Here’s The Blueprint For Your Most Successful Life.

Magic 8 Ball, did you own one??A tremendous little fortune telling device.?If you’re not aware, the Magic 8 Ball is a plastic ball designed to resemble the familiar black and white billiard ball.?With a number 8 on top, a flat window on the bottom, inside is a 20 sided die with short answers to life’s greatest mysteries. Accordingly, each time you pick up the ball, turning it over to reveal life changing wisdom, a variety of possible pearls appear.

Answers include, without a doubt, you may rely on it, signs point to yes, ask again later, don’t count on it, my sources say no and most likely.?Millions have relied on such insightful jewels to guide their lives.?

I love the beauty of the Magic 8 Ball because you can ask it repeatedly to get the answer you want.?Unlike fortune tellers who give you a single reply to which you may rejoice or become suicidal, the Magic 8 Ball dispenses results ranging to suit.?Don’t like the response??Shake it.

In 1944 Albert C. Carter, the son of a Cincinnati clairvoyant, invented the functional aspects of the Magic 8 Ball.?Inspired by a spirit device used by his mother Mary, the medium answers every yes-no question.?He applied for a patent in 1944, it was granted in 1948.?In 1946 Carter assigned the rights to Abe Bookman who made improvements attempting to make it more marketable.

Bookman’s product evolutions resulted in the Magic 8 Ball being sold as a paperweight in 1950.?Today over 1M Magic 8 Balls are sold by Mattel, one of the world’s largest toy makers.?Carter never saw the success of his invention, he died before his patent was granted in 1948.

Ever contemplate your career choices??I do.?Sometimes I wince. ?But I always recenter on being grateful for the opportunity to roll out every day doing something I love.?You have to believe Albert C. Carter did the same.?He didn’t go to his grave with his music still in him.?Today we enjoy the fruit of his efforts.

Entrepreneurs attempt to solve problems puzzling to them.?They trade regular pay checks, health insurance upgrades, 401K programs and maybe some lucrative stock for massive headaches.?Pursuing one’s art is painful and frequently results in planting trees from whose shade they will not benefit.?Why do people do it? ?

The reward is in the process for most entrepreneurs.?They’re less motivated by the financial gains than the joy in producing their works.?Thus, starving artists span the globe. ?

Occasionally in the midst of getting my soul crushed, my pursuit of wisdom is refreshed in remembering the brilliance of Jim Rohn’s great quote, Don’t wish it was easier, wish you were better. Don’t wish for less problems, wish for more skills. Don’t wish for less challenge, wish for more wisdom.

Some statistics about a troubled painter:

• Was told at a young age he was talentless and should give up painting.
• At age 16 he apprenticed as an art dealer in Belgium.?Failed.
• Tried again as an art dealer in London.?Failed.??
• Then Paris.?Failed.
• Became a teacher.?Failed.
• Became a book seller at age 24.?Failed.
• Attended seminary to become a minister like his father.?Failed.
• Became a missionary. Failed.
• Started painting at age 27, supported by his brother.
• Got syphilis at age 35, became manic, depressed, had mental crises and was addicted to absinth.
• Only sold 1 painting prior to his death at age 37, for about the equivalent of $3.95 then.

The events of Vincent Van Gogh’s life certainly shaped him into the renown talent he became.?Uniquely, he’s one of a tiny handful of painters whose works have sold for more than $100,000,000.?His resilience is legendary.

Given the path painted above, no one would willingly sign up for such a tortured life.?That’s why there are so few Van Goghs.?But it’s also why we know of him today.

The Stoic artistic trope of Memento Mori is worth contemplating.?Its meaning is to consider your life from the end, placing a higher value on bringing your purpose to life.?In doing so, your greatest value to the world will be realized. ?Remember, regrets and taking action are inversely related.?This is the fuel of entrepreneurs.?

There’s an inspirational lesson in this video of middle schoolers’ rendition of Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N Roses:??https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TDGsqyfm6E

These young artists are giving it everything they’ve got.?In response, over 344,000 viewers found joy on this Youtube video. ?The group exchanged adolescent vulnerabilities for a ding in the universe that keeps on giving. ?

Ask yourself:

• Is my soul’s thirst being quenched because I’m singing my song?
• Am I serving without need of recognition, knowing the finest reward is in the work?
• Will I look back without regrets because I fearlessly took action?

These are the keys to leaving the world a better place.?Plus, the internal reward from these external actions triggers finding the greatest happiness. ?And if you need help discovering the right path to your best future, there’s always the Magic 8 Ball.