First… watch this video… and then continue reading
Have you ever asked yourself, “What is the purpose of all this work? I see others enjoying the warm soup of success and prosperity. Yet, I can’t enjoy it… because I have no spoon.”
In 2005, I joined a real estate investment program led by Mike Watson. During the early days, when Mike did the free seminars himself, he spoke about a process he called The Foundation to Success. At that time, there were 10 points to his process. Today, I am going to expand on point number two…which is “Know You’re Why.” I believe he calls it your “Red Button Statement.”
It has taken three years and tens of thousands of dollars, but I’ve finally embraced my “why.”
Have you seen the movie called, “The Bucket List” with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson? The story follows two “seasoned citizens” on their travels around the world as they cross-off the things they want to do before they die of cancer. For all the exotic traveling, fine dining, and car racing they did… in the end they both realize that life is about having meaningful and loving relationships.
I have a big Why. I will tell it to you shortly. Its like the fabric that made Joseph’s coat. My big Why, keeps the vision I have for my life warm on gray dreary days, were it seems to only rain problems and inconveniences.
One patch of my big Why or item on my bucket list, is to be able to afford a special cruise. Not just any type of cruise. I want to do a Norwegian Cruise line, like one my wife and I took to Alaska.
Let me explain, my mother is from Selma, Alabama. She is the youngest of nine brothers and sisters. Currently, their age ranges are from 58 to 77. It is my desire to take all of them on an all-expenses paid five-day cruise.
They are one of big why’s, the reason I work so hard. I want to cross-this-off before, as my dad would stay, “I would rather have the Upper-Taker than the undertaker…,” take them all away from me…and investing is the quickest way for me to accomplish this.
Simple Steps To Developing Your Big Why
Mike Watson talks about creating a red button statement, he came up with the idea of red button statement from observing chickens in a science project. I won’t go into the whole story of behavioral shaping. Just understand that a red button statement is similar to your life’s mission statement or unique service proposition.
Here’s the steps you need to take for your own red button statement:
The Red Button Statement Broken Down:
1. Finding your why
2. Finding your who
3. Writing your statement and living by it until you posses it.
Template for Writing your right button statement
Part 1 — The Why
I will not stop investing/working/(whatever action) until I _____.
Part 2 — The Who.
I will not stop investing until I _________ lives are impacted.
Putting Your Red Button Statement Back Together. Here’s my life’s red button statement:
I will not stop working investing until I share my vision and goals with everyone I come in contact with.
I will not stop working and investing until my wife can live the life she deserves, my extended family and close friends live in abundance and prosperity, and I touch all of those people that will hear my message with the gift that I’ve been blessed with and the plan that I am implementing.
Why Do I Need To Step It Up
Every Sunday evening, my family does a teleconference call (we each live in different parts of the country, my brother Karnell Matthews and my folks in St. Louis). Last night, my mom informed us that one of her sisters had to be rushed to the hospital; because of chest pains.
My mom’s announcement was a wake up call. If I want to realize my vision of having all 9 brothers and sisters enjoy the fruits of my labor, then I have to get busy. I have to generate more massive action from the gray matter swishing around my skull, I have to make a way out of no way.
Life does not stop because of recessions, depressions, or political changes. It keeps moving. If I am going to fulfill my red button statement, then I have to move faster than life. I have to demand my spoon and taste the soup of success, and if no one will give me one… I will make my own.
Moving Forward,
Kendall Matthews
