Some people are just happy to go to work and could care less how they spend their days, as long as those days pay the bills so they can have a nice big television and keep up with the Kardashians.
They could care less about their job, have no passionate pursuits, have no clear and definite purpose and have no dreams…. all that stuff’s best left to the people on the television set.
But others are inspired to something great…
Whether that something great is creating beautiful music, make amazing art, writing books that change lives, building their dream business, making people all over the world laugh, starting a non-profit or just making the best damn home fried potatoes for miles around.
I don’t know what it is for you, but if you’re a reader of this blog, chances are it’s something.
Something that makes you feel so alive it hurts
Something that probably has little or nothing to do with money.
Sure, money might be an additional reward of the something great, but it’s the act of creating itself that is greater than any amount of money this world has to offer. The only thing that might parallel the act of creation would be the joy of knowing the impact it’s having on the world… whether that impact is just putting smiles on a few faces in your local community, or causing a radical shift in global awareness.
If you’re personally inspired to do more than just be another cubicle robot or couch potato with a Budweiser in your hand, then you will no doubt find this list helpful.
Here’s 17 ways you know you’re onto something big…
1. People tell you that you can’t do what you’re about to do. Either they don’t believe it’s possible, they don’t believe it’s possible for YOU to do it or they just don’t wanna see you succeed because if you do, it will remind them of their own shortfalls.
2. People try to bring you down. They sabotage your efforts and criticize your abilities, they belittle your accomplishments so they can feel a little better about themselves, and about the fact that they are not doing anything great, so hopefully you won’t either.
3. It seems as if life itself is trying to bring you down.
Problems seem to pop-up that just wanna suck your time, energy and resources. LOTS OF THEM.
These are mere distractions. Handle them but don’t allow them to suck you in. Stay to true to the path.
4. The only thing louder than your army of critics is your own self-doubt screaming so loud in your ear you’re getting spit on your face.
Self-doubt is a good thing, it means you’re doing something big. People who don’t long to create something beautiful, something more, something greater, don’t get the constant ambushes of self-doubt and the questionable looks from their peers The comfort of a nice safe routine acts as a barrier that keeps those dark creatures out.
But if one is gonna blaze new trails, those monsters are gonna rear their ugly heads and tell you “You Can’t” every god damned chance they get
There is no way to get to Awesomeness without first walking through that dark night. The valley of the shadow of death is located right under the mountain of your legacy.
No one is just dropped off on the mountain top via helicopter ride. You climb it, and the steepest terrain is those parts of ourselves that tells us we can’t do it, we’re not smart enough, not good enough and simply don’t have what it takes. When your mind tells you those things, congratulations, you’ve left the safety of your couch and found your mountain
Climb that fucker likes it’s Everest and prove to yourself and the world just exactly what you’re made of
5. What you’re doing makes little or no logical sense, but you know in you’re gut it’s what you’re supposed to be doing it.
6. You do not know what the end looks like, you may have an idea, but you’re still not exactly sure. However, you do know that you absolutely love what you’re doing, and wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
7. You keep making mistakes, massive ones. Remember, making mistakes is the fastest way to learn just about anything. The man who isn’t making mistakes is a man going no where.
8. You’re doing things that scare the shit outta you.
9. Strange things keep happening that remind you that you’re on the right path. The right answers, connections and insights come at just the right times. Serendipitous experiences become the norm. Between all problems, mistakes and set-backs, little beacons pop-up in the dark and give you just enough light to keep moving forward.
10. You’re called forth to make great sacrifices. Could be financial, time, a career, security, relationships and maybe even everything you thought you knew. You may even be asked to sacrifice who you “think” you are. This can be painful and scary, just keep with it.
11. You’re constantly trying to distract yourself with menial activities like Facebook, checking email and masturbation, both physical and mental… it feels safer this way.
12. You start to get amazing ideas about what you’re doing when your showering, walking, running, training, meditating or during other activities that quiet the mind.
Your best insights are coming from beyond the mind.
13. Things seem to be progressing much slower than you’d like em’ to be.
14. You feel like you’re doing what you were born to do.
You know it to the very core of your being.
15. You’re challenged to grow, conquer and overcome some shit that’s been holding you back a long damn time.
It’s time leave the cocoon.
16. While the self doubt screams at you, tearing your ear drums raw, you know somewhere deep in your gut, beyond any shadow of a fucking doubt, that what you’re doing is huge, it’s beyond just you and your selfish needs … and that while you may not know exactly where you’re going, you know that you’re gonna get there, no matter fucking what.
The only thing that can stand in your way now, is an act of God. But you’re pretty damn sure, that he’s got your back on this thing.
17. And one surefire sign that you’re onto something big, is that you’re a regular reader of this blog. Enter you’re email below to get the newest blog posts as I write em’
Talk soon,
Big Chris
P.S. If you liked this post, I’d love if you would push some of those social media sharing buttons like the Facebook, Twitter, Reddit and Google Plus buttons at the top of this post and share it with your friends
And, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject
Seriously…
I’d love to hear your comments below
I do my best to answer each and every one.
I want to thank you for the inspiration. I just read your blog for the first time last night. My friend Louis posted something on FB yesterday. Normally, I don’t read thing’s like this, but this time I did…So far, I’m loving every minute of the reads!!!!!! Thank you!
That’s awesome Linda, I love when someone enjoys the blog who regular doesn’t read blog. Means a lot to me that you like it (=
So cool of your friend Louis to share it too
Hey Chris,
Did you write this post about me? It’s like I was reading my own thoughts on paper (the screen in this case) but I’m sure anyone who has gone to the other side is feeling exactly the same way.
But you know I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world no mater how high the mountain gets, or how low I feel because when it’s all said and done and I’m taking my last breath I’ll know that I made a difference in the world and those around me.
Isn’t that what being alive and being here really is all about.
Thanks for reminding me (us) that I’m (we’re) not alone.
You Rock!
Thanks Tim, I always appreciate your comments bro
“Because when it’s all said and done and I’m taking my last breath I’ll know that I made a difference in the world and those around me.”
FUCK YES
Double Fuck Yes!
now that’s a biggie
I’ll take it Greg
not sure if Zen is your real last name or not, But Greg Zen is a BAD ASS name, I bet you get women based on your name alone
Seems like things that go wrong increases and there are more distractions when I start moving on something big. Not that I’m looking for them, but I’ve seen it from experience.
There will always be basement people (the ones that want to pull you down) and balcony people (the ones that cheer you on). Commune with the balcony people. Give the finger to the basement people and keep moving forward.
Yes..well said.. commune with the balcony people … love it
Give the finger to the basement and keep moving forward. Love this.
Thanks for sharing John, never heard the basement people, balcony people thing but I dig it
I think they’re may be a few people living in the walls as well. (=
Simply inspiring.
At 18, I’ve felt the urge, burning desire to DO something. I want to go out and become something. This isn’t another egotistical dream of being famous, I don’t want to be known as the best. I want to be known as the One who tried. and never gave up. Always gave his all.
Today, i felt weak and unmotivated at the gym. I keep telling myself “do all you can today. tomorrow is a new day to go harder, and better. One day at a time.
Damn Chris, if you’re 18, you’re one wise mother fucking 18 year old
You’re gonna go far brother, trust me
Amazing post, as usual!
Why thank you Jay!
Chris only been reading your posts for two days… Thank you… As one of your readers said ..”It sounds like your taling about me” F@#*#@G eh!!!
Right on Mike, glad it resonated my friend
you are in my head. love it. well written Chirs McCombs. Being on the clear path like that has got to be one of the best feelings in the world. I think a lot of the time all that negativity from others is really just pure astonishment and admiration, disguised. As you said, most people just go to work and that’s okay. They never even thought of doing anything bigger. When you go after something.. and nail it.. you actually shake up their world and make them see how they could maybe do that kind of cool too. they always come around
WORD
so true Cari Ann
Critics are fuel, signs that you’re on the right path, and seriously, how boring would it be without them?
More truth….
It’s always refreshing to read about people going through the similar peaks and valleys of living instead of existing. Thanks for posting!
Yeah it sure does help me as well
thx Jason
i like the way you think my friend inspires me to spread the word .. like my friend Linda said i don’t usually read blogs but something about this screamed right at me to read it good stuff keep up the good work!
right on Louis, actually, a large part of my intention with this blog was to create a blog for people who don’t normally read blogs
So happy it’s coming to fruition
I just had the most negative comment ever from someone. Not to mention that I am having my shit days with full of doubts. So I just did read my emails and saw this one. Totally at the right time! It saved my day!!!! Thanks a lot!
Love how it works like that
One time on my business website, I got a comment from a guy who was BRUTAL
He even said I could sell dead puppies and people would buy them
I just hit delete and didn’t give it 5 more seconds of my attention – the only time I think of it is when it’s useful as a story like now (=
Fuckin’ love this brother! You’ve hit the truth right to its damn core. In any pursuit, the greater the resistance you face, the greater the strength you gain. So big life-altering changes are gonna cause some pretty fucking massive resistance.
Good.
It means you’ve found your path. The hard path. And now it’s time to step up.
As always, epic stuff here Chris. Gotta go share this shit all over the place now.
Cheers!
right on Trevor thanks for sharing man
RE: “In any pursuit, the greater the resistance you face, the greater the strength you gain”
YES YES YES
so true
So true. Drove old Harleys when riding a Harley wasn’t cool (and few women rode). Became a truck driver when driving trucks wasn’t cool, and no other girls did cross-country solo. Became a firefighter and EMT at age 39 (the only female fully certified bucket fairie in the dept), and a cop at 49. Got laughed at, sneered at, ridiculed and even insulted. Lost all of these jobs because I WAS GOOD AT IT and someone up in the hierarchy couldn’t stand an “older” rookie (AND being female) being better or as good as them. And – in this world of men-jobs it’s either “put out or get out” – I am still pressing on, MY way. Life is a challenge and I say “bring it on” !! I already made my mark in people’s lives and blazed trails for many females – don’t let the bastards get you. Good post Chris – we all have a purpose and are part of the chain gang….enjoy the ride!!
FUCK YES
Love this, you are a true warrior Ellen
Press on, you’re on the right path
Chris, came across to your blog thru a posting on LinkedIn. It’s going to my daily dose of motivation and reinforcement. Keep blogging!
Love it
Didn’t know it was on Linked in too, so cool
happy to motivate Calo (=
This was the bomb! My inspiration at 4:28 am. Thank you Chris. This post gives me and other people a lot more confidence in their walk!
Jaiya my friend, you are the fucking man
Haven’t seen you in what? 5 years?
You’re still by far one of my favorite trainers and peeps in the entire world
love what you do
Glad to hear from you, much love for your fam
Just what the doctor ordered! this was a beacon of light for me today, thanks.
Your insights are very accurate as usual, thanks for all the hard work you put into each post.
Peace,
Richard
Thanks Richard, so happy to be a beacon
so happy
“There is no way to get to Awesomeness without first walking through that dark night. The valley of the shadow of death is located right under the mountain of your legacy.” … love this! Quoting you as my status on FB.
awesome Britt
it’s a true honor to be quoted by you, seriously, I am humbled
This is one of the most incredible article I have ever read. You nailed it.
why thank you Ben, if you relate, then you must be on a badass path yourself
Love this! It’s like you wrote it for me at exactly the right time. Can hugely relate to 4, 6, 9 and 15 right now.
<3
Cat I DID write it for you at the exact right time, that’s how this shit works (=
http://chrismccombs.net/serendipity/
Thanks for another terrific post! #9 Strange Things Keep Happening is right on target. Yesterday, my employer called to tell me that I may not return to work (I’d been on leave for four months undergoing medical treatment) because they do not want to accommodate my medical condition (which does not interfere with the tasks I was hired to do!), not even five minutes later I got a call from the service, I had just acquired my domain name (theriseandshinecoach.com) from, to ask what they can do to help me get my newly formed entrepreneurial business off the ground!!! When a door closes, a window opens. ( :
So cool, love how it works
you’re on the path Tracy, keep moving forward Girl (=
Dig it, Chris!! And so true about serendipity..really makes me think of something I’ve read about Goethe and Commitment…
Love your stuff, brother!
Chris
Hey Chris
Happy to be dug ( that’s what she said )
damn, that sounded gay, NOT that there’s anything wrong with that
Yes, I LOVE LOVE LOVE serendipitous stuff, I have a journal where I write the occurrences down, even the small ones, serves as a great reminder whenever I’m in doubt
You may enjoy this: http://chrismccombs.net/serendipity/
I guess I’m onto something Fucking BIG then, cause I can relate to these!!! “Gots to keep moving, gots to keep moving… Hell hounds on my trail.” – Robert Johnson…….. Great insights Chris, you are a man who’s stood at the peak and now helping others make the journey up the mountain.
hey thanks Brandon, means a lot man
Love Robert Johnson
BAD ASS LINE:
Gots to keep moving, gots to keep moving… Hell hounds on my trail.” – Robert Johnson
thanks for sharing Brandon
I always seem to ready your blogs at just the appropriate time. Thank you for that …. I needed that.
Thank you Stevie Jo, hope you and your doggy/doggies are doing great down in SD
I sooo appreciate all your nice comments on here and FB
FANTASTIC blog! I question my sanity a lot about what I’m doing. Then I read this and it reassured, yep I am on my RIGHT path. Thanks Chris!
Thanks for the great post brother. Really related to this one as I too am experiencing ALL of the negative and frustrating situations you describe here. But you know what? I AM on to something as I will be launching a completely retooled fitness business model in only five days. I am nervous as hell, yet very excited too! For my family and for myself, I am ready to launch this sucker and kick some a**. Thanks again Chris, you rock!
I home school my 11, 9, and 6 y/o. Yesterday I had enough. Enough with the disrespectful behavior, enough with the begging, the pleading, the feeling like my head was going to explode. I actually printed out applications for the local charter school. This gave me pause. Thank you.
Wow that’s awesome wendee
happy it helped, yeah that home school deal can be tough, I’ve known many who’ve done it
EXACTLY what I needed to hear right now.
“3. It seems as if life itself is trying to bring you down.
Problems seem to pop-up that just wanna suck your time, energy and resources. LOTS OF THEM.
These are mere distractions. Handle them but don’t allow them to suck you in. Stay to true to the path.
4. The only thing louder than your army of critics is your own self-doubt screaming so loud in your ear you’re getting spit on your face. ”
THIS.
Why thank you Bridgette
“The only thing louder than your army of critics is your own self-doubt screaming so loud in your ear you’re getting spit on your face”
I like that one too (=
Dude. So glad I found your blog. LOVED reading this and 37 ways to be cool. I actually almost teared up reading this, I’m just over two years into my new business and this was exactly what I needed to hear, today.
Business Beard, cool blog man
And anyday I can make a grown man tear up like that is a good day (=
Hey Chris,
Thanks man! Great blog! As I have been moving away from “traditional” Personal Training and into working with people and why they ended up overweight (for them) in the first place, I have felt increasingly isolated and well scared shitless! LOL! But I am on to something! Thanks for the encouragement!
–Greg
Hey Greg thanks for sharing man
“increasingly isolated and well scared shitless”
I know this place well
The May Help: http://www.kickbacklife.com/2012/09/05/declaring-war-against-the-lies/
You can’t help but love number 16. When you just think about all the people out there in the world to help you. Then you think about the grand scheme of things. It is like clock work.
Things come in seasons. The sun rises and falls everyday. Make today better than yesterday becausue we are not promised tomorrow!
I’ve had so many things awesome, just amazing happen last week, I was totally hopeless in some cases and I was able to turn closed doors and new challenges into spectactular opportunities!
Keep Hustlin’ Chris!
I love it, crazy how that works huh?
Get to it!
Glad to find your blog! A friend shared the post on 37 ways to be a badass, so here I am, and here you are, giving me the kick in the butt that I need. Thanks!
Thanks Dani, happy to kick you in the butt (=
Chris, you have no IDEA how this hit home for me! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will not give up my dream, no matter how crazy people tell me I am (or that I sometimes suspect myself.)
So needed to hear this.
Glad it resonated, and yeah Kelly, yeah, we’re all a little ( or a lot ) crazy (=
Great post once again!
thanks Ines (=
Great words!
Number 4 brought tears to my eyes.
I have been through a bad few weeks thinking its all futile and that living my dream wasn’t possible, I had been trying so hard and getting no where but reading this has helped me get through that and I know it’s now time to refocus and push on despite this doubt.
You’re the man, I love your writing style, it’s how I would write my stuff if I could get past the belief that I would upset too many people!
Hey Paul, check out this
http://chrismccombs.net/overcoming-self-doubt/
And Stephen Pressfield’s “War of Art” and “Turning Pro” … I think you’ll find them helpful
Love your posts man! Keep em comin’!!!
thanks Kevin, will do brother