Positive Thinking Tip: Live the Life of Your Dreams!
Allan Dubon is a blogger, author, speaker, and consultant. He specifically focuses on social media, leadership, life, and motivation. Allan attended college and worked really hard to receive a degree as a medical laboratory scientist, which he enjoyed doing, but his passion lies in social media and helping small business and organizations grow. He has been actively involved in web design and consulting since 2002, and he is the author of When Leadership Meets Social Media.
Allan is an average guy who is sharing his journey. He is willing to help you make your first $100 online as well as show you how you can build an active, engaged community. This is about YOU! How you can build your dreams, create your future, and live life to the fullest.
photo credit: Sarah Gardner
SHOW UP AND SHINE Questions:
If you boiled life down to one philosophy that brings meaning and adds value to your life no matter what circumstances you face, what is that philosophy for you?
Choose to be happy! Too often we are quick to look for excuses and see the difficulties of things. We lament our situations and think how hard our lot is in life. Yet everyone has difficulties and it is how you respond to those difficulties that will help you on your path to success. The moment I chose to be happy no matter what came my way was a paramount moment in my life.
What are one or two keys to success for you?
Consistency is key. Even when your friends say you're crazy! I went into a saturated niche; there are so many people that can help you build a website and teach you social media. The key is to find a way to be just a little better, give more value, and be more approachable than your competitors. I am now recognized in the industry, I have a good reputation, and I keep fairly busy.
Secondly, always be learning. It is the greatest leaders who are reading, going to conferences, and looking for ways to enrich their minds. If we emulate this great principle we will have a mind filled with wisdom that can help us SHOW UP AND SHINE at the right time!
What is one of the biggest mistakes you've made and what did you learn from it?
One of the biggest mistakes I have made is not charging what I'm worth. When I first started I was trying to be the cheapest person out there. Sometimes I put in so many hours I was working for less than minimum wage. Don't be afraid to charge what your time is worth.
Additionally, I have found clients that pay more might expect more, but they are also a lot less of a hassle than those who are just looking for a cheap price. The clients I tried to help out at a cheap rate usually are the ones who became my biggest headaches. The clients paying my set rate are much easier to serve.
What is your best advice for people who want to SHOW UP AND SHINE? In other words, what would you say to help people live into their bigger story?
Mindset is everything. See yourself succeeding, dream of what your optimal looks like, and then work like mad to get it! When you are given the opportunity to SHINE, do it! Don't sell yourself short, you have a story to tell and talents to share. Bottom line, take massive action to live the life of your dreams!
Question: Alan's answers are so optimistic and powerful. What stuck out to you most and why?