I was reminded today of why that is. I tell my business partner Kourosh all the time how lucky we are, because we’re doing things that have impact on people’s lives. We’re not selling them bullshit products they don’t need, or trying to suck them into buying things that won’t really make a difference. Everything we create and support is based on one simple premise — is this going to add value to the lives of people in our community? It’s what happens when you put profits second to truly committing to others – people can feel it, and they respond. The irony is when you stop focusing on the money, that’s when the money actually starts to flow easier and faster. I got reminded of this today, when I noticed a message that had come to me through Facebook. I’ll let you read the message yourself, as it tells the whole story.
I’ve been meaning to write you for some time to express my gratitude for all of the free content you provide and the work you do. I’m disabled (due to illness), and yet the Government says I don’t qualify for Disability, so I have NO income and am living off the charity of others to survive. But I still have a very strong desire to become self-sufficient, which is why I appreciate all of your free content.
After watching video clips of Engage Today 2010 (and participating in VBU) I got a clearer picture of how I can contribute despite my disability. I created a nonprofit with an accompanying blog and am now creating various products to help fund it. It’s slow going, but I’ll get there.
Once again, thank you for helping people like me who, literally, have absolutely nothing. I’m very, very grateful!
All the best, Kim
Sometimes, when I have 1,650 things on my to-do list and I wonder whether I’m making a difference in this world, I lose sight of what I’m doing for a moment. I start to wonder whether all the time and energy is worth it, and if I’m really headed in the right direction. And then something like this happens that makes me realize how selfish I’m being — feeling sorry for myself that I’m so busy, and have so many decisions and things to make and do. I remember, once again, how incredibly lucky and grateful I am that I AM so busy, and have such a drive to help other people create a bigger future for themselves and their family. I wrote a blog post (which has turned out to be the single most popular one I’ve ever written) called “When Are You Going To Start Helping People?” It was a challenge to STEP UP and get past your stories and excuses, because there is someone out there DESPERATELY needing the gift or message that you have. And today, I was reminded that our business isn’t about us .. it’s about you. And I just want to thank you for letting me do what I do – for taking time out of your very busy life to spend a few minutes with me, here and there. I hope that I’m adding value and helping you challenge some of the beliefs that aren’t serving you. Giving you some tools that you can put to work and create results. That somehow, in some way, I’m leaving you better for having met me. And I want to thank Kim for sharing her journey with me, and helping me remember how blessed I truly am. Every day.]]>
45 Responses
These moments of realization are what transforms the world. One act of kindness, compassion or love is the starting link in a long change of positive events that we start and God carries through other people and little do we realize how many people this little chain has actually reached.
Through my financial melt-down and now my inspired comeback, I have kept God and love at the forefront of all of my thoughts and actions and WOW how things have changed.
Choose positive thoughts – Trust in God – Relax and let it flow.
sorry…
…long CHAIN of positive…
Congrats on the inspired come-back and masses of solidarity:):))
Thank you for sharing this Greg! It puts everything into perspective.
Greg, I’m glad to be a part of everything – you and Kourosh have already done wonders for me and how I approach business – changing the course of someone’s life just by doing exactly what you are talking about here. Just yesterday my coaching client told me I was the ONLY person he could talk to on this level because when he goes back to ‘work’ there is so much negativity he can’t stand it. He looks forward to spending that time with me every month. You are absolutely right, when a short email or quick telephone call comes through with a ‘thank-you’ attached, it makes a world of difference. I am very grateful for knowing the both of you personally and continue to share your impact with others.
Greg,
Thanks for sharing this as it was also a reminder for me to ‘get off my butt’ and get busy making my services available to people who need them. My whole driving force is to help small business owners and young entrepeuners improve and grow their businesses, hire more people that need and want jobs and to take control of their life by making the important things a real priority (time with family, friends, etc.. They just need someone who has been in their shoes before and can prove the results when they get on the other side. I want them to realize this is possible before they are in their 50’s and have lost it all due to stress and misconception about what life is really all about.
Thanks again.
With love and gratitude,
~JB~
Greg,
I share in the grateful sentiment that Kim expresses above. I, too, have been following along with your insight, wisdom, and valuable content.
I allow your content to continue coming to my inbox, as I know whatever you have to say will enrich my knowledge, and touch me in exactly the “right way” in starting my business.
Today, once again, you are On Purpose.
Thank you! Thank you! You make a difference in my life!
Blessings,
Thanks for sharing Greg this. When I reflect on my efforts the most rewarding are what you are talking about here. You have reminded me that “yes… I’d like more of this!”
Thank you for the challenge.
May I respectfully ask you to share another blog post perhaps… specifically how you came to this realization.
Snip from above:
“It’s what happens when you put profits second to truly committing to others – people can feel it, and they respond.”
What was the impetuous that taught you to focus on this and what were your first steps in that direction? Please and thanks. I simply want to learn more.
T.
PS. Thank you Erick Cerda for sharing below as well… I like your inspiration:
“Choose positive thoughts – Trust in God – Relax and let it flow.” Those are good words. What I learn from it is to stop “striving” and to simply “let it flow”. Good stuff.
Thank-you for that Greg & Kourosh… That was rather serendipitous actually, as I was just last night (2-3 am actually) thinking about how much I value being on your email list and felt a very strong urge to send you a sincere gratitude/thank-you note… but then I decided to pack it in for the night and wait until this morning to do so… and chuckled when I read today’s blogpost 😀
You two are truly such great inspiration and I am so very humbled and honored to not only be walking in the footsteps of genuine-giants, but to be able to receive such high-value, quality content from you.
I feel so very blessed, humbled, and honored to call you two my mentors and friends (no matter if it is mutual or not, though I’m sure it is:)) and to be part of your Engaged community/family. Thank-you so much for all your advice and the time in Banff too; that was AMAZING!!!! (Meaning this in a great way… I can only hope that your most recent event in Denver was at least 10x better!!!)
To Kourosh, Greg, Tarin, and the rest of the Simple Wealth / E.E. team/family… THANK-YOU all for being so Great and for providing so much massive value to everyone’s life you are able to touch (and make lasting positive changes and improvements in)!
THANK-YOU –
I LOVE YOU.
Much Agape
~J 🙂
God’s Peace
What a lovely letter – thank you for sharing, Greg! I am in the wellness industry and basically all my time is spent serving others. I love that. Even when I feel overwhelmed, too busy, too many decisions to make (I am opening my own wellness center), I am privileged to be living the life I live and make such a difference in so many people’s lives.
As far as entrepreneurship is concerned I have been learning so much from you, Greg – thank you for that. It is wonderful to share with people committed to making a difference!
Great thoughts, everyone!
Greg, may we have the link to Kim’s blog?
I’d like to see if I can support her efforts.
Hi Rob – here is the link to her blog. http://www.coexistingwithchronicillness.org/
A lot of people appreciate what you do. When I read your emails, you sometimes give me the inspiration or kick in the pants I need to get moving on making my dreams a reality!
Yes, I walk my talk daily Gregg, happy to walk in your brilliant and inspiring ‘shadow’ as someone who is helping others get their message out there.
“Abundance surrounds those who serve others with with their own innate gifts”
Jenni P and Dzai
Have set my intention to meet you as a new generation Engaged Entrepreneur.:):):)
Dream Warrior jenni P
Greg,
I applaud you for recognizing what REALLY matters in life. As you know, most people never reach this level of realization.
Here’s an exercise I describe in my book, Life Lessons, that you can use to move your focus toward making a difference:
Imagine yourself five years into the future. Looking back on the impact you’ve made, what have you done during those five years to help other people, and to make a difference in the world? Create a plan to make that difference, and do something–starting today—-to make that plan a reality.
Thank you, Greg. I appreciate the difference you and Kourosh have made in my life!
Brian
Thanks so much for sharing that story. I was only just the other day complaining about my busy schedule. However, also fortunately had a moment to ponder and ‘reality check’ myself with the awareness that all that I am doing is for the betterment of others. So I took a deep breath and smiled, knowing my life is blessed.
Kim’s story is inspiring and humbling.it reminds me to he grateful for what I have.
Again, thank you.
SC
Greg,
Thanks for the reminder that when we stop focusing on the money, that’s when the money actually starts to flow easier and faster.
You’re the man!
I have unsubscribed from a few coaches who encourage me to “charge what I am worth.” That is shallow and selfish to me. What the information is worth is also a very shallow pay scale. The issue, to me, is: What is a human soul worth? My goal is to elevate human worth. I want to share knowledge without respect of persons and empower even (and especially) the most desperate and impoverished. I cannot condemn a person to poverty by not giving him access to the knowledge he needs to become free in mind and spirit. I become powerful by showing people they have power to meet their own needs.
I too have been lifted out of desperation by free education provided by wonderful people like yourself. Thank you. I would like to return the value I have received to those who have given such value to me.
I said last month that I would contact you on June 28th about my plan. I have a lot to do before then. Thank you for your heart and purpose. You really do bring out the best in people.
Hi Greg,
There’s nothing like the feeling one experiences when they really “get” that their work has helped another person succeed in some way. That connection is incredible and is transformative for both the giver and receiver. Touching other people’s lives is why we are here – and it is the gift that will continue to give in ways we may not yet see.
One of the things that has most impressed me is your willingness to share your knowledge with others and to help others achieve their goals and dreams. You do it in such a practical, straight-forward manner that almost anyone can follow and implement the concepts you are teaching. That is so powerful! The content you provide throughout your videos and your programs is exceptional.
I also appreciate your gentle heart and your willingness to be honest and vulnerable with the experiences of your life. It makes people know that they can trust you.
I know that you will continue to affect more and more people’s lives. You’ve affected mine profoundly and I appreciate it more than you know.
Blessings to you,
Michelle
Thank you Greg!
Like Kim, I am working on setting myself up to serve while accommodating disability (wheelchair full time)… though I am blessed to have a wonderfully supportive husband and spiritual center, and meaningful ways to serve there as a chaplain, prayer team email coordinator and general non-judgmental listener. However, I’m not quite 65 and there’s still time to get on with doing something more concrete, like creating a book and programs or services to help others (and bring in some income above Social Security). Thanks to you (and Kim),I’m now closer to moving beyond reasons why it will have to be sometime in the unnamed future…
Namaste!
This is what “differentiates” you Greg–you offer both knowledge and heart. As you teach, people respond to this, because you are genuine and trustworthy. I had been studying free content for over a year, and your videos jumped out at me. I quickly decided to join TAF because I recognized the clarity and generosity you consistently offer. Thank you for your hard work and openness. Know that you are changing lives every day.
with love and appreciation, fran
Thanks Fran, I appreciate your comments and am glad that we stand out in the crowd! 🙂
Hi Greg,
Thanks for sharing that story. Just this morning I found myself overwhelmed about my busy schedule. Thanks for the reality check! Kim’s story is inspiring and humbling and should remind us all to be grateful for what we have.
Thankyou Greg for all you do for so many…myself included!!
Ken
Hi, Greg! Thank you for your blog. Indeed there’s some kind of fulfillment when you help others. I’m inspired reading it. The service you make to others by way of giving advice and sharing your wisdom will surely benefit many small entrepreneurs.
Like me, I’m into a print business. We have good customers who let us print their business requirements. We believe we’re serving them well and adding value to them as they continue to do business with us.
But it seems we’re still struggling. In terms of finances, we have more bills and debts to pay than profiting from it as every month closes.
With deep faith in God, we’re still positively hoping we can recover. Although we’re thinking of changing to another kind of business.
Hope you can share with us some of your thoughts.
Thanks again. God bless you!
Abai
That was a really good Blog! Thank you.
You have just made my day 🙂 This is the first time I have read your blog & now feel absolutely fabulous reading an articulate surmise of exactly how I feel & choose to move through the world. Cheers. I’m now a fan
Thanks for sharing this. It’s inspiring. And it reminds me of how lucky I am as well. Thank you!
We all know motivation, perseverance, determination and persistence are the key success to make changes. Asked ourselves how we can reach out to bring-in this particular action “Serving Others.” The “Topics” the way to guide us in order to influence a result what most entrepreneurs strategy, a way of campaigning for a substantial profits, but I know what it cost them to do this to enable them to go across the board to invest their time, talent and equity to produce a kind of information and appropriate recognition to enable them to contribute positively and empowering “us” and to incorporate our responsibility and constructive feedback so to meet this “The Reward For Serving Others.” Which I mean to provide more support to encourage others to develop opportunities for I know we can learn something out of this. Our success is our vital “Role” to improve our relationship with others.
Thank you Greg and Kourosh I identify with the mail you received from
Kim….. I too am living on a very small fixed income and am working at getting an on line business that will help people to understand their own
wonder and being, through my Poems using sound and visual effects.
I too thank You for all the wonderful content that you send out and how much it helps.
I remind myself every time I help somebody It allways comes back though not always from the person you help. ‘We are all sooo connected’
WE are brothers and sisters
in moments of our own.
The earth does not whisper,
She shares her bountiful crown.
she shouts the joy of life
from her very being of birth.
Natures gift is rife
and surrounds the worlds girth.
The joyous engery that fills a flower,
flows, with humilty in us all,
forever the Universes gentle power.
©
I know lot’s more entrepreneurs who also share their knowledge freely
and I am very greatful to them as also to yourselves. I know that I will make it to one of your ‘Engage Today’ seminars.
Blessings from Bronwyn
I know I can do it – I know I am able to drag my self up from the financial darkness. That is due to all the free material as you are providing at the internet. I would like to pay for it, but I cant – yet.
So, I too are you very thankful. For me your material has been a huge difference.
I have not been able to work for the last 4 years due to I was in a violent relationship. I managed to get out of it, and I’m now using the experience in how to overcome huge obstacles like that to obtain my own and learn others to find and live their dream.
I’m slowly getting out of my financíal trouble and that is thanks to you, Greg.
Thank you.
Greg, thank you very much for sharing your inspirational words that always throws me up and make me believe I am in the right way more and more although I have never thought – not even for a second – that I could be in the wrong way of doing what I chose and decided doing. Since I chose this business I am in, since 2006, I have been committed to deliver not only the service but of making a difference in people´s life and this committment really makes the difference. It is also true that dozen of people and their negativity did not believe I could do so (and I know they still think this way) but I have been faithful to my own purpose and that´s what really matters for me. It´s not about the money itself it is about the wish of touching and transforming lives. When I read your articles I feel myself relieved because I understand there are people around the world who care about me and they have the same wish of touching and transforming others life, even not knowing who are these people who are being touched. I feel myself very grateful for you sharing your experiences because it gives me the strength and fuel I need for keeping myself walking over and over.
And being a moment of gratitude I want to thank Elisabeth Donati who is also an inspiration in my life and who offered me the opportunity to do what I do today: helping others. May God bless each and everyone who posted a comment here. It is of a great value for my life.
And, yes, abundance surrounds those who serve others with passion and “It’s what happens when you put profits second to truly committing to others – people can feel it, and they respond.”
Thank you very much for teaching and sharing your knowledge and experiences and may God bless you, your family and partners more and more.
Just thinking the other day…that I am truly enjoying the Authority Formula. As i slowly plug away at each module…my confidence in myself grows steadily each day with all the information you are providing. I am so grateful for All that you do and give. You inspire me …to do the same…
Congratulations Greg!
It’s very clear that you are living a joyful life. You´re an upright guy. That’s why you can touch others heart.You’re reaping what you have sown.
I’m your fan.
I’ve devoted my life to helping people get healthy and remain healthy. I have taught people how to restore their health and retain it. I have taught people how to be empowered, to take control of their health and ability to remain functional throughout their lives. I wish that I could share with as many folks as possible these simple tools that would make their lives better and prevent so many debilitating conditions that so many suffer from ..unnecessarily, as they age. We have the ability to determine our health as we go through this process called life but we need some information as to how to do it, at least, somewhat ideally. As you propose in your emails, you must take charge of your life but you need some basic information to do it successfully. I propose the same thing. You’re health and especially you’re functionality as you age will be determined by what you do and how you do it. The simple sometimes evades us. We need to keep all joints functional and have a diet and lifestyle that is commensurate with our individual constitution. How complex is that. Simple exercises to keep all joints functional and mobile and a diet and lifestyle specific to ones own constitution is not that complex nor difficult to accomplish. All we need is information as to how to access that information and DO IT and success will be ours. How is it that so few will access this information and succumb to the perils of aging. Even the doctors that prescribe it won’t DO IT. That perplexes me. Well for those who have, success is theirs. For those who will success will be yours. “Use it or loose it” as the saying goes. The people I served today were so expressive and thankful that’s all I need to keep on keepin’ on. When the young man asked the old man at the beach “what difference can you make by throwing sand dollars back into the see when hundreds will be lost in the days sun?” The old man answered “it will make all the difference to this one as he tossed it into the sea. That’s how I go through each day, helping this individual in front of me. Sometimes, I wish that it could be hundreds, or thousands, because so many suffer as they get older and I think it doesn’t have to be that way.
Wow, Dr. Bacon…you really hit the nail on the head here. Everything you said is exactly how I feel and why I do what I do, and why I promote the products that I do. One person at a time is great, and we can never stop doing that, but with the amazing wisdom and tools that Greg is providing, the idea is to be able to get our messages out to more people and do more good. So thanks to you and Thanks to Greg! Let’s all Keep On Keepin On!
I’ve devoted my life to helping people get healthy and remain healthy. I have taught people how to restore their health and retain it. I have taught people how to be empowered, to take control of their health and ability to remain functional throughout their lives. I wish that I could share with as many folks as possible these simple tools that would make their lives better and prevent so many debilitating conditions that so many suffer from ..unnecessarily, as they age. We have the ability to determine our health as we go through this process called life but we need some information as to how to do it, at least, somewhat ideally. As you propose in your emails, you must take charge of your life but you need some basic information to do it successfully. I propose the same thing. You’re health and especially you’re functionality as you age will be determined by what you do and how you do it. The simple sometimes evades us. We need to keep all joints functional and have a diet and lifestyle that is commensurate with our individual constitution. How complex is that? Simple exercises to keep all joints functional and mobile and a diet and lifestyle specific to ones own constitution is not that complex nor difficult to accomplish. All we need is information as to how to access that information and DO IT and success will be ours. How is it that so few will access this information and succumb to the perils of aging. Even the doctors that prescribe it won’t DO IT. That perplexes me. Well for those who have, success is theirs. For those who will success will be yours. “Use it or loose it” as the saying goes. The people I served today were so expressive and thankful that’s all I need to keep on keepin’ on. When the young man asked the old man at the beach “what difference can you make by throwing sand dollars back into the see when hundreds will be lost in the days sun?” The old man answered “it will make all the difference to this one as he tossed it into the sea. That’s how I go through each day, helping this individual in front of me. Sometimes, I wish that it could be hundreds, or thousands, because so many suffer as they get older and I think it doesn’t have to be that way.
Hi and thanks, Greg and Kourosh,
You truly are an inspiration to many, myself included. As a registered nurse, I am reminded of many times I have helped others and they have asked how they can repay me. My response is for them to do something for someone else and to ask them to then “pay it forward” as the reward compounds to include people you may never get to help individually or even meet. This seems to also be your way of making a difference within the Universal scheme of things. Lots of love and compounded thanks. Pam.
Once again I thank you Greg.The Woodlands Cree believed that our lives have seven directions: North,South, East, West, Up, Down and Inside (the Way of the Heart). You have the Inside track… Aroha.
Hi Greg
I haveto strongly disagree on this one. I never focused on the money just helping first my self and then others. I was broke most time of my life even though i am the most respected and best known Guy in my Niche. I often joke i am the poorest famous person in Germany 🙂
You have to concentrate on the money and you have to know about marketing-otherwise you get a lot of love and respect-but still have to worry about next months income.
cheers from good old Germany.
Max
Hi Greg
I have been reading the emails you send and looking at the information for some time and admire your efforts to increase life. Though I follow and live for the advancing life I am sometimes caught up in the tide of society dragging me to competitive urges and fears of failure. Having control of my time so I can be a very present part of my family andour childrens lives is what I have manifested. Now all I need to do is have the same faith and manifest financial security and growth. I can sence it, feel it, picture it, but I am still not yet living it.
If you have a spare moment have a read of the preview of the book I have written, based on what my grandads and mum and dad taught me and my experiences over the last 5 years. Here is the link: http://www.aktiv8u.com/e_books/Open%20Mind_Book_1_Preview.pdf
I will more than appreciate your thoughts on my book. Thank you so much Greg for keeping my creative passion burning.
Have a wonderful day and week
Tee
It is so true that those emails are the ones that keep us going. Some times it doesn’t have to be a major thing to make a difference, it just has to be a little thing that makes a huge difference. I love when I get emails from “friends I don’t know,” it shows that I’m making a difference and that I’m probably impacting thousands more who just haven’t had the time to send me an email about the difference I’ve made in their lives. Thanks Greg for all you do, I know you’ve helped me to realize that I can make an impact too. And you’re right, it’s not about us, it’s about them. I write about that in my new book called ‘Self Esteem Doesn’t Come in a Bottle.’
Kelly
Thanks for the kind words Kelly!
The first time I stepped out of my way to help someone ‘from my heart’ was the moment that I knew my purpose for being alive. It taught me that making a meaningful contribution had much less to do with money…and everything to do with relationships. There is no doubt that I owe 100% of my success to the many partnerships I’ve formed with the Red Cross International Disaster League, Covenant House, Habitat for Humanity…and through the many fine Karma Krew men and women at Peak Potentials. I’m giving up 2 weeks this summer to serve as an emergency/medical responder at both Warrior and ULC Camps in New York. I can’t think of any better way to show MYSELF why I matter! (It’s interesting. Most of the people who REALLY make a difference in the world are never noticed. It must be measured in the final divine plan.)
Help others get what they want so you will get what you want”. “