People You Should Know
The Art of Being Jordan Pease
I was lucky enough to interview the very talented and bold author/comedian Jordan Pease. When we began our conversation, I was immediately taken by the 23-year-old's passion for life and dedication to his craft.
"When I first moved to California from New Jersey, I had grandiose dreams of everything magically falling into place," said Pease. "But I quickly learned there are numerous amazingly talented people trying to follow the path I've chosen. It became clear that if I am to succeed, I need to throw everything into my work."
Hard work wasn't a new concept for the youngster. As a youth in New Jersey, Pease was a leading varsity soccer player and gifted student -
"I always had a deep sense of pride in anything I attempted. I was taught from an early age that if presented with an opportunity or a talent, I should give 100 percent of what I've got."
The same is true where his inner-truths are concerned -
"When it became clear that I was gay, I knew I had to be real with my friends and family."
This included telling his soccer teammates.
"They were totally supportive and treated me like any other player. I worked hard, they worked hard, and that was all that mattered."
And then his father died.
"I was 19 and in the process of trying to get the balls up to make something of myself. I always felt there was a greater purpose for my life. The challenges I faced (including the death of my dad) pushed me out of my comfort zone and toward LA."
Pease didn't know a single person when he made the big move and this didn't stop him for a second.
"The secret to my success thus far is to never stop. I've always got a notebook with me. I never know when inspiration is going to hit or when I may score a gig. So I'm always trying to be one step ahead of the game."
In 2013 alone, Pease has performed at more than 60 comedy shows throughout the U.S. and abroad.
"I have a long way to go," said Pease. "I won't give up until I make the big time. I want to prove to people my age and younger that with had work anything can happen."
"I keep hearing tons of excuses from my peers as to why they aren't working hard toward a goal. One of the lamest is that the economy sucks. I'm going to prove that's a bunch of B.S."
Not only does he continue to score gigs, Pease is also the author of two books. His first, Don't Let me Go, was published in 2010 and is based on his varsity soccer years. The second is a memoir that was published at the beginning of this year. Accidentally Ok satirically chronicles his 90-day adventure through Europe when he was 21.
While Jordan Pease is undoubtably a hilarious human being, I'm most impressed by his willingness to be artfully himself and belief that his wildest dreams will one day come true.
You can't get much bolder than that!
Enjoy one of his comedy acts, and please pass it on:
Post by Jen Engevik
Project Be Bold
I Quit My Job To Travel the World!
By Angela M. Petitt
Those were the reactions I got when I mentioned my plans to quit my job during the throes of the recession to my family and friends. Although they meant well, I just felt that there was more to life than a winning corporate existence. Moreover, life is just too short to not do what you want to do. So, my response to them was “If not now, when?” I knew that even with a successful career in information technology and an MBA, I wanted more…I wanted freedom!
Wheels up!!
Hello…My name is Angela Petitt and I am a 44 year old native Houstonian. During the recession in August 2009, I took a bold step of faith - I quit my corporate IT job to travel the world. In spite of the concerns and economic climate, I knew I had to make a bold move in order to make change to see my dreams come true. Yes, I know that this is something that Europeans or young adult backpackers do...not an established over 40 professional with a winning corporate resume. But in the words of author Jim Rohn, “Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.”
Making the decision to opt-out of corporate America for a while was the first step in my journey. The notion of quitting was several years in the making, being fueled more and more every time I went on vacation. When I came to the realization that I really wanted to see the world and was ready to move beyond the cubicle, I knew it was time to make a change.
As a single professional, I wanted my sabbatical to be different. I did not want to sell anything to make it happen. So in my planning, I made sure I had enough to cover my mortgage, car, expenses for my teenage nephew, and other responsibilities. I wanted my sabbatical to be a true rest from the ordinary and an escape to the extraordinary. For me, that meant living life to the fullest and making time to do the things that I enjoy. Actually, when I made the final decision to quit and put in my resignation, I really had no clue as to what was next. But, a few days after my last day at work, I was on a plane going to Italy! And, I haven’t looked back! It seemed like once the decision was made, opportunities opened up!Initially, my sabbatical was only going to be 6 months. Then, that turned into 10 months and now it has been 2 1/2 years and counting. I have flown a Cessna airplane, learned (ok, learning) to play golf, attempted horseback riding - twice, joined day time bible studies, sharpened my photography skills, and have volunteered in my community. I even returned to school and am pursuing my Doctorate in Organizational Leadership.
Beyond my wildest dreams, I never imagined that I would embark on a different trip almost every month!! It has been 
an amazing sabbatical!! My travels have led me to awe inspiring destinations such as China, Siberia, Egypt, Israel, Colombia, Panama, Honduras and many other exciting places. I have zip lined in Cabo, narrowly escaped the earthquake in Japan, went cave diving in Punta Cana, played with monkeys in Roatan, glared into the mouth of a steamy volcano in Nicaragua, stared in amazement at the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, got caught in a downpour atop the Acropolis in Athens - twice, received a huge surprise bouquet of flowers from an admirer in Italy, and had many other awe inspiring experiences. I visited the 30th country of my sabbatical on a Mediterranean cruise visiting Croatia for the first time. By the way, Croatia is absolutely beautiful!!
In addition to my travel adventures, I was presented with the 2009 WHS Wall of Honor Service and Leadership award by my alma mater, recently featured in ESSENCE magazine as a "Power Player!", and was invited as aguest speaker for the national Meet Plan Go! Career BreakTravel conference that inspires others in their quest for sabbaticals and extended travel.
So yes, I learned to live without a paycheck and budget accordingly. Recently, I read that uncertainty isn’t a cost but a catalyst for creating a better future. I can attest to the truth of that as it captures the heart of my journey. Granted, it has indeed been scary at times and several unexpected things happened. But, it has been worth taking a chance on me rather than continuing on in the ordinary daily grind. I have no regrets.
Since starting my sabbatical journey, I have grown in courage, faith, confidence, and wisdom. More importantly, I have come to understand my God given uniqueness and that life is truly precious and too short to waste. Furthermore, my time away has instilled in me the renewed desire not to merely survive, but to authentically thrive!
With hopes of inspiring other people to be bold and go for their dreams, I have been blogging (and speaking) about my
experiences (good, bad, and otherwise) at http://www. sabbaticalscapes.com/. One thing for sure - "with God ALL things are possible!" Where will your dreams take you?
Learn more about Angela's Journey in the following video!
Jennifer Aaker on the Pursuit of Happiness
Enjoy this inspiring speech by Jennifer Aaker, a truly inspiring professor at Stanford University and co-author of The Dragon Effect. Here she teaches how to make a difference in the world and find true happiness:
Seth Godin on Art and Inspiration
Art isn't only a painting. Art is anything that's creative, passionate, and personal. And great art resonates
with the viewer, not only with the creator.
What makes someone an artist? I don't think is has anything to do with a paintbrush. There are painters who follow the numbers, or paint billboards, or work in a small village in China, painting reproductions. These folks, while swell people, aren't artists. On the other hand, Charlie Chaplin was an artist, beyond a doubt. So is Jonathan Ive, who designed the iPod. You can be an artists who works with oil paints or marble, sure. But there are artists who work with numbers, business models, and customer conversations. Art is about intent and communication, not substances.
An artist is someone who uses bravery, insight, creativity, and boldness to challenge the status quo. And an artists takes it personally.
That's why Bob Dylan is an artist, but an anonymous corporate hack who dreams up Pop 40 hits on the other side of the glass is merely a marketer. That's why Tony Hsieh, founder of Zappos, is an artist, while a boiler room of telemarketers is simply a scam.
Tom Peters, corporate gadfly and writer, is an artist, even though his readers are businesspeople. He's an artist because he takes a stand, he takes the work personally, and he doesn't care if someone disagrees. His art is part of him, and he feels compelled to share it with you because it's important, not because he expects you to pay him for it.
Art is a personal gift that changes the recipient. The medium doesn't matter. The intent does.
Art is a personal act of courage, something one human does that creates change in another.
Hope Solo Officially Named the Boldest Person of July 13, 2011
Project BE Bold solutes Hope Solo as the Boldest Person of the Day! Because of her supreme performance in today's World Cup Semifinal against France and her amazing work over the past couple of weeks, the US Soccer team is headed to the World Cup 2011 finals.
Hope Solo was born on July 30, 1981 in Richland, Washington where she was a stellar student and athlete. As result of her commitment to excellence, she helped lead Team USA to Gold in the 2008 Olympics and has since been noted by soccer experts as the best female goalie in the sport.
Solo overcame adversity when her father unexpectedly died of heart failure in 2007. A Vietnam Veteran, Jeffery was her first soccer coach when she was just five years old. She once told reporters that she had a "deep, deep love" for her father and was heartbroken when he passed away.
Solo's approach to life is the epitome of bold. Her philosophy is that true success is possible when one stays focused, keeps connected to goals each day, and lives in the present. Many are unaware that she underwent shoulder surgery in September of last year. As she works tirelessly to protect her team from loss, her shoulder aches - yet she doesn't complain. She stays in the zone.
"I've been prepared for this through heartaches, through personal struggles," Solo said. "This is what it's all about. It's about defying the odds for me. It's about proving people wrong. It's about playing the game I'm passionate about. This is what I live for. I've prepared my entire life for this moment."
Project BE Bold solutes Hope Solo and wishes her luck as Team USA goes into the World Cup Finals this coming Sunday at 11:45am PST/2pm EST.
- Project BE Bold
BEST EFFORT = BEST RESULTS by Michael Brummer
workouts into your busy days and weeks, there is a key ingredient necessary to maximize your time and the results you are wanting to obtain from your workouts---giving your BEST effort! When you give your BEST effort, you not only maximize the time you have set aside for your workout, you also significantly increase the possibility of achieving your fitness goals and your ability to achieve your goals in a shorter period of time, thus achieving your BEST results. Stop going through the motions and giving a half-hearted effort when working out. Give your BEST effort everytime and see how quickly you achieve your desired fitness goals!
30 Day Challenge by Google's Matt Cutts
A friend of mine made me aware of a Ted.com video in which Google engineer Matt Cutts shares how 30 days can transform your life. Take a bit more than 3 minutes to be inspired by watching this video:
- Jen Engevik
Project BE Bold