Game Changer or Dropout?

I just finished a couple of books that put me to shame when it comes to being proactive and willing to step up and make something happen with your life. Why is it the case so often that most people are waiting for life to happen? Do you ever catch yourself thinking that if only I had this job, this amount of resources or that special degree then my life would amount to something? I know that there has been much said about just do something that matters or the Nike slogan – DO IT!

I listened to someone on my cell last night for an hour that has a grand vision of doing something that for all apparent common sense is something that is outside their ability. I also received a LinkedIn message from a good friend who has lived his dream between being a husband, dad, CEO, making it financially, birthing businesses, going to seminary, birthing a church and turning an old bar into an amazing coffee shop and church. What determines whether someone is able to live their dreams or ends up on the street?

I read a couple of books written by 20 something’s and old baby boomers. The common thread is being able to dream and not being afraid to step out and do it regardless of how often you fail. I live in a world where excuses seem to justify why both youth and adults don’t do much of anything. I know that not everyone is gifted to be a self-starter that is able to make something happen out of nothing. The bottom line which all of those with a passion to make a difference is that they call the rest of us to do something with our lives that goes beyond making money, raising a family or being a C.E.O. or president.

The other thread that seems to be a critical factor in changing from being someone that is prone to make excuses to someone who is a doer and change agent is that you have experienced real failure. It is hitting your head up against the wall over and over that drives you to do something different, ask for help and keep trying regardless of what others might say. I know that it isn’t easy to see the future today but if you have you hit bottom often then you will be motivated for obvious reasons to keep doing it.

I know that one of the most difficult aspects of life is being more open to be honest and transparent about your own strengths and weaknesses. It is too easy to cover up your shortcomings or brag about what you think you great at doing. The reality as I watch many with limited resources change the world around them is that if you are really committed to be a game changer then you will never take no for an answer and you will face your greatest fears without making excuses or blaming someone else.

Yes there are a few who will change the face of the world in a larger then life context. Yet, the reality for most is that our world is the neighborhood we grew up in or the workplace we have lived around for years. I believe that being a change agent is seen in impacting ONE life where someone who was a quitter and excuse machine now has become someone that is taking ownership for their lives. They go from being couch potatoes that are too consumed with texting or video games to someone that will make time to get involved and give of themselves.

The question you and I face is whether we are going to take the challenge to do something that matters with our lives? I tire of watching too many people be spectators in life watching others do it while sitting in the bleachers. So what will it be? Game changer or dropout?