Kyle and Team on the Summit of My Kilimanjaro

Twelve years ago, a co-worker tried to talk me out of climbing a mountain because there was a section of trail he was quite familiar with, that he couldn’t see me being able to navigate through. I knew back then as I know now, that by the time I reached that section of trail, I’d be seeing with a very different set of eyes than the ones he’d used the countless times he’d passed by.

I’ve had lots of people over the years tell me they’d love to climb Kilimanjaro, but that they didn’t think they could do it. My response is always the same.
1/ Decide to go. Make the commitment.
2/ Prepare. Put yourself in the best possible position for success.
3/ Enjoy it. Don’t turn it into a huge ordeal (see #2).

After all, if I could do it with no legs…
Well, the bar just got raised some.
Quadruple amputee and author of No Excuses Kyle Maynard just did it with no arms, or legs...

Now, I have to point out that Kyle’s is an awesome achievement, but that’s not why I’m writing this now.

Is there something you’ve always wanted to do, and have been making excuses?
Does Kilimanjaro seem just a little more achievable now that Kyle and I have done it?

Do you see your project now with a new set of eyes?

PS
I had the opportunity to interview Kyle before he left for Africa for my Solution Revolution project.
You can check out a snapshot of our interview HERE.

Trust me; you could be badder.
And I’ve got just the place for you to learn.
This Thursday and Friday (26th & 27th January), my friend JBT is hosting the first, the inaugural Badass Conference.

Here’s the blurb; you decide if it’s for you; or not…

“Imagine living a life with absolutely no excuses. No reasons for not being your best. No more bullshit.”

I’m in. In fact, I’m speaking.
On Friday.
At 3.40pm (Eastern Time).

Click on this link to The Badass Conference for details on how to join me.

Ps
To give you a sense of just how badass this event is going to be; guest speakers include:
Seth Godin
Julien Smith
Leo Babauta
Jonathan Fields
Brian Clark

Instead of a resolution, I’ve got a prediction for 2012.
It’s going to be “interesting”.
What does “interesting” look like?
It depends.

I spent a lot of time this past year working with my friend Steve Satterwhite on breaking down what I know; pulling it apart in order to create a model we can all use to find solutions in situations that seem hopeless. (You’ll see more on this model when we launch www.thesolutionrevolution.com in a few months).

The model is based on three truths, three stages we need to move through in order to create something new; something better.

Acceptance.
Responsibility.
Questions.

Let’s start at the top.
Most (but certainly not all) have now accepted that a fundamental shift has occurred in the economy (it’s actually occurred in all aspects of our lives; let’s just stick with the economy for now).
Many (but again certainly not all) have also realized that we are all responsible (in some way, shape of form) for some of the changes taking place, and that we are also responsible for working our way through these changes.

And now, on the cusp of 2012, I believe we are entering the period where we begin asking questions. About everything. Where we begin to question not just the way we do business, but why we do business.

This is where interesting comes in.
If you’re creation is based purely on profits, and we don’t actually need it; I believe you’ll find 2012 “interesting”…

My questions for you:

What will “interesting” look like for you in 2012?
What will you create?
What kind of questions do you need to ask in order to create it?
What will your creation add to the world?

Here’s where Deepak Chopra comes in.
Take a few minutes to watch this interview, where Deepak gives his take on why business needs to become more than just about profits.

Enjoy!
And may 2012 be a year for creating for you!

Warren

Another how-to tip for amputees or anyone who uses a wheelchair for mobility. Winter driving can be a challenge for anyone, but for someone with a “disability” there are additional concerns we need to think about…

Would love to hear your ideas on any other how-to style videos you’d like to see. Please do post your ideas and thoughts in the comments.

Things have been busy around here in preparation for the February launch of my new project; The Solution Revolution. Part training course; part Inner circle, I’ll be interviewing leading experts and thought leaders on Solution Focused Change; bringing their expertise and insight to you.

Be sure to sign up HERE to gain access to VIP Beta testing, early bird discounting and some cool giveaways

I’m really excited today to let you know that my interview with Ishita Gupta for Fearless Magazine is now online!
You can read all about how I manage my own relationship with fear HERE.

Get the Kleenex ready…
This is not just the story of an incredibly inspiring and brave young man.
This is also the story of an incredible woman, Moira Kelly, who has continually shown in her life what’s possible when we ask not “what can I get”, but “what can I give…”
Amazing, amazing video.
Huge congratulations to you Emmanuel!

is coming.
Soon.

Just because its summer doesn’t mean we stop learning, does it? Of course not. I learnt more about barbequing last summer than I thought possible (I’m Australian, remember), but I digress…

I have a couple of opportunities I want you to know about; both revolving around sharing my message of transformation and growth in times of adversity and uncertainty.

OPTION ONE: THE WEBINAR OR LIVE VIDEO.
I have lots of slots open this summer for a one hour webinar or live video stream. This is typically the most cost effective way of hiring me. I say typically because I’ve never yet done what’s coming up in option TWO. There is more information HERE. Contact Us to make a booking.

OPTION TWO: TWO FOR ONE TORONTO
Here’s the deal. I’m coming through Toronto on July 25th (Monday). If you can get another company to book me to speak on that day, you’ll both get me for half my regular fee. The advantage of having me there in person is a more dynamic experience, as I’m able to feed of the audience’s energy more. That, and I’m happy to meet folks, sign books, and generally be part of your event. Contact Us for more details on this, but be quick. It’s just one day and likely won’t happen again. Topics available are HERE, Contact Us to discuss something you don’t see; we may be able to do it.

OPTION THREE: THREE FOR HALF- ANYWHERE
Now that I’ve said that, let’s throw in a third option for you; one previously unavailable to individual businesses. Same deal as above, you get me for 50% off, but you’ll need to find TWO other companies to book me.

This is not limited to Toronto; we’re talking any city, anywhere. If you think you can pull it off in separate cities that are in the same region, Contact US. We may be able to make that happen.

And, the three events can be spread over two days.

You get the same value you’d get bringing me in yourself, for 50% off through shared pricing.

This one’s good until the end of 2011. The events can take place after that, but the booking needs to be made before the end of the year.

PS
About the webinar. While webinars don’t typically have the same energy, I’ve discovered something I didn’t expect to find and that’s that during Q&A, people are more likely to ask questions they might not have because of the seemed anonymity. It’s just so much easier to ask a question online. That, and people find it really fun.

PPS
I’ve got some BIG changes coming up in 2012, one of which is a significant fee increases. And I do mean SIGNIFICANT. If you’ve been thinking about bring me in to speak, we should talk. Again, you can Contact US here.

Thanks again.
I hope to see you over the summer, either virtually or in person.

Warren

On April 30th I had the amazing opportunity to tell my story in a way I hadn’t told it before, as part of The Moth; in turn part of PEN World Voices. Lot’s of people have been asking me how it went. Here’s the video…