Are You Scared to Tell Yourself the Truth?

Call Yourself Out

This past week I was reading a book by David Goggins and was impressed by its honesty.

He touched on something I have shared quite a few times in this newsletter and wanted to touch upon it again.

I find this very relevant because we are all in the middle of a situation that is not ideal – and for many very trying.  

It is during these difficult times – like a virus - that we need to tell ourselves the truth about how we are doing.  

In his book, David talks extensively about the trying situations he faced in his early years.

The stuff that he went through was awful.

As he got to the end of high school, he finally realized he had turned into a complete loser.

It all came to a head when he couldn’t pass the entrance exam to get into the military – one that should have been no problem.

He was also flunking out of high school.

That night he looked in the mirror and had an honest conversation with himself – he was very blunt.

A few of the things he said to himself:

Why would the military want you, you look like a bum?

You are in high school and are at a 3rd grade reading level.

You have never tried hard at anything other than basketball.
 
He called himself out on every area where he was not meeting his potential, and when he was done, his final words were:

It’s on!

He had made a choice that he wanted to be and do more.

This was a turning point for David Goggins.

He changed his grungy appearance.

He started a focused study of his school work.

He changed everything about himself that he had neglected.

He said in his book, “You have to call yourself out.”

Be Direct.

Don’t sugar coat it.

If you are overweight, tell yourself that.

Be honest.

Don’t tip toe around it and say I should probably lose weight.

Call it for what it is.

If you hate your job and do it because you are scared to leave.

It’s time to be honest and call yourself out on it.  

If your finances are a wreck, place the accountability directly on yourself.
 

It’s Time to Make a Change

We are in the middle of a reset.

If we are taking full advantage of what is going on, we have a great opportunity for reflection.

A time when we can evaluate what we are doing and determine if we are on the right track.

As you know, I like to talk about finance – hence the Finance Friday – but this applies to every aspect of life.

It’s time to look inward.

Has this virus exposed weaknesses in your finances?

If the answer is yes, then you have a choice to make.

We can make excuses, or shift blame, or we can call it for what it is and get to work.

Find whatever your problem area is, and face that demon.

If your income is low, don’t blame your employer.

Instead, make a plan on how you can create more value and get paid more – or even better, start your own business.

If your savings are non-existent, don’t make the excuse that it has to be that way – start taking control of your income and spending.

I am not saying it will easy, but it is possible.

The first step is being accountable.

  
Blame Yourself

This is not a popular idea these days.

We all fall into the trap of telling ourselves that someone else is to blame for our misfortune.

The problem with this is that we give someone else control over our progress.

Even if it’s not our fault, if we hold ourselves accountable, we are admitting that we can change what is in our control.

This is empowering and the beginning of true growth.

This is a concept my wife and I have really been working with our kids on – as well as ourselves.

I have been very impressed with how it has changed the way our children view their progress.

It’s a very liberating concept that I believe is centered in truth.
 
This email is as much for me as anyone.

I plan to come out of this virus situation a much better person than before.

I am having these honest conversations with myself – even if it’s uncomfortable – because I want to be better.

I want to have better finances.

I want to be in better shape.

I want to be a better husband and father.

I want to see improvement.

I hope you will do the same.

If there are areas of your money (or your life for that matter) that are haunting you, now is the time to make a change.

It’s in our control if we are willing to look in the mirror and have that conversation.

Do as David Goggins suggest: call yourself out.

I would love to hear about your goals or progress, so please feel free to send me an email.
 
Thanks for reading.
Darron Rowley
Co Founder of 1911 Apparel