, I began to accept the idea that limitation and poverty and darkness and death were just part of life here and no one could change that.
And yes, they are a part of life here, but they do not have to be the defining parameters. They do not have to become the limits of my world, even though they are the chosen world of many I love. We can experience those things when they happen, and yet not swear allegiance to them. Lately it seems I have been surrounded with friends and family who are ill and dying, and a culture that is so out of balance and crazed. Yet again, I do not have to swear allegiance to these things, nor do I have to avoid them or deny they exist. I can simply let them be what they are, and keep my focus on the one thing that I do know is eternally true and always there – Love.
Heaven is pressing so many powerful things into my mind and heart these days that it feels sometimes like I have barely been able to keep up. Yes life is precious, and yes now is the time to LOVE. See me staying on track and pushing back the busy work to create time for the real work that is pressing urgently to come through. Thank you for your support and for all that you are doing.
In love and truth,
Renee
Hi, Max,
Stuck or in a period of gestation where the small shoots are still underground? Waiting and watching. I returned from a retreat in Malibu – so beautiful, a change of pace from the desert where I live. A time to connect to Source Energy. A message to turn within for a time. How to be coachable and in the authentic moment…Many questions. Few answers. Thank you for your message.
Susan
Greetings Brother Max Simon!
I feel a strong connection. I am grateful for your work! I feel your passion and I hold myself able to Break free! Bless you… Bless you and my prayers are with you!
As a mother full of passion for positive family values that create harmony on this path to wholeness I am coming forward with a message of sharing our lives together within our natural surroundings… and I am stuck!!! Well I am gettin unstuck!!! Send me a big warm Hug and Kiss and I know that I will be well on my way!!!
Thanks Again Bro!!! Keep up the wonderful work of your Life!!
Hi Max,
First of all I want to thank you for sharing your work! I very much resonate with it. Thank you for stepping out and sharing you with us!
Questions that you asked to be answered:
1. I would like to know or understand the sequence of events and how to build desire. I have a challenge at times knowing how to package what I am offering in a way that is orderly and easily digested by those who would benefit.
2. What results would make me happy? To fill an event where people are inspired and touched in a deep and meaningful way and at the same time making 10’s of thousands of dollars. Also an event that feels complete and whole to ME.
3. What worries or challenges me? Feeling totally overwhelmed, feels too big, unclear with some aspects about what the message is and where I am inviting my group to go, not believing in myself is a personal hurdle for me.
I would love a practical step by step checklist of what it takes to put on an event and what the best order is to putting these things together. Also a worksheet on gaining pin point clarity and focus of intention and results for the event. I would love to include the energetic components as well and how they weave together with the practical aspects.
Thanks so much! Hope this helps on your end. I am keeping your Dad and family in my thoughts and healing intentions!
Much Love,
Cindy