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?
