Many years ago when I was in my twenties, I used to walk around with 4 different business cards. I was so confused. I would go to a networking event and someone would say, “What do you do?†Then I would roll my eyes and start thinking what card I am going to hand out.
Yes, I know it may sound humorous to you. But it’s downright stupid! No one respected me. In fact, people would often walk away from me fast. I mean fast! I think at the time I was insane. Fortunately, I was able to diagnose my problem.
I realized that I had to do something about trying to be all things to all people. I took immediate actions to fix the problem. I can honestly tell you if I didn’t come to that kind of awareness, I would be still struggling to get by. By the way, I was a doorman at a hotel in Atlanta, Georgia when I decided to focus.
What about you? If I ask you what you do for a living, what would your answer be? Will you roll your eyes and give me some vague and meaningless answer? Do you still believe you can do this, that, and the other? How many jobs have you changed lately? How many businesses have you thought about starting lately?
Stop the insanity! Okay, it’s true if you keep trying different things eventually you will find what you want to do. But how old are you? How many years will you keep trying different things? Is your clock ticking rapidly and you are not settling for the one thing? Recognize that your indecisiveness is stealing precious moments.
You Are neither Superman nor Superwoman!
Listen, I know you are good at many things. There’s no doubt given the right circumstances, you might even be able to walk on water. That’s how talented you may be. But remember this: The jack of all trades NEVER prosper! This is great advice. When I turned twenty eight, I vowed to be known for one thing only. And I did just that.
Have you ever wondered why the guy you talk to so often is still struggling to get by? It’s exactly because he’s too talented. He goes around impressing people with his skills. Yet, he never focuses his energy and efforts on being the go-to-person for one thing only.
Truth be told, the next best and attractive opportunity to make more money will always come along. But it doesn’t have to mean it’s for you. Money is a means to an end. It’s not the end. You can be very successful and wealthy in any line of work even if it doesn’t look like there’s money to be made.
I have a friend who is a nurse. She chose that path because the money is good. But in my opinion, I think if my friend doesn’t walk away from the nursing field, she’ll die from stress. Now I am not saying all nurses are unhappy. But my friend definitely doesn’t have a love for it.
In my case, I am very good at a lot of things. You’d be surprise to know that I am very good at graphic design, internet marketing, copy writing, web design and cutting hair. In fact, my millionaire mentor Ken Doble really thinks I should start an internet marketing firm.
Now, do you think because I am good at these things I should pursue them all. No! My calling in life is to touch millions the world over and impact their lives in a positive way. I absolutely love keynoting conferences. There’s something magical about standing on the platform and communicating with the audience. I own every stage.
For years, I have devoted every waking hour to my speaking business. Oh, did I mention that I learned the other stuff out of necessity. Yes, when I started in the speaking business, it was such a struggle financially that I forced myself to learn many other skills so that I didn’t have to pay others to do them for me.
There you have it my friend. I am begging, urging, imploring and praying that you see the value of sticking with one thing and become a master at it. The world will respect and shower you with money as a result. The people in the medical field who are really making boatloads of money are those who are known for one thing–the specialist.
Again, do not let money be the deciding factor for you. There’s always a more profitable venture on the horizon. Find a way to make what you love profitable for you and go for it.
To your success,
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Hi Rene,
Thanks for posting this. It is true that one needs to focus on one profession and try hard to become a master of it. The Jack of all Trades never prospers and that is true.
Thanks for sharing this…
Yes so very true… I’ve been a student of success for a few months now and have found that what you taught here is taught by all the great teachers of success! When I moved to the USA I knew what I wanted to do but it was general and vague! Now I didn’t have four business cards
but I moved from one idea to the other and have never started a thing!
Now the funny thing is over the last 9 years I have made my boss rich! I started a business from the ground level to 6 offices and we planning to open another 1 in a couple of weeks, and 2-3 more in the next six months! But I’m a bit like your friend that’s a nurse I make good money, but if I don’t make a change sometimes soon, stress will take it’s toll. I just thought that when I get better at my job it would be easier less stressful but I since learn that it is the job match that’s important and you have to be passionate about what you do!
For years I felt limited on what I could do, as I struggled through the high school year ahh who I’m I kidding I struggled in school since I started 1st grade, I left school at 10 grade because I gave up …started work. The stigma that I self imposed on me kept me from success for many years. I just couldn’t believe I could have success because of my lack of education. What also is funny when I finally realized that I could be what ever I want to be that education is important but passion is more important and the real reason I got demoted 10 years ago was not my staff who complained to home office but it was me and the what I thought about myself! It finally clicked… and I was able to truly see myself.
It happen when I was at one of my lowest times about mid last year, I felt so unsuccessfully, business was flat, I was stressed to the max I felt like a loser! I was looking at the company figures for my area (which were under budget!) but noticed that it was way higher than last year! I exceed 1 million in turnover! and shortly after I was recognized in the company for the supervisor with the highest growth for 2006 (guess business wasn’t as flat as I thought) and my area was the third highest in turnover! WOW I’m A SUCCESS and I now truly believe it. I’ve been a sponge for learning and now I’m figuring out what I want to hang my hat on. In the next few months I should be well on the way to starting my own speaking business (which has been my dream for years) I will do part time until I’ve build it to the point where I can go full time.
I suppose that the last thing I would like to say to everyone that reads this is Believe… Believe in yourself! Nothing can hold you back if you believe in yourself! If you lack formal education go to the local library just walk through the library look at all the books on the shelfs… then go to a big book store walk through and look at the shelf of all the books. If you lack education there is no reason you can’t educate yourself! there is plenty of books, e-books, audio programs and people to learn from. I’ve been able to get tons of learning and so far I’ve spent less than $100 in the last year. So I challenge everyone to do as Rene saids and “Kick Your Excuses Goodbye”
Rene,
I too am very talented, and my focus shifts from one idea to another. I have so often thought about developing a business plan for this idea or that idea, only to stop and move on to thinking about going to law school, or then perhaps becoming a counselor, and here I am 10 years later….still in accounting. It is so frustrating. Because unlike yourself, I have yet to be able to focus on one thing! It is insane! And when I read your blog, I honestly was relieved to know that what I have experienced isn’t just something I was dealing with.
Thank you. I am going to try to just find that ONE thing, and focus on it.
Dear Rene
You have changed my life a lot. Since I encountered your website you have been my inspiration. Whenever I feel down I read your articles. Its a great source for all the required positive energy.
Wish you best in life.
Jigar Kantharia
i really love dis article it has answerd my questions since past week God Bless U Rene… plz i sent u an email sometime about coming to HAITI to support your mission i got no reply yet plz try and reach me fast.God bless U.
pastor Maxwell.
Hi Rene,
I tell you I am really touched by these words. They are pure and true. I have forwarded it to my friend too and I hope you will get to hear from them soon.
Nana
Hi Rene,
I hope you are doing well. I want to thank you for the motivational notes you have been sending me lately. Since i subscribed to your website, my life has taken a turn for the best. You have taught me how to focus my mind towards pursuing my dream.
My subscription to your site is indeed an investment that i will always cherish. Right now i am developing a career in mass media journalism and i know that through your inspiration and God’s help, i will make it to the international level.
I am currently looking for a job, here in Kenya and your notes have kept me going even when i have felt like giving up. This note above, ‘focus or suffer’ couldn’t have come at a better time. I have been facing pressures from some relatives to consider doing something else or whatever job i can get other than having to focus so much on media. I am glad to know that there is someone out there, you i mean, who thinks that one should focus their energies on pursuing their passion. Thank you for cementing my belief; i am giving up on my dream just yet.
I wish you God’s blessings as you continue to impact more lives.
Your’s son,
Sami Nderitu,
Nairobi, Kenya.
hi Rene,
Thanks for ur suggestions, whatever u have told is correct I have lots of skills I know lots of softwares in my field but unable to master in single one the reason being i wanted to be master of all and show my skills to all but at the end i am not satisfied with my job and lost the intrest in continuing with the same organization, also my superior in the company is not assiging me the job which i would love to dol i am working on different software as i can work on that software well and fulfil the current requirement of organization.
Please give me some motivational thoughts to come out of this
zama..
hi Rene
I was just going to through the net by chance I clicked your address. but now I like to have chat with you. But now a days I am busy very much as I am the ZONE President in JCI India My Zone consist of 6 states i.e. Punjab, Harayana, Delhi, Chandigarh, Himachal PArdesh & Jammu & Kashmir. I will be regular with your mail.
thankx
Jc Harjit Bawa
Zone President Zone – 1
JCI India
Dear Rene,
I feel like you are talking about me now. I tried many of the marketing business lately, at this time being I have three different business card in my pockets. You are so right, I have to fix that. I try any positive thing I can put my hand on, just to get my financial freedom. To tell you the truth, I am so happy to see that I am not the only one in my situation. Please, keep being positive and do not change for no one. May God bless!
Sincerely,