The busy lives we lead relentlessly have us on the go. We’re movers and shakers. Busy from morning to night. Overwhelmed and distracted. Agendas, to-do-lists, chores and mandates. We have quotas to achieve, people to please, things to buy and places to be.

We’re always busy. We’re always moving.

Nothing in life is static.

This is all true.

Just as much as the following is equally true.

While we’re living our lives in a constant and consistent frequency of non-stop, much of what truly should matter never gets done.

We’re so busy doing so much of what we feel we should be doing, that the grand stuff we really want to do, the remarkable sentimental aspirations we dream of, that in which we want to accomplish and achieve, gets pushed aside, forgotten (but not entirely – please check the back of your mind) for yet another day.

How wrong.

And so we continue to live the vicious cycle of living. Living for the sake of living. Doing for the sake of simply doing. Paying the bills, answering the phone, buying and consuming, never ever truly taking the time to make the life we live the life we want to and were meant to live.

Some find their passion, their purpose, what they were meant to do, early on in life. Some figure out that their time here on earth is limited, and that all those around them can go as they please, but that their life is theirs and that with their precious life, they’re going to do exactly what they want to. They’ll do what excites them infinitely each and every day and they’ll damn well do it their way.

Yet not everyone is so attentive and focused, beaming with enlightened ambition. In fact, the great majority of us are not.

And so we go with the flow.

It’s human nature to follow the crowd. It’s in our makeup to go with the flow, but most of the time that flow is not created by us. It’s the flow of society, the flow that follows, never stopping and taking the time to ponder and think, then lift-off onto another path by ultimately leading.

About a year ago and a half ago, I read a few books that will forever change my view and mindset in regards to the way I will continue to live my life. Although the past several months have thrown me somewhat of a curveball, I’m more confident than ever in my vision, and with this vision, my journey will finally launch.

But as with every journey, it starts with a much needed single step. No matter how small a step, a step nevertheless. A step in a direction that makes you move and sing to a higher beat. A step that nixes you ever standing still again (doing too much of what you were never really that excited about doing in the first place).

Think about this – its all about choices. You choose. You choose everything you do, have, think, are, on a per second basis. Some of the coolest and most monumental events that ever taken place in the history of mankind, were born from an act also known as one single step.

Choices can be bad or they can be great, whatever they are they are a step in some sort of direction. It is action with cause/purpose, not just action for the sake of action.

Neglecting to take the steps YOU want to take is suppressing the life YOU want to create and live.

The journey is the beauty of all goals. What happens from start to finish is never scripted. The only guarantee, is the first step you make.

Now is better than never. Cliché? Hell yeah. True? Beyond belief.

It’s been well over a month since I last wrote up here on this blog. I had a great deal of readers, friends and colleagues asking why I hadn’t posted in such a long while. What’s the deal, what gives, why hadn’t I done that in which they felt through my words, meant so very much to me, that truly special thing that infused and radiated so much passion.

My simple reply was – I just wasn’t feeling it.

When I write here, I write real. I write what comes from the mind, but mostly the heart. I can’t fake it, and I just won’t write for the sake of writing.

I wouldn’t say I was in a total rut or darkly plagued with writer’s block, but perhaps I wasn’t feeling my usual self. I wasn’t flowing with what I needed to be flowing with in order to create and share that worthwhile stuff, the kind of jazz that would make me proud and you happy you just read.

And so I apologize. I apologize to those who perhaps missed my words, my thoughts, my feelings, opinions, advice and experiences. And I apologize to those who expected more from me. Those who expected that no matter what was going on in my life, that’d I still be able to deliver here on this blog.

Hey, I’m only human.

Sometimes we need to step aside for a little while. Sometimes we need to slow the pace down a tad, self-reflect, do some soul searching, regroup and then let loose.

I’m sure I’m not the first to have to go through this and do this, and I can reassure you I will not be the last.

Last night, while relaxing after a great Sunday evening meal, I tore through an article in the latest issue of Men’s Health Best Life focusing on the legendary hip hop artist/business mogul, Jay-Z. Two things stuck out most while devouring this piece: Be yourself. Work hard.

Jay-Z credits his relentless commitment to always remaining true to him, and his unwaveringly hard work ethic, as the keys to his success.

And so it made me think deep. Being true to you is what so many of us, in fact the great majority of us, severely lack today. We lack the belief system and self-confidence day in day out that is full-out required when it comes to building and radiating authenticity, integrity, purpose, service and overall realness. If you’re not being true to you, who the hell are you being true to?

So when I don’t write, it’s for a reason. It’s me being true to what I’m feeling and living at that very moment in my life. It’s not that I’m lazy, I just can’t fake something that should and does mean so much to me.

I was derailed somewhat, in other facets of my life other than simply being laid off back in late 2008. But I’m still here. I simply took a step back and tried to intelligently reconfigure the landscape and vision a little before I plowed through full steam forward.

Life will always throw curveballs, make you travel and journey peaks and valleys, catapult you to unimaginable highs and near-death lows. But that’s life. The beauty of it and the secret to supremacy is, remain real, be true to you, work hard and never, ever, give up.

Sooner or later you’ll come back around. Perhaps this time, bigger, better, leaner, quicker, sharper, smarter and/or stronger.

Many cynical pundits will have you believe that the world no longer cares for your wellbeing, that it’s a dog eat dog world and that you’re at it alone out there with no one person (other than maybe perhaps your family) caring for you more than they do themselves.

I truly beg to differ.

Just yesterday I sent out an email to those closest to me – my inner circle of family and friends as well as ex-colleagues, ex-customers and several tight and loose acquaintances. I sent out a semi-S.O.S. asking if anybody out there could help me in my quest to get the word out – the word out that I’m currently unemployed (as a result of being laid off back in late-November due to the current economic reality) and the news out that I’m hungry, determined and relentless in my pursuit to find the right fit/role with a growing and remarkable organization.

That’s all I asked. In fact here’s exactly what I wrote in my email.

As you may or may not know, I’m STILL aggressively looking for work since being laid off back in late-November. It’s been slow out there let me tell you. My search has been nothing short of hustling hard, but the sharks just aren’t biting fast enough. I guess people really are taking this whole current economic situation seriously.

Nevertheless I’m determined as ever to find the right fit, land the best job and join a winning organization – which is why I’m writing to you here today. I’m calling upon and asking those whom I confidently know can assist me in my search. If I don’t put myself out there, how will anyone know I even exist or that I’m aggressively looking to work (and work hard I must add).

Perhaps you know someone who knows someone who knows someone else who may just need someone like me (a dynamic, experienced sales professional) to help them out. Anything you can do to assist me is so very much appreciated.

I know things are somewhat gloomy out there, but I’m staying real positive. I’m simply too young, energetic, ambitious and determined to be out of work for this long or to look at all this as a negative. I know something real good will beam through with the light – hopefully you can be that person to help me shine.

Thank you very much my friend. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Some may shy away from asking others for help, perhaps out of fear of embarrassment, or perhaps because we feel that others just won’t care enough about the tough stuff we’re currently going through. Or maybe we just feel that everyone feels the way we might – that times are getting rough for many right now and that we have to take care of me first before we begin to take care of we.

That thinking could not be more wrong.

80% of the people I reached out to via email replied within 2 hours. Imagine that, 80% in 2 hours.

They replied with confirmation of sending out my CV/resume right away to their network of contacts, whether it be business owners they know or customers they deal with on a day to day basis (to name a few). I received replies of encouragement and admiration. Admiration of my relentless pursuit and the fact that I was going deeper and further to get the word out/my brand out, than simply posting my resume on Monster.com and waiting for the phone to ring.

People care. Far greater than you may believe. Try it sometime, reach out and don’t be afraid to ask. Others actually want to see you succeed, they want to be a part of the process. Pay it forward, good karma all the way.

Big thanks to all who replied. I can’t thank you enough.

If you’ve never heard of or checked out Andy Nulman’s blog about surprise (click here www.andynulman.com), Pow! Right Between The Eyes!, my question is what are you waiting for?

I’ve mentioned Andy’s blog before on this blog – how his content and wit inspires me, never ceasing to provide insightful ideas and laughs. Well now Andy has a new book out, billed Pow! Right Between The Eyes! – How To Profit From The Power of Surprise, and he’s giving away free copies. 200 of them to be exact – first come first serve I’m sure. How very generous.

I came across this opportunity on Mitch Joel’s Six Pixels of Separation blog earlier today.

There’s a catch to getting the free book, but let me tell you, it isn’t much of a catch. I’m doing my part right here to ensure I get my free copy (more details – click here). ANDY, PLEASE SEND ME A COPY. Make sure I’m surprised as hell when I hit the mailbox one fine morning. Big thanks.

Don’t be shy. Hit ‘em up. After reading his blog relentlessly, I can only imagine how remarkable this book’s going to be.

Ah the element of surprise.

Ps. Now this is smart marketing. Give a little, get a whole lot more down the road. Everyone’s happy. Learn from this my friends.

As the world anticipates Mr. Obama’s presidential inauguration and official move into the Oval Office tomorrow, I can’t help but think to myself what will become of our world in the near and distant future with this promising man in charge. The United States of America is the world’s most powerful empire and will most likely be for at least the remainder of my lifetime. If anyone can provoke and propel “change”, it’s them. And right now, we truly need it and them.

Over the weekend I dipped into an interesting book I recently picked up – Maxim magazine founder and publisher, Felix Dennis’s How to Get Rich. Out of all the business and self-help books I devour in a year, I have to admit, this one actually tells it like it is. A great read so far.

Felix made a comment along the read that stuck with me – the world is pushed by fear, need and greed.

What do you take from that statement? Do you agree/disagree?

He has an extremely valid point, one in which I agree with entirely.

Here’s my take on it.

Fear

September 11^th, Anthrax, the war in Iraq, the war against terrorism, West Nile virus, global warming, oil prices, natural disasters, the economy. That’s all reality for sure, reality that is packaged into fear and delivered and repeated to us on a daily basis. Fear moves us consciously and subconsciously. We are fed fear for fear sells, fear makes the world go around. Without fear we wouldn’t do a great majority of the things we do – both positive or negative. Fear enables action.

I have no problem with fear, fear is natural. Every human feels fear for no one is absolutely entirely fearless.

Where I have a major problem with fear is when we allow fear to take over the great majority of the decisions we make and the actions we take. When fear over-consumes our life, we become a slave to fear, and that’s no real way to live. Life’s just too short to constantly dance with fear in the room, us looking over our shoulder.

Fear in our own/personal world also suppresses us to live small. We may not be entirely in sync with what’s going out there in the real world, but the fear we’ve let in into our own world, is locking us down living tiny. For example: the fear of quitting your job ultimately going for what you really truly love doing in life, the fear of starting your own business, the fear to make a move on that guy or girl you fancy or refusing to  exercise/hit the gym for fear of an injury. These types of fears move us alright, but like the fears of the big world, they push us in a negative way.

Need

This is my favorite pusher, my favorite drug. Need is not want, please don’t ever mistaken them for one another. You don’t need Diesel jeans, you don’t need Marc Jacobs. You do however need to consistently self educate you, you need to grow and evolve, you need to change. You need to take care of the greatest asset you’ll ever own, your health. You need to love at least one person other than yourself (which also is very important – loving yourself). You need to push yourself outside your comfort zone and live life like it was intended to be lived – exhilarating, enjoyable and your way.

Need is not to be mistaken with want. Want is what got us into this global financial crisis to begin with. Want synergized with greed, and perhaps a sprinkle of fear. Fear of not fitting in or keeping up with the neighbors. Fear of not wearing the big name brands or being in line with the latest mobile gadget.

Need (for change) is what elected Obama President of the United States. Need (for less greed and more accountability) is what’s going to shake and shape up our world’s economy. Need (for more environmental responsibility) is going to continue to fuel and shout-out-loud the message Al Gore is relentlessly preaching. Need is what we need more of. Less fear, less greed, need is what we need to push us through and succeed starting now.

Greed

Greed is not entirely bad, a great deal of great things have actually come out of greed-driven quests. Not all, but some. Yet greed is not sustainable, greed is the driving force that got us where we are today – greed and a mix of complacency (failure to act, change). Greed is not good, yet greed is unfortunately a part of the fabric that makes up a great deal of human beings. Greed really reveals that we are human and truly imperfect.

However greed has never been exposed in the history of mankind as it has been of recent. And because of this, greed may have a more difficult time of slipping past the public unnoticed like it used to. Someone watching the gate will now be more alert to greed’s ways and sly efforts. Greed no longer has it as easy as it once did, because of this, greed is less powerful than need right now is.

At least this is what I believe. All of what I have written here is my personal opinion, please take it with a grain of salt if you wish.

On the eve of the first black man chosen to run the US empire, you have to believe that need, change and hope have finally arrived to their proper place. You have to agree that fear is still very much alive, but that with change in charge, we can bring to life the hope we’ve held so far deep inside for far too long.

With newness comes new possibilities, new opportunities and new worldviews. That’s what change is all about. That’s what Obama had us all believe in and hope for along his journey to where he is right now.

So with all this in mind, whether you voted for him or not, we’re supporting all the way in the name of change. Good luck.

I share this clip with everyone I know. I love it. So much so, I’m posting it again. Enjoy.

For the past year and a bit, writing has enabled me to seriously reflect, express and change. It’s absolutely evolved my life for the better. By simply writing up here on this blog every other day or so, I’ve opened up my mind and soul to a world I never knew before. I never ever knew the power of writing could be so empowering.

And so I want you to join in on the fun, the creativity and empowerment you can propel from speaking your mind through words. I want this blog to become more than just a resource for the so called “better life”, I want you to contribute and be a part of it, further infusing yourself with the “best” life can offer. I want you to utilize the remarkableness of technology and words and post your own inspirational stories of triumphs and heartaches and triumphs once more. I want you to share the unique roads you’ve been down and the experiences you’ve lived first hand. Doesn’t matter your age, who you are, where you’re from or how well you write – all that’s needed is a real story from the heart, the soul, something you lived that gave you a higher meaning along this journey called life.

Of course I’ll continue to write (everyday in 2009!), but at the same time I’ll begin to post what you submit to me. In addition to this I’ll be adding a few new features to this blog – podcasts and vlogging! I’ll also be interviewing people from all walks of life. From your local corner store owner, to a hometown sports celebrity, to the ultra-successful businessman sitting atop the city – there are no boundaries, no limits.  

What I ultimately want to do is have you hear less about me and more about we. Sure I’ll chime in everyday, but in addition to my words I’ll showcase postings almost every other day that feature YOUR words.

There is no template, no structure. Spill out onto your keyboard everything you’re feeling, thinking, wishing and hoping, everything you’ve lived, loved and perhaps hated along the way. The beauty of reflecting and expressing is that you’ll never be the same. The purpose of this blog is just that, to ensure you’ll never be the same. You’ll only get better.

You can email directly at anytime at mark@markcigos.com with your stories.

Ps. We are a community. As much as I have a great deal to say and share, I alone cannot provide enough inspirational content that will keep you endlessly interested and coming back for more. I’ve acknowledged this. But by you contributing your life experiences and stories, you’ll perhaps enable others to live a better life. I never would have imagined how many people my words affected this past year, imagine that, I’m one person, envision for a second what we can all do collectively. It’s remarkable.

Join in!

Great question, I ask myself the same thing everyday.

What is this blog really all about? What am I trying to accomplish with the ideas, effort and time I put into it? Where am I going with all this?

What started out a little over a year ago as an online journal I could and would utilize (by writing almost everyday) to help me get through life’s great challenges and big questions, turned into something I could share with anyone and everyone who wanted to (and perhaps needed to) listen. The ideas, words and message I would post online to inspire and motivate me, where also the same ideas, words and message the world could view if they visited. I guess you could say it was my way of being honest and open and giving something away that would not only be invaluable for me, but perhaps useful for others who crossed its path.

What started off personal/personal eventually became personal/public and sooner rather than later will most likely evolve to public/personal/public. But don’t get me wrong I wanted it this way, for this is how I somewhat ultimately envisioned it.

Please let me explain…

As this blog goes along, it has very little to do with me but everything to do with we. Although I physically type the words you read – the ideas, thoughts and “inspirational” message are an accumulative collection of the feedback I receive from you. The real life experiences I hear first hand from all walks of life – the glory stories and tragedy tales, the authentic highs and lows people are willing to share. Without this, I have no material. There’s only so much new and interesting shit going on in my life worth publishing. This blog is a work of we.

Last night I dug into a book I picked up over the holidays – What Should I Do With My Life? (this book hit shelves back in 2002) by author Po Bronson. From the dozen pages I’ve devoured so far, I can’t wait to officially post a review up here.

I guess reading those few pages last night sparked what you’re reading right here right now.

What is this blog really all about? Why am I doing this? Why do I do the things I do? Why do I do anything?

The main purpose of this blog initially is what I shared with you above. But like anything in life, especially the stuff you’re passionate about and obsessed with, they change, shift and evolve. They must. So what I thought this blog was really all about a year, six months or even three weeks ago, is not what it is today. Today I see something different for this in which I started a little over twelve months ago. I see where it has come from, where it currently is and where I ultimately want it to go.

Although nothing in life ever goes one hundred percent as planned, perhaps asking the ultimate question – what’s this really all about?, will further enable us to uncover the answers we fail to ever include in our plan towards wherever we’re going. Whether its a blog, a business or life.

Tomorrow I’ll share with you where this blog is going and how YOU will enable it to become the platform and stage for something far bigger than just a blog.

Almost every morning (60 minutes is about right) I take the time to read some of the best blogs, books and magazines that I can get my hands on. It never ever ceases to amaze me the remarkableness that’s out there. From the average guy or girl simply trying to make the world a better place by sharing what they’re thinking and doing, to the most creative minds showcasing to the world what they’ve been storming up inside and outside. The content available to us is astronomical.

We are so fortunate in this day and age to have these resources all around us. Infinite knowledge and motivation literally at our fingertips, information and inspiration for our every need.

As I read some of my favorite authors/bloggers this morning, a few truly ignited and propelled my mood and thinking. How powerful is that? By these individuals believing in themselves, taking the time and sharing with the world who they are, what they’re thinking and doing, their voices/actions were heard (read). They brought the best of what they’ve learned and experienced and published it to the world. They accumulated and consumed bits and pieces along the way and orchestrated it all into something that was created by them. They believe in themselves, they share what they know, what they’ve been through, and they shout it out from the rooftops.

Who are you? Who are you really?

Do you dream of dancing, writing, singing or acting? Do you miss the days you used to run the 10K or swim the early morning laps? Do you recall those cherished moments you gave your time and heart to those who needed it most? Do you long for the debate competitions that thrilled you back in high school, the art classes that enabled you to create something out of nothing? Do you have the urge to resurrect what used to make you shine?

Are you being true to you? Are you doing what you want, what you love? Are you being true to the world around you?

The people who inspire me most on a daily basis – brilliant minds like Seth Godin, Mitch Joel, Tim Ferriss, Robin Sharma, Andy Nulman (to name just a few) – are the epitome of those who believe in themselves, their brand, their ideas, their message. They share it with the world, and at the same time, love their world even more by doing what they love. You can feel the passion through their words and actions.

I just received an email from a friend of mine as I write this. Totally out of the blue but so timely for the theme of this blog. He shared with me how he never ever makes New Year’s Resolutions, but how late in ’08 he decided to change up a few things. He decided to get creative again and write music. He also – now this is quite unique – moved towards his true passion of the paranormal, volunteering for an agency that investigates supposedly “haunted” houses for free, doing whatever they can to help the client understand what is going on in their home. Now how true is he being to himself? Pretty damn true. He’s getting creative, sharing his ideas, following his passion, and putting it out there for the world to experience.

Life’s too special to be someone else. The world’s too hungry and thirsty to keep your ideas bottled up. There are far too many eager ears in our world to be silent.

Last night was a great night to kick back, put the feet up, work away on my laptop and at the same time check out the annual Golden Globes on the tube. Actor Colin Farrell won the award for best actor in a film (comedy or musical) for his role in In Bruges. As he received his award on stage, his acceptance speech struck a cord with me. Well spoken while sincere, he uttered the words that went something close to this, it’s not just about the business, it’s about the dream.

How great.

For all the winner’s speeches I heard last night, none stuck in my mind quite like that one. At 32 years of age, Mr. Farrell seems to have already gotten it. Well, at least that part.

How often do we embark on journeys toward desired success with nothing but fame and fortune on our mind? Or how many times do we lose sight of the goal’s experience, what’s most important to us, what we worked our heart out for, when money and material items come into the fray?

Money is important, don’t ever let any negative soul tell you otherwise, but money is and always will be the byproduct of doing what you love and doing it real well. Money is a byproduct of big thinking, passion, action, desire, hard work, strong belief and relentless persistence. Sure anyone could win the lottery, but sustainable wealth and respect is achieved and obtained through living your dream or dreams. Its bringing that vision that was created in your mind to reality, giving it life, nurturing it into something bigger than you.

If life’s glory stories were all about the business and only the business, there wouldn’t be many to tell. Dreams and dreams-come-true are what makes stories so wonderful to tell and hear.

So when Colin Farrell shared those words with the audience last night, he was re-revealing nothing but the truth and reality that all of his Hollywood peers built everything they have on.

As you move toward your dreams and goals in ’09, make sure it’s for something greater and grander than just the money and accolades, which you’ll most probably receive anyways if you succeed successfully in doing what you love and doing it real well. In the end, if cash and fame never show their smiley faces, understand that life is always about the journey, and along every fueled journey you take, you’re living full out. You’re experiencing, you’re learning, you’re growing. You’re evolving into something you wouldn’t have morphed into had you just sat still.

For every Colin Farrell out there, there are millions of those who never end up in Colin Farrell’s spotlight. But no matter where those determined souls end up, at least they know they lived towards the dream that burned so deep within them.