Nicheology Profit Letter
Issue 108: Simple Life
By Paul Evans
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Friday night I spoke to over 1500 teenagers… adolescents… hormone jacked Joes and Janes.
It was like looking at little, baby faced children.
I mean they looked YOUNG. My own kids were in the group. And it hit me. If they are that young, I must be getting…. OLD!!!
And yet, for some reason I love it. Things are a lot clearer at 41 than they were at 30, or twenty.
Life and business are wrapped in simplicity.
Uncomplicated fundamentals.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll look at some very simple parts of business. Actually, we’ll be looking at business start to finish. And it will be simple.
But I need to warn you of two things…
First, you still have to work. Simple does not mean effortless.
Second, most of this will be common sense. Stuff you know. Stuff you know but you’re ignoring. And because of that you’re not making any money. Or at least not the money you want to make.
About a hundred times throughout this series some will say, “I already know that!”
Nope. They don’t.
Oh… they know it in their heads, but not heart and hands. And until it hits the heart and hands those folks really have no clue.
– Really. Take my word for it. What’s in your head does not count. In fact, it’s worthless until applied. Because application proves if you’re right or wrong.
Sort of like my buddy who KNEW what it was like to have kids before having them. He read the books. He and his wife watched how others parented (and critiqued them). If I told a story about my boys, he was quick to offer advice.
Then something happened.
Yep.
Child #1.
Then he found out he was stupid.
(He called for advice, but I told him to check page 36 of one of his books.) 
Then…
Child #2.
He discovered he was an idiot.
That’s just the way it goes. When head (intellectual) collides with hands (physical) and heart (emotional) reality shows up.
With that in mind, let’s begin…
Simple Life
The path to making simple money begins with mapping out your simple life.
A lot of people will tell you to create dream boards, to shoot for the moon and make big hairy audacious goals.
I agree…
IF…
That’s REALLY, REALLY, REALLY the life you REALLY want.
You see, I think most people are like Steve in the movie “The Italian Job.”
Each member of the Italian Job team had stuff they wanted to get with the score.
Lyle wanted a home theater system that would knock your clothes off.
Handsome Rob had a cool car he wanted, and so on.
After Steve thought he eliminated his teammates, he bought the house, cars and gear they had all mentioned wanting.
Steve did not have his own dreams, he stole them from others.
I see that all the time online. People see that a certain type of marketer brags about having the big house, the yacht, the Ferrari’s and immediately they think, “Wow! I want that stuff too! I want that lifestyle.”
Really? Does that really consume your thoughts? Is that really how you want to spend your days?
I spent a year looking for the car I wanted. Not a Ferrari, but I looked at Porsches, Mercedes and BMWs. For a year. It got frustrating. I could not find the car I wanted.
Then I stopped.
Took a few steps back and it hit me…
I didn’t REALLY want any of those cars. I wanted something dependable with good gas mileage. It’s just transportation to me. Know what I got? A Honda Accord. And I love it! Strange, huh?
Then I started to think, “If I was wrong about a vehicle, maybe I’m wrong about what I want from life. What should my average day REALLY look like and FEEL like?”
Well, here’s the list I came up with….
- Never miss our sons’ games or events.
- Never have to say “no” because I could not control the schedule.
- Travel to mission zones and check on orphans whenever.
- Take my wife on special trips to cool places.
- Wake up early and work on important projects then have the rest of the day to work or play.
- Be more involved at church.
- Help as many people as possible find their profit position so they can live the life they want.
WHAT?!!!!!!
There was no real “stuff” on the list. I thought I wanted things, but I didn’t. I REALLY wanted flexibility and freedom.
Whew! Life suddenly became a lot more simple. Not worrying about how to get and keep stuff lightened the burden.
So, let me ask it again…
What type of life do you really want?
What do YOU want your average day to look and feel like? Describe it in detail (much more detail than my bullet points).
Don’t think that stuff is what you really want just because someone put it on a sales page somewhere. What’s your picture of simple life?
Write it down.
For real.
Get out a sheet of paper. A yellow legal pad. A journal.
Drop the barriers for a moment and open your heart.
Maybe you want to take you kids to school then meet the fellas at the club for a round of golf. Maybe you want to give more money to charity. Maybe you want to travel the world and help the homeless. Maybe you want to get a nice home on a lake and fish. Maybe you want to control your time and your dimes.
Forget what everyone else says you should want. Forget what they say your goals should be. What are YOUR goals? You get one life. You have one shot. Shape your life with simplicity and watch the effects.
Next time, we’ll take the first step in achieving the life you’ve designed.
Success is NOT an Accident,
Paul
P.S. This is the type assignment you’ll want to think about, but not actually write down. Don’t fall for it. There is a connection between the physical, mental and emotional.
When you write it down, your mind will start planning ways to make it happen. Your heart will attach itself to the images and not want to let go.
You might think this is sissy talk.
Fine.
But I’m living every single one of the bullet points above.
I’d rather be a sissy living a reality, than a macho man with another’s dream and no plan.
As far as I am concerned, the simple life means freedom from as many cause-effect theories about life as possible. That’s why I created the unconditional freedom process.
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Thanks for you comments Paul. You always have a way of saying things that can put life in focus.
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Thank you for your great comments.
I find it hard to come up with a list as Chris says due to self distracting activities.
It is easier when you take yourself out of your normal environment and join others doing the same thing at a Christopher Howard; T Harv Eker or Topher’s events
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Paul:
Great points ! I Really hope that others my find this little nugget useful. I have found when attempting to carve out my desires or goals onto paper that I too have the images and words of others floating fresh before my minds eye. However , when I put the ink to paper I may jot a really cool goal and then when I begin and after several minutes more I dry up-even before I get to plan # 4 or #5.
Inevitably I get sidetracked , eat a snack, check an email, or go out in the back yard to build an ark or some other menial task just to avoid writing down what could set my life and my world in order.
Whew ! I hope everyone will stay on course, lock your doors and write until you sweat. And get it out of you today! Unless like my you need to paint the house then just try to write your life goals again.
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Wow,
That was some really good stuff and I like they way you used the movie “The Italian Job” to make your point.
You’re so right about having your own dreams. I remember when I got started online just to make a couple hundred bucks extra a month just to pay the bills.
Am I upset that it turned out to be more than just a couple hundred bucks? Not at all, but it was never my intention to become the next superintergalacticgurusuperstar that so many try to be.
I’m a dad, I have a family and I want to spend time with them and nurture them. That’s happiness to me.
Thanks for the insight.
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woohoo, Paul!
I have read many of your articles..may I say, this is the Best ever!
So proud of your success!
Lorene Hochstetler
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So true Paul, I believe that I must take ACTION. Been doing that the past few days and it feels great. Need to do that “Writing down my dreams” thing so that it feels real. Thanks for the pep talk.
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Exactly the kind of life am dreaming of.
That's why I am hoping that what I do now is where it will lead me and my family too…
Thanks for the checklist!…
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Paul,
…”he seldom reflects on the days of his life – because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart”…Solomon (oops, can I say ‘God’)
Yeah, baby!!!!
Joel
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Hi Paul
LOVE this. I do something similar called “Having an OK Day”. It’s amazing how, when you set out what one looks like and then make it happen, how having average/OK days regularly can lead your life to be truly awesome and amazing!
Bless you!
Jenny.
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Paul,
I found this post inspiring and moving.
Taking a risk to follow your heart/your passion gives you energy to your future and breathes life into your dreams. By stopping and asking yourselves what we really want. And writing them down- as you so brilliantly suggested- will alter the direction of your dreams. Because as soon as you realize your are headed in the wrong direction- you have the power to make a new choice- one from your list- a choice that has meaning for you- a choice that can deliver you the life you desire.
Loved your post. Keep on writing.
Thanks,
Lolly Daskal
Lead From Within
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This is such a timely post. In these tough economic times many of us are looking around at all our “stuff” and realizing that it means nothing. Get back to basics and create what is really important in your life.
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Paul,
Thanks so much for distilling your thoughts into such a simple formula. Most of us find that once we get the ‘shiny objects” they just take a lot of work to care for and maintain. Usually they provide only fleeting satisfaction.
However, if our true desire is for a Rich Lifestyle then we have it within our being to construct it. The beginning is being clear . . . real clear on what it is we really want.
Looking forward to this next series. Thanks.
Blessings.
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Hi All!!
Thank you for the comments!
Grace, keep going for those dreams.
Having made some money is WAY more than most ever achieve. Celebrate the victory!
It will get easier, the getting started work is the hardest. Don;t give up but take a small break to refresh and refocus.
Blessings!
Paul
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Hi Paul,
Grace again. My site is up and running and I have made some money, I am still in shock. But I have worked so hard, been sitting at my desk, been so confused and not there for God, myself and my family. I felt like this is so not working for me, my back is aching.
Your message was timely, I got out my journal and wrote down, what I REALLY want.
I want to go out, eat out,have some vacation, enjoy life, kick start my foundation to help girls in my village go to school, I want more of the true happiness.
I know this is the best business for me but like you say it is all in my head, I am scared to put it down and make it work, fear of failure.
Thank you for your messages Paul,
Grace
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Thanks for reminding me of this. I did a lot of this “dream crafting” about 2 years ago – see it, visualize it, write it down, make it real – and I just went and dug out my old notebook after reading your post. While I haven’t hit the big goals yet, it’s pretty cool how many of the little ones have just taken care of themselves.
Yeah, there’s power in this
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Great reminder. I talk to small biz owners every day and the single biggest issue is time. Time to do what they want to do. You said it best.
I’m going to go back to my list and make sure I’m creating what I really want in my life.
Thanks!
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Paul,
Excellent points! The key is knowing what *you* really want to do. Until then I don’t think anyone will be both truly successful and satisfied with where they are in life.
I have been an independent web consultant since 1994. It has allowed me to attend all five of my kids school activities, spend the time helping the church, and the freedom to do what I have wanted to do.
Yes, I still have to work.. Sometimes to midnight, sometimes on the weekend. But it is wonderful to also be able to take off to visit a friend in the hospital or sit with his wife while he is in surgery.
The “freedom” has been worth it!
Paul, it is your messages like this one that keep me as a subscriber to your services. I like the down to earth balance you encourage others to have. I also like it that you are about more than just making money. I look forward to the next messages in this series!
Kind regards,
Dan
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Paul, great message. I was talking with John Morgan last week about the very same thing. I want that ability to take my family on cool trips to neat places to learn awesome things. I don’t want them to have to just read about it. I want to take them to experience it. Gettysburg? let’s go see where it went down! Space shuttle launch? Load ‘em up and lets go see it.
My wife and I drive beat up, paid-for cars because we just don’t value new shiny objects. Not having the debts and the stress that go along with that affords me the quality of life that I can spend my time with my kids and not worry about having to pay that past due power bill. I am very thankful for that.
Best regards,
Darren Crawford
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This letter was an affirmation/answer to prayer. I have been doing “morning pages” and scripture time for awhile now to get a clearer picture of what God knows I am capable of. I know what I want and like you it isn’t all the “stuff” some are so wrapped up over. My husband and I have made conscious choices to live debt free (just the mortgage to go), save, prepare, and give big. It isn’t popular in most circles but I can sleep well every night and I know we are making a difference. THANK YOU!
Sarah Cook
Mom Raising Biz Kids (our site should be up soon!)
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Alan Arcilla :
Exactly the kind of life am dreaming of.
That’s why I am hoping that what I do now is where it will lead me and my family too…
Thanks for the checklist!
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right on Paul. Seriously – have been doing this exercise in my own life the last 10 days.
You are a blessing. Keep up the great work – and speaking the truth!!
Carrie Wilkerson
the Barefoot Executive
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