I've been thinking and reading a lot about this topic lately, and about how ordinary people are learning to monetize their existing skills, and ultimately employ themselves. Is it really possible? And do I have any skill or knowledge that people would pay for?

Often I'll find myself browsing random job postings or gigs on Craigslist for non-traditional types of employment, and I'll look and think, wow, I wish I had the skills they are looking for, then I could hire myself out rather than work for someone. (By non-traditional I really mean any jobs that won't require me to sit and get paid for my time rather than my work, like most jobs in my field do)

My goal has been always to be self employed, but my major stumbling block is that I don't feel like I am an expert at any one thing or skilled enough to get paid the big bucks. I feel like I know enough to do my job and my hobbies well, but not enough to consider myself an expert. But as I mentioned, I keep reading more about success stories of people monetizing the current skill(s). Rather than going to school or getting trained in some new field that they may have been curious about, they are simply using what they already know and are learning how to simply make money doing that.

So this has gotten my wheels turning a bit. For one, I have been a software engineer for the past 8 years, and three of them have been with a small company where I am doing much more than software (web, database). But still I feel like I don't know enough to try to market myself in this field. However, I will admit that this could simply be a confidence issue rather than a skill issue, because in talking to other people it seems that plenty of people who employ themselves don't know everything prior to doing a job for someone. The difference is that they pretend that they know everything and then learn on the fly.

Here are a few other things that I could possibly market or monetize:

• I have in one form or another been hosting and running my own (and family member's) websites for the past 5 years. This includes setting up the hosting, doing all the coding, the design, fixing browser compatibility issues, setting up blogs, and wading through more HTML and CSS code than normal people care to look at. I don't consider myself a web designer by any stretch of the imagination, but I'm sure the skills I do have could come in handy for some people.


• I can usually find the answer to any question on any topic in a matter of minutes using the handy dandy internet. To me I consider this normal, but have realized that the majority of people who aren't computer geeks can't do this. They get caught on spam pages, with non credible data, or it takes them forever. I think I first realized how good at this I was when my girlfriend saw me find something so fast. She couldn't believe it. Now she calls or texts me when she needs an answer, and I can usually find it while we're still on the phone. Trivial, I know, but I'm sure this is a skill some people wish they had. I guess maybe I am an expert at using the internets.


• I read way too many books, magazines, blogs, and other articles and now have acquired a vast array of knowledge on a wide variety of topics.

Moving away from the geeky stuff now...

• I have had people tell me I am extremely knowledgeable about trails and hiking spots near where I live. I have been to and seen a ton (but not nearly all) of the things to do and see in San Diego, and apparently have ticked more things off the San Diego "to do" list than people I know that are natives here have. I know most of the neighborhoods and can point things out on a local map that people who grew up here have never heard of.
• Last summer, I managed to take my average body, casual runner's legs, and an endurance that was better for happy hour than an hour long hike, and I hauled it to the top of Mt Whitney, in one day... That includes the full 22 miles and 6000+ feet of elevation gain.

I am not putting all this up here to brag, trust me. But I am trying to convince myself that I have at least some set of skills that is marketable and can make me a living. Looking at things in this light is new for me, almost revelational. All of a sudden I am seeing that -- dare I say it? -- I just might be an expert at something.

Now I just need to hone in on what that is. And determine if there is any way to take the scope of different things I know and could be considered expert on, and connect them in a way to create something of value for someone else. And hopefully something that they would be willing to pay for.

Labels: 9to5, inspiration, lifestyle, thinking

I have been thinking a lot about my life lately. About things like abundance, positive thinking, manifesting desires, and living the life I want. I am by nature a person without a lot of certainty, I am always double thinking, over thinking, second guessing, and oddly I know a lot about what I don't want but not a lot about what I do want.

Just recently I read this post by Steve Pavlina and it made me realize, even though I am great at dreaming and I want a lot out of life, I am not a great manifester. Which subsequently got me into an email conversation with a friend of mine who is currently in the process of manifesting the perfect life for herself.

It started with me writing an email, asking her if she thought I am inadvertantly manifesting scarcity in my life because of what I believe and my values. I have strong feelings about consumerism and over consumption, and I don't think money buys happiness. (I do believe that security can help happiness though.) So my question to her was, being that I don't think material abundance is necessory nor is it something I am interested in, does that mean that am I putting myself into a mindset of scarcity? Monetarily and materially I am quite happy with what I have, but I got to thinking if these feelings of contentment were in turn creating contentment in other areas where I may be lacking. And finally I was curious her thoughts on what I could do do align my beliefs and desires with a state of mind which would manifest abundance in other areas of my life, not necessarily relating to finances.

And of course, she had some very good feedback for me.

To address my question about financial abundance and being content, she made some good points that I had been thinking about. That it's not about overconsuming, but rather having enough/plenty of money, and having things you want that were made with care and that will last. And I suppose that if money is what it takes to do the things I want, regardless of whether it is a lot or a little, then that means having abundance. And a great way of looking at it, she said that if she chooses to shop at a thrift store, it's not about being cheap, it is about the treasures that can be uncovered. That it's about the ability to find the best things for her (or anyone), without needing to think about the price tag.

She told me that she visualizes her life being abundant. And suggested a gratitude journal, saying it helped her. Each morning she would write down 6 amazing things, things really crazy amazing to align herself with what she wanted to manifest. Then, before bed, she would write down 5 things that were positive and abundant things about the day to remind herself that she is already happy with the life that she is living.

The things she told me were all very positive and I am going to try to integrate some of them into my life starting today. We will see over the next few weeks if visualing happiness, success, and abudance can help me make some changes in my life.

Labels: how-to, inspiration, personal development, thinking

How to Successfully Summit Mount Whitney in One Day - eBook Coming soon!

In my first real attempt to monetize this site, I am in the process of writing my first e-book. And because it will be my first eBook, I will be giving out the first 10 copies free. Keep reading for the details.

The e-book describe in full detail how to successfully day hike Mt Whitney, the highest mountain in the continental United States. I have attempted the hike twice, and completed it once, so I know what makes the difference between a successful trip and an unsuccessful one. I also spent quite a bit of time researching for this trip, so I have wealth of knowledge to share.

For those of you who don't know, I am just an average guy and I'm not an extreme athlete, but I learned from the first year's mistakes and successfully trained to complete the hike the second time around. Since this is my first go at an e-book, I will be giving out the first 10 copies free. All I ask is that after reading it you provide some feedback. I will then make any necessary changes and probably being selling it for $9 per download.

With this guide I am not trying to make you a superstar hiker, however I will tell you in complete detail the steps I followed to make the trip a success. My goal is to supply anyone with the desire to complete this hike with all the necessary information to prepare, train, and successfully complete this hike.

What you can expect from this guide:

• What months to go to have the best weather and the best chance of success
• How to navigage the permit process
• Training and preparation tips
• When to begin your training
• How to know if you're ready
• How much training is necessary
• What to expect in the days leading up to the trip
• Where to stay prior to the hike (Camping vs hotel)
• Acclimating to the elevation
• How and what to pack for the hike
• What to expect on The Big Day
• Photos of the trail and the mountain

If you are interested in being one of the first to receive this e-book or you wish to get on the list to purchase it, simply leave a comment below or contact me. I will notify you by email when the e-book has been completed.

Labels: ebook, hiking, how-to, inspiration, mt whitney

Ultramarathoner Scott Jurek and Tarahumara runner
Photo credit: not sure, I think hereMy new interest. Well, an interest maybe, but that's about where it ends. I do run, but typically only 3 miles at a time. Hardly even a 5K, never mind an ultra marathon. Though I do love the idea of being able to run long distance, it is just so raw and primal and is truly the way we were meant to get around. But is it really possible for anyone to run 100 miles at a time?

I've been reading the book Born to Run and it's just amazing. I'd heard of Dean Karnazes and ultra marathoning in the past, but sort of just figured he was some super human guy and there were only a few crazies out there who did this sort of running. But after flying through the first half of this book in just a few days, I'm wondering if it really is true that anyone is capable of running great distances. Not only does the book thus far tell the interesting story of the Tarahumara natives of Mexico who regularly run distances of 100+ miles, but there are a few profiles of other some interesting people who actually do this sort of running regularly too.

The most I've ever run at a time is when I did a half marathon three years ago, and that took 3 months of training to be able to complete. And for me that was tough, as I've never been a runner and never found running that enjoyable. But maybe there is something to it, a technique that most people just can't figure out. I know that since I've started running semi regularly, I've been able to adjust my technique to a point where I can do it a bit easier, though conditioning is still my issue.

Maybe I'll try it barefoot or with sandals like the Tarahumara. I'll get on it right after my calf heals from when I pulled it running last week...

Labels: adventure, inspiration, interesting, lifestyle, running

Falling Uphill,
Scott StollFor the last two months or so I have slowly been reading my way through Scott Stoll's book, Falling Uphill. It is quite an enjoyable and inspirational book, and the fact that's it's been taking me so long to read it actually bodes well for the book, ironically enough. I find that if I am enjoying a book, I tend to take it slow because I am not ready to be done with it. The exception to this rule is for novels that end each chapter with a cliffhanger, in those cases I have been known to sit and read for hours.

In Scott's book, there is plenty of substance, and quite a bit that gets you thinking about life. I particularly enjoyed the following quote of his, and wanted to share it with you.

I like the challenge of cycling up a mountain: breathing hard, my body burning, and the feeling of peace when I reach the top: sweat being whisked away by the wind, watching the lizards scuttle, listening to the birds sing, sitting on a rock, the whole world spinning beneath me. That's what I enjoy most in life. I want to walk through the world barefoot, as if I were a child again, letting the leaves of grass tickle my toes even if my feet get dirty.

As I mentioned last week, if you know of any inspirational blogs, websites, or stories, please share them with me. I am always interested in reading and promoting stories that inspire.

Also, check out Scott's blog here, as well as his twitter.

Related Links:
Long Walks and Inspiration

Labels: biking, books, inspiration, reading

A few weeks ago I came across this video on YouTube, which I've posted below. It's a video made by a guy named Christoph Rehage from Germany who had the goal to walk from Beijing to Germany. From the looks of his blog, The Longest Way, it looks like currently he is not walking, but is at university. Also, it doesn't appear that he has completed the entire trip just yet, but walking over 4000KM is quite a feat none the less.

Here on Idealist Cafe I would like to start profiling inspirational blogs and websites, so if you have one or know of one, feel post in the comments or email me. I would love to hear about any journeys or adventures that are outside of the box and are inspirational. They don't have to necessarily be about pushing physical limits, as I am also interested in stories that create a greater connection with humanity or show what is possible if only we follow our dreams.

Enjoy the video. (If video doesn't show up, you're probably reading from a feed and need to visit the page.)

Labels: adventure, fear, inspiration, interesting, travel, unconventional living

Disclaimer: I should preface this article by saying that I do not currently have the job I love. This is really an article based on my thoughts, and one that can hopefully one day help me.

The situation

Perfect hit - Photo credit cloud_nineThe situation I seem to perpetually be in is one where my job is tolerable and pays decently with decent benefits, however I know that it is not the right place for me to be. In today's economy, conventional wisdom seems to say you should stick with something that is decent, however I don't necessarily agree with that. Sure, people are out of work and some would do anything for a job, but does that mean I have to tolerate something I don't enjoy? I'm not talking about walking out on a job, I'm just talking about actively pursuing something better. What inevitably happens with me is that I look for months and months at job listings, but I know that all would simply be lateral moves, just a band aid so to speak. And again, conventional wisdom says a job is a job, but quite honestly in my opinion conventional wisdom has never made people truly happy, it's the out of the box thinking that seems to reap the rewards. So what I want is to push my limits and find the "right" job rather than just another job that will fizzle after a year or so.

My predicament
By training I am a software engineer. I truly do not mind doing this work. What I mind is the mindset that seems to come along with most typical corporate environments. The need to keep producing and work more hours, without a concern of management for employees' personal lives. From my experience, most places that are corporate seem to expect that everyone should want to work as much as possible, to suck every last ounce of productivity out of their days. And if they are really productive, they simply get more work rather than a pat on the back for a job well done and some time off. And when it comes to time off, though I am lucky to get a generous four weeks, I also am sort of forced to implicitly think that this is enough, that most people get less thus I am lucky. And when I use it, rather than a "enjoy your time off, you deserve it", I get the wiseass comments like "Who approved this?" or am made to feel like I am getting more than I should. What it must be like to work somewhere where management treat everyone fairly and actually care about your personal life! On top of this, it seems that corporate environments seem to breed negativity, something of which I am guilty of participating in more than I care to admit. I have had two co-workers leave the company, one to attempt to start a coffee cart, and another to open a pet business, and both were not sent off with well wishes, but were chastised behind their back for doing so.


So what do you/I want?

My job - Photo credit estonMost people seem to accept the status quo, and that if things are decent that is as good as they can or will get. So as in my situation, many people say that I should be lucky or thankful to have what I have (which I truly am), but at the same time I don't think just because everyone else accepts something as a "success" that I should have to feel the same way. Sure, things could be a lot worse, I could have bad co-workers, worse bosses, less vacation, a more rigid schedule with longer hours, the list goes on, but does this excempt me from having my own lofty goals or ambitions? Just because everyone else accepts certains things doesn't mean we all have to. Certain lives work for certain people, but not everyone sees things the same way. Because most people barely even get paid time off does that mean I should start believing that two weeks is great? No, I still firmly belive that everyone should get 4 to 6 weeks paid time off.

So what do I want? Quite simply, I want to work somewhere that I can apply my specific skill set to help make the world a better place. Sitting in a cubilce writing code for Company X doesn't feed that criteria. A company or organization that can harness my skills and directly apply them to making the world a better place. And to surround myself with people who feel the same thing and care about work and life, and not just work. People who can share in life outside of work as friends and who can separate the need to work with the need to enjoy life, and who can inspire you to be a better person, and not just a better worker.


Where to look?

I heart my job - Photo credit cobalt123So we have now reached the point where I don't have any answers. The run of the mill job boards like Montster and Career Builder seem to be corporate breeding grounds, looking for more drones. Craigslist seems to be a bit better for interesting opportunities, but Craigslist is also notorious for surfacing people who are flakes. I don't know if that extends into the job postings as well, but I can say for sure there are always a lot of start up opportunities on there, which typically don't pay. So for this question, I don't have a good answer for where to look for your perfect job. I suppose it depends what you are looking for. I am starting to really believe that I can look and look and will never find my perfect job, I think one day it will find me. Good old networking probably is the best way to find the perfect job.

Is it possible in today's economy?
I believe it is, yes. The economy may be bad and people may be getting laid off, but if you are a self starter the claim is that economic down times can be one of the best times to start a new enterprise. You just have to know where to look for your niche. And regardless, even though times are bad when I browse the help wanted sections there are plenty of opportunities.

What do you think?
Share your thoughts. Where are the best places to look for extraordinary jobs? Are those jobs still out there right now? Are good employees staying put?

You may be interested in Idealist Cafe recommended books.

Labels: 9to5, how-to, inspiration, lifestyle, personal development, work

I am a frequent reader of Chris Guillebeau over at The Art of Non Comformity. He seems to be a good guy and have some great advice on unconventional life strategies. I read enough, actually maybe too much, about personal development and non conventional living, so sometimes I just skim a lot of these articles. I am at a point in my life where I know what I need to know to make a change, now it's up to me to finally put into action what I have been reading for the past few years. For some reason I just can't seem to get over the invisible hump I am facing. There are times when I am flowing with ideas, inspiration, and creativity, yet at other times I get down on myself and wonder what the heck I am doing. During these times, the inspiration fades and I find myself cursing these people whos websites I follow, wondering how they've made it happen while I seem to be running in place.

Anyway, when I read this latest post over at The Art of Non Comformity, it was truly inspirational to me. It was the first time in reading his blog that he shared a lot the struggles he's been having as of late. Not that I am happy he is struggling and second guessing himself, but seeing someone who in my eyes has been rather successful strugglimg with issues tht are similiar to what I and we all face each day makes him a bit more of an inspiration. So head over there and check him out.

Also, a new motto to live by?

I just finished reading Ayn Rand's We The Living, which lead me to do some research about Rand herself. During that time I stumbled onto a quote of hers which I'd like to make me new motto.

The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me.

Labels: fear, inspiration, personal development, unconventional living

I am not big on resolutions, as most of them seem to just fade in time. But from time to time I re-assess my life and try to make some positive changes. For this New Year, this is what I thought to myself this morning:

I will learn to speak my mind, follow my heart, and live how I wish to live. I will be healthier and be more moderate with my vices.

Pretty simple, right?

Though I enjoy my life, and am generally pretty healthy, I could really do a lot to positively improve myself as well. There are many days where I wonder how I've gotten to this point and what I can change to improve. Most of these thoughts center on my own growth, as well as my career choices.

I talk a lot about diet, travel, and other things like that. There are many things I'm interested in, but nothing I want to go to any extremes with -- I like a life of moderation and being free to indulge extremes as well. For example, I like travel, but I like home too. I like health and my new explorations into raw eating, but I like to enjoy a few beers and dinners out with my girlfriend as well. I like hiking, exercise, and pushing my limits, but I also like lounging on the couch watching TV or reading a book.

So in the coming year my goal is to continue living a middle path, but to try to align my work and career with my interests, and also to be passionate about what I do, regardless of which extreme I am enjoying at the time.

Related Links:
An experiment with raw diet
Meat, to eat or not
Back from Spain

Labels: health, hiking, inspiration, lifestyle, raw diet, work

I don't know why, but a few weeks ago I just sort of jotted this down while I was at work, and I've just recently dug it up and figured I should share it.

today
i will be firm,
i will stand for what i believe in,
i will not be fearful,
i will not back down,
i will speak my mind when someone doubts or questions me,
i will be responsible to myself,
and
i will live for myself

Labels: fear, inspiration, poetry

I just finished reading the book Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert, and I must say, it was a very good book. I was a tad embarrassed to be seen carrying this book around because it is a bit of a "chick book", however it was a great book.

Funny, witty, serious, inspiring, it really kept me interested. In brief, it is a biographical book about the author documenting her travels over the course of a year. This year is following several difficult years prior, in which she went through a difficul divorce, another failed relationship, and the hardships faced in coming to terms with being a newly single 30-something woman in New York. As the title indicates, the book describes her four months in Italy eating, four months in India praying, and four months in Indonesia loving.

A very good read, especially for anyone looking for direction or support in their own life.

Labels: books, inspiration, reading

Interested in my How to Hike Mt Whitney in One Day eBook?

Well, at around 14,500 feet, Mt Whitney is not technically the highest mountain in the United States, however it is the highest in the lower 48 states. If you have browsed this site at all, you will have seen on my inspiration page I say that "nothing helps your inspiration more than getting outside, breathing some fresh air, planting your feet firmly on the ground, and being amazed by nature." As an avid hiker who has now climbed Mt Whitney, I can certainly attest to that.

I want to share with you my experience of successfully day hiking Mount Whitney about a month ago. It was an amazing and exhausting experience, and the scenery was breathtaking and certainly inspiring. The entire hike was around 22 miles with an overall elevation gain of over 6000 feet, and took about 18 hours, which included breaks to eat and rest.

Last year I didn't quite summit, however this year I did. This photo is what it looks like at the summit.


Related Links:
How to Climb Mt Whitney in One Day - eBook

Labels: hiking, inspiration, mt whitney, outdoors

This question is often on my mind, and can be interpreted in many ways. What I mean when I ask myself this is why do we settle for mediocrity when it comes to jobs, relationships, or even the life we lead in general? There are many reasons for all of us, I know I do it as well, and my reasons are probably similar to most. When I think of settling in my own life, I think I mostly about my career and my lifestyle.

For a long time, pretty much since I've been out of college, I've never been fulfilled by my jobs, nor have I been fulfilled with my daily life. Is it bad, am I unhappy? No, most days I am happy and most days I have nothing to complain about. Is my life better than most people's? I would say yes. However, do I feel that I am living up to my potential? No I don't. And do I feel like each day could be just a little bit better if it were different? Yes I do.

Mediocrity. I suppose like most people I am guilty of settling for it. I have these weird introspective moments very often, where I see myself in a life that is truly amazing, where I am making a difference in the world, getting to fulfill my dream of experiencing other places and cultures, and most importantly, living each day to the fullest and not "wasting" time working for someone doing something that doesn't bring me pleasure.

So why haven't I made the jump to this life that I often dream of? I can't pinpoint it exactly, but I believe that there are several reasons. The first being uncertainty, and the second fear, both of the unknown and also of what people will think if I make a drastic change.

Uncertainty is a given. When you have a job and a certain way of life there is security, whether it is in a regular paycheck and benefits, or in a routine that has become comfortable. To get past this you need to realize that with any change there is uncertainty. And likely, prior to getting into the position you are in, there was uncertainty before it as well. The second, fear is a little more personal. Everyone may have a different fear. For me part of the fear is of the unknown; "what will happen when I make a change, what will happen, and will the result be worth it?". The other part of fear I suppose is breaking a societal norm. Again in my case of career choice, I have ended up where I am because I studied in college and created this path. If I suddenly break from it, I will be breaking for the traditional "ladder approach" to life that most people take. Starting at one position and slowly and steadily moving upward. A drastic career change or change of lifestyle breaks this approach, and in addition to causing you to be unsure, can also cause other people to question your motives and try to keep you "in line."

So what is the solution to ensure that you don't settle in your life? It is different for everyone, you have to first figure out where and why you are settling, and then make a decision to change.

Labels: fear, inspiration, settling, work