I'm going to give it to you straight: It doesn't matter how many external fires need to be put out, achieving success is largely a matter of accepting that the only obstacle standing between you and your dreams is yourself. There is no better day than today to start your journey toward a big leap, to tear up everyone else's rules that have come to define your life and create your own. I know you've heard that before, and yet you still find yourself in the same place, holding this book. But I guarantee that will not be the case if you put these chapters into action. It's time to recognize and own your inherent power to shape both your present-day reality and your future.
And let's be honest—it's also about recognizing when it's time to hunker down and work hard, temporarily surrendering to increased focus and relentless discipline in order to unlock the door to your next level of potential. That's when you step into the greatness that's always been waiting for you.
You want it all, don't you? That skyrocketing career, the passionate relationship, the intellectual hobbies, the social life of a Kardashian, all while getting a solid eight hours of sleep every night. It's a lovely picture to paint, but let's just cut the crap for a moment. That's not a dream, it's an illusion. The sooner you stop chasing it, the better. Time doesn't give a damn about our dreams. It doesn't care how many things we want to cram into our day. It's finite, unyielding, and completely indifferent to our complaints. We have twenty-four hours, just like everyone else. Not a minute more, not a second less. But there's a way to serve your purpose in the world without depleting yourself to get there, wherever "there" is for you.
In order to get the most out of this book you need to have not only the desire to prioritize your growth, but the commitment to do so as well, regardless of your starting point. The things that I will be asking you to do will stretch you and are designed to transform your mindset and how you move in the world. My goal for you is to have less friction between where you are now and where you want to be. My goal isn't to change the ambitions you have for your life but to make sure that they actually happen again, and again, and again. I had a vision. I built it, grew it, and guess what? I find myself cycling through that same process. Whether it be in business, love, friendships, painting, or even gardening, I use these frameworks and approaches to meet every new phase and stage in my life. I will provide the tools but it's your responsibility to use them.
An extraordinary life requires you to be extra. You want a lot? You have to do a lot. But not in the way conventional hustle culture has taught us. By incorporating the methods in this book you'll reduce your risk, mitigate the likelihood of failure, and maximize your happiness and freedom so that you fully enjoy the journey. And, if you feel you've read several self-help books and still find yourself in a similar position, know that I'm going to challenge you to act on what is in this book. It's not always going to be fun. Oh, man, at times it's going to be straight-up uncomfortable!
I have witnessed firsthand how small, consistent actions compound over time into transformation. If you implement the strategies in this book relentlessly, growth is inevitable. In six months, you may be astonished when reviewing your expansion. I encourage you to email me your wins and lessons as you advance. You can reach me at MorganDeBaun.com. Your stories will help me refine this work to further empower the next generation of leaders.
WHY NOT YOU?
In this very moment, pause and take in the world around you. You're at a unique point in your journey, surrounded by a history of experiences and opportunities only you can see. To truly flourish, immerse yourself in a rich understanding of who you are, savoring your values like a fine wine. Our world often tries to script our lives, but I urge you to gently push that script aside. Instead, wrap yourself in the embrace of your strengths, acknowledge your weaknesses with a soft touch, and look at yourself with the same warmth and compassion you'd offer a dear friend. Now, let's come to accept something: You can have it all, but not all at once.
Your vision of "all" is deeply personal and it's important to recognize that it will change over time. Your "all" could be a nightmare for someone else! As you grow and experience different aspects of life, your priorities will naturally shift. This is a normal and healthy part of personal development. Having it all isn't about achieving everything simultaneously, it's about understanding and accepting that life unfolds in stages, each with its own set of opportunities and challenges.
The key I want you to remember as you're reading through this book is that your priorities, your dreams, and your definition of happiness are uniquely yours. This means acknowledging what you're equipped to manage at this moment. Attaining your goals is a process that occurs over time, not immediately.
