CHAPTER 1....SINERGY The Necessary Chaos (GREATNESS The Moral Compass) UNEDITED

GREATNESS
The Moral Compass
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   "I have a massive, massive ego, but I have such low Self-esteem… and the two can’t collide with one another. So in between that gap, I have to build some substance.” -Mike Tyson

   “For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am!” -Romans 7:22-8:2
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    This book is about filling a gap, it is a confession of sorts that examines spiritual and social threads. Together we will explore the synergy between "good" and "evil." In Romans 8:28 we learn that all things work together for good, so how much of what we deem bad is necessary? Words like good and evil are completely subjective because some bad will ultimately lead to good.

    In fact, words (in and of themselves) can be extremely limiting. When it comes to words like love, hate, good, evil, or even sorrow, human communication is eminently flawed. We measure ourselves by how we feel and attach (what we believe to be) the appropriate word. We wrongly define pain, hardships, and discomfort as “bad”. Even worse, we feel a false sense of comfort in the feelings we associate with “good”.

    Communication is only effective when the word being used has a similar emotion that is shared between two or more people. This level of conversing is only possible through experience, better defined as empathy. You must have experienced love to fully understand its meaning. Only through failure can one fully understand loss. The more life experiences you have acquired, the more valuable you are to yourself and others. Through your participation in life, you will possess the ability to listen with an empathetic ear. You will be better equipped to make appropriate suggestions that will resonate with those needing your wisdom. The more value you can offer the world the greater you'll become. Both good and bad experiences are of worth. The more pain one has encountered, the more they can relate to those needing refuge.

“We all are blades within the forge
And life is our sword Smith
Strength without an intense Heat
Is no more than a myth
Just like the blade, you cannot form
Unless the fire’s stoked
Unless the Hammer’s brought down hard
And your true strength’s evoked.”
-Warrior poet wisdom

    We should approach such efforts toward Greatness with an intrepid caution. Life has the ability to suppress us beyond our comprehension. The reality is: not all come out the other end unscathed. A free spirit must be tamed, it knows not its limits. During such endeavors, we could find ourselves face to face with demons. An unorthodox (artistic approach) to life usually means extreme character defects. Such delusions of grandeur can either propel one or divert them into a lost sea of darkness. It is no secret that most people known for a particular art suffer behind the scenes, or even publicly. Many talents have taken their own lives. On the surface, they appear to have everything that is seemingly admirable to the onlooker, but beneath is a fire that can both create or destroy. In the early stages of any unconventional pursuit, the solitude and rejection alone could dismantle one's spirit. Even in victory, one will have to retain one's conviction throughout his or her life. The road to greatness (or the pursuit to effect change) could be a dark and unforgiving realm. If not properly managed the outcome can be a catastrophic loss of life or even eternal suffering.

    Sadly, most of us will never equate our hardships to something of value. In essence, our spiritual growth is the most valuable commodity we can acquire. It outlasts the material world and gives us much-needed comfort in the end. We must cultivate a shift in our focus, giving less meaning to the material world. Collectively we can view adversity through a different lens, giving it a more empowering meaning. All greatness starts with failure.

Let's entertain pain and growth as a simple mathematical equation:

This example should encourage us to embrace the necessary chaos, and strive for X.

    So many avoid moments associated with pain and wrongly caution others to "play it safe." This way of thinking is a huge disservice to the world and ourselves. Many of us migrate to our “safe jobs” and suppress any original thoughts for fear of judgment. The problem with such behavior is the inevitable loss you will experience despite playing by someone else's rules. We discover that seemingly safe positions aren't very safe at all. They water down our natural talents, creating resentment and confusion. Creative outlets are limited and we are left with little satisfaction at the end of the day. This sedentary approach to life significantly reduces Innovation and progress.

    Furthermore, we continuously paint ourselves into corners, having to live up to the image we've created through fear. Without even thinking too much of it, we become known for a particular appearance or personality. Foolishly one feels comfort, or even accomplished for such imbecilic behavior. In striving to become the strongest version of ourselves, it is our duty to be bold in our approach to life. The first order of priority is to break away from ourselves, all the while staying in tune with a true vocation. When a particular situation calls for it, we must be able to cultivate the appropriate attitude and appearance for the situation, knowing when to walk away. Strategically-placed no's in life will keep you focused in a world of pleasers. Unshakable beliefs with the ability to adapt in life’s climates will set you far apart from the half-hearted majority.

    To secure our future we must understand where our beliefs stem from. More importantly, why are we so fucking timid? In most cases, we pick up habits and fears from our early environment. Starting with our parents, we assimilate with their ideals and mannerisms. Fear-based news escalates threats of rival attacks and outside dangers. Statistics and charts discourage us in our pursuit to financial freedom. We are constantly reminded of the odds stacked against the entrepreneur. We become timid in our approach to life, fearing the monster under the bed. These behavioral patterns are picked up consciously and subconsciously.

   Around the age of 5, we are thrust into a seemingly competitive educational environment that doesn't have our best interests at heart. Elites have created and have control over such systems. We are disarmed mentally at a very young age. They want us to believe that good means staying within the boundaries of what we are told. Acting outside of a controlled environment has consequences, so ultimately we behave. All lessons funnel down in order to instill control in the youth, thus creating “responsible” adults. This system realizes that not all can be manipulated, but in their eyes, the war has been won. Control the majority and ultimately you have the power.

   “In school, we learn that mistakes are bad and we are punished for making them. Yet, if you look at the way humans are designed to learn, we learn by making mistakes. We learn to walk by falling down. If we never fell down, we would never walk.” -Robert T. Kiyosaki

    Fortunately for some, the human spirit is still intact. These types of personalities do not get caught up in the hype and distractions of politics. They are not lured in by the dangling carrot of a better tomorrow, nor do they give a fuck what their peers think. They realize that their success is solely based on their individual drive and focus. Their time is far too valuable to waste. Anyone who disrupts this flow is deemed a threat to such success and quickly disregarded. Such power players view distractions as interference that could potentially divert their focus. They know all too well, that dependencies are a crutch and such characteristic traits only leave you vulnerable.

   “Everybody has got a unique set of variables that they can put into place and express their individual identity. In a form of (call it)...greatness” - Rodney Mullen
Quote from: Impact Theory

    Not all forms of greatness are so outwardly portrayed, but the beliefs are fundamentally selfsame. Rodney Mullen is an introvert, yet he innovated skateboarding and effected change. Growing up on a farm in Gainesville Florida, he utilized the flatlands to inadvertently invent street skating. In spite (or even because of) his father's disapproval, Rodney pushed the limits of skateboarding relentlessly. It wasn't uncommon for Rodney to spend 8-9 hours a day perfecting his craft. He found refuge with-in the sport's potential and lessons. Such acts like skateboarding can teach the human mind to override the internal dialogue one experiences through failure and injury. In an attempt to preserve itself, the human body will tense up when It experiences a similar situation that has previously caused it pain. skateboarders and athletes alike have to learn to get back on the horse, even after a hard fall or mishap. Such practices create new belief pathways in the mind that allow one to persevere through mental or physical hardships.

    All of these elements intrigued Rodney, while social affiliations forced him into isolation. It was the time he needed to hone his skills. The creative mind will always seek a creative outlet. During this period of solitude, he developed maneuvers and wrote the linguistics that now influences the culture. He mathematically figured out the physics behind the access of which the board turns to effectively complete tricks. In doing so he was able to dream of complex maneuvers that were years ahead of their time. He would theorize these maneuvers and then put them to test. Rodney understood the power of belief combined with action. Rodney had to push past any social anxieties to compete. Although he believes that competition militates against progression, he understood its importance. The negative of competition necessary in the process of evolving. The competitive aspect of the sport provided him the platform he needed to communicate his art, much in the way his negative homelife propelled his journey. The necessary chaos can be seen in all aspects of life when properly appreciated. All of these happenings in skateboarding and life influence progression.

    “Best dudes around the world can be striving for one particular trick and then one guy does it, the rest just come like lemming. Rarely is it a question of talent and technique at those levels. It's just one of beliefs and the concomitant will to do something that no one's done before, or even more, to crack open the barriers that people think is impossible, undoable...and that kind of belief is rarer than Talent. Talent is... it's around...and to have them both at those levels...there's only a few people that really have that. In history, they're the ones that really change things.” -Rodney Mullen (professional skateboarder) Quote from: Impact Theory

    Historically outliers do not accept limiting parameters. They act in a primitive manner, quieting the noise of outside influences and rules. Such rebellion of authority stems from the core of one's being, perhaps a warrior's spirit. Scripturally we are taught to obey the laws of the land, not to lie, and respect authority among other things. In the early 1900s, many Jews were killed under the tyranny of Hitler. It was the law of its time. Justifiably, many Nazis were deceived by the rescuers of the Jews. People of Jewish origin were hidden in the rescuer’s homes during this period. These local heroes outwardly lied to the Nazis when confronted about such happenings. The lies that were told preserved lives and were righteous in their nature. We must possess the ability to effectively process convoluted information, all the while being true to our intuitions, operating with righteousness, rather than being governed by fear. We must intuitively know when to apply certain rules and when to dismiss certain creeds. Deception and manipulation (when applied appropriately) can save lives.

    It is quite possible that man translated these ancient tales in order to establish control. Man has been known to abuse such laws for personal gain. Human beings are greedy by nature and have an uncontrollable lust for power. The complexity of the bible is such that one can quickly be disheartened. God rules man, yet man-made laws rule God's values because we are told to obey the laws of the land. We are over-glorified monkeys trying to figure out a very complex world. The reality of such circumstances can be unbearable for one to comprehend. The fact that we possess very little control of our surroundings, can be paralyzing to some. People tend to suppress these feelings, continuing to believe that people are good intended; and that somehow everything will just work itself out. In many respects, this theory stands to be true. Although, it wouldn't work without pushback from the strong-minded. It takes a certain degree of rebellion to properly mature from the chaos that surrounds us. Ironically it can be the very chaos that promotes progression. Comfort is the biggest hindrance to progression. We must get uncomfortable and face our truths. The disorder can be the best tool for change, but we must ask the appropriate questions. The potential for a better future motivates the visionaries to see beyond their current circumstances. Historically some of our most Innovative times have come from periods of great destitution.

    Although we cannot control the outside world, we possess more power than we know. For whatever reason these moments arise in life, we cannot deny that they keep our skills sharp. Those in-tune will thrive in such moments of confusion, gaining new insight into the way of the world. The weak and self-loathing will always find a way to play the victim. Amidst this unavoidable chaos, progression ensues. During times of seeming plight progressives become more innovative, discovering new ways to coexist. Businesses are formed that prey on the weak. Get rich quick schemes sell like hotcakes to the indolent, thus the economy thrives.

    When it comes to pure greatness, there is one name at the top of the list- Jesus Christ! Jesus was said to be the son of God. He was selfless in his ways. In many respects, he was the ultimate salesman. He had a great product, eternal life. There was one major problem however, nobody believed him. Jesus appointed prophets to carry out his word. Each one of them suffering their own criticisms, some even succumbing to death. This occurred all because of their strong convictions. Most people lack their own visions so they attempt to destroy those who do. They are confused and frustrated by the level of certainty these types radiate. It is a threat to their mundane lives and a blow to their egos. They do not completely comprehend them, so they are frightened and uncomfortable. They fear their clarity and ambition.

   Perhaps the most famous prophet of the Lord was Moses. Moses was a man said to be crazy, but despite these conceived notions, Moses was the most successful leaders in history over a sustained period of time. Jesus lead by sight, he knew of the promised land, but Moses walked by faith. Faith in one's vision can move mountains, and part seas, when directed in the appropriate manner. It is the ability to be courageous in the face of fear that makes one superior, not the absence of it. The greatest of warriors are fearful, yet they are courageous in spite of it.

    An elderly man approached me one day while I was working in the hot sun. The man had just come from Sunday mass. He proceeded: “ Its Sunday! Why weren't you in mass today? Why are you working?”
My response was quite simple, and without hesitation, I answered: “Jesus was a carpenter, I am out here doing God's work”.
To my surprise, the elderly man laughed and reluctantly accepted my answer.

    Self-proclaimed believers in Christ derive from many different motives. Guilt and fears can birth new practices that are so far removed from God’s plan. People tend to overcompensate for character traits they are lacking. These types (although bold in their words) convey a more submissive aura to the knowing eye. They don't fully accept God, but they go through the motions half-heartedly to gain or retain some sort of personal resolve. Such acts have tainted Christianity and other beliefs. They are a false representation of our creator. It is a convoluted interpretation and representation of a once wholesome message. It is very obvious to me that God and love are better served as actions, not words. The world is full of preachers, yet few doers. Don't mistake your words for actions. Extending a hand requires movement. Believers of all religions congregate together in hopes of validation, but that's not always God, that's ego and doubt. God is the man swinging his hammer in the rain, or the battered woman who somehow finds the love within her to forgive. God is most present when we do for a cause greater than ourselves. Use your pain to heal others. Draw from your pain, don’t suppress it. It is a wonderful gift!

                          "Life is not happening to us, it's happening for us." - Tony Robbins

    For me, it was a series of both fortunate and unfortunate events that forged my spirit. Only by the grace of God, I was able to retain such conviction (of self) throughout adulthood. Although most, not all anomalies are cultivated through the environments in which they are exposed. I believe greatness can be self-taught or learned. Collectively we tend to settle for limiting beliefs, corrupt laws, and a passive-aggressive education system. We are completely detached from our calling. People meander through life with the beliefs of others. Stripped of anything that makes them unique. We are belief deficient, but not broken. Our odds of success increase through proper questioning, and calculated education. You have to go against every instinct you have to retreat when a situation calls for courage. You have to be willing to die for what you believe in, figuratively and sometimes literally.

  “If a man has not discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live.”- Martin Luther King

    We are limitless if we could get out of our own way. I found that most people are self-destructive. For whatever reason, they find comfort in their afflictions. Maybe (at their core) they don't believe they deserve and because of this, they are undeserving by default. It is a vicious circle: fail to believe, and you don’t deserve, therefore you won't receive. In every war there must be casualties, such is true for life. We innately create boxes and are naturally satisfied with straight lines...even if we are losing something greater in the end.

    I spent some time building fences for a living (among other things) and I've come to realize a straight line means more to people than structural integrity. Rather than follow the natural terrain, customers would rather see a straight line. There couldn't be a better metaphor for life. The daily behavioral patterns of a person will give you an insight into their mental strength and their overall chances of success. The result of constructing a fence with a straighter line (when it doesn't call for it) is a higher center of gravity. This structure is more likely to fail in a storm and it tens to leave unattractive gaps.
Where are you less grounded in life? What are the Idiosyncrasies that control you? More importantly, will you be grounded when the storm comes?

    We will never be perfect, no matter how much we strive to be. We are perfectly imperfect, as cliche as that may be. With a healthy balance of controlling what we can and accepting the necessary chaos, we will reach our life's goals. More importantly, we will fulfill our destiny and that is fucking greatness at its core! We can and should control our beliefs. Controlling one's beliefs is attainable, but one should recognize the difference between what we can control and what we can't. The universe naturally advances toward disorder. Black holes and meteors surround our outside world. We are playing a constant cosmic game of Russian roulette. This type of chaos is unavoidable, at least for now. Our energy is better spent on the things we can directly influence.

    The core of our sun burns at 15 million degrees celsius. 92.96 million miles away, earth depends on the benefits of the sun to sustain life. On a cellular level wars are constantly being waged. Good cells are fighting bad cells to keep us alive. All of this chaos is essential for life, but more importantly, it is unequivocally necessary. Everything in this life eventually succumbs to and unavoidable demise. Yet we fight to disillusion ourselves that this isn't so. We attempt to remove painful memories from our minds, constantly avoiding pain whenever possible. We must give (unavoidable but necessary for development) pain another meaning. Like the bodybuilder in the gym: pain represents a solid workout and growth to come.

Remember: X(Pain) = G(Growth) = P(Perspective). Perspective is the governor of our happiness.

    From the autobiographical essay “Such, Such Were The Joys”, George Orwell describes the seemingly helpless struggle of sin. At the age of 8, Orwell was sent to boarding school where he was afflicted with the embarrassing act of bedwetting, as he coined “A Disgusting Crime”. Before bed he would pray: “Please God, do not let me wet my bed! Oh, please God, do not let me wet my bed!” On one particular morning, Orwell recalls his thoughts: “Oh, the despair, the feeling of cruel injustice, after all my prayers and resolutions, at once again waking between the clammy sheets!” After a thorough inspection, Orwell would be sent to the Headmaster, where he would be beaten for such innocent acts.

   “I knew that bed-wetting was (a) wicked and (b) outside my control. The
second fact I was personally aware of and the first I did not question.
It was possible, therefore, to commit a sin without knowing that you
committed it, without wanting to commit it and without being able to
avoid it. Sin was not necessarily something that you did: it might be
something that happened to you.” -George Orwell

    Is there something we can learn from our individual stories that will fit a cohesive (larger) picture toward the evolution of man? Perhaps collectively we can learn from each other’s mistakes, forgiving ourselves and others. Knowledge and understanding can advance this process. It is essential to make some mistakes on your own. The much-needed scar tissue is one's rite of passage. The road to self-improvement is both a personal and a collective pursuit. There are clues left behind by some of the greats, both living and dead...both known and unknown, that may advance this process. Being that our time is limited, the conservation of time is perhaps our most valuable commodity.

    The time it takes to master one's skill is uncovered In the book “The Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell. Malcolm Gladwell's studies suggested that it takes 10 years to become a skilled veteran in a particular field. Mike Tyson accomplished such greatness by becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history, with only 6 years of training under his belt. With the help of his infamous trainer Cus D'Amato, Tyson was able to shave 4 years off of the expected 10 years it should have taken according to Gladwell's studies. This was achieved by studying countless hours of boxing film, combined with his trainer’s insight. The greats in history left behind the blueprint to their success. Cus D'Amato was able to instill years of knowledge into Tyson, along with a belief that converted his poor mentality. It was as if 4 years' information was downloaded into a young Mike Tyson. This knowledge, combined with the action of intense training and sacrifice, resulted in the youngest heavyweight champion of the world! As important as this formula is, Tyson attributes most of his success to the insane belief his trainer instilled in him early on. Tyson also drew from his fear of ever having to go back to the streets that tormented him. It was one of the elements that kept him going even when he doubted his Guru. Although Tyson was a master in the ring, he realizes that mastering life is a lifetime pursuit that you'll never walk away from.

    "You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward."
                                                                                                                                         -Sylvester Stallone

"If you lose and give up, your demons will pursue you till the grave, because you had the chance to face them, but you didn't do it." - Cus D'Amato

    We need to study the greats that have come before us to fortify the strongest versions of ourselves tomorrow. Study the past for the future you desire, it leaves clues! You have to cultivate new ideas mixed with proven studies. Disregard any social dogmas that don't support you in this process. You are the alchemist of your design, the creator of the art that is you. You already possess God-given talents, but most must work to find it and even harder to keep it. We were given a mind, not a map. You have to be a philosopher of life when it comes down to it. Praying is good and perhaps miracles do happen, but even prayer has its time and place. You can pray all you want to about having abs, but you simply won't get them without proper training.

    Most tasks in our lives require physical action. Nothing great comes without sacrifice and hard work. You must view an action as the driver of the car, and affirmations as the confidence he (or she) has to arrive at his (or her) destination safely. With a healthy balance of belief, chaos, prayer and basic action, one can manifest greatness. You have to give up habits that don't lend to the betterment of your craft, all the while putting rituals into place that support your goal. This could even mean cutting off friends and family until the task has been accomplished, or even indefinitely. Remember your strategically-placed noes and focus. Every situation is different. You have to be able to adapt to every terrain expeditiously.

    Some will leave this earth without ever having uncovered their life’s mission. Even worse, they may come to learn of it when it is too late. Most will spend their days analyzing the right time to take action, paralyzed by the fear of failure. Sadly, they'll never take that first step, failing to show the world their value. The fear of failure is selfish in many respects. This fear stems from your ego and prevents you from the mark you were meant to impress upon society. Your story always has greater meaning when others can assimilate from it. So unless you take action, others won't benefit from the waves you've created.

    The process of finding such a path requires a daily internal audit. Revise and review your value to others, and open yourself up to the voice that calls you in a particular direction. You must be fierce, yet tactful. Think outside limiting beliefs and beyond the realm of possibilities. Start moving even if the destination is unclear.

    There is something to be respected about Buddist's passive way of life. They are content despite extreme deprivation. This works for them because of their surroundings and beliefs. They build sanctuaries to protect them from the outside world. This lethargic approach to life wouldn't work in the world as we know it. The outside world does not accommodate such behavior. It is important to adopt all respected disciplines in life, but not succumb to anyone religiously. Through balance, you acquire the ability to apply knowledge to an appropriate discipline. Through action and awareness, you will serve your gifts in an efficacious manner.

    We must take massive action in the direction of our dreams, with an unshakeable sense of urgency. We now understand the value of ignoring the outside distractions and the importance of cultivating the ability to see past social standards. This means having a close relationship with death. One could argue if inaction had a counterpart, it would most certainly be death...the ultimate in-action. We can use the fear of death to fuel our pursuit and increase our sense of urgency. Much in the way ultimate darkness complements light. I've been able to use being a severe hypochondriac to my advantage. It is my gift and my curse, given to me by life to develop a relationship with action. I'm able to do so with very little fear of consequence because I realize that I have nothing to lose and very little time. Constantly fearing death empowers me with an unconventional and pressing pursuit towards my dreams.

“Death is very likely the single best invention of life. It's life's change agent.” -Steve Jobs
Quote From: Stanford commencement speech 2005

    Most people are disillusioned with a false sense of security. We are occasionally reminded that our time is limited when a close friend or family member dies. For a moment, we are reminded that we have so much to do and tomorrow is not promised. For some, this serves as a metaphoric "better do it now" pill that gives us the courage to do something we've been putting off. Through a healthy awareness of our inevitable doom- one can become a powerful player in the game of life.

“He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret to life.”
                                                                                                                                    -Ralph Waldo Emerson

    A close relationship with death can exponentially promote life. It depends on how we use it. Rather than being fearful and reactive, we could have a proactive approach. what are the gifts life has given you that you've deemed afflictions? How can our individual pain translate to greatness? Only you can activate such powers by giving pain another meaning. You can find the blessing in almost anything. I believe through embracing pain one can have a positive relationship with it. Turn your negatives into power moves. Get up close and personal with the dark side of life. I think you'll find that most fears are conquered with a brave heart.

    Greatness does not necessarily mean one is good in their actions or their intent. I believe to effect change there will be inevitable casualties along the way. There is a certain amount of gluttony that is promoted when trying to reach such elevations, a constant dance between greed and righteousness. We are self-governing creatures that possess a very important tool...consciousness. Some people out for themselves will experience guilt, throwing in a good deed every now and then to balance things out. Very few acts in life are completely selfless. Even a good deed can have self-interest written all over it. Perhaps it makes a person providing the “kind act” feel good for a moment, it can even be for the “Good Karma” they think they will inherit. Either way, someone is benefiting from the chaos, also known as the Principle of Causality.

     “The most selfish thing you can do in this world is to help someone else.” -Denzel Washington

    John Lennon was one of the most iconic of the four Beatles. Without question, he was the most outlandish one of the group. He was the epitome of someone who believes in the preservation of their uniqueness. He was an Artist who stayed true to his belief till the end. In fact, most would say that it was his voicetress confidence that cost him his life. John Lennon promoted peace relentlessly in his later years. He also launched several anti-war campaigns in the ’60s and ’70s, focusing on a peaceful approach for mankind. There is a conspiracy theory that the government had him assassinated because he was too outspoken and his voice could possibly sway an election. In 1966 One particular comment made by Lennon focused on the decline of society at the time. The following comment resulted in a temporary boycott of all Beatles content. While being interviewed Lennon stated:

"Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue about that; I'm right and I'll be proved right. We're more popular than Jesus now; I don't know which will go first—rock 'n' roll or Christianity.”

    Contrary to his later years, a youthful Lennon was quite the disruptor of peace. Domestic disputes and child neglect were (unfortunately) an occurrence in his early stages of Ignorance. This haughtiness never really left him, but he would eventually redeem himself and mature. Arguably, it was this very arrogance that started the Beatles in the first place. He followed his passion, rather than his peers. It was a bold move at the time to think you could be successful as a band member. Bands really didn't exist at that time, the Beatles invented that shit! There were singers and doo-wop groups, prior to The Beatles. There were orchestras and Solo Acts with backup singers, but never a successful band.
The Beatles were responsible for a music revolution, with John leading the way. They have since become the most relevant band in history. The platform John gained with the Beatles was still available to him in his maturity, and eventually use for good.

    As Lennon entered his forties his rebelliousness was in harmony with his true values. fortunately, he was afforded a few years to promote his peace campaign before his death. It was the necessary chaos that ensued early in his life that gave birth to such beauty in the end.

                                                                  “War is over if you want it.”
                                                                            -John Lennon

    "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." -MATTHEW 6:24

Not all forms of greatness are so outwardly portrayed, but the beliefs are fundamentally selfsame. Rodney Mullen is an introvert, yet he innovated skateboarding and effected change. Growing up on a farm in Gainesville Florida, he utilized the flatlands to inadvertently invent street skating. In spite (or even because of) his father's disapproval, Rodney pushed the limits of skateboarding relentlessly. It wasn't uncommon for Rodney to spend 8-9 hours a day perfecting his craft. He found refuge with-in the sport's potential and lessons. Such acts like skateboarding can teach the human mind to override the internal dialogue one experiences through failure and injury. In an attempt to preserve itself, the human body will tense up when It experiences a similar situation that has previously caused it pain. skateboarders and athletes alike have to learn to get back on the horse, even after a hard fall or mishap. Such practices create new belief pathways in the mind that allow one to persevere through mental or physical hardships.

All of these elements intrigued Rodney, while social affiliations forced him into isolation. It was the time he needed to hone his skills. The creative mind will always seek a creative outlet. During this period of solitude, he developed maneuvers and wrote the linguistics that now influences the culture. He mathematically figured out the physics behind the access of which the board turns to effectively complete tricks. In doing so he was able to dream of complex maneuvers that were years ahead of their time. He would theorize these maneuvers and then put them to test. Rodney understood the power of belief combined with action. Rodney had to push past any social anxieties to compete. Although he believes that competition militates against progression, he understood its importance. The negative of competition necessary in the process of evolving. The competitive aspect of the sport provided him the platform he needed to communicate his art, much in the way his negative homelife propelled his journey. The necessary chaos can be seen in all aspects of life when properly appreciated. All of these happenings in skateboarding and life influence progression.

A-yin the darkness there must come out to light
-Bob Marley
“Best dudes around the world can be striving for one particular trick and then one guy does it, the rest just come like lemming. Rarely is it a question of talent and technique at those levels. It's just one of beliefs and the concomitant will to do something that no one's done before, or even more, to crack open the barriers that people think is impossible, undoable...and that kind of belief is rarer than Talent. Talent is... it's around...and to have them both at those levels...there's only a few people that really have that. In history, they're the ones that really change things.”
-Rodney Mullen (professional skateboarder)
Quote from: Impact Theory

Historically outliers do not accept limiting parameters. They act in a primitive manner, quieting the noise of outside influences and rules. Such rebellion of authority stems from the core of one's being, perhaps a warrior's spirit. Scripturally we are taught to obey the laws of the land, not to lie, and respect authority among other things. In the early 1900s, many Jews were killed under the tyranny of Hitler. It was the law of its time. Justifiably, many Nazis were deceived by the rescuers of the Jews. People of Jewish origin were hidden in the rescuer’s homes during this period. These local heroes outwardly lied to the Nazis when confronted about such happenings. The lies that were told preserved lives and were righteous in their nature. We must possess the ability to effectively process convoluted information, all the while being true to our intuitions, operating with righteousness, rather than being governed by fear. We must intuitively know when to apply certain rules and when to dismiss certain creeds. Deception and manipulation (when applied appropriately) can save lives.

It is quite possible that man translated these ancient tales in order to establish control. Man has been known to abuse such laws for personal gain. Human beings are greedy by nature and have an uncontrollable lust for power. The complexity of the bible is such that one can quickly be disheartened. God rules man, yet man-made laws rule God's values because we are told to obey the laws of the land. We are over-glorified monkeys trying to figure out a very complex world. The reality of such circumstances can be unbearable for one to comprehend. The fact that we possess very little control of our surroundings, can be paralyzing to some. People tend to suppress these feelings, continuing to believe that people are good intended; and that somehow everything will just work itself out. In many respects, this theory stands to be true. Although, it wouldn't work without pushback from the strong-minded. It takes a certain degree of rebellion to properly mature from the chaos that surrounds us. Ironically it can be the very chaos that promotes progression. Comfort is the biggest hindrance to progression. We must get uncomfortable and face our truths. The disorder can be the best tool for change, but we must ask the appropriate questions. The potential for a better future motivates the visionaries to see beyond their current circumstances. Historically some of our most Innovative times have come from periods of great destitution.

Although we cannot control the outside world, we possess more power than we know. For whatever reason these moments arise in life, we cannot deny that they keep our skills sharp. Those in-tune will thrive in such moments of confusion, gaining new insight into the way of the world. The weak and self-loathing will always find a way to play the victim. Amidst this unavoidable chaos, progression ensues. During times of seeming plight progressives become more innovative, discovering new ways to coexist. Businesses are formed that prey on the weak. Get rich quick schemes sell like hotcakes to the indolent, thus the economy thrives.

When it comes to pure greatness, there is one name at the top of the list- Jesus Christ! Jesus was said to be the son of God. He was selfless in his ways. In many respects, he was the ultimate salesman. He had a great product, eternal life. There was one major problem however, nobody believed him. Jesus appointed prophets to carry out his word. Each one of them suffering their own criticisms, some even succumbing to death. This occurred all because of their strong convictions. Most people lack their own visions so they attempt to destroy those who do. They are confused and frustrated by the level of certainty these types radiate. It is a threat to their mundane lives and a blow to their egos. They do not completely comprehend them, so they are frightened and uncomfortable. They fear their clarity and ambition.

Perhaps the most famous prophet of the Lord was Moses. Moses was a man said to be crazy, but despite these conceived notions, Moses was the most successful leaders in history over a sustained period of time. Jesus lead by sight, he knew of the promised land, but Moses walked by faith. Faith in one's vision can move mountains, and part seas, when directed in the appropriate manner. It is the ability to be courageous in the face of fear that makes one superior, not the absence of it. The greatest of warriors are fearful, yet they are courageous in spite of it.

An elderly man approached me one day while I was working in the hot sun. The man had just come from Sunday mass. He proceeded: “ Its Sunday! Why weren't you in mass today? Why are you working?”
My response was quite simple, and without hesitation, I answered: “Jesus was a carpenter, I am out here doing God's work”.
To my surprise, the elderly man laughed and reluctantly accepted my answer.

Self-proclaimed believers in Christ derive from many different motives. Guilt and fears can birth new practices that are so far removed from God’s plan. People tend to overcompensate for character traits they are lacking. These types (although bold in their words) convey a more submissive aura to the knowing eye. They don't fully accept God, but they go through the motions half-heartedly to gain or retain some sort of personal resolve. Such acts have tainted Christianity and other beliefs. They are a false representation of our creator. It is a convoluted interpretation and representation of a once wholesome message. It is very obvious to me that God and love are better served as actions, not words. The world is full of preachers, yet few doers. Don't mistake your words for actions. Extending a hand requires movement. Believers of all religions congregate together in hopes of validation, but that's not always God, that's ego and doubt. God is the man swinging his hammer in the rain, or the battered woman who somehow finds the love within her to forgive. God is most present when we do for a cause greater than ourselves. Use your pain to heal others. Draw from your pain, don’t suppress it. It is a wonderful gift!

"life is happening for us, not to us".
- Tony Robbins

For me, it was a series of both fortunate and unfortunate events that forged my spirit. Only by the grace of God, I was able to retain such conviction (of self) throughout adulthood. Although most, not all anomalies are cultivated through the environments in which they are exposed. I believe greatness can be self-taught or learned. Collectively we tend to settle for limiting beliefs, corrupt laws, and a passive-aggressive education system. We are completely detached from our calling. People meander through life with the beliefs of others. Stripped of anything that makes them unique. We are belief deficient, but not broken. Our odds of success increase through proper questioning, and calculated education. You have to go against every instinct you have to retreat when a situation calls for courage. You have to be willing to die for what you believe in, figuratively and sometimes literally.

“If a man has not discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live.”
- Martin Luther King

We are limitless if we could get out of our own way. I found that most people are self-destructive. For whatever reason, they find comfort in their afflictions. Maybe (at their core) they don't believe they deserve and because of this, they are undeserving by default. It is a vicious circle: fail to believe, and you don’t deserve, therefore you won't receive. In every war there must be casualties, such is true for life. We innately create boxes and are naturally satisfied with straight lines...even if we are losing something greater in the end.

I spent some time building fences for a living (among other things) and I've come to realize a straight line means more to people than structural integrity. Rather than follow the natural terrain, customers would rather see a straight line. There couldn't be a better metaphor for life. The daily behavioral patterns of a person will give you an insight into their mental strength and their overall chances of success. The result of constructing a fence with a straighter line (when it doesn't call for it) is a higher center of gravity. This structure is more likely to fail in a storm and it tens to leave unattractive gaps.
Where are you less grounded in life? What are the Idiosyncrasies that control you? More importantly, will you be grounded when the storm comes?

We will never be perfect, no matter how much we strive to be. We are perfectly imperfect, as cliche as that may be. With a healthy balance of controlling what we can and accepting the necessary chaos, we will reach our life's goals. More importantly, we will fulfill our destiny and that is fucking greatness at its core! We can and should control our beliefs. Controlling one's beliefs is attainable, but one should recognize the difference between what we can control and what we can't. The universe naturally advances toward disorder. Black holes and meteors surround our outside world. We are playing a constant cosmic game of Russian roulette. This type of chaos is unavoidable, at least for now. Our energy is better spent on the things we can directly influence.

The core of our sun burns at 15 million degrees celsius. 92.96 million miles away, earth depends on the benefits of the sun to sustain life. On a cellular level wars are constantly being waged. Good cells are fighting bad cells to keep us alive. All of this chaos is essential for life, but more importantly, it is unequivocally necessary. Everything in this life eventually succumbs to and unavoidable demise. Yet we fight to disillusion ourselves that this isn't so. We attempt to remove painful memories from our minds, constantly avoiding pain whenever possible. We must give (unavoidable but necessary for development) pain another meaning. Like the bodybuilder in the gym: pain represents a solid workout and growth to come.

Remember: X(Pain) = G(Growth) = P(Perspective). Perspective is the governor to our happiness.

From the autobiographical essay “Such, Such Were The Joys”, George Orwell describes the seemingly helpless struggle of sin. At the age of 8, Orwell was sent to boarding school where he was afflicted with the embarrassing act of bedwetting, as he coined “A Disgusting Crime”. Before bed he would pray: “Please God, do not let me wet my bed! Oh, please God, do not let me wet my bed!” On one particular morning, Orwell recalls his thoughts: “Oh, the despair, the feeling of cruel injustice, after all my prayers and resolutions, at once again waking between the clammy sheets!” After a thorough inspection, Orwell would be sent to the Headmaster, where he would be beaten for such innocent acts.

“I knew that bed-wetting was (a) wicked and (b) outside my control. The
second fact I was personally aware of and the first I did not question.
It was possible, therefore, to commit a sin without knowing that you
committed it, without wanting to commit it and without being able to
avoid it. Sin was not necessarily something that you did: it might be
something that happened to you.”
- George Orwell

Is there something we can learn from our individual stories that will fit a cohesive (larger) picture toward the evolution of man? Perhaps collectively we can learn from each other’s mistakes, forgiving ourselves and others. Knowledge and understanding can advance this process. It is essential to make some mistakes on your own. The much-needed scar tissue is one's rite of passage. The road to self-improvement is both a personal and a collective pursuit. There are clues left behind by some of the greats, both living and dead...both known and unknown, that may advance this process. Being that our time is limited, the conservation of time is perhaps our most valuable commodity.

The time it takes to master one's skill is uncovered In the book “The Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell. Malcolm Gladwell's studies suggested that it takes 10 years to become a skilled veteran in a particular field. Mike Tyson accomplished such greatness by becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history, with only 6 years of training under his belt. With the help of his infamous trainer Cus D'Amato, Tyson was able to shave 4 years off of the expected 10 years it should have taken according to Gladwell's studies. This was achieved by studying countless hours of boxing film, combined with his trainer’s insight. The greats in history left behind the blueprint to their success. Cus D'Amato was able to instill years of knowledge into Tyson, along with a belief that converted his poor mentality. It was as if 4 years' information was downloaded into a young Mike Tyson. This knowledge, combined with the action of intense training and sacrifice, resulted in the youngest heavyweight champion of the world! As important as this formula is, Tyson attributes most of his success to the insane belief his trainer instilled in him early on. Tyson also drew from his fear of ever having to go back to the streets that tormented him. It was one of the elements that kept him going even when he doubted his Guru. Although Tyson was a master in the ring, he realizes that mastering life is a lifetime pursuit that you'll never walk away from.

"You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward."
-Sylvester Stallone

"If you lose and give up, your demons will pursue you till the grave, because you had the chance to face them, but you didn't do it." - Cus D'Amato

We need to study the greats that have come before us to fortify the strongest versions of ourselves tomorrow. Study the past for the future you desire, it leaves clues! You have to cultivate new ideas mixed with proven studies. Disregard any social dogmas that don't support you in this process. You are the alchemist of your design, the creator of the art that is you. You already possess God-given talents, but most must work to find it and even harder to keep it. We were given a mind, not a map. You have to be a philosopher of life when it comes down to it. Praying is good and perhaps miracles do happen, but even prayer has its time and place. You can pray all you want to about having abs, but you simply won't get them without proper training.

Most tasks in our lives require physical action. Nothing great comes without sacrifice and hard work. You must view an action as the driver of the car, and affirmations as the confidence he (or she) has to arrive at his (or her) destination safely. With a healthy balance of belief, chaos, prayer and basic action, one can manifest greatness. You have to give up habits that don't lend to the betterment of your craft, all the while putting rituals into place that support your goal. This could even mean cutting off friends and family until the task has been accomplished, or even indefinitely. Remember your strategically-placed noes and focus. Every situation is different. You have to be able to adapt to every terrain expeditiously.

Some will leave this earth without ever having uncovered their life’s mission. Even worse, they may come to learn of it when it is too late. Most will spend their days analyzing the right time to take action, paralyzed by the fear of failure. Sadly, they'll never take that first step, failing to show the world their value. The fear of failure is selfish in many respects. This fear stems from your ego and prevents you from the mark you were meant to impress upon society. Your story always has greater meaning when others can assimilate from it. So unless you take action, others won't benefit from the waves you've created.

The process of finding such a path requires a daily internal audit. Revise and review your value to others, and open yourself up to the voice that calls you in a particular direction. You must be fierce, yet tactful. Think outside limiting beliefs and beyond the realm of possibilities. Start moving even if the destination is unclear.

There is something to be respected about Buddist's passive way of life. They are content despite extreme deprivation. This works for them because of their surroundings and beliefs. They build sanctuaries to protect them from the outside world. This lethargic approach to life wouldn't work in the world as we know it. The outside world does not accommodate such behavior. It is important to adopt all respected disciplines in life, but not succumb to anyone religiously. Through balance, you acquire the ability to apply knowledge to an appropriate discipline. Through action and awareness, you will serve your gifts in an efficacious manner.

We must take massive action in the direction of our dreams, with an unshakeable sense of urgency. We now understand the value of ignoring the outside distractions and the importance of cultivating the ability to see past social standards. This means having a close relationship with death. One could argue if inaction had a counterpart, it would most certainly be death...the ultimate in-action. We can use the fear of death to fuel our pursuit and increase our sense of urgency. Much in the way ultimate darkness complements light. I've been able to use being a severe hypochondriac to my advantage. It is my gift and my curse, given to me by life to develop a relationship with action. I'm able to do so with very little fear of consequence because I realize that I have nothing to lose and very little time. Constantly fearing death empowers me with an unconventional and pressing pursuit towards my dreams.

“Death is very likely the single best invention of life. It's life's change agent.”
-Steve Jobs
Quote From: Stanford commencement speech 2005

Most people are disillusioned with a false sense of security. We are occasionally reminded that our time is limited when a close friend or family member dies. For a moment, we are reminded that we have so much to do and tomorrow is not promised. For some, this serves as a metaphoric "better do it now" pill that gives us the courage to do something we've been putting off. Through a healthy awareness of our inevitable doom- one can become a powerful player in the game of life.

“He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret to life.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

A close relationship with death can exponentially promote life. It depends on how we use it. Rather than being fearful and reactive, we could have a proactive approach. what are the gifts life has given you that you've deemed afflictions? How can our individual pain translate to greatness? Only you can activate such powers by giving pain another meaning. You can find the blessing in almost anything. I believe through embracing pain one can have a positive relationship with it. Turn your negatives into power moves. Get up close and personal with the dark side of life. I think you'll find that most fears are conquered with a brave heart.

Greatness does not necessarily mean one is good in their actions or their intent. I believe to effect change there will be inevitable casualties along the way. There is a certain amount of gluttony that is promoted when trying to reach such elevations, a constant dance between greed and righteousness. We are self-governing creatures that possess a very important tool...consciousness. Some people out for themselves will experience guilt, throwing in a good deed every now and then to balance things out. Very few acts in life are completely selfless. Even a good deed can have self-interest written all over it. Perhaps it makes a person providing the “kind act” feel good for a moment, it can even be for the “Good Karma” they think they will inherit. Either way someone is benefiting from the chaos, also known as the Principle of Causality.

“The most selfish thing you can do in this world is to help someone else.”
-Denzel Washington

John Lennon was one of the most iconic of the four Beatles. Without question, he was the most outlandish one of the group. He was the epitome of someone who believes in the preservation of their uniqueness. He was an Artist who stayed true to his belief till the end. In fact, most would say that it was his voicetress confidence that cost him his life. John Lennon promoted peace relentlessly in his later years. He also launched several anti-war campaigns in the ’60s and ’70s, focusing on a peaceful approach for mankind. There is a conspiracy theory that the government had him assassinated because he was too outspoken and his voice could possibly sway an election. In 1966 One particular comment made by Lennon focused on the decline of society at the time. The following comment resulted in a temporary boycott of all Beatles content. While being interviewed Lennon stated:

"Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue about that; I'm right and I'll be proved right. We're more popular than Jesus now; I don't know which will go first—rock 'n' roll or Christianity.”

Contrary to his later years, a youthful Lennon was quite the disruptor of peace. Domestic disputes and child neglect were (unfortunately) an occurrence in his early stages of Ignorance. This haughtiness never really left him, but he would eventually redeem himself and mature. Arguably, it was this very arrogance that started the Beatles in the first place. He followed his passion, rather than his peers. It was a bold move at the time to think you could be successful as a band member. Bands really didn't exist at that time, the Beatles invented that shit! There were singers and doo-wop groups, prior to The Beatles. There were orchestras and Solo Acts with backup singers, but never a successful band.
The Beatles were responsible for a music revolution, with John leading the way. They have since become the most relevant band in history. The platform John gained with the Beatles was still available to him in his maturity, and eventually use for good.
As Lennon entered his forties his rebelliousness was in harmony with his true values. fortunately, he was afforded a few years to promote his peace campaign before his death. It was the necessary chaos that ensued early in his life that gave birth to such beauty in the end.

“War is over if you want it.”
-John Lennon

understand:
Most times the cost for speaking your truth is Solitude, rejection, and outright hatred from those who misunderstand you. In John's case, it was his life. You have to be willing to risk it all to be yourself.

“Greatness in itself doesn’t come with goodness, the two don’t coexist with one another. I spent all of my life trying to become great because I had such low self-esteem and I realized late in my life that all great men are not good men. I really have no idea, no clue, how do I juggle both of them and be in harmony?
In all actuality, they don't exist, you have to pick a side."

-Mike Tyson

"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." -
MATTHEW 6:24