Here’s my video for Week 2 of the Quick Start Challenge, which has also been uploaded to YouTube.
By profession I am an enterprise IT systems architect and I am used to presenting in front of client audiences. However, I haven’t done it for over 4 years now, since I had a breakdown in 2010. You may think that is quite a big thing to admit, especially since this is a public post, but the fact is that it happened to me just as it is happening right now throughout the corporate world.
I feel no shame about it, nor is it a sign of weakness. It is, in fact, just the opposite. Those that continue to strive for more and are willing to take on new challenges or responsibilities. Climbing the corporate ladder, always aiming for greater success, really listening to people and seriously trying to help them and their business overcome issues and problems. Trying to do too much, without even thinking of delegating to someone else.
These are my attributes and of all the other people out there that have also suffered. One day your mind, true inner-self, whatever… just throws up its hands and says ENOUGH!….THAT’s IT…..NO-MORE!…SHUTTING-DOWN…..NOW!!
Anyone reading this who has had this experience will know exactly what I mean.
In the 4 years that I have been away from work, I have grown facial hair and am no-longer a suit & tie wearing clean-cut executive with a cell phone permanently plugged into my ear!
I have learned a lot during these past years, through various therapies, books, yoga & meditation. I am now more in-tune with my “inner-self” than I ever have been.
The time is now right for me to do something different. My corporate days are now behind me and I am ready to reinvent myself in the world of Internet Marketing. With the Quick Start Challenge and the enthusiasm of Dean Holland’s teachings – not forgetting the awesome group of like-minded individuals who have also signed up for QSC – I have the momentum to progress and take action!
Hi Mike,
I’d like to be the first to comment about what a splendid job you did with this video.
Nice background, center position and I like your website name on the bottom left as well.
It’s one of the better of the fifteen or so videos I’ve watched from the group and I think you come off as genuine and sincere.
I’ll be looking forward to seeing how you back up your word with ACTION in the future.
Guy
Hi Guy,
Thank you for your kind comments.
As I said in the video, I’m no stranger at presenting to an audience and it’s only recently that I have gotten back my confidence enough to be able to do this again.
I know from past experience & training, that there should be no distractions and all attention should be on the presenter.
I definitely will take action, which will build up along with my recovery, so don’t expect a sudden big-bang! – although, I guess that anything is possible 😉
Mike
Hey Mike
Really nice blog and I see you have already started posting your views on it which is definitely a good sign and you have shown so far that you are ON for it. You are ready for success and that you are ready to overcome hurdles.
I wish you best of luck in this challenge and may you make more posts for us to follow.
Hi Keyur, Thank you for those motivating words. I am definitely ON for it and intend to continue updating my blog and overcome hurdles!
Hi Mike. Great video Mike, well done. I’m sure you have loads to offer the IM community with your experience and skills. Go for it! 🙂
There is nothing shameful in admitting to having a breakdown. It happens. My story is similar in some ways, though in a different but equally challenging occupation (politics). I’m glad that you are now feeling up to taking some action. Meditation helped me too, but I couldn’t get on with yoga!
I’m looking forward to following your progress.
Namasté
Catherine
Hi Catherine,
Thanks for those comments. I find it kind-of reassuring when I come across someone who has had similar experiences to my own. As for yoga, I’m not the most flexible of guys and often find that I am the only male in a class! The western view seems to be that it is only for women – even though the great masters of it are male – go figure?!?
Mike
Awesome video and post.
I am also putting the corporate world behind me. No more call centers and administrative work for me. I am looking forward to reinventing myself in the world of Internet Marketing as well.
I look forward to following your journey and reinvention.
I wish you much success….
Thanks Tywon,
I’m glad you liked the video and post. When I made the decision to focus on IM, I realized that I could put a lot of my corporate experience & knowledge to good use, with the exception that this time, the beneficiary will not be a faceless international conglomerate!
Mike
Congrats! You made it past one of larger hurdles in this challenge. My video I would say is the worst of the worst but it is my best accomplishment so far. I am ready to succeed and I see you are too. Well Done!
Hi Jamie,
Thanks for your congrats and comments. I don’t agree that your video is the worst – it may be your first, but I found it to be honest, natural and sincere. We are all together in this challenge and as we all learn together we will all grow and inspire each other!
Mike
Gosh Michael, you have a great voice-I thought I’ll buy what you are selling :). Seriously, great job and
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson, Poet
Great job-good luck.
Cas
http://internetawomansperspective.wordpress.com/
http://guruzilla.com
Hi Cas, Thank you very much for the compliment.
Best of luck to you.
Mike