There is one event in the past that dramatically changed the way I tackle life.
I have told this story before, but it’s so awesome I HAVE to re-tell it again.
This is how it goes:
Back in the days, I used to backpack marvelous Mexico.
I had a great time – lots of discovering, wild walks through the jungle and stellar beach parties !
The first 5 months were a comfortable couch ride, and then the notorious turd hit the fan:
I ran out of cash and wanted to milk the ATM, but it wouldn’t work. I tried again and again and used every other source. Nothing. I even called my bank back in Europe and asked for guidance. They told me that there was some kind of problem with my visa card and that it was impossible to withdraw any money. I told them that I had a whole month left and that I was down to my last pesos. I asked them what I should do, and they ended the call with 2 words:
Good luck !
I still remember the pearls of sweat rushing down my forehead – What do you do in a situation like this ??
I tell you what I do.
I usually come up with stupid ideas – and this one wasn’t an exception. I spent my last money on a a bus ticket and went back to Mexico city. With my last pesos I called a family that I have met on my previous trip, and this is what I said (from Spanish).
Hey, we met at the beach a month ago. We only talked for a few minutes, but now I’m here in your city with no money left. Can you please take me to your house ?
- You should have seen their faces
They finally found me at the bus terminal, and approached me with the biggest WTF expression you could ever imagine.
Well, I could relate.
I pretty much invited myself to a family that I met for 2 mins at the beach a month ago. But in the end, they must have felt sorry for me and even brought me to their house, eh, their MANSION, to be more precise.
They must have been at least semi-rich, because they had a servant that took care of my laundry and prepared uber-delicious meals 3 times a day. The family (a total of 14+ members) took me out to exotic places and taught me horse riding at their cowboy ranch on the country side. I had a terrific time and even started a thing or two with their super-hot daughter. My last days in Mexico ended with a big party in one of their posh houses, guarded by their private security force.
When they waved goodbye for good, they were smiling at me, albeit in an ambiguous way. I could only imagine what they must have thought of me !
This was one of my most adventurous experiences in life – throwing yourself into an uncertain situation and then figuring what to do – and I have to admit – this last month in Mexico had written E-P-I-C-N-E-S-S all over it !
I was naive – not knowing what could happen – but I went for it anyways.
So, what’s the message here ?
Simple.
Revelation number 1:
You always find a way out.
I was scared shitless in Mexico. I had 50 bucks and thought – how the hell am I going to survive ? Panic doesn’t help you, so I said to hell with it. Get to Mexico City and call that family. I’ll make it work. And I did.
Revelation number 2:
You never fail in life, you always succeed in getting a result
It might not be the result you wanted, but you are now at least smarter than before. The more results you get, the smarter you become. The smarter you become, the more likely are you going to succeed. It’s a beautiful cycle.
I’m currently doing several online projects – doing new stuff I have never done before, collaborating with people I never worked before.
Will it work out ? Will I succeed ?
How the heck should I know ?
The only thing I DO know is this:
An exciting (business) life comes from throwing yourself into situations you have never been before. Saying “to hell with it” and then letting your brain find a way to make it work.
What to do now
When faced with a dangerously-new opportunity or project, and you are not sure whether you should do it or not, ask yourself :
Will this kill or ruin me ?
The answer to this question is usually a big, fat NO.
So, don’t bother thinking about whether it will work or not. Kick your predictions in the ass – you never know what will happen next.
Say “to hell with it” and jump STRAIGHT into the unknown – with endless fire inside.
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