I’m not used to being called names. But this time the guy doing it was absolutely right.
Let me explain.
Every guru on the planet touts some so-called “secret” to success.
Larry Winget takes a different approach.
There is no secret to the core message that runs through all of his books: You’re responsible for your life.
Larry has written five New York Times best-sellers with head-turning titles like Shut Up, Stop Whining and Get a Life, to Your Kids Are Your Own Fault, and You’re Broke Because You Want to Be.
To Larry there is no secret to creating the life you want, writing:
“Your thoughts, your words, and your actions created the life you are living. You create your results — no one else.”
Nor is he a fan of wishing and hoping that the Law of Attraction will get you where you want to go.
Instead Larry says, “What you think about, talk about, and get off your ass and do something about, comes about.”
My favorite Larry Winget book is, People Are Idiots and I Can Prove It.
In it, Larry looks at the kinds of things we humans constantly “say” we want.
We say we want to be healthy…
We say we want to have more money….
We say we want a good relationship…
We say we want to lose weight…
But our ACTIONS say something very different.
I’m certainly no exception.
When I saw the inscription Larry wrote in my book I laughed out loud!
It read simply, “Valerie — Don’t be an idiot!”
Guess what? I’m taking his advice!
For starters, I NEVER EXERCISE IN THE MORNING!
But the day after Larry wrote that inscription, there I was in Phoenix going for an aerobic walk at freakin’ 6:30 am!
Sometimes you just need to hear something said in a different way to get off of your duff and take action.
For me that something was the distinction Larry made between being “ignorant” or “stupid” and being an “idiot.”
If you are ignorant about the dangers of smoking or that a high fat, high sugar diet leads to obesity…
Or if you were never taught how to handle money responsibly…
Or you’re ignorant to the fact that there’s a fabulous conference out there that could be the key to you doing your ideal work…
…then you can’t be held responsible for the outcome.
BUT once you are informed… once you KNOW the danger of acting or not acting…
Once you KNOW what’s out there or what to do…
…and you STILL fail to change your behaviors – then you’re an idiot.
The fact is, I KNOW I need to get more exercise.
And by not taking action I WAS BEING AN IDIOT.
So I’ve stopped with the excuses…
No time, too tired, too dark, too early, too late… bla, bla, bla.
Do I fall back on old habits? Of course — we all do.
The key is getting back on track.
How to Stop Being An Idiot About Your Dreams
It’s the same with changing course.
Few of us grew up knowing there were alternatives to having a job-job.
And even fewer were ever tuned into my friend Barbara Winter’s liberating notion of multiple streams of income.
Which means most people are ignorant about the unlimited opportunities there are to make money doing what you love… on your own terms.
But if you’ve followed my newsletter at all over the last 23 years – or you’re reading it today for the very first time — then now you know.
And if you SAY you want to create the life you really want…
If you SAY you want to have more freedom and flexibility in your life…
…but you take no steps to do it – then like Larry says, that makes you, well, stupid.
So what about you?
What’s one thing you SAY you want to do – but somehow never seem to act on?
What’s one thing you KNOW you need to change?
What needs to happen for you to not continue to be an “idiot”?
What kind of support do you need to get out of your own way?
What kinds of simple things can you do to get yourself moving?
For me, it’s the simple act of putting on my sneakers in the morning.
If I say I need to go for a walk, by brain hears, “That would be nice but why don’t you just have another cup of coffee and watch the news.”
But if I tell myself, “I’m just going to put on my sneakers,” then “I’m just going to step outside…”
That’s enough to get me out. Even if it’s just 20 minutes. I’m moving my body.
And that my change seeking friend, is what Larry – and I — would call smart!
Hop down to the comment box to post your answers
I’m sure Larry would agree.
The simple act of putting it in writing is itself a great first step to not being an idiot.
And if you need help getting going, then ask me and your fellow dreamers for what you need.
One thing we all need sometimes is a kick in the behind.
A few years ago I did a fun interview with Larry. I left “smarter” and more inspired to continue to take steps in the direction of my own dreams. I am confident it will do the same for you.
Click below to listen or download to your device. That way you can listen while you’re on your new exercise program!
