The Passion
From a very early age, I’ve always had four passions: entrepreneurship, political science, history and making a positive difference in people’s lives. Having these four passions gave me an interesting perspective on the world, because on one hand, I understood and enjoyed the process of creating value and creating wealth, while on the other hand, I could see how business and economics affect the world in both positive and negative ways, politically, socially and environmentally. Having a very diverse family, living in multi-cultural cities and my travels leads me to see things from different perspectives.
The Frustrations
I grew frustrated seeing business and entrepreneurship being used as a tool for greed, when these same businesses could be used to provide value to all stakeholders: the owners, the investors, the workers, the clients and society at large. And I grew frustrated at seeing different groups fight with each other when they would both benefit if they actually worked together.
Little did I know at the time, I was into social entrepreneurship before it was cool, before there was even a term for it.
The Struggles
Like many budding entrepreneurs, I struggled with my ambition for many years. Confidence issues, lack of resources, lack of knowledge, and well-meaning people who encourage you to give up or postpone your dreams.
The problem with postponing your dreams is months turn into years and years turn into decades and decades turn into a lifetime.
Then you come to the middle of your life, and you see that while you have made some great accomplishments, many of which you are very proud of, something is missing. And you wonder what they heck happened. Where did the time go? What happened to all those plans of your youth?
For many years, I worked on one aspect of my passions or another, but had never really integrated my passions into one cohesive whole. I’d create products and services that make a positive difference in people’s lives. I’d talk to people, connect with them, and make them feel appreciated and loved. I’d train and coach people and empower them to achieve their dreams.
Then there were the times where people took advantage of me, stole money from me, took credit for my work, and made up lies so they would get the promotion instead of me. I would work hard for companies, some good and some bad, and help make the owners rich, while they paid barely enough to pay the bills.
The Final Straw
And then there was the final straw: the 2016 election, which just highlights the division and issues that have been festering in our country for some time. The greed, the special interests, the legalized corruption, the evaporating middle class, the social injustices, the hate groups and their thought process, the destructive and often unnecessary social conflicts and the fact that 76% of the population lives paycheck to paycheck.
So you stop, and take a look at things, and think what could be done. For me, it meant going back to my roots and my passions.
I can no longer stand by and just go about my business.
The New Focus
I normally like being the behind the scenes guy. The guy that makes things work. The diplomat that helps both sides come to an agreement. The guy behind the guy.
But it’s time to speak up, and promote better ways of dealing with conflict. It’s time to take society to the next level with a new better way of thinking, one of love and respect and prosperity.
So I reorganized my businesses so that they are aligned with making the world a better place, not just on a small scale, but on a large one.
- Writing books and creating websites that change the hearts and minds of people, in order to make the world a better place.
- Providing people with the tools and mindset necessary for success.
- Integrating my efforts into one cohesive movement.
- Creating and promoting a philosophy and mindset of love and prosperity that is practical and effective.
- And establishing an association and/or foundation to continue the work after I am gone.
What you are seeing here on Open Source You Mind is the first phase of this.
Some of these projects are for-profit, some are given freely, and some will be not-for-profit, but all are designed to make the world a better place.
I hope you join me in my efforts.
Love and respect,
Scott