Be a leader – LIFE AS A HUMAN

The world would not have known about boxing great Manny Pacquio, had he chosen to buy into the “I can’t go far in life because my family has no money to feed or educate me” mentality. Instead, this small town boy moved to the big city of Manila to become a boxer and get out of a poor existence. Not only did Pacquiao become good at boxing, he would dominate the sport and become world champion several times.

This week, I’ve gone past the half-way mark of my Why Mavericks & Outsiders Rule And Hipsters Follow Them book and written nearly 60,000 words. Sitting down to write a book day after day – and doing the necessary research – is tough. So what’s kept me going these past 4 weeks? Why don’t I leave it to other people to write their own book and just be a plain reader?

1) The chance to impact people – Pacquiao’s rags-to-riches story has inspired many disenfranchised people around the world to work hard – and not feel sorry for themselves – in order to succeed. I’d like to have the same influence on aspiring innovators and change-makers, who may be experiencing ridicule, contempt or apathy as I once did during my school years and the early part of my career. I know I’ll have a greater chance of creating change by being a recognized figure like Pacquiao rather than being just a member of the crowd.

2) Visit new places & meet new people – Before Pacquiao became a boxer, congressman and an honorary PhD holder, he was just a poor boy trying to escape a hardscrabble life. Now, he gets to travel all over the world to compete. Along the way, he’s met various celebrities & heads of state. I’d also love to bring my message to various places and different people so I can change lives. I actually wrote about Pacquiao and similar people like him in my book such as author Gary Vaynerchuck, rapper Iggy Azalea and other larger-than-life characters who’ve fought poverty and obscurity to succeed.

You can certainly take things easy and let other people lead. Or you can step up and be a master in your own profession or line of work. And then you can reap the benefit of increased recognition, better pay and being able to see the world, especially if you become a valuable and in-demand resource that people in other countries will pay to listen to.

Photo Credit

Manny Pacquiao – Wikimedia Creative Commons

Guest Author Bio

George Verdolaga
George Verdolaga is an author, educator and speaker. He helps people get out of their own way so that they can reach their career and lifestyle goals faster and more efficiently via The Job Farmer and The Contractor Lifestyle books and his Sitting Pretty Course.