From Panic Attacks to Purpose: My personal Journey to reclaim my focus and develop new skills.
2022 was a really tough year for me, financially, and mentally. During this first month of 2023, I’ve been doing a lot of deep thinking and reflection on my life choices.
Lately, I’ve been thinking that I might’ve hit rock bottom. It’s hard to explain since I am not addicted to any drug, or I am in some deep depression. I have been experiencing what I would call “Panic Attacks” but long walks and meditation are very helpful to mitigate those rare but stressful episodes. I also have a loving family which I’ve been able to provide for and I’m surrounded by great people and live an amazing life by the beach. But it suddenly struck me: I’m 43 years old, Married with 2 kids, and very little to show for it, in terms of wealth creation, life achievements, or even self-fulfillment. I feel like life is just passing me by without me being able to make the most out of it or architect the life I really want.
So, How did I get here?
What is the ONE thing that most likely caused this?
Energy? It can’t be! I’m generally energetic and anyone who knows me can attest to my energetic vibes.
Attitude? Not really. I am what I’d consider an “Eternal Optimist”. I can always tap into an internal core feeling that says “Somehow, It will all be alright”.
Mindset? OK.. that is getting close. I always speak about mindset, and I’ve worked towards creating a compelling vision for my future, so how come I’m not closer to achieving it?
There is one thing I’m lacking: FOCUS, more importantly, Deep Focused Work.
That is the most important skill I need to Develop if I want to make a real change: DEEP FOCUS.
It amazes me how our screens, daily tasks, and other distractions can suck up your productive time and energy, and Years can go by without you achieving your meaningful goals. Focus is the one element that has been lacking in my daily routine every day. It starts with the simplest of things: picking up my phone.
Even if the only thing I want to do is put in the Tabata App for my workout or some cool soundwaves for meditation, the inevitable push notification just drags me in…
Man being hypnotized and overwhelmed by an iPhone, a computer screen, and social network logos all at the same time. creative, somber, and unable to focus. detailed, high resolution @ MidJourney
There is another very important skill that has been staring me in the face all along:
Marketing & Sales
This goes back to my music career. Both as Mindelight, AirNaN, and with my label: FreeAnce.
Grow your audience as a DJ / Producer? Marketing
Book Gigs / Sell Your Music? Sales
And what about the beginnings of my entrepreneurial career?
Loopacks: Great Product, Users loved it! So what was missing?
Marketing: Get it to more users
Sales: Make it profitable (we did sell some packs, but not nearly enough)
Want to raise funds for my Startup? That’s basically selling the Idea to your potential investors.
Marketing & Sales
My full-on entry into Crypto by building EOS Israel.
Achievements:
Vibrant Community
Projects building on EOS
Local events and social accounts growing.
What was missing?
Marketing & Sales
My latest baby project and community launchpad: EOSTARTER.
Achievements:
Great Community
Largest Single NFT Sale on EOS
One of the most supported projects in the early rounds of Pomelo.
Couldn’t secure funding to keep building?
You guessed it right:
Marketing and Sales
So what skill have I been missing to learn all this time?
I know, a brand new coding language!
Just kidding!
Marketing and Sales
At least I know which new skill I must acquire if I am to succeed in my new endeavors.
harry potter on a beach with black mountain, 3d landscape @ MidJourney
I’m starting a brand new project. I know that there is a huge opportunity and this is something I can dedicate my life to, or at least the years I have left. Some of you already know about this project, but most of you don’t. So I will reveal it in due time…
So what is keeping me motivated to keep going?
I will come back from this, Smarter, Stronger, and much, much Wealthier,
I know this! I got this!
Even this article was a result of deep focused time, so I’m already making progress.
There is no other way for me. Look out world. I am not done yet!
OK, If you read this far, that means YOU are interested in what I have to say. I want to be connected with you and potentially build something together. Please subscribe to my substack, share it with someone who this article might help, and please contact me personally. I’d love to meet my true followers :-)