I’m not going back…
“I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature.” — John D. Rockefeller
Allow me to start off by expressing gratitude. I’m grateful for persevering in the face of all adversity I’ve encountered up until this moment in my life. Allow me to paint a picture for you on what I’m not going back to and what I’m continuing to move in the direction of.
I’m not going back to the health challenges I had for a few years after my premature birth in ’93. The odds weren’t in my favor from the start.
I’ll be honest, at times I under-performed in school because of a lack of motivation and attention.
Additionally, I didn’t always live up to my potential in sports (mainly baseball) because of my laziness. Perfect practice makes perfect in the game and I did not always give it 100% looking back on my playing days. I would have rather padded the stats playing MLB on my Playstation or Xbox than I would have taking extra swings or lifting at a young age.
My time in college from 2011 to 2015 seemed like a blur at times. From the rugby pitch, to day drinking, binge drinking, to countless fraternity and sorority parties, and doing a lot of drugs, class and exams did not always go my way.
Two times in the past four years I’ve been in and out of work for some time. Three months at the end of 2016 I was looking for work in New York and Philly. Now since May 10, I’ve reluctantly been on the job hunt for two weeks. Unemployment and days upon days behind inside at home are no solid ways or plans to go through life.
I’ve suffered from miscommunication and a lack of direction before in my life. Scarcity is horrible, too. I cannot be the only one to go through these, right?
In previous years, I’ve allowed (and tolerated) toxic relationships and negative environments (people) to clog up my personal space and mind. It’s not until you connect the dots looking back before you learn to discern between those who use you and those who choose you. Let that one sink in!
I was sold a lie growing up that $40,000 to $50,000 a year, in a nice house, in a quiet neighborhood, with a dog, cat, SUV, wife and kids was going to be a perfect life. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not down on any of that. It exists in all our lives. I’m just not going back to living or existing in a pretty good or MEDIOCRE life.
It’s tough to have so much responsibility put onto your shoulders at such a young age or in your early 20’s, trust me, I get it. However, not being able to always be the sole provider (mentally, emotionally and financially) in my family has been challenging at times. Especially being an only child, I feel obligated to take care of my parents at this very second, and certainly sooner rather than later.
So, with all of that out on the table, here is what I’m moving in the direction of.
Abundance. The bountifulness of mental and emotional health, financial freedom, love, health, wealth, happiness and the pursuit of our passions is what abundance truly means to me.
Peak performance as a professional because of written goals, discipline, focus, vision and consistency is what I’m continuously improving upon daily.
Putting out all the food on the table and covering bills dining out at restaurants sounds ten times better than stealing food or groceries. Plus, it’s good karma for others to make sure they are fed first. Think less of yourself and more of how you can serve others.
This goes without saying but today I prefer long periods of sobriety and only indulging in adult drinks at specific get-togethers, weddings, vacations or large events. It’s 100% better for my health, conscious and overall well-being as opposed to getting f*&$ed up Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and whatever other day of the week like I did back in college.
I am moving in the direction of being the most qualified person for any job, consultation, business opportunity, partnership, relationship and having one of the largest networks of connections possible. It’s better than being unemployed and out of work… I’m grateful for Kindur in New York for recently bringing me aboard as their newest junior copywriter. Whenever you’re hungry enough for an opportunity that presents itself, you need to take the bull by the horns and run with it.
Communication, leadership and a sense of direction solves practically 99% of all problems at hand. I highly recommend growing into and learning as much as you can about those two subjects in particular: 1) communication and 2) leadership.
At 26 years of age, I truly only want positive relationships and positive associations in my life right now. Have you ever thought about the people you cut out of your life and just feel blessed that you had the bravery, maturity and love for yourself and your future to do so? Much love and respect to everyone strong enough to do that. You don’t have time for any negative vibes.
I’m getting closer and closer to going out and making $100,000 and more yearly. It must be done to move into the top 5% of people. With great power comes great responsibility, right? I want to be one of the sole providers for my family and future family. I want to retire my parents earlier than 65–66 years old and allow them to live stress-free, have no financial worries, and most importantly, have their freedom and health. That’s my goal to give to them after so much they have given me after 26 years on this Earth.
This may be one of my biggest weaknesses… But, I’m working on bringing about exceptional results and so much momentum that all ships are lifted from the rising tides. Let me explain. Ambition and action are the cures for a mediocre life. How does that work? Mediocre life’s begin with mediocre people. Mediocre friends and coworkers WHO ALL DO MEDIOCRE S**T. The best way I’ve found to scare off these people is to follow and pursue your dreams, RELENTLESSLY.
No child grows up dreaming of sitting at the same bar or restaurant every night with the same friends, working the same mediocre job and living in the same home for the rest of their life. However, most people do just that…
To this date, ambitions, goals, dreams and desires have saved me from a mediocre life. In summation, focus on what is important to you and you’ll surround yourself with the most important people because what you do well (and greatness) is equally important to them, too. High achievers want what you’re after as well. Zero mediocrity.
You are nothing but a man or a woman, yet a man or woman that is here to take on all the world has to throw at him or her. You are powerful beyond your belief. Remember, your potential as a human being is nearly limitless. So, make sure you have the right people in your corner backing you up to be an asset, too. Time to get to work!
My Very Best,
Donovan Vogel
