The Power of "Why Not"

Most of my life I have been a fairly confident person. If
I set my mind on something I generally got it or achieved it.  Often this was against a chorus of derision or objection. Conventional Wisdom usually said that I couldn't or shouldn't chase some of my dreams. Fortunately I was either to naive or stubborn and went ahead anyway. When someone said you can't do it, I would say "Why not?"

Conventional Wisdom said when I finished high school I should head straight to University. All I wanted to do at that stage was travel. I had my sights set on living overseas for two years prior to completing high school. Many said you can't do that, I said "Why not?". As a result, I ended up living in Scandinavia for the next year.

Conventional Wisdom said get a Uni degree if you want to be successful. I started a degree, heart wasn't in it so I left. Everyone said I was crazy, you can't be successful without a degree. I said "Why not?" and proceeded to enter the business world. Since then I have been a business owner, run a national franchise group, been 2nd in charge at two radio stations and purchased an advertising agency which is now very successful.

Early in my business career, I decided to quit my job, sell my car and move to America to chase the girl of my dreams. Most people, including my family, said I was crazy, you can't walk away from the career you have begun to build for a girl you may not even marry. Of course I said, "Why not?" Much to their initial disappointment I took off to the USA, where I lived for a year or so. We have been married 15 years now and have two incredible children.

I must admit I went through a slump after the birth of our first child. I changed careers, had a few setbacks and began settling for a more average existence. We went from home ownership to renting. Business ownership to employment and an average income. We stopped travelling and I guess I began to believe Conventional Wisdom.

Fortunately, after about three years, I decided it was time to take charge of my life again. The work hard until I retire model, being beholden to an employer, was not going to work for me. My job had become a dead end with severe limits on earning and career potential. I set my sights on owning my own advertising agency.

Once again, the cynics emerged and I heard plenty of reasons not to take such a leap. Tough market and industry. You haven't got enough experience, never worked in an agency, no marketing degree etc.  I heard them all. Obviously I said "Why not?" I approached the owners of small agencies in the area, especially those nearing retirement age, and asked them if they wanted to sell. The second person I spoke to said yes. We struck a deal for a transition period and within weeks I was on my way to owning the agency.

My personal income grew 60% in the first year. A year later I owned the agency outright and my income doubled. All in all, since leaving my previous job (everyone said I was crazy) I have tripled my income. I own an agency that has grown 50% in value in just 18 months and we now own a house again. Many of the cynics now ask me for a job and I am being courted by the region's media.

It gets better.

Conventional Wisdom says that you have to work extremely hard to be successful in business ownership. It only took me a small amount of time to discover its much better to work smart. I declared that the business must be able to run successfully without me. I was told, you can't do that so early in the life of your new business. I said "Why not?" Now just 18 months after buying a business that revolved around one person (me), I have an agency that is growing successfully without the need for my day to day attendance.

Conventional Wisdom says I can't cut my office/work time back to 20 hours a week. "Why not?' I have and so far it seems to be a great idea. I spoke to a media executive recently who was amazed that I could afford to take 2 weeks holiday as he hadn't had a holiday in years. I didn't want to upset him by revealing the 10 weeks holidays I have lined up for the next year.

Finally, I have launched a web-based business this year. Once again I was warned of the pitfalls and all the reasons not to. Naturally I said "Why not?". The business is now 5 months old and has been profitable from day one. Sure its only mildly profitable but it's a good start. I am quietly confident it can become a powerhouse.  It is designed to become an alternative media source for the region, taking on the established dominant media. I know, I know...I am crazy, you can't beat the big boys. "Why not?" We will see.

As you can see, "Why not?' has become a significant tool in my quest for a Perfect Life. You can only make big breakthroughs in your life and career when you question or challenge the status quo or conventional wisdom.

Determine what you really want in life, not just vague dreams, but real goals with real deadlines, then ask yourself "Why not?". If you can remove those doubts, ignore the objections and start planning for your dreams you really can achieve them.

Want to live the Perfect Life? "Why not?"

Comments

[Cpt. Flint]

GP, I really enjoyed this post. "Why not?" is a good question to ask yourself when in doubt and fear begins to set in. You've had the courage to make some tough decisions and that's one of the most important qualities you need in order to live life on your own terms. Keep posting, we're reading.

Cheers mate!